Chapter 9
Grace
I watch Rowan, confused. One minute, he was all rough—so hot. The next, he’s cooled his heels and is watching me with something like tenderness. I’m still reeling from his drugging, dominating kiss and the spanking.
He spanked me. And I loved it. I never thought I’d be into that kind of thing. My few past boyfriends were never so... sure and domineering. I’ve never gone all the way with a guy, but their kissing and petting had come with uncertain, annoying fumbling. Maybe that’s why I’ve never had the desire to have actual sex.
It’s different with Rowan. I burn for him, but apparently, his fire has dwindled.
Trapped under his assessing gaze, I swallow hard, not sure what to say. It’s not like I have much experience to know what to do in this situation.
“Rowan? Is everything okay?” I muster the courage to ask.
“Fine.” His fingers traipse up my thigh.
“Then why did you stop?”
His lips curl into a wicked smile. “Are you saying you want me to keep spanking you?”
Heat engulfs my face. “Or... whatever else...”
Rowan chuckles, the sound is deep and seductive. “Maybe we’ll get to enjoy a little more spanking and... whatever else.”
“Maybe?” I ask, disappointed.
“Yes, after you’ve really thought things through and decided that you truly want me to be your first.”
I gape at him, not sure if I should be touched that he cares enough to protect me like this or outraged that he’s brought me to this state of arousal only to leave me hanging.
A little smirk forms on his lips as he stretches out beside me and pushes my thighs apart. As if he read my mind, he says, “I’m not that cruel, Grace.” Propped on one elbow, he traces my mound, moving in to tease my slick folds. I’m soaking after that little spanking session.
He slides his index finger inside and hums, “Wet and so tight.”
His invasion has my breathing ragged, and I spread my legs farther apart, begging for more.
Adding another finger, he says, “I’d love nothing more than to fuck you until you can’t walk.”
That makes me moan and I think I get wetter.
“But I don’t think you should make such a big decision until you’ve had time to sort through your emotions. They must be overwhelming right now.”
My eyes move over his face with mild shock. He’s right. I might have been seeking comfort through physical contact, especially after he told me I’m special. But I can’t analyze his incredible perceptiveness with him driving me wild with his skillful fingers.
His thumb circles my clit, and his strokes get deeper and faster. Moaning, I arch my back and grind against his hand.
“And I don’t want you to think I invited you over for anything more than dinner,” he adds.
“I don’t,” I quickly reassure, breathlessly. How is he conversing so calmly while fingering me to ecstasy? I stare at him with amazement, my fingers digging into his arm that I’m clutching to keep me anchored because I feel like I’m about to shuttle through the roof.
The only sign of his arousal is his cock, hard and pulsing, pressing against my thigh through his boxers. “In the morning, if you’ve changed your mind, at least you won’t have much regret because this is as far as we’ll go tonight.”
He increases his pace, touching somewhere inside me that sends pleasure surging through my core. It spreads through me until I explode, with his name spilling from my lips.
Quivering, I barely get out, “What about you?”
Peering down at me, he smiles slightly. “I’ll live.” Then he slides his hand from between my legs, brings it up to my mouth, and smears my juices on my lips. My lips part in a gasp just as he bends to capture my mouth. His kiss is hard but sweet and over too quickly.
Pulling away, he drawls, “Damn, you taste good.”
I’m left sprawled on Rowan’s California king, a puddle of satisfied, useless limbs as he disappears into another room. “Holy crap,” I breathe. Maybe he’s too much for me to handle.
I’m down from my high when he returns. Standing beside the bed, he studies me.
“Turn onto your left side,” he orders.
Eyebrows snapping together, I give him an inquiring look but do as he says. He gives orders in this tone that makes his demands sound more provocative than bossy, so I can’t help obeying. He tugs the covers down and gets into bed behind me.
Bringing the covers up over us, he slides an arm under my shoulders and pulls me in close. His larger frame surrounds me, making me feel safe.
“Sleep, Grace.”
I smile at the gruff order because I’ve discovered one of Rowan’s secrets. He’s a big teddy bear under his brusque exterior. He intends to hold me so I can finally get some sleep. Inhaling deeply and basking in my new relaxed state, I close my eyes and fall into a peaceful slumber.
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