Page 120 of The Failed Audition

I grow soaked by the second, and I can’t close my mouth, breathless and warm all over. “Nik…” I clutch onto his biceps for support.

He says something in hot, sexy Russian that only stirs me more. His thumb flicks my barbell piercing, the sensitivity pricking my neck.

And then his body presses up against mine, to the point where I figure out what’s about to happen next. My eyes open, and I wrap my arms tighter around his chest, bracing myself for the fullness that I simultaneously crave and fear.

It won’t hurt. It won’t hurt.

Even if he said it will.

Stop thinking.

That’s when he slides his erection deep inside of me, not slow, but hard. He thrusts forward, the pinch is worse than the first couple times I had sex. Because he’s bigger. My fingers dig into his back, stifling a wince, but he never hesitates, just rocking at a melodic, fast pace.

It builds up my arousal, and he dips his head to kiss my neck, sucking—devouring me. He lets out a deep noise, a grunt as he goes deeper. The pleasure flooding his face, and it sends me to a new plane of existence, one where pain is replaced by a high, floating. Near the broiling sun.

I turn my head, a fraction, in a dazed state. And I catch sight of ourselves in the bathroom mirror. Dear God…

That can’t be me. The girl enveloped by this man. His cock disappearing between my legs. His hands on either side of thewall, cocooning me for a further, more intimate entry. Rocking forward. Into me.

My chest is on fire.

My heart set ablaze.

Seconds later, my toes curl, a cry rips through my throat, and my body curves, right into him. He never stops his rhythm, never slows his powerful stride, and I feel myself being wound all over again. The pain is gone to these other senses, like a drug numbing a wound.

I reach up to touch his jaw, my head dizzied, my eyelids drooping.

He takes his hand in mine before my fingers even skim his cheek, and he kisses my palm, staring straight into me as he thrusts. I’ve never felt closer to Nikolai than right now. And I trust him. With every single part of my life—I trust this man.

I’m in love with you.

I hope one day I can grow the courage to say the words out loud.

“How do you feel?”Nikolai asks me, the morning light streaming through my broken blinds. I lie on my stomach, my firm mattress beneath me. His hand drifts along my bare back, my teal sheet just barely covering my bottom.

How do I feel?I never even dreamed of sex like that, full of strength and emotions. Beyond the physical parts, I think our love for each other made it more intense.

But I can’t lie—it hurt when he pulled out. He knew it did. Afterwards he held me in his arms, caringly, until I fell asleep. And now… “Sore, mostly. I mean, not that much, but…” It’s hard to stretch my legs in a split without feeling pain.

I press my cheek on my pillow, my eyes meeting his. He’s on his side, his body propped by his arm.

“We’re not training today,” he tells me, “so you have time to rest.” In part, I think he wants to use some of today to help me find a job. I try to read his features, but he seems content, more at peace.

“How…was it for you?” I ask tentatively.

His lips rise. “Extraordinary.” He sits up and pulls me into his arms, kissing me now. “I’m waiting for you to catch your breath before we go again.”

My eyes widen.Again?I expect him to add,just kidding.Any time now…

He features lighten in a more charismatic smile. “You look frightened.”

“I’m not…I’m just…”

“Sore,” he states. “But I’ll take care of you, my demon.” He’s still wearing that charming smile.

I scowl. Though it makes me curious about a second time with him. And a third. Fourth, however many more there will be.Infinity plus, Thora.The nervous, excited flutters return.“What happened to resting?”

He tilts his head. “Training is more exhausting than sex.”

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