Page 82 of Beneath the Hood

“Is this... was it not okay?” I ask, my stomach tensing.

He cups my jaw and leans in, breathing his words against my lips. “Perfect. You’re absolutely perfect. But you’re about to make me come, and I’m not done with you yet. Let’s move to the bedroom.”

My stomach flips, excitement darting around the deepest chambers of my heart. But as he leads me down the hall and into his room, the self-doubt creeps back in, souring the moment.

Will I be what he’s expecting?

What if I’m not any good?

What if he doesn’t like what he sees?

It’s the last thought that gives me pause, my feet faltering as we hit his bed.

He turns, completely at ease with his naked body, and a pang of envy prickles against my skin from his confidence. His brows draw in as he watches me and his hands come up, pushing my hair behind my ears and framing my face. This is his move, I’ve realized. He likes to touch me—likes to grab my face and force my eyes to stay on his.

“Are you still with me?” he asks.

Nodding, my teeth gnaw on my lip. “Yeah, I just…” I sigh. “I’m a little nervous.”

He nods. “We don’t have to do anything you’re not ready for.”

“No, I’m definitely ready.”

“Are you sure?” He tilts his head, his arms wrapping around my waist.

A bit of bravado pushes its way forward, his reassurances calming the panic that’s wanting to take root inside of me.

I know if I act like I’m unsure, he’ll stop, and I don’twanthim to stop. I want to know what it feels like when he lets go completely. Want him to lose himself inside me and never find his way out.

Rising up on my toes, my lips skim his ear. “Jackson, if you don’t, I’ll go find someone who will.”

His hands tighten around my waist, his grip bruising. He bends, his lips skating along the rim of my ear and sending frissons of excitement tingling down my back.

“The only man that will touchanythingon you, is me, princess.”

38

Jackson

Aforeign feeling whips through my insides at Blakely’s threat, and even though I know it’s an empty one, the images it produces still drive me half insane.

And that’s how I know this is different from anything I’ve ever felt. Because even when I’ve been broken over Lee—of her not wanting me—I’ve never been driven to the brink of absolute insanity at the mere thought of her with someone else.

With six little words, my world is turned on its axis.

I’ll go find somebody who will.

Over my dead body.

I’m all she needs.

Suddenly, I’m ravenous, passion and need exploding through my veins and burning away my plans for slow and sweet. I know that I should be taking my time with her. Be romantic and show her all the ways I want to love her right.

But I feel feral. Possessive. This is what she’s been pushing me for, what shealwayspushes for—this side of me that stays locked away behind a cool, calm exterior.

My hands grip her waist tight and push her back on the bed. I tower over her as my eyes trail the length of her body. “Strip for me, princess. Let me see you.”

Her eyes widen, hesitation swamping the air between us. I could do it for her, could easily reach out and peel off every layer, not stopping until she’s stripped completely bare, body and soul. But I need her to be the one to take this step. Need to make sure that she’s really as ready as she says she is.

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