Page 141 of When We Ignite

“For STDs,” I clarified.

His eyes widened, and he shook his head.

“I’m clean,” I told him, my tone softening. “But I won’t have sex with you without a condom unless you get tested, okay?”

Ethan’s expression wavered between surprise and understanding.

“Are you still with me?” I asked, watching his face carefully.

He set his jaw, his determination returning as he nodded. “Yes.”

I leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to his lips.

“If you need me to stop at any time, let me know.”

Ethan nodded, his expression intent.

I shifted to sit on the edge of the bed, reaching for the nightstand to grab the lube and a condom, placing them beside us. Glancing back, I caught Ethan leaning on his elbows, his eyes fixed on the condom, his face unusually serious.

“Pet,” I said, drawing his gaze to mine. “If you need more time?—”

“I don’t,” he interrupted. “I want this. I just need you to get me into it.”

A slow smile spread across my face. “That, I can do.”

I crawled back to him, lying beside him and gently maneuvering his body to face me. My lips found his in a slow kiss, one meant to soothe any lingering doubt.

Ethan melted against me, his body softening, pliant and utterly perfect.

My hand slid down his back, cupping his ass and pulling his hips flush with mine. “I’ll take care of you, darling. You’ve got nothing to be scared of.”

“I trust you, Ash,” he said, his eyes meeting mine.

“That’s all I’ve ever wanted,” I told him, kissing him again, my lips lingering on his. I trailed kisses down the curve of his neck, across the firm muscles of his shoulders, and along the dip of his clavicle. Ethan’s skin was like a map I wanted to memorize, every inch smooth, warm, and inviting.

I kissed his chest, feeling the rapid rise and fall of his breath. My hands caressed his sides, gliding over his ribs. My lips found his nipple, and I licked over it, rewarded by the sharp intake of his breath. I sucked lightly, eliciting a soft moan that sent a thrill through me.

Ethan arched beneath me as my mouth moved to his stomach, his abs tightening instinctively. I pressed a kiss to the space just below his navel, my hands gliding over his thighs.

“A Greek god,” I whispered, kissing the inside of his thigh and smiling at the way it quivered under my touch, “has nothing on you, my darling.”

Ethan smiled faintly, but it was the way his body responded that held my attention. I wrapped my hand around his cock, stroking him. His eyes fluttered shut, and he fell back against the bed, completely surrendering.

Grabbing the lube with my free hand, I slicked my fingers and shifted between his legs. My mouth moved over him, my lips and tongue working in tandem as I sucked his cock. The loud, unrestrained moan he let out was music to my ears.

I slid my fingers between his cheeks, circling the rim before gently pressing in. Ethan shifted against the bed, his body tense for a moment before he began to relax. I sucked him in earnest, allowing him to adjust to the sensation.

Pulling my mouth away, I curved my finger, pressing upward and watching the way his body reacted. The groan he let out was so raw, so visceral, I couldn’t help but smile. I pushed deeper, my focus entirely on him, on finding every spot that made him lose control.

When his hips began lifting off the bed, searching for more, I knew I was doing it right. I added a second finger, moving slowly, giving him time to adjust. His moans grew louder, his hands tangling in my hair, pulling and flexing in rhythm with the motion of my mouth and fingers.

“Ash,” he moaned, his voice ragged.

I pulled back, and he tried to hold me in place, but I shook my head.

“I can’t have you coming yet, pet. Too early,” I told him, and the frustrated sound he made had me biting back a grin.

I pressed my fingers upward again, and Ethan moaned, the sound rough and beautiful. I closed my eyes for a moment, letting the music of his voice guide me, playing him like an instrument.