Page 31 of Pleasure and Mane
"I'm not running." She leaned closer, her scent wrapping around him like silk. "Lavinia mentioned you've never been in a relationship before."
Heat climbed his neck. "That's true. I don't know the first thing about being a boyfriend, much less a mate. I feel like an idiot for having zero experience at thirty-two years old."
"Don't feel foolish." Her hand found his, their fingers intertwining naturally. "I've never had a real boyfriend either. I always pushed men away when they got too close. You're not the only one flying blind here."
She's never...The revelation hit him with surprising force. This gorgeous, brilliant woman had kept herself as isolated as he had. "I find that hard to believe. You're beautiful and intelligent—I assumed men threw themselves at you constantly."
Quinn laughed, the sound light and genuine. "They tried. I never gave them the time of day. School and work always came first."
The admission filled him with primitive satisfaction.She waited for me without even knowing it.
"We'll figure this out together." Her thumb traced across his knuckles, the simple touch igniting fires in his blood. "All we have to do is be ourselves and be honest about what we're feeling. I think we'll be just fine."
Those words, mixed with the acceptance shining in her eyes and the certainty that she wanted this—wanted him—shattered the last of his restraint.
Caius closed the distance between them in one fluid motion, his hands framing her face as his mouth claimed hers. She tasted like bourbon and promise, her lips soft and eager beneath his. When she melted against him with a soft sigh, his control snapped completely.
His tongue traced the seam of her lips, seeking entrance, and when she opened for him, a low growl rumbled in his chest. This kiss was nothing like their encounter in the gardens—this was hungry and desperate, fifteen years of loneliness and longing poured into the connection of their mouths.
Mine,his lion roared in triumph.Finally mine.
Caius's hands moved with deliberate slowness as he reached around Quinn, his fingers finding the zipper of her tailored navy dress. The sound of it sliding down her back was almost louder than the crackling of the fireplace. He tugged the fabric gently, letting it pool at her waist, revealing the delicate black lace bra beneath. His breath hitched. She was a vision, her skin glowingin the warm firelight and her curves perfectly framed by the dark lace.
"Quinn," he murmured, his voice rough with need as he lowered his mouth to her neck.
His lips trailed down her neck to her collarbone, savoring the way her breath quickened, and her pulse fluttered under his mouth. He kissed his way to the swell of her breasts, his fingers brushing against the lace as he teased her nipples through the fabric. She gasped, her hands gripping his shoulders, and he could feel the tension building in her body.
"Caius," she whispered, her voice trembling, and it was all the encouragement he needed.
He reached behind her, unclasping her bra with an ease that surprised him. The fabric fell away, and he groaned at the sight of her bare breasts—full, perfect, and begging for his mouth. He took one taut peak into his mouth, swirling his tongue around it as she arched into him, her fingers tangling in his hair.
"God, you're beautiful," he said, pulling back just enough to look into her eyes. The firelight danced in her dark pupils, and he could see the hunger there, the same hunger that was burning him alive. "You're mine, Quinn. All mine."
Her response was a breathless moan as he moved to her other breast, lavishing it with the same attention. Her nails dug into his scalp, and he loved the way she responded to him, clinging to him as if she couldn't get enough. He'd never done this before, never allowed himself to be this vulnerable, but with her, it felt natural. Instinctive. Like she was the missing piece he'd been searching for all along.
When he couldn't take it any longer, he laid her back on the couch, slipping her dress completely off until she was left in nothing but her lace panties. His eyes raked over her, memorizing every inch of her body. She was a masterpiece, and he was the lucky bastard who got to worship her.
"You're perfect," he said, his voice low and reverent. He traced a finger along the edge of her panties, watching as her stomach muscles clenched under his touch. "So damn perfect."
Quinn's hands reached for him, trying to pull him closer, but he shook his head, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Patience. I'm not done with you yet."
He teased her through the delicate fabric, his fingers finding her wet and eager. Her hips lifted off the couch, chasing his touch, and he chuckled darkly. "Someone's impatient."
"Caius," she pleaded, her voice desperate. "Please. I need more."
Her words sent a jolt of heat straight to his cock, and he growled in response. "Anything for you, my mate."
He tugged her panties down, discarding them somewhere on the floor, and spread her legs gently. The sight of her, so open and ready for him, nearly undid him. But he forced himself to take his time, leaning down to brush his lips against her inner thigh. He could smell her arousal, sweet and heady, and it made his mouth water.
When he finally gave her what she wanted, his tongue teasing her sensitive folds, she let out a cry that went straight to his cock again. He buried himself in her, licking and sucking with a hunger he didn't know he was capable of. Her hands fisted in his hair, holding him in place as her hips rocked.
"Oh God, Caius," she moaned. "More. Please, more."
"Tell me what you need," he demanded, his breath hot against her skin.
"Your fingers," she gasped. "Inside me. Now."
He didn't hesitate, sliding two fingers into her warmth, and she clenched around him so tightly he nearly came on the spot. He moved in rhythm with his tongue, curling his fingers to find that sweet spot that made her scream.
