My hand roved over my mate’s chiffon-covered belly, watching his muscles flex and goose bumps rise as my fingers grazed his belly button before trailing upward. I admired the way the fabric cinched around his ribcage then flared out to drape over the tops of his soft thighs, the lace trim weighing it down. The sheer material hugged the delicate curve of his pecs, accentuating his nipples as they hardened under my gaze. I couldn’t help but brush my thumb over one of those rosy peaks, delighting in how he arched into the touch.

“My heart, you look resplendent,” I said easily, my voice already gruff.

“Yeah?”

I hummed absently, distracted by thoughts of all the filthy things I wanted to do to prove how much I desired him. Dropping to my knees and worshipping him with my tongue until he cried was my current favorite. “Is this my surprise from the market?”

“Yeah.” His fingers flexed against my neck. “Wanted to try something new.”

“I approve.” I carefully set him down before lowering myself to the floor at his feet, unable to deny myself the pleasure any longer. Leisurely, I traced the intricate lace pattern at the edges of the dress with my fingertips, praising each stitch as it twisted into a delicate yet detailed swirl.

A soft laugh came from above. “Bit late to act all gentle, don’t you think?” He gave an impatient wiggle. “You body slammed me into the wall.”

My hands froze halfway down his thighs, and my shoulders tensed. Shit.

What was I thinking? I wasn’t, that was the issue. I’d allowed my lust to overpower my composure and I’d pounced on him without a second’s hesitation. How could I be so reckless? I’d been too rough, acted too impulsively.

Were his bandages still intact?

Is he in pain?

I began to rise again, to check over his injuries, when Luca’s hand darted to my horn and gripped tight, rooting me in place. I grunted at the zing of pleasure that raced down my spine.

“Don’t you dare,” he warned, and the uncharacteristic note of command in his tone and demeanor was unbelievably arousing. “The wound is fine, I am fine, but I won’t be fine if you stop now. I’ll feel pretty damned rejected, actually.”

That thought had a bitter taste building on my tongue but… “Are you sure you’re feeling up to this, pet? I don’t want to overexert you.”

“Cair, I need this. I need you.” His voice wavered, and though he wasn’t fully divulging the cause of his eagerness, deep in my soul, I understood his reasoning. “Let me feel close to you.”