Chapter 223

• Closing my eyes, I allow my senses to guide me as his satiny lips gently brush against mine. This isn't like the wild and passionate kiss we shared earlier, but it feels more intimate. His movements are soft and languid as though he has all the time in the world. In a strange way, it feels as though he is using this kiss to prove to me that there is more between us than sex and the demands of the mating bond. So much more that it makes my heart race in my chest.
• Reacting on instinct and perhaps a little by fear, I tentatively run the tip of my tongue over his top lip, trying to awaken that familiar fire between us. I know how to deal with that. His responding groan sends a jolt of ecstasy through me so powerful that my toes curl and I desperately cling to him so I don't lose my balance. When he opens his mouth, filling mine with his hot tongue, I feel a small sense of victory as our kiss quickly escalates as it always does between us. However, every time I try to entice Edward to take things further, he slows our pace, taking complete control of our intimate embrace. I reinforce my efforts, moving my hands boldly across his body, but he meets me at every turn, gently holding my hands captive as he continues to charm me with his kiss.
• When his lips finally pull away from mine, I can scarcely breathe. The way his eyes pierce into me as though he can see into the depths of my soul, makes me feel more naked and fragile than I've ever felt in my entire life.