Page 87 of Guarded Love

"Say it, Willow. Say you need me."

The words feel impossible. Too big. Too real. Too close to admitting something I'm not ready to face. But his fingers are moving just enough to keep me on edge, not enough to push me over, and I'm rapidly losing the ability to think about anything except the orgasm I’m desperate to have.

As if I didn’t just have one less than an hour ago.

"I need you," I gasp. "I need you so badly it's making me—-" I stop talking because I’ve lost the ability to describe this feeling.

The desperation in my voice breaks something in him. I see the exact moment his careful control crashes and burns. His eyes go dark, pupils blown wide, and suddenly his fingers are moving as if this is his only purpose.

"Fuck, when you sound like that..." He leans down to capture my mouth in a kiss. "I can't hold back anymore."

His free hand tangles in my hair, tilting my head back so he can trail his lips down my throat. Every touch feels electric and when his mouth finds my nipple, my eyes slam shut and I nearly launch off the bed.

"That's it, baby," he murmurs against my breast. "Let me hear you."

His fingers work faster now, hitting my G-spot and I swear I’m starting to see galaxies form behind my eyelids. I'm so close I can taste it.

“Look at me, kitten.”

The nickname makes my eyes snap open to meet his gaze. There's something raw and vulnerable in his expression that takes my breath away. He's watching me like I'm the most beautiful thing he's ever seen, like he can't quite believe this is real.

"There you are," he whispers, his thumb pressing firmly against my clit. "I want to see your face when you fall apart for me."

The combination of his words, his touch, and the intensity in his eyes sends me falling over the edge. My orgasm crashes through me and I’m left wondering how it’s stronger than the first time.

When I finally come back to myself, he's pressing soft kisses to my collarbone while his hand gently strokes my thigh.

"Holy shit.” My voice is slightly hoarse. “What was that?”

He lifts his head to look at me, a satisfied smirk on his lips. "Good?"

"Stop fishing for compliments," I say, but I'm smiling as I pull him up for a kiss. "You know exactly how good that was."

He chuckles against my mouth. "Maybe I just like hearing you say it."

"Praise kink," I remind him, and he groans.

"You're never going to let me live that down, are you?"

"Not a chance. But I like it. A lot." I trace my fingers down his chest, following the line of hair that disappears beneath his boxers. "Now can I touch you? Please?"

"Wait. Before we...we should probably talk about a few things."

I pause, studying his face. The responsible side of Blaise is reasserting itself, and while part of me appreciates it, another part wants to tell that side to shut up and let us have this moment.

"Okay," I say carefully. "What kinds of things?"

He sits back slightly, running a hand through his hair. "The practical stuff. Are you...I mean, when was your last test?"

"My last—oh." Heat creeps up my neck. "I got tested three months ago. Clean bill of health. You?"

"Same. I get tested regularly, and it's been a while since..." he trails off, looking embarrassed.

"Since what?"

"Since I've been with anyone," he admits quietly. "Like, a long while."

This surprises me. "Really? But you're you."