My pulse jumps, my heart settling into a chaotic rhythm. The warm rasp of his palm on my face feels so gentle yet so…possessive.
“You tempt me badly,kukolka,” he whispers, and before I can say anything, his mouth settles on mine.
I melt into him, a soft sigh of relief escaping my chest. Being in his arms feels like home, and a wave of peace washes through me. But the sentimental feeling doesn't last for long. Dmitri's mouth presses harder on mine, and all tentativeness vanishes. The kiss becomes deeper, more demanding, sending delicious chills through my nerve endings.
Still holding my face with one hand, Dmitri moves the other one to the small of my back, pulling me even closer. His tongue traces the seam of my lips, and I shudder in response, opening my mouth to let him slide in. I grip his large shoulders, my fingers digging into his flesh.
I lose all sense of reality, so there's just his mouth, his hands…him.
When he finally pulls back, we’re both breathing hard. His forehead rests against mine, his thumb tracing my jawline.
“Come here,” he murmurs, and before I can respond, he lifts me off the stool and into his lap, settling me so I’m straddling him.
I gasp at the new position, my dress riding up my thighs. Now, I can feel the growing evidence of his desire pressing against my core, making me giddy and boneless. There is no mistaking his intention, and the realization is both exciting and frightening.
Can I really do this? Now?
“Wait,” I breathe, pulling back slightly. “Please.”
I swallow nervously, ducking my head. My heart is beating fast. Too fast, and I can't seem to string my thoughts together.
“What's wrong,moya kukolka?” His voice is gentle, but his hands grip my hips with unmistakable possession. “Did I hurt you?”
I shake my head, fighting the urge to ignore the voices in my head and just throw myself back in his arms.
“N-no…” I trail off, swallowing down the nerves in my throat. “It's just, I…I've never…”
“You’re a virgin.” It’s not a question.
I snap my gaze back up to his in surprise. “H-how did you know?”
Something dark and hungry flashes in his eyes. “I knew the moment I kissed you.” His thumb strokes along my hipbone, a possessive sweep. “The way you tremble when I touch you. The way you gasp like every sensation is brand new.” His voice drops lower. “It makes me want to ruin you, beautiful.”
My breath catches. Heat floods through me at his words.
“I- I'm sorry,” I mutter with a weak shrug, dipping my head.
Dmitri's fingers grip my chin—not hard, but firm enough that I can't look away. “Don't,” he says, an edge of command in his voice. “Don't apologize for something that makes me want you more.”
He holds my gaze for a beat, then he dips his head and kisses me, capturing my bottom lip with his teeth. My chest tightens, my belly releasing another flutter of butterflies. His teeth release my lip, and he licks the tender flesh.
“Your innocence doesn't make you less, Mireille.” His lips brush against mine as he speaks, his voice a low rasp. “It makes youmineto teach. Mine to pleasure.” His grip on my chin tightens just slightly. “And I intend to be very thorough.”
My cheeks flame. It's almost hard to breathe now. I can feel myself melting from the heat in his eyes. “It's just…I don't think I'm ready to go all the way yet. But I don't want to stop.”
I regret the words the moment they leave my mouth. I drop my gaze from his, biting my inner cheeks as embarrassment washes over me.
What will he think of me now?
“Look at me, Mireille.” The softness is gone. It's a command, pure and simple.
I raise my head slowly to meet his heated gaze. His hand moves from my chin to cup my cheek, his thumb stroking my flushed skin.
“You set the pace tonight. But make no mistake—” He leans in, his breath hot against my ear. “I'm going to make you come so hard you forget your own name. And when you're finally ready for all of me?” He pulls back, his dark eyes boring into mine. “I won't be gentle.”
A shiver races down my spine. My throat is so dry, I can barely swallow.
“So, tell me,kukolka…” His voice is quiet but commanding. “What do you want?”
