Chapter 157 No More Waiting

Chapter 157 No More Waiting
Amelia's POV

I pushed the door open, my heart hammering against my ribs. The master bedroom was massive, with floor-to-ceiling windows revealing the twinkling city lights below. Alexander stood before them, his broad shoulders silhouetted against the night sky, champagne glass in hand.

His shirt lay crumpled on the king-sized bed, leaving him in just fitted pants. The dim lighting accentuated every sculpted muscle of his back, and I found myself momentarily frozen, drinking in the sight of him.

"Second thoughts?" His deep voice cut through the silence without him turning around.

I swallowed hard, my mouth suddenly dry. "No."

Alexander set his glass down and started toward the bathroom. Before he could reach it, I summoned every ounce of courage I possessed and moved across the room. My arms wrapped around him from behind, my cheek pressing against the warm skin of his back. I could feel his heart racing beneath my palm, matching the frantic rhythm of my own.

His entire body tensed at my touch. "Amelia," he said, his voice dropping to that low, dangerous register that made my knees weak. "What are you doing?"

"What does it look like I'm doing?" I whispered against his skin, my lips brushing his back with each syllable.

He turned in my arms, his expression a storm of desire and restraint. His pupils were dilated, a muscle twitching in his jaw as he clenched his teeth. "Don't test my self-control."

I lifted my chin, meeting his gaze directly. "I'm not testing anything. I'm making a choice. I'm ready."

His hands finally came to rest on my waist, his thumbs tracing small, maddening circles against my dress. "Ready for what, exactly?"

I reached up, cupping his face between my palms. The stubble on his jaw scratched pleasantly against my skin. "I want you, mate," I said, emphasizing the last word deliberately.

Something primitive flashed in his eyes. In one fluid motion, he pressed me against the wall, his body caging mine. "Say it again," he demanded, his face inches from mine.

"I want you," I repeated, my voice a breathless whisper. "My mate."

His lips crashed against mine with an intensity that stole my breath. This wasn't like our previous kisses—this was raw, demanding, unleashed. His hand slid to the small of my back, pressing me closer until every inch of my body was flush against his.

When he finally pulled back, we were both breathing hard. "Are you sure?" he asked, his forehead pressed against mine. "Because once we start, I won't be able to stop."

"I'm sure," I said, meeting his golden gaze. "I've never been more certain of anything."

"What changed your mind? You just said no." His expression softened slightly, vulnerability flashing across his features.

"I don't want to wait anymore," I whispered, my fingers tracing the contours of his chest. "I'm afraid that—"

I stopped myself, suddenly aware that mentioning my fears might ruin the moment. "Actually, forget that. Happy birthday!" I stretched up to embrace him.

Alexander chuckled, one eyebrow quirking upward. "Best present I've ever received," he murmured, his fingers finding the zipper of my dress. He paused, his expression questioning. When I nodded, he slowly dragged it downward, his knuckles brushing deliberately against my spine.

The expensive fabric slipped from my shoulders and pooled at my feet. I stood before him in the black lace lingerie set I'd nervously purchased earlier that day, my skin prickling with both the cool air and the heat of his gaze.

Instinctively, I crossed my arms over my chest, a flush spreading across my skin.

"Don't," Alexander said softly, gently pulling my arms away. His expression had transformed to something akin to reverence. "You're beautiful." His eyes darkened as they took in the intricate lace, his gaze traveling slowly up and down my body.

A knowing smirk spread across his face. "Well, well. Looks like someone came prepared."

His fingers traced the edge of the lace at my hip, sending shivers racing up my spine. "And here I thought this was a spontaneous decision."

My cheeks burned hotter. "I wanted to be ready... just in case."

"Just in case," he repeated, his voice teasing. "So you've been thinking about this all day?" The smugness in his expression was impossible to miss.

Rather than answer, I buried my face against his chest. I could feel his laughter rumbling through him.

"That's the most adorable thing I've ever seen," he murmured against my hair. "My fierce little wolf, suddenly shy."

I pinched his side in retaliation. Before I could protest further, Alexander lifted me into his arms with effortless strength and carried me to the bed.

For a moment, he simply stood looking down at me, his chest rising and falling with deep breaths. "You have no idea how many times I've imagined you here," he said, his voice husky. "In my bed. Waiting for me."

The mattress dipped as he joined me, his powerful body hovering over mine. Every muscle was defined, his skin marked with scars that only enhanced his raw masculinity.

"Still sure?" he whispered against my lips.

"Yes," I breathed, reaching up to touch his chest. My fingers traced across his right pectoral. "I want this. I want you."

His mouth found mine again, then began a scorching trail down my neck. I gasped at the sensation of his teeth grazing my skin, just enough pressure to make me shiver but never enough to break the skin.

"Alex..." I sighed, my back arching involuntarily as his lips found a sensitive spot below my ear.

"Say it again," he growled, his hand sliding beneath me to find my bra clasp.

"Alex," I repeated, his name becoming a plea on my lips.

His fingers worked expertly at the clasp. As he slowly peeled the lace away, I fought the urge to cover myself again. His expression changed, the hunger giving way momentarily to something softer.

"You're perfect," he murmured, his hands and mouth exploring every newly exposed inch of skin. His thumbs brushed over my nipples, drawing a startled gasp from me. His lips curved into a satisfied smile. "Sensitive. I like that."

Sensations I'd never experienced before washed over me in waves. Every touch, every kiss sent sparks shooting through my body. My limbs felt heavy and liquid, responding to his every command without conscious thought.

"Tell me what you like," he whispered, his breath hot against my ear.

"I don't—I haven't—" I stammered, embarrassment coloring my cheeks again.

Understanding dawned in his eyes, followed by primitive satisfaction. "I'll go slow," he promised. "We have all night."

When his fingers hooked into the waistband of my panties, I bit my lip. "May I?" he asked, his voice strained.

I nodded, unable to form words. The lace slid down my legs, joining our other clothes on the floor. I resisted the urge to close my eyes, wanting to remember every detail—the way his forearms flexed, the slight tremble in his hands betraying his own nervousness, the way his expression alternated between hunger and tender awe.

Alexander stood briefly to remove his pants, his eyes never leaving mine. The sight of him fully naked took my breath away. He rejoined me on the bed, one hand tangling in my hair, tilting my head back to expose my throat.

"Last chance to back out," he whispered, his eyes now completely gold. "Because once we start this, Amelia, you're mine. Forever."

I wrapped my arms around his neck. "I don't want to back out," I whispered back. "I've always been yours."

Alexander positioned himself between my legs, his eyes locked with mine. A bead of sweat traced down his temple, his jaw clenched with restraint.

"Ready, baby?" he asked, his voice a low rumble that I felt more than heard. His expression mixed desire, tenderness, and barely contained wildness. "I'm going to start now."