I’m not shy.

I know how to please women. But something tells me I need to go slow with Lark. I need to claim her in a way where she feels in control, even when all I want to do is mark her with my fingerprints and ruin every memory she has with any other man.

Repositioning myself over her, I run my hands over my abs and then dip down to stroke myself before sliding my fingers between her thighs. I’m gifted with a moan and her lips parting. I glance down as her body moves against my hand. Reading her reactions, I find no doubt in her eyes, only the desire for more as her hands glide across my shoulders.

I go slow, appreciating her response to even the smallest of movements. Sliding down her body, I kiss the valley between her breasts, selfishly lingering as I take in the scent of her skin—a hint of orange and whiskey mixed with sweat from dancing. I lick the curvature of her tit and then cover one with my hand.

Trailing the fabric down like she did for me moments before, I like that her tits aren’t big but a good handful. The pert nipple, a tawny tease, puckers for me. I dip down and run my tongue over it before for blowing the slightest of breezes and then wrapping my lips around her.

Lark’s back arches ever so gently as her fingers run through my hair.

I treat the other nipple the same, squeezing both at the same time while trailing wet kisses down her stomach. Peeking up every so often, I meet her gaze, and she whispers, “I’m ready, Harbor.”

By how she moves and sounds, I’d already picked up on her desire. But I’m not finished with her yet. “I want you to come on my tongue.”

She doesn’t say anything, but her eyes widen when I slip between her legs. I toy with the panties, knowing I could easily rip them, but I’m not sure how she’ll react.

I’m usually a hit-it-and-get-out guy, but I won’t do that with her. I’ll take the time and make the effort because Lark matters to me. I want to know what she likes and learning what she enjoys sexually isn’t just about wants or desire. It’s about knowing what she needs and making sure she’s mentally and physically satisfied.

Sliding down one side of the lace, I kiss where it laid against her skin. I do the same to the other side and then pull them down her thighs, discovering the sweetest meal before me. I’m ready to devour it. I look up at her once more, taking my time to appreciate her. “You’re stunning,” I say. “You know that?”

She bites her lip because no response is needed. I already know the answer, feeling the connection with her body and mind.

Grappling to touch me in any way, she barely reaches my scalp with the tips of her nails. Her beauty had caught my eyes, but it’s knowing her, tasting her sweet side that has me wanting more. I lower, running my nose across her softness before a deep inhale.