I lift my gaze up to the stars.
No moon hangs in the sky, only an endless ocean of twinkling lights. As if nothing exists outside of us and the starlight.
“It’s beautiful,” I whisper.
“It’s nothing compared to you.”
I turn away from the view, winding my arms around his shoulders. My fingers twist through the midnight curls at the nape of his neck.
“Thank you for bringing me here.”
“I’m glad you like it.” He pulls me tighter against him. “Though I have to admit, I had another motive other than just the stars.” Through the darkness, the hunger in his eyes burns into me, the heat rushing between my legs.
Is he hoping to…?
My mouth goes dry, and the truth trembles out. “I’m not sure I’m ready.”
His face inches closer to mine, nuzzling my cheek with his nose. “Tell me to stop and I will,” he whispers, his breath melting against my skin. Then he kisses me, and my fears fade away.
He’s gentle, his lips brushing mine with only the vaguest tease of his tongue. They graze against my cheek, tender pecks along the curve of my jaw, a warmth blooming with every one. My head tilts up, bending to his touch as an ache builds in my core. I’d read stories of kisses unraveling someone, felt it with my own touch, but didn’t know, didn’t understand what it truly meant until now.
His fingers trail up my body until they’re twisting the buttons of my collar. It falls open, undone all the way down to the dip between my breasts. He tugs me closer, chasing away the cold with hot, hungry kisses that devour my neck, tracing its length until he claims the curve of my collarbone.
A sigh escapes me, followed by heavy, desperate breaths as I lift my face up to the stars. This isn’t fair—I can’t kiss him like this, and the urge to bring my lips to his skin threatens to consume me.
My fingers weave through his hair, tightening their grip. “Caeo, stop.”
He pulls back, his gray eyes glimmering as he catches his breath. “Already? Is something—”
I shove him against the exterior wall, my lips crashing against his. He laughs into my kiss, slipping his hands around my waist, then pulls me with him as he sinks down.
I yelp as I lose balance, tumbling into him as he hits the wood floor with a grunt and thud.
“Easy there.”
“Are you alright?” I push myself up, my hands pressing into his chest.
“Never better.”
His fingernails rake along my scalp, catching in my braid as he pulls my mouth to his. I’m in his lap, straddling him. Absorbing the sweet taste of his tongue, his lips, as his fingers tousle my hair. The hunger within me builds, and I scramble blindly for the buttons of his collar, my hands shaking as I tear them open.
Am I really doing this?The thought vanishes, blown away by the desire to be as close to him as physically possible.
Caeo fumbles with his waistcoat, finally escaping it as I tug open more of his buttons. My mouth desperately claims the smooth skin of his neck, and his clove scent sends my head rushing as my fingers run along his chest, catching on his necklace as they follow the lines of his pectorals.
His hands slide down my sides, along my hips, tightening the aching knot within. They slip further down, his fingers wrapping around my backside, and I gasp as the knot ignites, its blaze sizzling through me.
“Ellie.” His rasping groan melts me into him as my lips explore every dip along his skin. My legs spread as he pulls me tight against his pelvis, and a firm length presses between my thighs.
My eyelids snap open, and I freeze, my body begging me to rock my hips as my heart twists around itself in panic.
Breathing heavily, Caeo’s eyes flutter open, soft and gray as a rain cloud, searching my face.
“I…” My exhales match his, and I try to form words, but nothing comes out.
His eyes drift shut, and he nods. “Yeah… alright.” He doesn’t sound frustrated, his touch tender as he pulls me from his lap. I collapse against the wall next to him, and we both sit there, catching our breath.
I don’t know what to say. What to think.
