Page 43 of Hush Darling

“Really?”

He shifted closer, and she looked at him. He was very close. “You gave me a shirt.”

“I did.” He dragged his finger over her hip. “But I like this better.”

“Mmm. Do you?” She reached for his cheek, leaning into his warmth. “Your face is so fuzzy, like a teddy bear.”

He caught her hand. “Careful, darling. Bears don’t like to be teased.”

“I’m not teasing.”

“Are you sure?”

She searched his eyes and nodded. “You won’t hurt me.”

“Of course not. My only goal is to make you feel good.”

She moaned. “I feel pretty good at the moment.” She continued to stroke his cheek. “Everything’s so sensual and alive.”

“I can make it feel even better if you want.”

She closed her eyes and hummed peacefully as the darkness came alive. The air sang, and colors danced. “I hear everything.”

He brushed a wisp of hair away from her face. “What do you hear?”

“The universe is singing to me.” She seemed as weightless as a music note and softer than a whisper. “I know I’m here, but it’s like I’m also there.”

He traced his fingers down her arm, leaving a trail of goosebumps on her skin. “Where’s that, darling?” He had such a deep, comforting voice.

“It’s like I’m in the stars. I can see everything.”

When she closed her eyes, the Never Lands spread out beneath her like a map. She was soaring without moving. Every heartbeat was a lifetime that only lasted a second, yet she saw everything in the blink of an eye.

“Is this what he meant when he said women could sing to the stars?”

“Not quite.” His breath teased her cheek. “Do you want me to show you how to sing like that?”

She peeked at him through her lashes. “Maybe?” She wasn’t sure if Cassian was any safer than the rest of them, but her curiosity was undeniable. She truly wanted to know what everyone else seemed to know. Taking his large hand, she pulled him closer. “Touch me, Cassian.”

He trailed his fingers slowly along her jaw and down to her collarbone. She sighed and arched into his touch, and her nipples tightened against the silk of her nightgown, shivering when his hand trailed between her breasts.

“Should I stop?”

“Why would you stop? It feels wonderful.”

He cupped her breast possessively. “Even this?”

“Especially that.” There was something about the aggressiveness of his hold that tightened the loose knots inside of her, bringing her to full attention.

“You like it a little rough, don’t you?”

“I don’t know. Maybe.” She kept her eyes closed.

“I think you do.” He nuzzled her throat with his lips, the crinkle of his beard abrading her soft skin. “Have you ever been held down and fucked?”

Her breath hitched as his mouth sealed to hers?—

“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?”