‘‘I have toys,’’ I told his penis, rather enjoying the heat of it in my hands. Since he invited me to do so, I allowed my fingers to explore the scenery. The results confirmed my suspicions. ‘‘I can say in all confidence that none of them even approach this level of . . . er . . . girth. I know women are built to accommodate all sorts of sizes and shapes, but there has to be a limit, Gabriel. And with the difference in our body sizes . . . well . . .’’

‘‘May.’’

I dragged my gaze off his nether regions up to his face. ‘‘What?’’

‘‘Are you stalling?’’ he asked, his eyes alight with amusement.

‘‘Is it that obvious?’’

‘‘Yes. But I understand. You are nervous. You are not sure you are ready to commit to this. And I wish I could give you the time to become comfortable with the idea of being my mate, but this is a time of war. I must claim you tonight.’’

‘‘You’re aroused,’’ I blurted.

‘‘Yes, I am.’’

‘‘But we just met. I’m not aroused.’’

His arms slid around me, his head lowering to the breast nearest him, his mouth hot on a suddenly aching nipple as he took it into his mouth, lashing it mercilessly with long, soft swipes of his tongue. The sensation lit fires all over my body, causing my back to arch. A low moan of sheer pleasure ripped from my throat as I clutched his shoulders. ‘‘Oh, dear god. All right, I take it back, I’m aroused! Do the other one!’’

I moaned when his mouth descended on my waiting breast, my hips moving urgently against him as I squirmed with the odd mixture of pleasure and pain when he sucked the nipple. His fingers left trails of fire along my skin as he slid my underwear off, opening me up to his burning touch.

Overcome by the sensation, I bit his shoulder, moaning my ecstasy as he probed and teased, building the fire inside until it roared in my ears. I’d never felt anything like this, amazed and dazzled by the strength of my emotions as his mouth burned a trail along my jaw. His whole body was hot as if he was fevered, his skin a silky brand as I moved restlessly against him. ‘‘I want . . .’’ I stopped, unable to put into words the sensations that held me in a vortex of desire.

‘‘What do you want?’’ he asked, his voice sliding along my flesh like water. ‘‘Tell me what you want.’’

‘‘I want . . . more,’’ I said, acknowledging the deep need that dwelled within me. I didn’t just need his body in mine; I needed him, all of him, merged with me in a way that went beyond sexual.