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“Yeah. They’ve been gone since I met you.”

She lets out a small laugh, shaking her head. “You’re joking.”

“I’m not.” I press a kiss to her shoulder. “I’m dead serious.”

“How could meeting me make your headaches go away?”

“Because when I’m with you, everything else fades away. The stress, the pressure, the bullshit. It’s like… you’re my peace, Lil.”

“Sebastian…”

“I mean it. When I’m with you, I feel like I can breathe. Like I can just be me. Not the quarterback, not the Barron heir, just me.”

“I had no idea.”

“So, do I get a reward for winning?” I graze the skin of her neck with my lips.

Lil turns in my arms, her hands coming up to rest against my chest. “What kind of reward did you have in mind?”

Fuck. The question alone sends heat racing through my veins. Keep it cool.

I run my hands down her sides, settling on her hips. “How about you let me taste you tonight?”

Her nails dig into my shirt. Too soon? I never meant to push her faster than she’s ready for, no matter how badly I want her.

But as I attempt to step back and give her space, she holds onto me tightly, refusing to let go.

“What if I want more?” Her gaze darts away shyly.

Fuck, she’s adorable. And sexy as hell. That innocent act isn’t fooling me. I know the kind of shit she reads in those Regency novels. My sweet little bookworm has a dirty mind under all that shyness.

“More?” I ask.

Her words come out in a rush, barely more than a whisper. “Make you feel good, I mean. Like you did for me.”

I stare at her, stunned. Make me feel good.

Fuck. Every muscle inside me tenses, struggling to maintain control. She can’t know what she’s offering—but God, it’s toosoon. “You’re killing me, princess.” I drop my forehead to hers with a groan.

“What’s wrong?”

“Not tonight.” Even as my body screams otherwise. I want her, fuck, I want her so damn bad. But this isn’t about what I want. It’s about what’s best for her.

She looks confused, almost hurt. “Why? Did I say something wrong?”

“No, princess.” I cradle her face in my hands. “You didn’t say anything wrong. Trust me, I want this. I want you. But we should wait. I don’t want to rush you into anything you’re not ready for.”

Lil worries her bottom lip between her teeth. God, that lip bite drives me fucking crazy every time.

“What if I’m ready?” she asks.

I brush my thumb over her lip, freeing it from her teeth. Can’t have her drawing blood and making this any harder than it already is.

“Are you ready, though? Really ready? Or are you just saying that because you think it’s what I want?”

Lil looks down, avoiding my gaze. Bingo.

I tilt her chin up. “Hey. Look at me.” I wait until those beautiful eyes meet mine again. “We have time, okay? There’s no need to rush this.”

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