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“We need condoms,” I manage to say. “In the bathroom.”

“Oh.” She looks startled for a moment but then smiles and eases off the bed.

“Under the sink!” I call to her retreating figure. Sure, I could get up and get them myself but watching her do it is more fun. The sway of her ass is delightful and?—

“Did you find them?” I ask when she doesn’t come out right away.

“I did.” She stands in the doorway holding out a line of them that she lets hang from her hand.

But I’m not focused on the fact that she’s holding about a dozen condoms.

I’m mesmerized because she’s naked.

Willow St. Claire is fucking naked.

In my bedroom.

For me.

I swallow, my eyes glued to the magnificent woman who’s currently taunting me.

“Jesus, baby…what are you doing all the way over there?”

“Waiting for an invitation.” There it is—that hint of devilish humor that’s starting to resurface more often. I love it.

“Come to bed, princess.” I hold out a hand. It feels important that she comes to me, especially this first time. I have to be a million percent sure she’s okay and feels safe and secure and…wanted. Hell, if she knows exactly how much I want her she might run anyway.

Thankfully, she sashays over to the bed, making a point of slowly dropping the group of foil packages on my chest. A laugh rumbles out of me, something I don’t often do during sex, and she cocks her head slightly.

“I love the sound of your laugh,” is all she says.

“I love the sound of yours as well.” I trail my fingers along the outside of her thigh.

“Should I get on top?” she asks, pointedly looking at my hip. “Do you think that’ll be easier for you?”

I hesitate. This isn’t a normal pre-sex conversation, but these aren’t normal circumstances either. I like being in control, and love being in a position of power, but that doesn’t seem important with Willow. In fact, my gut tells me I’m going to need to give over control for a while—until she’s secure in… this. Us. Me.

“Yeah, probably.” I take out a condom but she stops me.

“That’s my job,” she whispers, taking it from me and then straddling my knees. With her free hand, she wraps her fist around my cock and strokes up and down. Once, twice, squeezing harder, until I hiss out a breath.

“Too much?” she asks softly.

“No. It feels amazing.” I watch in awe as she continues stroking me, her fist pumping up and down as if she doesn’t have a care in the world. Except for the look in her eyes.

I love that it feels like I can see right into her soul. She’s so raw and open and honest, and that arouses something in me I thought would never awaken. A beast I’ve kept tamped down tightly, unwilling to risk my heart.

Until now.

“Willow…” My voice is gruff, needy.

Without a word, she slides the condom down my aching shaft and then positions herself over me. Her eyes flutter closed as she begins to sink down, and I instinctively grab her hips, stopping her from going any further.

“Babe.” It’s a command and her eyes snap to mine.

“Look at me when I fuck you.”

She shudders slightly, beautiful azure eyes filled with need.