As the fabric loosened around her body, Selina's breath caught in her throat. "James," she sighed, her voice thick with emotion, "I have never wanted as I do now. I feel as if I will die if you do not make love to me this instant."
His hands stilled, and he gazed at her with such intensity that Selina felt as if he could see into her very soul. "Nor I. You have awakened something in me. Something more than mere lust. I want to savor you. Take my time and explore every curve of your body."
Her heart raced as he peeled away her gown, his fingertips leaving trails of fire on her skin. Sheshivered, not from cold, but from the intensity of her desire.
As James's shirt joined her gown on the floor, Selina marveled at the sculpted planes of his chest, tracing a fingertip along a thin scar near his collarbone.
"A remnant of my misspent youth," James murmured, his voice husky with want.
She leaned forward, pressing a soft kiss to the scar. "Every mark tells a story," she breathed against his skin. "And I want to know them all."
He cupped her face in his hands, his eyes shimmering with a mixture of desire and vulnerability. "And so you shall, Selina, my darling. I've spent years guarding my heart, but you have stormed its defenses. I want to share myself with you. Mind, body, and soul."
Selina's breath hitched, her own walls crumbling in the face of his honesty.
Their lips met in a tender kiss, far different from the passionate ones they had shared earlier. This kiss spoke of promises, of a future neither had dared hope for.
As they parted, he traced the curve of her cheek with his thumb. "I have always wanted you. From the first time I saw you. Bloody hell, I was jealous whenHollyfield swept you off your feet. It was the only time he truly bested me."
Selina leaned into his touch, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I had no idea."
“That is because I was not of a mind to marry and you deserved a husband.”
“And now?” she asked, a coquettish grin playing at her lips.
“Now you deserve to be ravished,” he said, nipping at her neck.
She gasped at the sensation of his teeth grazing her sensitive skin. Her fingers tangled in his dark hair, holding him close as he trailed kisses down her neck to her collarbone. Each touch sent sparks of pleasure coursing through her body, stoking the fire that threatened to consume her.
"James," she breathed, her voice husky with desire. "I need more. I need you."
He lifted his head, his heated gaze meeting hers with an intensity that made her breath catch. "And I you, my darling. But first..."
His hands skimmed down her sides, leaving goosebumps in their wake. With practiced ease, he divested her of her remaining undergarments, leaving her bare before him. Selina fought the urgeto cover herself, feeling suddenly vulnerable under his heated gaze.
"You are exquisite," James murmured, his eyes roaming her form with unabashed appreciation. "A goddess made flesh."
Her body warmed at his words. "You flatter me."
"I speak only the truth," he replied, his voice low and fervent.
Before she could respond, he lowered his head, pressing soft kisses to her breast. She arched into his touch, a soft moan escaping her lips as his tongue flicked across her sensitive peak. Her hands clutched at his shoulders, nails digging into his skin as she pressed greedily against him.
His fingers danced along her inner thigh, teasing and tantalizing as they inched closer to her center. Selina's breath came in short gasps, her body trembling with anticipation. When he finally touched her most intimate place, she cried out, overwhelmed by the intensity of the sensation.
"James," she moaned, her hips rising to meet his hand. "Oh, James..."
He worked her skillfully, his fingers finding that secret spot that made her see stars. Selina clutched at him, her nails raking down his back as pleasure builtwithin her. She was so close, teetering on the edge of ecstasy.
"Let go, my darling," James murmured against her ear, his voice rough with desire. "Give yourself over to me."
With a keening cry, Selina shattered, waves of bliss washing over her. James held her close as she trembled in his arms, pressing soft kisses to her face and neck as she slowly came back to herself.
"James," she whimpered, her voice thick with need. "Please...”
He lifted his head, his eyes dark with desire as they met hers. "Tell me what you want, my darling," he murmured, his fingers continuing their teasing caress.
She trailed her gaze over him, all lean muscle and barely restrained power. Her gaze traveled lower, and she felt a mixture of anticipation and nervousness flutter in her stomach.
