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“One fucking delicious thrust at a time.” I lifted her shirt over her head and tossed it on the floor. “That’s my Christmas wish.”

SIXTEEN

Ivy

My stomach didn’t just flutter, it inverted. A hot, electric static bolted through my veins, short-circuiting every thought the moment I met Huxley.

Before I had time to react, he had stripped me to my panties, leaving me exposed and vulnerable on my kitchen table. He showered me in his dominance. I’d be lying if I didn’t say it terrified me, but at the same time, I welcomed it.

I had never surrendered to anyone. With each loss I suffered in my life, I learned to be more sufficient, more aware that I had to take care of myself if I wanted to survive. I hadn’t realized how exhausting that mind-set had become until he tied me up the other night.

His restraints had become my salvation. The sexy, silver fox in the red suit had become more than a fantasy. A living, breathing savior had taken charge and I was here for it. That scared me, because the more I depended on him, the more the realization set in that like all the others, he could disappear too.

“Are you going to grant me my wish?” He hooked his fingers on either side of my panties. “Can I corrupt you?”

“Please.” I let him wiggle me out of my panties before wrapping my legs around his waist. “With as many delicious thrusts as it takes.”

“Hmm.” He gripped my hips and pushed his erection into my bare center. “I’m betting it won’t take many of those to make you come.”

“Let’s find out.” I rocked into him as he kissed my throat, grasping my waist and setting a rough pace. With each shove of his pelvis the material of his dress pants scraped my clit, leaving me wet and raw. My nipples ached for his teeth and my skin craved his hot flesh.

“Wait.” He closed his eyes and pressed his forehead to mine. “I was being honest when I said I couldn’t wait to see you.”

“That makes me happy.”

“But I didn’t come prepared.”

“You brought me roses.” No one had ever done that.

“I didn’t bring condoms.” He grasped my upper arms, holding me in frustration. “We might have to kill the spontaneity of the moment and take this session to my house.”

I wouldn’t make it back to his house. I needed him now.

“We don’t have to.” I loosened his tie. “I’m on the pill.”

“Oh? But you didn’t have sex for five years.”

“Jay says I talk too much, but I’m on birth control because it helps with menstrual cramps and bleeding. I can show you the pill pack so you know that I take them every day.”

“I don’t think you could lie to me if you tried.” He held the side of my face in his hand. “You’re far too honest.”

“I just want you to know you can trust me as much as I trust you.”

“If you’re sure.”

“I want to be with you.” I slipped off the table, took his hand, and guided him to the back hallway. “My room is down here.”

My heart raced as we headed to a place I had never taken a man before. My bed. As I slid open the barn doors that I had insisted on when I was sixteen because I thought they were cool, a vulnerableness coursed through me. This wasn’t just any man. This was an experienced billionaire who had probably stayed in elaborate hotels, suites, and houses all over the world. What does he want with me? I had so much doubt when it came to him.

“Your bedroom is much more elaborate than mine,” I said. “If you still want to go to your house, we can. You’ll probably be more comfortable there. I can adjust anywhere.”

“I don’t care where we are.” He backed me into the room. “As long as we’re together.”

He took off his tie and then unbuttoned his shirt as he walked toward me. My thighs hit the bed, causing me to take an unexpected seat on the edge of the mattress. He held out his hands for me. Once I placed mine in his, he set them on his belt buckle.

“Take my pants off.” He let go of my hands and tugged his shirt from his waistband. “I want you to get to the point where you’ll touch me freely.”

“You intimidate me.”