Page 84 of The Enemy Protector

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I cannot fuck this up.

She’s trusting me with something I can’t afford to mishandle.

“Come here,” I murmur, guiding her toward the bed.

I close my hand around her wrist and feel her pulse kicking hard beneath my thumb.

“Lay down.”

She climbs onto the bed and lowers herself onto my sheets, her head on my pillow. For a second, I just look at her.

Fucking beautiful.

She’s looking at the fan.

“Look at me.”

She does. I see fear there, but also determination. Trust.

That trust is going to kill me.

“We go at your pace,” I remind her. “You’re in control. Always.”

She nods, but I see her throat work as she swallows.

I reach under her and unclasp her bra. I slowly pull the lace away and toss it over my shoulder. She’s absolutely perfect.

I wait for her to cover herself. To pull away.

She doesn’t.

“Can I touch you, Sofia?”

“Yes.”

I cup her breast, my thumb brushing over her nipple. She gasps, her eyes fluttering closed.

“Eyes on me,” I say. “See me. It’s only me here.”

She opens them again. I smile when her lips part in pleasure.

“I’m going to make you feel good,” I promise. “I need you to trust me. Relax and let yourself enjoy this.”

I take my time. Exploring. Learning what makes her breath catch. What makes her lean into my touch instead of away from it.

“You’re so responsive,” I tell her. “So beautiful.”

“I don’t feel beautiful,” she whispers. “I feel—exposed.”

“You are exposed. Vulnerable. And you’re letting me see you anyway. Do you know how fucking brave you are?”

Her eyes well up, and I catch the tear that slips down her cheek.

“Hey.” I bring it to my mouth. “Talk to me. Tell me what you need.”

“I need you to keep going. I need to get through this.”

Get through this.

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