Page 122 of Property of Bones

“Still. I wanted it to be right. I wanted it to mean something.”

She nods, her voice barely a whisper. “It does.”

I kiss her, letting my mouth trail down her neck. Her breath hitches when my hands slip beneath the hem of her nightgown, and I pause.

“Tell me to stop,” I say, voice low and rough. “Any time. For any reason.”

She shakes her head slowly, eyes locked on mine. “Don’t stop.”

“Good girl.”

Laying her back on the sheets, I move over her like she’s something sacred…because to me, she is. Every brush of my hands across her curves, every kiss against her skin, is a vow I don’t need to speak out loud. She already knows.

When I part her legs, my chest tightens. She’s bare beneath the nightgown. Waiting for me.

Mine.

The low growl that leaves my throat is instinct. I lean in, and the moment my mouth touches her…soft, wet, perfect…her whole body trembles. I take my time, savoring her like I’ve waited a lifetime. Because I have.

Her fingers tangle in my hair, her back arching, breathy moans slipping past her lips like prayers meant only for me. Ilose myself in every sound, every shiver, giving her everything I’ve held back until now.

I don’t rush. I want her undone…slowly, then all at once.

She cries out my name when I push her over the edge, her thighs clenching around me like she’s trying to hold on to something solid. I anchor her there with my hands, with my mouth, with every part of me that’s ever belonged to her.

And when she finally goes still, chest heaving, I kiss my way back up to her, brushing the hair from her face.

“I love you,” I whisper.

She pulls me close with a soft, blissed-out smile.

“I know.”

Only when I know she’s ready…mind and body…do I climb over her, bracing myself on my forearms, heart pounding hard against my ribs.

“You’re not a virgin, I know that,” I say quietly, searching her face. “But I still don’t want to hurt you. You tell me if anything doesn’t feel right. You tell me if you need me to stop.”

She touches my face with both hands, and there are tears in her eyes.

“I trust you, Jack.”

I press a kiss to her lips.

Then I press into her.

Slow.

Careful.

Every inch feels like coming home.

And when she gasps and wraps herself around me, I bury my face in her neck and swear I’ve never felt more whole.

“Don’t move,” she whispers. “Just need to adjust for a second.”

I stay frozen, every muscle locked tight with restraint, jaw clenched so hard it aches. I’m afraid if I breathe too deep, I’ll lose it. But I wait…because she asked.

Then, softer, breathless…”Please… move.”

---