Page 45 of Slander
"Okay," she whispers.
"Say it back."
"It isn't only that."
"Good girl. Bedroom," I murmur against her mouth, the words a warm breath that lingers between us.
I take her hand, my fingers interlacing with hers, and lead her back through the quiet, dark house.
I can hear the soft, rhythmic patter of her bare feet following close behind me.
Hoagie stays wisely in the kitchen, leaving us to the silence.
I feel that settling thing again—the heavy, beautiful weight of her trust.
She lets me lead, trusting me to know the way when she feels lost.
Once we reach the bedroom, I move with deliberate slowness.
I want to savor every inch of her.
As I begin to peel the clothes from her body, her hands flutter up, rushing me, trying to even the scales by doing for me what I’m doing for her.
I catch her wrists gently, pinning them back, my gaze locking onto hers.
"No," I tell her, my voice low and steady. "Same as last night. You take. I'll get my turn."
I lay her back onto the bed, the sheets cool beneath her skin, and I just look at her.
I let the sight of her sink in, and it hits me all over again—the sheer, breathtaking reality of her.
I take her apart slowly, refusing to let her hide from any of it.
I want her to feel every single touch.
I mark her, my mouth pressing into the sensitive curve of her throat, the sharp line of her collarbone, and the tender, soft skin on the inside of her thigh.
I’m not hard with her. I don't want to hurt her.
I just want to leave a map of my possession—marks that she'll find in the mirror tomorrow, reminders that last night wasn't a dream, that this is real, and that she finally has one good thing.
"Mine," I whisper against her skin, the word a vow every time my lips touch her. "Say it."
"Yours," she breathes.
"Again."
"Yours."
When I finally slide into her, I go slowly.
I keep my eyes locked on her face, searching for the slightest flinch or a flicker of fear, watching for the exact moment the pleasure tips into something too much.
It happens once.
I stop instantly, buried deep inside her, holding myself perfectly still.
I lean forward, pressing my forehead against hers, our breaths mingling.
