The next morning, Irena stepped from the shower and dried off. Chago was in the guest room, lounging in his boxers on the double bed, sin personified. She wrapped the towel around herself, then cracked open the bathroom door to glance across the hall. His warm caramel gaze rested on her and she smiled. If he kept looking at her like that, she might have to demand an encore of last night’s performance.

With a mischievous grin, she opened her towel a smidge, teasing him with her nakedness, but still mindful they were not alone in the apartment. He straightened on the end of the bed and she quickly left the bathroom for the guest room, shutting the door behind her and swaying her hips just enough so his attention snapped there. Last night had been wonderful, long lazy spells of making love and feeling connected in the most intimate way.

She wanted to feel that way forever.

His gaze roamed her body, gradually working up to her eyes. She stopped in front of him and let the towel slip to the floor. Irena stepped between Chago’s knees and swept her fingers through his damp curls. His pupils widened as she stroked the strong line of his jaw, the shadow of stubble scratching her fingertips. She tilted his head back and kissed him, long and slow, savoring the minty taste of toothpaste on his tongue.

A quick glance at the tent in his boxers made it clear her entrance had the desired effect. She ran her fingers over the outline of his hard cock and he groaned, closing his eyes. Irena pushed him back on the bed and climbed astride him. His hands settled on her knees then traced up her thighs, his touch so light it tickled. A shiver danced through her.

She explored his body, trying to decide what to do first. The look in his eyes said he was hers to use as she pleased and her birthmark seared hot with power. Perhaps it was time she lived out another of her fantasies.

Irena climbed off him to tug off his boxers. She grabbed a condom from his bag then sat astride him again. The sight of his gorgeous cock, the tip glistening and ready, made her insides quiver with lust.

Kneeling, she put the condom on him, pausing to stroke his aching flesh and make sure he wanted her as much as she wanted him. Then she straddled his hips and swallowed hard. She’d never topped anyone before but dreamed about being the aggressor in bed. She took him in hand, slowly lowering her body down until his cock was completely inside her. Chago groaned. This position allowed her to see his expressions clearly as she rode him to her own pleasure. Irena moved tentatively as first, finding her rhythm. His hands cupped her breasts, his thumbs flicking her stiff nipples. Her clit rubbed against his body each time she took him fully inside her.

Soon, she was lost in sensation. Chago held her hips now, guiding her. Her desperation rose, not just for orgasm, but to know he would come back to her after visiting Hell.

She loved him too much to lose him.

He cupped the back of her head and she bent to kiss him hard, rolling her hips, grinding against him. She took hold of his upper arms and met his heated gaze. His muscles tensed beneath her touch, strong and taut. The delicious feel of withdrawing off him almost all the way before sinking back down again made her moan.

Irena was the one in control. This was her victory. Her birthmark flared white-hot and she cried out in triumph. “More.”

He nipped at her throat, meeting her thrust for thrust, faster and faster, until she couldn’t take any more. She dug her fingers into his shoulders as she climaxed. He thrust into her a few more times, trembling as he came as well, his legs shaking and his toes curling. Hazy warmth spread through her veins.

As the waves of ecstasy ebbed, Irena collapsed atop him, boneless, their bodies still connected because she didn’t want to lose him yet. His heart hammered beneath her ear and his breath fanned warm against the top of her head.

“Irena,” he whispered, his voice labored. “I will come back.”

Eventually, he got up to use the restroom, and she closed her eyes, opening them only when he returned and crawled in behind her to take her in his arms again. He kissed her shoulder, resting his lips there.

She couldn’t lose him.

Fear and unease still niggled inside her. Not fear of Hell or Lucifer, but fear of what was happening between them. It was so much, so fast. She saw the same concern in his eyes. She stroked his cheek, holding his gaze, wanting to comfort him. His breathing settled along with hers, and he held her close, his fingers tracing lazy circles over her birthmark.

He was so handsome, her Scion. She looked deep into his eyes, seeing affection, tenderness, love. So much love. It was strange to have such a strong warrior be so vulnerable. She wanted to reassure him. She was ready to surrender too.

“Chago.” One of them had to take the leap, and he needed to hear it now, to give him the strength to come back again. “I love you.”

He smiled and kissed her, soft and sweet.

“I love you too,” Chago said, his tone full of the emotion.