Page 16 of With This Mask
His fingers skim along my jawline, brushing down my neck and sending shivers down my spine. It's a light touch, barely there, but it's electrifying all the same. My skin tingles with anticipation, hungry for more.
I can’t believe that Alec Vanderholt is touching me. And that I’m shaking for it, filled to the brim with anticipation. Alec.
"Tell me how this feels," he whispers into my ear as he continues to trace the contours of my body. His hands graze my shoulders, my arms, my sides—careful and deliberate in their exploration.
"Good," I admit, my voice barely a sigh. "But I want…” Embarrassment stops my tongue.
“Please tell me what you want, Salem,” he says so softly, it reaches down into the softest depths of me and brings out the truth.
"Take off your shirt," I say, swallowing hard as I muster up the courage to voice my desire. Fuck. I can’t believe those words just came out of my mouth. And directed at Alec Vanderholt! "I want to see you."
"How about you do it yourself?" he challenges, a wicked grin forming on his lips. His tone is playful but serious, daring me to take control.
With hesitant hands, I reach out and grip the hem of his shirt, pulling it up slowly. My heart pounds in my chest at the thought of touching him, of feeling the warmth of his skin beneath my fingertips. As I lift the fabric higher, revealing the toned muscles of his abdomen, I can't help but let out a shaky breath.
"Go on," Alec urges softly, his gaze never leaving mine.
Finally, I lift the shirt free of his body, and I'm left staring at the chiseled planes of his chest and shoulders. It's like seeing one of those Greek statues come to life, all smooth, golden skin and sculpted muscle. But unlike those cold marble figures, Alec is warm and breathing, his pulse quickening beneath my touch.
My fingers trace the contours of his body, exploring the ridges of his abs and the subtle dips where muscle meets skin. Alec's eyes slide closed, and I can tell that he's enjoying my touch just as much as I am. His breath hitches slightly as my fingers slip lower, trailing over his bellybutton until they hit the waist of his pants, and I can't disguise the thrill that shoots through me at the sound, knowing it’s me who is making him react like that.
"Kiss me," I whisper, emboldened by the vulnerability I see in him.
His eyes fly open, and I see consideration in them for a moment. And I get worried I’ve crossed a line, overstepped some boundary he forgot to voice.
But then Alec leans in, cupping his hand behind my head, and his lips find mine with an intensity that takes my breath away. Alec’s hands wrap around my body, pulling me closer. His tongue begs for an invitation and I let him in. I gasp in a breath, the sensation of him saturating into every corner of my being. My hands roam over Alec's chest and back, reveling in the feel of his skin against mine. This is more than just a kiss – this is a wild gasp for air from two suffocating people.
Alec breaks away from the kiss, his lips trailing down my jaw and neck. He nips at the sensitive skin there, sending shivers down my spine. I let out a soft moan, unable to contain the pleasure that courses through me.
My heart pounds in my chest as Alec effortlessly lifts me, setting me down on the edge of the table. The cold surface sends a shiver up my spine, but it's nothing compared to the heat burning between us. He looks at me with an intensity that would make anyone else cower, but I can't bring myself to look away.
"Alright, Salem," he says softly, taking control of the situation. "I want you to tell me what feels good, okay? I want to know exactly what you like."
His fingers trail along my collarbone, electricity sparking beneath his touch. I nod, unable to find my voice. His hand moves lower, grazing the curve of my breast. The sensation leaves me breathless, and I can't help the little gasp that escapes my lips.
"Like that?" Alec asks, a hint of satisfaction in his voice.
"Y-yes," I stammer, never having been so acutely aware of my own body before.
"Good," he murmurs, continuing his exploration. He trails his fingers down my stomach, sliding to my hips, then down my thighs – each brush of his fingertips sending waves of desire through me like ripples on a pond. Despite our animosity, there's something undeniably intimate about this moment, both terrifying and exhilarating.
"Tell me what you want next, Salem," Alec whispers, his eyes locked on mine.
"I…” my brain is struggling to form coherent words, and my heart is too scared to voice what it wants. “I don’t…”
Alec grabs my chin, forcing my eyes to his. “Anything, Salem. I will do anything you ask me to, and I will not balk or hesitate. So. Tell. Me. What. You. Want.”
Holy shit.
The intensity radiating off of him leaves zero room for doubt that he means what he says. So, mustering everything I’ve got in me, I ask for what I’m dying to have. “I want you to touch me down there.”
"Where, exactly?" he prompts, a devilish smirk playing on his lips.
"Between my legs," I say, feeling my cheeks flush with embarrassment.
"Like this?" Alec asks as he slides a hand up my thigh, sliding beneath my skirt, stopping just short of my most sensitive area. I let out a needy whimper, encouraging him further.
"Please, Alec," I beg, abandoning any pretense of pride. "Please, just touch me."