Her cries and breathy moans had almost driven him over the edge. He grunted as she shifted slightly, pressing more firmly against his straining erection. She tilted back her head and when he looked down, she was smiling at him. It wasn’t a big smile, but a sleepy, satisfied one.
His heart thudded heavily even as his cock throbbed. He didn’t have any more time to waste. He shifted her from his lap and gripped the sides of the tub, hauling himself out. She gave a small shriek and a laugh as water sloshed everywhere, including over her. So much for being romantic. “Sorry about that,” he muttered as he grabbed a towel and gave his body a few quick swipes.
“That’s okay.” Her dark brown eyes were soft and her lashes were spiky from where she’d grabbed the washcloth and given her face a quick wash.
What little makeup she’d been wearing had long disappeared. Not that she wore much. He was no expert, but he’d never noticed more than some lipstick and maybe some mascara, but he couldn’t even be sure about that. She had such thick lashes naturally that she probably didn’t need any. The fact that he was even thinking about women’s makeup told him he was quickly losing his mind.
“Time to get you out of the tub.” If she didn’t get out soon, he’d climb back in and fuck her in the tub and he didn’t want to do that. This time he wanted to take things slow and easy. That is, if he could manage to maintain enough control.
Reaching down, he helped her stand and then step out of the tub onto the thick bathmat. He flipped the plug open so that water would drain before grabbing a fresh towel and stroking it over her body. He wanted to linger, but he knew that he couldn’t. His balls were so tight against his body they ached.
Tossing both towels aside, he blew out all the candles, grabbed Emerald’s hand and tugged her behind him, leaving the bathroom behind. He could sense her confusion, but she went easily, not asking him any questions, for which he was very grateful. He wasn’t sure he could actually explain the sense of urgency driving him. Ever since this afternoon at the pond, he’d had a need to join his body with hers and claim her.
Deep inside him there was a place that still held out a tiny hope that if he bound her to him physically with sex, then she might want to stay. Even as he thought it, he dismissed it. She had a life. He had a life. All they had was now. And by God, he planned to enjoy every moment of the now.
Entering his room, he led her over to the bed. She sat on the edge, never taking her eyes off him as he lit several candles he’d placed on the dresser and nightstand. He’d never tried his hand at being romantic before, but something about Emerald made him want to try. And he knew that women found candles romantic. Luckily for him, Erin had liked candles but hadn’t taken them when she’d left home a year ago. He’d been able to find some tucked away in the storage closet.
He strode back to the bed, determination in every step. A condom was already on the bedside table. He ripped the packet open so he wouldn’t have to waste time doing it later. This way, when he was ready to claim her, the condom would be ready and there would be no waiting.
“Lie back on the bed.” He stood with legs braced apart, wanting to reach for her but knowing he wouldn’t have much time once he touched her.
Emerald scooted up on the bed, reclining against the pillows. Something inside him relaxed slightly as she reclined. She looked incredibly right in his bed. Then she opened her arms to him and he was lost.
Kneeling up onto the bed, he braced himself over her and kissed her. Her lips always tasted sweet and he loved to lick and nibble them. They parted immediately and he stroked his tongue inside. Her hands clasped his shoulders, her nails digging into him. Just that slight touch made his cock jerk and he pulled back.
“What is it?” He could see the worry in her eyes. “Is there something wrong?”
He nodded. “Yeah.” He took a breath and tried to ignore the pulsing of his cock. “If you touch me, it’s gonna be all over before it really gets going.”
“Oh.” Her eyes widened, but he could see the pleasure in them as well. It was obvious that she liked knowing he wanted her that much.
“Yes, oh.” An idea came to him as she stretched her arms over her head. “Leave them there.” He sat back on his heels and watched her.
“Leave what where?”
Her breasts were firm, her nipples red from his earlier attention. He couldn’t wait to taste them. “Leave your hands over your head and wrap your fingers around the slats in the headboard.” He stroked a finger up the inside of her thigh, pleased when she gasped and opened her legs wider. “You can’t touch me or I’ll come too quickly. But I want to touch you.” He paused for emphasis. “Everywhere.”
Her fingers closed around the slats, but they were so thick she couldn’t get a good grip on them.
“Can you hold them or do you need help?”
She licked her lips and he swallowed a groan as he followed the path of her clever tongue. “What kind of help?”
Jackson surged off the bed and hauled open a dresser drawer and pulled out a silk tie. It was one of two ties he owned. He stood at the head of the bed and stared down at Emerald, the gray silk in his hand. “It’s up to you.”
She stared at him for the longest time before giving a small nod. Quickly, he looped the tie around her wrists and then anchored them to the headboard. “Not too tight?”
She gave an experimental tug and shook her head. “No.” Her voice was low and he detected a note of fear as well as arousal.
He climbed back on the bed, sitting between her spread thighs. “Remember, this is all about pleasure. If I do anything you don’t like, just tell me. All right?” He wanted her excited but not afraid, never afraid of him.
“I trust you.”
Jackson felt like yelling in triumph. His chest swelled. His cock twitched. She might not stay with him forever, but while she was here, she was his. Totally and without reservation. A man couldn’t ask for more than that.
He scooted down slightly and picked up her right foot. “Even your feet are feminine and sexy.” He firmly stroked the bottom with his thumb and watched her toes curl. “The arch is graceful.” Raising it to his lips, he kissed the delicate curve.
“Jackson!” she shrieked, tugging at the bindings.
“Ah, you’re ticklish.” He moved upward to nibble on her toes, before sucking one into his mouth. Her cries turned to moans as his teeth lightly scraped over her toe.
He slowly kissed and nipped his way up her calves, first one and then the other, taking care to pay special attention to the dimples of her knees. Her breathing was getting faster. He glanced up and she was watching him with rapt attention. Her breasts were swaying with every gasp of air she pulled into her lungs. He’d taste them, and soon.
Her thighs were next. His fingers grazed the creases at the top as he licked the soft skin on the insides. He could feel her heat. Smell her arousal. Cream had already seeped from her slit and he sipped it from her thigh. She dug her heels into the mattress and arched her hips toward his mouth. He pulled back and blew gently on her heated core.
Her head thrashed on the pillow as she pulled on the bindings holding her captive. “Jackson,” she breathed his name. His cock jerked in response.
Leaving her pussy behind, he rubbed his face across her softly mounded belly. He loved the feel of her skin against his face. He hadn’t shaved and there was stubble on his jaw so he was careful not to press too hard against her flesh. Instead, he used it to tease her.