We are made for each other.
And I’m still so sensitive that it takes only a minor provocation with his precise fingers to shatter me all over again. His cocky little chuckle at my second climax is the hottest fucking thing he’s ever done. I’m uncoordinated and orgasm-drunk, so he takes over.
He rolls me to my back and nuzzles into my neck. “That feel good?”
“I’m dead.” I throw my arms above me.
“Don’t worry.” His hands slide up my arms, fingers lacing with mine. “I’ll revive you.”
“Shit,” Asher mutters against my neck. I startle from my Lucy in the Sky level disorientation and turn my face toward him. He rises to his elbows, and I already miss the weight of him. “I didn’t use a condom.”
I instinct-panic for two seconds, my eyes going wide, before I remember—“I have an IUD.”
“Oh.” He collapses on top of me again. “Thank fuck.”
“Wait. Did you bring condoms?”
His laugh rumbles against me. “No. This wasn’t really on my radar.”
I scratch my nails down his back, extracting a soft groan from him. “Bit of a surprise on my end, too.” Though I definitely have condoms. I always have condoms. I’ve never forgotten to use a condom. I’ve never had sex without a condom. Not once. Even after I got my IUD.Thatis how responsible I am.
Asher is the first.
He has me so muddled that I’m forgetting basic tenets ofsafety like a moron. Ignoring bright red, flashing warning signs all over the place.
Oh, god.
What have I done?
I can’t— I can’t undo this. Can’t rewind. Can’t erase. The familiar fear of drowning raises its head, growls and swipes vicious talons through the tentative, budding warmth in my unguarded heart, tearing it to shreds. Dread washes over the jagged remains in a great tidal wave. The washout leaves only frost, creeping a slow path through my veins.
What isthisfeeling? It’s horrifying. Awful. Somehow beautiful and terrible all at once, like a rose in a graveyard. Innocence surrounded by destruction.
Then he kisses me.
Kisses my cheek.
My neck.
Down my chest to my breast.
The frost melts, and the sense of security returns. The night expands before us, infinite. Limitless possibilities.
If the first time was a frenzy of pleasure, the second is an ode to savoring, and the third is a playful exploration. The proof of our chemistry is the boneless heap in which he leaves me each time, waiting for my energy to restore so I can claw at him for more.
Things will probably look different in the morning, but I’ll deal with that then. Right now, nothing could tear me away from him. Not the tidal wave. Not the fear. Not even these crumbling walls.
Asher
Sometimes expectations can be the most heartbreaking of all.
—My Therapist
A warm body beside me shifts as I drag myself from sleep. Her soft skin brushes over mine. That velvety, alluring fragrance drifts across my dreamy awareness. It holds just the right amount of bite.
Perfect for Jocelyn.
Jocelyn.
