Page 11 of The Art of Loving You

“You’re not bad,” she murmured, teasing.

“Not bad?” I feigned offense. “That’s high praise.”

She laughed softly, the sound sinking into my chest, spreading warmth through me.

I was hyper-aware of every detail—the faint floral scent of her perfume, the brush of her legs against mine, the steady rise and fall of her breathing as she let herself relax into me.

Her fingers tightened slightly on my shoulder. “You don’t do this often, do you?”

“Dance?” I smirked. “Only when the company’s worth it.”

A faint flush touched her cheeks, and for a moment, something flickered in her eyes—curiosity, maybe something more.

“What is it?” I asked, my voice dipping lower.

She hesitated, then shook her head. “Nothing.”

I wasn’t convinced, but I let it slide.

The music slowed, the saxophone melting into a soft piano harmony. I pulled her just a little closer, and she didn’t resist.

“You’re full of surprises tonight,” she murmured.

I chuckled. “You haven’t seen anything yet.”

Her gaze lingered on mine, then, as if deciding something, she leaned into me, resting her head lightly against my chest.

I just held her for a moment, letting everything else fade away.

“Ella,” I murmured, my hand splaying against her back. “You’re amazing, you know that?”

Her smile was soft, almost shy. “I think you’ve had too much brandy,” she teased.

“Maybe,” I admitted, grinning. “Or maybe I finally said something I’ve been wanting to say for a long time.”

She tilted her head up, meeting my gaze. The space between us felt smaller, charged, expectant.

And damn, did I want to close it.

Her breath caught, urging me on. I tilted my head and brushed my lips against hers—a tentative kiss, a question. She didn’t pull away; instead, she leaned in, her hands resting on my shoulders, inviting me to deepen the connection.

“Ella,” I murmured softly as my thumb caressed her cheek, “are you comfortable with more?” Her warm eyes met mine steadily. “Lucas,” she whispered, with equal parts insistence and tenderness, “stop asking silly questions. I’ve got us covered.” Her slender fingers toyed with my necktie, slowly untying it and tossing it aside. “This feels too constricting, don’t you think?” she teased, mischief dancing in her eyes.

I grinned, discarding my blazer so it slid carelessly to the floor, and watched as she set to work unbuttoning my shirt. Her touch was gentle yet purposeful, sending shivers down my spine. Simultaneously, I found myself drawn to her dress; I reached for its zipper, our fingers brushing as I carefully guided it downward. With a soft pull, the fabric yielded, freeing her from its hold and revealing her toned body, elegantly accentuated by a silky lace bra and matching thong that clung to her every curve.

The sight ignited something primal within me. Her delicate lingerie, hugging every contour, proved both inviting and intoxicating. I pulled her into a passionate embrace, trailing a series of hungry kisses along the sensitive expanse of her neck. In response, she skillfully undid my belt and lowered my zipper, a soft moan escaping her lips as her hand traced the outline of my exposed desire. My slacks gathered in a pool around my feet, leaving me vulnerable and bare beneath her gaze.

Kneeling before me, Ella’s practiced hands set to work on me, teasing with the lightest touches and soft, lingering kisses that ignited waves of pleasure. “Oh, God, you taste so good,” she murmured, her eyes locked on mine with a seductive intensity that left me gasping and yearning. I sank into the experience, every caress filling me with an overwhelming bliss that blurred the edges of my reality. Eventually, I pulled back, my voice low and sincere. “Now, it’s my turn.”

I gently took her hands and helped her up. As I lifted her, my fingers brushed over her clothed breasts, discovering curves that stirred deep desire. Ella’s own hands explored my chest, tracing circles that left a trail of goosebumps in their wake. I reached behind her to unclasp her bra, and as it slipped away, the soft glow of a nearby lamp unveiled the full extent of her beauty. A surge of longing heralded the shift in our intimacy.

It was now time to cherish her as she had cherished me. Slowly, I slid her lacy panties down over her smooth thighs, unveiling the delicate allure of her skin. The intoxicating scent of her arousal mingled with the cool air as she spread her legs, silently inviting me closer. With a soft moan, she murmured, “I want you there.” My lips and tongue responded eagerly, tracing delicate paths along her velvety flesh, each movement drawing soft, desperate whimpers from her. We moved together in a slow, aching ballet that celebrated every inch of our shared desire.

Realizing the need for more privacy, I whispered, “Let’s find a more intimate setting where I can truly explore you,” and with that, I lifted her effortlessly into my arms. Her delighted laugh danced in my ear as I carried her to my opulent bedroom—a private sanctuary illuminated by the gentle glow of a chandelier. The room, enhanced by a lavish four-poster bed draped in silky sheets and accented with plush pillows, was a haven designed for moments like this, where every semblance of inhibition faded away.

There, I laid her on the bed’s soft expanse, feeling the delicate texture of the fabric under my fingertips as I trailed kisses along her pulse points. Ella arched her body toward me, her whispered plea laced with urgency: “I want you inside me. I can’t wait another minute.” Her open invitation made my heart race with anticipation, and as I positioned myself at her waiting entrance, her legs wrapped around my waist, sealing our intimacy with an embrace of need and desire.

I entered her slowly, each movement measured yet filled with passion, as her hands firmly gripped my arms and her eyes remained locked on mine. As we found a steady rhythm, Ella cried out in ecstasy with each thrust. “Oh God, you fill me so completely,” she moaned, her voice trembling with longing andsatisfaction. In that private symphony of whispered gasps and moans, every thrust, every touch wove us together in a tapestry of exquisite pleasure.

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