We walked to the car, and I waited until she slid in before heading to the driver’s side. I took my time, looking around carefully. I saw nothing out of the ordinary, and I got in, driving her home. In front of her building, I was pleased to see the streetlight fixed and lights back on in the building across from hers. I had called the company that owned the building, and they confirmed the light was constantly being vandalized. I arranged a special unbreakable cover for the light and had it installed for them. Anything to make Andy frustrated enough to stay away.
I left my car parked in front of her building and escorted Raven upstairs. She left her lights off, and I checked the perimeter, pleased that the street was deserted and I saw nothing out of the ordinary to give me any concern. I swept her apartment, but it was empty. Maybe my warning last night had been enough to scare Andy, and Raven was right. We could move on and forget about him.
I was sure she would agree, but I kept that thought to myself. It was too early to relax yet.
I went back to the living room, where she was leaning on the back of the sofa.
“All okay?” she asked anxiously.
“All good.”
“Thank you for tonight,” she said, smiling, looking oddly shy. “It was lovely.”
I stepped in front of her, sliding my fingers under her chin. Our eyes met, mossy green gazing into blue. I lowered my head and kissed the end of her nose, then her cheek. I dragged my lips to her ear. “You’re lovely, Raven.”
She whimpered, sliding her hand up my chest and gripping my shirt with her fists. “Damien,” she whispered.
I dropped my face to her neck, kissing the softness. Tasting her. Inhaling her warm scent. I flicked my tongue on her skin, and she shivered, her head falling back, giving me more access. I kissed up and down her neck, nudging her blouse out of the way with my nose and pressing my lips to her collarbone. Her shawl slipped off, and I dragged my mouth to her arms, going back and forth, ghosting my lips over the dark smudges.
“Never again,” I vowed. “He’ll never get close enough to you to touch you again.”
She moaned and cupped my face, her eyes wide and filled with need. “Kiss me, Damien. Please.”
I covered her mouth with mine, our tongues stroking together. Soft and exploring became deeper. Wetter. Hungrier. I held her tightly, encasing her in my arms, delving my hand under her blouse to the warm skin underneath it. I traced the delicate ridges of her spine, our mouths never separating. I was lost in a vortex of sensation. The feel of her hand gripping my hair. The other one clutching my back, her fingernails a sharp press on my skin. The taste of her. Sweet, salty, altogether unique and perfect. The silk of her hair on my skin. The need to feel more. To be closer. My cock was hard and erect. Throbbing with desire for her. Every nerve was awake and snapping, aching with longing. Her low noises and muffled moans spurred me on. I lifted her to the back of the sofa, her legs wrapping around me, pulling me into the heat between her thighs. I swam deeper and deeper with her. Explored her with my tongue and hands. Touched her as much as I dared, wondering how much more I could take. She cupped my erection, and I groaned loudly.
We broke apart, our lips swollen, her hair a mess from my hands, her blouse askew. My shirt was wrinkled, the top two buttons missing. I was gasping for air, my chest pumping rapidly.
Our gazes locked, her eyes muddled with passion, wide with desire, and confused.
“Damien,” she whispered. “You don’t want me to touch you?”
“Jesus,” I responded, hanging my head. “Yes. Yes, I want you to touch me. I don’t want to rush this, Raven. I don’t want you to feel pressured.”
She laughed quietly. “Pressured isn’t what I’m feeling right now.” Then she dragged in a deep breath. “But you’re right. We need to back this up a little.”
I nodded, lifting my head and meeting her eyes. “I fucking hate that you’re right.”
She smiled and traced my cheek, running her finger over my bottom lip. “You are an amazing kisser.”
I caught her finger in my mouth and nibbled the end, then released it with a kiss. “I had an amazing partner.”
Our eyes held and locked. “May I see you again?” I asked.
“Yes, please.”
“Is tomorrow too soon?” Then I shook my head. “Damn, I have events the next two nights. Thursday?” I asked hopefully.
“How about I make us dinner here?” she asked. “We can just relax.”
“I’d like that.” I helped her off the sofa, and she walked me to the door. I looked down at her, marveling at her prettiness.
“Thank you for tonight,” she said, sounding shy again.
I tipped up her chin and kissed her. “My pleasure.”
“Oh, I had a bit of that, too,” she teased.
I kissed her again. “You’ll get a lot of that. I promise.”