I start slow before quickening my pace. Thrusting hard and fast, my orgasm builds as a tingle at the base of my spine. I holdback, sliding my hand under her ass. That lets my shaft rub her sweet clit and her pussy milks my cock, sending me over the edge.

The tingle of a knotting hold begins at the base of my cock. Panicked, I pull free and spill my seed between us before the knot can set. Wrapping her in my arms, I roll so she’s sprawled on top of me. I kiss her temple, her hair, as emotions swell inside me.

Mate.My beast growls.

Four

Kori

I’m not innocent, but that was by far the greatest sex of my life. I’d be willing to bet it was the best sex of anyone’s life. I probably should feel some shame for urging a stranger to take me to bed, but all I feel is sated and, well, great.

“Are you alright?” He combs his fingers through my hair and holds me as if I’m precious to him.

I sigh, wishing this moment would never end. “I’m fine.”

“I didn’t hurt you?” There’s a hint of panic in his deep voice.

Pressing on his broad chest, I look him in the eye. “No. It was wonderful.”

The set of his jaw eases, as does the worry in his eyes. “I thought…” He takes two long breaths. “I’m glad you enjoyed yourself, sweetheart.”

He must be mad. I came five times. I don’t think I was quiet about it. I do love him calling me sweetheart. I sigh again as the knowledge that I’ll have to get back to my friends soon sinks in. “I hope you enjoyed it too.” My cheeks heat.

Lifting his head, he kisses my forehead. “It was perfect, Kori. You’re perfect.”

A nervous laugh escapes. “You are the only person who thinks so.”

Blinking his golden eyes, he cocks his head and stares for a long moment. “Are you hungry?”

“Starved.” And my stomach growls in agreement.

Then he smiles and my lady parts contract just as it did the first time I saw him. He’s the most beautiful man I’ve ever seen. Giving my ass a light tap, he says, “Come on. Your clothes will be dry by now; I’ll get the pasta cooked.”

The insecure me, which is my normal state, thinks he’s ready to do what he promised and be rid of me. At least he’s a man of his word. I roll off him and when he gets up, I pull the borrowed robe from the bed and wrap it around myself. “You don’t have to feed me. I’m sure you have better things to do with the rest of your day.”

He stops buttoning his jeans and stands like a statue, staring at me. Blinking, he shakes his head and kneels next to me. “I have nothing in my life more important than you, Kori.”

It’s by far the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me and I have no response. I nod and swallow the tears trying to escape with a swarm of emotion.

Standing, he kisses the crown of my head. Then pulls on his shirt and walks out of the bedroom.

Unsure what to do or say, I stare at the hardwood floor and wonder if all of this has been a dream. The delightful soreness between my legs is welcome proof that Drayce is real and I’m not insane.

With an armload of my clothes perfectly folded, he returns and hands them to me. “Do you need anything else?”

I shake my head and a tear escapes.

Before I can dash it away, Drayce catches it on his thumb. His eyes fill with worry. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”

He leaves no space between us as he continues to wait for the truth.

“People just aren’t usually as nice as you. I’m not used to it.” I want to tell him everything about myself, but I’ve been told all my life that no one wants to hear that sad story. First dates are for brief, light information, not deepest, darkest truths. Only this isn’t a date. It’s a fantasy.

His jaw ticks. “Who would be unkind to you?” Tucking my hair behind my ear, he adds, “You should be worshiped.”

More tears get away and I wipe them on my shirt. “The world is full of all kinds of people, Drayce. Here on your mountain, I may seem special, but in the real world, I’m an orphan who was inconvenient. I made my own way in the world and managed to be good at cooking. Without food, I’d be nothing in most people’s eyes. As it is, once the meal is done, I’m forgotten by even the patrons who raved about me.”