Ares’s dark laughter sends hot shivers down my spine. Oh my God, how did my considerateness turn into this?
After my meeting with Ethan, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about what Ares said he wanted out of marriage, and I want to give him everything he wants. After all, he’s giving me my freedom and agency over my money and body. And separate bedrooms seem more than reasonable. That way, none of us will appear clingy and ridiculous. And we can pursue whatever we want after work—aside from a few dinners he said he’d like to have with his wife—in peace without anybody hovering.
Ares kicks the door to his bedroom open. The bed is impeccably made—not by me, because, much to my shame, I realize I didn’t bother this morning.Already failing at the respect part,I think with chagrin.
I squirm on his shoulder, trying to get down. He slaps my butt again, sending an erotic ripple through me. Embarrassment flames my cheeks. What isupwith me? But at the same time, I can’t deny being tossed over his shoulder like this is hot as hell. The sexy dichotomy of my husband in a hand-stitched three-piece Italian suit carrying me to bed like a barbarian is irresistible.
He stalks to the bed, moving like I weigh nothing. My entire body shivers at the demonstration of strength. He stops a fewfeet in front of the bed, and I bite my lip, ready to be thrown on the mattress, but instead, he gently sets me down on my feet.
His arm wraps around my waist as he pulls me to him. His thick erection pushes against my belly, and I gasp at the contact, looking up at him. His sapphire eyes are darker, like the endless depths of the Pacific, and he tangles his fingers in my hair, holding me as he plunders my mouth.
I kiss him back, loving the contact. When he ravages me with his tongue, I feel wanted and loved. The way he patiently draws my reaction and enjoyment makes me feel cherished and glad I’m with a generous lover.
He tastes so good—saké and man, darkly seductive and sweet. I rub my tongue against his, urging him, needing more. I want him tonight.
He unzips the back of my dress. The straps slide down, trapping my arms and baring my breasts to his hot gaze. My nipples are hard. Without breaking the kiss, he strokes the pad of his thumb over one tip, sending a jolt of electric heat that pools between my legs, leaving my flesh slick and achy.
I rock against him, wishing I could soothe the emptiness inside. He grips my ass, his palm hot through my dress, then closes his mouth over my nipple, pulling it deep inside. I arch my back, clenching his hair and holding on as honey-sweet pleasure seeps into me. My limbs grow weak, and I cling. He shows no mercy, his tongue stroking, his teeth nipping, and his lips soothing. He’s determined to drive me insane.
“Ares…” I moan softly as my knees buckle.
“Still think you can walk, my love?”
Dazed, I blink up at his intense eyes. His mouth is wet and flushed, and need burns in his gaze as he waits for my answer.
I shake my head, burning up with the fire he stokes in my veins.
I rise up on my toes and kiss him. He picks me up, pressing the lengths of our torsos together, so with every step he takes we’re rubbing against each other. Then he drops me on the bed.
I lie on the mattress, careful to keep my scar hidden from his view. My unbound hair spread on the soft pillows, I pant as I look up at him. The nipple he sucked on earlier puckers, feeling an extra chill.
My husband drops over me, his hands on either side of my hot face. His knees press into the spots next to my pelvis, caging me like he’s a panther getting ready to devour his prey. Sexual excitement sparks, and I labor to draw in air into my lungs.
“You look like a pretty princess ready to be ravished.”
“Queen,” I correct him, although my voice is breathless.
Amusement, nostalgia and something else I can’t fathom cross his gorgeous face. He gazes at my lips, my neck, my naked breasts before returning to my eyes. A tremor runs through me as I realize this is really about to happen. There’s a smidgeon of trepidation along with excitement. Is it going to hurt? Romance novels always say it doesn’t hurt, but I’ve also read the opinions of women on forums who say those books lie.
“Are you going to be fast and rough?” I whisper.
“No. It’s your first time.”
“You’rereallyhard.”
His mouth quirks. “It’s just because I like you.” He dips his head closer. The tips of our noses brush, and his heated breath fans my skin, sending a jolt through me.
He kisses me, lapping at my mouth like a soft knock, asking for permission to enter.
I part my lips, pull him inside. I cradle his cheek in an unspoken request to be gentle despite the need that’s clearly driving him, dig my other hand into his surprisingly silky hair, then glide it down to the back of his neck.
He kisses me patiently. A drug-like bliss unfurls. He caresses my neck, his thumb over my erratic pulse, as though gauging my reaction.
My senses spin. Air thins as I kiss him back more openly and chase his tongue with mine, driving into his mouth and taking the pleasure he’s offering. I twist on the sheet, wishing he’d do more.
His mouth on mine, he pushes the dress down. I lift myself to help, and the bunched clothes land on the floor, leaving me only in heels and a tiny thong. He slips his finger underneath the string, running it along my wet folds. Ecstasy shivers through me, but it isn’t enough.
I break our kiss. “Ares, I want you.”
