"No, thank you," she replied, rubbing her belly with a contented smile. "I'm full. It was just so good."
She'd taken to wandering my house in the tiniest sleep shorts and an oversized T-shirt, driving me fucking insane. Any lesser man would've cracked by now, but I had to remind myself that she wasn't mine to take.
She stood abruptly and headed to the sink, beginning to wash the dishes, the suds danced around her hands as she attacked the dishes, a picture of domestic bliss I never thought I'd crave. She hummed to herself, swaying gently from side to side, and I found my eyes drawn to the curve of her hips, the way her tiny sleep shorts clung to her perfect little ass.
"Corvus, you done?" she asked, her voice pulling me from my thoughts.
"Uh, yeah," I mumbled, carrying my plate over to the sink. As I slid it into the soapy water, the scent of apples and cinnamon wafted up from her freshly washed hair. Fuck, it was intoxicating. Without thinking, I leaned in closer, breathing her in.
"Are you sniffing me?" Tempest's voice was a mix of amusement and surprise. My face heated up, but I didn't back down.
"Sorry, guilty as charged." I grinned sheepishly. "Your hair always smells like apples and cinnamon. I like it."
Her cheeks flushed pink, making her even more irresistible. My fingers reached out, brushing softly against her cheek. Her eyes widened, but she didn't say no. Instead, she leaned into my touch, her breath hitching ever so slightly.
"Is this okay?" I whispered, praying that it was.
"Y-yeah," she stammered, her gaze locked onto mine. The vulnerability in her eyes was clear, and I knew I had to handle her with care.
Her eyes fluttered shut, face tilting toward my touch like a sunflower seeking warmth. The vulnerability made my chest tighten. I could feel the heat from her cheeks seeping into my palm.
"Corvus," she breathed out, eyes opening to meet mine. "You're the first man I've ever allowed to touch me."
My heart hammered against my ribs at her confession, and I couldn't help but lean in, pressing a feather-light kiss on her lips – testing the waters. She didn't pull away. Instead, her wet soapy hands snaked up and wrapped around my neck, drawing me closer.
"Is this okay?" My voice cracked, the weight of her trust crushing.
"More than okay," she whispered before pulling me back in for a deeper kiss.
She tasted like the pasta we'd just eaten, and fuck, it made me want to lick her all over.
A surge of desire courses through me as I scoop her up into my arms. She's so light and delicate, yet strong and resilient - a contradiction that makes her all the more irresistible. Her legs wrap around my waist instinctively, and I spin her around so her ass is perched on the edge of the kitchen bench. The cold marble contrasts perfectly with the heat between us.
"Corvus," she gasps, as I devour her mouth. I'm lost in the taste of her, the feel of her lips against mine, the way her body clings to me like she never wants to let go. Her hands delve into my hair, running over my scalp, and I shiver as goosebumps break out across my skin.
"Fuck," I mutter as I pull back slightly to catch my breath. Our eyes lock, and I see vulnerability mixed with passion in her gaze. "You're the first person I've ever allowed to kiss me."
Her words strike me like a bullet, and I groan. It's fucked up that people have taken things from her that were not given. But I can't deny the pride I feel knowing that I'm the first she's allowed this close.
The heat between us is intoxicating, the dark desire clawing at my insides like a rabid animal. I know I need to put some distance between us before things get out of hand, so I force myself to pull back, gritting my teeth as my body protests.
"Tempest," I growl, trying to catch my breath. "We should stop."
My cock throbs painfully against my jeans, reminding me of how long it's been since I've had a woman. Fuck, the temptation is killing me.
"Corvus," she says, her voice soft and determined. Instead of letting me go, she pulls me closer, her eyes fierce with conviction. "I'm choosing you to go further with. I've never been with someone I've chosen."
Her words hit me like a punch to the gut, and my mind raced with the implications. The thought of someone forcing themselves on her makes my blood boil. I clench my fists, holding onto my control by a thread.
"Are you sayin' what I think you are sayin'?" I ask, the rage simmering inside me, ready to explode.
She nods, her eyes locked on mine. "Yeah, Corvus. You're the first man I've ever wanted."
"Fuck," I mutter, struggling to process this information. "You know if I find out who did this to you, I'll fuckin' kill 'em. No one hurts what's mine."
"Yours?" she whispers, her eyes wide but not afraid.
Chapter 15