Page 73 of Hearts Held

I’m welcomed by the sight of her curves.

Her smooth porcelain skin begging to be touched.

The rise and fall of her bare breasts begging to be sucked.

Two fingers slowly skate across her chest and push the fabric off her delicate body.

I want to grab her. Make her mine. Claim her.

Though I do not want to harm her, nor do I want to scare her. She is only beginning her journey down this new pathway. If I lose myself, I may lose her entirely as well.

Pursing my lips, I continue my slow exploration by pushing the dress off either shoulder. The heavy beaded fabric falls to the ground with a thud.

“If you want me to stop, saystop. Do you understand?” I ask with reverence.

She nods her gorgeous head, her curls bouncing with the movement.

“No,” I state. “Say it.”

She clears her throat. “Stop. I’ll say stop, if I need you to. Please, Everett.”

I cock one eyebrow and slowly walk her back to the bed. “Please, what?”

She swallows, clearly uncomfortable asking for what she wants. Too bad—this is something she needs to practice.

“Touch. Me. Please,” she grits through her teeth. Her patience has now dissolved. I therefore chuckle.

Her small hand comes up in my peripheral vision. I brace myself, thinking she is about to slap me. Which I wouldn’t mind. But instead she places either hand upon the lapels of my shirt and forces it open. The buttons sprawl out in various directions.

Mrs. Foster is not going to be happy withour mess.

She moves feverishly, tugging my suspenders off my shoulders, then sits on the edge of the bed as she reaches for my trousers. I cease her impatient hands.

“Brielle, when was the last time you had someone?” I ask quietly, so as to not ruin the moment. Though I need to understand her limits.

Her cheeks turn bright crimson, then she peers down at the floor. She begins to place her arms over her chest to hide herself from me, butno.

Thatis not allowed.

“A while,” she states. “A long while. I’m not as experienced as you. If you’re going to judge me or make fun of me, I shall take my leave now.” Her eyes narrow up at me.

Releasing my hold of her wrists, I encircle my arms around her and whisper into her hair, “I’d never take the piss out of you. I just need to be careful with our first time. Now lie back,” I growl.

I inhale slowly.

Steadily.

For the first time in a very long time, someone will see my scars.

Let her see me fully. Lay my vulnerability at her feet.

Chapter 23: Brielle

Lips On You, Maroon 5

My thighs feel the pressure of the mattress.

“You want me?” he asks sternly.