by CM Doporto
Raven wanted me spend the night with him.
In his bed.
A rush filtered through me and my jaw trembled as I opened my mouth. Was he serious? I tried to answer him but the words caught low in my throat.
“Yes. I do.” I about screamed for joy.
Aside from his thrilling question, I couldn’t help but focus on his first statement. It twisted in my head and I told myself not to go there, not ruin the moment, but it refused to leave my curious mind alone. Was I just another play in Raven’s playbook? “As long as you’re sure you really want me to.”
He continued twirling my hair around his finger. “I wouldn’t have asked if I didn’t mean it.”
“Do girls typically stay with you?” I blurted and then buried my head in the pillow, wishing I could take it back.
Idiot!
My hair slipped from his fingers and I turned to see his reaction. He rose to his forearms and his head hung low, nearly touching the bed. “Look, Lexi, I’m not really proud of my past, but I’m trying hard not to be that person anymore.”
For a brief moment, I wanted to slap myself. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to shame you.” I placed my hand on his back and tried to pull him close to me. He didn’t move at first, keeping his body firmly in place. But when I wrapped my leg around him, he shifted his body until he faced me.
“It’s okay.” Sincerity laced his voice and I knew he meant what he said, but it didn’t change the fact that I hated myself for making him feel bad about his past.
“I’m just a little scared.” I trailed a finger between his pecks, following the thin line of hair that disappeared beneath the sheets. I stopped near his navel before I lost my train of thought. “I’m afraid that one day you’re going to tell me that you don’t want to be with me anymore.”
“Lexi, the last thing I want to do is hurt you.” He laid his hand on top of mine, pressing it firmly against his heart. “There’s something in here that’s drawing me directly to you and I’m not going to ruin whatever it is.” The thumping of his heart pulsated against my palm and I felt myself drawn to him more.
Tears lingered on the rims of my eyes but I managed to keep them at bay. “That’s all I’m asking for, and I want us to trust each other.”
He lifted my hand and pressed his lips to my palm. “I’ll prove to you that I’m worthy of your trust.” His eyes closed for a brief moment and then rested on mine. “Look, I’m in unchartered territory, just like you. But there’s no one else I’d rather be with.”
Was Raven admitting to me that he was scared? Admitting that he didn’t need all those hoes? That he only needed me? This guy was more than I could handle. His trap was totally making me fall for him deeper than I had ever thought I would. Apparently, he was just as nervous as I was.
“Then we’ll take it one step at time.” I placed my hand on his cheek and pressed my lips to his in a gentle kiss. “There’s no rush.”
His lips spread into a grin and my heart soared. Was I actually what Raven wanted and more? I tried not to get overly excited, but it was hard keeping my emotions under control.
“That might be a little difficult.”
I felt the air leave my lungs. So much for wishful thinking.
“I’m a big guy, I’m known to take big steps.” He traced my lips with the tip of his finger. “Do you think you can keep up with me?”
“As long as you allow me to, I’ll try my best.” I slipped my tongue across his finger and it awoke every taste bud in my mouth. A low moan escaped him and I knew he was hooked on me, too. There was no turning back now. I had to keep up with him. Even if I died trying.
“Good.” He rolled on top of me, encapsulating me with his strong arms. “Because I’m not done with making you feel beautiful.” My body fell limp and there was no point in resisting him. But, I didn’t want to. In deliberate, slow movements, he kissed my forehead, the tip of my nose, and then my lips. He suckled my lower lip and my back arched, pressing me into him further. His lips molded to mine and I took all of him in, one piece at a time. My body was on fire for him. Heat, want, need, and desire had me ready to combust. There was only one thing that would put out the fire.
Raven.
I wanted him to pour himself all over me. Soak up every piece of him until he was part of me. Forever.
***
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Raven set my phone next to me on the bed. Muscles flexed with each movement and he looked so damn hot in his boxer briefs. His thighs were molded to perfection and I had to pinch myself just to make sure I hadn’t dreamed the whole thing. Raven was one sexy babe and we had just spent half the night making love to each other.
“Good morning, baby.” He pressed a kiss to my cheek. “Did you sleep well?”
I nodded. Raven had rendered me speechless by the work of his hands, the tenderness of his touch, and sweet words of his affection. My body hummed with a level of happiness and satisfaction that went beyond words. Chords of joy played over and over in my head and my body was singing an entirely new tune. Last night had changed it all. Nothing would ever be the same again. Raven was a part of me now; a piece I knew I couldn’t live without.
“Are you hungry?” He sat on the bed and placed an arm over me. His body hovered close to mine, causing a rush of emotions to filter through me. I had to remind myself to take it slow. Being with him made my hormones soar. I was ready for him to take me again, and again, and again.
“Yes.” I swallowed hard, trying to moisten my parched throat. “What time is it?” I held the sheet to my chest as I tried to turn to see the time.
“It’s almost noon,” Raven replied, not allowing me much room to move. But I didn’t mind. “And your phone’s been going crazy.”
“Oh, wow. I didn’t realize it was so late.”
“I don’t have much in the fridge, but let me see what I can put together.” He gave me a quick peck on the lips and then crawled out of bed.
“Thanks.” I sighed, glancing at the reminder that my time with Raven would soon be ending. At least temporarily. I always looked forward to Christmas break, but I wished we could skip it and dive right into spring semester just so I could be with Raven. Going home would make it difficult to see each other and I honestly didn’t know how long I could go without being with him. I was a lost cause.
Raven opened his dresser drawer and pulled out a pair of Star Wars fleece pants. I lifted up on my forearms to catch a full view of his perfect bubble butt that tensed as he bent to slip them on. I could watch him get dressed and undressed all day. The scene was deific.
He turned and faced me, quickly tying the strings into a perfect bow. The pants sat low on his waist, just below the indentions of his pelvic bone. Knowing what laid under those Death Stars made me want to take the ends of the drawstring in my mouth and pull them off. I was quickly transforming in to a sex-crazed girl and the more I tried not to think about him, the more I did. “I’ll call you when it’s ready.” He left the room and my head hit the pillow.
I had to be dreaming. Being with Raven was unfreakin’ believable.
My phone buzzed and I glanced to see a text from Delaney.
Delaney: WTF? Luke said you stayed with Raven. Way to go!
Me: I know! I can’t believe it.
Delaney: Do tell.
Me: Nope. Respectful girls don’t kiss and tell.
Delaney: Oh, whatever. You threw out that level of conservativeness when you decided to hook up with Raven.
Me: Yeah, I guess you’re right.
Delaney: So, did you finally turn in your V card? Tell me. I’m dying to know!
Me: Lol! Yes and it was beyond incredible.
Delaney: Oh hell. Sounds like you’re totally sucked in.
Me: Yep. I’m definitely wrapped in The Raven’s trap.
Delaney: Have fun! Do everything I would do and more!
Me: Don’t worry, I am
My hand rested against the bed, still holding on to my phone. I giggled i
nternally, reminiscing on what had happened last night. The way Raven touched me. The way he made feel, but most of all, how he showed me what to do and didn’t make me feel embarrassed. It was surreal and I wasn’t ashamed about giving my virginity to him.
My phone rang, snapping me out of my rumination. I cringed when I saw my mom’s picture appear. I considered not answering the phone but knew I’d pay for it later. Hesitantly, my finger hit the answer button.
“Hello?”
“Lexi? Where the heck are you?” I held the phone away from my ear as her voice bellowed loud and clear through the speaker.
“Hey, Mom. I’ll be home shortly. I just need to shower and get dressed.” I cringed with each word I spoke.
“Where are you?” She pounded question after question, not stopping for a breath of air. “You need to get home immediately. A bad storm is expected to hit in a few hours and I don’t want you caught in it.”
“Okay. I’ll be there shortly.” I sat up and looked around the room for my clothes. I was completely nude and knew if I went to the kitchen in my birthday suite, Raven and I would be back in bed celebrating early. Not that I minded, but I had to be realistic and get home before my parents sent out a search team.
“Who are you staying with?”
“With a friend, near the campus.”
“That’s not answering my question. Who are you with?” Fury laced my mom’s voice and I knew she wasn’t happy. She wanted specifics and I wasn’t telling her what she wanted to know.
“Look, Mom, I’m fine. I’ll be home in a few hours.” Picking up the covers, I searched underneath them. There was no sign of my underclothes.
Crap!
“Lexi, why won’t you tell me who you are staying with?” Her voice deepened and I felt the tension build between us. Her accusatory tone seeped through the phone, making me nervous. I jumped out of the bed as if she were on the way to pick me up. I had to find my clothes and get dressed.
“Does it matter?” I hobbled around the room, trying to cover my exposed body parts. “I’ll be home in a few hours.”
“Lexi, are you with a guy?”
Shit!
“I’ll be home a little bit. Bye, Mom.” I hung up the phone, refusing to answer her question. There was no way to tell her the truth. My only option was to lie and I didn’t want to. She’d never understand and she’d tell my dad. Both of them would wear me down, telling me how I was making a huge mistake.
Pressing the phone to my mouth, I tried to recall where I’d left my clothes. That’s when I remembered that Raven had removed them in the living room. My bags were in there, too. I’d have to pass the kitchen to get them. I circled the room, vying for the best option when I saw one of Raven’s long-sleeved dress shirts hanging on the edge of a chair. My options were few: run out naked and retrieve my clothes, go through his drawers and find something to wear, or put on his shirt. I opted for the most obvious.
And boy was I glad I did.
His scent lingered on the material and I inhaled deeply. My eyes shut as I sucked in every fiber of his smell. It sent tiny shocks through me while relaxing me at the same time. I wrapped the shirt around me, reveling in a paradise that I never wanted to part from. Ever.
“Like the way my clothes smell?” Raven stood in the doorway, holding onto the doorframe with both hands. A flirtatious smile played on the edge of his lips and he looked sexy. Contrary to how I probably appeared. Like an idiot!
Kill me now, please.
“Um…” I relaxed my arms, but made sure the material covered my bare body. “I, um, left my clothes in the living room.”
“Correction.” His hands dropped and he neared me. “I took your clothes off in the living room.”
“Oh, well, yeah, I guess you’re right. I mean, you did strip them off of me.” I shifted my weight from my left hip to the right.
“I sure did.” He cocked a brow. “And I can’t wait to do it again.”
A low whimper escaped from the back of my throat. My hands relaxed and I allowed his shirt to fall open. His eyes dropped to my chest and he extended his hands. I shuddered as my skin prepared to receive his touch. My knees shook and muscles went limp.
“But, you need to eat first.” His fingers grasped the top button of my shirt and my stomach let out a rumble, thanking him while my body screamed, no!
“Food would be good,” I managed to reply, unable to form complete sentences or articulate thoughts. I was in desperate need of food. After last night and this morning, I was totally spent.
Raven’s eyes traveled over me, making my checks flush with heat. “Damn, you look sexy as hell in my shirt.”
“It’s amazing how your clothes do that to me.” I ran a hand through my matted hair and prayed I looked somewhat decent.
“I think it’s the other way around.” One by one, his fingers pushed each button through the holes. “You make my clothes look damn good.” After he finished buttoning the shirt, he pressed a kiss to my forehead. “Let’s eat.”
He took me by the hand and led me to the kitchen. On the dining room table was breakfast for two. My heart melted as I took note of the perfectly folded napkin and spoon with two bowls of cereal and orange juice.
“I know it’s not much, but it’s all that I have.” He flashed a lopsided smile. “I wasn’t expecting to stay here.”
“It’s perfect, Raven.” I pulled out a chair. “Thank you.”
We sat and ate our breakfast, chatting like we normally did. Everything felt so natural and comfortable with him. I still couldn’t believe we were together. That I had given myself to him. That I had shared that special bond with him. It was surreal and fabulous. I heard my phone going off in his room and quickly reminded myself that this day would soon end.
I finished the last drop of my juice and set the glass on the table. “I guess I should take a shower and get dressed so you can take me home.”
Raven’s eyes drifted to his bowl and he pressed the spoon in the small puddle of milk. His chest rose and fell in long, slow paces as his shoulders slumped forward over the table. I waited for him to say something, but he didn’t speak.
After several long minutes, I finally said, “My mom said there was a bad winter storm due to arrive in a few hours. She didn’t want me to get caught in it.” I stood up and took my bowl and glass to the sink.
“I’ll get it.” Raven followed me to the kitchen, carrying his empty dishes.
“I can help you wash them.” I turned on the water and began to rinse my glass.
Raven reached his hand over mine and turned off the water. “Stay with me.”
I looked at him, completely caught off guard. “What?”
“You heard me.” He turned me to face him. “Don’t go.”
My heart took flight as excitement raced through me. Raven wanted me to stay with him? Was I dreaming?
“Seriously?” I placed my hands on his chest, fighting to keep my fingers under my control. The tips of my fingernails dragged across his smooth skin, erupting tiny flesh bumps. “You really want me to stay with you?”
“Only if you want to.” He wrapped his arms around my waist, splaying his hands along the curve of my back. I leaned back, allowing our eyes to connect. His hands slid down until the edge of his fingers brazed the bottom of my butt cheeks. It sent tiny sparks along my flesh and all of the air in my lungs vanished.
“So, you want to wake up with me every morning?”
Raven’s head tilted to the side and my lips followed his. “Is that too much to ask for?” Everything seemed to slip away as I imagined spending the next few days with him. The entire world could’ve been crumbling around me, but I didn’t hear one sound, except for his hypnotic voice that wrapped around me, lulling me deeper into his trap. I wanted his voice to be the last sound I heard every night.
“No, not at all.”
“Good.” His lips puckered against my mouth in a slow, deliberate motion. “Because I want to see you tomorrow and every day after
that, just to start.” He smoothed my hair around my face and I fell for him all over again. There was no turning back.
Σ
Chapter 13
Raven stepped out of the bathroom wearing only a towel. I tried not to watch him as I looked through the mirror, applying my mascara, but the scene was more than tempting. He stood with his back to me as he searched through his chest of drawers for some clothes. Droplets of water trickled down the curve of his spine and I wanted lick them off before taking his towel to dry him. Pat him in all the right places and then rub lotion all over his body. My mind focused on one thing only.
Raven.
He released his towel and I dropped my mascara wand. His ass was so plump and round, exactly how a football players rump looks underneath their tight pants. I quickly retrieved the wand and tried to focus on my face, but my eyes continued to wander to the reflection of Raven getting dressed behind me.
He put on his jeans and I let out an audible sigh. “What’s that noise?” Inclining his ear in the direction of the window, he paused as he listened for a moment.
“What?” I had been so consumed by his presence that I hadn’t noticed the sound of pellets beating on the window.
“Is that ice?” He pulled on a sweater and went to the window. “Damn, it’s sleeting,” he said, peering outside.
I zipped up my makeup bag and walked toward him. Glancing over his shoulder, I saw the ground was covered in tiny white BBs, making it look like a blanket of snow. It was coming down hard and fast, slashing against the window. “If it freezes tonight, it’s going to be an ice rink outside.”
“I know.” He let go of the blinds and faced me. “We better hurry up and get to the store. Otherwise, we won’t have anything to eat.”
“Okay, let me get my shoes and we can go.” I darted to the living room and put on my boots and coat. Raven pulled on his jacket and grabbed his keys.
“Ready?” he asked as he fit the cap over my head. “You’re so beautiful.” Leaning forward, he kissed the top of my head.
