Page 25 of The Fox

Rhodes’ eyes glow, reminding me of the last glow of sunset against the waves of water. My cheek is now cradled in his palm, the feeling tethering me to the present. “I just want to play, Amelia. For you to feelgood.”

I lick my lips before exhaling the breath I’ve been holding.

“Yes.”

His blue eyes light up with excitement and it soothes my nerves. His face comes closer to mine, our noses brushing. “I am in absolutely no hurry,kochanie. It is you and me.” My breath catches in my throat at the mention of him being patient.

Rhodes Alexander is the antithesis of every man I’ve endured.

“Lay back on the bed and place your head on a pillow.” My hands are shaking as I climb on the bed, his mattress giving under my weight and I am made aware of just how much space I must take up. I freeze.

“You okay, baby?” I’m silent as he comes closer. “I cannot wait to see that beautiful hair splayed across my pillow. Gods, the sight you are right now. Remember, we can stop at any moment. You have the power here, baby.”

His words drown the negative thoughts as I flop onto my back, placing my hands on the squishy part of my stomach. I am fully clothed in a sweatshirt and bike shorts. Yet, I am still incredibly aware of my body. I don’t know how long I stare at the ceiling before I feel a hand run along my arm. I turn my head to trace his movement, and I tense when he reaches my wrist, anxiety building as Rhodes places it above my head.

“Stay.”

His touch ghosts my shoulder, tracing my curves down until he reaches my other hand. I feel the stretch in my body as my back arches into the position he’s placing me in. Both hands are now resting atop my head, and I bite my bottom lip in anticipation of what he’ll do next.

“Grab the loop,kochanie.” I arch more, my fingertips grazing the fabric until they take hold.

“That’s a good girl, baby.” The man is still standing on the side of the bed, and I am at his mercy. “Do you know how breathtaking you look in my bed?” His voice is soft and laden with gravel. “You are such a courageous goddess. I cannot wait to worship at your altar.”

I am burning, the trails left by his touch igniting my skin. I ache in places I refuse to acknowledge, and despite my alarm bells starting to sound, there is a piece of my soul which knows I am safe here. His fingers run down my body, mapping me, and the room shrinks from the intimacy.

“Are you doing okay?”

“Yes,” I answer. It’s an honest one, but also, I’m okay because I’m not pinned. I could easily release my hold on the fabric loop and be fine.

“Good.” I feel the bed dip and his knees are now against my thigh as he peers down at me. “Let’s up the ante, shall we? You say stop, we stop. Understood?”

I close my eyes and murmur a soft acceptance.

“Louder, Amelia.”

My eyes gently close as I repeat myself, more firmly this time. “I understand.”

“Eyes, Amelia. I need your eyes.” I open them, finding his face closer now. There are flecks in his eyes, and I feel my soul quiet. “Good girl,” Rhodes pauses, shifting his weight. “I am going to straddle your legs, okay? I will not put any weight on you yet. You can get out, I promise.”

“Okay,” I say softly. I feel the bundle of nerves tighten in my core as Rhodes lifts one leg, draping it across my shins. I swallow my fear hard. It is as if I am being choked by my own demons. There is not a single additional pound on my body and I already want out. I feel pinned, and I am without a blade, not a defense in reach.

“Take a breath for me. Slow.”

I do it.

“There you go. You can still get out. There is nothing holding you down.” I flex my fingers and my brain tells me he’s right. I am able to get myself out from under him if I need to. “I’m going to kiss you now, Amelia. You are okay.” His lips meet mine and I sigh into the kiss. I feel him lick along my lips, asking permission to deepen it, and I would be a fool to deny him. I moan into his mouth, tracing his tongue with mine. Rhodes is a demanding kisser; his passion sparks an ember in my belly, and I groan, my hips bucking upward to meet air.

I need more. Iwantmore.

There is a war brewing in my head. I am caught between the fear lingering in the shadows and my desire to feel him rock against me. Rhodes breaks from my swollen mouth, allowing me to catch my breath, as he places kisses along my neck. My hands white-knuckle the satin above.

The mattress sinks beneath me and I feel a testing of weight against my body. Slight at first, then increasing as Rhodes watches my reaction. “Still okay?”

I nod, not trusting myself to break if I speak. He comes closer and I notice a lock of hair falling into his face. I wish I could push it back and then slide my fingers into his hair, pulling him to me. I want my nails to scrape along his scalp, down his spine. I wish I could be consumed.

If only.

Just before he is completely pressed to me, he pauses and waits.

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