She whimpered, her body wrung out, but Christian hummed against her clit, nipping at it gently before soothing the sting with soft, languid strokes of his tongue.

"Too much," she mumbled weakly, her legs trembling.

"Not enough," he countered, gripping her waist, his strong hands holding her in place as he continued to lick her, slow and unhurried now, savoring every drop of her.

Ivy whimpered, her body trembling under his relentless attention. Even in her exhaustion, the heat between them refused to fade. Christian pressed soft, lingering kisses along her inner thigh, his breath warm against her damp skin.

Then, without a word, he shifted above her, his body pressing against hers as he nudged her legs apart once more. His touch was different this time—slower, deeper, filled with something more potent than just desire.

"Christian..." she murmured sleepily, her fingers brushing weakly against his biceps.

"Yes, Ivy," he whispered, pressing a lingering kiss to her lips, his voice laced with something raw and possessive. "It’s alright."

His hand caressed her forehead, pushing away the damp strands of hair clinging to her skin. His touch was surprisingly gentle.

Ivy’s lashes fluttered as she gazed up at him, her body still trembling from exhaustion. He had pushed her past her limits, had wrung every ounce of pleasure from her, but even now, she craved the warmth of his touch.

Christian shifted slightly, his hands sliding down to her waist, pulling her closer until her soft curves were pressed against the hard planes of his body. His lips trailed a slow path down her jaw, lingering at the curve of her throat.

Ivy sighed, her body melting into his as he pressed a tender kiss to her shoulder.

His hands slid under her thighs, lifting them around his waist as he pushed into her, inch by inch, filling her completely. Ivygasped softly, her body still sensitive, but the slow, deliberate way he moved sent a deep, shivering pleasure rolling through her.

There was no rush this time. No desperation.

Just him. Making love to her. Owning her.

Christian buried his face in the crook of her neck, his breath hot against her skin as he rocked into her with deep, measured thrusts. He licked her neck, his movements unhurried, savoring every moment. His hand found hers, threading their fingers together as his thrusts remained steady, coaxing her deeper into bliss.

He whispered her name, worshipped her with his hands, with his lips, with every slow, drugging stroke of his cock. Moments later, she trembled, her fingers tightening on his shoulder briefly as she released herself on him.

With a final deep thrust, he shuddered against her, letting himself go inside her warmth, releasing everything into her. His arms tightened around her as he pressed a lingering kiss to her damp forehead, his heart pounding against hers. His hips still moving, pleasuring her with soft strokes.

Ivy's eyes fluttered shut, her body melting into his as the pleasure lulled her into a hazy bliss. Her breathing turned soft, steady, her arms loosely draped around his shoulders as she surrendered completely.

Feeling her body relax, Christian wrapped his arms around her, holding her close as he drove into her with aching tenderness. He didn’t stop until he felt her completely slip away into sleep, her breathing deep and even, her body limp in his embrace.

Her body relaxed fully, her breathing evening out as she drifted into slumber, still wrapped in his embrace.

He finally pulled her against his chest, his breathing ragged. His hand slid up to her hair, smoothing it back gently. Ivy’s head rested on his shoulder, her chest rising and falling in sync with his. A satisfied hum escaped his lips as he held her tightly.

“You’re mine, Ivy.” Christian murmured against her hair, his voice rough and low. “I’m never letting you go.”

***

Ivy woke up with a strong arm wrapped tightly around her body, pressing her flush against Christian's hard chest. She could barely breathe from the pressure of his hold.

He was fast asleep, yet his mouth remained latched onto one of her nipples, his tongue lazily swirling around the sensitive peak. The heat of his mouth burned her skin, sending waves of pleasure through her trembling body.

Her mind raced as the events of the previous night flooded back. A flush crept up her face, her body tense. She had never imagined that she'd end up in bed with him on the very night of their marriage.

And yet, here she was, lying next to him, completely bare.

Ivy slowly slid her hand under her breast and gently tugged it out of his mouth. Christian shifted, his brows knitting in tension as she pulled away, but he settled soon after, still deep asleep.

Her gaze settled on Christian's face. He was peaceful, his features calm and relaxed. Even in the morning light, he looked the same. Unbelievably handsome and effortlessly charming.

Carefully, she lifted his hand from her waist and began to slip out of the bed, moving as quietly as possible. But just as she was almost free, his arm suddenly wrapped around her waist and yanked her back. A startled gasp escaped her lips as she fell back onto the mattress, turning to face him—only to find him staring down at her with a sleepy gaze.