Page 75

Chapter 41

‘You know, there’s something extremely hot about the version of you who’s comfortable to be herself,’ he said, as they pushed through the hotel room door and closed it behind them.

‘Like laying myself bare?’ she teased, pulling at the strap of her gym top, even though she wasn’t sure she looked particularly alluring after their sweaty session on a spin bike, followed by a stress-inducing livestream, where they’d announced their relationship on social media.

His answer was more of a turned-on groan.

‘Strangely, I enjoyed most things more than I expected. I mean, who knew being wrapped in slushy seaweed could make your bum tingle?’ Which had been her exact quote for Teijo.

‘Sexiest sushi roll I’ve ever seen,’ he replied, moving towards her for another kiss, this time against her damp neck, as she backed herself playfully against the door.

‘You know what else is sexy?’ His mouth moved to the soft skin behind her ear. She loved it when he kissed her there. ‘You agreeing to share that you have feelings for me, instead of keeping us a secret. I’m officially getting your seal of approval.’

‘If this is what honesty gets me, I’ll do it more often,’ she breathed, only feeling a bit guilty that she’d left Devan to do the announcement, because the thought of publicly declaring her own feelings still made her want to pass out. And she hadn’t quite managed to use the ‘love’ word.

Though feeling something particularly welcome growing against her told her Devan wasn’t put off. She pulled him firmly into her, her troubles blissfully vanishing.

She was glad they were now on the inside of the hotel room door, because what she hoped was about to happen right there against the neatly painted wood was not suitable for the eyes of a passing cleaner.

‘Alyssa Heart, I have been desperate to get this close to you all day.’

She noted that gym weights were a thing to be celebrated as Devan’s strong arms lifted her against the door, his muscles flexing and rippling. And hell yes to that thin white T-shirt that gave her a glimpse at his dark, hardening nipples. She slipped one hand under it, enjoying his flinch as her fingers found flesh. That thing had to come off. And so did her own damp workout clothes, that were seriously not welcome at this party.

She wrestled off his top, letting her fingers trace the tightness of his abs, loving the way every part of him trembled, as though the sensation was almost too much.

He groaned deeply and pushed his mouth back against hers, their lips opening, his tongue going deep. He cupped her butt cheek with one hand, pulling her into him, the bulge of his erection straining against his shorts and rubbing against her, firm between her legs. The room was already spinning. More.

He broke free, taking a second to absorb her, his pupils wide with longing as though a flustered, panting woman in too-tight sportswear was everything. She adored how he made her feel. It’s OK to be me. He shot a glance over his shoulder at the four-poster bed that was strewn with pink petals, the white towels twisted into two love hearts.

The past version of Alyssa would have hated the cheesiness of it, but now she had room in her heart for all the rolling in petals. But not just then.

‘Good Devan would lay you gently on the bed.’ His voice hitched. ‘Or maybe run you a hot bath and wash your body, particularly thoroughly.’ He gave her a wink, ever playful.

She was all for thorough – but she was in no mood for waiting.

‘Then give me Bad Devan. Right here.’

Good Devan, in that roll-top bath, was a treat for later.

‘As you desire,’ he said, with a smile that she wanted to kiss right off.

She pushed down her leggings and underwear in one sweep, wriggling one leg free because her body might explode if she had to wait any longer. She relished the look on Devan’s face as his eyes ran over her naked lower half, sliding upwards to where her boobs felt like they were bursting to be freed from her sports bra. She pulled the material upwards, exposing her soft flesh. He groaned again and his mouth was on her breasts before she had to ask, devouring them hungrily as she yanked down his shorts, impatient to touch him. Her fingers roamed, her palms finding skin. She angled him against her, hooking her naked leg around his waist to feel him more firmly. Wow, yes. Closing her eyes, she moved against him, satisfying her ache in what felt like the most sensuous tease. Each push of her hips brought a fresh wave of pleasure. Devan’s deep, vibrating moans, from his position between her breasts, was setting her insides on fire.

‘I want more,’ she breathed. ‘I want all of you.’

He nodded against her chest, coming up for air, his face looking adorably like he’d been woken from a dream. ‘Did you take your pill?’

‘Yes,’ she replied, grateful they’d already had the conversation about birth control and sexual health. It was another level of commitment she was absolutely ready for. ‘And before you politely ask, yes, I want to have full, indulgent sex with you, right here against this hotel room door.’

‘Oh, I want that too,’ he said, taking the base of his penis and moving it towards her, his eyes still on hers to be sure it was OK.

She nodded and helped to hurry him, aware he was being agonisingly slow when she was aching for him. She grabbed his bum cheeks, trying to pull him inside her. He let the tip of his penis enter her, slowly and deliciously, rocking gently in and out of her, before pulling away, a tease in his eyes.

‘Devan Shaw, you are mean.’

He entered her again, this time deeper, turning her words into a gasp. She liked this level of mean, and she was letting him know it. He felt incredible. He was made for her. His mouth was on her neck, nibbling, sucking, making her breath ragged. He thrust himself into her, finding the spot deep inside her that longed for him. Ohhhh. She gripped his buttocks, encouraging him, pushing back onto him.

And then he pulled out again, his lips smiling against her neck before moving downwards. His tongue traced the outline of her nipples, each tiny bump around them rising, each nerve ending feeling like it was connected to her soul. Then his tongue trailed down the line towards her belly button. And further.