Chapter Thirteen
Rylee
Igroan as he drags his hand from my back to my waist, squeezing and then easing back. He focuses on my face, staring intently, as if weighing the seriousness of my words. I drop my arm and wait patiently.
I thought my mate was sexy before, but seeing him dressed up sends my desire to another level.
Knowing he did it for me is hot and sweet.
I appreciate his willingness to go slow, but it’s time to go to the next level.
I’m not scared of him. He hides his needs easily, but with every action and word, he shows me how much he cares.
The mating bond is pushing me to be close, so I know he is uncomfortable keeping a distance.
He has my trust, knowing he won’t hurt me. It’s time to stop holding back.
“Pick a word,” he growls. “Something you don’t normally say, and that you will remember.”
“Captive,” I blurt, saying the first thing that came to mind.
“Good. Say it if you have any reservations. If you don’t like what I’m doing, say your word. I’ll stop, and we’ll talk.”
“I will.” The light material of my dress feels heavy against my skin. Every movement irritates me. My body needs relief, and Ezra is the only man who will ease it.
“Put your hands on the counter,” he orders softly, and I comply. “This is all about you.” I inhale sharply as he presses his palm against my stomach, and he tilts his head. “I want to hear how I make you feel.”
The heat of his hand seeps through my dress, fire burning in the trail as he glides down and teases the seam where my leg is bare.
He moves closer, and I drop my head back.
I stare at him, his eyes swirling, his fox shining in them.
I inhale sharply. He caresses the inside of my thigh, and I have the urge to twist my hips.
“Ezra,” I groan.
“Do you want fast?” he asks, and I nod. “Maybe I want to savor you.”
“Savor later,” I hiss, and he pushes on my hips, turning to face the cupboard.
“Give me your hand.” He holds his right hand out. I’m confused, but do as he asks. “I want you to feel what I feel.” He laces our fingers, pulls me back with his other hand on my stomach, and glides our joined hands under my dress.
“Fuck,” I hiss as our fingers trace my panties.
“I can feel the heat,” he growls, moving our hands up and under the fabric.
“Mate,” I gasp.
My hand is held underneath his, and my palm presses against my clit. He glides down and guides our fingers inside me. I drop my head back, and he brushes his mouth over my ear.
“Widen your legs,” he demands, and I adjust my weight. “So good for me.”
“Ezra.” I roll my hips, needing closer. The motion increases, and my desire rises. It’s only been days, but all I’ve thought of is him. His scent wraps around me, pushing the need for him higher.
“You feel so good, baby,” he hums, biting my ear. “Meant for me.”
“Yes,” I breathe.
“You’re wet and hot,” he rumbles, brushing our thumbs over my clit.
My legs almost give out. “Please.” I’ve never felt so desperate for another person.
“Not yet,” he commands. “Give me your mouth.”
I turn my head, and he dips closer. He matches the rhythm of his tongue to the motion inside me, and I lock my knees.
The scruff on his face rubs against me with the force of the kiss, and my body vibrates.
Our plans for the night disappear. My mate makes me forget everything.
The idea of him living with me is no longer scary, and I want to lock us in and never leave.
He curls our fingers, and everything turns liquid.
The pull begins in my stomach and radiates through my body.
Thrusting my hips, I reach back with my other hand, grasping his thigh.
A low growl echoes within his chest. I pull back, sucking in a breath.
He kneads my stomach, staring at me as my needs overwhelm me.
“Ezra, I’m coming,” I gasp.
“Yeah, baby. Come all over our hands,” he rumbles.
“Shit,” I moan, the orgasm rolling through me.
“Fuck.” He increases the motion, watching me fall over the edge. “I didn’t think you could be more beautiful.”
My lips part, and I don’t temper my cry. “Mate.” I close my eyes, and he slows, gliding, savoring. “Damn.” I exhale slowly. “That was fast.”
“Shit, Foxy,” he chuckles. “If anyone else heard that statement. I don’t come off well.”
I join his laughter. “I did come spectacularly." After such an intense moment, I never thought there would be laughter included.
“Yeah, you did.” He kisses my cheek.
“Are we going to be late?” I ask.
“Do I care?” He drags our hands out of my underwear. “Do you?”
“No,” I say softly, turning to face him. “I would rather do that all night.” I grin.
“Same,” he mumbles, kissing me briefly. “Although I would rather not leave my sister alone for too long.”
“I should clean up.” I bite my lip and glance down. I felt how hard he was, and feel a little bad for leaving him that way. “Do you—”
“No. I’m fine.” He threads his fingers through my hair. “Or I will be. I’ll need a minute.” He smirks.
“It doesn’t seem fair,” I murmur, gripping his jacket.
“Forever, I will remember your whimpers.”
“Shit,” I say, dropping my forehead to his chest. “I might get used to you being so perfect.”
“I hope not,” he says, and I jerk up. “If not, I’ll get to see the surprise on your face.” He drags his hand from my hair to my neck. “I’m far from perfect, but I’ll do my best with you.”
“You’re on the right track,” I whisper.
“Good.” He squeezes his fingers before dropping his hand to my waist. “Are you steady?”
“I think so.”
“Let’s wash up before I change my mind.” He steps back. “I’ll feel bad if I ruin all of Sally’s hard work.”
“She would understand.” I tilt my head, and he growls. “Alright, alright. I’m going.” I take a step away from him and look over my shoulder. “It would be better if you were coming.” I move quickly, and he lunges. “Too late,” I sing, jogging toward the bathroom as fast as my heels can take me.
I lock the door behind me, giggling. I’m fucking giggling, and I didn’t freeze up or think about my past once when his hands were on my body.
That is something to celebrate.
I feel special. I don’t often feel that emotion.
As I walk toward the restaurant with Ezra holding my hand, my heart beats fast, and I fall more in love.
There was minimal conversation on the drive, but it wasn’t uncomfortable.
His hand rested on my thigh, and I switched my focus between it and his face.
He has turned my life and my beliefs about how I live upside down.
Did I really believe I could have a fulfilling, passion-filled life?
Absolutely not. I pretended I was alright with my life, yet things were missing. Ezra was missing. Hiding in my books was fun, and I had many book boyfriends. My mate shows me that I can have what the fictional women do. I can have love, trust, and be desired.
“Ready?” he asks, and I notice we are standing in front of the doors.
“Sorry.” I shake my head and smile. “I’m good.”
He winks and opens the door. “I will never think about your kitchen the same again.”
I laugh as I step inside.
“Isn’t this a beautiful sight?” Sally says, standing in the entrance. “Damn, fox, you clean up well.” She tilts her head at my mate, and I’m surprised by the spark of anger in my gut.
“Tricks,” Luca growls.
“I didn’t mean anything by it,” she says quickly. “Rylee didn’t like it either.” She wraps her arms around her mate. “Boyfriend, you know I only have eyes for you and Atlas.” She rests her chin on his chest.
“You can make it up to me later,” he mumbles.
“Sounds interesting,” she hums. “Begging involved?”
“Always.” He grins.
“Are we letting them come in?” Haven asks.
“You look stunning,” I say, moving forward. She’s wearing a sparkly purple dress that floats around her thighs.
“Thanks.” She grins and squeezes my hand. “I saw your dress on the hanger, but it looks way better on you.”
“The restaurant is ours for the night,” Sally says.
“The guys closed for a private party,” Haven adds. She laces her arm through Remy’s as he joins us.
“You didn’t have to do that,” I say, glancing at Ezra.
“We wanted to,” Remy says. “The family needed a gathering.”
“One where there are no strangers to set on fire,” Ryker says dryly.
“That was one time,” Saphira says. She is a dragon shifter, and I’ve heard of her famous fire-breathing.
“Three times,” Ryker drawls.
“Whatever,” she mumbles.
“I have a guest coming,” Ezra says, and the room quiets. “My sister. She’s bringing her band.” No one speaks. “I thought some live music would be nice.”
Sally moves away from Luca and holds out her palm. “Are you saying Feral Fusion is playing here tonight?”
“Yes.” Ezra grins.
“No way,” Serenity exclaims.
“She’s on her way.” Ezra glances at his phone.
“After Serenity showed me her video, I watched all of them.” Sally hops, clapping her hands.
“I hope that’s alright. All of them are shifters.” He pulls on my hand until my shoulder presses against his arm.
“Fuck, yeah,” Sally says.
“We should move some tables,” Bane suggests.
“I’ll help,” Atlas says, and they walk away.
“Are you going to introduce us?” Cash asks, moving toward us. Kade is at his side, studying Ezra.
“This is Kade and Cash,” I tell my mate. “Guys, I’ll pretend you don’t know…this is my mate Ezra.
“Heath may have said something,” Kade mumbles, and Ezra nods.
“Where is he?” I ask, looking through the crowd. More family is throughout the room, but I don’t see my brother.
“He’ll be here soon,” Quinn says. He’s sitting at the bar. Stephanie is leaning against his side.
“Ezra,” Micah says, stopping in front of him, holding out his hand. “It’s good to see you again.”
“You too,” Ezra says, clasping his hand. “No repercussions from the other night?”
“No. We smoothed everything with the crowd,” he replies. “Again, I appreciate what you did.”
“No problem.” Ezra’s demeanor changes as the lions join us.