Page 223 of Saving Her

“What are you doing?” I can’t stop the stupid question escaping my lips. I blame it on the adrenaline rushing through me. The complete madness filling me with power. He elevates me to some sort of godly status, the reversal of our positions making my belly flip and tumble.

I’ve always been the servant. The slave.

Now I’m his master, growing more empowered by the leashed hunger in his eyes.

“Tell me you want this.” He gently parts my legs, slowly inching forward, placing one gentle kiss after another along the flaming-hot skin of my inner thighs. “Or tell me to stop.”

I can’t imagine wanting anything else. For a moment, I’m so caught up in needing to be closer that I wonder if this was what it was like for Luther all along.

Did he crave me this way?

Was his desire for me as uncontrollable as mine for Luca?

Did his heart pound and throat tighten? Did his palms sweat and limbs shake? Is that why he stole me—because he was compelled?

“Don’t go back there,” Luca murmurs against my skin. “Stay with me.”

I lick my lips, trying to wipe away the dryness. “I’m trying.”

“What’s stopping you?” He pauses the gentle kisses and pulls back an inch.

“Oh, God. I’m beginning to second guess if this is natural. Maybe there’s something wrong with me.”

His eyes narrow. “Whatever you feel is natural. If you want to keep going. If you want to stop. Even if you change your mind every five seconds. It’s all normal.”

He’s right. It’s natural. I guess I asked the wrong question. “What I meant is, is this healthy? Do I want you like this because I’m sick?”

He doesn’t speak for long moments, the silence making my pulse beat faster. Is he about to give evidence to my growing instability?

Those lips press back against my inner thigh, his gaze remaining locked on mine as he says, “I wondered the same thing after what happened last night. But you said it yourself—this is nothing like what you experienced. It’s the exact opposite. And after everything you’ve been through, I can’t think of anything that’s healthier, or that shows more strength, or trust, or more commitment to healing, than a woman wanting to gain pleasure from a man who adores her.”

An ache builds behind my sternum. There’s so much pain.

Goodpain.

Restorativepain.

I drag in a breath, filling my lungs to capacity. “I love you, Luc.”

His eyes flare, shock bleeding across his features before he bows his head into my legs, not saying a word.

“Luca?” The agony builds. “I’m sorry, I…”

“Don’t be sorry.” He raises his face again, staring back at me with ferocity. “You know I love you, too, shorty. I’d fucking kill for you.”

“You already have.”

He inclines his head. “And I’d do it again. Every single day for the rest of my fucking life. Without pause or doubt.”

I burn—eyes, throat, heart. The heat overwhelms me, leaving beautifully wistful memories to soothe my scars.

“Now spread those thighs,” he demands. “I want to make you feel good.”

24

Luca

The scentof her drugs me.

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