Chapter 28

By the time we returned to the villa, the sun had dipped below the horizon, casting the sky in hues of violet and amber.

As we approached the entrance, Dimitri slowed his steps, his fingers still entwined with mine. He turned to me, his gaze dark and intent, something unreadable flickering in the depths of his eyes.

"You know," he murmured, his voice low and husky, "I don't think I ever want this night to end, darling."

I swallowed, my pulse quickening. "Then don't let it."

A slow, wicked smirk curved his lips before he reached for me, pulling me flush against him. His hands settled on my waist, his grip firm but teasing, and then—he kissed me.

It started slow, his lips brushing against mine, a whisper of a touch that sent shivers down my spine. But then, the restraint melted away, and he kissed me deeper, as if he was trying to imprint himself into me.

I gasped against his mouth as he pressed me back against the door, his body heat searing through my clothes. His fingers skimmed down my back, tracing the curve of my hips before gripping them possessively.

With a smirk, he reached behind me, pushing the door open. I stumbled backward, but he caught me, his arms steady as he guided me inside. The door shut behind us with a quiet click, enclosing us in the soft glow of the villa’s dim lighting.

Neither of us spoke as we moved toward the bedroom. Words weren't needed. The air between us was thick with anticipation.

The moment we reached the bed, Dimitri spun me around, his lips claiming mine once more. His hands roamed over my body, slow and teasing, igniting every nerve with each touch. My breath hitched as he traced a path down my spine, his fingers slipping beneath the fabric of my dress.

I tugged at his shirt, pushing it off his shoulders, my palms gliding over the hard planes of his chest. His skin was warm, his muscles tensing beneath my touch, and the way he looked at me—like I was the only thing in the world—made my knees go weak.

He backed me onto the bed, his weight pressing me into the mattress as his lips trailed down my neck, leaving a trail of fire in their wake. My fingers tangled in his hair, a soft moan escaping me as he nipped at my collarbone.

"Dimitri," I breathed, arching into him.

He growled low in his throat, his hands making quick work of the rest of my clothes. Skin met skin, heat met heat, and in that moment, nothing else existed.

He took his time, worshipping every inch of me with his hands, his lips, his body. Every touch, every kiss, was filled with something deeper than just desire—something raw, something real.

As Dimitri's lips traveled down my neck, his hands gliding over my bare skin, he suddenly paused. His fingers traced slow, feather-light circles on my hip before he lifted his head, his dark eyes searching mine.

"Are you still sore?" he asked, his voice softer now, filled with something almost like concern.

A flush crept up my neck at his words, but I shook my head.

"No," I whispered, a small smile tugging at my lips. "Not anymore."

His eyes darkened slightly, but the tenderness in them never wavered. He leaned in, pressing a slow kiss to my forehead before letting his lips trail down to my nose, then my lips.

"Good," he murmured, his breath warm against my skin. "I still want to take my time with you."

His hands roamed over my body with practiced ease, learning me all over again, his touch both familiar and new. Every brush of his lips, every slow caress, sent warmth flooding through me, until nothing else existed but him.

There was no urgency in the way he moved, no rush to claim, only the slow, deliberate unraveling of two people who belonged to each other.

He leaned in, pressing a lingering kiss to my lips, his breath warm against my skin. His mouth moved slowly, deliberately. When he pulled away, his lips curved into a knowing smirk.

"You're too beautiful, Ophelia," he murmured, his voice husky.

Heat pooled in my stomach at his words, and before I could respond, he dipped his head lower, trailing kisses down the column of my neck. His lips brushed over my collarbone, then lower, leaving a path of fire in their wake.

I gasped when his mouth reached my chest, his kisses slow and unhurried. His warm breath fanned over my bare skin, sending a delicious shudder through me. His hands slid up, cupping my breasts with a tenderness that made my heart race.

Dimitri glanced up at me, his expression dark with intent. "Tell me if it's too much," he whispered.

I shook my head, my breath hitching. "It's not," I managed. "Savor it all you want."

His lips curved into a satisfied smile before he pressed a soft kiss to the swell of my breast. The warmth of his mouth sent a jolt of pleasure through me, and I arched into his touch instinctively.

His tongue flicked over my skin, slow and teasing, drawing out a soft whimper from my lips. He was in no rush, his movements controlled yet devastating. When he finally wrapped his lips around me, sucking my breast gently, a sharp gasp escaped me.

"Dimitri," I breathed, my fingers tangling in his hair.

He hummed in response, the vibration sending another wave of heat straight through me. His tongue swirled over my nipples before he sucked again, a little firmer this time, making my back arch off the bed.

His free hand slid down my side, caressing my waist as his mouth continued its slow, torturous worship on my breast. His teeth grazed ever so lightly before his lips soothed my nipples, a contrast that sent my pulse racing.

"You taste even better, darling. It's addicting," he murmured against my skin, his voice filled with satisfaction.

A blush spread across my cheeks, but I couldn't focus on anything other than the way his mouth and hands were unraveling me.

He switched to the other breast, giving it the same slow, intoxicating attention, his tongue tracing lazy circles before sucking gently. My breath hitched, my fingers tightening against his scalp as pleasure built steadily within me.

Dimitri was patient, taking his time, letting me feel every single sensation as he worshipped me with his lips, his hands, his body. And as he continued, I realized—I was completely at his mercy. And I loved every second of it.