A low sound rumbled in his chest as his hands clamped tighter on my hips, rocking me against him. The friction stole my breath, a jolt of heat sparking low in my body. I pressed down harder, needing more, and the groan that escaped him only spurred me on. Our rhythm built, frantic and unsteady, until I was dizzy with wanting.
His mouth tore from mine, trailing fire along my jaw, down my neck. My head fell back as his lip and tongue claimed every inch of skin they found. Fingers tugged at my top, slipping beneath, he yanked it over my head in one swift motion. He undid my bra exposing my chest to him. He put a nipple into his mouth, I let out a small cry.
I fumbled with the buttons of his shirt, desperate to feel him, my hands trembling as I pushed the fabric aside and flattenedmy palms against the hard planes of his chest. He was all heat and muscle under my touch.
Before I could catch my breath, his hands slid lower, gripping my thighs. In one swift surge, he shifted, rolling me beneath him. A gasp tore from my lips as my back hit the mattress, his weight pressing me down, surrounding me.
His mouth found mine again, hungrier now, his knee between my legs. My hands clawed at his belt, frantic, tugging it free until the leather slipped loose. I pushed at his pants, shoving them down over his hips, desperate to feel him.
He broke the kiss long enough to strip them away, kicking free of his pants and dragging his briefs with them. His hands returned to me, urgent and rough, peeling my pants from my body in one swift pull, taking my underwear with them. Cool air hit my skin, but before I could shiver, his heat was there, his body pressing into mine, bare against bare.
His lips trailed along my neck, leaving a path of warmth that sent goosebumps down my spine. He moved lower, capturing my nipple in his mouth, his tongue drawing slow, deliberate circles that made me gasp.
His kisses continued down my torso, each one igniting a fire in its wake. When he reached the curve of my hip, I arched into him, my hands tangling in his hair.
Then he was there, his lips and tongue coaxing me into a state of pure bliss. My body trembled as waves of pleasure washed over me, and I cried out his name as I came undone.
I reached for him, pulling him up to meet my gaze. I wrapped my hand around him, his breath caught. He let out a low, guttural sound that sent a thrill through me.
I pulled him toward me, guiding him inside.
The moment he entered me, we both exhaled, a long, shared breath that felt like relief and release all at once.
We moved together, a rhythm that felt instinctive, like we’d been made for this. Every touch, every kiss, every whispered word was electric.
I lost count of how many times I fell apart in his arms, each climax pulling me deeper into him. Finally, he let go, his body tensing as he buried his face in my neck, his breaths coming fast and ragged.
He collapsed onto me, his weight comforting and grounding as we both came down from the high.
We lay there in the quiet, the only sound the soft hum of our breathing.
Will shifted, propping himself up on one elbow to look at me. His hand brushed a strand of hair from my face.
“Do you want to stay?” I asked softly.
His answer came without hesitation. “I do.”
I curled my naked body into his, and his arm wrapped around me, holding me close.
Within moments, we both drifted off, intertwined like we were the only two people in the world.
CHAPTER 16
WHEN THE WORLD STAYS OUTSIDE
WILL
The morning light slipped softly through Natalie’s curtains, casting a warm glow across the room. She was tucked against me, her body fitting perfectly like she belonged there. I’d always wondered what it would be like to wake up next to her, to have her in my arms all night.
That one night last year when she stayed with the kids on my couch due to Madison being drunk and me needing to care for her didn’t count. Not when she left before sunrise, sneaking out like a secret. Not when Madison had caught us, standing there in her judgmental teenage glare. That wasn’t a moment to cherish.
But this? This was perfect.
Natalie stirred slightly, her lips curving into the faintest smile. Her tiny freckle on her nose, looking cute as ever. Like she could sense my thoughts. She stretched her arms over her head, her hair a mess of waves spilling over her pillow. When her eyes fluttered open, she looked like a damn fairy tale came to life.
“Hi,” she said softly.
“Hi,” I replied, leaning in for a kiss.
