Page 15 of Burned By Fire

“Why haven’t you got married?” I hope I haven’t overstepped the mark by asking, but I’d like to understand him better.

His body tenses for a second before he laughs. “You need a girlfriend before you can do something like that.”

“I meant why have I never seen you in a serious relationship?” He’s been on a handful of dates that I know of since we met, but the women never lasted long.

“I haven’t found the right person, but it’s taken me a while to realize I shouldn’t be so quick to dismiss possible matches. Being alone for the rest of my life isn’t what I want.” He strokes my arm with his thumb.

“And what about now?” Do I stand a chance with my long-term crush, or am I kidding myself?

“I need to concentrate on getting better first. But one day, I’d like to have someone to share my life with.” His answer doesn’t completely shut down my hopes. I snuggle my head further up his chest and into the nape of his neck.

“Do you feel lonely sometimes?” My lip accidentally brushes his jawline as I speak. It sends a rush of butterflies to my stomach.

“Ember.” He says my name in a warning, and my head starts to spin. Would he let me kiss his mouth?

“Are you going to stop me if I press my lips to yours?” I whisper. His caution makes me wonder if I affect him the way he affects me.

“I can’t offer you what you need.” He turns his head towards me.

“What do you know about my needs?” I give into my urges and my tongue darts out to lick the soft skin behind his ear.

“I’m a mess, and you’re a sweet girl.” His voice comes out husky.

“As long as you keep your promise of being my date, I can handle whatever else happens.” I allow my hand to move over his chest, caressing his muscular physique. I’m careful only to drift onto his good side as I don’t want to break the spell.

He grabs my chin, forcing me to meet his eyes, even though he can’t see me. I hold my breath, waiting to see what he’ll do. His nose moves closer to mine and he bites my bottom lip. He isn’t gentle as he pulls it deeper into his mouth. He lets go, capturing my mouth with his, pushing his tongue inside to massage it with mine. I kiss him with the same aggression. My hands move to the edge of his t-shirt, and I stroke the soft skin of his hip. When I try to lift it, he grabs my wrists. “No,” he says before passionately kissing me again. “I’m not taking my clothes off, so don’t try to undress me.”

“I don’t care about your scars,” I say.

I’m so turned on and afraid he’ll back away that my head is spinning.

He stands up, pulling me to my feet, and we stumble until I’m up against the wall. He turns me around so I’m facing away from him. “If you want this to happen, it will be on my terms. I’m not the same man since my accident, and I’m not ready for anyone to touch me. I’ll go to the wedding with you as I promised, but right now, I’m going to be the one in control. Do you want me like this, Ember?” He rubs his arm up against my back, and I arch into it.

I’ve never seen him like this, and it sets off a fever. I feel hot everywhere, like I’m the one about to catch fire. He might be doing this to get me to back down, but my desire is too strong.

“Yes,” I whimper.

“I don’t have a condom.”

“It’s okay.” I’m not on contraception, but I don’t want this to end and he’s worth the risk.

He reaches for the button on my jeans and yanks them down. Then he’s back behind me, and I feel his length press into my ass. Wetness floods between my legs, and I can’t believe this is happening.

He reaches into my panties and touches my clit. “You’re soaking wet.”

I allow myself to confess the truth, hoping it doesn’t scare him off. “I’ve been dreaming about this for a long time.”

“I hope I can live up to your expectations. You seem to have me on a pedestal where I can do no wrong, but I’m just a man.” He dips his fingers into my entrance, and I let out a moan.

He fingers my clit, sending sparks of lust all over my body. My nipples harden, and I wish we were skin to skin. I want to feel his warm chest against my back. He kisses up my neck as he continues to rub against my sweet spot. I reach behind me to stroke his length.

“I aim to please,” he says before pushing my hand away. “But you don’t get to touch.” He pulls me back against him so I have no choice but to obey. He flicks up and down over my clit with his fingers, bringing me closer to the edge as he runs his free hand up to my breasts. He massages them through my shirt, and I start to tremble with desire.

“I need to come,” I say.

With his free hand, he yanks down my underwear. “Have you thought about me while doing this to yourself before?”

In any other situation, my cheeks would be flaming with embarrassment right now. “Many times,” I confess.

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