Page 29 of Beneath My Skin

“Mariella, stop. I’ve made love before. But never to a woman with a demon in her body.”

“I wish I could fully explain to you the irony of the situation. You’re nervous about me, but I have a rampaging horde of butterflies in my stomach because I’ve never made love to a genie,” I said.

“A djinn,” he corrected.

“Actually, I haven’t been with anyone in a long time.” I reached out to touch his hand. Delighted when his fingertips wrapped around mine. “I can’t promise you I won’t lose control. The fear is always there.”

He cupped my cheek. “You won’t lose control. It’s enough to know we’re here together. That the situation is even possible.”

His words sent a bolt of desire straight through my core. Had I said he was made of charm? No, not this man. This man was made of something better. Richer. He was made of kindness. I’d have to make sure I kept the secret to myself.

His smile sent me over the edge and I wondered how it was possible to feel such things for a person I’d just met. Then suddenly I was fiercely glad we had.

He kissed me gently, and when he spoke, his voice had deepened. “Show me what you want me to do.”

My mouth felt dry when I shook my head. I ran my tongue over my lips. “Not tonight.”

“What?”

“Tonight, this is for you.”

From the way he looked at me, it was clear he hardly knew where to start. He closed his eyes to collect his thoughts. “All of my life I have done what other people desired. Granted the wishes inside their hearts and took no pleasure in it. To be honest, I’d given up on myself. I’m ready for you. You can do that thing with your tongue again.”

“Oh, can I?” Lightly, I touched the spot on his neck with the tip of my tongue, swirling patterns along his skin before nipping the area gently.

“You can kiss and lick my nipples.”

“Okay, now, don’t get greedy,” I said, digging my hands into his ribs before bending to tease him.

At the same time, he touched me. Drew hot circles on my inner thigh before traveling to my core. Electrifying me. The first wave of orgasm came out of nowhere. “Dax!” My nerve endings were alive, radiating out in a wave from ground zero.

He lunged forward to press his lips against my neck, rolling until I was on top with my legs on either side of his waist.

I moaned, arching against him in welcome, seconds before he slipped inside. Now his arms were holding me in a possessive circle. We moved together. The rhythm ancient. Powerful. His hips surged strong and deep, his mouth crushed against mine. It was flight. It was freedom. I didn’t need to pretend.

The force of his desire stirred a similar response inside of me. Then it bloomed, grew into something so intense, so fierce, it was a little frightening.

I stroked his back, tasted the saltiness of his skin, and brought him to new heights until his breathing was ragged and sweat glistened. His muscles strained and tensed as he fought to control himself.

“No, don’t hold back,” I demanded. “Give in to me.”

He plunged deeper inside of me, my body surrounding him until I felt the explosion waiting to be released. I was lost to him. This was not just sex.

Dax heaved, a groan strangling in his throat, body jerking. I held him close until the tension drained from him. Stroked his hair when I bent to capture his mouth, tasting the spasms of pleasure coursing through him.

He shifted, lifting his head to see my face. “This shouldn’t be possible.” His fingertips cupped my chin and turned to view my profile. Memorizing me. “I’m having a mental breakdown. You’re a figment of my imagination.”

My laugh came quick, an inelegant snort. “Sorry. If I were a figment of your imagination I’d be ten pounds lighter and three cup sizes bigger.”

He grinned, carefree. Lips twitching. “I think you mean four cup sizes.”

I indulged in a light slap. “Careful what you say.”

“Why? Are you going to banish me to my bottle?”

It was a tiny dose of reality neither one of us was prepared to deal with. I sighed, urging my knees to hold me as I stood. I couldn’t help glancing down at my arm and the fading scars. Nothing.

I took my time getting dressed again. Trying not to feel embarrassed now that I realized I’d been uninhibited with Dax. I’d let him see my scars.

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