Loyal Heir (The Heirs 4)

Her question makes me freeze, and my thoughts scramble for the right answer. I want to but not sure whether Aria is ready to take that step, I ask, “Do you want to?”

When a blush stains her cheeks, I stand and stare at her, totally transfixed. Her eyes dart down before they come back to mine, and then she begins to ramble, “Yeah… I mean, we should at least try… right? If we can’t have sex, then we’ll know we should just stick to being friends. Right?” She nervously tucks some hair behind her ear, then continues, “Also, you’ve made me feel things I’ve never experienced before, and I’m…” she shrugs, then resorts to whispering, “I want to… I want to try with you.” She lets out a shaky breath and looks down at the floor. “I want to see if the problem lies with me.”

Christ, she’s never been more beautiful than she is at this moment. Seeing her vulnerable because of me makes a burst of protectiveness bleed into my heart.

Lifting my hands, I frame her face and locking eyes with her, I say, “I’ll do whatever you want. If you want to take this slow, then we go slow. If you want to take the next step, then we take the next step.” Her breaths are still coming fast, and her features are tight with nerves. I give her a comforting smile. “You’re safe with me, Aria. I’ll never push you to do something you’re not comfortable with.”

Aria darts forward and wraps her arms around my waist. She presses her face to my chest, then murmurs, “Why has it taken me so long to see what was right in front of me all along?” Her grip on me tightens, and I brush a hand up and down the length of her back.

She pulls back and stares up at me. “Every guy I’ve dated pales in comparison to you. I really think if I can’t get it right with you, I’ll never get it right.”

Her honesty strips me bare, and emotion fills my chest until it feels like I might burst.

Leaning down, I press a tender kiss to her mouth, then I say, “It has always been you and me, Aria. There’s no one more important than you.”

With my eyes locked on her, I see the moment she makes the decision. She lifts her chin, and there’s no doubt in her eyes as she says, “You know I love you. More than anyone.” Her eyes begin to darken, and I know she’s feeling emotional. “I want to make love with you.”

Knowing she needs to hear it, I say, “We can stop at any time. Just say the word. Okay?”

Aria nods while her tongue darts out to wet her lips.

I let go of her so I can lock the door, and when I turn back to her, she looks vulnerable standing in the middle of my room.

I walk to her and lifting a hand, I brush my fingers down from her temple to her jaw. “God, you’re exquisite.”

Aria brings her hands up, and with trembling fingers, she begins to unbutton my shirt. I shrug the fabric off and let it fall to the carpet.

When she swallows hard, I lean down and press another tender kiss to her lips. “Want me to take the lead, or are you good?”

“I’m good.” She gives me a wavering smile.

Tilting my head, I ask, “Why are you nervous?”

“I know this is a big step for you,” she admits. “I know how much it means to you, and I just don’t want to disappoint you.”

“That can never happen,” I assure her.

Her smile widens, then she confesses, “I’m also excited. I get a feeling what’s about to happen will be a million times more intense than kissing you.”

I grin at her and wanting to ease the tension, I tease, “It better be, or my ego will take one hell of a blow.”

“Trust me,” Aria says, a playful expression erasing the tightness from her features, “I’m dead sure anything you do will be better than I’ve ever had.”

ARIA

My heart is pounding wildly in my chest, and my mouth feels dry.

I’m filled with anticipation and anxiousness. Being with Forest is more nerve-wracking than anything I’ve ever experienced. It’s because I have so much to lose. Without Forest, I’d be half a soul.

Everything is happening so fast it’s making my head spin, and my emotions spiral out of control.

I need to know if I’m broken because after Eli, it sure feels that way. Honestly, my relationship with him left me traumatized.

Still, I feel safe with Forest. Even if I don’t enjoy the actual sex, I know I’ll be okay because what I’m sharing with him will mean a lot to me emotionally.

Forest’s hands take hold of my shirt, and when he pulls it over my head, I suck in a shaky breath.