Page 169 of Unexpected Hero

After a weary sigh, he sets the box of tissues on the nightstand and moves to the foot of the bed. Without speaking, he unstraps my heels, removing them from my feet. Once he’s done, he slips into bed, rolls me onto my side, and spoons up behind me.

When he wraps his arm over my waist, he pulls me back against his chest and gives me the most soothing embrace I’ve ever had.

Our bodies are motionless except for our calm breathing as we cuddle in complete silence for a long time.

He’s not angry. At least, I don’t think he is.But I need to know how badly I fucked up this brand spanking new relationship.

“Are you mad at me?”

He loosens his tight hold on my waist to move my hair out of the way. Burrowing his head into the curve of my neck, he inhales deeply. “I’m not mad at you, baby, but I’m upset. Not sure whether that makes sense or not.”

“It does a little.”

“Why didn’t you tell me you’re a virgin?”

“Technically, I’m not a virgin anymore,” I hedge.

“Violet,” he scolds, but there’s a slight laugh in his tone.

I swallow around a newly formed lump in my throat. “I was afraid you wouldn’t want to have sex with me if you knew.”

The bed shakes, and his chest bumps into my back.

I crane my neck for a glimpse of his face. “Are you laughing at me?”

What was silent laughter becomes boisterous, bringing a lightness and flutters of hope to my chest.

This man doesn’t laugh enough. I want to make him sound and look like that as much as possible. But next time, perhaps not because I said something that’s apparently as stupid as the day is long.

“Sorry to laugh, Lettie,” he murmurs against my neck as his hilarity fit dies down. “It’s just... well, that couldn’t be further from the truth.”

“What?” I roll over so I can fully see his handsome face. Is he fucking with me? He’s not a jokester, but I suspect I’m being pranked.

Once I’m facing him, he kisses me, wearing a broad smile he’s powerless to suppress.

“Explain what’s so funny, please.”

“Sugar bear, did you not notice how rock hard I got when you told me I was the first to make you come? Or when I got to teach you how to put a condom on me?”

Turns out I didn’t just get hit with the idiot stick, but I was whooped with the whole dang forest.

“You like it?”

He cups my cheek so lovingly, his thumbs massaging my skin. “If you’re asking if I like being the one who gets to take your virginity? The first one to be inside you? The first one to claim your body? The one you’ve chosen to give this gift? Fuck. Yes.” His expression hardens a touch. “What I don’t like is that I hurt you. If you’d told me, I’d have spent more time getting you ready.”

“Get me ready? What do you mean?”

“I’d have given you a few more orgasms first to ensure you were relaxed. Added another finger or two. Maybe even used a slim toy to stretch you out first. I’d have had some lube ready to go, although I don’t think that was a problem for you.” His hand caresses my cheek down to my neck. “But most of all, I’d have been gentler with you.”

I search his face for any signs of deceit. “Really? I honestly thought you’d want nothing to do with me because of my inexperience. Especially since you’re... you know.” My eyes flutter backward in a half-roll.

He grins, dragging his teeth over his lower lip seductively. “Since I’m what?”

“Are you going to make me say it?”

A single nod is his only response.

“Fine,” I huff. “You’re a Dom. A kinky sex expert. A sexpert, if you will. Why would you want someone who doesn’t know what she’s doing when you could have your choice of experienced women?”

---