Page 68 of The Two Last Moments

“Wait,” I say. “Wait, wait.”

Immediately, Danny pulls off, concern etched on his forehead.

At the same time, I’m shoving my dress down. At least, trying to. I get tangled up in straps and elastic and almost wind up on the floor. Pretty soon we’re both laughing, but he sets me on my feet again and we get my dress off the rest of the way. I shove my panties off next. No more playing around.

“Slow,” he says, all breathy and low. “Let me look at you.”

I rest my hands on his shoulders, and he grasps me low on the hips. All my bruises have healed now, but I still feel them there. Like ghosts on my skin. But his eyes are devouring me like he’s starving for everything he sees.

“I’ve never seen anything like you, Lark. So beautiful it fucking kills me.”

Dannyscowls. But it’s very much anI’m-going-to-fuck-this-woman-if-it’s-the-last-thing-I-doscowl.

I doubt anyone has ever looked at me that way, with that much primal want. The wild beating of my pulse—in my chest, between my legs—and the goosebumps rising all over my skin say this is new for me. This is special.

And it’s what I want. So exactly what I want. This moment with Danny couldn’t feel any moreright.

“Come here, baby.”

Now, he lets me climb into his lap. My arms go around his neck, and I guide my mouth to his, our naked bodies finally in contact. We touch and rock against one another. Give and take. No rush. His skin is hot, soft under my palms, yet corded and solid underneath. I love the feel of his needy cock right up against my belly, sandwiched between us. His precome smears on my skin.

He’s got his big hands on my hips, moving me so my clit knocks against the base of his shaft as we kiss. I’m wet too, rubbing my arousal all over him. The whimpers I’m making turn to broken gasps. Danny’s chest lifts as he pants. His kisses delve deeper, taking long pulls from my lips. But I can tell the rest of his energy is coiled up and controlled. Simmering just beneath the surface of him.

“Please,” I whine, “need to feel you inside me.”

He drags a hand over my hip and brings it between us, his fingers finding my opening. I’m so wet that he slides one digit easily inside. I bury a moan against his neck. We keep moving against one another. I’m riding his hand.

“More,” I say. “I need your cock.”

“Just my fingers tonight. I’m not going to go too fast with you. Besides…I don’t have any condoms in here. And I’m assuming you don’t either.”

“Do we need one? I got every possible test and exam in the hospital. They said I have an IUD. You probably get tested during your physicals at work, right?”

“Fuck.” His finger withdraws, going back to my hip. He glances at the ceiling like he’s praying for strength. “I still don’t think I should.”

“Danny.” I wiggle in his lap, nipping at his earlobe. I don’t want him to treat me like I’m fragile. Orbroken. “I trust you, but I need you to trust me, too. I can decide what I want for myself. If we’re together, then we’re equals. I’ll listen to you, but I need you to listen to me.”

He doesn’t answer right away.

“Arewe together?” I ask, leaning back to look at him. “I guess we didn’t talk about that.” He said he cares about me. But is this a hookup to him? A one-night thing?

His gaze softens, and he runs his fingers through my hair. “I want you more than I’ve ever wanted another woman. I wouldn’t be doing this otherwise. I’m all in. But I can’t let myself hurt you.”

“You won’t.” I’m choosing to believe in the good he sees in me. I need him to do the same for himself. I rub my cheek against his, my breasts pushing into his chest. Every weapon I’ve got. “You know you want inside me, too. Please?”

“It’s impossible to say no to you.” In a flash, Danny grabs me and spins us. My back lands against the mattress with him above me. His chest surges like he can’t get enough air. He presses his lips to my stomach, and he lingers there before looking up again with a smoldering gaze. “I’m still going to take my time, though. I’m going to get you ready for my cock, touch you and tease you until you’re begging, and then make you mine.”

“Get going, then.”

“Impatient little thing, aren’t you?” Grinning, Danny lays down next to me and turns me on my side to face him. Any last nervousness I might’ve felt melts away as he kisses me. I throw my leg over him as I try to get us closer.

It feels like the whole world narrows down to just us. Our shared caresses, breaths, heartbeats. The sweat co-mingling on our skin.

“Your hair is so silky,” he says, running his fingers through it. “Wish I could wrap myself up in it.” Danny makes his way down my body, naming all the parts of me he finds beautiful. The admiration and praise light me up from the inside out.

“I like this freckle here. And here.” He kisses one on my shoulder, then my upper chest. “And this purple tattoo. What is that flower?”

“A thistle.”

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