I placed my finger across her lips, shaking my head. "If we do this, there's no going back. You could die."
"Then protect me."
Everything seemed to come to a head; all the anger and sadness from the past, all the worry about any kind of a future. Right here and now meant everything. Cupping both sides of her face, I pulled her onto her tiptoes as I lowered my head. "You are precious. You also belong to me. Any man who ever tries to lay a hand on you will die. I give you my oath." I captured her mouth, keeping my lips pressed against her, the moment sweet and loving. Something I wasn't used to in any manner. I was the asshole, the bastard who destroyed lives. Not tonight. Tonight, I would become her hero.
She wrapped her arms around my neck, toying with my hair as she slipped her tongue past my lips, moaning into the kiss. Every beautiful move of her body was seductive, drawing me further into her web.
I craved her.
I wanted every inch of her.
I had to own her.
My mind was sent into another place, forgetting all about my duties or the danger presented to us as the kiss became a manic moment of raw passion. I dug my fingers into her skin, taking back control, my tongue dominating hers. Then I crushed her body against mine, longing to feel the heat of her body, her rapidly beating heart.
Even as mine expanded for the first time in years.
I'd never felt this way, embroiled in such utter bliss, my blood pulsing as the fire ignited once again. I wrapped my arms around her, one arm cradling her bottom as I lifted her off her feet.
She threw her legs around me as the intimacy continued, our actions becoming more frantic, both crazed with desire.
I swung her around in a full circle, the taste of her luscious. I could never get enough. Even the scent of her exotic perfume became intoxicating, infusing every cell. I carried her into the bedroom, somehow cognizant that she'd lit several candles in preparation. The warm glow was almost as inviting as the woman herself.
Almost.
I eased her onto her feet, breaking the connection only long enough to drag the shirt over my shoulders, tossing the unwanted material to the floor. As I advanced again, my cock ached to be inside of her, my tongue longing to taste her sweet juice. I found it difficult to breathe or even keep my control as I brushed the tip of my index finger across her forehead.
Willow studied me, her lips curving in a smile as I traced the delicate bones in her face, her chest rising and falling with every touch.
"You can be so gentle," she whispered, her eyes closing when I rolled my finger along her jawline, moving ever so slowly toward her pursed lips.
"You bring out the best in me." My voice was husky, dripping with increased lust, the savage buried deep inside already brimming the surface. I knew I couldn't hold back for long, but I craved to explore every inch of her, taking my time to ride the building desire.
"Mmm... I'll keep that in mind." Her body swayed forward and backward, the shimmer in her gown illuminated by every move.
I drew a circle around her lips before moving to her chin and down the long line of her neck. She had the most perfect features: strong bones and luscious skin that danced in every light, no matter how harsh. I slipped my finger under the slender strap, easing the material down her arm.
She shuddered, soft mews escaping her lips. "You make me feel so beautiful."
"That's because you are." I moved to her other shoulder, sliding the strap down, dragging my finger along the length of her arm. I held my breath seeing the goosebumps that popped along every inch of her skin, another highlight of the incredible beauty. As gravity began to take the gown to the floor, a light flush crept along her jaw, blooming along the base of her cheeks.
Another moan slipped past her lips as she shimmied her hips until the material fell to the floor. All I wanted to do was devour her, taking every hole as mine, making certain she knew that I was now her owner.
Forever.
There would be no compromise.
There would be no discussion.
She merely belonged to me.
As she stepped out of the gown, she quivered visibly, her eyelids fluttering open and closed. I continued my exploration, brushing the tip of my finger down the side of her breast, sliding underneath and moving to the other. With the lightest touch, I encircled her nipple, holding my breath as her already hardened bud began to swell even more.
She took several deep breaths, reaching out to drag her fingers over my chest. My reaction was just as enigmatic, every cell on fire, my body erupting with electricity, my breathing shallow. She had the ability to consume me with her provocative and tantalizing nature, her bravado that had kept her alive during all these years.
A subtle yet powerful chuckle slid up from her throat, her eyes mere slits as she used both hands to tempt me, running her fingers across my skin. How could a single woman have this kind of effect on me? How could she force my defenses to fall in such a short period of time?
The truth didn't need to be found. What we shared was far too special to question.
Willow cocked her head, a wry smile crossing her face as she caressed my abdomen, her fingers dancing over my muscles. I could tell her mind was reeling, contemplating the possibilities. When her hands fell to my belt, I growled, delighting her.
"You're not in control, my sweet cherie."
"Willow. My name is Willow," she countered. "And I don't want to be in control."
I took calculated steps around her, my fingers never leaving her skin, the tips moving over her shoulder and rolling down her spine. "I'm glad to hear that or I'd have to give you a much needed spanking." I could still see the slight blush from my earlier spanking, although the redness had quickly faded.
My mouth watered at the thought of her wearing my marks, stripes that would remind her who was her master. But that was for another time. I drank in her scent, the fragrance filling my nostrils, making my cock ache and my balls tighten. Exhaling, I allowed my fingers to fall between the cleft of her ass to just underneath her rounded bottom. A perfect hourglass shape. Exquisitely long legs. Crimson painted toenails.
I was crazed with longing, the beast clawing to be freed. When I moved back to face her, I noticed her dreamy expression, a slight pout crested on her lips. I took a step away, kicking off my shoes and wasting no time removing the rest of my clothing.
All the while she watched me, perhaps taking pride in her own level of ownership. No other woman would ever touch me again. I'd never desired a wife and a mistress. That wasn't the kind of man I wanted to be. No matter the perks, the untold requirements of being a member of the Bratva, all I needed was the incredible woman standing in front of me.
The growl erupting from my lips came from the darkest part of my very soul, the sound like a battle cry. I lifted her into the air, holding her aloft as her long hair dangled over my face. "What do you want, my sweet Willow?"
"Everything."
Every muscle was tense, the rush of blood hampering my breathing. I eased her onto the bed, crawling over her as I lowered my head. "Then everything you will have." Taking my time, I lowered my head until our lips barely touched. "But you will obey me."