48. JAKE

My heart is a wild horse in my chest. It feels like it's about to rip out of my chest and join her on the bed. I hold my fist against it. For fucks sake, remember who you belong to.

Strong words for someone whose knees are this weak.

"That was a gorgeous orgasm," I say, unable to stop myself. She's still sprawled on the bed, clearly recovering. Waves of her dark hair fan around her face, strands going off in all directions. Her cheeks are bright and flush. Her mouth moves as she breathes deeply, lips plump, swollen, and used. There's a tremble in her body I want to gather in my hands and push further. It feels as if this could be the last image in my head I ever see without any fucking regrets.

When she puts her hand to her breast, I have to adjust myself. I wince since it's painful. My cock is doing some weeping of its own.

"XL condoms," says Patel. Her head has turned to the side, and she's peeking at me through slitted eyes. Her voice is dreamy. I wonder if she knows what she is saying.

It takes me effort to grasp it myself. Blame the blood still thundering in my ears. XL. My size. "You looked through my bag," I say, finally understanding.

"No idea what you're talking about," she denies. "Direct your accusations to my lawyer."

I can't help but laugh. "Do you have one?"

"No.But you do."

There's a silent Why? at the end of her statement. Before I wonder how to answer it, she circles back.

"Hm. XL condoms," she says again randomly, rubbing a spot above her eyebrow. "But what's the actual difference between the sizes?"

Come fit me in your mouth and tell me.

And with that, I have to adjust myself again.

The movement piques her interest. She comes up on her elbows, staring at it. That is not helping. What also isn't helping is the musky smell of her desire still on my mouth, my hands, and in the air around us. I haven't had enough of it. I'm afraid that I don't think it's possible to have enough.

"Are we—" she says

"Do you need?—"

She waves her hand at me. "You go first."

"Are you—okay?" Was it too intense? Did she like being touched like that? Did I push her too hard? Maybe I should have taken things slower, seducing her with my words and touches. Kept them soft. Easy. Instead of being rough with my demands.

Patel releases a deep sigh. "I would say very okay, but I'm afraid you'll get smug."

Something loosens in my chest. "Too late."

"Actually, you know what's not fair?"

"What?" Tell me. I'll correct it. Anything.

"How you've seen all of me, but I haven't seen all of you. You're still half-dressed."

I could point out that I'm not seeing all of her anymore. Her arms are crossed, covering her breasts. Legs are crossed, too. Not that it's done anything to make things down there any less… turgid.

"It's your turn," she says. "If you can?"

"Is that a dare?"

She arranges herself on the bed, propping herself against the pillows. "Maybe."

I pull my belt free from the loops, dropping it to the ground. My zipper is next. It's loud going down. Because I'm not shy, I step out of my pants and briefs together.

Her gasp feeds my ego. I stand proudly, drinking up how stunned she looks. Her eyes have widened and her tongue is out, wetting her mouth. She's leaned forward, going on her knees so eagerly.

Every defined line in my body sings.

All those hours running in the mornings are worth it. I will schedule late night sessions at the gym every night if it makes this woman react to me like this. Her appreciation is fucking potent. Like an absolute fool, I puff my chest out.

"What now?" I almost groan out.

Give me permission. Let me fuck you, baby.

The way she nibbles on her lip makes my cock stand up higher.

That's a good sign, right? Or is she uncertain at all? I have to ask now—before I lose all control?—

If all she wants is for me to pet that pussy again, I'll do it. I'll go straight down on my knees for her. The taste of her is still on my mouth. I could spend the night between her thighs, breathing her in as my oxygen.

But if she lets me inside her…. I shudder.

My fists tighten. It can't be the wrong thing to do. I can't have her regret any of it.

"Touch me," she whispers.

"Are you sure?" I ask as the tendons in my neck stand out. "We can… take a break? Or stop?"

Her answer is smiling. She spreads her legs for me. Completely. Her hands toy with her own breasts, tugging on the nipples provocatively.

And the leash I've kept myself wrapped with?—

It breaks.