Chapter 26
SHANE
“We should keep exploring this connection,” he says, letting out a shaky sigh, his forehead pressed gently against mine.
“Give me a reason,” I challenge, smiling mischievously as I stroke his chest, feeling the tension of his muscles under my fingers.
“I can do much more than give you reasons, Shane. I could eat you whole, and you wouldn’t have time to stop me,” he replies, his voice husky with a hint of defiance. Before I can react, he lifts me into his arms as if I weigh nothing. Our eyes lock before he sets me back on my feet. His eyes have darkened with desire; he leans closer, grasping the hem of my red dress with both hands, pulling it up to my waist and exposing my backside. His large hands caress my cheeks.
My thoughts whirl as I feel his skin against mine. The brush of his fingers ignites a wave of sensations coursing through my body. A shiver runs down my spine as I feel his gaze on me, even though I’m pressed against him.
“What are you doing?” I whisper, although part of me doesn’t want him to stop. There’s a magnetism between us, a palpable tension that makes my heart race.
“Exploring,” he replies, his warm breath grazing my neck. The way he utters the word makes my muscles tense and my mind cloud with desire-“Just look at how beautiful you are.”
I turn my head, resting it against his chest; that’s when I see our reflection in the huge windows leading to a terrace. My backside is completely exposed because I’m wearing a tiny thong, and Liam’s hands seem made for it, even though I have to admit my backside is quite ample. I look into his eyes, because I love the way he looks at me.
The pressure of his hands intensifies, and I feel the world around us blur. There’s something in his gaze that invites me to let go, to release the ties of reason and surrender to what we truly want.
“Liam…” my voice trembles, a mix of warning and plea. Yet, I’ve barely finished the sentence when he leans in, pressing his lips against mine in a kiss that ignites everything in its path.
It’s a kiss full of promises, hidden longings, and repressed desires. Every movement is intense, calculated, as if each action speaks more than a thousand words. His tongue meets mine, and the world falls away.
Doubts and fears begin to fade. In this moment, in his arms, the only thing that matters is the fire that has ignited between us, a flame that I certainly don’t want to extinguish.
“You’re perfect, little wolf,” he whispers against my lips before kissing me again, his tongue invading my mouth. I can’t help it; I gently catch it between my teeth. He lets out a groan that dies in my mouth-“I’ll be gentle with you tonight, but the other nights… not so much. I want to fulfill all your fantasies, and I don’t want you to deny it.”
His words envelop me in a whirlwind of emotions, and the way he looks at me, with an intensity that awakens a deep desire within me, makes my heart race. I know he’s serious, and his offer stirs in me a mix of fear and excitement. I feel my cheeks burn as I acknowledge that I have a couple of fantasies I would love to fulfill, and the best part is that he represents each one of them.
“I don’t think I’m ready for them tonight,” I admit.
“I just want you to trust me, to tell me when you’re ready. It doesn’t have to be tonight or tomorrow. Only when you want. Don’t be afraid to go further… or to break the rules.”
“I trust you.”
“Good. Because I’m about to explore your body.”
Without warning, he lifts me in a bridal carry, and I let out a scream followed by a laugh, clinging to his neck as he climbs the stairs, taking me to the master bedroom.
As we enter, I’m stunned; the matte black walls, the shiny furniture, and that interplay between shadows and dim lights create an almost palpable intimacy. The bed, immense, looks like paradise in the midst of darkness. When I worked on its design, I never thought I would somehow be the one to use it.
“No candles?” I joke; it’s likely that if I see candles in this room, I might have a panic attack because there are so many fabrics that something could catch fire.
“No candles,” he affirms.
Liam gently lays me on the black satin duvet, and his eyes burn with a mix of longing and contained desire. He leans closer, and the distance between us evaporates in an instant.
“This should’ve been the first round. It feels like a dream,” I whisper, feeling the thrill overwhelm me.
“It can’t be a dream when I made it clear before that you’re mine, Shane,” he responds, leaning in, brushing his lips softly against my skin, starting at my neck and slowly moving down. Each touch is a spark igniting my skin, sending waves of heat through my veins-“I wanted to be sweet with you, but it’s getting really hard to hold back, little wolf. I desire you too much,” he whispers.
“Then don’t.”
“I wasn’t asking for permission. I was just warning you. You’re mine.”
My thoughts fade into a whirlwind of sensations and whispers. His hands explore with a firm yet gentle touch, as if he believes I’m a treasure that must be unveiled.
“Liam…” my voice is barely a thread as he continues, his mouth now at the edge of my lips.
“My goddess. Let me admire you…” he murmurs, his blue eyes darkening with desire, filled with promises that I know he will fulfill.
My breathing quickens; Liam pulls away, sliding off the bed. He takes my hand to help me up. I turn around, positioning myself with my back to him to take off my dress. I barely make it far when his hand stops me.