Chapter Four
My heart beat at a wild cadence as Patrick followed my lead into the bedroom. I flicked on the ceiling fan to stir the sweltering air. I didn’t look back at him, afraid I’d lose the focus, and the courage to continue. Moonlight filtered in through the tall rectangular window and illuminated our path. The blue hue added an atmospheric component to this surreal moment.
I stacked a couple of pillows at the head of the bed and stood out of his reach as he obediently sat and reclined. He made my bed look small. I’d been alone for so long, and then suddenly I wasn’t. I hesitated as my plan of seduction became riddled with doubt. I felt like a fool for trying to pull this off. I drifted back a step, and my mind raced for an escape from this self-inflicted humiliation.
Patrick propped himself onto an elbow.
“I’m sorry,” I uttered. “I’ll unlock the handcuffs.”
“I want you, June,” Patrick said. “Anyway. Anyhow.”
I moved no farther. He wanted me. Trusted me. What cop would allow this? And he was here for me in any way I chose. I’d never been attracted to anyone more. Maybe the drama from this evening contributed to my heightened feelings and desire, but I didn’t care. Was I behaving irrationally? It didn’t matter. I didn’t want to assess my thoughts and actions anymore. Maybe tomorrow, because tonight I wanted to feel.
My hands trembled as I guided Patrick’s arms over his head and cuffed his wrists to the open-frame iron headboard. Secured, he couldn’t touch me, and if he couldn’t touch me, he wouldn’t be able to hurt me. We were distanced just enough for my heart to not be fully engulfed in the fire of love, which could burn so hot and scorch so painfully.
In the celestial light, he looked at me. He didn’t say a word. He no doubt found himself in uncertain territory. But then again, so did I.
I unbuttoned his shirt, and my pulse sped up. I’d never undressed a man before. When I finished unfastening them all, I pulled his shirt open and exposed his defined chest and flat, taut abdomen. All the time I’d known him, I did not know the physical perfection he’d been hiding.
I trailed a hand across his chest, down his midriff, and lower to the area where his pants confined him. A throaty sound escaped from his mouth as he pressed back into the pillow.
Rational thoughts receded as sensory receptors amplified. My core became molten. Basic carnal need took control of my body and mind. I undid his belt. He arched to allow me to lower his trousers. My breath caught. In the blue shadows, I boldly removed my top and tossed it aside and then shimmied out of my pants. From under heavy lids, he watched. I’d never been this immodest, brazenly undressing in front of anyone, let alone a man I’d never been intimate with before.
“You’re so beautiful,” Patrick said.
I knew I wasn’t, but I believed Patrick meant what he said. Maybe I possessed some quality he found alluring. His attraction for me acted like a mountain of kindling, and I was about to combust.
One at a time, I slid my bra straps over my shoulders and unhooked the band. Goose bumps tightened my skin. Patrick’s lips parted, but he said nothing. I slid off my panties, withdrawing the final shred of cloth between my body and Patrick’s unwavering gaze.
I climbed onto the bed and measuredly straddled his waist.
“June,” he whispered and moved his arms, only to be stopped by the constraining cuffs.
I plunged forward to kiss him, and my nipples tingled as they swept his chest. A sound escaped my lips before his mouth devoured mine. Fierce, hard. His tongue dipped and swirled as if starved. His need competed with mine. I grabbed the top bar of the headboard, my body millimeters from Patrick’s face. He yanked his arms forward forcefully, and the loud clang of metal startled me. He remained secure, confined.
“Take these off,” he said softly, yet pleading with urgency.
I shook my head.
He leaned forward. His tongue swirled and teased. I closed my eyes and became completely engulfed by the sensations Patrick created. The overhead fan circulated air caresses over my damp skin. I shivered. Our lips met again in the most passionate fusion. I didn’t want this to end. The full contact of our bodies defined carnal heaven. Nothing could replicate human texture, not silk, velvet, or suede. Currents of intense desire intensified. Poker hot with the need to be quenched. I lowered over him. The gradual entry sparked even more pathways of sensation. Patrick arched upward. I moved steadily, rhythmically, and snapped my head back when tight coils released. My breathing became ragged. Metal rattled as Patrick leaned forward and kissed my neck. I resumed a pace, and Patrick met my rhythm. I caught another wave and shuddered with blinding sparks. Patrick’s body tensed and then eased into the comforter. He stopped struggling against his restraints.
He licked his lips. “Damn, you’re hot,” he said in a low voice.
I brushed my lips over his. “You are,” I said quietly, understating what I really felt. Simply put, Patrick was all male. The manliest male. The restrained alpha that still dominated my senses. I dropped to his side and placed a hand on his chest. His heart beat strong. I trailed my fingers along his toned midsection and then lower. I couldn’t stop myself.
This baffling evening had yet to complete its finale.