This moment is so loaded it feels like stepping into gravity we can’t escape.
Annabelle’s breathing hard, lips swollen from kissing me like she forgot how to be careful. Her dress is rucked halfway up her thighs and her hair is a wreck I want to make worse.
I brace one hand beside her head and the other slides down her ribs, slow enough she feels the intention.
She watches me with wide eyes, pupils blown, chest rising fast. I can tell she’s expecting me to rush.
I don’t.
I drag my thumb across her bottom lip and her breath hitches like the smallest touch has her undone.
“You good?” I ask.
She nods, but it’s not enough.
“Words, Belle.”
“Yes,” she whispers. “I’m good.”
“Good.” I lower my mouth to hers. “Because I plan to take my time devouring you tonight.”
The kiss starts slowly.
Just mouths. Heat. The kind of pressure that builds until it’s impossible to pretend it’s manageable.
I deepen the kiss, tongue sliding against hers with purpose. She meets me with this soft helpless sound that hits me straight in the spine.
My hand trails up her thigh and when she shifts her hips up, there’s no pretending anymore. She wants this. She wants me.
Her dress is in the way.
I slide my hand down to the hem, fingers brushing her skin, and she lifts her hips again. Silent permission.
The dress comes up slowly at first, then she lets out a frustrated noise and I chuckle.
“Impatient?”
“If you don’t take this off, I’m going to scream.”
I grin. “Threats already.”
I pull the fabric over her head in one clean motion.
She’s laid out underneath me in nothing but black lace and bare skin and want.
“Fuck,” I breathe.
She bites her lip. “Say something else, you’re staring.”
“Yeah.” I skim my thumb along the edge of her bra. “I’m trying to decide where I want my mouth first.”
Her body reacts before she answers. Her thighs press together. Her chest rises.
That’s all the answer I need.
I dip my head and kiss down her throat, lingering over the spot that made her gasp earlier. She arches into me and I smile against her skin.
“Sensitive,” I murmur.
