Page 10 of Hidden Heart

“Then we stop. But I don’t think you want to stop.” The dimple peeked out at her.

Not sure which of them she was trying to prove something to, she unbuttoned her jeans and slid them over her rounded hips. She dropped them to her ankles and kicked them aside. Before he commanded it, she hooked her thumbs into her thong and pulled it down as well.

“Ah, that’s a good girl,” he whispered. Sensuality fluttered around the sound of his pleasure. Why would his pleasure give her such a thrill? “But, from now on, wait for my instruction. Maybe I wanted to slide those pretty panties down your sexy legs myself.”

She fought the urge to cover herself and kept her head down, not trusting herself to peek at his face. He would see how much the moment affected her. If only he would touch her, even a fingertip to her skin would satisfy her craving for him.

The couch gave way as he stood. As though he’d heard her thoughts, his hands landed on her shoulders. His warm caress slid down her arms and up again, erasing the goosebumps brought by the chill in the air. He was an entire head taller than her. He seemed huge in this capacity yet held no fear. She felt…safe.

“You don’t like your breasts.”

She wasn’t sure how to take his mind-reading skills but let it go as he cupped her breasts. She sucked in a breath as he kneaded them and ran his thumb over her nipples.

“I think they’re beautiful.” He stepped back to lean down and took her right nipple into his mouth.

The wetness of his tongue, the warmth of his mouth, and the light scraping of his teeth quickened her pulse. She opened her mouth to say something…to protest? But she snapped it shut when he applied pressure on the opposite breast with his fingers. He pulled away and looked up at her.

“Pleasure and pain,” he explained. “The pleasure is greater after the pain.”

She nodded, unable to find her tongue. The slight burn in her nipple spread through her when he released it. It took more strength than she would have thought to remain standing in front of him, waiting for his next touch, next sensation.

He slid down to his knees before her and tapped her legs until she spread them apart for him. “Shaved.” He smiled up at her.

She was sure she would explode if he stroked her. More so if he didn’t.

He dipped his middle finger between her thighs then brought it to his lips. Her breath quickened, coming out in short bursts. Every nerve ending in her body stood on high alert, awaiting his next touch.

“You are extremely wet.” He placed the finger in his mouth. Standing up quickly, Royce grabbed her hand and led her out of the living room.

She followed him down a short hall, not having time or desire to take in her surroundings until they were in his bedroom. He stopped in the middle of the room and pulled her to him.

The moments ticked by in silence as they stared at each other. She wondered what he felt like under his shirt. Would he be as hard as his clothing suggested? Her fingers twitched at her sides.

“Take off my shirt,” he ordered. The corner of his mouth twitched, like he enjoyed coaching her this way.

She licked her bottom lip then worked his shirt over his chest and head, feeling the hardened muscles of his stomach. He was beautiful, more than she’d already pictured in her mind. Hard abs led up to a sculpted chest and broad shoulders. A man with his strength could crush her. Lesser men already had.

“Now my pants.” His eyes sparkled.

Three words—three simple words—brought a quiver to her fingers. It was more than arousal driving her actions; it was a need demanding to be met. His, as well as hers. The very idea of considering his needs tied to her own made her apprehensive. She’d decided long ago to look out for herself alone. Mingling her desires with another’s was risky.

She took a deep breath and undid the button of his jeans. Knowing where everything would lead, she decided to grab his boxers as she pulled them down, springing his cock free of the confinement.

He grabbed her wrists and held them together as he kicked his clothing away. “I didn’t tell you to take off my boxers,” he chastised.

She looked up at him; her mouth dried at the prospect of his displeasure. He tugged her hands over her head, so she was stretched upward. Shouldn’t she want to stop him from manhandling her like that? Instead, his authority softened her sharp edges, quieting her raging thoughts.

He spun her away from him and gave two hard swats to her bare ass. She yelped from surprise but didn’t find the act too painful. He spun her back around to him and kissed her hard, letting go of her hands. She wrapped them around him again.

“Remember, you do as you’re told. I control what happens here,” his raspy voice whispered into her ear, and he slowly pushed her onto the bed. The challenge lingered between them. Would she retreat, now that they were both naked? Her body would never forgive her if she did.

She scooted back, and he knelt between her thighs.

“You are so damn beautiful. I don’t see how you don’t see it…but that’s for another day.” He sounded out of breath.

She rested her hands at her sides, unsure of where to put them. He leaned down and kissed her again, jerking her senses every which way. His touch was everywhere. He pulled at her breasts and before she could react, he was feeling her softness. His hands slid between her legs. With no warning, he spread them apart, wide. The cool chill of the room brushed her sex but did nothing to diminish the heat building there. His eyes were on her then, looking at the most intimate part of her body. She’d never seen a man look so determined, so full of want when looking at her.

Reaching up, she grazed her fingers across his jaw, feeling the tension. He bent again, capturing her lips beneath his. Until that moment, she hadn’t thought she could get any hungrier for his touch. His kiss was demanding, possessive. Her body responded even more as his fingers slid into her folds, gently running up to her clit. A ragged moan escaped her lips. He trailed kisses from there to her earlobe. She could hear him breathing, felt the heat of his breath on her skin.

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