Chapter 42

HAYLEY

We’re frozen in place, our eyes locked. My heart is pounding, and I can feel the anticipation humming through my veins.

I take a slow step toward Jax, every movement deliberate. His gaze roams over me, taking in the sight of me in my black silk robe. Underneath, I’m completely naked. When I reach him, he leans back, taking in the sight of me. Not some other woman—me.

I can see the urge in his hands to touch me, but he’s holding back.

He doesn’t have to. Not anymore. I climb onto his lap, my hands resting on his broad shoulders. My fingers trail down his body, coming to rest on his chest.

His heart is pounding under my touch; a bead of sweat trickles down his forehead. His hands grip my waist, pulling me closer.

I make the first move, leaning in to press a gentle kiss to his jaw before pulling back. A moan escapes Jax’s lips as he pulls me even closer.

Something prods my inner thigh, spurring me on.

I return my lips to his jaw, this time sucking lightly. I’m not sure what I’m doing, but I’m going with it. I trail kisses from his chin to his cheeks, stopping just before his lips.

One beat.

Two beats.

Three beats.

Suddenly, Jax’s lips are on mine, our heavy breathing filling the silence. My fingers skim over his skin, raising goosebumps.

His muscles tense as he tries to control himself, but he can’t.

Inhaling deeply, Jax catches a whiff of my scent. His eyes glaze over with desire, but he shakes his head, trying to resist.

I tug at his hair, pulling him closer, not wanting him to stop. Jax seems to understand; his lips continue to explore mine.

His mouth moves to my neck, licking and sucking at the spot where his mark will be. I tilt my head back, giving him better access as my fingers curl into his shirt.

In a daze, I hear myself moan into Jax’s ear, encouraging him.

His hands slide down my body to my thighs, holding me in place. Suddenly, his lips leave my skin.

“Why are you stopping?” I ask, fear creeping in. “Did I do something wrong?” I whisper, embarrassment flooding me. I start to get up, but Jax holds me in place.

“No, Moon Goddess. No. You’ve done nothing wrong. Quite the opposite,” Jax says, his voice deeper than usual.

He gently lifts my chin, forcing me to meet his gaze. His golden eyes shimmer as I take in his flushed face.

“If I don’t stop now, I don’t know if I can control myself. I don’t trust myself not to get carried away,” Jax admits, throwing his head back with a pained expression.

“I don’t want you to stop,” I whisper, my fingers gently stroking his cheeks.

Jax is still, processing everything. He wants to make sure I’m not rushing, that I’m not feeling pressured.

To ease his worries, I plead, “Mark and mate with me…please.” I press a soft kiss to his lips before pulling back. “I’m ready. More than ready. I want you.”

“Are you sure? We don’t have to rush anything if you aren’t ready. I’ll wait for you,” Jax whispers. I place my finger over his lips to silence him.

“I’m not rushing. I want you, Jax, more than anything. Just love me…please,” I beg.

With adrenaline coursing through me, I kiss Jax passionately, but he doesn’t respond. He’s lost in thought, still processing everything.

I’m kissing him, but he’s not kissing me back. It’s like kissing a statue. After a few moments, I start to pull away, but Jax holds me in place.

“If at any point you want to stop, you have to tell me,” he insists.

“I will,” I promise, unable to hide my smile. Our lips meet again, our tongues dancing together. The air grows hot and heavy with our gasps and pants.

His lips trail down my neck, settling on the sensitive spot where his mark will be.

One hand grips my butt while the other traces a line down my back, sending a rush of pleasure through me.

“Are you sure about this?” Jax asks in a husky voice, nipping gently at my neck. I nod, and that’s all it takes for Jax to sink his teeth into my flesh.

Pain shoots through me, and I thrash in his grip, but Jax holds me still.

Tears stream down my face, but the pain is quickly replaced by intense pleasure. Moans spill from my lips as Jax sucks on my mark, claiming me as his.

The pleasure doesn’t fade until Jax licks the puncture wounds, cleaning away the excess blood.

Despite the blood trickling down my chest, I’m focused on my task. It’s my turn. My canines extend, and I look up at Jax for permission.

He tilts his head to the side, giving me access to his neck. That’s all the answer I need. I lick from the base of his neck to his jaw before sinking my teeth into his flesh.

I sink my teeth into his neck, and my mate lets out small, pained grunts. I know the discomfort will pass soon. His hands find my waist, holding me close as his blood floods my mouth.

In no time, his grunts morph into moans, and his eyebrows knit together in pleasure.

Once I’ve finished with his neck, one of Jax’s large hands ventures to the front of my body. He gently tugs at the thin belt securing my robe—the only barrier between me and complete exposure.

As the final bit of the belt unravels from the knot, Jax claims my lips and we fill the room with the tangible love and passion we share for each other…