Page 40 of Embers of Torment

"What?" Blank-faced, Adam scanned the apartment and spotted Della holding a Sam Adams by the refrigerator. "I'm fine. The show's almost over."

I exhaled in relief. I'd been so fixated on Della and trying to control my burgeoning desire I had no idea where we were in the movie.

"Well, that's the end." Adam stood and picked up his empty beer bottle. "I'm going to cut out."

"Thanks for coming over." I followed Adam to the foyer. Taking his empty bottle, I set it on the island and snuck a peek at Della. She was leaning against the sink, her fingers picking at the label on her beer.

Adam studied her for a moment. "Della, are you okay? You're acting weird."

Della's head shot upward. "Yep, I'm fine. Totally super duper. I'll see you later." She retreated to the living room while I walked Adam to my door.

After a quick goodbye, Adam took off. I turned to find Della eyeing me, her tongue skimming her bottom lip. Wanting her, I closed the distance between us with eager strides.

Tilting her head, Della peered up at me, her eyes lit with desire. "You're correct in what you said. What I want is more important. And right now, it's you."

Ecstatic, I leaned down for a kiss. Della ardently responded, her hands sliding up my chest. I flipped us around and guided Della backward until we reached the wall. Pinning her arms above her head, I pulled my mouth from hers, my lips trailing down her chin and neck.

"Oh, freaking hell, this is hot." Della's voice was a husky whisper. Then she gasped. "Crap. Did I say it out loud again?"

"You did. Should I stop?" I nibbled below her ear.

"Nope. And I think you should check my zipper. You know, to make sure it isn't stuck again."

I straightened and looked into Della's now dilated eyes. My fingers went to the neckline of her onesie. "It'll be my pleasure. After all, you might decide you want to remove this thing."

"Oh, I've decided. It needs to come off." Della closed her eyes as I slowly lowered her zipper. She shivered when my knuckles lightly brushed her skin.

Once I had her fully unzipped, I slipped the material off her shoulders, taking in her slim waist and the swell of her breasts, encased in a lacy navy blue bra. I gave the unicorn costume a downward tug until it dropped to the floor, exposing her shapely hips and thighs and matching underwear.

Della smiled coyly and stepped from the garment bunched around her ankles. "Since we're playing show-and-tell, I should check your zipper next."

"Go ahead. I won't stop you."

Della's hands went to my neck. I watched her face as she slowly pulled the zipper. The tip of her tongue peeked between her lips while she focused on her task. Now unzipped, she slipped the outfit off my shoulders and let it fall to the ground. I kicked it away, noticing her eyes widen when her gaze went to my boxer briefs and the bulge straining against the cotton fabric.

"Wow. That's…umm…impressive."

"Thanks to you." I leaned forward and kissed her, groaning when her fingers trailed down my stomach. "Hortensia, you're playing dangerously by touching me there." I sucked in my breath, then groaned again. "Oh, damn. Your hand feels… Shit, that's it. I'm taking you to my bed."

"What are you waiting for? A written invitation. If you haven't noticed, I'm ready to join the party."

"And I'm ready to be a very attentive host." I swooped her into my arms and carried her to my room. Lowering her to my mattress, I lay on top of her, my hard-on pressed against her abdomen. "Your bra on or off?"

"Off. Unclip me." Della turned so I could reach behind her. Once I'd unclipped it, she slipped it from her body and tossed it to the floor.

I stared appreciatively at her gorgeous breasts. They were a perfect handful, the rosy peaks begging to be touched.

"Take my underwear off," Della commanded. There was an urgency in her tone.

I sat up, my eyes on her midsection as I slowly peeled her panties downward and tossed them on a chair. I raked her nakedness with my gaze. She was gorgeous.

Della arched her brow. "Uh-hmm. You can stop staring. Our show-and-tell isn't over. It's your turn. Off with the boxers."

I sat back on my heels, smiling at her comment. "As you wish." I got up from the bed and slid my underwear down my thighs.Hearing a gasp, I looked up, seeing Della nervously swallow while she stared at my erection.

"Oh, jeez. I think I'm about to get skewered."

Chuckling, I rejoined her, my voice at her ear. "I have no intention of skewering you."

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