“What more do you want from me, Nila?” he suddenly snarled. “Don’t you see? Do you really need to hear it?”
His fear thickened the air.
Yes, I could see something was wrong. I could almost understand it.
But I needed him to admit it.
“You can’t hide. Not this time. Not with me.”
Silence webbed around us.
Then finally, his head bowed in defeat, but there was relief in his gaze. “I’ll tell you. All of it. What I am. What it means. I promise. I’ll tell you.”
WHAT I AM. What it means.
WHAT I AM. What it means.
The promise echoed in my head.
Why had I promised such a thing?
Why did I think I could?
Because she needs to see the truth. She needed to know so she could forgive me.
I kissed her again—trying to stop her from seeing my fear at being open and true.
Holding her jaw, I pressed my lips harder against hers, signalling that I would keep my promise, but not right now.
Right now, I needed to be inside her.
Right now, I didn’t have the strength.
It was selfish of me to take more from her when she’d only just recovered, but something inside me howled for what she could give.
I needed it before I had the capacity to talk about what I was.
Only then would I find the courage.
I’m selfish.
I’m a bastard.
She paused for a second, as if deciding whether to let me drag her from words to actions. Then her tongue met mine, returning my kiss with a greed that sent my cock on fire.
Her arms wrapped around my waist, holding me reverently.
It was more, so much more than I deserved. My breathing hitched.
Slowly, the kiss evolved into an admittance of feelings and longing. Our breathing accelerated, echoing in the cave.
Needing nothing between us, I pushed Nila away and grabbed the hem of my t-shirt. The water sucked the fabric against my stomach, gluing it in place.
With a tug that sent a wash of droplets raining over Nila, I tore it off and threw it to the side.
Nila stood there, her gaze drifting down my exposed torso. Her dark beauty stole my fucking breath. Her hair hung like wet silk. The shapeless white shift moulded to her curves, thanks to the Velcro-like ability of water.
Wading toward her, I ducked a little and captured her hem below the water’s surface. Without a word, I pulled it up over her thighs and hips then hid her face as I pulled it over her head.
Her arms fell to her sides, lethargic and weak from what I’d done.
Leaning forward, I reached behind her and unhooked her bra. I bit my lip as the fabric fell away, exposing what I’d been dying to see for days.
Her nipples were pink and hard, pinpointed with the same desire that existed in my cock.
Never looking away, I captured the lace on her hips and pulled her knickers down her legs. She trembled but didn’t stop me. I shouldn’t do this. She needed to rest.
But I had no choice.
I had to take her.
It was the only way.
Her touch landed on my shoulder for balance as I removed her underwear. Her gaze darkened before a slight mask slid into place, hiding depths that I needed to see.
I’d done that. I’d made her build walls. I’d made her hide—same as me.
I couldn’t permit that.
Throwing away her underwear, she stood before me naked and completely trusting. Giving me everything I demanded so damn selflessly.
“I’ll never be able to thank you,” I whispered.
“Thank me for what?”
“For caring more about my own welfare than your own.” Capturing her face, I breathed, “I can feel you. I know that doesn’t make sense, but the moment you give in to me; the moment you let yourself submit…it saves me. I can’t explain it, but you heal me, Nila.”
Her eyes glistened. A soft smile graced her lips as she pressed her cheek into my palm. “Don’t be afraid of me, Jethro. Don’t be afraid of what’s growing between us.”
I kissed her. Her mouth opened, her tongue dancing with mine.
Breaking apart, I said, “I won’t. I’m not letting you go. You’re mine, do you understand?”
She nodded, shyness pinking her cheeks. “I belong to you.”
I shivered with relief, with gratefulness, with every fucking comfort I’d never had.
With fumbling hands, I undid my belt and pushed my jeans and boxer-briefs down my legs. Kicking off my shoes, I stripped. The water made it a trial to discard the unwanted clothing.
Urgency echoed in my limbs, making me rush. She’d admitted she was mine. I had to confirm it.
The hot water flowed around my erection, lapping at my balls—more arousing than air.
I ached to fill her again.
Gathering her close, I pressed my forehead against hers and wrapped my arms around her tiny waist. “I want to make you come. I want to erase what happened today and give you a better memory.”
She lifted her face to the natural cave formation above us. “Here?”
I nodded.
I wouldn’t be able to walk with the pounding flesh between my legs. I was a fucking saint taking it slow. One touch from her and I’d explode.
Brushing her hair from her neck, I whispered, “I’m going to fuck you…here.” Trailing my lips along her jawline, I murmured, “I’m going to make you moan…here.” Baring my teeth, I bit her throat, filled with the primal need to mark. “I’m going to make you scream…here.”