Page 78 of Heartbeats & Highways

He punched in the code to the apartment complex and then we stepped inside. We didn’t talk again until we were in the apartment.

I turned to him, wondering if I was brave enough to ask for what I wanted.

“Today was intense, Savage. And I need—I need to feel connected to you,” I said, meeting his gaze. “Will you take me to bed?”

He froze for a moment, and I was afraid he’d say no because of our time limit, but then he was charging toward me. He lifted me in his arms, his mouth fusing to mine as he walked to the bedroom.

Savage placed me in the middle of the bed and then began to undress like a fiend. In his haste to get naked, he almost fell over, causing me to laugh.

He mock glared at me. “Woman, you do not laugh when I get naked. That’s not good for my ego.”

I reached out to grasp his erection. “Your ego is just fine.”

“Why do you still have clothes on?”

“I didn’t want to miss the show.”

I lifted my shirt over my head and tossed it aside. My pants and underwear were quick to follow.

“Spread your legs, babe. I want to see you,” he growled.

I laid back and did as he commanded. Savage had rid me of my shyness. Nothing was off limits to him. Whatever I asked for, I’d get.

Every time we were in bed, he proved that his one and only goal was to please me.

Tears suddenly came to my eyes.

“Why are you crying?” he asked as he looked at me with concern.

“I was just thinking . . . This is true intimacy. And you make me feel so safe. I feel safe with you Savage, and I never thought I’d have that. Ever.”

His expression was solemn as he got on the bed and crawled up my body so that he could stare into my eyes as he loomed over me.

His name was Savage and yet he was so gentle with me. Caring. Tender. When I needed it.

“I love you, Evie,” he whispered.

“I love you too.”

His mouth held mine captive. His tongue robbed me of breath. But I didn’t need to breathe. I just needed to feel.

He slid his fingers through my wetness and then painted my thighs with my desire.

I wanted nothing between us.

“I want to feel you,” I murmured against his mouth. “I want to feel you come inside me. Please, Savage.”

He groaned against my lips. “You sure?”

“I’m sure.”

“I’ve never been with a woman without a condom,” he said, pulling back so he could meet my eyes. “It’ll be my first time.”

I smiled up at him. “I promise I’ll be gentle.”

Laughing softly, he took himself in hand and slid into me.

He gasped and I silently crowed in triumph. I was giving him something he’d never experienced.

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