Page 72 of Steel Beauty

Her hand moves over my chest. “Tell me why you do it.”

“Every line tells a story—family, heritage, moments that shaped me. It’s not just ink. It’s who I am.”

Her fingertips trail along the curve of a design near my ribs. “How long did it take to finish them?”

“The pe’a—the traditional one—was done over a few weeks. Long days of sitting still, enduring it. Some of the others, like the personal ones, I’ve added over the years. My tattoos are a work in progress.”

She hums thoughtfully, her hand continuing its lazy exploration. “Because your story continues, and you have many different stages of life ahead of you?”

I glance down at her, something tightening in my chest at how easily she understands. “That’s it exactly.”

Her fingers trace over one of the older designs, pressing gently, as if she can feel the stories etched into my skin. For once, I don’t mind letting someone glimpse the parts of me I usually keep to myself.

As her hand glides over my skin, every nerve ending ignites, and my body reacts to her touch. I let out a low, guttural moan as she teases me. The pleasure builds and builds until I’m completely consumed by desire.

“Your touch is driving me wild.”

“Sorry,” she says, a faux apology, and then leans in closer so her breath brushes against my ear. “Not… sorry,” she whispers, her words rich with seduction and mischief.

A fierce passion ignites within me, consuming my entire being and intensifying my longing for her. I can’t fight the irresistible pull between us and I move closer, positioning myself on top of her. With very movement she makes and every breath she takes, the fire burning inside of me grows stronger.

“I don’t think you realize the effect you have on me.” I’m completely under her spell.

She pushes against my chest, and we roll, her body now on top of mine. Our legs tangle together as she settles on top, her soft curves pressing into me. I’m trapped beneath her, feeling the heat of her body pressed tightly against mine as she leans in for a kiss. Her lips meet mine with an urgent hunger, sending warm tingles through my body.

She presses her index finger against my lips, her words a soft whisper. “Hold that thought for a minute.”

She pulls away, rising gracefully to her feet. The cool night air and sultry melody fill the space, wrapping around her as she moves to the music’s rhythm. Her body sways with a sensual confidence, every roll of her hips mesmerizing, each movement drawing me in more.

One by one, layers of fabric slip from her skin, fluttering to the deck like whispers in the dark. Her flawless curves stoke the fire inside me, the tension tightening with every piece she lets fall.

We’re like two flames burning in the darkness, drawn together by a force we can’t resist. My hands ache to pull her back down to me, to let go of restraint and lose myself in her completely. But somewhere deep inside, a thread of control holds me back, whispering that something better awaits.

Her figure, bare and inviting, beckons me with a slow, seductive finger, her lips curling into a tempting smile. “Come here.”

I do as she says, moving slowly as I get to my feet. My eyes are locked on hers, the space between us shrinking with every step I take. The way she looks at me—like she knows exactly what she’s doing to me—makes my pulse quicken. By the time I reach her, my heart is pounding, every step pulling me further away from the edge of control I’m barely holding on to.

The music weaves around us, guiding her movements as she slowly undresses me, each touch a teasing, delicious torture. The anticipation builds as she reveals more skin, her grin widening at the effect she has on me.

Abruptly, the song playing comes to a halt and the next one begins. This time, it’s a slow, romantic tune. Bathed in the moon and starlight, we stand side by side, completely exposed. Our bodies sway in rhythm with the music, as we intimately explore each other’s bare skin through gentle kisses and caresses.

Our fingers dance over each other’s skin, tracing every contour and crevice. Each touch is a spark igniting between us, the heat from our bodies mingling in the cool night air. Her soft sighs fill the space around us, a symphony of pleasure as I gently caress her most sensitive areas. As my thumb glides over her hardened nipples, they respond eagerly to my touch, rising to meet me with a yearning desire.

I pull her to me, my hands exploring the curves of her bare back as we melt into each other’s embrace. Our lips meet in a searing kiss, tongues tangling and igniting a fire within us. She trails featherlight kisses down my neck, sending shivers down my spine. I bury my fingers in her soft hair, delighting in its silkiness.

We lower ourselves onto the sun pad, our bodies entwined in a perfect union. Every movement is met with a matching response, our connection never breaking. Skin meets skin as we sink into the plush surface, the cooling night air a delightful contrast to the burning desire between us. Her hands explore my body, sending shivers through me with her gentle touch. I caress her spine, savoring the delicate sound of her gasp when I reach the curve at the small of her back.

Our lips meet again in a passionate kiss, tongues exploring, tasting. I roll her beneath me, drinking in the sight of her in the moonlight––hair tousled, eyes dark with desire, chest heaving. She wraps her legs around my waist, pulling me closer, the friction eliciting a groan from deep in my throat.

She presses her body against mine and gently moves in a sensual rhythm. Her breath tickles my ear as she murmurs, “Take your time tonight. Make love to me––slow and tender.”

“Happily.”

I lean in, my hand gently cradling her cheek as I tilt her head upward, lips meshing together in a soft and warm embrace. My tongue brushes against hers, and they intertwine in a slow and sensual dance. She tastes like white wine, and I can’t get enough of her.

Her fingers entwine in my hair, gently pulling me closer to her, and I explore every corner of her mouth until we’re both breathless. As our lips part, she tilts her head back, exposing the smooth curve of her neck, and I cover it with light kisses, cherishing the way she trembles under my touch.

She lies back, her legs spreading slightly to make room for me. My body presses against hers in a primal embrace. Our eyes meet and a silent understanding passes between us before I slowly enter her, savoring the warm tightness that surrounds me. As our bodies intertwine, we find a rhythm that feels natural. Every thrust is met with an equal force from her, our movements synchronized as if we’ve been dancing together for years. In this moment, nothing else exists but the two of us.

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