I slowed.
Noah breathed hard.
“Can you wait?”
“Yes.”
It was not quite true.
I could try.
He moved against me.
My control frayed.
“Tell me what you need.”
“Keep touching me.”
I did.
“Keep moving.”
I did.
“Don’t leave.”
“Never.”
His entire body tightened.
“Now,” he gasped. “Cal, now.”
I held him close as release took me.
The room narrowed to Noah—his breath, his body, his hand locked with mine. I stayed pressed against him, trembling through the force of it, careful even when control became difficult.
Noah made a sound of wonder.
Not surprise.
Recognition.
He pressed back against me.
“Stay.”
“I’m here.”
I remained inside him while my body gradually softened.
My hand continued moving over him.
His breathing turned desperate.
“Can you feel me?” I whispered.
“Yes.”
