Page 19 of Dark Bonds

As he outlines our next steps, my anxiety slowly gives way to a sense of purpose. This is something I can work with—a concrete plan of action.

My eyelids grow heavy as the tension seeps out of my body, but as I start to drift off, a chill runs down my spine. My eyes snap open, and for a split second, I swear I see a dark figure looming over us. I blink, and it’s gone.

Soon. The word slithers through my mind like a venomous snake.

My heart racing, I turn in Matteo’s arms, pressing my body against his. I need to feel him and ground myself in his solid presence. My fingers trail up his chest, feeling his solid warmth. Matteo’s breath catches, and his eyes darken with desire, but I can still see his mind working.

The room feels charged and alive, and I’m not feeling fear anymore.

I lean in, capturing Matteo’s lips with mine, and let the heat between us chase away the lingering chill. His hands roam my body, igniting sparks wherever they touch. The world narrows to us, the shadows and whispers fading into the background.

As our kisses deepen, I feel a strange energy building within me. It’s different from the usual passion—wilder and more primal.

Matteo pulls back slightly. “Gem,” he murmurs, his voice low and gravelly. “Tell me what you want. I need to hear you say it.Your pleasure is mine to control, but only if you’re certain this is what you need right now.”

His words send a shiver down my spine, chasing away the lingering chill. “Yes,” I murmur against his lips. “I need this. I need you, Matteo. Please. Make me forget, just for a little while. Make me feel alive in a world that seems determined to drag me into the shadows.”

Matteo’s eyes flash with a primal hunger, and in one fluid motion, he rolls me onto my back, his body covering mine like a shield against the darkness. His lips capture mine in a searing kiss that steals my breath and sets my nerves alight. I arch into him, desperate for more contact, more heat, more of everything he can give me.

His hands roam my body with practiced precision, finding every spot that makes me gasp and shiver. I lose myself in the sensations, in the feel of his skin against mine, in the intoxicating scent of him that surrounds me. For these precious moments, the world beyond this bed ceases to exist.

Our kisses grow more heated, more desperate as we shed our clothes. Soon we’re naked, pressed against each other in the darkness of his bedroom. I feel completely consumed by him—his touch, his scent, the taste of his skin on my tongue—yet even now, I can sense his strategic mind at work, carefully gauging my reactions to ensure my comfort.

Matteo’s mouth blazes a trail along my neck, across my collarbone, and down to my breasts. I arch into him, craving more of his touch. I need the distraction from the shadows that seem to dance at the edges of my vision.

He hums against my skin, sending vibrations through me that make me moan. His tongue traces intricate patterns over my sensitive flesh, making me squirm with pleasure.

“That’s it,” he growls into my ear, his voice a primal mixture of domination and devotion. “I know exactly what your bodyneeds. Let me give it to you. Let me tease and torture you until you’re begging for release… or I can make it rough and wild if that’s what drives you crazy. Your pleasure is my sole focus, and I will conquer every inch of you, claiming you as my territory.”

Holy shit, that’s hot as fuck, and all I can do in response is moan. I run my fingers through his hair, pulling him closer as he devours me with his mouth. It feels like we’ve been building up to this moment for weeks, and now that it’s finally happening, I never want it to end.

“Please,” I beg, raking my nails down his back. “I need you, Matteo. All of you. Make me feel real again.”

Matteo’s hands slide down my body, caressing every inch of me as he makes his way lower. His lips follow suit, trailing kisses along the curve of my stomach and dipping lower still.

When he reaches the apex of my thighs, I tremble with anticipation. He looks up at me through hooded eyes, and I know he can see the desire written all over my face.

“You’re doing beautifully,” he says, his voice low and full of promise. “Every response and sound you make is perfect. Let go, I’ve got you.”

I spread my legs wider for him, offering myself to him eagerly, and when his tongue finally licks from my slit to my clit, all rational thought flies out the window, along with my fears and anxieties.

My back arches off the bed as waves of pleasure course through me. Matteo holds onto my hips firmly as he works magic with his tongue and fingers, driving me to heights of ecstasy that I never thought possible.

I lose myself in the sensations until I shatter in his arms. My whole body tenses as I cry out, gripping the sheets as waves of pleasure wash through me. Matteo doesn’t let up, drawing out my climax until I’m trembling and oversensitive.

When he finally moves up my body, I pull him into a deep, passionate kiss. I can taste myself on his lips, and it only fuels my desire for more.

“Matteo,” I murmur against his mouth, my voice hoarse with need. “I want you, all of you. Make me yours completely.”

He groans, his hot breath fanning over my face as he presses his forehead to mine. His voice is thick with desire, and I can feel the heat radiating from his body, but underneath it all is deep concern and careful consideration for my well-being. “I can sense every tremor and gasp of pleasure,” he whispers in my ear. “Are you ready for more, or do you need a moment to catch your breath? We have all night, and I intend to make every sinful second count.” With each word, his hands tighten around my waist, and I feel the intensity building between us, igniting a fire that threatens to consume us both.

I press closer to his hard body. His cock twitches against my thigh, and it sends a jolt of desire straight to my core. My fingers trail lower, tracing the outline of his abs before slipping beneath the waistband of his boxers. Matteo’s breath hitches as I wrap my hand around his shaft, stroking him slowly.

“Fuck,” he groans, his hips bucking involuntarily. “You’re making me lose my mind. I crave to hear you moan my name. I need to know without a shadow of a doubt that you want this. Your agreement and pleasure are what matter most. I won’t cross that boundary unless you’re indisputably sure.”

“I’m sure,” I murmur, meeting his gaze. “I want this. I want you, Matteo.” My voice breaks slightly. “Please. I need to feel… real again.”

Matteo searches my eyes for a moment then nods. He reaches into the bedside drawer for protection—thank you, Tori—then positions himself at my entrance.

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