Page 67 of Fragile Lives

He traces the line of my throat with his free hand down to my chest and stops between my breasts. I’m wearing an oversized T-shirt—his—with no bra, and I imagine how good his hand would feel if he only moved his hand a bit to the left or to the right. I’ve never been into guys playing with my boobs before. I never felt anything and had to pretend to be aroused just so it wouldn’t be awkward. But with Stephan, it’s different. My whole body is taut and electrified. It’s like if he touches any spot below my neck with his bare hands, I might combust in flames.

In the meantime, his hand comes back up, pulling on the collar of my shirt.

“How do you like to play?”

“Vanilla.” My throat is dry, so my voice comes out rough. “I like to play vanilla.”

His low chuckle is the sexiest sound I’ve ever heard. “I like vanilla.”

I try to laugh, but it comes out as a moan as his hand moves back down and dips under my shirt. He moves back up and lands on my ribs. He spreads his large palm over the front of me, his thumb grazing over the bottom of my left boob.Just move it a little higher, damn it.

I squirm, reminding him to move, and he chuckles again. This sound…He should do it more often.

“Impatient, I see.”

He brings his mouth close to mine, a breath away…But not touching.

“I can fuck you the way no one else ever will.” His voice is coarse. Restrained. Patient.

“I don—”

He presses his lips to mine and quickly pulls back before I can even understand what’s happening.

“Sh-sh-sh.” Another quick peck. “You had your chance to talk. Now you’ll be quiet. I’m talking.”

I keep my mouth shut, excited at the prospect. A few hours ago, this powerful, dominant man let me have all the control, and it felt so good. Now I want to experience being on the receiving end of his dominance.

“Nod if you agree.”

I go to nod, but he yanks my hair again, sending a shot of pain through my scalp.

…and I can feel how wet I get in an instant.

My mouth falls open in surprise, and his chuckle into my ear causes another shudder. Fuck it, he didn’t even do anything, and I’m already so fired up.

He kneels in front of me, still holding my hair in his fist. He opens his hand and places his palm on the back of my head. My hair falls down, cascading over my shoulders.

“You are so beautiful, Lei. You don’t even know it.”

“It’s the hair.” I glance to my right, seeing the long, heavy waves resting on my shoulder. I’ve been told my hair is pretty.

“No.” He shakes his head, suddenly grabbing my face in his hands. “I mean, yes, your hair is gorgeous. But it’s more.” His eyes dart between mine. “It’s you. You’re just….” He takes a deep breath before continuing, “I would give everything to keep you, but I got nothing left to give.”

“Don’t say that…” I whisper. This moment of sexual tension quickly turns into something else.

His lips cover mine in a gentle kiss. Very slow and gentle. I wrap my hands around his wrists, feeling his pulse under my fingertips.

He pulls away and touches his forehead to mine.

“I went too far with you and promised too much I can’t deliver.”

I know he’s not talking about sex, because that’s something he sure can deliver.

“But you’re addictive. Better than any drug I’ve ever tried.” He inhales deeply and closes his eyes. “But I can’t stay away from you. Not when we’re in close quarters like this. How can I stay away from you? Tell me how.”

“Don’t,” I whisper, because him staying away is the last thing I want.

“I can’t, Lei. I can’t be with you.” His voice is full of agonizing torture.