Twelve
Whit
“ T ake that dress off, little flame,” I order, looking down at her from beside the bed. The command rolls from my tongue with a confidence that comes not from arrogance, but from an irresistible need—the need to see her, truly see her.
She does as she’s told, her movements slow and deliberate, seduction dripping from every curvy inch of her. Her eyes are like molten jade, locked onto mine as she pulls the fabric over her head, revealing her bare skin underneath. My breath catches in my throat at the sight of her, pure and raw, sitting before me as if carved from starlight.
“God, you’re so fucking gorgeous,” I murmur, my gaze roaming over every inch of her body, drinking her in like a man starved. My cock hardens, already aching for her again—I’ve never met anyone who had such power over me.
She smiles coyly, her lips curving in a way that ignites a fire deep within me. “You think so?” she teases, her voice soft yet laced with a hunger that matches my own. I have met plenty of women before, but not with the kind of intoxicating allure Scarlett possesses. It’s as if she was crafted from the very essence of temptation, drawing me to her like a moth to a flame.
“Turn over, Scarlett,” I demand, my voice roughened by lust. I run my fingers along her spine, feeling the ridges of each vertebrae. She shivers under my touch, her skin breaking out in goosebumps. “You like that, don’t you, little flame?” I whisper, my lips brushing against the shell of her ear. She nods, her body trembling with anticipation.
“Now, it’s time for me to take care of you,” I murmur, my fingers trailing down her sides, making her gasp and squirm.
I reach over and grab the massage oil I brought, squirting a generous amount onto her back. I work the oil into her skin, my fingers pressing deep into her muscles, easing any tension I can feel there. She’s so tense, so tight, and I can’t help but wonder if she’s always like this, or if it’s just because of me. I work my way down her back, my hands massaging her hips, her ass, her thighs. I can feel the heat radiating from her, the way she’s opening up to me, giving herself over to my touch. It’s intoxicating, and I can’t get enough.
“I was rough with you. Are you sore, baby?” I ask, my voice a low rumble that I know drives her wild. I can feel her shiver under my touch, her body responding to me even though she doesn’t want to admit it.
“Yes,” she admits, her voice barely audible. I can feel her resisting, fighting against the pleasure that I’m giving her, and it only makes me want to push her further.
“Good,” I breathe, my breath hot on her skin. “I want you to remember this, Scarlett. I want you to remember who owns your body, who makes you feel this way.” I can see the conflict in her eyes, the desire warring with her need for control.
“But right now, just relax. Let me worship this body,” I murmur as I continue to work the oil into her skin.
“Mmm, I’ve never had a massage before. It feels so good. I like it,” Scarlett murmurs.
“Never?” How could no one ever give this beautiful goddess a massage before?
“I was barely even touched when I was little,” she admits sheepishly.
“Well, I’m going to rectify that. You should be touched, kissed, massaged, and pleasured every day. I’ll be taking over that job now.” Everything that has to do with Scarlett is my responsibility now. She’ll never want for anything ever again. I need to be everything to her, like she is to me. She gives me purpose. She gives my life meaning. I’m in this for good. I’m all in, completely and utterly in love with her. She’s my obsession, my addiction, my everything.
“Scarlett, I don’t just want you. I crave you.” She turns her head to look at me, a lone tear sliding down her cheek. I roll her over then climb on the bed, pulling her flush against my side. Scarlett’s head rests on my chest as she traces her fingers along my tattoos, avoiding the fresh ink..
“Whit,” she begins. “I’m sorry if I’ve been difficult. I’m not used to being touched or feeling like I matter. You make me feel seen. You make me feel special. You make me feel safe and protected. It’s almost uncomfortable being the center of attention for someone. I’ve never had someone put me first, not even my family. You are overwhelming and intense, but I like it. I know it’s crazy, but I do want to be all in with you.”
My heart pounds at her words. I’m sad she went through what sounds like a terrible childhood, but I’m ecstatic she feels the same way I do. “Scarlett,” I begin as I take her hand and kiss her palm. I can feel the steady thrum of her pulse under my lips, the warmth of her skin. “The world can burn for all I care, as long as you’re beside me in the ashes.” Her eyes glisten with unshed tears.
“Whit, I want to tell you something, but I’m afraid,” Scarlett whimpers, her voice trembling. “It’s not easy for me to open up, to trust someone with my heart. I’ve been burned by every person that’s been in my life, left to pick up the pieces on my own. But with you, it’s different. I feel like I can be myself, like I can let down my guard and show you the real me, flaws and all.”
I take her hand in mine, interlocking our fingers. “Scarlett, you don’t have to be afraid with me. I’m here for you, no matter what. I want to know every part of you, even the ones you’re afraid to share. Trust me, baby. Let me in.”
She takes a deep breath, her eyes searching mine. “Okay.” Her voice is barely audible. “Here’s my truth. I’ve spent my entire life feeling unseen, feeling like I’m just a shadow in the corner of someone else’s story. But with you, I feel like the main character. I feel like I matter, like I’m the center of your universe. And it scares me, Whit. It scares me to death, because it happened so fast.”
I bring her hand to my lips, placing a soft kiss on her knuckles. “It was fast. But sometimes, the fastest connections are the strongest. Sometimes, when two people are meant to be together, time doesn’t matter. All that matters is that we’re here, in this moment, together. And I’m not going anywhere, Scarlett. I’m in this for the long haul. You are the melody to my chaos, and I can’t let anyone else have a single note of you.”
Her eyes fill with tears, and I brush them away with my thumb. “Don’t cry, little flame,” I purr. “This is us. Just you and me.” She nods, snuggling closer to me, her body melding to mine. I drag the covers over us, then pull her body so close that she’s practically on top of me. It’s not long before her breathing evens out and I know she’s asleep, then I drift off as well.