"So incredibly beautiful," I murmur against her skin. My hands glide around to cup her breasts as I trail open-mouthed kisses down to her shoulder.
A soft gasp escapes her lips.
Turning her in my arms, I capture her mouth again, walking her backwards until her legs hit the bed frame. Gently but firmly, I push her down onto the silken sheets.
I shed my own clothes swiftly before joining her.
Our bodies align in flawless symmetry, skin against skin.
My hands and lips worship every inch of her flesh, drawing out sweet cries of pleasure.
This is only the beginning.
Tonight I will take her to the peaks of ecstasy again and again, our passion burning bright as the city lights outside. Here, tangled together in satin sheets, we let the outside world fade away.
Nothing exists except her body and mine, moving as one.
Chapter twenty-seven
The room glows in the candlelight, shadows dancing across the walls. Everything is in place, just as I wanted. My pulse races with anticipation.
Tonight, we're going to have some fun.
I light the last candle and glance over the items on the table: silk scarves, a leather crop, ice and hot wax. A shiver runs down my spine as I imagine using them on Aria's soft skin.
My Aria. So beautiful yet untrusting, quick-witted and sharp-tongued. But she loves me, as I love her. Tonight she'll give herself to me completely.
I hear the loft door open and close, followed by the soft pad of bare feet. Aria appears in the doorway, wearing only a silky robe. Her eyes widen at the setup, a mix of heat and uncertainty in her gaze.
"Come in, Aria." My voice is rough with desire. "Tonight, we explore."
She hesitates, biting her lip. I can see the battle in her eyes, longing warring with fear. Aria has been hurt before. She needs to know she can trust me.
I hold out my hand, my heart clenching. "Aria, you know I would never hurt you. But I want to give you pleasure like you've never known."
A smile plays on her lips as she takes my hand. "I know, Florian." Her fingers tighten around mine, pulse racing under my thumb. "Let's see where this takes us."
Joy and heat surge through me as I pull her into my arms.
She melts against me with a sigh, her hands sliding up my chest.
I crush my lips to hers, kissing her with a hunger that has been building for weeks.
Tonight I'll show her how much she is loved, and find new depths of connection. But first, I must make sure she's comfortable.
I reluctantly break the kiss, gazing into her eyes. "Remember, you're in control, Aria. If anything feels too much, just say 'red' and we stop."
Aria smiles, trailing a finger down my cheek. "I trust you, Florian. Now, show me what you have planned."
A growl rises in my chest. The night is still young, but already I can feel the first stirrings of release.
Tonight, there will be no holding back.
I pull Aria close, crushing my lips to hers once more.
She opens to me with a soft moan, her hands sliding into my hair. I kiss her deeply, pouring my love and desire into the embrace.
When we finally break apart, she gazes at me through heavy-lidded eyes. "Florian..." My name is a plea on her lips, filled with need.