She ran her hands up his chest, tweaking his nipples. “Not yet.”
With a smile, Dana rode him. As she rocked atop him, taking him deep into her body, he met her thrust for thrust. His thighs were like iron, the only way he could brace himself. She broke out into a sweat as well, moisture accumulating on her brow and lower back.
Delight coursed through her from head to toe. Awash in Alex, in his scent and in his submission, Dana neared another moment of bliss. She touched her breasts, transported by his pleasure as much as her own.
“Dana, please.”
The pain in Alex’s voice cut into her, reminding her of the pain she’d managed to suppress all evening.
Hollow, hollow, hollow.
She would never bear children, not with this man or any man. Her womb would never cradle another soul. She was alone, even now during the most intimate moment she’d shared with Alex.
He needed to know the truth. As much as she liked to pretend this was all about sex, emotions were now involved. She saw it in the furrow on his brow and in the way his hands strained to hold her. She recognized it in the unsteady trot of her heartbeat.
Would Alex turn her away, as Tommy had, seeing her as inferior goods?
She must have stilled or whimpered because Alex asked again. “Please. Let me.”
Her empowerment disappeared with his plea.
“You can trust me, Dana.”
With a nod, she offered her permission. Dana extricated herself from his lap, in awe at the sense of emptiness it created, and began to untie the knots. When he was free, they both sat still for a second. She expected him to throw her down and fuck her senseless or paddle her ass until it was purple, but he didn’t do either of those things.
Alex cupped her cheek and kissed both of her shuttered eyelids. “You’re a warrior.”
“No, I’m not. It was just a fantasy.’
“You’re incredible. But now it’s my turn.”
Dana lay back and gave him her body, seeking transformation of some kind. Alex slid between her legs and entered her with a deep thrust. She closed her eyes when they misted, determined not to cry. She would not sully the moment with tears.
Alex drove her to the point of sweet madness, slapping her ass and scratching her skin. She knew he would leave marks but she didn’t mind. She would be honored to wear those scratches.
When the hurricane razed the earth, she threw herself willingly into the storm.
As everything settled, their shattered breaths mingling, she realized he might not have transformed her body.
But he took her right out of it, and for now, she welcomed oblivion.
Come morning, she would have to face reality.
And she was terrified.
***
Dana had fallen asleep in his arms.
Alex had forgotten how good it could be to have a beautiful woman lay next to him, her body curled up against his in total trust. He’d certainly never anticipated how good it would feel with Dana.
Their night together had been an out-of-body experience. She’d claimed her power, taking utter control of their lovemaking, bringing him to the brink. He’d never come so hard or endured such sweet punishment. Now, she nestled next to him, sleeping like an innocent.
Humbled and excited for the first time in a long time, he traced the line of her jaw. It gritted under his finger. She moaned, grinding her teeth.
A nightmare.
Wanting to soothe her, Alex brought her closer to his chest and kissed her forehead. She smelled so good, of flowers and heat and of him. He’d left his stamp all over her body and wanted to do it all over again.
