Fuck.

I haven’t even touched her yet, and I’m already rock hard as I walk behind her, following her like a lost puppy into her bedroom. I close the door and watch her sit down on her bed, facing me. Her eyes shine with desire as she puts her hands down on the mattress, her breasts pushed together. I can see how hard her nipples are in the soft glow of the lamp on her bedside table. It strengthens the lust I feel towards her.

I’m not drunk, but it feels like I am. The blood buzzes in my veins, and my breathing is turning more erratic by the second. I’ve never craved a woman’s body as much as I crave her. Sex has never meant so much, until now. Then I realise that she is the reason I feel that way. She makes me forget everything around me—my past and my future—and I never want to stop feeling like this.

“What’s got into you, sweetheart?” I whisper as I walk closer, stopping in front of her.

“What do you mean?” she says, her breaths falling just as hard as mine.

“You’re like a wildcat, tempting and teasing me,” I murmur. I fist my hands at my sides. “I haven’t seen you like this before.”

She tilts her head as her eyes lose focus, concentrating hard on my words.

“Maybe I’m just waking up,” she whispers then. Her eyes glow up at me, making my breath hitch. “Maybe I’m starting to remember the woman I used to be.” Her hand trembles as she places it on my stomach. “I think you would have liked me back then.”

I frown, not sure of where she is going with this.

“I like who you are now,” I reply as she pushes up my T-shirt. My abs clench when she leans closer, her breath fanning my skin as she places a small kiss on my hip bone. As she pushes my shirt higher, I grab the hem of it and pull it over my head. I discard it on the floor, enraptured by the sight before me.

“That’s good to know,” she whispers, teasing me as her tongue darts out to taste me.

I’m shaking so fucking hard.

“There are so many sides to you that I can’t wait to discover.” I bite down on my lip as her kisses grow more urgent, and I push my hips closer, clenching my arse as I feel my balls draw up.

“Mmm.”

The soft purr in her voice comes close to unmanning me completely.

“Fuck, Laura,” I grunt as her palms glide higher up my chest. Her fingers start to tease my nipples, and I lean my head back on a long groan when she tugs at my piercing.

Her mouth never stops its slow torment on my skin as I feel her hands push down to land on my belt. Quickly, she unbuckles it and unzips my trousers.

“I love that I have this effect on you, baby,” she murmurs as she breathes hard on my cock. It feels like it could tear through my boxers in a matter of seconds, I’m that far gone for her.

“Baby?” My voice comes out on a low grunt, almost unintelligible. “I like that.”

I fucking love it.

“Mmm,” she sighs. “You make me feel beautiful, Kristian. So very beautiful. Wanted. Desired.”

Her right hand stops its playful tugging on my nipple, trailing down my burning skin. When she grabs the top of my jeans and boxers, tugging them down, taking my socks with them, my eyes snap open at the sound of her appreciative moan. My cock twitches as I step out of my clothes, and when she looks up at me, I have to work so hard on not coming right now. On making this moment last longer.

“Careful, sweetheart,” I warn as she takes a firm grip on my hips and spreads her legs so I can take another step closer to her.

The mischief mingled with lust as she smiles up at me takes my breath away.

“Why?” she asks.

“Because I don’t want to blow my load.” My breath hitches as her perfect, pink tongue darts out to taste the crown of my cock. “Or this will end too soon.”

“We have all night,” she reassures me. “But first, I think you said that you need to remove that thing from your cock, baby.”

I spread my legs a little and take a firm grip on my cock.

“I thought you might like to watch me do it?” I grunt. I stroke it slowly from base to tip until my fingers find my apa and I take it off. The room smells like sex already, and when she hums her appreciation, another small crack in my heart seals closed.

Then she licks my cock from base to tip, and I can’t think anymore. I can’t breathe. I feel wired as hands dig into my arse, pulling me even closer and she takes me deeply inside her hot, wet mouth.

“Fuck,” I hiss as I move my hips, thrusting gently. I’m unable to hold still. She hums again, only making my balls draw up tighter, and I caress her face with my hands as she sucks me slowly—fucks me with her mouth—all the while I watch her heavy breasts as her breathing grows wild.

“Sweetheart, shit, oh, fuck me,” I mutter as I feel one of her hands release my buttocks only to start rolling my balls gently. The sucking noises as she picks up the pace, taking me harder, are more than I can take. The tingles hit me like lightning as she squeezes my balls, and as they shoot down my spine, I lose control. Stars flare behind my closed eyes, and I let out a long groan.

“I’m gonna come, Laura!”

My thrusts still as I empty my cum inside her mouth. When she releases my cock, resting her head on my hip and huffing softly, I bend over and push my head firmly into her skin, kissing her back as I run my hands over her, as far as I can reach. Her hands caress my thighs, and the open-mouthed kisses on my sweaty skin feels so good, they make me feel like I’m a virgin again. My strength gives out, and my knees buckle.

“I need a moment,” I laugh as I turn to land softly on her bed. Huffing as if I’ve run a marathon, I pull my arm over my eyes to catch my breath. Her chuckle makes me laugh harder in return and I remove my arm so that I can see her.

“Lie down next to me,” I whisper as I watch her remove the band restricting her wild curls. She turns to her side as she does as I say, and I wrap my arm over her waist, squeezing her arse gently.

“I take it I did a good job?” she grins at me. The fact that her smile reaches her eyes now makes my heart soar. I fucking love that look on her.

I let out a snort when I feel as if I can breathe fully again.

“I hardly think I need to answer that,” I smile at her. I look down at her breasts, nipples still peaked, no doubt wanting some attention. I sit up a little to take in her body, resting my weight on my arm, and I push her down on her back. As her breathing intensifies, her legs grow restless, and a new kind of anticipation courses through me at the sight of her thighs rubbing together. I run my hand over her skin, my palm flat. I can’t stop touching her.

I smile wickedly into her eyes. She’s not laughing anymore. They’ve grown dark and lustful again, spurring me on. Daring me, in a way.

“I think it’s my turn to show you a good time, sweetheart,” I murmur as I bend my head to catch her mouth in a wet kiss. I don’t care that I can taste my cum on her tongue as I deepen our kiss. I only wish to please her. I suck on her tongue, feeling the need begin to simmer low in my gut, and as her wandering hands flutter on my chest, starting a burning trail all over me, I relish in her sweet taste. My breaths come faster as her tongue dances with mine, and her hot moan in my mouth makes my cock ache with desire. As I push her thighs apart and find her wet pussy soaking her thong, I know it won’t take me long to make her come.

I wrench my mouth free of hers and kiss the swell of her breasts. Her body is sweaty, hot to my touch, and as I savour the salty taste, I don’t think I’ve ever tasted anything sweeter. Except, perhaps, her pussy. The thought alone sends heatwaves straight to my balls.

Feeling brave, I rub my index finger around her clit and all through the crease between her buttocks, playing with her other entrance.

“Have you ever been fucked here?” I whisper as she becomes restless under my erotic exploration of her body.

“N-no,” she moans.

“Would you like to be?” I breathe before I take one of her nipples inside my mouth, suckling on it.

Her small cry makes my cock swell even more.

“Maybe.” The way her hips push down on my hand, trapping my finger between her puckered hole and the bedding, makes me believe that she won’t say no to me.

It’s all the answer I need for now, and I retreat from her forbidden hole, honing in on her clit again.

“Good to know,” I moan as I feel her drenched pussy. “You’re fucking soaked. I can feel it against that flimsy piece of lace, sweetheart. Did it make you wild with lust when you sucked me off? Did you like the way I taste?”

“Oh, God, Kristian, please…”

“Answer me.”

I nip her nipple a bit harder, only to lick the sting away as she shudders in my arms.

“Yes, oh, fuck yes.”

I feel her tugging at my hair as she attempts to push me down her body, closer to where she needs me, and I smile at her impatience.

“What do you want?” I tease as I nibble, tug, kiss, and lick her writhing body. When I’m on my knees, her thighs resting on my shoulders, I glance up and swallow hard at how perfect she looks.

Head thrown back, lips parted, her tongue wetting them, only to bite down when I blow on her clit.

“Fucking wildcat.” I groan. “Answer me, Laura—what do you want?”

“You,” she moans as my lips hover just above her clit. “I just want you, all of you.”

“You have me,” I whisper low. “All of me.”

I inhale her arousal, running my nose against her pussy before I set to work on making her come harder than she ever has before.

To fall apart at the seams.

To own her.

When she does, crying out my name, there’s only one thought at the forefront of my mind.

This woman owns me. Forever.

* * *

Waking up next to a man who has worshipped you for most of the night is a strange feeling. As I watch Kristian sleep, I marvel at the way he’s made me come alive in such a short amount of time. I feel buzzed, energised…and free.

“I have to feed the horses,” I whisper as his eyes flutter open. Groaning, he nods before he turns around to lie on his stomach, arms pushed underneath the pillow.

I kiss his neck and smile at the way he lets out a soft sigh.

“Back soon.”

But he doesn’t hear me.

Quickly, I take a shower and put on my usual gear—a shirt and riding trousers—before I grab my phone and head downstairs. Groaning, I look at the mess I left behind last night and tidy up as quickly as I can. Sally gets up from her crate and starts to whine at the door.

“I’m coming,” I mutter and hurry to open the door to let her out. As I toss out the rest of the food, I think back to Kristian lying upstairs.

The man is insatiable. I love it.

There’s a spring in my step as I walk to the stables and get started. The horses neigh and whinny at me as I pass them, and even Thunder seems to be in a good mood as he doesn’t stomp his hooves at me when I stop in front of his stall, the grain in a bucket.

“Morning, boy,” I coo at him as I open the door and walk slowly inside. His eyes, devoid of mistrust for once, watch my every move as I reach out the bucket towards him.

“Let’s try something new today,” I murmur softly and stop.

He snorts and backs away, making my heart sink. Maybe it’s still too soon—too big a step for him to let me feed him, but I have to try.

“I hope you slept well?” I lean my shoulder against the stall, settling in for a chat. “I don’t think I’ve had such a good night’s rest in a long time. I didn’t think I would, what with there being a man next to me, but…” I shrug as I rustle the bucket lightly and smile at Thunder when he stretches his neck. “Well, I guess I’m not too old to be surprised.”

I let out a small chuckle as my cheeks heat up.

“I think you’d like Kristian.” I stop to gather my thoughts, nibbling on my lip. “There’s a gentle side to him I never expected to discover.” My smile falls as my mind wanders back to Rose. “And a vulnerability you don’t see often in men.”

Lost in thought, I hardly notice Thunder until he’s right by my side, nudging my arm. With bated breath, I raise the bucket higher and breathe slowly—but no less jubilantly—when he lowers his head and starts to eat the grain.

“Good boy,” I whisper, watching his ear flicker back and forth as he munches. “It won’t be long until you trust me completely. I just know it.”

My phone vibrating in my pocket catches my attention, but I ignore it until the horse has finished his breakfast. Gently, I rub his neck and grin when he lets out a heavy sigh before I leave his stall.

I pull out the phone from my back pocket and my blood chills in my veins when I check the screen—there’s a missed call from Cat’s mother, Sophie.

With jerky movements, I hit redial and put the phone to my ear.

“Laura, so glad you’re phoning me back,” Sophie sighs in my ear. The wariness in her voice makes alarm bells go off in my head.

“Is Ailith okay?” I ask as I take off towards the house.

“Well, yes and no,” she starts, making me frown.

“What do you mean?”

Spit it out, damn it!

“Okay, I don’t want you to worry, Laura, but Ailith had a bad night. Lots of nightmares, and it took a while for her to fall back to sleep.”

I grip the phone tighter as sadness settles in my heart. She hasn’t suffered from them for such a long time.

“Why didn’t you ring me?” I ask.

“Once she settled, I didn’t want you to rush down here in the middle of the night. She’s not too bad, considering, but maybe it’s best you come fetch her early. I think she wants to go home.”

“I’ll be there as soon as I can,” I breathe, as I open the door to the kitchen.

“Good. And, Laura?”

“Yes?”

“She kept whispering stuff about her father,” Sophie whispers then.

With a shaking hand, I touch the scar on my cheek briefly.

“What stuff?” I force the question through my lips.

She hesitates for a couple of seconds, making me wish I could reach inside the phone and shake her.

“While crying,” she starts softly, “she kept shouting, Leave Mummy alone, Daddy! You’ll hurt her!”

I swallow the thickness in my throat and bend over, sick to my stomach.

“Laura,” Sophie’s soothing voice pulls me away from my thoughts, “whatever happened before you came back here, I just want to say I’m sorry. Truly sorry. And to offer you a listening ear if you should ever need it.”

I take a deep breath and clear my throat. I already know I’ll dismiss her offer, but her kind words still mean a lot to me.

“Thank you. Give me half an hour, and I’ll be there. Bye.”

“See you soon.”

As I end the call, I rush upstairs to wake up Kristian. As I round the corner, I run smack into a hard, naked chest, and I shriek as I come close to falling back on my arse.

“Hey, sweetheart,” Kristian chuckles as he wraps his arms around me. I try to wiggle out of his hold, adrenaline coursing through my body, and look up at his face. The amusement in his eyes vanishes as he takes in my tear-stained face.

“What’s wrong?”

My head spins as I disappear down, down, down to the abyss that is my past. The deeper I fall, the less I seem able to see the man in front of me clearly.

“Ailith,” I whisper brokenly.

As if from afar, I watch Kristian’s jaw tightening and his brows knit together in a deadly frown.

“What’s happened?” he growls.

His tight hold on my arms brings me back to the present, and I blink a couple of times, trying to banish the shadows of the past away.

“I have to go fetch her, but Mum has my car,” I mumble and then give up fighting his embrace. I slump and melt into his arms, resting my cheek on his warm chest. As my heartbeat settles down, I breathe in his scent.

“We’ll take mine. Just give me thirty seconds to get dressed, and we’ll go.”

His prompt answer is all I need to hear to feel sanity return. No questions, no demands, just an offer to help me—it means more than he can possibly know.

“Thank you,” I burrow deeper into his arms, my breath hitching, before I take a step back and look up.

“Anytime,” he murmurs. Briskly, he leans down to kiss my lips, and I sigh in gratitude. Without another word, he leaves me to do as he promised. He gets dressed in no time, and then we’re on our way.