Page 16 of Blade's Princess

For a moment, I'm sure I've misheard her. Or maybe I’m just misinterpreting. “Say again?”

She places her palms on my chest and looks up at me with those gorgeous green eyes. "I want you, Blade. Not as a protector or a guardian or whatever you think you are. I want you as a man. I want you to be myfirst, to take my virginity.”

Jesus fuck. My heart hammers against my ribs, raw desire coursing through me like wildfire.

"Sophie," I begin, my voice hoarse. "You don't know what you're asking."

"I know enough.” Her fingers trace the line of my jaw, feather-light.

I catch her wrist, torn between pulling her closer and pushing her away. "You're nineteen."

"And?" she challenges, a flash of fire in her eyes. "I'm old enough to know what I want. Old enough to choose." She steps even closer, between my spread knees. "Unless you don't want me."

The suggestion is so absurd I nearly laugh. "Want you? Christ, princess, I've wanted you since I first saw you in that alley. But you're..." I struggle to find the right words. "You're innocent. Pure."

"I've been locked away for years," she says softly. "Treated like I don't deserve to have a life. And now I'm free." Her hand comes up to touch my face again. “Now I get to make choices. This is my first real choice in so long. Please let me have it. You. Let me have you.”

Something breaks inside me at her words. The last thread of my restraint snaps.

I pull her down onto my lap, one hand tangling in her hair as I claim her mouth with mine. I'm careful of her split lip, but there's nothing gentle about the hunger behind the kiss.

She responds with surprising passion, her arms winding around my neck, her body pressing eagerly against mine. She's inexperienced, her movements clumsy, but her enthusiasm more than makes up for it.

When we break apart, both breathing hard, I search her face for any sign of doubt or fear. I find none—only desire and determination.

"Are you sure?" I give her one last chance to change her mind.

"I'm sure," she whispers, pressing a small kiss to the corner of my mouth. “I’m positive."

With a groan, I stand, lifting her with me. She wraps her slender legs around my waist instinctively, her body pressed flush against mine. I carry her toward the stairs, every brother still in the room watches with knowing smirks.

Good. Let them look.

Let them see exactly who she belongs to.

Chapter 7

Blade

I lay Sophie gently on the bed, mindful of her ribs, and stand looking down at her. She's a vision—golden hair spread across my dark sheets, the large t-shirt of mine she’s wearing rides up her thighs, her cheeks flushed with desire.

"Has anyone ever touched you before?"

She shakes her head. "Never. Not like this."

A primitive satisfaction roars through me. "Good," I growl, removing my cut and t-shirt. "Because after tonight, no one else ever will. Only me.”

Her eyes widen as she takes in my bare chest, the tattoos and scars that tell the story of my life. Her gaze is curious, appreciative.

"You're beautiful," she breathes, reaching out to trace a tattoo that runs along my ribs.

I almost laugh at the description—no one has ever called me beautiful before. "And you're exquisite,” I tell her, leaning down to kiss her again.

I go slowly, so slowly it's torture. But I need to be careful with her—not just because of her injuries, but because this is her first time, and I want it to be good for her. I want to erase everymoment of pain she's ever experienced. I want to fill her world with pleasure.

The huge t-shirt comes off first, revealing the sexiest small, perfect tits I've ever seen. Then the oversized shorts, leaving her naked and vulnerable beneath me.

"Christ," I breathe, taking in the sight of her. She's thin—too thin—but beautifully shaped, with subtle curves and skin like silk. "You're fucking gorgeous."

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