Page 118 of Savage Empire

“Oh, is that right?” he challenges, tilting his head. “Pleasantries out of the way then.”

“Can they really be called pleasantries when they’re words coming fromyourmouth?” I get the words out, but the biting tone dies on my tongue as Apollo begins to unbutton his shirt. He makes quick work of the dark fabric, uncovering his abdomen and eventually his arms.

He’s ridiculously chiseled, body littered with carved ridges and muscular bumps. His tanned skin looks soft and smooth, only broken up by the occasional healed scar. Even his body hair looks soft.

“Don’t be so hard on my mouth.” His husky voice breaks me out of my gawking. “I promise you’ll have an entirely new attitude toward it once I plant it between your legs.”

I blink, feeling an undeniable throb that has me squeezing my thighs closer together.

“Come here.” He motions to the space in front of him before holding out a hand.

I could argue with him. I could make every bit of this process more difficult for him, but I honestly don’t want to. I’m supposed to give this a fair shot, and I already feel like I’ve bickered enough. Today is meant to be about me and my pleasure. God knows it’s been far too long since a man put his hands on my body with the intent of satisfying it.

So, I don’t resist Apollo’s order. I allow my feet to carry me closer, and reach out slowly. His hand surrounds the back of my knuckles, guiding me forward without another word. He presses my open palm against his stomach, his muscles tensing slightly at my touch. Warmth radiates from his skin to mine, and I breathe out, allowing myself to enjoy it.

He loosens his grip, allowing my fingers to glide over his middle and up to his chest. He’s hairier than I would’ve expected, but I find myself drawn to the dark thatches of black curls that grow from his chest. Thinner, lighter hair peppers down his stomach, darkening once again when it passes his belly button.My nails gently brush over his nipple, prompting a scatter of gooseflesh to bloom. I lick my lips, savoring the reaction as my hand instinctively moves down. Wandering fingers draw up and down the contoured V that leads to his waistband.

My eyes grow hooded and heavy as I notice the bulge in his slacks. The temptation to let my fingers trace a lower path builds, but it’s interrupted by Apollo’s next command.

“Lift your arms.”

“I’m not as fit as you are,” I warn him, slowly extending my arms toward the ceiling.

“If I wanted rough and muscular edges, I’d find someone at the gym,” he retorts, hands sliding up my sides. He grips the edges of my shirt and pulls up, ridding me of the fabric without delay. My eyes flutter and my arms drop down as I hesitantly wait for his reaction.

My pink lacy bra doesn’t leave much to the imagination, and if the look on his face is any indicator, Apollo is a fan.

“Did my brother pick that out for you?” he asks, voice shifting dangerously.

“Which one?” I taunt, lifting a brow.

His eyes narrow and I gulp. He didn’t find my quip amusing whatsoever. “I picked out my own underwear. You brought me to the shop, remember? I didn’t even give Armani my bra size for the shopping he did.”

“Good,” he grunts. “Take your pants off.”

“You’re very bossy,” I return, trying not to blush. “You take your pants off first.”

“I told you, Rayna. I’m in control.” He looks me up and down with his pupils blown wide. His gaze is so dark, so promising. “I’ll let this one slide, since I can see your heartbeat pounding in your neck, and I know you’re nervous.”

“I’m not nerv—” The words die on my tongue as he moves.

Apollo reaches for his belt, and my eyes are drawn to the way his pants move away from his body, giving me a peek of more skin. The spread of dark hair leading below his pants doesn’t seem to end, and I’m thrilled by it. Dirty videos online are filled with men who are shaved and waxed top to bottom, and I’ve never hated it, but there’s something so masculine about a hairy man’s body. He normally looks like such a put together mobster. Clean shaven face, crisp suits, and designer watches. But this rugged side of him is doing something to me.

He steps out of his slacks and my throat tightens, seeing the way his cock strains against his tight black boxers. His size is evident and intimidating, but enticing too. I want to know how it would feel in my hand, how heavy and full he’d be, and how hot his skin would burn.

My hands itch with the urge to reach out and resume touching him. Ears going hot, I feel my heartbeat thunder as he steps forward, backing me up until my legs brush against my bed.

Apollo reaches for the band of my leggings, eyes locking on my face while he makes short work of removing them. He leavesmy lace panties in place and pushes me back, holding me by the back of my neck as he swiftly lowers me into bed.

“Did you wear these for me?” he murmurs, fingers ghosting over the dainty, pale pink fabric covering my sex.

The matching bralette is still hiding my tits from him and I almost wish it was on the ground with the rest of our clothes. I want to see how his face would react to getting a more detailed look at me. Would he like what he sees?

I drag my teeth over my bottom lip. “I didn’t even think you’d show up.” It’s only half a lie. I did wear a nice set in case he came, but I had my doubts that he would.

The air cracks between us, the lust so evident that I can practically taste it. “My little pessimist,” he tsks. “No faith in me…that will need to change when we wed.”

“Ifwe wed,” I correct, taking in a shuddering breath.