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Noah leaned over Ruth, his eyes locked onto hers as he pressed another kiss to her lips, soft but lingering. His hand gently cupped her cheek, his thumb brushing her skin as though she were the most delicate thing he’d ever touched. The moment stretched between them, the air thick with unspoken words and mutual need.

Her breath hitched as he kissed her again, deeper this time, his lips coaxing hers to open for him as her body shuddered. He was patient, his touch unhurried as he let her set the pace. He wanted her to feel in control, to understand that this was about her, aboutthem.

“You’re beautiful, Rae,” he murmured against her mouth, his voice thick with emotion. “You have no idea how much I want you.”

Her cheeks flushed. “I want you too,” she whispered, her voice trembling but sure.

Noah’s hand slid down her side, pausing at her waist. He trailed his lips down her jawline to the curve of her neck. Her skin was hot beneath his mouth, her breath coming in soft gasps as he explored her.

“Let me know if you want me to stop.” His lips brushed against her collarbone.

“I won’t,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. “I want this. I want you.”

Her words ignited something in him, but he kept his movements measured, his hands moving to the hem of her camisole. He paused, his eyes meeting hers, silently asking for permission. She nodded, her trust in him clear.

He lifted the fabric slowly, his fingers grazing her breasts as he revealed more of her. His gaze never left hers, ensuring she was comfortable with every step. When the camisole was gone, he leaned back slightly, his eyes roaming over her with a mixture of awe and reverence.

“You’re perfect.”

She reached for him, her fingers brushing against his skin.

Noah sucked in a breath at her touch, his eyes darkening with desire. “You don’t have to be shy with me, Rae,” he said softly. “I’m yours.”

She explored, tracing the muscles of his chest and shoulders. He leaned down and suckled her nipple, claiming her with more urgency now. His hands followed the curve of one breast and then the other. She mewed when he nuzzled the silken underside of each. His fingers followed the soft curves of her torso, slipping beneath the waistband of her panties. He paused again, his gaze seeking hers. “Is this okay?”

“I trust you, Noah.”

With her permission, he removed her panties, his hands and gaze reverent as he committed every inch of her to memory. He discarded his own remaining clothes before settling beside her, his body warm and solid against hers.

He kissed her again, his hands exploring her body with infinite care. “I’ve never felt this way before.” His fingers slid over her red curls and between her wet folds.

“Noah,” she said breathlessly as his finger circled her nub, feeling it swell. Her knees rose and fell open. One finger slipped into her tight core, dipping deeper. Her hips lifted to take his finger, and he slipped a second inside. His thumb teased her clit as her breath caught in her throat, her muscles clamping around his fingers. When he finally positioned himself above her, he paused, staring into her eyes.

“This is aboutus,” he said, his voice low and steady. “If it’s too much, tell me. We’ll stop.”

She shook her head, her hazel eyes locked onto his.

“Rae, I need to know you’re ready.”

Her hazel eyes searched his, and she nodded, her voice soft but certain. “I’m ready.”

“We’ll go slow,” he promised.

* * *

As their bodies joined,Ruth’s breath hitched, and she clung to him, the fingers of her good hand digging into his shoulder. Noah moved carefully, giving her time to adjust to him, his every motion guided by her responses. He kissed her deeply, his lips holding her in the flood of emotions that washed over her.

Noah’s hand found hers, their fingers intertwining as he continued to move within her. His touch, his whispered reassurances, guided her through every wave of uncertainty, until all she could feel was him. He was her steady constant as the intensity of the experience built between them.

She matched his rhythm tentatively at first, then with growing confidence, her body learning his. She looked into his bright eyes as she let go, her breath freezing in her chest, her core tightening around him. Still in control, he thrust through her ecstasy and came with a guttural moan of her name.

When it was over, Noah didn’t pull away immediately. Instead, he stayed close, pressing soft kisses to her lips, her temple, and her shoulder as their breathing slowed. Ruth felt her heart racing, her emotions teetering on the edge of overwhelming, but Noah’s presence calmed her.

“You’re amazing, Rae,” he murmured against her lips.

His words, his touch, and the depth of his attention made her feel cherished in a way she’d never experienced, bringing tears to her eyes. The vulnerability she’d feared melted away, replaced by a growing confidence as they had moved together, their bodies and emotions aligning.

Noah pressed a kiss to her temple. He rolled to his side, careful not to jostle her injured arm, and pulled her close. His fingers brushed through her hair as he gazed down at her. “How are you feeling?”