Charlie's breath caught.Princess. He kept calling her that, and it sent heat straight through her core every time. She'd never been anyone's princess. Never been soft or delicate or treated like something to cherish.
“You,” she managed. “I want you.”
“You have me.” Ben's hands found the hem of her t-shirt. “May I?”
She nodded, lifting her arms so he could pull it off. Her sports bra followed, and then she was bare from the waist up, her breathing quick and shallow.
Ben sat back on his heels, just looking at her. Charlie fought the urge to cover herself. Old insecurities rose up—too tall, too muscular, not feminine enough—but the expression on Ben's face stopped those thoughts cold.
Wonder. That's what she saw there. Pure wonder.
“Beautiful,” he whispered. “So damn beautiful, Charlie.”
He leaned down and kissed her between her breasts, right over her racing heart. Then his mouth found her nipple and Charlie arched off the bed with a gasp.
“Sensitive,” Ben said with obvious satisfaction. “Good to know.”
His tongue circled her tight nipple, then he sucked gently. Heat shot straight to her core and she fisted her hands in his hair.
“Ben—”
“I've got you.” His hand slid down to the waistband of her tactical pants. “These need to come off.”
Charlie helped him, lifting her ass, then shimmying out of her pants and underwear in one motion. Before she could second-guess or talk herself out of the best night of her life.
She was naked on her bed with Ben Massey looking down at her like she was a feast and he was starving.
Ben's warm, callused hands skimmed up her thighs. He traced patterns on her skin, taking his time, exploring. When his fingers brushed the crease where her leg met her body, Charlie whimpered.
“Do you need something?” That teasing edge in his voice made her even wetter.
“You know what I need.”
“Tell me anyway. I want to hear you say it.”
Charlie's face flushed hot. She'd never been good at this—asking for what she wanted, being vulnerable, admitting need of any kind. But Ben was looking at her with such warmth, such patience, suchdesirethat the words tumbled out.
“I want you to touch me. Please. Everywhere.”
He brushed his hand lightly across her belly, making her insides flutter. “So soft, sodelicate,” he breathed into her ear.
I believe him, she realized with a great deal of astonishment.
“Does my lady like this?”
“Oh, yes.” Charlie’s voice quavered.
Is that me speaking?
He stroked her belly again, feather-light. “Now, spread your legs for me, Princess.”
She did, and he gently bent her knees.
“I’m going to spread them wider. Is that all right?”
Charlie nodded and he spread her farther, until she felt entirely exposed.
“That’s it. This is going to make you feel so good.” Before he touched her, Charlie watched Ben study her body, his eyes dark with desire. She felt herself swell and grow wet under his gaze. She’d never been so turned on.
