24. Harle
HARLE
T he first thing I noticed when I opened my eyes was the warmth against my side. Cassidy was still asleep, her back pressed up against me, her breathing soft and even. I blinked a few times, letting my eyes adjust to the early morning light filtering in through the curtains, and tried to focus on her.
Her hair was splayed across the pillow, a few errant strands tickling my chin, and I shifted slightly to brush them away. She didn’t stir, just let out a small sigh, and I felt something inside me tighten. Last night had been a lot. For both of us.
I fucking hated the way she’d held back. That invisible barrier between us that she just couldn’t cross. It wasn’t her fault; I knew that. I knew she wanted this, wanted me, but something inside her was still too guarded, too scared to fully let go. It was like someone had gotten into her head, made her believe that she couldn’t just be in the moment, couldn’t lose control. My best guess was that it was the same guy that had her falling apart at the bar that night. What a fuckhead. Well, I was fucked if I was going to live with his legacy. Or let Cassidy.
With that conviction running through my veins, I rolled onto my side, my body curving around hers. I let my fingertips glide lightly down the smooth line of her back, barely touching, just enough for her to feel it. Her skin was warm beneath my touch, and I watched as she shivered slightly, her breathing hitching for a moment before evening out again.
My hand drifted to her hip, resting there for a moment before sliding down to her thigh. She mumbled something unintelligible and shifted slightly, but didn’t wake. I held my breath, not wanting to disturb her just yet.
When she settled again, I resumed my gentle exploration. My palm skimmed over the curve of her ass, appreciating its softness. I wanted to memorize every inch of her, to know her body as well as I knew my own.
I nuzzled into her hair, breathing in her scent. She smelled like lavender and something uniquely Cassidy. My lips found the nape of her neck, and I placed a feather-light kiss there.
Still, she slept on. My fingers trailed back up her side, ghosting over her ribs. I felt the steady rise and fall of her breathing. It was fucking intoxicating, being this close to her.
My hand drifted higher, cupping her breast. The soft weight of it filled my palm perfectly. I ran my thumb over her nipple, feeling it pebble under my touch. Cassidy stirred slightly, a small gasp escaping her lips.
Smiling, I circled her nipple with my fingertip. The rosy bud hardened further, and I felt a surge of desire course through me. Cassidy’s breathing quickened, becoming shallower as she hovered on the edge of wakefulness.
I rolled her nipple between my thumb and forefinger, applying just enough pressure to tease. A soft moan escaped her, and I felt her body press back against mine. The curve of her ass nestled against my growing hardness, and I hissed out a breath.
My hand trailed down Cassidy’s stomach, feeling the soft skin quiver beneath my touch. I hesitated for a moment, my fingers hovering just above the junction of her thighs. Then, slowly, I slid my hand between her legs.
Fuck me. She was already wet, slick and warm against my fingers. I explored gently, careful not to wake her, marveling at how ready she was, even in sleep. My cock twitched, pressing insistently against her ass, but I ignored it. This was about Cassidy.
I traced her lips, gathering her moisture on my fingertips. She shifted slightly, parting her legs a bit more, but her breathing remained deep and even. Still fast asleep. I circled her clit, barely touching, feeling it swell under my attention.
Cassidy mumbled something incoherent, her hips rocking slightly against my hand. I held still, waiting to see if she’d wake up. But after a moment, her body relaxed against mine.
I dipped a finger inside her and had to bite back a groan. She was so fucking tight, so hot. I pumped my finger slowly, feeling her inner walls flutter around me.
Adding a second finger, I continued my lazy rhythm, my palm grinding against her clit with each thrust. Cassidy’s breathing grew more ragged, little whimpers escaping her lips, but still she slept on.
It was the hottest fucking thing that’s ever happened to me.
I shifted closer, my body flush against her back. My cock throbbed, aching for her. I couldn’t resist any longer. Slowly, I aligned myself with her entrance, the tip of my cock brushing against her soaking pussy.
Fuck, she felt amazing. I pushed forward, easing inside her. The pleasure was so intense I had to grit my teeth as I moved carefully, not wanting to wake her just yet, savoring every inch as I sank deeper.
Cassidy let out a soft moan in her sleep, her body instinctively adjusting to accommodate me. I held still for a moment, buried to the hilt, feeling her pulse around me. It took every ounce of self-control not to start thrusting.
I wrapped my arm around her waist, pulling her closer. My lips found the curve of her neck, placing soft kisses there as I began to move. Slow, shallow thrusts, barely withdrawing before pushing back in.
Her breathing quickened, little gasps escaping her with each movement. I could feel her starting to wake up, her body responding to mine. But I kept my pace steady, gentle, wanting to draw out this moment between sleep and wakefulness.