“After you.”
His brows pull together, and his expression darkens. I can tell he doesn’t like my response.
“Tomorrow?”
I consider it. “Okay,” I tell him. “We can talk about all of the hard stuff tomorrow.”
CHAPTER 77
GABRILE
It takes everything in me to walk away from her. My muscles scream to stay, to pull her closer, but I know if I don’t step back now, I’ll push her for something she’s not ready to give. So I force myself to stand. My chest feels tight, every inch of me resisting the distance, but I manage to mutter, “I’ll be right back,” and walk away.
Grabbing a pair of sweats from my dresser, I head into the bathroom and get changed for the night, leaving my chest bare. The mirror above the sink catches my reflection, and I pause, bracing my hands against the counter as I take in the strain lining my face. My jaw clenches. My eyes are rimmed with exhaustion, shadows dark beneath them. Fuck. It feels like I’ve aged a decade in the span of a few hours.
I run a hand through my hair, trying to calm the storm brewing inside me, but it doesn’t help.
Flicking off the light, I return to my room.
She’s still on the bed where I left her, knees drawn up, her body small against the backdrop of my space.
I grab a shirt from my closet, setting it beside her before crouching down in front of her, close enough to feel the heat radiating off her body.
“Do you want to get ready for bed?” I ask softly, my voice thick with emotion I’m barely holding back.
She exhales, and the soft brush of her breath against my skin sends shivers through me. Her eyes travel down my bare chest, and I swallow hard, trying to tamp down the desire that’s rising fast and relentless inside me.
Her gaze is appreciative—hell, it’s more than that. It’s hungry. The kind of look that makes my body respond before my mind can stop it.
She reaches out, her fingers grazing my skin, barely touching, but enough to ignite the need that’s been simmering just beneath the surface. It’s almost too much. The smell of her, the softness of her touch—it’s intoxicating, and I’m quickly losing control.
But I can’t. I kissed her once tonight, and she pulled away. I’m not about to fuck this up by moving too fast. I have to hold back.For her.
Then she leans forward, her lips brushing against my chest, so soft it feels like fire licking up my spine. I shudder. She pulls back just enough for our eyes to meet, and the air thickens between us, heavy and electric. Then she says the last thing I expect to hear right now.
“I know it’s not fair, and it’s really fucked up of me to even suggest this, but … I … could we …” Her voice trails off, uncertainty lacing her words, but her dark brown eyes lock on mine, pleading, searching.
I know what she’s asking. At least, I hope I do. And fuck, if she wants this—needs this—I’m powerless to say no.
She presses her lips to my collarbone, and I suck in a breath, my control slipping further away as her hands explore the planesof my chest. My muscles tense beneath her touch, my hands gripping her thighs, pulling her closer, almost without thinking. This is dangerous. She’s been through something tonight, something big, and I don’t know the details yet. But I can’t deny her. I never could.
My hands slide lower, gripping beneath her thighs as I spread them wider, positioning myself between her legs. Her warmth draws me in, my need for her wrapping tighter around my chest.
“You’re sure?” I ask, my lips hovering just inches from hers, giving her one last chance to pull away.
“Yes.” Her voice is a breathy whisper, her need echoing mine.
I’m going to hell for this.
I inch closer, watching for any sign of hesitation, but she meets me halfway, her lips crashing into mine. The kiss starts slow, soft, but quickly turns into something more—something desperate and hungry. Her hands are in my hair, pulling me closer, and I lose myself in her.
“Cecilia,” I groan against her mouth, my hands wandering over her body, feeling the soft curves, the heat radiating off her skin. I grip the backs of her thighs, lifting her higher onto the bed.
She gasps, arching beneath me as I settle my weight between her legs, her body molding to mine like she was made for me.
Her fingers tangle in my hair, tugging me closer. She deepens the kiss, and I can’t think straight. All I know is that I need more of her. I slide my hand beneath the hem of her dress, fingers grazing the smooth skin just beneath her panties.
“Tell me what you need,” I demand, my voice rough, almost desperate.
