He spreads my pussy open, running his finger through my slit again before he licks up at my entrance.
“You don’t even understand how fuckin’ beautiful you are. You look so sexy like this, spread out for me.”
“Clay—” I plead as he slides in slowly, taking his time letting me feel every inch.
My core tightens, and he swears under his breath, muttering about how tight I am and how good it feels.
He moves my legs so they’re pressed against his chest, gripping my hips in his hands as he fucks me hard and fast. He alternates between slow and fast, slowly pulling all the way out before thrusting in deep again.
“Oh God,” I groan. “Do it again.”
I can see the subtle tick of his jaw, his nostrils flaring as he struggles to restrain himself.
Shifting one of my legs until it’s wrapped around his waist, I use this position to urge him closer to me, silently begging for him to fuck me.
“You trying to take control, Tessa?” he mutters, sliding his hand between us until he wraps it around my throat.
I tremble, my back arching again. “No, you’re in control. I promise.”
“That’s right, so you tell me what you need. Say it.”
“Harder. Give it to me harder. It feels so good. Don’t stop,” I beg.
Any leftover reservations I still have shatter at that moment. Clay’s gaze turns glassy with desire. He pulls me closer until my lower half is hanging off the counter and uses it to drive into me in deep, punishing thrusts.
The counter digs into my back, but I don’t even care. I’m so close to coming, I can’t even see straight. Clay is right behind me, finishing inside me with a loud growl.
He reaches around me to lift me from the counter and carries me across the apartment before we collapse on the couch.
“Clay, we should probably go get cleaned up,” I whisper, feeling the mix of our orgasms coating the inside of my thighs.
“It’s fine. This couch would be better suited for a doctor’s office anyway. I hate this damn thing,” he grumbles, and I laugh, resting my head against his shoulder.
After a few quiet minutes, once our hearts slow to a steady rhythm, I lift my head to look him in the eyes. “I still can’t believe that just happened,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper, a smile tugging at my lips before I can stop it.
Clay’s mouth curves. It’s one of his signature grins that has a way of unraveling me. “Yeah, well, you should get used to it. I can already see a lot of date nights followed by dessert in our future.” He grins, wagging his brows.
“Clay—” I laugh, startled, my hands gripping his shoulders. “What are you doing?”
“Getting us cleaned up,” he says, the teasing edge in his voice softening. “We made a bit of a mess out here. Plus, I figured it’s time I show you my bathtub.”
I settle against his chest again, hearing the steady thump of his heart through his shirt. The chaos of everything that’s happened still lingers in the back of my mind, but his arms around me quiet everything. For the first time all day, I let myself breathe.
His grip stays firm as he carries me down the hall. In the bathroom, he sets me on the counter and reaches past me to start the water. Steam builds fast, fogging the mirror and softening everything around us.
He turns to me, tucking the strand of hair framing my face behind my ear.
“Can I ask you something?” I whisper.
“Of course.”
“Tonight, during the press conference… you told everyone you love me. Did you—”
“Mean it?” he finishes for me, his voice low but sure. “Yeah. I meant it.”
The air shifts. My heart stumbles.
He steps closer, his palm finding my cheek, thumb brushing along my skin like he’s memorizing the moment. “I didn’t say it for them, Tess. And I’m sorry I didn’t say it to you first. I said it because it’s true. I love you. I’ve loved you for a long time. And I’m done hiding it.”
