It was a beautiful dress, one that had kicked his libido into high gear the moment she’d come down for dinner. But it wasn’t enough. He wanted more. All of her, without any fabric covering her luscious golden skin. Without anything between them at all.
He tugged the top of her dress down slowly, revealing more of her rounded breasts with each shift of fabric. His breath stopped completely when the top fell down around her stomach and revealed a thin black lace bra that showed hints of erect, caramel-colored nipples beneath the flimsy fabric.
He lowered his head and kissed the curve of one breast, a sharp shock of need piercing him in the gut, making his erection pulse.
Arousal stabbed him, hot and fierce, a rush of desire overwhelming him for a moment. He closed his eyes and gritted his teeth. Yes, he was letting go of his control. And yes, in many ways, this night was for him.
But it was hers too. And he would be damned if it was anything less than perfect for Eva. If she was anything less than satisfied.
“You are incredible,” he rasped, raising his head so that he could look at her face. She was exquisitely beautiful. High cheekbones, a strong, rounded nose, full lips. There was nothing generic about her, nothing forgettable. She would be burned into his mind, his body, forever.
“I’ll bet you say that to all the women,” she said.
He felt his muscles tense, his fingers curling into her back. There was no easy way to have the conversation they would have to have tonight. But she was owed his honesty. She was giving him her body, and she deserved to know.
This was the conversation he’d never wanted to have. And yet, somehow, with Eva, it didn’t seem so impossible.
“There have been no other women.” He watched her face, waiting for his words to sink in, for her to understand. Waiting to see if she would be horrified. If she would want to stop.
Her dark eyes widened. “That’s not possible.”
“It is. When you’re married for over ten years to a wife who is incapable. And when you refuse to violate your marriage vows, no matter what.”
“And for the past year?”
“I haven’t been ready to seek anyone out. I haven’t wanted anyone.” He touched her face, traced the line of her brow, her nose, her lips. “Until you.”
Her dark eyes glistened, a tear spilling over and dropping down her cheek, landing on his hand. “Why?”
“You’re the only woman who’s ever made me feel like I didn’t want to be controlled anymore,” he said, the words not coming easily. “You are … fire, Eva. So hot beneath my hands. Lust I can deny, I have, for years. This is more than that. But I understand if you don’t want to be with me now.”
“Why?” she breathed. “Why would I not want you?”
“I’m not a playboy. Not a man who can give you the benefit of much practiced skill.” He tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. “Most would see it as a weakness.”
“Then most people are foolish. It takes strength to do what you’ve done. Any man could have stayed with his wife while continuing to live his own life. While continuing to make sure his wife’s needs were met. What you’ve done … you made a choice. A hard choice. You kept your commitments. I didn’t think it was possible, but I want you even more now.”
He let out a breath. “A relief, for sure.”
She leaned in and kissed his cheek. “I think you are the best man I’ve ever known. A real man.”
“I’ll confess, I lack hands-on experience. However, I can dismantle a bomb in under sixty seconds. That requires skill, dexterity, concentration. I’m sure I can apply it.”
She laughed and his heart missed a beat. “I never doubted you for a moment.”
He lowered his head again, tracing the line where lace met flesh, just above her nipple. A short, muffled sound of pleasure escaped Eva’s lips and he reveled in the response.
He reached around and unhooked her bra, finally seeing her uncovered for the first time. He’d seen naked women. He’d seen Marina’s body many times while taking care of her.
This was different. Different than a photograph or movie. Different than a woman walking by on a topless beach. Different than caring for someone whose body was present, but who no longer had her mind.