Page 81 of Instigator

“Well, we’re apart for the better part of a week,” I rationalize. “But that doesn’t mean we can’t be together. And I thought… well, maybe it will take some of the pressure off.”

He’s gotten me off with his mouth, his fingers, and toys, and most of the time he lets me return the favor, but some nights he simply isn’t interested in reciprocation. It leaves me feeling like I’m letting him down, even though he swears he’s happy with the way things are.

Aidan stares at me for so long, I think the video’s frozen. But no—his chest is rising, and his eyes are moving beneath heavy lids.

“You did this?”

Suddenly overcome by nerves, I swallow. “Yeah. Did I cross a line?”

He lets out a shaky breath. “Not at all.”

“You’re not upset?”

“I want you to take off your clothes,” he says instead. “Let me see you.”

It’s nerve-racking to do this in full daylight, knowing he can see all of me. I’ve been bared to him before, in his bed, but now he’s asking me to put on a show. To tease him.

I push the laptop to his side of the bed, then undo the first button on my blouse. My eyes dart to his through the screen.

“Keep going.” His voice is rough with lust. Gravelly.

There’s no need to rush, I tell myself. Turning one shoulder in his direction, I push the satin fabric down my arm, giving him a teasing view of my bra and the swell of my breast.

“Ceci,” he murmurs.

“Yeah?”

“I wish I were there.”

“What would you do?”

“I’d dip my head to taste your skin. Suck on your neck until a bruise blooms, marking you. Claiming you.”

A bolt of heat runs through me. “And?”

“I’d kiss my way down your body, tasting you, memorizing your scent. Kiss each and every mark and scar. I’d show you exactly how crazy you drive me. How much I want you.”

I believe him. I really do.

Stripping off my blouse, I exhale heavily, and he makes a low groan of appreciation deep in his throat.

“Keep going.”

My fingers dance at the edge of my bra. “And?”

“And show me those tits. Show me you,” Aidan says.

“Only if you do the same.”

My eyes are trained on the computer screen as he unceremoniously whips off his T-shirt. His strong shoulders, broad chest, and muscular arms make my mouth water, and I want to run my fingers through the smattering of ginger hair on his pecs.

“You’re so sexy,” I murmur as I unhook my bra, letting the lace fall away.

Aidan shakes his head, a blush staining his cheeks and traveling down his neck and chest. “That’s all you.”

“Agree to disagree.”

I move the laptop and shimmy off the bed until I’m standing, then reach for the waistband of my slacks. Without belaboring it, I let the fabric pool at my feet and hook my thumbs in my undies. The lace slips off my hips to join my pants, and I crawl onto the bed on my hands and knees.