My heart races as I sit in Denis's car, the silence between us so thick I could cut it with a knife. I can't stop replaying our heated moment from earlier, the way his strong fingers trailed patterns across my breasts, how his lips barely grazed mine before he suddenly pulled away. Why? The question gnaws at me, making my stomach churn.

I sneak a glance at Denis, his chiseled profile taut with tension as he focuses on the road. His knuckles are white on the steering wheel. What is he thinking? Does he regret almost kissing me?

"Are you okay?" I venture, unable to bear the quiet any longer.

"Fine," he says curtly, not even sparing me a look. He speeds up, as though he can’t wait to get out of this car.

I sink back into my seat, deflated. So much for letting my walls fall. As we drive through the darkening streets, my mind spirals with possibilities. Maybe he doesn't find me attractive after all. I'm not exactly the svelte bombshell type—more soft curves than sharp angles. Or worse, what if he's disgusted by the idea of being with someone so much younger?

"You know, if you didn't want to kiss me, you could have just said so," I blurt out, immediately regretting my words.

Denis's eyes flick to me, surprise evident in those mesmerizing gray-green depths. "Natalia…"

But he doesn't continue, leaving me even more confused and frustrated. I cross my arms over my chest, staring out the window as the familiar scenery of our neighborhood comes into view.

"You know what?" I challenge, turning to face him fully. "Either you want me or you don't."

Denis's eyes meet mine briefly, and for some infuriating reason, I see a smile lurking somewhere in there. "Trust me, Natalia. I want you. More than you know."

My breath catches in my throat. Then why did he stop? Before I can ask, we're pulling into the driveway of our home.

As Denis shifts the car into park, a palpable change sweeps over him. He turns to me, his gaze roving over my face with such focus I can almost feel it like a physical touch.

"Denis?" I whisper, my voice trembling slightly.

Without a word, he's out of the car and striding around to my side. The door flies open and he's there, looming over me, his presence electric. My breath catches as he extends a hand.

"Come," he commands, his voice a low rumble that sends shivers down my spine.

Did I do something wrong?

I place my hand in his, gasping as he practically lifts me from the seat. His fingers intertwine with mine, grip firm as he leads me toward the house. My shorter legs struggle to keep up with his long strides.

"What's going on?" I ask breathlessly as we cross the threshold.

Denis doesn't answer, instead tugging me up the stairs. My heart pounds, a mix of excitement and nervousness flooding my veins. We reach his bedroom and he slams the door shut. He pauses, turning to me with an expression that can only be described as hunger.

"Natalia," he growls, his hands now reaching for my waist. I suck in a deep gasp of air as his fingers squeeze deliciously into my curves. I feel my entire body tremble when he inches closer and closer until I have no option but to back up against the wall, with him holding me in, his body towering mine.

His eyes gaze over my face, my curves, and my legs, before meeting mine. And I swear that the look he gives me literally makes me melt.

He growls. "I can't hold back anymore."

His lips crash into mine, stealing my breath and any coherent thought. I melt into him, my arms instinctively wrapping around his neck as he presses his body against mine. The kiss is all-consuming, urgent, and passionate in a way that makes my toes curl.

"God, I've wanted to do this for so long," Denis murmurs against my lips, his hands roaming my curves with newfound freedom.

I can barely form words, lost in the sensation of his touch. "Then why did you stop earlier?" I manage to gasp out between kisses.

He pulls back slightly, his eyes dark with desire. "Because, Darling, I wanted to savor every moment with you. And that requires privacy."

He then reaches for my neck, nuzzling into it, causing a delicious tickle. I let out a surprised squeal that quickly turns into breathless laughter.

My laughter is cut short as Denis slams me against the wall harder, his mouth now once again upon mine. He flicks his tongue over my bottom lip, and I part way for him to make his way inside. His hands are everywhere, igniting fires across my skin. I gasp against his lips, "Denis, what's gotten into you?"

He pulls back, his gray eyes intense with flecks of green blazing. "You, Natalia. You've consumed me."

My heart races at his words. I reach up, running my fingers through his black hair.

His hands move to my shirt, ripping it open. Buttons scatter across the floor as I gasp in surprise and arousal. The cool air hits my skin, and I arch into him instinctively.

"Is this okay?" he asks, his voice husky with desire but still seeking my consent.

I nod fervently. "God, yes."

I reach behind me, unhooking my bra with trembling fingers. Denis's eyes widen as it loosens, revealing the fluidity of my breasts. His gaze is hungry, appreciative, making me feel more beautiful than I’ve ever felt before.

"You're perfect," he breathes, his fingers reaching for the sleeves of my shirt, as he slowly pulls it off. My breath hitches in my throat, and he now reaches for the straps of my bra, slowly sliding it off my arms, his eyes traveling with it until it lays fallen on the floor.

And when he looks back at me, his eyes smoldering like he could cut through metal on my half-naked body, I feel like an absolute goddess.

I blush, unused to such intense admiration. "Denis, I—”

"You're so beautiful," he silences me, his fingers lightly brushing against my skin as if they can't bear to be separated from me for even a moment. I close my eyes, basking in the feel of his touch, his breath tickling my skin.

And then, his lips find mine again. I groan against his mouth, my arms curved around his neck.

Denis's hands slide down my body, and I feel every piece of his skin against mine as he reaches for the hem of my skirt. With a swift motion, he hikes it up and hooks his fingers into the waistband of my panties, tugging them down.

I can't help but giggle, despite the heated moment. "Someone's impatient," I tease, my voice breathless.

He grins looking up at me, nipping lightly on my thigh. "You have no idea.”

His large hands cup my ass, and I jerk from the current that passes through as he rises up, pulling me up with him and I instinctively lift off the ground, wrapping my legs around his waist. The feeling of being pressed between Denis and the wall sends a thrill through me.

"Tell me," I whisper, running my fingers through his hair.

"Every. Single. Day," he growls, punctuating each word with a kiss along my collarbone. "Since the moment I saw you."

I moan softly, arching into him. "Denis, please…"

Without warning, he carries me to the bed, my legs still locked around him. He tosses me down, and I bounce slightly on the mattress, watching with wide eyes as he begins to undress.

My breath catches in my throat as Denis reveals his body. He's perfection incarnate—all chiseled abs, broad shoulders, and strong arms. I drink in the sight of him, marveling at how this Adonis of a man could want someone like me.

"See something you like?" Denis asks, a devilish grin spreading across his face as he crawls onto the bed.

I nod, unable to form words as he hovers over me. His hands grasp my thighs, spreading them wider as he settles between them.

"Good," he murmurs, pulling me closer. "Because I'm about to show you just how much I like what I see."

I shiver in anticipation as Denis lowers his head, his warm breath ghosting over my sensitive skin. His tongue darts out, teasing me with light, fleeting touches that make me squirm.

"Denis," I whimper, my fingers twisting in the sheets.

He chuckles, the vibration sending sparks through me.

His mouth descends fully, and I cry out as he sucks my clit. The sensation is overwhelming, pleasure coursing through my veins. I feel him insert a finger, curling it inside me as he continues his moves.

Just as I feel the tension coiling tighter, ready to snap, Denis pulls away. I whine at the loss, but my protests die in my throat as I watch him position himself above me.

"Ready?" he asks, his voice husky with desire.

I nod eagerly, gasping as I feel him enter me. The stretch is exquisite, a delicious burn that has me arching off the bed.

"Fuck," I breathe, clutching at his shoulders. "You feel amazing."

Denis groans, his forehead pressed against mine as he begins to move. "If only you could feel yourself.”

I close my eyes in bliss, the pleasure threatening to overwhelm me. Slowly, I begin to meet his thrusts.

His pace quickens, and when he lifts my legs over my shoulders to hit his cock deeper inside me, my eyes ram open and I gasp at how fucking good this feels. The sight of him losing control because of me is intoxicating.

His gaze lingers over me, and he bends his head lower. My nails dig into his back as I slam my hips over the bed, in a quest to take him deeper.

"Denis," I moan as he captures a nipple between his lips. "I'm close…"

"Let go for me, Sweetheart," Denis growls, his rhythm intensifying. "I want to feel you come undone."

His words push me over the edge. I cry out, my body arching as waves of pleasure crash over me. Denis doesn't slow down, prolonging my orgasm with each thrust.

"That's it," he murmurs, his voice strained. "You're so beautiful like this."

As I come down from my high, I notice a change in Denis. His carefully maintained control is slipping, his movements becoming more erratic. It's intoxicating to watch him lose himself in me.

"Don't hold back," I whisper, running my nails down his back. "I want all of you."

A primal sound escapes him as he drives into me harder, faster. The bed creaks beneath us, but I can barely hear it over our shared gasps and moans.

"Natalia," he groans, his muscles tensing. With a final, powerful thrust, he stills, and I feel the warmth of his release inside me.

We stay like that for a moment, both catching our breath. Denis peppers soft kisses along my neck and collarbone, making me giggle.

"That tickles," I say, running my fingers through his damp hair.

He chuckles, rolling to the side and pulling me with him. I snuggle into his chest, feeling safe and content in his arms.

"Was it worth the wait?" I ask teasingly, tracing patterns on his skin.

Denis tilts my chin up, his gray eyes soft with affection. "Every second," he murmurs, kissing me tenderly.

As we drift off to sleep, tangled in each other's arms, I can't help but marvel at how much has changed. This man, one I swore I’d keep at arm’s length, is now one I can’t keep my hands off. And I wouldn't have it any other way.