“Me neither,” she admits, red crawling up her throat. “Unless I count Jeb, but we were seven. What we did could hardly be considered anything other than smashing faces together.”
Whoever this Jeb is, I vow to eradicate him from this plane of existence.
Perhaps I’m not the peaceful male I told her I was. The thought of her with another burns me alive. I meant every word of my confession. Having tasted her, I’m no longer sure I can watch her go come dawn.
Bloom is my salvation and torment.
My hands wrap around her upper arms and pull her close. Her fingers trace over the contours of my stomach, and I swallow down a groan. Biting her lip, she turns her glimmering eyes to mine.
“Did you want to kiss me or did I completely misread the entire situation?” she asks.
I huff a laugh. How can she even ask me that?
Remembering my performance, it becomes abundantly clear why she would question my desire. I must right this terrible wrong and show her just how much I want her.
Walking backward, I settle atop the mattress. The bed frame groans under my weight as Bloom stands between my splayed thighs. At this level, her head grazes my chin. I test her soft waist and feel her hot skin beneath the shift.
“I want to kiss you, Bloom.” I pull her forward. “While you’re on my lap.”
She shivers while her eyes gloss over.
Lifting her between my palms, she weighs nothing as I settle her atop my thighs. Her knees fall to either side of my hips. The warmth between her legs burns through my linen trousers.She flashes me a demure grin as she braces her palms on my shoulders.
“We shouldn’t be putting weight on your ankle. Not even to kiss,” I explain.
Blooms smooth brow presses against mine.
“A selfless male. Such kindness should be rewarded.”
I wrinkle my snout. Insecurity sours my stomach.
“I don’t want you to kiss me out of kindness.”
“I’m not.” Bloom cups my cheek, tracing the line of my jaw. “I’m kissing you because I want to. I wantyou, Rhydian.”
Her words make my head swim. If it wasn’t for her hands keeping me steady, I’d think I was surely dreaming.
“More than anything, I want you to see that not all humans are bad. I’m human, and I desire you more with every passing moment.”
My fingers tease her sides, loving the ways she leans into me. Her lovely face glows like the moon.
“You’re unlike anyone I’ve ever met. You’re the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. Brave and selfless, with a remarkably kind heart.”
My hands pause their movements.
“I feel unworthy of touching you. I’m just me. A scared, lonely male who’s festered away in self-imposed isolation. I’m not confident and compassionate like you, Bloom. I’ve spent the majority of my life hiding.”
“Then join me in the light,” she whispers against my lips. “I’ll show you there's nothing to fear.”
When her mouth descends towards mine, I’m ready for it.
Fear melts away at the first press of her full lips. Her mouth is plush and nestles against mine like she was made for me. Bloom moans as I kiss her back. My moves are unpracticed, and it takes us both a few tries to find our rhythm.
I need more.
My hands slide up her back and into her silken hair. Pulling her head back, I lick over the seam of her lips. She parts them with a moan. My tongue snakes into her mouth, testing and tasting. She is sweeter than honey and warmer than the sun.
Her hands travel over the muscles of my chest as I taste each one of her moans. The fabric covering her breasts is nearly translucent as it stretches taut between our bodies. Bloom works herself in my lap. I can scent her desperate state.
