He held her, fingers lightly stroking and watched the change come over her—the parting of her lips, the loosening of her shoulders. Already, she was melting from self-consciousness into surrender.
“This will help you focus on what you’re feeling, not who might be watching,” he said, pitching his tone low and reassuring. “No distractions. No room for anything but sensation.”
He lifted her easily, setting her astride his thighs. His lips brushed hers, a tease followed by the deliberate sweep of his tongue. When his fingers slipped under her chemise straps, her eyes flew open, and her fingers caught his wrists.
“You said you trusted me, Emily. Was that the truth?”
“Yes, always,” she replied without hesitation.
“Then, show me you do.”
Excitement and trepidation shimmered in her eyes. Trust wasn’t the issue. It was fear. Of letting someone in, of risking her heart again after everything she’d lost. He waited, giving her time to work through it in her head. After eight years, what was a few minutes more?
She eventually released him, and her hands fell to her sides.
“Now, shut your eyes.”
Her lids lowered. The lashes a silky black fan on her cheeks.
“That’s my girl,” he murmured, offering praise in the same reassuring tone. He moved her arms behind her, crossing her wrists. “Keep them there. I want full access to your beautiful body.”
He brushed her hair back and skimmed his hands over her shoulders, fingertips tracing her collarbones. Her skin was satiny smooth everywhere.When he reached the thin straps barring his view of her breasts, desire punched through him, but he forced himself to go slow—careful and controlled.
She trembled, sighing in a way that made his own pulse race. He cleared his throat and continued his lesson. “Taking away sight can heighten your other senses. Let’s test that theory.”
He leaned in, kissing her deliberately—lips nibbling, tongue foraying inside, exploring thoroughly. His voice was rough with desire when he asked, “Tell me what you sensed.”
She inhaled unevenly. “Warmth. Cool mint. The rasp of the beginnings of a beard on your jaw. Spice, outdoors, and clean—like soap.”
“You’re very perceptive. Expecting only to work, I showered but didn’t shave before I came to the club tonight.” He kissed her again—down her throat, along her jaw, to her ear—and nipped lightly. “What do you hear?”
Her head tilted slightly, as she focused. “My heartbeat,” she whispered. “It’s running away from all the kisses and touching.”
Alec smiled against her skin.
“I also hear the rush of your breath in my ear and… Disturbed.”
His head came up. Then he heard the music and understood.
“Cari picked the playlist tonight. That version ofSound of Silenceis her favorite, along with a lot of alternative rock and metal.”
“I like it too,” Emily said, lips dewy from his kisses.
“We take turns selecting the music. Most just ask for Cari’s playlist; she’s got a knack for it.”
He slipped the straps off her shoulders and peeled the chemise down to her waist. She didn’t move this time, other than to tremble. His gaze followed the descent of black lace sliding down creamy skin inch by inch.
Her soft “ah” becamea startled squeak when he rose with her in his arms and set her down on the chair. Then he knelt between her thighs, spreading them wide.
“If I’d known I’d find you here, I’d have brought cuffs. Some find the control required for self-restraint hotter than leather and rope. Can you hold still for me?”
She nodded. “I’ll be good.”
A low hum of approval vibrated in his chest. “That’s what I like to hear.”
He traced a fingertip around her nipple, watching it tighten. Her breasts rose and fell in small, tremulous breaths. The straps at her elbows pinned her arms to her sides—not true restraint, she could slip free at any moment. But it was a reminder of who guided the scene.
She was a vision—laid open for him, a single whisper of silk keeping him from everything he wanted. Desire slammed through him, urging him to tear the barrier away and take her in one claiming stroke.
