Page 84 of Beneath Scarred Vows

He turns me in his arms until I'm facing him, my back to the mirrors. "You don't need to hide from yourself, Katerina, or me. Not ever." He leans down, his lips brushing mine. "Not in darkness. Not in light."

His kiss is gentle at first, then deeper, more insistent. I respond, my arms wrapping around his neck, pulling him closer. He's still fully dressed, the fabric of his suit rough against my naked skin.

When we break apart, he spins me around and pins my back against his hard body.

"Watch," he commands. "I want you to see what I do when I look at you."

His hands start at my shoulders before sliding down my arms, then back up. He cups my breasts, pinching my nipples until I gasp. One hand trails down my stomach and between my legs.

I watch in the mirror as he touches me, as my body responds. I see my chest rise and fall with quickened breaths, see my lips part, my legs spread, see my eyes darken with desire.

And for the first time, I don't see the scars first. I see a woman—whole, complete, desired.

I swallow hard, watching his hand move between my legs, watching the pleasure transform my face.

"Do you see what I see now?" Ares whispers against my ear, his breath hot against my skin. His fingers circle my clit withdeliberate pressure, making my knees weak. "Do you see how beautiful you are when you let yourself feel freely?"

I can barely form words, my focus shifting between the sensation of his touch and the startling image of myself in the mirror.

"I—" My words dissolve into a gasp as he slides a finger inside me, then another. My hips buck against his hand instinctively.

"Watch," he commands again, his voice rough with desire. "Don't look away."

I force my eyes to stay open, to remain fixed on our reflection. His dark gaze meets mine in the mirror, and the intensity I find there steals what little breath I have left. He's fully clothed, powerful and controlled behind me, while I stand naked, exposed in every way possible.

Yet I don't feel vulnerable.

His teeth graze my neck, and I arch against him, feeling his hardness press against my back through his clothes. His fingers curl inside me, finding that spot that makes pleasure shoot through me.

"Ares," I breathe, my voice barely recognizable.

"Tell me what a worthy, beautiful woman wants, Katerina. What a queen needs," he demands, his fingers slowing to an agonizing pace.

I'm not used to voicing my desires. Before Ares, I didn't even know I had desires. "I want..." I stop, hesitating.

"Say it." His thumb presses harder against my clit, making my thoughts scatter. "Tell me exactly what you want."

I meet his eyes in the mirror and something breaks loose inside me, some final wall crumbling.

"I want you to make me come," I whisper.

A dangerous smile spreads across his face, and his eyes darken further. "Good girl."

His fingers increase their rhythm, and his other hand leaves my breast and grips my hair, ensuring I keep watching, unable to look away.

"Look at your beautiful body," he murmurs. "How it responds to me. How it knows who it belongs to."

My breathing becomes ragged as the pressure builds. I watch, transfixed, as my thighs begin to tremble, as my stomach muscles tighten. I can see the flush spreading across my chest, rising to my neck, turning my cheeks red.

Ares adds a third finger, stretching me, filling me, and I let out a cry.

He circles my clit as my hands reach back to grip his thighs, needing something to hold onto.

"That's it," he encourages, his voice a dark caress. "Let go so I can see you."

My eyes want to close, want to surrender to the sensation, but I force them to stay open. I watch as my body tenses, as my mouth falls open in a silent cry. I'm teetering on the edge, so close I can taste it.

Ares growls and curls his fingers just right.