CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
My request causes a chain reaction. Ridge keeps me lofted in his grip and turns to exit the kitchen with purpose. His lips carve a sizzling path along my throat as he navigates our course. Through the desire he’s stoking, common sense filters in.
“Wait! The oven.” Won’t make that mistake again.
He’s quick to comply, retracing our steps before resuming his progress to wherever we’re going. As it turns out, the guest bedroom where we’re assigned to sleep is at the end of a very long hallway. In the minutes it takes to get there, nervous anticipation has tangled into a knot that consumes my stomach.
I cling tighter to him as we approach our destination. My inner muscles clench, empty and demanding to be filled. The stimulation ripples through me and I have to stifle a moan. I wonder if Ridge can feel the tremble in my legs.
The door opens with a creak. That ominous sound echoes the unknown about to come. His stride is steady while he carries me toward the mattress that monopolizes the space. The size is even bigger than the California King he recently purchased for me. Although he’s been staying over every night, which makes the purchase mutually beneficial.
My butt sinks into the memory foam when Ridge sets me down. He’s quick to step back, as if needing a brief pause before proceeding.I take the opportunity to stretch my courage.
There’s a visible quake in my hands as I grasp the hem of my dress. The cotton whispers against my skin. Cool air prickles the fever scalding my flesh with every curve I expose. Once the material is pulled over my head, I’m bathed in goosebumps. Only my bra and panties conceal me.
Ridge’s gulp is audible. It draws my focus to the tension cutting into his expression. He flexes his fingers, clutching nothing but invisible desires. The swell in his pants tents the material outward. It reminds me where that girthy shaft is expected to go.
I want this. Badly. But there’s a decent dose of concern injected into me along with the lust. He’s a very large man.
“I won’t hurt you.” His low timbre is soothing.
My exhale sputters in return. “I know.”
“You look worried.”
I smooth my features. “Just general curiosity about how you’re going to fit.”
“We’ll go slow.”
My head jerks in false bravado. “I’m ready.”
Ridge reaches over his shoulder to grip the collar of his shirt. A single tug reveals his upper half to my hungry stare. The sight of my name inked on him puts me at ease. We belong together. This will work, along with everything else.
The clink of his belt knocks me from those assurances. His zipper lowers next, offering a peek at his boxers. The green fabric strains over his erection. My mouth goes dry and I instinctively scoot backward. An undeniable warmth is summoned to my lower belly. I squirm at the slick sensation that soon follows. Ridge smirks, undoubtedly guessing where my mind has traveled.
With a downward shove, the denim pools at his ankles and he stalks forward. “Make yourself comfortable, sweetness. Just like at home.”
“Is this the massage portion of the date?”
His mouth pulls up on one side. “Only if you’re referring to me rubbing you on the inside.”
There’s no arguing with that. I get situated in the middle. My upright position is supported by a stack of pillows. The silk comforter beneath me is like a cozy embrace. “This bed is luxurious.”
“Only the best for you.”
“Did you plan this part too?” My palms rub along the softness surrounding me.
“Only in my depraved imagination. One thing remains constant.” He climbs onto the end of the bed, crawling to where my legs are parted in invitation for him. “I’m always on my knees for you, love.”
“The view is steamy.”
“Couldn’t agree more. You’re so fucking wet for me.” He brushes across the damp lace that betrays my arousal.
I try to squeeze my thighs together, but he’s blocking my attempt. “Mhmm.”
“We should ditch these, yeah?” Ridge doesn’t wait for permission to peel off my underwear.
Not that I expect him to. I’ve already waved the green flag.
Before adding the crumpled bundle to the discard pile, he shoves the soaked section against his nose. His inhale is savage, like a hunter catching the scent of what he’s about to chase. The act is crude and obscene and an extreme turn-on. My hips shift in urgency, the insistent ache becoming more demanding.
He lowers to the gap between my splayed limbs, his broad shoulders spreading me wider. His tongue traces the outer edge of my center. Close, but more of a tease. I buck upward and he chuckles.
“Impatient?”
“Yes,” I admit.
That’s all I have to say. His lips seal around my clit with purpose. The suction is forceful, as if he’s trying to slurp through a straw. It’s strong enough to curl my toes.
Tingles erupt and I arch against the friction. He swipes that sensitive spot at a pace meant to send me over the edge. I squeal as pleasure immediately spreads outward. The pressure builds, growing in magnitude until I can’t contain it a moment longer.
“Oh, yes. There! I’m gonna—” My sentence cuts off on a wail as I climax.
A spasm rocks my core, searing through my veins like electric shocks. Those zaps heighten the bliss already crashing over me. When the static rush subsides, an quiet buzz sweeps in.
“Fucking exquisite.” He licks me from his lips.
“Gosh,” I wheeze. “You’re really good at that.”
“It comes easy when I’m passionate about the end result.”
“One of these days, you’ll let me return the favor.”
“We’ll see.”
I huff. “That’s just a polite no.”
“Do you want to have sex?” He points from his penis to my vagina.
The gesture is a tad mesmerizing. “Uh-huh.”
“Then let’s focus on that.” Ridge shifts to hover over me, keeping his weight balanced on a bent elbow. His eyes search mine. “You sure about this?”
“Positive.” To prove my point, I wiggle and rotate sideways to remove my bra.
His gaze lowers to my breasts. His swallow is thick. “We can wait.”
“Nope, I’m ready. Please.”
“No need to beg, sweetness. Although I do love when you ask nicely.” His grin would incinerate my panties if they weren’t already stripped from me.
Ridge kicks off his boxers and then we’re naked. Together. I inhale sharply when his arousal comes in contact with mine. A gentle rock from his pelvis has him gliding along my slick center.
“Do you want to be on top?”
“Absolutely not,” I blurt. The thought is too intimidating, especially my first time.
“I’ve got you, love. Let me grab a condom.”
“Why?”
His lips quirk into a wolfish grin. “For protection.”
“Oh, we’re already protected. I’m on the pill.”
Ridge goes still. “Did you do that for me?”
“I didn’t want anything between us,” I murmur. “Even a thin layer of latex.”
“Fuuuuuck, sweetness. Not sure what I did to deserve you.” He’s made a similar comment before.
The significance pulses through my bloodstream while I cradle his cheek. “You heard me when nobody else would listen.”
“I was just waiting for you to speak the words that are mine,” he breathes. It seems like he’s about to join us as one but pauses. “Are you worried about STDs?”
“Should I be?” The doctor mentioned something about those at my appointment.
“Nah, my dick is practically a monk. Definitely cleaner than my mind.”
“Me too. Obviously. Other than a variation in anatomy.” I laugh to myself, which nudges him against me.
His eyes slide shut for a moment. “Not gonna last long. I’ve never gone without.”
“Another first?”
“Saved for you.”
I’m nodding too fast, trying to stave off the threat of tears. “Ready when you are, boyfriend.”
His forehead lowers to mine. “Don’t be scared.”
“I’m not. This is natural. My body will stretch for you.” Even if that’s to my maximum limits.
“We’ve prepared for this. Just relax. I’ll only feed you a few inches at first.” Ridge shifts until I can feel him aligned at the most intimate part of me.
“Is it going to hurt?” Pain already leeches from my voice.
“Not if I do it right, which is why I’m not gonna pop your cherry quite yet. This is just an introduction for much more to come. We’ll get loosened up first.” He could be talking in a foreign language and I’d be less confused.
But that’s mostly due to the chaotic mush that is my brain right now.
I circle one arm around his middle, gripping on for a sense of stability. My other palm rests on his shoulder. In return, Ridge cups my jaw. I tilt into the caress and he smiles down at me. His thumb smooths along the heat flaring in my cheek. The touch is tender and reverent, as if I’m precious. This man makes me feel that way in this moment and every other we’ve spent together.
Our eyes remain fastened as he enters me. Just his tip slips in at first. There’s pressure, but it’s like when he fingers me or uses a vibrating toy. His pace is careful and patient. When he sinks a bit deeper, that thick presence doubles. I part my mouth on a silent gasp. My core clenches, struggling to accept him.
“Relax for me, sweetness.”
I nod while blowing out a long breath. The strain in my middle decreases to accommodate him. Between that and my arousal, he’s able to slide in a little more. The familiar sensations become a dull sting when his girth forces me to stretch wider. I don’t move, not wanting to interfere. His wild gaze searches mine. Whatever he sees halts his forward motion. The pause allows me to adjust. After several beats, the slight discomfort fades.
“There we go,” he rasps.
His solid force retreats but immediately glides in again. From there, a shallow in and out starts. He doesn’t go beyond his previous stopping point. The push and pull is rhythmic, lulling me into false complacency. Waves of pleasure roll through me, but it’s too soon to be content.
The arm holding Ridge’s weight off me trembles. That guides my concentration to the rigid flex throughout his entire form. He’s restraining himself. There’s so much more he wants from this.
“Give me all of you,” I whisper against his lips.
He shakes his head. “Tell me to come.”
“You can just do that? On command?”
“If you demand it. Besides, I’m wound tighter than tape on a hockey stick.”
I analyze the comparison, but my attention strays when he gives another pump. “Come for me.” A term of endearment appears in my mind and I add, “My future husband.”
That’s the trigger he needed. He shudders, a groan spilling from his lips. The tension seems to escape him as well. There’s a noticeable increase in wetness where we’re joined.
We rest at that breaking point for a minute. His labored breaths paint my mouth in pleasure. I sip at the passion he releases, eager for more.
Ridge pulls out and sits back on his heels, focused on what I can only assume is a mess between my thighs. “Fuck, sweetness. Look at you drenched in me.”
I squirm under his intimate scrutiny. “Why did you leave me? Don’t stop.”
“Let me play for a second. I don’t want you to lose any.” His fingers are there, gently probing.
A whine escapes my parched throat when I feel him slide inside of me. I realize he’s pushing his semen back into me. It’s totally on-brand for him. My face heats at the realization that I love his obsessive side. More than I should admit.
Ridge slathers the combination of our essence on his length, which is still very erect. If I hadn’t witnessed the evidence of his climax, I’d be likely to believe he hadn’t finished. Those thoughts flee as he reclaims his previous position over me.
His dick nudges my opening. “This might hurt, but just try to relax. Let me take care of you. I’ll make sure this is good for you once the worst is done.”
My eyes widen. “What’re you gonna do to me?”
“Make you mine.”
Before I can fully process the words, Ridge drives himself into me. Pain pinches from where he breaks through my virginity. The burn blazes and spreads, but I ignore the sharp twinge. That was the final barrier between us.
He slams forward until his shaft is buried inside of me. There’s nowhere left to go. The thick length breeches depths that were previously untried. I’m full of him. Stretched and claimed and no longer innocent.I love the upgrade.
His breathing is harsh as he dips to press our foreheads together. “Are you okay?”
I nod. “This is already more special than I expected. Better in every conceivable sense.”
“How do you feel?”
“Complete,” I sigh.
A rumble rolls through him. “Yeah, sweetness. You took a broken man and made him whole.”
Emotion blurs my vision. I crane my neck until our lips connect. His tongue swipes out to meet mine. We get lost in the exchange as our bodies join in the most natural sense.
My tears drip onto his skin, bringing us impossibly closer. “I didn’t feel like I belonged or had a home until you.”
“This is us, love.” He kisses the next droplet that escapes. “And see? We fit.”
I wince when he rocks slightly. But that painful jab evaporates almost immediately. Pride bursts from my chest. I’ve taken every inch of him. My inner muscles squeeze in victory.
Ridge groans. “Damn, you’re with me in this madness.”
“Wouldn’t be anywhere else,” I confirm.
After that, he begins to move. He resumes his motions from earlier. Except now, his strokes are longer and more powerful. Ridge seats himself deep within me on every fluent entry.
“You’re tight and wet for me,” he praises.
“Uh-huh.” It’s undeniable. I’m slick to the point it’s excessive.
“Gonna make me come again. Sooner than I planned.” He chuckles as if that idea is amusing.
The sound of our shared arousal is obscene. Every steady slap from our bodies merging is a countdown to climax. Each beat fills me with more of him until I can no longer identify us as individuals.
The ache fades, replaced by a muted throb. That pulse matches the excitement thundering in my chest. Pressure and comfort battle for recognition. The mixture heightens my need. I can’t fathom losing this connection. Or how I survived so long without him.
Ridge’s movements are fluid and steady. I slant my hips to greet his timed thrusts. A muffled curse rips from his clenched jaw. My grin reveals the satisfaction thrumming through me.
His face dips into the curve of my neck. He nibbles on the sensitive flesh there until traveling lower. When he latches onto my nipple, I bend to his will. He smiles against my breast while suckling me.
Tingles soon emerge from my lower belly. The telltale cue has me grinding against him, chasing the relief. His hand snakes down between us. My eyes flutter when he thumbs my clit. An onslaught of stimulation crashes over me.
“Please,” I whimper.
“Such a good girl. Do you wanna come?”
“Yes, yes, yes.”
A flick from his thumb shoots me to the stars. At the last moment, I lift my legs and lock my ankles against his butt. I want to cage him in me. Deep and hard and permanent. The shift in angle shoves him straight down to the hilt.
Ridge bellows his release. I tip over the peak beside him. Pleasure floods my veins and I’m thrashing against the force. His motions become disjointed and jerky as he erupts. My thighs spread to allow him to give me more. Every ounce belongs to me.
Our erratic frenzy calms as we float in orgasmic bliss. Ridge lowers himself to rest on me. His burly weight is still mostly balanced to the side, otherwise I’d be crushed to dust.
We remain like that while lounging in the afterglow. There’s no rush to move or separate. My fingers rake through his damp hair while he draws patterns into my skin.
“I love you, sweetness.”
My heart soars, swatting through the fog. “Really?”
“Thought it was obvious,” he laughs.
“Doesn’t hurt to hear it, boyfriend.” I kiss the tip of his nose. “I love you too.”
“You better.”
It’s my turn to giggle. “Or what?”
“I’d be forced to take more romantic measures.”
Flutters erupt in a flurry. “I’m not sure I could handle that.”
“We’ll see,” he teases.
“But I love you already.” The complaint is weaker than tissue paper.
“How much?”
“To infinity,” I announce.
“And beyond?” Amusement sparkles in his eyes.
I shrug. “One of the only movies I was allowed to watch as a kid.”
He nuzzles into me. “My deprived sweetness.”
“Not anymore, thanks to you.”
“Are you sore?” He works his hips along mine.
An unmistakable stab slices through my core. “Maybe a little.”
“How does a bath sound?” Ridge slowly removes himself from me.
I flinch at the loss, but my vagina is grateful. “Will you join me?”
He rises onto a crooked elbow. “Whatever you want.”
“You’re in the mood to spoil me?”
“Always. I’ll wash your hair and pamper your properly.” He dips down for a kiss.
“In that case, a soak would be lovely.”
“Consider it done, love.”
I find myself contemplating a frequent curiosity. “How did I manage to capture your devotion?”
“Took control of your destiny.” He makes it sound so simple.
“That hardly answers my question. You could have anyone.”
“Only want you, love.” Ridge’s nose drifts along the slope of my jaw. “Have I thanked you lately?”
My brain sputters. “For what?”
“Everything.”
“That’s not very specific,” I quip.
“No? It encompasses my debt to you.”
Laughter bursts from me in a hysterical stream. “Don’t be ridiculous. You definitely don’t owe me. Not a single thing.”
“That’s where you’re wrong. I was hollow without you, existing without purpose. That day I first saw you changed my entire outlook. I suddenly had a vision for a future worth living. You’ve taught me how to dream bigger. Strive for better. Trust openly. Honor always. Love unconditionally. Put someone’s needs above my own. I’m this man you believe can have anyone, but I’d be nothing without you. Isn’t that the value of everything?”
“Oh,” I breathe.
Ridge chuckles. “There we go, sweetness. Bathe in my gratitude while I prepare your bubbles. That’ll get me one step closer to evening the score.”