Chapter 11 - Lyla

I can scarcely wrap my head around what just happened. Russell actually kissed me - hungrily, passionately, like a man starved for basic human connection.

And I eagerly reciprocated in a way I've never experienced before.

Ever since catching that first glimpse of his powerful, naked body last night, a part of me has craved feeling the weight of that chiseled body covering my own. But I never imagined the ruggedly handsome loner would make a move, let alone be interested in curvy little me in that way.

Now that I've sampled those surprisingly soft lips and tasted the blunt edge of his desire, a raging hunger has been stoked to life inside me, too. One that demands to be fed.

"It felt right to me, too," I murmur back in a voice gone husky with unfurled desire. “And I...I want more. All of it."

Russell's eyes search mine intently for a long beat before he gives a low rumble of assent. In one quick movement, he scoops me up into his strong arms and strides from the lakeshore toward the grassy bank.

He lowers us both to the sun-dappled ground with surprising tenderness.

"That okay?" he rasps out roughly, studying me carefully. "Or do you want me to carry you back to the cabin?"

Instead of answering aloud, I loop my arms around the back of his neck and simply tug him down on top of me.

His powerful weight settles over me in delicious conquest as I whisper breathlessly against his lips, "Don't want to waste another second, Russell..."

Cool droplets from his drenched hair and chest rain down onto my bare skin, trickling in tingling rivulets between my breasts. I shiver in anticipation beneath him, barely believing this is happening.

Russell trails hot, open-mouthed kisses down my throat to my collarbones. I arch my back off the grass, tilting my head back to give him better access. His lips blaze a path lower, leaving me squirming.

I should tell him I'm inexperienced...a virgin. But the thought of pausing this, of risking it never happening, terrifies me. So, I stay silent, raking my nails over the taut muscles of his back instead.

He reaches my breasts, sucking one pert nipple between his lips while palming the other. I cry out shamelessly at the new sensation sparking through me.

I writhe underneath him, overwhelmed, and he pauses. One large hand cups my cheek as concern flickers in his gaze.

"You okay?"

"Yes," I manage breathlessly. "I'm just...I can't believe this is really happening. That we're actually naked...doing this."

A low chuckle rumbles from deep in his chest.

"Me neither.” He brushes the hair back from my flushed face. "But I want you—all of you—more than I should."

I give him a sly smile, arching up to feel his hard cock straining against my hip.

"I can tell how much. Feels like you want me plenty."

Russell laughs again, the rich sound sending tingles down my spine.

"Smartass. You keep that up, and I might have to do something about it."

"Show me then," I taunt, arching an eyebrow. "Put your money where your mouth is."

Russell's eyes darken. "Keep pushing me like that, and I might just lose control."

I smirk up at him. "Maybe I want you to lose control."

Deep down, a sliver of uncertainty forms. What if he goes too rough? What if his experience outpaces my total lack of it? I swallow hard and force out the words.

"Wait...stop."

He stills instantly, his body tensing above me and shielding my bare skin from the sun's rays.

"What? Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. It's just..." I gulp. "I need to be honest with you. I've never...I mean, I'm a virgin."

Russell's eyebrows lift, "Seriously?"

I give a small nod, cheeks flushing, "I should've said it earlier. I hope you don't hate me for waiting until now."

He shakes his head slowly.

"Hate you? Hardly." A wry smile curves his lips. "Truth is...I'm a virgin too."

My eyes widen in disbelief. "No way! You can't be."

"Why's that?"

"Because...well, look at you!" I blurt, raking my gaze over his sculpted form. "You're too handsome."

Russell bursts out laughing.

"I didn't realize you could laugh like that," I say dryly.

He grins, giving an apologetic shrug.

"Sorry, it just struck me as funny. But I'm not lying - I really am a virgin, too."

Russell explains he was always too focused on his military career to pursue relationships or sex. And after leaving that life behind, the idea never crossed his mind again.

"Truthfully, I accepted I'd probably stay that way forever." He adds.

I frown, reminded of my own insecurities, "I thought the same thing...that no man would ever want me."

"Well, this man wants every inch of your beautiful body."

My breath catches at his bold words, "Then take it."

Russell smirks before leaning down to trail kisses along my neck and chest. He makes his way lower, leaving a scorching path until he finally reaches my most intimate area.

Without wasting a single second, he presses an open-mouthed kiss directly over my already gleaming pussy. I jerk in surprise at the new sensation, a breathy moan escaping my parted lips.

Undeterred, Russell continues lavishing me with his wicked mouth, shamelessly tasting and exploring.

"You taste so sweet," he manages to gasp out.

Before I can say more, his wicked tongue is twirling around my swollen clit. My back arches clear off the ground, hands fisting in the blades beneath me. Heat blazes through my core, chest heaving.

"Don't stop!" I cry out desperately.

Russell obeys like the well-trained soldier he is, lapping at me with single-minded focus. The coiling pressure builds rapidly in my lower belly.

"I'm so close..."

He grips my thighs tighter, holding me open for his relentless mouth. Licks and sucks me without mercy until the knot finally snaps.

I climax with a broken cry, head thrown back as waves of pleasure crash over me. When the shudders finally subside, I meet Russell's heated gaze.

"Thank you," I breathe out.

He gives me a slow, satisfied smile before claiming my lips in a deep, thorough kiss. I can taste my own musky sweetness on his tongue, and it's shockingly erotic.

"It was my pleasure," Russell rumbles against my lips. "But I'm not done with you yet."

"I hope not," I murmur back, nerves fluttering in my belly.

“Me neither. But we'll do this together, okay?"

I nod, offering him a small smile of gratitude. Russell grips his thick cock, slowly pulling back the skin before guiding himself to my slick entrance.

I writhe at the first slow inch of penetration - a heady mix of pleasure and stretching discomfort. Russell eases in gradually until he's fully sheathed inside my tight warmth.

I gasp, mouth falling open as he begins rocking his hips with shallow strokes. He leans in close, voice a low rasp.

"God, you feel incredible. Can't believe I waited so long..."

"Don't lie," I pant out breathlessly.

"Not lying." He presses deeper, filling me completely.

My eyes roll back as I take in the delicious new sensations.

I stare up at the brilliant blue sky, still half-convinced this is all an incredible dream. Here I am, losing my virginity to a gorgeous stranger in the wilderness, mere days after my life shattered.

And somehow, in this moment, it feels like the rightest thing I've ever done.