Matthew was half-certain he was hallucinating.
What other reason could explain the sweetness of Jasmine’s voice as she told him she loved him and asked him to make love to her? He must be dreaming, if not for her soft skin under his hands and her mouth over his.
Time stood still, and his first answer wasyes—God, yes—he wanted to make love to her.
But he couldn’t rush this.
Even sore to his bones from carrying her all night, he was half up for the task already, but Jasmine was vulnerable. Her first time shouldn’t be like this. Not with linen bedcovers in an ancient bed. She deserved silk sheets and a better man, but she wanted him.
He needed her to be sure.
“We don’t have to go further than this.” He kissed her with the barest hint of a touch. “I’m satisfied with holding you. I can wait.”
She climbed into his lap and faced him with an adorably stern pinch to her brows.
“I’mnotsatisfied with waiting. All we ever do is wait,” she said. “I know you’re worried about me, but I’m clear-minded and stronger than you think.”
He placed a kiss on her cheekbone. “You’repreciselyas strong as I think you are.”
She smiled at him.
“Trust me to decide what to do with my body. Let’s decide as partners what we do together.” With no hesitation in her voice, sheasked, “In this moment—rightnow—do you want to make love to me?”
“Yes,” he said, sure to his soul, but his conscience wavered. “You’ve been through so much tonight. I don’t want you to regret this.” He held her chin with his fingertip and met her eyes. “It’ll hurt the first time. And I’ll try to prevent it, but there’s always a chance for a baby.”
“I trust you. I’mgoingto marry you, and if there’s a baby—” she paused and blushed. “It wouldn’t be a bad thing, would it?”
He smiled at the thought.“Not at all.”
“We’ll go slow, and you can teach me.” She entwined her arms around his neck. “It’ll only hurt the first time, right? That means on our wedding night”—she lowered her voice—“you’ll be able to teach memuchmore.” Leaning back, she raised a brow in challenge. “You’ve already ruined me, Matthew. Do it right this time.”
He smirked. “With an offer like that, how could I refuse?”
“Do we have enough time?”
“I’ll make time,” he promised. “And I’ll take my time.”
For once, he didn’t care about the clock or someone else’s rules. No one would come through that door without permission. He was the master of this house, and its future mistress needed satisfying.
He would satisfy her for as long as she wished.
Kissing him, she worked at the buttons on his shirt until it lay open. He shrugged out of it and helped her raise the nightgown over her head. Bare before him, she was all legs and glorious curves. Full breasts, a rounded bottom, and hips he could sink his fingers into.
Soon, his fingers would be everywhere.
First, he let her explore. She hadn’t touched him properly last time. Afraid of losing control, he had robbed her of true intimacy with him. Tentatively, she touched him—trailing fire from her fingertips. He labored to keep his breathing even as her hands slid down his sides tothe dip in his hips. She unfastened the drawstring of his trousers, and eased the garment over his hips.
“How should I touch you?” she asked.
“Dothis,” he whispered. Taking himself in hand, he stroked. Up, then down. Tension eased in his abdomen, and he sighed with relief. Guiding her hand, he encouraged her to wrap her fingers around him. She gripped him delicately, as if afraid of hurting him.
“Harder,” he urged, pressing her hand firmly down. His vision blurred at the edges, heat filled his core, and he almost spent on the spot. Her touch glided over him, and he sucked in a breath. “Yes, likethat.”
Growing bolder, she touched and teased until he thought he would go mad.He halted her movements and brought her in for a kiss.
“Myturn. Lie on your back.”
As soon as she did, he settled between her legs. Unable to help himself, he ground his hipsrightover her sex, sliding deliciously. She gasped, and he growled—already wet for him, and he hadn’t even touched her. Instinct called him to take—toclaim—and he reminded himself to goslow.
