Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 93203 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 466(@200wpm)___ 373(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93203 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 466(@200wpm)___ 373(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
“Last chance. I can stop right now.”
“No,” she whispered. “I want you.”
“Once I start, there is no going back,” I warned, my desire and need beginning to overtake me, but knowing I would stop if she asked.
“Please,” she asked.
I slid into her, pushing past the tight barrier. Her head fell back, eyes wide in panic, her neck stretched, her back arching. She grabbed my forearms, her nails sinking into my skin. I didn’t move, using every muscle in my body to stay locked down. She let out a shuddering sigh, flexing slightly. A small hiss left her mouth, and a tear rolled down her cheek, disappearing into her hair. I bent and gathered her into my arms, lifting her onto my thighs. The angle took me deeper, and I groaned at the sensation. Tight, hot, pulsing around me, she was perfect, exactly how I knew she would be. I held her close, stroking my hand through her hair, whispering words of praise. Sweet words of affection I had no idea I could say fell from my lips. I kissed her crown, her forehead, her nose, and mouth. She wrapped her arms around my neck, leaning her head on my shoulder. “Please,” she said again.
I began to move. Gentle strokes, then faster. Harder. She wrapped herself around me, feeling the rhythm, moving with me. The heat built between us. I grabbed her face, kissing her, keeping her close with my other arm. Guttural sounds filled the air as I fucked her. Deep growls, passionate groans mixed with her sighs and whimpers. Her pleas, my demands.
“More, Roman.”
“Move, Effie. Like that. Hold me inside you. Fuck. Yes. Like that. Squeeze my cock. Jesus, yes.” I kissed her wildly. “You are fucking perfect, strangling my cock. So fucking good.”
Her head fell back and she cried out, her body going taut. I grasped her hips, holding her tight as my orgasm hit me. It was a tidal wave, sucking me under and leaving me floundering, not knowing which way the sky was. I was tossed and spun, my breathing erratic, my limbs not my own. I buried my face into her neck, inhaling the sweetness that was her.
Effie.
My Effie.
I held her close. Felt the tremor that went through her. Knew before I saw her face that she was crying. I rocked her, pressing kisses everywhere I could reach.
I framed her face with my hands, making her meet my eyes. Her eyes swam with tears, the color so blue and beautiful. I kissed her trembling lips.
“Thank you,” I murmured. “For your gift.”
She covered my wrists with her fingers, the pale skin delicate and soft against mine.
“That was…” She shook her head. “I have no words. I didn’t expect…” Again, she trailed off.
I kept her against me as I lay down, holding her. I didn’t recognize this man or his actions.
But then again, this man had never bedded Effie or been given such a priceless gift. The last time I’d been with a virgin, I had been one also. We’d both been bad at it.
I pulled a blanket over us, not wanting her cold.
I knew I should talk to her. Make sure she was okay. That I hadn’t hurt her.
That she wanted to do that again.
Several times.
Or perhaps, for always.
I blinked at those thoughts.
Then Effie let out a little snore. I glanced down, unable not to smile. Her long lashes rested on her cheeks. She was nestled on my chest as if that was where she belonged. Her hand rested over my heart. And she was smiling.
I shut my eyes.
I was pretty certain I was doing the same thing.
CHAPTER 13
ROMAN
Ifelt the bed shift, and I tightened my grip on Effie.
“Where are you going?” I asked, my voice rough with sleep. I had never known slumber as deep and peaceful as when I slept beside this woman.
“I have to pee,” she muttered, pushing on my arm.
I pressed a kiss between her shoulder blades. “Hurry back.”
I watched her fumble around, finding her robe. “No need for clothes,” I said with a chuckle. “I like you naked.”
Her little huff of annoyance made me smile, and I shut my eyes, inhaling the scent of her on the linen my head rested on. She was everywhere in the bed, on me, my skin, my mouth. I liked it—more than I should.
I opened my eyes, shocked to discover I had dozed, and Effie hadn’t come back to bed. I sat up but found the bathroom door open. I heard noises and frowned. She had to be in the office.
But why?
My first instinct was mistrust, and I wondered what she was looking for. Then I reminded myself it was Effie, and she had access to the office all day if she wanted. Besides, she wouldn’t find anything. I was far too smart to keep evidence of any kind where someone could find it. Still, I was annoyed she was in there and not in bed. I grabbed my sweats and strode into the office, stopping when I saw where she was and what she was doing. Sitting cross-legged on the floor by the small fridge under my bar, she was snacking on a cheese stick. An apple was clutched in her other hand, a few bites gone. I leaned on the doorframe, observing her. A bite of apple, a nibble of cheese. She chewed slowly as though enjoying the food, her eyes shut.