Page 85 of Both Sides Now

Now, we’re cuddled together in front of the fireplace, the glow of the flames warding off the New England night. Despite the chill in the air, my body is just shy of boiling point. Might have something to do with my man’s hands sliding over my skin.

"You're so beautiful," he murmurs, delivering soft nips against my shoulder.

“You make me feel beautiful.”

My emotions swirl around me, threatening to explode if I don’t finally set them free.

Time to be brave, old girl. He deserves to know.

I turn in his arms and grasp his chin, directing his gaze to mine as the firelight dances in his eyes. “I have something to tell you.”

“Okay.” It’s a simple response, but I see his jaw clench at my words.

He’s still hurt about that night when he told me how he felt. When I didn’t say it back.

Maybe now, he can lay that fear aside.

Taking his hand, I place it over my heart, certain he feels it racing beneath my skin. "Do you feel that?"

He nods, his gaze never faltering. “Yes.”

"It's for you. It beats for you. I love you, Keegan. I absolutely adore you and?—"

I don't get to finish my pledge as he claims my mouth, his tongue sliding against mine. There's a deeper feeling pervading this moment, a realization that by speaking the words, I released the chains holding him fast.

I tangle my hands in his hair, letting the ecstasy of the moment wash over me, my entire body trembling from the feeling.

He pulls back, a soft smile coloring his face. "Say it again."

Giggling, I press my mouth to his, speaking the words on repeat. "I love you. I love you. I love you."

And I do. So much more than he realizes.

Keegan grabs my dress and pulls it over my head, then turns his attention to my lingerie. Fancy or not, he is not in the mood to see it anywhere but on the floor.

No way will I let him have all the fun. Within a minute, his clothes lie in a pile next to mine and his naked body covers me, his erection pressing against me.

True to form, he takes his time. But there is a new emotion mixed in with the heat: adoration.

He teases me with kisses, nuzzling my nose, my jaw, and basically driving my need to its breaking point.

I ache for him.

Tilting my hips up, I beg without words for him to quench the fire.

Keegan slides his hands down my body to curl around my hips, but his eyes never leave my face. “Say it again.”

I frame his face with my hands, feeling the emotions I have for him wash over us both. "I adore you, Keegan Russo. Make love to me. Show me you feel the same way."

In the next instant, he buries himself inside me, his mouth possessing mine. But his movements are slow, torturous, and oh so delicious. He rocks himself into me, and I lose myself to the moment. Lose myself to this man who brought me back to life.

My climax builds with each thrust, but I see it in Keegan's face. He won’t rush this journey. He's taking his time, dragging out every sensual moment. I gasp at the rising feeling, unable to hold back, my nails scratching along his back.

His movements increase as he grabs my hips. Each thrust deeper. Filling me. Claiming me. Then another wave hits, and I bite my lip, whimpering as everything turns white. All I feel is him.

Me.

Us.

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