Chapter 3

• "That's a lovely compliment," she replied with a playful eye-roll. "Especially since I'm probably the only one."
• "The one and only," he confirmed, making her feel special with such a simple phrase. "Now let's eat."
• Nathalie settled onto the couch beside him, picking up a pig in a blanket and gently blowing on it to cool it down. When she glanced his way, she caught him watching her intently—not with the hunger for food, but something else. His gaze lingered on her lips and then traveled down to her legs. Her shirt had ridden up when she sat, and had she not crossed her legs, he would have gotten quite a show.
• He grunted but refrained from touching her, instead focusing on his plate and starting to eat, shutting his eyes in satisfaction.
• "You're a great cook," he complimented between bites.
• "Please," she scoffed. "I barely had anything to work with. You should see me prepare a proper meal."
• "Maybe another time," he responded, opening his eyes to meet hers. "Depending on how much we enjoy tonight."
• "Hopefully it would be your turn to cook if there's a next time," she teased lightly, poking her fork in his direction. She wasn't particularly hungry but sampled a bit of everything because it all smelled so enticing. It might not have been her finest work, but it tasted quite good.
• Ethan ate like a man starved, allowing Nathalie a chance to admire his chest and stomach, taking in the tattoos that adorned his skin. She'd never been with someone inked before, but she found they suited him perfectly, as if they belonged there. His tattoos ranged from birds to moons to roses, and she wondered if each held a personal significance. The large, howling wolf on his shoulder particularly caught her eye. Who knew what other ink might be hidden beneath those sweatpants?
• "Like what you see?" His words drew her gaze back to his eyes.
• "Yes," she answered honestly, flashing him a smile. "I rather do."
• "Good." Apparently finished eating, he set his plate down and moved closer to her. "Me too."
• Finally, his hands were on her again—one resting on her leg, the other gently guiding her head towards him. She closed her eyes, anticipating a kiss, but Ethan had other plans. Instead, he whispered in her ear.
• "You can make as much noise as you want," he murmured. "I'm pretty sure the neighbors aren't home. That girl is always forgetting her keys."
• She laughed, about to retort with something witty, but his hand traveled up her leg, drawing it aside, and distracted her completely. From that point on, conversation was the last thing on her mind. His touch was deliberate and sure, fingers tracing her inner thighs, zeroing in on her most sensitive spot. He grunted appreciatively when he felt her response, circling her clit with practiced precision.
• "Tell me what you want Nathalie ?" he demands, his voice dark.
• "Kiss me," Nathalie said breathlessly.
• Ethan obliged, pressing his lips to hers and softly biting her lower lip. Nathalie gasped, sinking deeper into the couch as his fingers maintained a steady rhythm, drawing moans from her.
• "Are you ready to come yet?" he asked, pulling back slightly and quickening his pace.
• It was good—very good—but not quite enough. Nathalie had never been quick to reach that point. Her ex had more than once mentioned that it took her too long.
• "Sorry," she whispered, eyes still closed. "I'm not—"
• "Don't apologize," Ethan interrupted with a grunt. "We've got time. In fact..." He suddenly stopped, causing her to open her eyes in confusion. He smirked, saying, "Let's take this to the bedroom. Make you a little more comfortable."
• She nodded and started to rise from the couch, but he scooped her up in his arms before she could, carrying her across the room. She had to stretch to open the hallway door so he wouldn't have to set her down. They both laughed when he nearly bumped her head against the doorframe.
• "I'm a little out of practice," Ethan admitted lightly. "But I'm sure I'll remember."
• Out of practice? Nathalie had assumed this sort of thing might be regular for him, though he probably preferred to use his own place rather than his parents'. Or perhaps he meant the act of carrying someone.
• The bedroom door was already ajar, suggesting he had planned this all along—right down to carrying her. Nathalie liked spontaneity, not a premeditated plan.
• Her reservations vanished when Ethan laid her on the bed, swiftly removing her shirt and his sweatpants. He shut the door before lying next to her, pulling her against his chest.
• "Hmmm..." he murmured, nuzzling her hair. "You smell nice."
• Nathalie chuckled softly. "That's your shampoo, Ethan."
• "Oh." He laughed, his hands traveling down her back. "Right."
• He lifted one of her legs over his, reaching down to resume where he left off. The bed was indeed a smart move; she felt much more at ease now. The feel of him, hard against her leg, assured her she wasn't the only one excited.
• "Oh God," she moaned as he found her sweet spot, teasing it with deliberate slowness. She tried to move her hand to touch him, but he stopped her, flipping her onto her back and capturing her wrists.
• "Did I say you could touch me?" he growled, his eyes meeting hers with a dark intensity. "Now be a good girl and put your hands above your head."
• "You'll have to let go first."
• "Smart-ass," he replied, smiling.
• He released her wrists, and she obediently placed her hands above her head, eager to discover what he had planned next.
• "Grab the bars of the headboard," he instructed, his voice soft yet firm. "And don't let go until I say."
• "Yes, master," she replied with a playful grin.
• "Hmm," he grunted, cupping her breast. "I like that. Master. I think that should be my name for the night, don't you agree?"
• Deciding to play along, she answered, "Of course, master."
• "Good girl." He pinched her nipple, eliciting a gasp. "Now shut the fuck up and just enjoy." He ensured she remained on her back, maintaining minimal contact except for his deliberate touches. His focus alternated between her nipple and a teasingly slow pace between her legs.
• "Beautiful." His eyes roamed over her body as she moaned, fixating on him. She relished the excitement in his gaze as he admired every inch of her. "Absolutely beautiful."
• Without warning, he slipped a finger inside her while circling her clit with his thumb. He smirked as her eyes widened, eliciting a loud moan. He continued, his eyes never leaving her face. It went on for so long she began to worry, hearing echoes of her ex's criticisms in her thoughts.
• "Hey," Ethan said softly, easing his pace. "Look at me."
• She hadn't realized her eyes had closed. Opening them, Nathalie found Ethan much closer, his face just above hers. He brushed his lips against hers as his fingers picked up speed. His kisses traveled from her lips to her cheek, chin, neck, and finally down to her breasts, where his mouth enveloped one nipple.