Page 172 of The Ruthless Note

I want everything.

Reaching out, I caress Dutch’s face and watch the coldness fade away until there’s nothing left but raw emotion. The cruel prince of Redwood is something more than numb. Isn’t that a surprise?

His gaze falls on mine, stealing my breath away. With the moonlight caressing the lines of his face and chiseled jaw, he doesn’t look real.

I pant as I hold up my white flag. “This is me begging, Dutch.”

Dutch’s hand tightens on my hip. “Bedroom.”

“No,” I demand. “I can’t wait.”

I’m shaking. Now that I’ve already exposed my need, I have no problem pleading with him.

Relaxhis gaze says, so hot and sharp that I do the opposite. Honestly, I could sob with how wound up I am.

“You should at least be on a bed, Brahms. It’s your first time, dammit.”

“Stop talking and take menow.”

His lips brush mine and, when I glance up, I see eyes like the sky on fire. “Tell me if it hurts.”

“I will.”

He leans back, shoving his jeans down and then his boxers.

I gasp at the sight of him, thick heat crawling over my flesh. I’m so frightened that I barely notice the crinkle of a wrapper.

“Breathe with me, Brahms,” he says after putting on protection. “Relax.”

“I’m relaxed,” I snap, my teeth chattering.

He chuckles and kisses my forehead. His fingers slide into mine, interlocking our hands.

“Look at me, Cadey. Look at me.”

I fall into his amber eyes.

His knees pry my thighs apart.

And then he’sthere. So much of him. Enough to split me wide open.

Oh sh—

It hurts.

Pain rips through me and Dutch eases away, kissing me and working me up again before he tries a second time.

“Baby, hold on,” Dutch growls, totally confident. “You’re ready now.”

I still remember the pain and I’m a wreck of nerves when he sinks in like a sword. Merciless. Hypnotic.

“Dutch.”

His name is a prayer.

His response is a grunt of pure concentration.

He goes still, letting me adjust. Letting the burn and the pleasure find their place in my body.

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