Chapter 31
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
I might actually combust with lust for this man.
I know it’s not physically possible, but my very competent, logical brain is only focused on getting this man closer to me, in any and every possible way.
“Ryan, I need you,” I shamelessly admit.
“You have me, Lo, I promise.” His sweet confession is not where my vagina is focused right now. I reach between us and slide his boxers down to free him.
“No, I mean, yes, I know, but I need you,” I confess.
Realization dawns on his face, and he swiftly reaches over to his nightstand, pulling out a condom and ripping the foil with his teeth as he quickly slides his boxers the rest of the way down with his other hand.
After putting on the condom, he pauses as he positions himself at my entrance.
“Are you sure? I had other plans first,” he admits.
I nod, appreciating the intent. “I love plans. Let’s go through each and every one all weekend, but right now, my plans are a pure need. I’ve … I’ve never been consumed by an ache like this, Ryan.”
He leans down and captures my mouth. I open to him fully as I drop my knees to widen his access, and he slowly—cautiously—enters. He knows I don’t have a lot of experience, and I focus on my breathing to relax and let him in.
Ryan peppers kisses along my neck and collarbone as I adjust to his size, before resting his forehead against mine. “You’re absolutely perfect, Lo.” He pulls back before entering and repeating the move with a swivel of his hips. “Now that you’re mine, I’m not sure I can let you go.”
“Good. I’m playing for keeps, anyway,” I admit, as I lean up and push him a little, so he flips us over and I’m on top. “I’m close, Ryan.”
“I know, baby, reach for it and take what’s yours.”
I lean down and kiss him deeply, before pulling back just enough to whisper against his lips. “Mine.”
His eyes darken as he raises up to meet me, still in control even though I’m on top. “Yeah, and it’s mutual, Lo. I’m yours and you’re mine.”
I chase my release, and as soon as I fully let go, I collapse onto his chest. Ryan flips us back over and finds his own moments later, pulling me into his arms as he lies next to me.
“I’m not sure, but I think I saw a new dimension.” His comment is so unexpected, I can’t help but laugh at the notion.
“So, you’re saying it was good?” I tease as I trace the tattoos on his chest and bicep. There is a large lion over his left pectoral muscle, surrounded by intricate leaves and jungle-like designs.
“There literally are not words for how good, baby.” He kisses the top of my head and pulls me closer. “Do you have any tattoos? If you do, I need the opportunity to study them much, much closer,” Ryan teases as his hand runs down my back and squeezes my ass, making me laugh.
“No, but I always wanted one. I don’t know what I would get, or where it should go. But maybe someday.”
Ryan nods as he snuggles me deeper into him. “If you decide, we can go together if you want. My guy does a good job, and I think it’s time for another piece myself, but maybe smaller this time.”
“That would be great.” I trace the magnificent creature that stares back from his chest. “What’s the lion mean to you?” The mouth of the lion is closed; it’s not open in a roar, just there—steady, righteous, and commanding.
It’s powerful.
Tattooed on his chest? It’s telling.
“It means courage when life is hard, loyalty in all situations, and fierce protection of my loved ones.” He exhales slowly.
A few beats pass before he adds, “It’s also what Mama called me, her little lion.”
I turn to look up at him. “When did you get it?”
“Six months after she passed.”
I lean over and gently kiss the top of the lion’s head, then push up and kiss Ryan.
“It’s perfect.”
And somehow, I hope he knows I’m not just talking about the tattoo.