Abe's lips left mine, trailing heated kisses along my jaw and down my neck. I tilted my head, giving him better access, a soft moan escaping me. "Abe," I breathed, my voice barely audible.

His hands roamed my curves, setting my skin on fire even through the fabric of my blouse. I arched into his touch, craving more, yet feeling overwhelmed by the intensity of it all. I’ve never felt this way before. Never needed a man like this before.

He’d gone and given me a fever that needed curing, but did not know how. All I knew was that I wanted more.

I reached down to his belt with trembling fingers, the heat between us escalating with each passing moment. Abe's breath was ragged against my skin and he reached up beneath my skirt. I startled at the unexpected touch, as his fingers moved up my thighs, agonizingly slow, inch by inch. I felt my core flutter, and trembled so damn hard I thought I’d fall.

But, he caught me. His other hand gripped my waist and he pulled me close. My eyes widened and I looked into his as I felt his length dig into my skirt.

“So many unnecessary clothes,” he growled, biting into my neck. I tilted my head back and his fingers then pushed aside my panties. I bucked my hips, a little afraid.

Not of him. But rather, of having been inexperienced.

A low groan escaped me as his fingers found what they were looking for. He glided one up my slit, my panties digging against the back of his hand.

When he reached my clit, he gave it a soft rub and I whimpered, my hands now clutching at his back, my face thrown into his neck. “Wow,” I whispered.

His fingers ghosted over me, teasing. God, if this is how good it felt already, I couldn’t imagine how having all of him would feel. Slowly, I planted my feet wider, giving him further access.

And that's when he slid his finger to get inside me. I closed my eyes, waiting for that first-time pain I’ve always heard so much about. The tip of his finger invaded me, yet my body obeyed like a puppet, undulating to meet him.

Abe moved the tip of his finger in and out of me, occasionally flicking that magical little nub that sent jolts of electricity throughout my entire body. I squirmed against him, angels singing in my ear.

My hands then untucked his shirt and reached beneath, feeling the rock-hard edges and angles of his chest, his back. I started to rock my hips into Abe’s hand, unable to control my body's response to the teasing sensation.

"God," I whispered breathlessly, "what are you doing to me?"

The feel of Abe's finger thrusting back into me made me moan louder when his lips trailed back down to claim mine, tasting the sweetness there.

Then, he jammed into me a quarter in more. I squealed, and stood a little straighter, before falling back into his neck, reveling in this bliss. His hand left my waist, trailing up behind my leg till it trembled, till it rested on my ass.

I squeezed my legs together, partly from the thrill of how his hand felt imprinted on my ass, partly to make myself smaller. A man is holding my ass, claiming me as his, and a small voice at the back of my head wondered if I wasn’t dainty enough for me.

But then he squeezed my cheek and dear god, his finger inside me feels like it was made for my nooks. But, why wasn’t he moving it further?

“Why’d you stop?” I whispered, giving his neck a small bite.

“You’re wet but so tight.” I heard concern in his voice.

“I know,” I whisper back. “Just…go slow, will you?”

He pulled back slightly, his blue-gray eyes searching my face. "Pippa," he said, his voice husky and strained. "Have you ever…?"

I bit my lip, heat rushing to my cheeks. "I… no," I admitted, averting my gaze.

Abe inhaled sharply, taking a step back. My panty snapped back into place, my skirt fell back down. The loss of contact left me feeling cold and exposed. I wrapped my arms around myself, watching as a myriad of emotions flashed across his face—surprise and something that looked almost like… regret?

"Fuck," he muttered, running a hand through his dark hair. The simple action shouldn't have been so attractive, but it was. "I didn't realize… I shouldn't have…"

The awkward tension in the air was palpable as Abe struggled to find the right words. I stood there, my heart pounding, unsure of what to say or do.

My stomach twisted into knots as I watched Abe's face, searching for any sign that he still wanted me. But all I saw was hesitation and… was that pity in his eyes? The realization hit me like a punch to the gut.

"Don't," I snapped, my voice trembling despite my attempt to sound fierce. "Don't you dare look at me like that, Abrahim Ustinov."

I turned away, trying to hide the tears that threatened to spill. My hands shook as I smoothed down my rumpled blouse, desperately trying to regain some semblance of control.

"Pippa, I—" Abe started, his voice uncharacteristically soft.