She didn’t say anything, looking conflicted.
“Have I frightened you now, Raven? Are you scared of me? Disgusted?” I felt a pang of pain flex in my chest at the thought of losing her trust and affection. “I would never hurt you. Ever.”
“I know that,” she whispered. “You don’t frighten me.”
“Then what is it?” I lifted her chin, making her meet my eyes. “Why do you look so upset?”
“Because part of me says I should be afraid. I should be upset.”
“And the other part?” I asked gently, cupping her face.
“Is so grateful that you have that past. That I feel so safe with you.” She blinked at the moisture I could see building in her eyes. “I know you would never hurt me, Damien. All I feel from you is protection and gentleness. Even when you’re furious at what is happening around us, you treat me so carefully.” She turned and kissed the palm of my hand. “I think you’re amazing. Thank you for trusting me and telling me.”
I lowered my head and kissed her. She wrapped her hands around my wrists, rising on her toes to get closer. I drew back, meeting her gaze. “I want to take you to my bed and make love to you, my Ravenna Jade. Tell me I can do that.”
“Yes,” she said simply.
I lifted her into my arms, carrying her down the hall, our eyes locked on each other. In my room, I stopped by the bed and set her on her feet, our mouths meeting again. Clothing fell to the floor as we kissed endlessly, dropping to the mattress in a mass of entangled limbs. We touched and caressed. Kissed and teased. I traced my fingers over her skin that was like silk, and she let her hands roam over my muscles. Neither of us was in a hurry. I kissed the soft indent of her elbow, trailing my lips down to her wrist and back, discovering a ticklish spot on her left arm. She made me whimper as she teased the skin below my navel with her lips. The sensitive spot behind her ear made her moan when I nuzzled it, flicking my tongue on the warm area. I loved it when she ran her fingers through the back of my hair, her touch light and indulgent. She blushed as I spread her wide, gazing at her, whispering praises about her perfection. Groaned when I used my tongue to show her how perfect. Cried out as she climaxed and I pushed inside her, feeling her orgasm crest, then rise again as I moved within her. I slid my hands up her arms, holding them over her head, our fingers entwined as I rode out the pleasure, our eyes locked, silent words flowing between us.
I will protect you.
I trust you.
You’ll never be alone again. Let me take care of you.
Keep me.
Stay.
Raven arched her back, once again crying out my name as she orgasmed, the feel of her setting off my own release. I dropped my face to her neck, groaning in pleasure, the sensations rippling through my body, sending waves of ecstasy throughout me. Raven wrapped her arms around me, holding me tight, her voice a quiet hum in my ear. “Damien,” she breathed. “Oh my God, Damien.”
I lifted my head, kissing her. Saying with my mouth what I couldn’t speak out loud yet.
I love you.
Slowly, we separated, then I gathered her in my arms. She sighed, resting her head on my chest. I felt the wetness of her tears on my skin.
“That was intense,” she whispered before I could ask.
“It always is with us.”
She glanced up, meeting my eyes. “It felt even more so this time.”
I wiped my fingers under her eyes, taking away the moisture. “Because we’re more.”
“We’re moving fast, Damien.”
“Are you with me, Raven?”
Her voice was quiet in the dim light. “Yes.”
“Then we’re moving along just right for us.”
With a sigh, she snuggled back into my embrace. “Okay.”
* * *
In the morning, she handed me a container before she got out of the car. “Can you give these to Leo?”