Escalation - Tessa Teevan Page 0,58

asks, pulling his head back.

“I just remember the first time we made love in your bed. That night… I never thought it could get better, and you’ve proven me wrong time and time again.”

A devilish grin forms on his handsome face. “And I’ll continue to do so for as long as you allow. Now, let me look at you,” he requests, stepping back.

I bite my lower lip as the butterflies in my stomach grow stronger. His eyes darken as they rake down my body, taking in the sight of my tight blouse and even tighter skinny jeans.

"Undress."

The order is gruff, his voice commanding. He doesn't have to tell me twice. My hands rush to the hem of my shirt, and I’m about to whip it off when he stops me.

"Slowly.” This time, the request is soft, spoken so low I barely hear him.

My heart hammers in my chest, but I do as he asked. I take my time removing my shirt and then my jeans, taking my time shimmying out of them until I'm standing before him in nothing but my bra and panties. Our eyes are locked the entire time, and the butterflies melt away. All nerves dissipate under his watchful gaze. I’ve never wanted anyone more, and my earlier words ring truer now more than ever. I need him. He is an essential part of my being, and my heart is fuller for knowing him. He makes me feel adored, desired, and, above all else, loved. It's unlike anything I've ever experienced before, and I will never be able to get enough.

Unable to stand this distance, I take a step forward, wanting his hands on me. He holds a hand up, stopping me in my tracks. His eyes flash with desire, yet he makes no move towards me.

"Turn around."

“But,” I protest, “I want you to touch me.”

Confliction mars his features. My panties dampen as a battle wages in his head—he can’t decide whether to look or touch. All I want is for him to do both.

“Turn, Brie,” he repeats.

I hastily comply, hoping to speed this process up as the ache between my legs increases.

Halfway through my turn, I hear a low mutter. The sound of his footsteps draws near until he's directly behind me. The electricity in the air intensifies, as if our close proximity is enough to spark a fire. One touch. It’s all I need, and just as I’m about to beg, he puts me out of my misery.

A hand lifts to my neck, where he gathers up my hair and sets it over one shoulder, exposing the other to him. I tilt my head and close my eyes as his fingers graze my skin. He bows his head, and his lips light a fire under my skin as he trails a line of sweet, sensual kisses until he's reached my ear. He takes my lobe in between his teeth, sucking and licking, giving me a preview of what’s hopefully to come. He has my full permission to suck and lick to his heart’s content.

"Have I told you how beautiful you are, Brie? How your very presence turns me on? And then, when I see you like this, your skin bared for me, it drives me wild with the need to touch you, kiss you, to devour every inch of you."

As his tongue slides down the curve of my neck, a whimper escapes my lips, and I incline my neck to give him more access. I want that, too. I want him to devour me—over and over again.

“Touch me. Kiss me. Devour me. Do whatever you have to do, Rafe, but please, never stop. I’m yours.”

His other hand comes up and splays across my stomach, his fingers pushing me back into the hard erection that's now nestled into my ass.

"Do you feel it? This is what you do to me. All I have to do is look at you, and I go rock hard with want for you. This is how my body responds to you and only you. As much as you are mine, I’m yours, too, Brie. Always."

The promise on his lips ignites a fire deep in my belly, and I can’t take this waiting game any longer. I want—no I need—to feel him.

"Rafe, please, take me," I whisper, pushing back against him. “Take me until I’m screaming your name.”

He slides his hand down, slipping it inside my panties. His head rests in the crook of my neck, and just as his thumb finds