Page 36 of Dual

She nods, her breathing slowing, but I can still see the internal battle raging. She tries to roll her hips again, and my cock leaps for her. But her movements are stiff now. Self-conscious.

"We can stop," I say gently. "It's okay."

"No," she says fiercely, frustration flashing in her eyes. "No, I don't want to stop. I'm so tired of stopping. Of never getting to finish what we start."

I understand her frustration all too well. It mirrors my own, though I'd never admit it to her. I'd never add that weight to what she's already carrying.

"Maybe we can try something else," I suggest, stroking her back. "Something slower."

She shakes her head, tears of frustration gathering in her eyes. "I want to try again," she insists. Her hands move to the hem of her own shirt, starting to lift it.

I catch her wrists gently. "Anna, love, look at me."

She does, her eyes swimming with unshed tears, her lower lip caught between her teeth.

"Let's stay here," I suggest. "Right here, by the fire. Let's not rush. There's no reason to."

She hesitates, then nods, some of the tension leaving hershoulders. I shift her slightly in my lap, positioning her more comfortably, then brush her hair back from her face. My painfully hard cock begins to tame to something more manageable.

"Close your eyes," I murmur. "Just feel."

She complies, her lashes fluttering shut. I lean forward and press my lips to her forehead, her temple, then the curve of her cheek. Soft, reverent kisses that have nothing to do with lust and everything to do with love.

Fuck, I love her so much. I want her to feel nothing but safety in my arms now. She was so brave, pushing so far. There was no need, but I don't know how to make her understand that.

Gradually, I feel her relax in my arms, melting against me. I continue my gentle exploration, kissing the tip of her nose, the corner of her mouth, her chin. She sighs, a small smile curving her lips.

"That's it," I whisper. "Just stay with me."

I trail my fingertips up her arms. Over her shoulders. Down her back.

Not seeking, just touching.

Reminding her that she's in her body.

That she is safe. That she is loved.

Her hands rest against my chest, her touch light, almost tentative now. The fire crackles beside us, its warmth enveloping us like a cocoon.

"I'm sorry," she whispers, her eyes still closed.

"No," I say firmly. "No apologies. Not forthis."

She opens her eyes then, and they're clearer now, more present. "Kiss me again," she says softly. "Slow this time."

I do, capturing her lips in a gentle kiss that gradually deepens. She sighs against my mouth, her body softening. Yielding. Her hands slide up to cup my face, her touch tender.

When we break apart, she rests her forehead against mine, her breath warm on my lips.

"Thank you," she whispers.

"For what?"

"For not giving up on me. For staying."

I pull back enough to look her in the eyes. "I'll never give up on you, Anna. I am always yours."

She smiles, her eyes bright with emotion. Then she shifts, curling against my chest with her head tucked under my chin. I wrap my arms around her, holding her close, feeling her heartbeat against mine.