Page 42 of Markets & Mooncakes

I part my legs for him, letting out a whimper as his fingers brush against the sensitive skin there.

"Evie," he groans.

"Yes?" The word comes out breathy and needy at the same time.

He swallows hard. "I didn't expect you to be so wet," he murmurs as he slides his fingers over my entrance.

I let out a gasp in response. "Is that a bad thing?"

"No." He leans in and kisses my shoulder. "Not at all."

"I think I liked hearing you," I murmur. "When you were feeling good."

"I can understand that." He draws his fingers back up me, and I can barely tell what he's touching, only that it feels exquisite. My thoughts are a little hazy at the edge, and all I can think about is his touch, even if it's also not clear what that's doing.

I let out a small cry as an intense pleasure I don't think I've ever felt before starts to fill me. I can feel the tendrils of it drifting into place and taking hold with each movement of his fingers.

Nate seems to realise that something is happening and continues to do the same, driving the feeling higher and higher until it is too much to take. My mind goes completely blank and I arch off the bed as I let out a sound I don't think I've ever made before. He doesn't move his hand away either, prolonging the sensation and making me very aware of the throbbing of something.

I endure for as long as I can manage, wanting to feel every part of the pleasure possible.

"Too sensitive," I murmur, relieved when he moves his hand away but still feeling the aftereffects of the pleasure. "It's never been like that before."

"Never?" There's curiosity and something else in his voice. Maybe it's satisfaction.

"No."

"Not with your other lovers?"

"I think calling them lovers is generous," I respond lazily, leaning my head against his shoulder. "But no. And not with myself either."

"I didn't realise you touched yourself," he says slowly.

"I don't very much. But I've tried it a few times. When I have, it's been nice but a bit like tea that's too weak. It's nice when you're cold, but not very satisfying."

"And this?" he asks slowly.

"Was more like a perfectly brewed cup of tea. The right temperature and the right strength. I liked it."

"I'm glad. I don't want you to be uncomfortable."

"I don't think I could be with you," I respond, putting my arm over him and enjoying the feel of his skin against mine, even if he is still wearing something on his legs.

He leans in and kisses my forehead. "I love you, Evie."

"I love you too, Nate." My words come out hazy as the warm embrace of sleep threatens to take hold, and I'm not sure that there's anything that I can do to keep it away.

Chapter 18

The dark light of a winter morning slips through the window and illuminates the bed, rousing me from sleep. At first, I don't know why I'm so warm, but then the memories come back to me, and I remember everything about last night. I give myself a moment to consider how I feel. For some reason, I think it should be like something is different this morning, and while I think that it is, it's not as dramatic as I expect it to be.

I move closer to Nate, enjoying the way it feels to have his warm body next to mine. This is everything I didn't know I wanted.

"Morning," he says, tightening his arms around me.

"Good morning." I turn around so that I can look at him, noticing that his eyes are still closed and he looks very sleepy. I reach out to trace the planes of his face. This far exceeds my expectations of waking up in his arms.

"Did you sleep well?" I ask, a little worried about how he managed in a strange bed.