17. Chapter Seventeen

Rip

I"m not going to worry for one more minute that the beautiful woman next to me isn"t a willing participant. She"s eager, her lips bridging the distance between us, her fingers sliding under the waistband at the back of my jeans to touch more of my flesh.

Unable to wait another moment to taste her, I pull her close, pressing my lips against hers once again and savoring the sweetness of her mouth. She responds with the same intensity, her hands roaming my body, sending shivers down my spine.

As we kiss, I slide my fingers under her shirt to caress her smooth skin. She gasps against my lips, and I take the opportunity to deepen the kiss, exploring the contours of her mouth with my tongue.

When she tugs at my shirt, I break away from the kiss to let her yank it over my head. After taking a moment to press her lips to a freckle near my collar bone she leans in to kiss my mouth.

Moving my hands to her hips, gripping her firm flesh and feeling her hip bone, I pull her closer. Heat is pouring off her body as she sucks my tongue with a little moan. There's no doubt she wants me as badly as I want her.

Trailing kisses and nibbles down the vulnerable column of her neck, I reach her collarbone to bite the tender flesh there. She moans softly, which I take as encouragement to continue. As I cup her breasts, she arches her back, pressing herself against me as her eyes flare wide.

"Rip!"

I'd figured she was inexperienced, but that one shocked word, torn from her lips, makes me wonder if I'm the first male to explore her body. Something twists inside my stomach, curling and coiling and driving me to bestow even more pleasure on this sweet woman.

She's panting in sharp, hoarse breaths as she writhes in my arms, her hips dancing in a rhythm that will serve her well when the time comes.

Slowly, my fingers trail down her velvet skin, past her belly and below as I slide inside her shorts. I pause when I'm just below her belt line, waiting for a whispered "stop." Instead, she opens her stance wider, her invitation clear, albeit shy.

I slide through the silken hair on her mons, then groan when I encounter the telltale wetness between her legs. I caution myself to take things slow, despite my own overwhelming desire. My insistent, jutting cock may not approve of my pace, but this moment is all about Rose, my Rose.

Pausing for a moment, I take in the sight of her, the way her emerald eyes are slightly unfocused, and how her lips are parted with longing.

And then, unable to resist any longer, I lift her in my arms and carry her to the bedroom where I lay her gently on the bed.

I take in every inch of her body as I undress her slowly, marveling at her silky skin and generous curves.

"Beautiful," I croon. I knew she would be, but she needs to hear it.

When she's completely naked, I lean to kiss her, wondering how long I can do this before she demands more. But I want to touch her everywhere, kiss her everywhere, claim her everywhere.

I make trails on her sweat-dampened skin from ankle bone to knee. Lifting her leg to place her sole on my shoulder, I lick the sensitive spot behind her knee until she hisses with desire. I had an ulterior motive for this, sneaking a look between her lips, noticing her slickness glistening at her pink entrance. Fuck. I'm not going to last long once I get a taste of her.

Still, knowing she's new to this, I take my time as I pluck her nipples with my fingers and lips. I tease her with light strokes and nips until they're hard as diamonds beneath my touch.

She moans, pushing herself up into me as I trail my way down to her belly button, licking with the tip of my tongue, then nipping her hip bones before working my way back up again.

My fingertips glide over her body as I work my magic, finding the right pressure points for her pleasure. I cup and caress each of her breasts in turn, taking one nipple into my mouth at a time as she gasps and writhes beneath me. She moans louder, arching into me even more hungrily as I flick and suckle on them.

When I can feel that she's close, I trail kisses to her face until our eyes meet again. Softly, she smiles at me, giving me just what I needed—permission to take things further.

Just to be sure, I ask, "Ready for more?"

"Yes. More. All of it, Rip. Everything."

Slow, slow, slow, I remind myself, using every ounce of self-control I possess as I move lower, tracing circles around her navel with the tip of my tongue, nibbling on her hipbones as I go.

When I ease her thighs open, I hear her sharp intake of breath. I've shocked her. I knew I would.

I pause, giving her time to discern her own wishes. When her fingers slide through my hair, lodge on my scalp, and press me lower, her decision is clear.

I continue my kissing journey, wordlessly communicating that this is about so much more than two bodies mingling. In every way possible, I let her feel the truth—I'm worshipping her.

Finally, I reach for the most sensitive part of her body and start licking it softly. As I tease it with my tongue, she writhes and moans louder.

Her almost-soundless whispering begins. Some words aren't words at all. Some are gibberish. The only words I care about are "Rip," and "please."

Taking pleasure in giving pleasure, I softly nibble and suck on her clit while my hands massage her thighs, parting them wider.

Even if she hadn't told me, I'd know this was her first time. Some of her gasps are filled with pure pleasure. Some express her shock. No one has made her feel this good before. I vow to rectify that situation as I decide to give in to her pleas and provide her first release of the evening.