Page 68 of Masquerade Mistake
“I look like shit,” I say. He shakes his head.
“Claire, I don’t care if you’re dressed to the nines or you just woke up. You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever known.”
“Right, like all those models you used to date?” As soon as the words leave my mouth, I feel stupid. It’s not like Ethan and I have ever discussed his dating past. I also know he couldn’t possibly find me attractive right now. But then he tilts my head back so I’m looking at him, his mouth tantalizingly close.
“You don’t even know how gorgeous you are. How can you not see how attracted I am to you?”
I shake my head. “It’s hard to tell when you’ve been keeping a pretty good distance from me,” I point out. “You had plenty of opportunity last night, but you didn’t try a thing.”
He smirks, then runs his thumb over my lip. “Do you have any idea how hard that was? How hard it’s been to be angry with you?”
“Are you still angry?” I whisper.
His eyes remain on my lips, his face darkening. “Furious,” he says, then he claims my mouth. I cling to him, pulling him closer until he lifts me in his arms and carries me to the bed. His mouth returns to mine as he slides my robe off my shoulders, his fingers trailing over my skin until he tugs at my pajamas. I break from him to undress, then watch with hungry eyes as he rips off his t-shirt.
He collapses on me wearing just his jeans, his buckle digging into my tender belly, and his chest pressed against my naked breasts. He devours my mouth and trails wet kisses across my neck and collarbone, his hands wrapped in my hair. Then he nips at my skin, the pain filling a carnal need deep inside me. I arch my back, clutching his hair as he bites every few inches on me. I moan loudly, needing the pain, needing his closeness—needing him. He catches my nipple in his mouth, his teeth grazing the tender flesh as his eyes meet mine.
“Do you like that?” he asks.
“Yes,” I whisper. “More.” He increases the pressure, his teeth sending sharper pains through me, reaching my core. It unearths something in me, undoing the past few weeks of heartache and loss. I press against his punishing mouth as he trails lower. Then he finds his destination, his tongue replacing the graze of his teeth, and I arch my back as he works me with his warm mouth. His fingers grip my thighs with brute force, but his mouth is tender, coaxing me with slick caresses until I’m shuddering beneath him, crying out his name. His fingers take the place of his tongue, filling me so deliciously as he slides in and out, and I’m gone. My body at his mercy as I ride out the euphoric waves.
He slips his fingers from me as I pant against my pillow, my eyes closed as I recover. I hear his jeans drop to the ground, and then the sound of him ripping open the foil package.
“Open your legs,” he growls low. And I do, watching him with hooded eyes as he climbs onto the bed, then I suck in my breath as he plunges into me. There is nothing gentle about it as he takes me with the same urgency I feel. His hands grip my skin, pull at my hair, latch onto my shoulders with each thrust. I cling to his back, pulling him closer as I move with him.
“You feel so good,” he breathes against me. “I’ve missed you.” He buries his face in my neck, cradling the back of my head. I don’t know if it’s the relief of his words or the feel of him swelling inside me, but soon the pressure releases and I’m coming. I throw my head back, crying out as he quickens his pace.
This is different than every time we’ve been intimate. This isn’t making love; this is both of us taking. This is making up for lost time. This is filling the space that was left when we couldn’t be together. When I look in his eyes, there’s something wild reflected in them. I know I harbor the same beast. He unleashes something inside me that I never knew existed, and now that I’ve had a taste, I never want to lose him again.
Ethan tangles his hands in my hair, pulling my head back as he claims my mouth. I feel him swell inside me, my own orgasm building when he cries out against my lips, then collapses on my sweaty body. We stay still for a moment, just breathing into the empty space of the room. I can still taste the salt of his skin and can’t help but rain soft kisses against his shoulder to taste more of him. He runs his hands through my hair, rolling to his side so he can look at me.
“You are so beautiful,” he whispers, his fingers lacing through mine. I offer a smile, but I’m suddenly more tired than ever. And hungry, as my growling stomach reminds me. Ethan laughs, patting my belly.
“Can I fix you some eggs?” he asks.
I wrinkle my nose at the thought. Even though he’d jostled me plenty just now, I’m not sure my stomach can handle a full breakfast.
“Just toast,” I say, “and some coffee. No cream.”
“Anything for you,” he says, kissing the tip of my nose. “Don’t move. I want you just like this when I come back.”
I flash my breasts at him as he pulls on his boxers, and he groans.
“Hurry back,” I tease.
While he’s gone, I roll over and grab my phone. Maren has already texted, asking if I’m still alive. I grin, then unlock it to answer.
Me: It was a rough morning, but it’s better now. ;-)
Maren: He’s still there, isn’t he?
I can hear clinking in the other room, and then the sound of Ethan’s feet padding toward my room.
Me: Gotta go. He’s serving me breakfast in bed.
Maren: Fuck, I need a real boyfriend.
“Maren says hi,” I say, placing my phone back on my dresser and then sitting up so I can take the coffee from his hands. Even though it’s more bitter than my usual creamy coffee, it’s just what I needed. I can feel my nerves waking up.