He slid away her lace garments, his fingers exploring her delicate depths, tracing slow circles, stirring her softness.
Her warmth, her wetness, coated his hand without reservation.
The pleasure and stimulation from his touch made her body quiver, her slender, fair legs unconsciously drawing together. She loved how his touch aroused her, moving her body in gentle, sensual rhythm as she closed her eyes to savor it.
His gaze grew intense as he looked at her flushed cheeks, claiming her parted lips in a deep kiss.
She sweetly responded to his kiss, entwining her tongue with his, encouraging him to take more of her warmth and passion.
He gently nibbled her soft lips, silently reminding himself that she was his alone.
She was his, bound by the ring he'd placed on her finger that morning. For the rest of her life, she was destined to be his love, never to belong to anyone else.
"Mmm…" Her soft, sultry voice floated between his deep kisses, each gentle moan like music to him.
As their passion grew, her honeyed essence flowed, warming his fingers and leaving a heated trail.
He squeezed her hardened peaks, eager to hear more of her breathy gasps, stirring the burning desire within him. He longed to dive deeper into her sweetness, yet he wanted to see every different side of her.
Whether she looked vulnerable, shy, or yearning, he wanted to take in every expression she showed.
His fingers gently pinched her sensitive bud, sending waves of pleasure through her. She clung to the back of his neck, craving more of his affection.
Her breathing grew more erratic, and his fingers moved more insistently, wanting to see her unravel.
He loved teasing her like this, letting desire steal her composure. Seeing her barely open her eyes, looking like she was on the verge of tears, captivated him deeply.
His fingers withdrew from her warmth, still slick with her essence.
"Your body's so warm…" he murmured after ending the kiss, purposely telling her.
He knew she'd get shy hearing that, her ears would turn red, and he wanted to see her like this, to make her body yearn.
"It's only because you keep touching me… that I'm like this…" she whispered, unable to meet his gaze.
He lifted her face, not answering, but instead stirring her desire with a deep, lingering kiss.
Her quickening breaths pushed his restraint to its limit. Breaking the kiss, he removed his clothes, spreading her heated thighs. Grasping his hardened length, he entered her delicate, inviting warmth.
"Ah…" she cried softly, her arms tightening around his neck.
Her tight passage held him firmly, more warmth spilling within her, coating him in her sweet, clinging essence.
The feeling of her soft walls drawing him in was overwhelming. He quickened his pace, savoring her trembling beneath him.
Lifting her hips, he placed her legs over his shoulders, driving deeper into her, losing himself in her warmth.
"Braden… I love you so much…" she confessed breathily, lost in her adoration.
Her confession stirred his desire even more, her moans urging him to thrust harder, wanting to shatter her soul and claim every inch of her.
"I love you too…" he whispered, lowering her legs as he bent down to kiss his woman, his hands massaging her flushed breasts.
"I want… to be held…" she murmured with a dreamy, expectant gaze, shyly expressing her desire.
Obediently, he held her close, each thrust taking her deeper. She was so sweet, and with their bodies entwined, she became even softer, like a delicate woman wanting to be spoiled.
He moved within her, withdrawing only to thrust again, each motion claiming her senses, guiding her toward the peak of passion, the crest of their shared desire.
She couldn't bear the intensity of his passion, writhing shyly beneath him, unaware that her movements only fueled his desire, making him even more reluctant to leave her warmth.
He moved deeply within her, his fingers finding her sensitive bud. He discovered it was her most vulnerable spot—just a touch, and she couldn't help but let out soft sounds.
"You're so mean…" she murmured, burying her face into the curve of his shoulder.
He was infuriating, yet he brought her so much pleasure. She wanted him to stop, but couldn't bear the thought of him pulling away.
"But I love you so much," he whispered, pausing and slowly withdrawing, gently nibbling her delicate earlobe.
Just as she thought she'd gotten a moment's reprieve, her blush and racing heartbeat easing a bit, she realized she was wrong.
In the next second, he thrust into her intensely, ravaging her without warning.
"Weren't you going to stop…?" she murmured, yet her body betrayed her, her legs wrapping tightly around his waist.
"I never said that…" he teased, licking her lips. "Did you really think I'd let you go? You've tempted me more than a few times…" "I never said that…" he teased, licking her lips. "Did you really think I'd let you go? You've tempted me more than a few times…"
"I forgot…" she denied, refusing to admit it.
"Then let me remind you," he murmured, delving into her with renewed purpose, intent on claiming her completely today.
------
Their two-day, one-night trip to N City had ended, and Elise, sitting in the passenger seat, was staring stubbornly out the window, refusing to look at Braden.
Every time their eyes met, she felt he was downright infuriating.
They'd supposedly gone to soak in hot springs, yet he'd spent almost all his energy on her instead. The actual hot spring time? Barely an hour.
"Giving me the silent treatment?" he asked, glancing over at her during a red light, his fingers gently threading through her hair.
"We were supposed to soak in the hot springs…" she mumbled, turning to him, a little flustered. "But…"
"You're my hot spring," he replied shamelessly. "You're so warm, aren't you?"
Her face turned bright red, lips pouting as she glared at him. "If I'm a hot spring, you didn't need to go all the way to Nantou. You could've just stayed home."
He paused, as if he'd just realized something, then burst out laughing.
Seeing his mischievous grin, she suddenly realized what she'd just said.
Wait—no, that wasn't how she meant to say it.
"I meant that when you go on a trip, you're supposed to enjoy the experience—not… well, not just that."
"I think I was enjoying the moment," he teased, "and having a great time."
"Forget it, I'm done talking to you," she huffed, turning her gaze back out the window, determined not to look at him.
As soon as Elise inserted the key and turned it, stepping into the house, she saw her mother squinting at her from the living room, casting a knowing glance in her direction.
"Were you out having fun?" Her mother asked pointedly. "By yourself or with someone?"
"Uh… I…," Elise walked over to the couch, taking a deep breath to calm herself and smiling. "Of course, just me. I stayed over at Ruth's. Two girls have lots to talk about."
"Really?" Her mother raised an eyebrow, half-smiling. "But she called yesterday asking if you were home."
Elise was at a loss for words. Why hadn't Ruth just called her cell?
"Do you think your mom's a fool? You were definitely with Braden, weren't you?" Her mother took her hand, guiding her to sit beside her.
"Uh…" Elise wasn't quite ready to announce her feelings to the world.
Her mother's gaze dropped to where her hand rested, noticing the ring on Elise's finger.
It was on her left ring finger. This was moving fast.
Realizing her mother's gaze, Elise quickly pulled her hand back, explaining, "I forgot to take it off."
"Just a while ago, you said there was nothing going on, and now it's come to this." Her mother sighed, unable to resist nagging. "I don't mind, but have you thought this through?"
"He's really good to me, and I love him. I want to marry him, to be with him forever." Elise smiled, a little shy but genuinely happy.
"That's good. I always thought you should choose him over that Graham," her mother said as she walked into the kitchen and poured a glass of water, calling back, "At least Braden is someone your dad and I have watched grow up. He's good to you, too. If it's him, your dad and I can rest easy."
"You wouldn't object?" Elise asked, still a bit worried, considering how she'd almost married Graham not too long ago.
"No, why would we?" Her mother thought back to the wedding incident. "Do you remember your dad slapping him that day? He's so protective of you. You should truly cherish him."
Elise nodded. "I do cherish him, which is why I've decided to be with him."
"That's good, then." Her mother walked back into the living room. "Find a time to invite him over for dinner."
