Chapter 23

Chapter Twenty-Three

Serenity

Angelo ran the back of his knuckles down my cheek, his touch gentle and cool against my flushed skin. "Are you sure, my Nephilim?" His voice was soft, barely a whisper, but filled with a deep longing that resonated within me.

He wasn't using compulsion on me. He was allowing me to make the decision myself, giving me the power to choose. I knew I was free to say no, and if I did, he would respect my choice. A warmth blossomed in my chest, spreading through my body. Surely that was the greatest gift he could give me—the freedom to decide for myself.

My heart raced, and a shiver ran down my spine as I considered this monumental crossroads in my life. I took a deep breath, feeling the certainty settle in my bones. I squared my shoulders, meeting his gaze with unwavering determination. "Yes. I want this. I want you."

I reached up, holding his strong jaw in my hands, feeling the smooth, cool texture of his skin beneath my fingertips. Then the world fell away, and all that existed was the space between us, charged with anticipation and desire. I leaned in closer, my lips parting slightly, inviting him to seal our destiny.

He lifted me into his strong arms, and I wound my arms around the back of his neck, nestling my face into the crook of his shoulder. My fingers tugged at his man bun, setting his hair cascading down. His scent, a mix of spice and something uniquely him, surrounded me, making me feel safe and cherished.

He carried me over to the bed, his strides confident and purposeful. My heart pounded in excitement, and my chest tightened with anticipation. He kicked back the comforter and lowered me down gently, his eyes never leaving mine. The silk sheets were cool against my hot skin.

The candlelight cast a warm glow over his features, highlighting the chiseled planes of his face and the depth of emotion in his gaze. I reached up to trace my fingers along his jawline, marveling at the strength and tenderness I found there. His long hair brushed over my fingers, and I was surprised at how soft and silky it was. I threaded my hand through his hair as goosebumps broke out over my arm.

"I want to see you," he whispered, his voice rough with desire. "All of you."

He knelt down beside the bed, his hands skimming over my sides and leaving two paths of fiery desire in their wake. Slowly, reverently, he lifted the hem of my black dress, his fingers brushing against my skin and sending fresh shivers down my spine. I raised my arms, allowing him to slip the garment over my head and toss it aside.

I lay before him clad only in a simple black bra and panties, feeling more exposed and vulnerable than I ever had in my life. I folded my arms over my chest and crossed my legs, trying to cover myself. Such a stupid virgin move.

Angelo gently lifted my arms, his touch warm and reassuring against my skin. He met my embarrassed gaze steadily, his eyes filled with understanding and affection. "Never hide what is mine from me," he murmured, his voice low and soothing. "You're beautiful, Serenity, inside and out. I want to see all of you, to cherish every part of you."

A wave of heat surged over my face, and I lowered my gaze, suddenly feeling even more exposed and vulnerable. "I'm just nervous," I confessed, my voice barely above a whisper. "I've never…I've never been with anyone like this before. I'm afraid I won't be enough."

My hands trembled slightly, and I clasped them together in a vain effort to steady myself. Memories of my stepfather Freddie's unwanted advances flickered through my mind, sending a chill down my spine. I took a shaky breath, trying to push away the haunting images and focus instead on the present moment with Angelo.

I yearned for his touch, for the comfort and safety of his embrace. Yet I also feared that my past trauma and inexperience would somehow taint this beautiful connection we shared. Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, but I blinked them away, not wanting to let my insecurities win .

I forced myself to look up at Angelo, searching his face. Instead of disappointment or rejection, I saw only understanding, patience, and a desire so profound that it took my breath away. His gaze held a promise of sanctuary, a vow to cherish and protect me always, no matter what.

Angelo cupped my face between his hands, his thumb brushing gently over my cheekbone. "You are more than enough," he assured me, his gaze fiercely sincere. "You are exquisite. Through all the centuries I lived, I've never encountered a woman like you, Serenity. You've touched me in a way that no other woman has. Your vulnerability, your trust...they are precious gifts that I will treasure forever." His husky tone sent a thrilling tingle down my spine, as if he'd run his fingernails down my back.

He was a centuries-old vampire who had, I am sure, been with countless women, but had he ever known love? The thought lingered in my mind as I searched his eyes for answers. Could a being who had lived through so much, seen so many lives come and go, truly open his heart to someone like me, a fleeting spark in the vast expanse of his existence?

Yet there was something in the way he held me, the way his words caressed my soul, that made me want to take the leap. Could I fall in love with a ruthless vampire, the king of the Santi family? What kind of love could even flourish between us? He was immortal, and I was mortal. He was a king, and I was a poor college student. He was darkness to my light. We were no different from Romeo and Juliet. Like theirs, our story could only end in tragedy.

All my muscles tightened up as I inhaled a sharp breath and clenched my legs together. I didn't know if I could do this after all.

"You're tensing. I promise we'll go slow. I'm not going to make you do anything you don't want to do. If you say stop, we'll stop."

My doubts and thoughts faded as he leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead. His lips moved against my skin. "I mean it. If it gets too much for you, say stop."

He had no idea how much those words meant to me.

I took a quivering breath and a sense of relief rolled over me. Then I gave him a shy smile as I stared into his eyes. "I will. But I really do want to do this."

He lifted my chin. "I'll cherish every moment, every discovery. I'll show you how much you mean to me, how deeply I care for you."

His soft words, his gentle touches, and the depth of emotion in his eyes melted away any lingering fears and insecurities. But how many times had he said these very words to other women over the centuries? I was probably just one conquest among many. At the same time, no one had ever said such romantic words to me, and I fell under his spell, wanting to feel him inside me. As I lost myself in his eyes, a radiant sense of being treasured and revered blossomed within my heart, like a flower blooming under the gentle caress of the sun. I reached up, winding my arms around his neck and pulling him closer.

"Yes, show me," I whispered, my nervousness giving way to a growing sense of anticipation and desire. "I want to feel everything with you. I want to be yours in every way."

Angelo smiled tenderly and lovingly, making my heart skip a beat. "You already are," he murmured, before capturing my lips in a kiss that sealed our connection and ignited the passion between us.

He took my breast in his hand, molding his fingers to my flesh and squeezing gently. The intimate contact made me gasp, and a surge of electricity shot through my body. It was a sensation unlike anything I had ever experienced, a potent mixture of pleasure and vulnerability that left me trembling.

My nipple hardened beneath his touch, and I instinctively arched into his palm, craving more of this exquisite feeling. Sparks of electricity danced along my skin, igniting a fire deep within me that threatened to consume me entirely. A soft moan escaped my lips, and I felt a shuddering flush of embarrassment roll over me.

I bit my lower lip, trying to stifle any further noises that might betray the depth of my desire. What if he thought I was too eager, too wanton? The worry nagged at the back of my mind, even as my body yearned for his touch.

"Angelo…" I breathed, my voice barely recognizable to my own ears. It was both a plea and a prayer, a desperate invitation for him to continue his exploration of my body. At the same time, I felt self-conscious about the breathy, urgent quality to my voice, wondering if it sounded as needy to him as it did to me.

I forced myself to meet his gaze, searching for any hint of judgment, of disapproval. Instead, I found only adoration and a hunger that matched my own.

He murmured, "It's okay, my sweet. Let yourself go. You're safe with me."

And so I allowed myself to sink further into the sensations, letting the sounds of my pleasure fall freely from my lips. The whispers of doubt began to fade, replaced by a growing confidence in the beauty of our connection.

Every touch, every kiss, stoked the flames of my desire, building toward a crescendo that threatened to shatter me. Yet even as I teetered on the edge of blissful oblivion, a flicker of nervousness curled in the pit of my stomach again. This was uncharted territory for me.

Angelo must have sensed my slight hesitation, for he paused and met my gaze with a look of tender understanding. "I can feel you tensing again. We'll go at your pace, my sweet Nephilim," he murmured, his thumb caressing my cheek. "Tonight is all about your pleasure and your comfort. If, at any point, you want to slow down or stop, just say the word."

The tenderness in his voice and the sincerity in his eyes soothed my nerves and reignited the flames of my desire. I trusted him implicitly, knowing that he would guide me through this new experience with the utmost care and devotion. With a shy smile I nodded, silently granting him permission to continue his sensual explorations.

As Angelo's hands and lips resumed their worship of my body, I surrendered myself to the overwhelming sensations, my nervousness giving way to pure, unadulterated bliss, knowing I was safe and cherished in Angelo's arms, ready to discover the heights of passion that awaited us both.