He made a low sound of reassurance and massaged me, rubbing my tender flesh with the consummate skill I'd grown so addicted to.
He broke the kiss, moving his arm to arch my back and lift my breast to his mouth.
He bit my nipple through the cotton, then wrapped his lips around the aching peak, sucking so strongly I felt the echo in my core.
I was under siege, my brain short- circuiting as desire pumped through me.
His fingers slid beneath the edge of my panties to touch my clit, the feel of flesh on flesh just what I needed.
"Gideon."
He lifted his head and watched with dark eyes as he made me come for him.
I cried out when the tremors rippled through me, the release of tension after days of deprivation almost too much to bear.
But he didn't let up.
He stroked my sex until I came again, until violent shivers racked my body and I squeezed my legs shut to stop the onslaught.
When he pulled his hand away, I sagged, boneless and breathing heavily.
I curled into him, my face pressed into his throat, my arms wrapping around his neck.
My heart felt as if it had swelled in my chest.
Everything I felt for him, all the torment and love, overwhelmed me.
I clawed at him, trying to get closer.
"Shh."
He held me tighter, squeezing me until it was hard to breathe.
"You're questioning everything and driving yourself crazy."
"I hate this," I whispered.
"I shouldn't need you this much.
It's not healthy."
"That's where you're wrong."
His heart beat strongly beneath my ear.
"And I take responsibility for that.
I've taken the lead with some things and given it to you with others.
That's left you confused and worried.
I'm sorry about that, angel.
It'll be easier moving forward."
I leaned back so I could search his face.
My breath caught when our eyes met and he stared back at me unflinchingly.