Page 73 of Steel Beauty

Our bodies move in perfect rhythm as we rock together. Our lovemaking is tender and adoring, worshipping every part of each other.

“JC.” She says her nickname for me like a prayer, her fingers tangling in my hair. This time it’s a pleasure building gradually––a slow burn––rather than a raging inferno.

I run my lips along the delicate curve of her collarbone, savoring the tangy salt on her warm skin. As I trace a pattern of kisses, she grips my shoulders, fingers digging into my flesh as I brush over a particularly sensitive spot. I return to that spot again and again, each time eliciting soft moans of pleasure from her lips. Her inner muscles contract around me, urging me.

With each gentle movement, our bodies mold together in a perfect rhythm. The outside world fades away as we focus solely on each other. The soft touch of skin against skin, the building heat between us, and the delicate sounds of our shared pleasure fill the air. Our breaths synchronize as time stands still in our intimate cocoon, and I gaze into her eyes, seeing my own passion and adoration reflected back at me. I cup her face in my hands, brushing my thumbs across her flushed cheeks before leaning in to place a loving kiss on her lips.

“I don’t understand how this can be so good, so different, with you.” I whisper against her ear.

“I don’t know either, but it is.”

The pressure builds slowly but steadily, like waves lapping at the shore. Her breathing quickens and her movements become more urgent. She trembles beneath me, on the precipice of ecstasy.

With a soft cry, she comes undone in my arms. The sight and feel of her release trigger my own, and we cling tightly to each other as waves of pleasure wash over us. Our bodies shudder in unison as we ride out the aftershocks together.

Gradually, our movements slow and then still. I remain inside her, unwilling to break our intimate connection just yet. We lie tangled together, our ragged breaths mingling as we come down from our shared high. I pepper her face with soft kisses––her forehead, her cheeks, and finally the tip of her nose. She sighs, a dreamy smile playing on her lips.

“That was––” she trails off, seemingly at a loss for words.

“The best,” I finish for her, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face.

She nods, affirming our mutual understanding, and leans into my touch. We savor the warm feeling of contentment, exchanging soft kisses and tender touches. There’s no need to hurry; we have all the time in the world.

The peaceful night envelops us, the gentle movement of the yacht soothing us in rhythm with the waves. Her head is nestled on my chest, her skin still radiating warmth against mine under the tangled covers. We lay there in quiet bliss for some time, both lost for a while in the aftermath of our passion.

“No one’s ever made love to me before.” She pauses like she’s testing the words aloud for the first time. “It’s always been fucking and not evengoodfucking. To be honest, none of it has ever been good. Until you.”

Hearing that she enjoys sex with me makes me happy, but at the same time, it also stirs up some uncomfortable feelings. Obviously, I was aware that she’d been with other men before me. That’s not a surprise. What is a surprise is how that makes me feel.

I shift slightly, my hand brushing along her back. “I don’t like the thought of you being with other blokes.”

She laughs, light and teasing. “Are you jealous, JC?”

I am, but I don’t want her to know that. She might not find jealousy an attractive trait. “I’m not.”

“You sound a little jealous.” She props herself up on one elbow, her eyes studying my face.

I raise an eyebrow, smirking. “Do I?”

“Mm-hmm,” she murmurs, her grin widening.

She has me, but I’ll never admit to it.

I brush a hand through her hair, tucking it gently behind her ear. “Have you ever been in a serious relationship?”

“I’ve been in a few relationships, but they all fizzled after a few months.”

“So you’ve never been in love?”

“No. Not even close.”

A quiet sense of satisfaction settles in my chest. I don’t say it, but I like that she’s never loved anyone. Knowing her heart has never belonged to someone feels like there’s a part of her still untouched, waiting for the right man to claim it.

“What about you? Ever been in love?”

My fingers trail gently along her arm. “I’ve been in situations that felt close but no... not love.” I pause, letting my admission settle between us. “I want to be in love though.”

She hums softly as if turning my words over in her mind. Then she lifts her head, resting her chin lightly on my chest. “I hope you find the love of your life someday, JC. You deserve that.”

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