Page 316 of Of Sins and Sacrifice

“But—”

“Don’t tell me you’re the prude now and I’m the one with nefarious intentions?”

“But tomorrow,” he protests, though it’s a weak attempt as his eyes are already roving over my body suggestively.

“Tomorrow is the main dish. Tonight can be the appetizer.”

His brow quirks up. “Why is everything about food for you?”

I shrug. “Food is yummy, and so are those orgasms, and you’re still in debt.”

“Right, right. I am a puny debtor who needs to pay up.”

“I’m waiting,” I say and lean back on my elbows to watch the show.

“Shouldn’t you be the one to undress? So I can pay my debt properly,” he adds as he trails his finger down my leg until he reaches my uncovered ankles. He rolls down my stockings, one at a time, all the while keeping his eyes on me.

Heat builds up inside of me, making my breathing heavier, more punctured. He grabs one of my feet and presses a kiss on top of it before trailing his tongue to my toes.

“Mine…” I let out a startled gasp when he sucks my toe into his mouth.

This wicked man… he’s staring at me while he flicks his tongue all over my toes. I never imagined something like this could be so…erotic. But the tight knots forming inside my stomach tell me otherwise. Goose bumps appear all over my skin as I squirm against the mattress.

“C-clothes off,” I reiterate, though slightly more flushed than before. “You, naked, is part of the debt.”

“Is it? Then of course I must pay up,” he answers dutifully as he takes a step back and reaches for the buttons on his shirt.

“At least you’re a well-behaved debtor. But I will have you know the interest rate has gone up.”

“How much are we talking about?” He carefully unbuttons his shirt before he throws it to the side, revealing his muscled chest.

“Pants, too.”

“Ah, so demanding,” he drawls as he unbuckles his belt. But once that’s off, his fingers hover over the zipper of his trousers, teasing me.

“Too much talking and too little undressing. I am the injured party here and thus I require my recompense.”

“Of course, my fair lady.”

I don’t know where he came up with that nickname, but I don’t dislike it.

He pulls down his trousers, taking his drawers together with them. Just like that, he’s stark naked in front of me.

My breath catches in my throat. I might have been the one to initiate this, but now I fear I might be in a little too over my head.

His body is pure perfection. His scars, too, are part of that allure, making him seem both sexy and dangerous at the same time. But as I peruse his body, I notice new scars. Some are starting from his navel and going down his legs. They’re reddish still, suggesting they’re recent. The worst one is right above hishardened male part, a mosaic of scar tissue that spreads to his back and buttocks.

“Mine,” I start, but he’s quick to press a finger against my lips and shush me.

“Not now,” he whispers.

I gulp down. Concern blooms in my chest.

“When did this happen?” I demand. When did he strain himself too much? Was it while I was out those three days? Was he suffering while I was sleeping, oblivious to everything he was going through? Pain laces through me as I stare into his anguished green eyes. The same pain is there too, but his is hidden, shrouded in the thousand secrets he keeps from me.

“Not now,” he repeats, his warm breath tickling my neck as his skilled hands begin to unbutton my gown. Each button comes undone with ease, revealing the smooth, creamy skin underneath. I feel a deep flush of embarrassment as he slowly removes the gown, leaving me standing naked in front of him.

But his focus is not on my nudity. He presses soft kisses against my exposed skin, murmuring words of adoration and love as he trails down my neck and over my shoulders. His hands roam freely over my body, caressing and exploring every curve and dip.

---