Chapter Eleven
BELLAROSE
West’s mouth hovers over mine, and the small space of separation is maddening. He’s close enough for me to feel his warmth but not so close that I can taste him again. I can tell he’s worried and doesn’t want to press too quickly, but I want this. Even if it only lasts until the end of the retreat, I know West will make this good for me.
“Stop being so careful,” I whisper against his lips. “I’m not going to break. I’ve still got eight lives to go.”
He lets out a surprised laugh, his warm breath teasing against my mouth. “That’s not funny.”
“Right.” A small laugh leaves me too before it’s cut off when he kisses me again. This time it’s more thorough than before, and I can feel it all the way to my toes.
As always, West starts gently. Only I don’t want gentle. I want him. I want the hunger I’ve seen when he watches me. The possessiveness when he pulled Jake off me. West is my hero and one of the good ones. I’ve seen what he’s capable of, and I want that passion.
I arch against him, opening my mouth. That’s all it takes because I can feel the moment his control slips. His hand strokes down my jaw, tilting my head back so he can deepen the kiss. He’s got full control, and that’s exactly what I want. When West leads, it makes me feel safe and cherished.
“You’re a bossy kitten,” he murmurs against my mouth.
“As long as I’m your kitten,” I whisper before I can really think about what my words mean. Or how true they are.
I tug at his shirt, wanting to feel his skin against mine, and he takes the hint. West breaks away just long enough to yank it over his head, and I get a moment to appreciate the view. Broad shoulders narrow to a deep V that leads farther down. There’s a scattering of dark hair across his chest, and when I run my fingers over it, I’m shocked at how soft it feels. There’s no time to explore him before he’s kissing me again and pressing me into the bed.
His weight settles over me, and it feels right. I’m not afraid because being with West is right. The only thing I fear for is my heart. This man could break it so easily.
I wrap my legs around his waist to pull him closer, and he’s hard against me. The rush of power that overcomes me is exhilarating. This beautiful, sweet, smart man wants me. And from the size of him, he’s aching for it.
“West,” I breathe, “I want you to touch me.” I’m emboldened by how turned on he is, so I take his hand and place it on my breast. When I arch into his palm to show him how much every part of me wants this too, he stops breathing. “Please.”
His eyes darken as he stares down at me. “I can’t resist you, Bellarose. But I think you already know that.”
He kneads me gently through my dress as his thumb brushes over my nipple. I gasp at the sensation because it’s so, so good. I want more. No, I need it. I can already feel my climax building inside me.
“More,” I demand, and he laughs. It’s a low rumble that goes all the way to my core.
“Impatient.”
“Yes.” I lick my lips. “Very.”
“I’ve got you.”
“I know,” I whisper, and I see the impact of my words in his expression.
West reaches for my zipper and slowly drags it down. Then he leans forward and places a kiss on every new inch of exposed skin. The dress slides off my body, and I lie back in just my bra and panties, suddenly shy despite my earlier boldness.
I really should have thought more about my choice in underwear, but in all fairness, I didn’t expect this to happen. I love a theme, and I stick to it.
“You don’t do anything in halves, do you?” His eyes take in my matching purple cotton underwear. There are little kittens jumping over clouds like sheep would.
“It’s silly.”
“No, it’s you,” he tells me, and I stare up at him. He keeps saying all the right things, things I didn’t know I needed to hear. Before I have a chance to think about it too long, West removes my bra. He goes utterly still while looking at me like I’m precious. “You’re so beautiful, kitten. Perfect,” he says, his voice rougher now.
Perfect. I don’t think anyone has ever said that about me.
“And you’re wearing too many clothes,” I point out because I need to even the playing field. The way he’s looking at me makes me want to hide and shine at the same time. Maybe if he’s missing all his clothes too, I won’t feel so bashful.
“You want me naked, kitten?” He gives me a playful smirk but sits back to remove his pants.
This time I get to look all I want as he exposes his thick, strong thighs. Then there’s the undeniable evidence of how much he wants me straining against his boxer briefs. West is beautiful with lean muscles and golden skin. The fact that he’s mine, at least for tonight, makes my entire body heat.
