Page 86 of Declan

“Just please don’t hold me down. Not yet. Anything else, but I need to be able to move my arms.”

“Anything you need, Autumn.”

Anything you need.

My heart melted.

Fucking melted. Me, Autumn Pierce, emotionless, stone-hearted, merciless, bitch. And with three words that meant more than any other words he could ever say to me, I went liquid. A puddle of excitement and nerves.

But after those three beautiful words, Declan said no more—his mouth was on mine. He started the kiss slow and sweet, but when my nails raked down his back, the kiss turned into something else. Deeper, a whole lot wetter, and I sensed Dec was close to letting go. Since I wanted that, I shoved my hands under the waistband of his shorts and gripped his bare ass.

Holy mother of God, his ass was firm. Two globes of pure muscle.

And that was when Declan finally cracked, and a seriously good kiss turned wild. He sucked my tongue into his mouth, and because it felt delicious, I thought he should feel it, too, so I returned the favor.

He groaned and then moved his hand to my stomach. He fumbled with my thin tank top until he had it up and my bra exposed. I felt the cool air wash over my overheated skin. As quickly as that relief came it disappeared when Declan found my nipple and ran his thumb over it.

My hands continued to roam, until suddenly his lips were gone and he was pulling back.

“You sure?”

“Yes.”

“Clothes off.”

I blinked in surprise.

Never had I heard his voice so tight, so full of desire, and considering it wasn’t the first time he’d ordered my clothes off, that was saying something. There was something different, not hardness, but a bite of possession.

He was so not in control.

And I loved it.

I loved that I was not scared of him, even though as I pulled my shirt over my head he was looking down at me like he wanted to eat me. I was not concerned he’d hurt me when his eyes turned hungry as they took in my bare chest. I was not afraid when I pulled my shorts and panties off and his eyes widened and his breaths turned choppy.

I loved that he’d earned every inch of trust I gave him.

He’d give me anything I needed and I knew that with a certainty that rocked my world.

He’d guide me where he wanted to go and he’d he do it with a mind to how I needed it.

I knew of this, a hundred percent, but when he lowered himself down and kissed my belly with a gentleness that was in direct contradiction to what his eyes conveyed, my conviction solidified.

My lids lowered and I just felt.

I felt his lips skim my stomach, his fingertips graze the sides of my breasts as they danced closer to my nipples. I felt the ache grow between my legs, and the heat of his touch sear through my heart. He was everywhere but I wanted more.

Declan licked around my belly button and started to move lower. Excitement and trepidation battled and I fought to keep relaxed. I didn’t want him to stop. I needed him to keep going.

“Baby, open your eyes,” he called and I slowly did as he asked. “I want your eyes on me. Every step I want you with me.”

So damn perceptive.

Profound affection—there was no other word to describe what I felt in that moment looking down at Declan as I watched him shift between my legs, slowly opening them as he held my eyes.

“You’re in control, Autumn. You need me to stop, we stop. But no matter what, I want your eyes on me, even if I’m not looking at you, you don’t stop watching me.”

I nodded because I couldn’t speak.