When we were both desperate for air, I finally released her mouth. She stared up at me, breathing hard. Her pupils were dilated, the sapphire ring of her irises narrowing as her eyes darkened with lust.
“Do you want to come inside?” she asked breathlessly.
More than anything. Instead of making the intimate admission, I nodded.
She turned from me and fumbled at the doorknob, her hand trembling from the keen desire that tormented us both. I reached around her and closed my fingers over hers, firmly turning the knob and pushing the door open. Now that I’d held her in my arms, I couldn’t wait to feel her lush body pressed up against mine again.
When I closed the door behind us, she took my hand in hers and led me toward her bedroom. I hadn’t expected such boldness from her, but the raw need that drove both of us to a frenzy was stronger than the anxiety I’d sensed in her earlier.
I was curious to check out the way she chose to decorate her room—to understand her personality better. But in that moment, I was far more curious to learn other things about her. Like the sounds she’d make when I kissed her neck and caressed her breasts.
I leaned in to take her lips again, but she pulled back slightly. In the dim lighting that illuminated the bedroom through the shades, I could see that she’d lowered her lashes in shyness.
“I, um, I don’t want to have sex. Not tonight,” she said quietly. “I don’t want to give you the wrong impression.”
Even though it made my balls ache to hear it, I wasn’t surprised. I’d been right to think Ashlyn was innocent. She wasn’t the type to take a near-stranger home and fuck him. I’d never met a woman who didn’t eagerly fall into bed with me. The chase, the challenge, only deepened my fascination with her.
I curled two fingers beneath her chin and lifted her face to mine.
“No sex,” I agreed. “I wouldn’t have hoped for anything more than a goodnight kiss. Thank you for trusting me and inviting me in.”
Before her shyness could return, I captured her lips again. Her soft moan made my cock throb, and I savored the way the little sound vibrated against my tongue as I stroked into her mouth. Never releasing her, I moved toward the shadowed outline of her bed and guided her down onto her back. I settled my weight over her on instinct, craving to feel her small body pinned beneath mine.
She stiffened for a moment, and I knew she must feel overpowered, trapped.
My cock jerked again, but I pulled my lips from hers so I could reassure her.
“I’m not going to do anything you’re not comfortable with,” I promised her. “If you want me to stop—or even leave—just say the word. You’re in control here.”
Those last words felt wrong on my tongue. I wanted to dominate her, to hear her beg and whimper my name. But I would never violate an unwilling woman, and I certainly wouldn’t subject Ashlyn to those darker fantasies.
She licked her plush lips and gave me a little nod, letting me know she wanted me to continue.
“Good girl,” I rumbled without thinking. It felt right to praise her this way, to guide and encourage her to release the more sensual side of herself.
I leaned in and kissed her neck at the little hollow beneath her ear. She gasped and shuddered. I licked at her sensitive skin, tasting her sweet flavor and relishing her every panting breath. She arched up into me, her breasts pressing against my chest as her short fingernails bit into the back of my neck. She drew me closer, silently begging for more.
I growled and nipped at her shoulder. She let out a soft cry. Despite the desire in the sound, I reined myself in. I couldn’t mark her with my teeth as I wanted to. I wouldn’t mar the smooth perfection of her skin with my bite.
Aching to explore her curves, I reached between us and cupped her breast. I could feel her peaked nipple through her dress, and I realized she wasn’t wearing a bra. I groaned into her mouth, loving the shape and feel of her lush body. Her moan mingled with my sound of pleasure, and she thrust her chest into my touch.
I played with her like that for a long time, learning her body and her sensual triggers. She writhed and moaned beneath me, clinging to me as I teased her and tasted her. I wanted to know everything about her. I wanted to know how hot and silky smooth her pussy would be if I touched her there. I could practically smell her desire, and I knew she was wet and welcoming.
Not tonight, I told myself. I’d promised her I wouldn’t push for sex. I’d honor the trust she’d shown me.