I guide her back a step until the backs of her knees hit the bed.She doesn’t sit right away.She reaches for me instead, fingers sliding under my belt, testing, asking without words.
I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding.
“Yes,” I say quietly.That’s the moment everything sharpens.
Her mouth curves in a small, satisfied smile, and she leans in again, kissing me like she knows exactly what she’s doing.Her hands work my belt free, deliberate and unhurried, and I feel the shift in my body, my want turning heavy, demanding.
I don’t rush her.I want her present for this.
She pushes my belt aside and presses her palm against me through my jeans, pressure just enough to make my breath hitch.I groan softly before I can stop myself.
Her eyes darken.“You’re not as controlled as you pretend.”
“I am only when it matters,” I reply.“This, this is where I need to let loose.”
She laughs quietly and kisses me again, harder.I lift her then, no hesitation, and set her down on the bed.She goes willingly, hands gripping my shoulders, legs parting instinctively.
I brace myself over her, weight supported on my forearms so I don’t crowd her.Her fingers slide into my hair, tugging just enough to ground me.
“You’re shaking,” she observes.
“Because I want you,” I say simply.Again, I offer the truth instead of a lie or even a simple evasion.
“And you’re still waiting.”
“Yes.”
Her hand slides between us, fingers curling into my waistband again, more certain now.She shifts beneath me, body aligning, invitation clear and unmistakable.
I lean down, kissing her neck and her collarbone, my mouth tracing heat into her skin while my hands follow, mapping, learning, remembering.Her breath stutters.Her nails dig lightly into my back.
I’m seconds away.Seconds away from giving in and taking what I want.From giving her what she wants.
The knock hits the door like a gunshot.I freeze.
Raven stills beneath me, breath coming fast but controlled.We look at each other for a split second, shared irritation, shared understanding.
“Pres,” Saint’s voice comes through the door.Tight.Urgent.“We’ve got a situation.”
I close my eyes.Of course we do.Raven exhales slowly, then pushes lightly against my chest.Not rejection but reality.
“Go,” she says.
“I don’t want to,” I admit.
She smirks.“I know.”
Another knock, harder this time, and I know I don’t have a choice.I pull back reluctantly, standing before dressing quickly and adjusting my clothes with practiced efficiency.Raven sits up, smoothing her shirt like nothing happened, eyes sharp again.
“This is the job,” she says quietly.
“Yes.”
“And this doesn’t disappear because you leave.”
“I fucking hope not.”I hesitate at the door, turning back to her.“This isn’t done.”
She meets my gaze steadily.“It better not be.”
