“That’s not creepy at all, Mr. Williams.”
His mouth curves into a genuine smile. “I wanted to memorize this.”
“Memorize what?”
“You. Here. Like this.” His hand comes up to trace the line of my jaw.
I shift, propping myself up on one elbow so I can see him properly. In the morning light, I notice the faint scar near his jaw. It’s a thin white line I’ve glimpsed before but never asked about.
My fingers find it, tracing the mark with gentle curiosity. He flinches slightly, then forces himself still.
“You don’t have to hide anymore,” I whisper.
His eyes search mine for a long moment, then I feel his muscles relax.
“I don’t want to.” Daniel takes my hand, threading our fingers together like he’s learning how to hold someone for the first time. “I’ve spent so long hiding every scar, every weakness, every part of me that wasn’t perfect. But with you…”
“With me, what?”
“With you, I don’t want to hide anymore.”
I lean down and press a kiss to the scar, feeling him shudder beneath me. Then his mouth finds mine again. His hands slide into my hair, cradling my head as he deepens the kiss. I feel his body responding beneath me, and heat pools low in my stomach.
“Bailey.” My name on his lips sounds like a prayer.
“I’m right here,” I whisper against his mouth.
He rolls us gently, settling his weight over me. His eyes lock with mine moments before he kisses me again, and this time there’s no hesitation. I gasp as his mouth trails down my neck, across my collarbone, and lower to my belly button. Every touch is reverent, like he’s worshipping rather than taking.
My back arches as his lips find the middle of my thighs. My fingers dig into his shoulders, feeling his tongue explore every inch of me, sucking, licking, biting.
“Daniel,” I breathe, and he lifts his head.
“What do you need?”
“You. All of you. No more holding back.”
Daniel’s control fractures as his hands map my body with purpose now. When his fingers replace his tongue, I cry out. He watches my face as he touches me, studying every reaction like he’s proud of himself for making me come undone.
“You’re so beautiful,” he murmurs.
I reach for him, wrapping my hand around his length. He groans, hips bucking into my touch. “Bailey—”
“I want to feel you.” I guide him closer. “Please.”
He reaches for the nightstand, finds protection, and rolls it on with shaking hands. Then he’s there, right there, and we both hold our breath as he slides inside.
The connection is overwhelming, but not in the way I feared it would be. Yes, the physical part knocks the breath out of me, but it’s the emotional rush that nearly floors me. It feels like every wall we’ve kept between us just… slips.
He moves slowly at first, giving us both time to adjust. His forehead rests against mine, our breath mingling, our eyes locked.
“Is this okay?” he asks, voice strained.
“It’s perfect. You’re perfect.”
“I’m not—”
“You are. Right now, with me, you’re perfect.”
