“Stop overthinking,” he murmurs against my neck, his lips trailing fire across my skin. “Just feel what’s between us. Feel me touching you.”
My fingers tangle in his hair as his mouth moves lower. Every rational thought dissolves under his touch. For years, I’ve lived for Promise, worked for my sister to see her thrive as Styxx said she was. For the first time, with this man touching me, I’m allowing myself to do something I’ve not done in years.
Live in the moment and find pleasure in it.
The thought terrifies and thrills me simultaneously. His hands slip under my tank top, stroking the bottom curve of my bare breasts. His calloused fingers sending shivers across my skin as they trace circles, making their way to my nipples. I arch into his touch, craving more, needing it like his touch was the same as my breathing. Without it, I wouldn’t survive the night.
“Tell me what you want,” Styxx demands, his voice a husky growl that vibrates through me.
What do I want?
I want everything he’s offering and more.
I want to forget my responsibilities, forget my fears, forget everything except how he makes me feel. But admitting that means surrendering control, and control is all I’ve had for years.
“I want . . .” My voice falters as his thumb brushes just beneath the underside of my breast. “I want you to touch me.”
His eyes darken with desire, pupils dilating until there’s barely any color left. “Where?”
I swallow hard. “Everywhere.”
Styxx gives me a smile, one I would say is that of a predator stalking its prey, as he rips the tank top from my body in a swift motion. I couldn’t comprehend what he was doing.
My breath catches in my throat as the cool air of the room hits my exposed skin. I’ve never felt so vulnerable yet so alive at the same time. Styxx’s eyes rake over me with such hunger that I feel myself blushing from head to toe.
“Beautiful,” he whispers, his fingers tracing the outline of my collarbone before trailing down between my breasts. “So fucking beautiful.”
I bite my lip to keep from moaning as his hand cups my breast, his thumb grazing over my hardened nipple. The sensation sends a jolt of pleasure straight to my pussy.
“Don’t hold back,” he commands, lowering his head until his lips hover just above my breast. “I want to hear you, Hope. Every moan, every whimper. Every cry I draw out of you.”
When his mouth closes over my nipple, I arch off the bed, unable to contain the cry that escapes me. His tongue swirls in small circles, flicking against me as his other hand glides up my side, holding me in place. The dual sensation is overwhelming.
“Styxx.” I gasp his name like a prayer.
Styxx lifts his head, eyes locking with mine. “Right now, I’m Brian to you. In this bed, that’s who’s fucking you. Not Styxx. Never Styxx when I’m going to be inside you.”
“Brian,” I whisper.
“Good girl.” Styxx grins and moves back to myother breast, giving it the same attention while his free hand works to shove my shorts down, leaving me in just my panties. I should stop him. I should tell him this is moving too fast. But I don’t want to. For once in my life, I want to be selfish, to take what I want without thinking of consequences.
“You have no idea how long I’ve wanted this,” he says, his voice rough with desire, his breath tickling my bare flesh. “From the first time I saw you dance on stage, opening night. Before I knew you were moving in next door. I’ve wanted you,mo chathú,my very own temptation.”
His words make my heart skip a beat. The idea that he’s wanted me from the beginning sends a thrill through my body that I can’t deny.
“But you didn’t even know me then,” I whisper, my voice trembling with need.
“Didn’t need to.” Styxx trails his fingers along the edge of my panties, teasing me. “Some things you just know. And I knew I had to have you. Even if I told myself I couldn’t have you then.”
I shiver under his touch, my body responding in ways I’ve never experienced before. It’s like every nerve ending in my body is alive and hypersensitive.
“You’re thinking too much again,” he murmurs against my stomach, his beard tickling my skin as he places featherlight kisses down my abdomen.
“I can’t help it,” I admit, my fingers still tangled in his hair. “This is . . . I don’t usually. . .”
Styxx lifts his head, his eyes meeting mine with an intensity that steals my breath. “I know. That’s what makes this even more special. You’re doing it because it’s right. What we’re starting, it’s just you and me.”
His words wrap around me like a warm blanket, comforting and exciting all at once. He hooks his fingers into the waistband of my panties, slowly dragging them down my legs. I resist the urge to close my thighs, to hide myself from his gaze.
