Page 122 of Icebound Hearts

He didn’t hesitate this time. More kisses, more of his tongue sliding against mine, more of his lips moving across my jaw, my throat, my collarbone. His teeth closed gently over my earlobe,tugging, making me shudder. His hands, rough and searching, tangled in my hair, one at the back of my head, the other pressing into the small of my back, pulling me into him. His breathing quickened, deep and ragged, and I felt his groan vibrate against my skin. His body, firm and strong, molds with mine, his thighs bracketing my hips, his chest pressing against my breasts. And then, the hard length of him, hot and unyielding against my stomach.

I pull my small top over my head, giving him access to my chest.

“Bed,” I gasped.

I back out of the door, keeping Aiden close, unwilling to let go, until the backs of my legs met the mattress and I let myself fall backward.

He follows, hovering over me as I scoot back, his weight pressing me into the bed. I arch up into him, needing the friction, needing him. He slides lower, his hands pushing my skirt up to my hips, fingertips tracing over the front of my panties. It had been so long since he had touched me like this, had wanted me like this. Electricity shot through me, pooling low in my stomach. I feel one of his fingers slide inside of me and I gasp.

“Oh my god.” I whimper.

His other hand tugs at my bra, fingers bringing it down, freeing my breasts.

He leaned down, mouth warm and wet over my nipples, exposing me to his tongue, his teeth.

He sucks, licks, teases, and I gasp, my fingers threading into his hair, anchoring him to me. His legs shift, his knees pressing between mine, urging me open, making space for himself between my thighs.

“Please Aiden,” I gasp, my hands fumbling with his belt, tugging, desperate. “I just… need… now. Please.”

He understands. The urgency. The way waiting wasn’t an option. He undoes his belt, shoves his jeans and boxers down justenough, then reaches between us, pushing my panties further aside.

“I love seeing you like this angel. Falling apart for me.” I gasp the moment his tip, pushes into me.

“I love you.” I whisper, bringing his mouth into mine. Aiden pushes into me, slow and careful. My legs wrap around his waist, heels digging into the back of his thighs, urging him deeper.

“I’m so sorry.” I mutter panting, as Aiden slides in an out of me.

“I-I’m so sorry Aiden.” I say again, slamming my lips into his.

“I love you.” He whispers, leaving a trail of kisses on my neck.

“You were made for me Angel. No one else. Just me.” Aiden says, and my heart swells at his words. I feel like I can breath again.

“Aiden,” I gasp again.

My body adjusts, stretches around him, and then the rhythm changes— faster, harder. My moans turn into cries, my nails dragging down his back, the bed frame slamming into the wall in time with his thrusts.

The tension coiled inside me, tighter and tighter, until it snaps. I shatter around him, my body pulsing, my legs pulling him in as I gasp his name, desperate and lost. He follows suit, a rough, ragged shout as he buries himself deep, body shaking, collapsing against me as he comes undone.

We lay there, tangled, panting, our bodies still fused together. I feel him, still inside me, his breath slowing against my neck.

“I’m never letting you go again.” I whisper, leaning my head on his chest. Content at having him next to me.

“I’m never letting you push me away again.” He whispers, placing a sweet but innocent kiss on my forehead.

Chapter Forty - nine

KATERINA

For the first time in weeks, I wake up without the weight of denial crushing my chest.

Because this time, I wake up with him. Aiden’s arms are wrapped around me, his body warm and solid against mine, his breath steady as he sleeps. The room is still dark, the world outside quiet, but in this moment, everything feels right. Like the battle we fought to get here—every push, every pull—was worth it.

I shift slightly, and almost instantly, his grip tightens, pulling me closer.

“Stay,” he murmurs, his voice rough with sleep, his lips

brushing the top of my head.

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