Page 59 of Claimed Gem

“Really.”

Ries took her hand and led her the rest of the way to the cabana where Stephanie was surprised to see a king-sized bed, with billowing white curtains on each of the four posters, a pile of colorful pillows piled at the top. A small table and cooler laden with all sorts of beers and wines sat in the corner.

“Did you ask for all of this?” she asked him quietly.

“I asked for the general idea. They have certainly outdone themselves.”

Ries led her to the center of the cabana, and then poured them both a glass of wine. “Mrs. Kafatos.”

Stephanie grinned, “I could get used to that.”

“Good. Now, are you ready to get out of that amazing gown?” Ries asked, setting his glass down and turning her to face away from him.

Her wedding dress had been approved by all of the Moustakas women and Nicolai. He’d had a smirk on his face when they’d started talking about the honeymoon and he was sure his brother would have ‘a good time’ getting Stephanie out of her dress.

Stephanie felt Ries’ hands at the nape of her neck as he began to undo the tiny seed pearl buttons that spanned the entirety of her spine. With each button he released, her breath hitched at the feel of his fingers on her bare skin.

Ries was making good progress, but Stephanie was about to go insane with wanting his hands on her person. “Ries, just cut it off already,” she pleaded with him.

“Patience, Stephanie. Patience.”

“Why? You’ve already made us wait three days.”

“Anticipation is good for the soul.”

“My soul is just fine. Get my dress off so that I can return the favor.”

“Your wish is my command,” Ries told her, placing an opened-mouth kiss on her spine before she felt a tug and then the entire dress loosened at once. Stephanie took a deep breath, and then gasped when Ries slid his hands around her torso, cupping her breasts at the same time he bit down on the tendon that connected her neck and shoulders.

“That feels good,” she murmured to him, closing her eyes and dropping her head back to lean against his shoulder. “Make love to me?”

“With pleasure.” Ries made short work of removing the remainder of her clothing and then he started in on his own. Stephanie had turned toward the bed and was now sitting in the middle of the mattress, posing as coyly as she could and watching him undress with hungry eyes.

“See something you want?” he asked as he kicked his boxers off.

“I see something I need.”

Ries crawled up on the mattress, settling himself between her thighs and holding her head between his hands while he kissed the breath out of her. He used teeth, tongue, lips, and hands to stir the passion in her to a frenzy. Only then did he join their bodies together, entering her without the aid of a condom for the very first time.

It was like heaven, feeling her wet heat against his bare skin.

“So, you know how we talked about having kids?” Ries asked, holding himself deep inside of her.

“Yes?” Stephanie answered him, pausing as he moved experimentally within her. “You’re not wearing a condom.”

“No. Is that okay?” Ries asked her, holding himself still even though it was killing him to do so.

Stephanie’s answer was in the relaxation of her body and the smile that curved her lips upward. “I can’t think of anything better. I love children.”

Ries kissed her and then began to move within her. Stephanie arched her back and her moans of delight spurred him onward. He loved her, he adored and worshipped her with his body, and when they experienced the ultimate passion together, Ries felt like a god.

Much later, Stephanie lay in his arms, idly playing her fingers across his chest. “Can I ask you something?”

“Anything,” he kissed her head.

“We’re still in danger, right?”

“Yes, but not like before. Why?”