Chapter 2

Tess

~Blue Jay~

Somewhere, hundreds of kilometers above earth, I woke to dry, recirculated air and the sickening smell of over-nuked food.

Brax brushed his lips on my forehead. “Dinner is being served, honey.”

I scooted upright in the prison of a chair, wincing at my flat butt. Holy hell, it took a long time to travel across the world.

An air hostess wheeled a trolley slowly down the aisle, smiling fakely and handing out tinfoil-wrapped trays.

“What do you want?” Brax asked, slapping a hand over his wide yawn.

I knew how he felt. All I wanted was a hot shower, a soft bed, and Brax to spoon me.

I shrugged. “I dunno. What were the options again?”

The air hostess arrived at our row, beaming. “Chicken casserole or beef stir-fry?”

Both sounded woefully unappealing, but I said, “Chicken, please.”

Brax ordered the beef, and silence reigned while we ate. Whenever I thought about arriving at the hotel, a mini montage took over.

The movie played in my mind: kissing him, telling him I loved him, then pouncing with need. Brax would push up my skirt and claim me in front of wide-eyed guests.

~My libido has left the realm of normalcy.~

Flutters wouldn’t stop in the darkest part of my belly. The knowledge that I’d finally confess what I needed sexually, terrified and thrilled me.

Brax smiled, chewing a piece of broccoli. “What are you thinking about? You’re wearing that stunned tuna look of yours.”

~Oh, nothing, sweetie. Just fantasizing about you pinning my wrists and taking me hard. ~He’d probably throw himself out the plane. I was the one twisting our relationship. ~I~ was the one who’d changed.

Change, to Brax, was ~not~ a good thing.

I dropped my gaze, shoving a piece of dried chicken around. “I was thinking how much I love you, and how I can’t wait to be in bed. Alone.”

His face softened, looking so handsome in the dim interior lights. The glow highlighted his smooth jaw, blue eyes, and floppy brown hair. His strong arms and stocky frame screamed builder.

Hell, I loved how he stood so big and strong. He could dominate me so easily… but never did. He treated me like glass.

Special cut-crystal—placed me on a pedestal where I had to shine and remain dust free and perfect.

He pressed his forehead against mine. “I love you, too.

“I’m so happy we’re spending this time together.” He pushed his meal away, or as much as he could on the tiny table, and awkwardly reached into a pocket. “I have a present for you.

“To remind you of this amazing holiday.”

I couldn’t breathe. My tongue turned into a brick and saliva morphed into mortar.

He dropped a black velvet box into my lap, then rubbed the back of his neck. “I know we’ve been together for two years, and I love you with all my heart, Tess.”

“But each year I spend with you, I grow more and more nervous I’m going to lose you.”

Suddenly, the cabin stifled with old demons from our pasts, haunting us. I leaned over and kissed his lips gently, just the way he liked. My heart hurt for him.

Would he ever get over losing his parents? The doctors said his night terrors would stop eventually, but it’d been six years since his folks died, and he still couldn’t fall asleep without pills.

I whispered, “You will never lose me, Brax. Never. I swear it.” I kissed him again, and his mouth opened under mine.

His tongue flicked out and licked my lower lip, sending heat shooting like little stars.

I moaned and pressed harder, opening wider, forcing more intensity.

He pulled back, smirking shyly. His eyes darted around the cabin as if we’d be reprimanded by the flight attendants.

I murmured, “Can I open it now?”

His face flashed with confusion. “What?”

Feminine satisfaction swelled; I’d distracted him enough with a kiss that he’d forgotten. “The gift.

“Can I open it now, or wait till we get to the hotel?” Boldness sizzled, and I whispered, “Because I have a present for you, too, but you have to wait till we arrive.” My voice, layered with husky welcome, caused his nostrils to flare.

“Y—you can open it now.”

I grinned, grabbing the box, happier than I’d been for a while. Brax was responding. Captive audience, I supposed.

I cracked open the box; my heart flurried. “Brax, it’s… gorgeous.”

“You like it?” His voice heightened to boyish delight as he plucked the bracelet from its cage of velvet.

“I don’t like it. I love it.” I placed the box on my lap, holding out a wrist. I couldn’t tear my eyes off the dainty silver jewelry.

It symbolized us: gentle love hearts entwined with silver strands, the occasional glint of diamonds at the center of each heart.

Brax’s fingertips grazed the underside of my wrist, securing the clasp. I shivered, sucking in a shaky breath.

“Tess … I—”

Tension blossomed between us, like a fast unfurling flower, and I ached. Ached for him. Ached for connection. Ached for his body inside mine.

Something hot seared in our gaze, and Brax clenched his jaw.

He dropped his eyes, breaking the spell.

Pretending nothing had happened, I rested my head on his shoulder, inspecting my new bracelet. “I’ll never take it off.”

He sighed, snuggling closer, kissing the top of my head. “I don’t want you to. It’s yours forever. Just like me.”

I inhaled sharply, breathing in his soft apple scent from our shared body wash. Would he ever stop making me hurt and heal at the same time?

“Forever,” I whispered and closed my eyes.

The next time I awoke, tires bounced on the runway. In a foggy haze, we disembarked.

The airport was manic, even at one in the morning, and we let the sea of passengers guide us through immigration and processing.

By the time we headed outside to the awaiting taxis, my scratchy eyes felt like a cat had mistaken them for catnip, and my mind was cotton wool.

I let Brax lead the way, following obediently while he searched for our driver to the hotel.

“Stay here. I’m going to ask at the info desk. The hotel should’ve arranged a shuttle for us.”

He parked the suitcases by the curb, and I took his laptop satchel, blocking it with my feet. I plonked on top of one of the cases. “No problem. I’ll guard the bags.”

He caressed my cheek. “I’ll be right back.”

I smiled, capturing his hand as he pulled away. “I’ll miss you till then.”

With a grin, he turned and headed the way we’d come. I admired his fine butt in his baggy jeans. Just once, I’d love to see him in a nice suit, or at least some fitted trousers.

No matter how many compliments I rained on him, Brax acted forever self-conscious. Silly man. He didn’t see the way other women looked at him, but I did. My claws unsheathed every time.

Ten minutes passed while I sat in the little oasis our bags created, and my nervousness steadily grew. Mexico was loud, boisterous, and the air hung heavy and wet with humidity.

We were used to the heat in Australia, but that was dry heat. The moisture saturated my clothes, turning my curly hair limp.

“Excuse me, ~señorita.~ ”

I twisted on the case, glancing behind me. A good-looking Mexican man took off a baseball cap, bowing slightly. His black eyes assessed, making me squirm on the inside.

“Yes?” I asked, standing upright, looking for Brax out of the corner of my eye. Where the hell was he?

“I wondered if you were here on your own? Do you need a lift somewhere? I have a taxi. I can take you wherever you need to go.”

A wide smile showed stained teeth and skin crinkled around his eyes in a friendly way. My instincts didn’t flare into panic mode; I relaxed a little. “No, thanks. I’m here with my boyfriend—”

“Tess?” Brax appeared like an apparition, glaring at the man. “Can I help you?”

The man backed up, putting his baseball cap on. “Not at all, ~señor~. Just wanting to make sure such a pretty girl stays safe. This city is not good for women left alone.”

Brax puffed his chest, dragging me toward him. My eyes widened as his arm clenched around my shoulders. “She’s safe. Thanks for your concern.” He turned to me, dismissing the man entirely.

“I’ve found the shuttle. You ready to go?”

I nodded, looking to where the man had been, but he’d disappeared—swallowed by the heaving crowd. I bit my lip; just how safe ~was~ this country?

I’d heard the horror stories, as well as the great regales. Either way, I wouldn’t be letting Brax out of my sight again. I wasn’t stupid enough to think nothing could harm me.

Dragging our suitcases, we made it to the shuttle bus, and spent the next forty-five minutes bouncing and swerving on Mexican roads.

The traffic was psychotic—an accident begging to happen—and my heart remained in my throat most of the way. Traffic lights meant nothing, and scooters were given right of way.

Pedestrians and cyclists threaded like a massive, living organism at two in the morning. If it was this crazy now, what the hell was it like during normal hours?

It seemed life never slept here. Every bar we passed, pumping with Salsa dancers and spicy tunes, dispelled my sleepiness.

I wanted to dance, to rub against Brax, to drink yummy cocktails, and enjoy ourselves.

I immediately loved Mexico.

I’d gone my whole life thinking I was timid, brow-beaten, and unwanted by my family, only to find I was a lust-filled dancer with so many dark desires.

This trip would allow me to inspect who I truly was, to be honest, and find the real me.

To stop being Tess, the girl who hadn’t stood up for anything in her life—the girl who morphed into what others wanted—and evolve. ~I’ll find the true Tess~. My stomach twisted.

What if the real me wasn’t worthy of Brax?

We pulled up to a sweeping resort with huge carvings of sombreros and tropical fruit. A fountain jetted water so high it almost touched the three-story ceiling.

A bellhop took our luggage and Brax checked us in. I wandered in bliss and wonderment. The resort was a living jungle: palm trees, ferns, and exoticness in every corner.

I thrummed with anticipation. I didn’t care we’d been awake for twenty-four hours. I wanted to explore and walk along the beach I heard in the distance.

The soft slap of waves on sand enticed skinny-dipping and making love under the moonlight.

Arms banded around my waist, pulling me backward. I gasped, landing against hard muscle and wrinkled clothing. Brax kissed my collarbone; I shuddered. “Ready for bed, hun?”

Oh, yes, I was definitely ready for bed. More than ready.

I nodded breathlessly.

Brax swiveled me in his arms, taking my luggage at the same time. A bellhop stood behind, smiling indulgently. “Please, go ahead. I’ll bring your bags.”

We entered the lift, and the bellhop squeezed in, too. The mirrored interior reflected in every direction.

My hair was a tangled bird’s nest, my sheer blouse crumpled and ready for a wash, and my grey-blue eyes sparkled with lust and love.

I hoped Brax saw what twinkled in my soul. How much I cared for him.

His blue eyes were warm and content as we disembarked the lift, making our way to our room. The corridor was a wide balcony, open-air with huge potted ferns and little cozy seats arranged for privacy.

“This one, if you please, sir,” the bellhop said, pointing to a door as we walked.

Brax grinned and inserted the key card. Once he placed the card in the little holder by the door, soft light illuminated. I moved forward in a trance.

The room was decorated in a perfect Mexican décor of carved wood and bright paintings. The bedspread was a fiesta of colors and textures.

Handwoven rugs in purples, reds, and yellows littered the hardwood floor.

I squealed in childish amazement and dashed to the balcony. The gloom of darkness whispered magically as I listened to the waves hissing on the shore.

Heaven. ~I’m in heaven.~

Brax tipped the bellhop and closed the door. I twisted to face him; my breathing accelerated. We were finally alone after a crazy long journey.

My new bracelet tinkled, overflowing my heart with joy. I stepped toward him. Brax held out his arms, looking tired but happy.

Fitting me into his embrace perfectly, he rested his chin on my head. “Sorry I couldn’t afford five stars, Tessie.”

My eyes widened. We were in the middle of a dream and he worried he couldn’t give me more. Couldn’t he see this was perfect?

I didn’t respond. Instead, I captured his face in my hands. He froze, staring deep into my eyes. I sent messages of hunger and hot swirling need.

I wanted to crawl inside his soul and light a fire to match the flames licking me.

I kissed him.

Brax tilted his head, allowing my tongue to slink between his lips, but he didn’t gather me closer. ~Come on. Please, need me, too.~

I kissed harder, pressing against him with an urgency growing out of control. I was too hot. I needed him too much, for far too long.

I should’ve spoken sooner—told him how badly I needed to be possessed. For months, I’d felt cast adrift, like he was no longer my anchor.

I needed him to remind me I belonged to him, just like he belonged to me.

Brax chuckled beneath my kisses, twisting his lips. “What’s got into you, Tess? You can’t keep your hands off me.”

My stomach twisted; I blushed. “Is it so bad I want you? Need you? We’re in a new country. Can we celebrate our first night?” My eyes flew to the bed and back to his gaze.

“We could have a shower together, then I can show you my present.”

My present consisted of dressing in fishnet tights, garter belt, and the ridiculously expensive push-up bra I’d bought. I’d planned it all.

I’d strut my stuff, and Brax would gawk, making me feel like a goddess. I’d massage him with strawberry body oil, until he couldn’t stand it any longer and secured my wrists with my knickers.

He’d take me from behind, our bodies slip-sliding intoxicatingly, arousing me beyond belief.

I’d even been to the beauticians and had some rather painful waxing in my nether regions especially for the occasion.

I trembled at the thought of Brax’s gaze darkening, his body becoming feral and possessive.

He pecked my lips, groaning, “I’m super tired. Can we rain check till the morning?”

Disappointment flooded my bloodstream, dousing my need like ice water. Even though it killed me and tears tickled, I dropped my arms, releasing Brax from my embrace. “That’s okay. I understand.”

He sighed. “Okay, okay. If you need me so badly, I’m game.” His voice was resigned, but he smiled tiredly.

~Are we really this stale?~

Passion fizzled to fear. I couldn’t show him. Not now. Not when he seemed happy with vanilla and missionary every other month.

I didn’t want him thinking I was a sexual deviant, or ruin our holiday before it’d even begun.

I made up my mind not to spill my secrets. It was a mistake to think I could. “No, you’re right. It’s late. We should go to sleep,” I muttered.

Moving away, I didn’t get far before Brax captured my elbow. Groaning, he ran a hand through his brown hair. “Why did you do that?”

I blinked. “Do what?”

“Lie. You never lie.”

Shame shimmered over my skin; I looked at the bright rug on the floor. “I’m sorry, Brax. I just—I don’t want to show you anymore.”

He straightened, sucking in a breath. “Why? What’s changed?”

Useless tears invaded my eyes. ~Stop tearing up!~ It wasn’t bad—just different. But I no longer wanted different. I wanted to please Brax. I hated being selfish. ~I’m a horrible person.~

He ducked, looking into my watery gaze. “Hey, Tess. What is it? Tell me.” He pulled me to the bed and into his lap. I huddled into his chest.

What if I told him and he hated me? He’d pull away and leave me alone, just like my parents. I’d be another ~mistake.~

I didn’t answer, letting him rock me, trying to untangle my jumbled thoughts.

Brax murmured, “Remember how we met? What you said to me?”

Of course, I remembered. He’d made me bleed. Our first encounter didn’t exactly conform to first meeting etiquette. I giggled quietly. “I called you an arse.”

He laughed. “Not that.” Stroking my back, he dived into past memories. “I was walking Blizzard on the beach and threw a stick for him.

“Out of nowhere, this girl careened like a fallen angel, completely out of control I might add, on a kite board.

“She bounced along the surf, splashing and spluttering, before a huge gust of wind catapulted her out of the water and right into the face of my husky.”

A phantom injury twinged at the memory. I’d been a flipping idiot to think I could kite board. It had been a ‘get outside my comfort zone’ attempt. It failed. Rather drastically.

Brax continued, “I couldn’t believe it when your kite took off down the beach, dragging you and my dog with it.

“I managed to pounce on you, but it took a good half an hour to untangle you from Blizzard with all those strings and harnesses.” His gaze darkened. “I was so worried when I finally got you free.

“You were bleeding pretty bad from your shoulder and had a black eye. My poor dog had a sore paw and a broken stick.” He ran a finger along my cheekbone.

The broken stick had caused the bleeding shoulder. Freakin’ stick.

“I asked if you wanted to go to the hospital, and you asked if it was really that bad. I didn’t want you to freak out, so I lied.

“I said it was just a scratch, when in reality it was a gaping hole, gushing with blood and bits of bark sticking out everywhere. I lied ‘cause I didn’t know what to say.”

I flinched. It had been pretty bad. Earned me eight stitches, but Brax never left my side.

“I lied and you said—”

“Never lie. The truth hurts less than fibs and fakers.” I remembered that day as if it happened two hours ago. I’d been hurt, because it was my eighteenth birthday and my parents forgot.

“The truth hurts less than fibs and fakers,” Brax repeated. “That’s always stayed with me because it’s so honest and raw. It told me so much about you and made me fall in love.

“So many people lied to me about my parents' death. Glossing over the darkness, and hiding the gnarly truth.”

His arms latched tighter, pressing me hard against him. “Not having the chance to say goodbye will haunt me forever. And not knowing the truth about why they crashed eats at my soul.”

His eyes burned into mine. “So, Tess. Don’t lie to me. The truth is the only path for us.”

I nodded; he was right. I should never have brought it up if I didn’t have the guts to follow through.

“Let me go. I’ll show you.” ~Please, please like it. Like me.~

He reached for my hand, squeezing my fingers. “I’d like to see whatever you want to show me.”

I bit my lip. His eyes changed from crisp blue to smouldering cerulean. Hot happiness scorched me, and I kissed him. “You have no idea what this means to me.”

He ducked his head, looking through half-lidded eyes. “I think I do.” Helping me off his lap, he tapped my butt. “Go. Be quick, so I don’t fall asleep.”

My new confidence deflated. ~Can I really ask him to change?~

Brax groaned. “Tess, you’re overthinking it.” He pulled me back, wedging me between his spread thighs. “I’m never letting you go.”

“So whatever it is, don’t be afraid.” He dropped his hand, capturing the silver bracelet. “I hope you know this isn’t just a bracelet to me.” His fingers stroked the underside of my arm; I shivered.

“It’s a promise of more. When I can afford what you deserve, I’ll make you mine.”

I leaned in and hugged him tight. “I’m already yours.”

His breath turned shallow and he leaned up to kiss me. It started innocent, sweet, but slowly, he tilted his head, kissing deeper. His hand dropped to my waist, closing the remaining distance.

His tongue licked mine in gentle invitation.

I clenched my hands on his shoulders as I warmed, shedding fear and uncertainty. I moaned as he nibbled my bottom lip, reaching behind my neck to make me bend into his kiss.

Everything clenched, revved, and grew slick with need.

~Do not attack him.~

Brax stopped kissing me, and our breathing rasped. “Show me.”

He pushed me away gently, and I went to my suitcase. Unzipping the side pocket where I’d tucked the vibrator, I took the plastic bag with my new lingerie, and hid them behind my back.

Sucking in a deep breath, I said, “I’ll be right back.”

Brax nodded. “I’ll be right here.

I retreated into the bathroom and flicked the lock. Placing the bag in the sink, I stared at my reflection. After a long flight, I was a mess, but I wanted to get it over with.

I couldn’t stop feeling like it was a huge mistake.

~You can do this. Just be honest. Everything else…we can work through it.~ It could turn out to be a good thing, the next step in our relationship. It might make us stronger.

I shed my clothes and stepped into the lacy purple G-string and matching push-up bra.

The bra may have been über expensive, but it made my boobs look a million dollars, turning my C’s to generous D’s that spilled over the top.

I wanted to feel sexy and hot, but I really felt like a fraud. My snowy skin looked virginal against the smutty underwear—~God, I look like a wannabe idiot dressed in her mum’s lingerie.~

My fingers trembled as I unrolled the fishnets up my leg, and snapped the garter belt clips to keep them in place. ~Even more ridiculous.~

I sighed, scowling at my reflection. I wanted sexy and crude and dirty—what I got was insecurity and regret.

Dammit, this wasn’t how I wanted to feel. New lingerie promised empowerment and sauciness. All I wanted to do was put my flannelette pyjamas on and forget the whole fiasco.

I met my eyes in the mirror. ~Just get it over with.~

Ruffling my hair, I sucked in my belly and stepped out of the bathroom.

Brax was sprawled on the bed. He sat up on his elbows the moment I came into the room. His jaw dropped open, gaze raking over me.

Desire exploded in his eyes, sparking something deep inside, overriding the fear of rejection.

Feminine power replaced self-consciousness.

Brax scooted higher, sitting on the edge of the bed. He shifted, adjusting his shorts. “Wow—”

Heat flashed with radioactive intensity, and I rushed ahead before he could say anything else, before my confidence could falter. I pulled the vibrator from behind my back.

The little rabbit sticking out from the purple, glittery phallus made my cheeks flame. Oh, God, ~why~ was I doing this?

Brax swallowed, his eyes locking onto my most personal possession.

“I want us to be more adventurous,” I mumbled, hating my tongue twisting into knots. “I love you, and I love our sex life, but I just thought—well, I’d like to see—if, um….”

Brax slid off the bed, coming toward me slowly. He ripped his t-shirt off at the same time, leaving me to gape like a love-struck moron.

His face was unreadable as he murmured, “You want more?”

More. Such a dangerous word.

I shook my head. “Not more. Different.”

Pain flashed in his eyes before disappearing just as quickly.

“Not all the time. Only, sometimes…”

His hand shook as he reached for the vibrator. “You use this?” His finger hovered over the sliding power button. I couldn’t swallow—mortification closed my throat.

~Sure, Tess, showing him your vibrator will be sexy and fun~. I wanted to slap myself, but stood completely still, horrified by what he might say.

I’d flayed myself open, bared my desires, only to risk ruining Brax’s feelings for me.

I wanted to yell—I’m joking! This isn’t the real me. But my lips glued shut; I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the vibrator in his grip.

Stupid. So stupid.

Brax slid the power switch upward and a battery-powered whir filled the room. I looked away as he pressed the power higher. The phallus sprung to attention, screaming all my secrets.

“Different?” His voice echoed with loss and confusion as he stared at the vibrator. No doubt visualizing me writhing in abandon, using an object to get off instead of him.

How could I explain not being intimate for weeks on end was torture?

My heart shattered. This was no longer about my needs. It was about his. I’d made him doubt, made him think he wasn’t good enough. Shit.

I grabbed the vibrator, hating it in that moment. I turned the power off, ripped out the batteries, and threw it all in the bin. “Forget it, Brax. It was a stupid idea. I just want you, okay?

“Please, don’t hate me.”~I’m the biggest bitch in history.~

He shook himself, hands falling to his sides. His gaze clouded as he stared at the floor. I knew that look. It was the same look when he awoke from a nightmare—terrified of waking up alone.

“Tess, you have me. But if I’m not enough—”

“No!” I charged into his arms, tugging him to the bed. “You’re more than enough. I’m so sorry. Forget it. All of it. Please?” Now, I was the one petrified of being alone.

If he didn’t think I wanted him, he’d push me away.

Panic made me fumble, and I lay down, pulling him on top. “You’re enough. More than enough. Brax, please—” Tears burned my eyes, chest straining with emotion.

His eyes dropped to my breasts, biting his lip. Ever so slowly, he caressed the soft mound of flesh.

“It’s killing me to think I’m not giving you what you need.” His finger dipped lower, finding my nipple inside the bra.

My breath hitched, even though so many emotions rioted within me, my body blazed for his. I needed to connect, to put this mess behind us.

“You’re stunning. I always knew you were out of my league, and seeing you in this underwear makes me realize how sexual you are.” His voice dropped with husky undertones as he continued to touch me.

“I’m not sure I can keep up with you. I love you, Tess. I love being with you, but I don’t need to fuck you to be a man. I need you as a friend, as my support. Do you understand?”

His hand dropped from my breast, skirting my stomach, dragging me into a suffocating embrace. I let him squeeze the life out of me—I needed it.

I needed him to convince me he wasn’t leaving, that I didn’t just ruin our relationship.

“All I need is you. Honestly, none of that matters. I’m content, so happy, when I’m with you,” I whispered.

My chest ached so badly. Could he hear the words we’d used? I was content and he used me as support. No mention of passion or unbridled lust.

~It doesn’t matter. Stop being so foolish. That’s for movies, this is real life.~

Brax pulled away, eyes turbulent with embarrassment and need. I reached up, pressing my lips against his. He kissed me back like I always wanted him to—with ferocity, violence bordering on pain.

I moaned, wrapping my hands in his hair, tugging closer. That’s what I needed—passion laced with pain.

He broke the kiss, breathing hard. “So, all of this? Can we pretend it never happened?”

Relief ballooned in my chest. Gone was the disappointment that I would never be possessed or owned by Brax in bed. I hadn’t ruined us. I couldn’t be more thankful. “Already forgotten.”

He exhaled in a huge gust, smiling crookedly. Kissing the tip of my nose, he said, “Thank you for loving me enough to take what I can give.”

My entire body vibrated with remorse. I couldn’t reply.

Brax reached behind and undid my bra. He drew it off my breasts slowly, dipping his head to suck my nipple. Heat exploded in my core.

Brax still loved me. That’s all that mattered. Nothing else. Not kinky sex, or spicing up the bedroom. I was a very lucky girl. ~I am so lucky. Lucky.~

I bit Brax’s collarbone and he groaned. He shifted so his rapidly hardening erection pressed into my belly.

Trembling, I eased his jeans down his hips. He arched upright, helping me get them off.

Once he sprung free, he ripped off the fifty dollar knickers I’d worn for all of ten seconds, and threw them to the floor.

Brax settled between my thighs, his gaze locking with mine. I bit my lip as he pressed inside. I wasn’t as wet as I should’ve been and the invasion was pleasure as well as pain.

His eyes snapped closed as he settled deep inside. His erection, stretching and filling, sent waves of safety rather than mind-shattering passion.

We rocked together, and he peppered me with delicate kisses, sweet affection. I grew slick around him, warming, building.

My nipples ached for attention, and I wished he’d bite me just a little, maybe then I might be able to climax.

“Tess—” he breathed in my ear, picking up speed. His hips pressed harder and I fought the urge to touch myself, to help reach an orgasm.

With another thrust, Brax moaned, his back shuddering as his butt clenched hard. He came inside, wave after wave of ecstasy for him and simple acceptance for me.

I stroked his chest, so happy he was able to find release after everything I put him through.

He collapsed on top, sandwiching me between his bulk and the mattress.

I stared at the ceiling, battling so many thoughts, not all of them making sense. Brax huffed, snuggling his face into my breasts.

Within moments, he was fast asleep, leaving me lonely and confused.