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I relaxed into his caress. He tugged my dress further down, and I freed my both arms, allowing him to push the bodice down to my waist.

He kissed the tips of my breasts, then sucked a nipple into his mouth, rolling the hardened bud between his teeth gently. Desire coursed through my veins, heating my blood. With it, a lick of darkness seeped through from my past.

I tensed, but Salas kissed my lips again and whispered sweet nothings into my ear until the shadows receded and all that remained was him, the calm night, and the moonlight.

“Let me kiss you everywhere, sweetheart,” he murmured, pushing my skirt up and into my lap.

Everywhere.

His breath warmed my skin as he kissed down my body. He hooked his fingers under the waistband of my underwear, and I lifted my hips, letting him take it off.

Anticipation pulsed through me with an anxious beat. He must’ve sensed the tension gripping me all over again.

“You’re in control, Princess,” he assured me. “Remember, you can stop me anytime.”

He kissed between my breasts, then down my stomach. Dipping his head lower, he pressed a kiss to my inner thigh. Heat rushed through my chest and pooled in my lower belly. At the same time, my back stiffened, and my legs strained, as if ready to bolt.

To run...

That was how I’d survived. By always running.

Memories fought to break through once again, but I pushed them away. This was Salas. He didn’t belong to my past. He was here. Now. His touch was unlike anything else. Gentle and skilled, it was meant to bring me nothing but pleasure.

Sliding his hands up my thighs, he parted them. His thumb stroked me lightly, like a caress of a butterfly wing. I sucked in a breath as my inner muscles flexed, sending a rush of heat and pleasure through my core.

Circling my right ankle with his fingers, he placed my left foot on his shoulder.

“Let me kiss you here, my sweet Princess...” He lowered his head between my thighs, then glanced up before going any further.

I stared at him, wide-eyed, torn between thrill and terror.

“It’s just me, Ari. You can trust me to make you feel good.” He gave me a kind smile, and my heart melted.

“I’m glad it’s you, Salas.” I nodded. “I trust you.” I lifted my right leg over his other shoulders, parting my legs wider for him.

Sweet, achy pleasure spread through my body as he flicked his tongue against me. My arms jerked. I wished to wrap them around him, to hold him to me, to fist my hands into his hair. But I clutched my skirts instead. I feared that too manysensations would overwhelm me. Too much of Salas would consume me, and I’d never want to let go of him ever again.

Tossing my head back, I closed my eyes and focused on his tongue and the sensations he created with it in my body.

He started so slowly and gently, I could barely feel his touch. The teasing grew more tantalizing, making me moan and squirm. When I thought I couldn’t take it anymore, he pressed harder, even nibbling lightly.

I pushed my feet into his shoulders, lifting my hips toward him. He gripped my thighs, working me harder still, and I had no choice but to let go.

An orgasm rocked me. I gasped for air, feeling like I was falling, further and further down into a whirlpool of never-ending pleasure.

I couldn’t stand the intensity. It pressed on my chest. My eyes prickled with tears.

Maybe it was the wine, after all. Maybe the stress of the day had caught up with me. Or maybe knowing that I’d have to say goodbye to him in the morning devastated me more than I dared to admit.

Pleasure broke the gates of my composure, and when it ebbed, sorrow flooded me instead. I jerked my feet from his shoulders and closed my legs.

“What’s wrong?” His deep drawl vibrated with worry as he reached for me. “Ari, sweetheart, what happened?”

He used my nickname that he’d probably overheard from Gem and thought it’d help to calm me. Climbing onto the couch, he dragged me onto his lap. I wanted to melt into his body and soak up every drop of comfort his closeness often gave me, but something prodded against my thigh. Hard and persistent. His erection.

I went stiff. My muscles locked so hard it hurt.

“Calm, Ari...” He stroked down my arm. “Relax...”