Page 26 of Raphael
But the vulnerability in her open expression gives me pause. Coming on too strong could irreparably damage this delicate bud between us. Neither of us expected such an intense connection—it goes beyond primal chemistry into frighteningly dangerous territory for natural enemies.
So, I swallow the fervent words on my tongue, channeling them instead into a smoldering kiss along her elegant neck.We have time,I remind my impatient heart. I just need to nudge her gently from physical attraction into emotional intimacy at her pace. No scaring this skittish fawn away by blurting my dangerously strong feelings before she’s ready.
When we finally separate, Helena props herself on an elbow, lips curved teasingly. “Well, aren’t you energetic today, darling?” Her husky purr goes straight to my core. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you missed me.”
The truth of it nearly spills out. But I cradle her jaw instead, brushing a thumb over her flushed cheek. “Terribly,” I overstate with a dramatic sigh. “Counting the moments until I had you in my bed again.”
Helena laughs, low and throaty. “Oh, I see how it is. Just using me for my body, then?” She nuzzles into my palm, expression softening. “You really know how to make a girl feel wanted.”
“Because you are,” I say in a low, stern voice. “Very...verywanted...” Trailing fingers down her arm, I lift it to press feather-light kisses along the sensitive inner wrist. Her pulse taps rapidly under my lips and tongue. When I glance up, her own eyes have darkened several shades. Good—keeping this dance charged between us can only help tear down her walls further.
With concerted effort, Helena seems to shake off the sensual haze, propping herself higher on the pillows. I can’t hide a smirk at the pleasing view granted of her bare curves barely covered by the tangled sheet. Catching my stare, she pointedly tugs the fabric higher despite the teasing glint in her gaze.
“We should eat,” she declares practically. “I’m famished after that athletic display.”
My stomach chooses that moment to growl loudly, as if in agreement.
“There’s my answer!” Helena laughs again. “What time is it, anyway?”
I snatch my discarded jeans off the floor, fetching my phone from the pocket to check. “Just after ten.”
Her expression turns thoughtful. “Oh, I wish I could stay... but morning inventory comes at dawn. Raincheck on dinner?”
There it is—the perfect chance I’ve been waiting for all evening. Tamping down an eager grin, I keep my tone casual with effort. “No need to run off just yet. I’ll order us a pizza?” When she blinks in surprise, I sweep on before doubt can set in. “We’ll eat, relax a bit... plenty of time still to enjoy each other’s company.”
I hold my breath as Helena worries her bottom lip. Then her face transforms with a radiant smile that steals my breath far better than any kiss. “I’d love that. We always get so... distracted when we’re together.” One shoulder lifts seductively. “Be nice settling in without tearing clothes off straight away.”
Laughing in relief, I steal another swift kiss, wallet already in hand. “I’ll grab the phone and order. Make yourself comfortable, gorgeous.”
Escaping the temptation of all that bared skin, I duck into the adjoining sitting room to place our order. The mundane task barely registers as I float on an elated high from her agreement. It’s a small step maybe, but my heart swells imagining cozy domesticity with this fascinating woman.
When I return, Helena has wrapped herself alluringly in the top linen sheet like a goddess in a Roman fresco. She leans casually amidst the pillows scrolling her cell phone, at ease in her near-nudity now. My oversized dress shirt tossed aside for her scandalous choice in covering. Swallowing thickly, I drag my eyes up to meet her amused ones.
“See something you like?” Helena teases, dropping her lashes coyly.
“You know I do...” I prowl towards the bed, thoughts of dinner fading under sudden desire. “Though now I’m debating whether we have time to properly enjoy you in that sheet before the food arrives.”
Laughing brightly, Helena holds out an imperious hand, halting my advance. “Down boy, you’ll ruin my makeshift dress. Come sit and talk with me.” She pats the comforter, eyes dancing. “We have weeks-worth of catching up to do.”
I can’t maintain pretenses under her delighted expression. This right here—playful intimacy beyond physical release—feeds my heart as much as it does my body. I go to her eagerly, careful not to disrupt her artful draping as I join Helena comfortably atop the duvet.
We chat about everything and nothing in easy companionship: her family overseas, my passion for artistic hobbies, city living adventures. No heavy confessions, simply discovering each other’s quirks and histories organically. Laughter comes quick and often, never a lull.
When the knock on the door signals dinner’s arrival, I jump up before thinking. At Helena’s startled look as her minimal covering shifts precariously, I grab my shirt off the floor and press it into her hands.
“Here, put this on so you don’t give my doorman a show.” My grin turns wolfish. “That view is for my eyes only.”
A pretty flush stains her sharp cheekbones. But Helena just laughs again, the sound swirling golden warmth through my veins. “My hero.” She fakes a swoon. “Now go fetch our feast, sir knight, before your damsel starves!”
Still chuckling, I duck out and return swiftly with the hot pizza box emitting mouth-watering scents of sauce and melted cheese. Helena has migrated to the couch, swamped endearingly in my oversized shirt. At my entrance, she sets aside the remote control and folds her long legs beneath her.
My unnecessary breath catches at how naturally she fits here surrounded by my belongings, beautiful and unselfconscious. Studying her easy poise, I wonder again what higher powers saw fit to orchestrate our fated collision. Surely, no curse could result from something so pure between us... could it?
Oblivious to my reeling thoughts, Helena smiles brightly and raises her wineglass from the coffee table. “To finally having dinner together!”
Her joy is contagious, washing away any lingering gloom. Beaming in return, I retrieve two plates from the kitchen and flop onto the opposite end of the couch unceremoniously. “To many more cozy nights ahead.”
Our enthusiastic toast echoes through the high ceilings, twining our laughter together. Helena dives for the pizza eagerly, humming at that first hot, gooey bite. Watching her unreserved relish quickens my own appetite.
