I smile nervously. “He embarrassed me,” I say quickly, to ease his worry. “He didn’t hurt me—not physically, anyway. Just emotionally. We were going to—you know—and when I told him I’d never done anything like that before, he laughed about it. He was horrified that I had no experience, and he taunted me, and then, when I broke up with him, he toldeveryonemy secret, and they taunted me, too. It was horrible,” I sigh heavily, the embarrassment I felt then resurfacing now as I wait for Nico’s reaction.

He’s quiet for a moment as he leans over me, his eyes studying my face.

I wish I could melt into the blankets and disappear. Nico looks angry. It’s making my heart race with tension. I should never have said anything. I should have kept my mouth sealed until it was over. Then, at least, I wouldn’t be a virgin anymore, and I would never have to have this conversation again.

“That guy is a fucking asshole, and if I ever met him, I’d kill him,” he growls.

“Oh.” I thought he was angry atmefor leading him on, or disappointing him.

“What do you mean, 'oh?'” He knits his brows. “That guy deserves to learn a very painful lesson for doing that to you, Sera. He’s an asshole. No one should be made to feel embarrassed about choosing to wait.”

He smiles, shaking his head. “There is nothing to be embarrassed about. You are in full control over what you’re ready to experience. Not your ex. Not me. Only you.”

His hand is gentle as it brushes over my shoulder. The touch sends shivers running through me again.

“We can just lie here and talk if you want,” he says.

“You’re not upset that I’m a virgin?” I ask, my brows furrowed.

He chuckles. “No. If you want me to be entirely honest with you…" He grins.

“I do,“ I say, watching his expression as his eyes drift over me.

“The thought of being the first man to ever thrust into you is driving me fucking insane. I’ve never been more turned on in my life. Before you told me, you were already driving me wild. I was already losing control. But this—this takes it to an entirely different level. I want to do things to you that would make you scream in pleasure, Serafina. I want to possess you in the darkest, most beautiful ways. I want to teach you everything.”

My heart is beating so fast it’s thundering in my ears. My lips part in shock as I listen to his words. His hand is drifting over my side, dangerously possessive, his fingers pressing into me as he speaks in seductive tones.

The fact that he is so turned on, yet completely willing to set it aside if I’m not ready—it’s making me wild with desire.

I am ready. I’ve been ready for far too long, but I wasn’t willing to just give myself to anyone.

From the moment I met Nico, I wanted it to be him; I just didn’t think it was possible. And now I’m here, with his golden eyes locked with mine, his attention on my body, his desire flooding through me.

My pussy is heated, pleading—

“I want this,” I whisper.

His eyes flare.

“You want this?” he asks, making sure there is no misunderstanding as he pushes his hand between my legs.

I nod, biting my lip. “I don’t want to be a virgin anymore.”

Nico lets out a low growl as he spreads my legs apart and cups my pussy in his hand. He leans over me and locks his lips over mine, letting his finger slide inside me as he kisses me.

I reach up and wrap my arms around his neck, pulling him against me, encouraging him to do whatever he wants to me.

He kisses me until my lips are swollen, his finger sliding slowly in and out of me, building pleasure with each stroke.

When he shifts his body and moves lower on the bed, my heart starts racing.

He tugs my panties off, pulling them over my boots, smiling as his hands touch the leather. “These are fucking sexy,” he grins. “Can we leave them on?”

I nod, enjoying his lust—it makes me feel sexier than I’ve ever felt in my life.

“But this has to go,” he says, pulling himself forward so that I’m sitting with him between my legs. He slowly lifts my dress up over my head. I’m completely naked, completely exposed to his eyes, and his gaze is taking in every inch of me with growing feverish desire.

He gently pushes me back against the mattress.