Page 40 of Howling for Cupcakes

Arden tightened his hold on her, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “I understand. After everything you’ve been through, it’s natural to be cautious. But I promise you, I will never hurt you. You’re safe with me, always.”

Mari tilted her head to look up at him, a small smile playing on her lips. “I know. I trust you, Arden. More than I’ve ever trusted anyone.”

Mari confessed her worries about their age difference, but Arden quickly put those fears to rest.

“Mari, you spent twenty years trapped in a loveless marriage, unable to make your own choices or pursue your own happiness,” he said earnestly, cupping her cheek. “In my eyes, you’re still that vibrant, passionate woman who never got the chance to truly live. Our age difference doesn’t matter - what matters is the love we have for each other.”

Tears spilled down Mari’s cheeks. She surged forward, capturing Arden’s lips in a searing kiss that left them both breathless. “Take me to bed, mate. Let’s make it official.”

He sucked in a breath and stared at her beautiful face. “Are you sure?”

“I’ve never been surer of anything in my life.”

TWENTY-THREE

Mari kissed him again. Harder this time. She bit his lower lip playfully as a low moan emanated from her throat.

She felt his lips smile against hers as he pulled away.

“If that’s your way of telling me to hurry up, I’m going to listen.” His breath was warm on her face and smelled inviting, drawing her in closer.

She loved Arden so much. It was clear now that she wasn’t constantly thinking of the threat of Victor. This wolf had a hold over her heart and body. He could completely destroy her even after their time together. Yet, unlike her ex, she knew Arden would never do that.

“Oh, you would definitely know if it was.” She smiled as she pressed her lips against his again, pushing him deeper into the couch.

Arden said she was his mate, which means he was her mate too. She was ready to give herself to him in every way.

Arden’s hand moved from her neck to her back, exploring her body slowly. His fingers paused at the hem of her tee.

She ran her hands up his thighs, encouraging him to make the move he wanted. Mari wasn’t going to reject him. She’d never reject the only man she had ever loved.

He hardened at her gesture and took her top off. She had never been more alert to someone’s touch.

His fingers grazed her back as he slowly brought her jeans down her hips. His cock hardened more beneath her hands as he touched her bare skin.

Mari felt the large bulge suffocating in his jeans. She wanted to free it. She gently rubbed him to encourage what was in store for him.

Arden ran his fingers back up her spine and expertly unhooked her bra.

“Beautiful,” he said once the bra was off.

“You’re quite the flatterer.” She giggled.

Arden kissed her jaw then her neck. Mari rolled her head to the side to expose one of her most vulnerable spots to him, letting him nip her.

She undid his pants and slipped her hand in to feel him.

“You’re on, big, sexy wolf.” She purred the words into his ear, her voice low and dark.

She was proud of her body, and she loved how Arden also seemed to admire her natural assets.

He cupped her breasts in his hands. She wanted his mouth on them. To warm them from the night air and fill her with even more need than she already had for him.

It was addictive to be this turned on. Part of her couldn’t wait to climax while the other part wanted the stimulation to last as long as it could.

Mari stroked his cock a little faster and Arden took the bait. She knew he couldn’t just sit there and let her hand do everything when he had her supple breasts free and aching to be manipulated in more ways than just with his hands.

He put his face in between them. Mari leaned into him, her grip tightening slightly as she continued to stroke him.

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