Page 27 of Tears of Ruin

He pulled me closer, our bodies aligned, his hard cock pressed into my stomach. I gasped, his hand resting against my lower back. He held me with just enough pressure that said I could pull away at any time.

But I stayed, yearning for whatever he was willing to give me and eager enough to take.

“Noam?” He whispered my name, his eyes searching mine.

My heart was pounding like crazy, making me feel dizzy as I slowly nodded. My entire life everything had been taken from me. I’d never been given a choice.

For once, I was choosing to give. Two weeks of sitting next to Richard on our rides, my attraction toward him building. Our quiet conversations, Richard slowly luring me out of the protective shell I’d surrounded myself with. Always patient. Never demanding. And now, it felt as if something was shattering inside of me.

Thrill pushing me to take what I wanted for once. To act reckless, consequences be damned.

Fingers skimmed down my arms, tracing the hem of my shirt, lingering just long enough to give me a choice. A way out. The second I tensed he would stop. I knew he would. But I didn’twanthim to.

So I leaned closer, slipping my trembling hands up his chest. “I want this,” I whisper, something raw and electrifying pushing the words free. “I’m with you all the way, Richard.”

I was breathless, shocked at my bravery as he kissed me, all needy and sweetness and everything I needed to feel desired.

To feel like a living, breathing man and not some terrified, shattered soul just trying to survive life.

We backed toward the bed. I exhaled, forcing my fingers to unclench at my sides.

Richard didn’t pull back or pretend not to notice. He just waited. Pressed a kiss to my temple. Let me take the time I needed.

AndJesus, if that didn’t undo me more than anything else.

“Still with me?” That man’s voice was like a dark lullaby, a promise wrapped in sin.

“Yes.” It was being vulnerable, placing my trust in someone’s hands that caused me to hesitate. But this wasn’t just anyone. It was Richard, the man I was falling hard for, but too afraid to tell him that I was catching feelings.

Feelings I’d never experienced before, terrifying and confusing me.

His eyes locked with mine, popped the button of my jeans open. His knuckles brushed the sensitive skin beneath my navel as he eased the zipper down. Watching me closely, I knew he was gauging every micro reaction on my face, every tiny movement of my body.

No matter how nervous I was, this moment was going to happen. I would make sure of it. My cock ached, straining against fabric, every brush of his fingers sending a jolt of need shuddering through me.

God. This was real. This washappening.

The hesitation vanished.

That realization hit me harder than the actual touch. My body wasresponding, not shutting down. Not retreating.

Because it’s him. Because he’s putting my comfort before his own needs. Because he’s not taking, but giving.

The last barrier between us slipped lower, and I stepped out of my jeans and underwear, feeling exposed in a way that had nothing to do with being naked.

His gaze traced a slow path up my body before locking onto my own, his eyes glowing with hunger, sending warmth curling through my skin. I’d never felt so wanted, the heated looked making me crave him in wild, delirious ways.

I swallowed, shifting on my feet.

A slow inhale flared his nostrils, his eyes darkening as if he could already taste me.

His voice was low when it came. “You’re beautiful.”

A laugh almost broke free. Not because I thought he was lying but because I had no idea what else to do with the words.

His hand found my cheek, thumb skimming along my jaw. “Let me show you.”

My breath hitched.

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