Page 182 of Exposé

"Gladly." Nate surged forward, pushing me down onto my back, then crawled over me. He leaned down and buried his face in my neck, his lips latching onto the crease between my neck and shoulder, his teeth sinking into my flesh. I hissed, his mouth lingering near my ear. "You're all mine."

A shiver raced down my spine as I yanked at his t-shirt, the fabric bunching in my fists before slipping free. My fingertips trailed over hard muscle, tracing every defined ridge, every taut line. Heat radiated from his skin, seeping into my palms.

My breath hitched, my pulse thrumming. "Nate…"

His lips pressed under my ear, one hand planting itself near my head and the other snaking its way under my shirt. "Talk to me."

My fingertips traced over his skin, pausing as they dipped into the faint ridges marring his side. "Your wound."

He tilted his head, amusement flickering in his eyes. "That wasn't what I meant."

I gave him a pointed look. "I'm serious."

"So am I." Nate glanced down at his chest and abdomen, where my shaking fingertips hovered. "I'll be fine."

His grin twisted something sharp inside me, a dangerous mix of charm and recklessness. My stomach coiled, the weight of everything sinking into my chest like lead. My pulse pounded, my breath uneven. "What if you're not here tomorrow?" The words slipped out, raw, exposing the fear I'd tried so hard to bury. If he left, if something happened, if I lost him—after finally letting myself have something real...

How could I survive that kind of wreckage?

Nate cupped my face, his thumb brushing over my cheek, his touch warm, steady. His lips hovered over mine, breath fanning against my skin. ""I wouldn't leave you like that." The words wrapped around me, soothing the panic curling in my chest. Then, his mouth claimed mine, taking his time to let his words sink in.

A slow, molten ache unraveled inside me, tightening my chest, stealing my breath. He was ruin and salvation, a blade wrapped in silk, and I wanted every sharp edge. My fingers threaded through his hair, fisting the strands as I pulled him closer, tasting the heat of his devotion. His hands, rough and certain, skimmed my waist, catching the hem of my shirt.

"I need all of you, Ava." With one sharp tug, the fabric tore away, leaving nothing between his touch and my skin but the electricity humming between us.

"You have me." The moment the cool air kissed my skin, his hands were there, warm, possessive, claiming. A low hum rumbled in his throat as his fingers curved over me, kneading, teasing, his thumbs gliding over sensitive peaks. My back bowed, instinct surrendering to sensation, breath catching as heat coiled low in my belly. He watched me, eyes dark, consuming, like he wanted to memorize every reaction, every sound. And God help me—I wanted to give him everything.

His mouth covered my nipple, tongue flicking.

Sucking.

Claiming.

A breathless gasp escaped me as he slid his knee between my thighs, pressing hard. My body arched against him, chasing the friction my center craved.

His mouth swallowed my cries, then left trails of heat against my flesh, tormenting me.

My thighs clamped around his knee, grinding against him, as my nails dug into his shoulders, seeking purchase.

Nate worked his way down, ripping off my pants and panties, burying his face between my thighs. He pulled my legs over his broad shoulders, his mouth pressing flush against my center.

"Oh God." My head snapped back, strangling a moan. My spine bowed, body tightening, chasing the ecstasy surging like wildfire beneath my skin.

His hand splayed across my belly, keeping my hips in place with each stroke of his tongue.

How?

What is this...

He pushed a finger inside of me, thrusting at a slow, torturous pace while his tongue continued to brush against my clit.

I released a shaky exhale, my chest rising and falling at a faster rhythm than normal. He added another finger, thrusting them faster and deeper, the knot in my stomach tightened.

"Don't stop…please, don't stop."

Nate released a sound that bordered on a groan and a growl, the vibration making my body tense. The fire within me burned hotter and hotter, a hot flush adorning my cheeks. Then, I succumbed, giving in to the heat.

The bliss.

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