Chapter 85. Pleasurable Pain

Vanessa's POV

"You're sure?" he asked, voice rough and deep.

I nodded.

I couldn't find my voice, even if I tried.

The next thing I knew, his mouth was on mine, soft but desperate. I clutched his shoulder, pulling him closer because I needed him closer, needed to feel him everywhere.

He took his time—oh God, he took his sweet, torturous time.

Every kiss, every brush of his hands, was slow and deliberate.

His hands slid down my arms, feather-light, making my skin break out in goosebumps. I whimpered when he pulled back slightly, just enough to look into my eyes.

He kissed me again — deeper, slower — and this time, when his hand slipped between my legs, I didn’t flinch. I simply held down the tickling sensation that rose instead, moaning softly into his mouth as he explored me, gentle but confident, his touch lighting fires all over my skin.

"I need to know if you want to stop, at any time," he murmured against my l