“No,” he says, low and serious. “That’s not who I am. I’ll protect you. Stand between you and anything that tries to hurt you. But I won’t control you. I’ll worship you.”
The words land like a match struck to kindling.
Heat. Light. And something deeper.
“Then I want to be yours,” I whisper.
And when he pulls me in this time, it’s not tentative.
It’s a man claiming what’s his.
His mouth crushes mine again, and this time there’s no holding back. No space. Just heat and possession and the taste of him sinking into my bones.
I feel his hand slide down to my waist, anchoring me closer.
He shifts over me carefully, like he’s afraid I’ll spook.
His weight doesn't scare me.
It grounds me.
I arch into him, chasing more, and he groans low in his throat like it wrecks him to be wanted.
“Nadia,” he murmurs against my skin, his mouth trailing down to the hinge of my jaw, “you need to tell me to stop. Or I won’t.”
“I don’t want you to stop,” I whisper.
He pulls back just enough to look at me. His hand cradles my jaw, thumb brushing my cheek like I’m something breakable.
His voice drops. “How far have you gone before?”
My heart slams.
I could lie. I could laugh it off or pretend I’ve done more.
But the truth rises before I can stop it. Quiet. Steady.
“I haven’t.”
His breath catches.
Something changes behind his eyes. Something fierce and reverent all at once.
“You’re a virgin,” he says, like it’s sacred.
I nod, throat tight. “Still want me?”
His expression darkens with something primal.
“Want you?” His voice is hoarse. “I’ve never wanted anything the way I want you. But I need you to be sure, Nadia. Not just sure you want me. Sure you wantthis.Now.”
I look up at him. This man who could crush anyone who came for me, who wraps me in safety like it’s instinct, who holds back every sharp edge just for me, and I’ve never been more sure of anything.
“I trust you,” I say. “I wantyou.”
His jaw ticks. “Then you’re getting all of me. But remember something. You say stop, I stop.”
I nod, breath shallow.
