Page 66 of The Secret to a Southern Wedding

“Honestly, I wondered if it would be worth it. I have been disappointed before.”

Cyril’s brows drew together. “I promise you—you won’t be disappointed.”

She lifted onto her toes and brushed her lips over his. “Talk is cheap.”

He cupped the nape of her neck. “You challenging me?”

“Just saying.” She shrugged and grinned. Her pulse fluttered at the passionate look in his eyes which seemed determined to prove she would be far from disappointed.

“I love a challenge.”

His head lowered and his lips covered hers. Unlike the slow, sexy kiss they’d shared in the street, this one was hot, hard and exactly what Imani needed. She wanted to let go, to forget all the other things in the world and get lost in the delicious sensations Cyril awakened in her body.

Cyril led her further into the house. They kissed and pulled at each other along the way. By the time they made it to Cyril’s bedroom Imani was ready to tear his clothes off. So she did. She jerked at his shirt and pulled.

He grinned before pulling it off himself and tossing it across the room.

“Impatient much?”

“Shut up and get naked,” she said, kissing him again.

He laughed while unbuttoning his pants and shoving them down. “Also bossy.”

Imani didn’t have a comeback. The sight of him shirtless in nothing but a pair of dark boxers had her speechless. Her breathing hitched. In a scramble, Imani jerked off her sweater and tank top before shoving down her pants.

They came back together in a rush. His mouth glided over hers, and she slid her tongue past his lips. The feel, heat and taste of him made her cling tighter. They fell onto the queen-sized bed. Imani wanted him to rush, but Cyril took his time. Kissing across her neck and shoulders, easing down the cups of her bra to kiss and lightly suck on one of the hard tips.

Imani clutched his head. “Oh my God, move faster!”

The vibration from Cyril’s laugh against her breast spread from her nipples to the soles of her feet. “You know I want to enjoy this.”

“Enjoy it the second time.”

“I’m getting a second time?” He ran his fingertips lightly over her stomach and side. The tickling feeling sent tingles through her, which coalesced at the juncture of her thighs.

“You can have ten times,” she said in a half moan.

“Hmm, but I’m enjoying this too much.” His lips followed his hands as he kissed down her body. Gently sucking and flicking his tongue over her sensitive skin.

She was enjoying it, too. When his hand traced across her thighs her legs spread. Thankfully he didn’t tease her further. A deep groan rumbled through him after his hands slid up and glided across her sex. The laughter and joking left his eyes. His gaze became hotter, more focused, and he ran his fingers through the damp curls covering her mound before easing past her folds to stretch her entrance.

Imani’s eyes rolled to the back of her head. She was going to lose it. The pleasure was too intense, too acute. Emotion swelled with the feelings bursting through her until her mouth fell open and she had to squeeze her eyes shut to stop the tears from flowing. The feelings, sensations and pleasure overwhelmed her. She was lost in a swell of emotions that were more than just the pleasure he brought to her body, it was the comfort she felt in his arms, the freedom to be vocal, to have fun while having sex, to feel open to everything Cyril offered her. More than that, to want everything he offered.

His lips met hers and Imani clung to him while his fingers played between her thighs. She shoved the boxers across his hips. Her hands wrapped around his length. A shudder racked his body.

“Fuck, Imani, I wanted to take this slow.”

“Ten times, remember. Slow next time,” she said between heavy breaths.

Cyril pulled away and reached into the drawer next to his bed. He pulled out a condom and quickly covered himself. Imani opened her arms and her legs and welcomed the heavy heat of his body over hers. Cyril grabbed her hips, pulled her forward and pushed into her with a long hard thrust. Pleasure exploded across her skin, behind her eyes, inside her heart. She was lost and all she wanted to do was ride the wave. Over and over again, regardless of the consequences.

twenty-six

Cyril woke up with Imani, soft and warm, nestled in his embrace. He waited for regret, concern or guilt to creep in and ruin the moment, but the emotions didn’t come. His lips spread in a contented smile while immense satisfaction settled over him. He liked having her next to him. He didn’t want to take back a moment of the night before. He understood the potential ramifications of what they’d done. He knew that if his dad found out he’d be upset, but Cyril couldn’t drum up enough energy to worry about that. For now, he was going to enjoy this moment. For now, he was good with pretending he could spend as much time as he wanted wrapped in Imani’s embrace without any problems. It had been so long since he’d had the chance to feel this way. He was going to savor every second.

Imani stirred. Her back was to his front. She shifted her arms from beneath the covers and stretched. “Are you awake?” she asked in a sleepy voice.

Cyril slid his hand from her stomach up to cup one of her breasts. “Just woke up.”

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