Fragile Longing

She twitched and tried to push me away. Chuckling, I kissed her swollen pussy and crawled up her body, savoring the look of satisfaction on her face. Slowly, her eyes fluttered open and the look in them was stab and balm at once. Trust and love. I wasn’t sure how a girl like her, so full of goodness, could love me. Not even because of all that I was—a murderer and criminal. It was one thing to sin against strangers or enemies, but I’d sinned against my own wife, someone I was supposed to protect from the day of our engagement. Instead, I’d run with my pride and bathed in self-loathing, hurting her in the process. That she was still willing to allow tenderness for me showed how kind-hearted she was. I’d long thought that I’d been bested, that Sofia had made a steal by marrying me in her sister’s stead, but now I realized it was the other way around.

Where I was prideful, Sofia was humble.

Where I was vengeful, she was forgiving.

Where I was short-tempered, she was patient.

Sofia was too good for me, and that only made me want her only more—like a magpie drawn in by her shiny light.

I wasn’t sure how long I’d been staring at her, but slowly her expression morphed to confusion and uncertainty, probably already looking for faults in her own actions or even herself, when it was me she should turn to when looking for flaws.

There were so many things I should have said, so many things I wanted to say, but again my pride held me back. Instead, I kissed her with all the passion still simmering under my skin and growled, “I want you, Sofia. I want nothing more.”I smiled despite my nerves. I’d been dreaming about this day, about this moment for years.

Danilo kissed me again before he got up and slid down his pants and boxers. I’d seen him naked before and, as always, a wave appreciation overwhelmed me, drowning out most of my anxiety. That didn’t last long, though. The moment Danilo settled between my legs, it returned with full force.

Danilo cradled my face, holding my gaze. “Relax for me, beautiful.” Our eyes locked and slowly my body relaxed. His hand slid between my thighs and his touch quickly reminded me of the pleasure I’d felt before.

My body sprang to life when Danilo touched me. Soon, I was slick and ready. Danilo’s face hovered close to mine and he didn’t look away from my eyes once.

I smiled, his warmth and care surrounding me. For the first time, I felt truly seen by Danilo, as if he saw beyond what I wasn’t and really noticed me for who I was. And even better than that, he seemed to like the real me.

His lips found mine and then he shifted. He eased into me. None of the expected pain came as he slowly slid into me, taking his time to give my body the chance to grow used to the intrusion. I exhaled at the feeling of utter fullness. Danilo didn’t move, only kissed me gently, brows drawn together in concern. I tightened my hold on him and finally he moved. With every thrust, he seemed to bring us closer, not just physically but also emotionally, as if one barrier after the other was lowered until nothing was left between us. I didn’t allow fear of the emotional closeness to take root. I lived in the moment, in the feel of our united bodies. It was better than all my fantasies because it was real and perfect even with its small imperfections.My eyes were locked on Sofia’s gorgeous face, on the way her pouty lips parted for another moan. I stroked away the strands of hair sticking to her forehead. Her breathing hitched again. Her walls fisted me tightly, giving me pleasure beyond measure. I thrust harder and lifted one of her legs over my back to change the angle. I needed to feel more of her.

Sofia gasped, a mix of pain and pleasure.

My movements became uncontrolled and I thrust into her harder. Her nails scraped along my back, her breath hitching. I knew she wouldn’t come, and so I allowed myself to let loose, to lose myself in Sofia. My balls tightened and I pounded into her, until finally I exploded.

Sofia’s eyes widened.

I kissed her cheek then her mouth, trying to catch my breath. “Are you okay?” I met her gaze and was rewarded with an exhausted smile.

“Yeah.”

Pushing off Sofia, I carefully slid out of her and stretched out beside her. She snuggled close to me.

This felt perfect, feeling her body against mine. I wrapped my arms around her, wanting her even closer.

I kissed her temple, my fingers stroking the soft skin of her arm. The fire crackled in the fireplace and Sofia released a soft sigh.