by Lylah James
Alessio picked me up and spun me around in circles, my laughter echoing around the creek.
“Got you,” Alessio whispered in my ears. He placed a kiss on the back of my neck. “I’ll always catch you, kitten.” I melted in his arms, pressing my back against his front. “You’ve been very bad. Such a little minx.”
“Alessio,” I breathed as he placed a kiss behind my ear.
I was about to turn around in his embrace, but my feet slipped on the wet grass. My eyes went wide as I let out a yelp, my hands going to Alessio’s collar to hold on.
“Fuck,” he swore.
Everything happened so fast. First, I was falling, and then I wasn’t. But as soon as I had straightened myself, I heard a splash of water and a spring of curses coming from Alessio. Quickly swiveling around, I faced the stream, only to let out a booming laugh when I saw him.
He was sprawled in the water, completely wet, his face a mask of astonishment.
I quickly lost my smile when I saw his face turn expressionless. Standing frozen in my spot, I bit on my lips nervously, scared that he was going to be angry. There was only silence for a few moments.
But then a sudden laugh startled me, and I jumped slightly.
I stared at Alessio, shocked. He was laughing. Alessio Ivanshov was laughing.
I had never seen or heard him laugh before. He was always a brooding man, his face impassive and hard. Occasionally, he would have a full smile on his face but never a laugh. It was as if it was forbidden in some way.
Such a joyous sound coming from Alessio sounded so foreign. His laugh was deep and rich. His whole face was lit up with it. As his whole body shook, all I could do was stare at him in amazement.
Such a beautiful sound coming from a broken man. When was the last time he laughed so freely?
This…whatever I was feeling in my heart as my chest grew fuller with unnamed emotions…this was heaven. This was true happiness.
A smile spread across my lips until my cheeks hurt from it. “I’ve never heard you laugh before,” I whispered, kneeling down on the edge.
Alessio quickly lost his laughter, and he looked confused for a second, like he couldn’t believe he was actually laughing. He cocked his head to the side, looking at me with a strange expression on his face.
And then he smiled. “I don’t think I ever had a reason to laugh before,” he whispered back.
We were lost in each other’s eyes. Blue to green. Not once did we look away, both of us refusing to break this connection.
When I finally blinked away, I looked down at the rushing water. “You said you didn’t want to get into the water, right?” I teased.
Alessio let out a small chuckle. “How the fuck did I fall and you didn’t?” he muttered under his breath.
I shrugged at his question. “Give me a hand,” he said, holding out his hand. Instead, I rolled my eyes and shook my head.
“I know what you are doing, Alessio. I’m not going to fall for that.”
He dramatically placed a hand over his heart. “You wound me, kitten.”
Shaking my head at his teasing expression, I stood up. “You should get out of the water or you’ll get sick. It’s too cold.”
“I really need a hand, Ayla. I think I hurt my back.”
At his words, I let out a gasp. “What?”
With my heart filled with panic, I ran into the stream and bent down, giving him a hand. “Oh my God. I’m so sorry. Where?”
When I realized my mistake, it was too late. His hurt expression turned into a smirk. Alessio grabbed my hand and pulled. The next thing I knew, I was half sprawled over his chest.
“Oops,” he mimicked my words from before.
Slapping him gently on the arm, I looked down at him. “Alessio,” I scolded.
“What?” He feigned innocence.
“You’re so bad,” I murmured, shaking my head.
I felt his hand on the back of my head, his fingers tangling in the dark strands. He pulled my head down until our lips were mere inches apart.
“I never said I was good,” he replied, his voice dropping to a huskier tone. And then he claimed my lips in a hard, bruising kiss.
This kiss wasn’t gentle or sweet. It was possessive. His tongue licked at my lips, coaxing me to open to his demanding advances. I readily complied, parting my lips to allow him entry. His other hand framed my face to pull me harder into him.
There was so much feeling behind this kiss that I wanted it to last forever.
Starved for air, I broke away long enough to gulp in a breath before Alessio took my lips again. His tongue danced with mine, touching, licking, claiming me.
His lips moved to the corner of my mouth, and he placed a kiss there before dragging his lips down my jaw and the side of my neck. Throwing my head back, I gave him better access, completely lost in him, his kisses and touch driving me insane.
Alessio sat up and shifted me around until my legs were wrapped around his waist. He stood up, his lips never once leaving my skin as he walked out of the water.
Then I was slammed against a tree. His fingers dug into my hips as he brought his lips to mine again. My hair was wrapped tightly into his fist, pulling my head back. I felt his hard length resting between my legs, and my fingers tightened around his shoulders.
Alessio suddenly pulled away harshly. My eyes snapped open in surprise. Both of us were gasping for breath when he laid his forehead against mine. “We need to stop here,” he said gruffly, his eyes still closed.
Thank you.
My hands moved from his shoulders to his neck, and I held on, as if he was my saving grace. “Okay,” I whispered back.
He took a deep breath and opened his eyes. Lust. That was what I saw. His need for me. His blue eyes glinted with it.
“Alessio.”
He shook his head. “I just need a minute,” he said before closing his eyes again, his breathing harsh.
Alessio always stopped himself. For me. He put his need aside, giving me what I needed. Always thinking of me first. After my breakdown, he never pushed for more. This was the first time he lost control like that, yet he didn’t let it go too far.
Palming his face, I gently rubbed my fingers over his cheeks. I placed a kiss on the tip of his nose and then gave him a quick peck on the lips. “Thank you,” I whispered against his lips.
Chapter 3
I was lying back against the tub, my eyes closed, my hands running over the warm water. It was late at night, and after playing the piano for Alessio, I couldn’t sleep.
All I could think about was the moment at the creek that morning. Every time, the same images flashed behind my eyes. Alessio kissing me. Our need for each other.
And then I would remember how it was when he had made love to my body.
My body warmed up under the thoughts of his lips and hands on me again. Letting out a tired sigh, I opened my eyes and stepped out of the water, drying myself with the big white towel. But instead of putting on my nightdress, I wrapped the towel over my shoulder, staring at myself in the mirror.
“What am I doing?” I whispered to my reflection. “Can I do this?”
Alessio wanted me…and I wanted him too.
I craved his touch.
Placing a hand over my chest, I felt my pounding heart. “I don’t want to be scared anymore.”
I wanted to be free. I wanted to live. I wanted to feel…everything.
I wanted Alessio.
I opened my eyes, making direct contact with my own green eyes in the reflection.
Holding the towel tighter around me, I glanced at the mirror one final time before turning around. My hand rested on the knob for several minutes, pulling at the strength and courage inside of me to open the door and go to Alessio.
I was at a constant battle in my mind. Fear on one side, while the other demanded freedom and happiness.
With my final decision made, I took a deep breath and opened the door. Alessio was sitting on the bed, leaning against the he
adboard with only his black sweatpants on. He was looking down at his phone but quickly looked up when I walked into the room.
“Ayla?” he questioned, his eyebrows furrowed at the sight of me. “Why are you only in your towel?”
Sitting forward in bed, he placed the phone on the nightstand. “Are you okay?” he asked worriedly, tension cording the muscles of his shoulders.
My eyes met his, and I held on. He gave me strength. “I don’t want to be scared anymore,” I told him.
“Ayla,” he started, confusion clear in his voice and expression.
Quickly dropping the towel to reveal my bare body, I took a nervous step forward. My hands fisted to my side as I walked toward the bed, stopping beside Alessio.
He must have understood what I meant, because his eyes softened. “Ayla,” he sighed. Pushing his arm toward me with his palm up, he gave me his hand. “Come here.”
Swallowing hard, I put my hand in his and he grasped mine tightly. My hand trembled, but Alessio gave me a gentle squeeze before pulling me forward. I climbed onto the bed, and he shifted me around, pulling me onto his lap so that I straddled him, my knees on either side of his hips.
Bringing his other hand up, he softly rubbed his thumb over my lips. “Are you sure?”
I nodded mutely, finding it hard to voice out anything. “Ayla, I need the words. I need to know you are one hundred percent sure about this.”
“I’m sure,” I replied, my voice barely audible. Placing his forehead against mine, he let out another sigh.
“Okay. We’ll do it like this. With you on top,” he said.
Me? On top?
Panic filled me, and my hand tightened around his. “I…”
But he quickly shushed me. “I know. It’s okay.”
I didn’t know how to do anything. I had never done this.
“Here.” He lifted me from his lap and placed me on the bed beside him. Alessio quickly removed his sweatpants and boxers, throwing them on the floor so that he was naked too. He pulled me on his lap again, in the same position as before.
“Alessio, I don’t know…” I murmured.
He smiled and shook his head. “You do. Let your mind and body go. Your body knows what to do. You are in charge, Ayla. Do whatever you want.”
I was in control. For the first time.
Sending him a shaky smile, I placed my hands over his chest and pushed until he was reclined on the bed. I wasn’t sure what to do afterward, but when I felt his length twitch between my legs, I trembled and shifted slightly, causing his tip to rub against my sensitive core.
He touched me last time, but I never had a chance to explore him. My hands moved over his chest and his stomach, feeling his muscles ripple under my wandering touch.
When my hands reached his pelvis, just above his hardened length, I stopped. My head snapped up toward Alessio, looking for help, not knowing what to do.
His hand grasped mine, and he placed it over the rigid head, wrapping my fingers around the length. Our eyes stayed connected as he moved my hands up and down. And then he let go.
Looking down, I rubbed my thumb over the tip and gave him a small squeeze. “Fuck,” Alessio swore. Believing that I did something wrong, I quickly looked up, only to find his eyes hooded with lust.
Feeling confident in my actions, I moved my hands again, squeezing the length at the same time. Alessio’s finger dug into my hips, and he let out a growl.
“Like this,” he muttered, curling his hand over mine again, tightening my grasp. He worked from top to bottom, tightening and loosening our grip until moisture formed at the tiny slit. Rubbing my thumb over it, I coated the tip fully.
“Ayla, if you keep doing this, I’m going to come.”
“Isn’t that a good thing?” I asked.
“Little minx,” he replied, his voice slightly hoarse.
With my hand still wrapped around him, I leaned forward, tilting my hips up slightly, my breasts bobbing forward toward Alessio. I wasn’t sure what to do, feeling lost.
I was about to lower myself, but Alessio’s hands were like a band of steel around my hips, stopping my movement. “You are not ready for this yet.”
“Huh?” I asked, confused. Smiling, he pulled me from his hardness and moved me over his chest.
“Alessio, what are you doing?” I asked, pressing my hands to his chest as I stared down at him with wide eyes.
“I’m getting you ready, kitten. Move up. Straddle my face,” he ordered.
Straddle his face? His hands came down to my thighs, holding me still. Nervous, I slowly moved into the position he told me. With my knees on either side of his face, I held onto the headboard.
His breath feathered over my clenching core. My head fell back at the strange sensation. When I felt his tongue at my entrance, I let out a moan.
As my body responded with a rush of wetness, Alessio’s fingers tightened on my thighs. He ran his tongue over my wet lips, lapping at the wetness there. He licked, teased, sucked, and drove me insane with his tongue until I was shaking uncontrollably. My body clenched, desperate for my release.
“Alessio,” I moaned, my knuckles going almost white at how hard I was holding the headboard. My hips rocked against his mouth, grinding into his face. I sighed and whimpered against his torturous ministration.
I was so close, dangling over the edge yet not falling over.
He pushed his tongue inside me and groaned, and my eyes closing at the sensation building in my lower region. He was relentless, pushing me over the edge so many times but refusing to let me fall. I let go a sharp cry when he brought a hand up and pressed a finger against my tiny nub.
“Alessio!” As my orgasm rushed through me, my thighs tightened around his head.
I was still lost in the intense ecstasy surrounding my mind and body when Alessio lifted me from his face and pushed me over his cock again.
“Wait,” he muttered, leaning over to the side to open the drawer and removing a box. I stared at him as he took the condom out and rolled it over himself.
He smirked. “Now you are ready. Take me, Ayla.” His words were deep and filled with need.
My entrance was right over his tip, and I swallowed nervously, my thighs still shaking from my orgasm. Alessio’s eyes glinted, and he grasped my hips again, lifting me up slightly. His rigid length strained upward as he fitted me over his cock and began to pull me down. “Like this.”
We both gasped when he sank slowly into me, my eyes almost closing at the wondrous feeling. I paused as he reached my depth, my body spasming around him.
But when the sudden dark memories started to surround me, I went still. Alessio’s hands tightened around me. “Ayla, open your eyes,” he demanded quickly.
My eyes snapped open at his command, and I looked at him for help, scared that I would fall back into the darkness.
“Keep your eyes on me, Ayla. Just me. Look at me. Only me. It’s only me, Ayla,” he whispered gently, his thumb gently caressing my sides.
Only him. It was only Alessio. Just him.
“There you are. Keep looking at me. Don’t take your eyes off me,” he continued in the same deep voice.
Alessio raised a hand and removed my hair from my bun, letting it fall over my back and shoulders. He stroked my hair gently, soothing me with a soft smile. “Easy and slow. We’re taking it slow.”
Letting my hair go, he grasped my hips again and helped me with the movement. Slowly lifting me up, I began a slow descent again, my whole body trembling with the sensation.
Only Alessio. He surrounded me. He overwhelmed my senses until he was the only one I could sense, see, feel, or hear. He was everything.
As I sheathed his cock inside me, going as deep as I could, I continued to stare down at him. His breathing was ragged, almost painful. Sweat formed over his forehead, same as me.
“Alessio,” I breathed. His fingers dug in my skin, giving me confidence to continue moving again. I gave a tentative twist, and he groaned, his hips archi
ng off the bed.
“Ayla.”
I couldn’t help but smile. He liked it. Growing coy under his gaze, I placed my hands over his chest, levering myself up, his hardness gliding inside my wet heat. Slowly moving up and down, I watched his every reaction. When I twisted my hips over him, his hips rose to meet mine, the action pushing him further inside me.
I moaned louder, and he swore. “Fuck.”
Alessio slowly took control, thrusting his hips upward, slow and deep each time. “Ayla, I’m going to switch us around,” he said, his voice hoarse.
When I nodded, he quickly rolled us over until I was on my back and he was positioned between my legs over me.
When I let go a gasp, he placed a kiss on my lips. “Keep your eyes on me. It’s only me. No one else but me.”
I nodded, keeping our eyes connected as he thrust inside of me again. His groan vibrated from his chest, and I soaked it all up.
My hands frantically flew to his shoulders, holding on as my body trembled with the ferocity of the sensation coursing through my body.
Alessio paused, our gazes held. “Okay?”
“Okay.”
“Hold on to me, Ayla. Don’t let me go.”
Nodding again, I twined my hands behind his head. As he withdrew, my fingers curled around his neck. “Oh…Alessio.”
And then he pushed again, stretching me with his fullness. I felt my pussy stretch to accommodate him, the pressure inside of me building faster than before.
He pulled back slightly and pushed back in. Instinctively, I tilted my hips up, and he thrust hard inside. I let out a gasp, followed by an unashamed loud moan, and my nails bit into his back.
Alessio started to move, finding a rhythm as our eyes stayed glued on each other. In and out. Slowly at first and then a little faster. Harder. Deeper. My body swelled and quivered. There was no space between us. Our bodies moved fluidly as if they knew each other for years.
No words were spoken. Only our bodies spoke, moving with each other’s in ease. Our harsh breathing filled the room, and our eyes stayed on each other through it all.
Leaning his forehead on mine, he grasped my thighs and pushed them upward until I was opened to him.
