Page 128 of The Photograph

Gabe takes the bundle from my hand to chuck it on the bed before he removes my t-shirt. He traces the edge of my lacy bra and kneels before me. He slips my tennis shoes off, the right then the left before he reaches for the side zipper of my pants that fall at my feet in a soft thump.

The dichotomy of the cool air on my skin and Gabe’s hot breath fanning over my panties makes me shiver, and I dig my nails into his shoulders as he kisses my sex through the thin material. When he glides his tongue up my belly, a whiny sound filters out of my throat, and I shut my eyes.

Gabe.

“Fuck, you’re beautiful.”

My breath rushes out at the reverence in his voice as he gets to his feet and picks up the rope from the bed.

After doubling up the rope, he hooks two fingers around the loop he made, and I exhale a trembling breath.

Gabe stands before me, close enough that the heat of his body cradles mine “Ready, baby?”

When the jute rope touches my skin, I hold my breath as he runs the rope across my chest, above my breast, around my back and arms then binds my wrists behind my back. I roll my shoulders to test the knots against my skin and shiver.

Gabe brushes his mouth on my breasts, already sensitized, and I cry out when his lips close around my nipple while he rolls the other between his forefingers.

His hands and mouth linger in the roped-in areas of my body until I tremble. He falls to his knees in front of me and slides his warm hands up the back of my legs before he pulls down my panties. I clench my fists as he wraps his fingers just underneath my buttocks and shudder at the first stroke of his tongue between my folds.

When he draws on my clit, my legs shake.

“Gabe...”

“I need more,” he growls. He hooks my knee over his shoulder while his hands on my buttocks hold me against his open mouth. And he devours me.

I’m dizzy, teetering on the brink of a violent orgasm. “Gabe … please…”

Gabe carries me to the bed and sets me on my knees on the firm mattress while he undresses quickly. He’s hard everywhere, and my mouth waters as he stalks toward me.

He sits, his back against the headboard, and I nearly orgasm at the possessive heat in his eyes.

“Come here, beautiful.”

He grabs me by the waist, and I part my folded legs as he sets me across his lap, facing him. I wriggle, shifting against the knotted ties that slide against the sheen of my fevered skin while Gabe slides a condom on.

Panting, I push up on my knees while Gabe positions himself against my core. He wraps his hands around my waist, lifts me and glides me slowly down his length. Again and again. So slow. So good.God.

“Keep your eyes on me, baby.”

The strain in his voice and the intensity of his gaze on me push me over the edge and I fall into my orgasm seconds before he smashes his mouth on mine, slams me on him, and growls my name.

When the tremors of my body subside and our breathing evens out, he unties me and massages my wrists before holding me tight. “Aelin, my Aelin.”

****

We wake up famished and reheat the meatloaf and caramelized carrots Michelle left in the fridge along with vanilla crèmes brûlées.

After dinner, I fall asleep on the couch in the middle of a pretentious movie and wake up alone in Gabe’s bed to a note on his pillow.

‘At work. See your pretty smile tonight. Gabe.’

After a shower, wrapped in a towel, I sit on the bed to I check my messages. I frown at the and jump on my feet at Gertie’s voice. She had a fall. I toss my cell on the bed and hop into my clothes. Once ready, I hurry through the front door and stop.

Shoot.How am I going to get home?I readjust my bag across my chest and grab my cell, but as the app opens, Jason appears before me.

“Ms Aelin, where would you like to go?”

I blink fast. “Can you please take me home?”

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