“Yes.” I give him a soft smile. “I’d like that.”
He pushes his computer aside and stands, approaching me slowly. He’s dressed again, and part of me saddens at the thought. I still haven’t actually had a chance to look at him naked, and I wonder if I ever will.
He pauses at the side of the bed, the longing in his eyes now clear, but he doesn’t make any moves. Is he waiting for me to tell him it’s okay? Because I thought I just had.
I don’t wait or try to overanalyze it anymore. I climb towards the edge of the bed, sitting up on my knees in front of him and pulling him into a kiss. It’s a moment of bravery, and I’m not entirely sure he will like it, but he groans with pleasure as soon as my lips touch his. I fist my hands into his hair and pull him down onto me, his erection pressing against me.
“Aren’t you sore?” he asks hesitantly.
“I’m very sore.” I nod. “But I still want you.”
He closes his eyes and presses his forehead to mine, savoring my words. “Are you sure?”
“Yes, please, Gabriel. I want this.”
He contemplates it for another moment before tugging his shirt over his head and leaving me in stunned silence. The sight that greets me is so unexpected, I can do nothing but stare at him like a loon. His upper arms and chest are covered in beautiful pieces of ink that I had no idea were lurking beneath his clothing. Intricately woven black roses surround a pair of wings and a patch of script with the name Parker. The artist did an amazing job of bringing the emotion of the piece to life, and I realize immediately it’s a memorial.
I want to ask him about it, but Gabriel stiffens as I inspect it, and I tear my gaze away to his abs instead. Hard and muscular with that perfect sexy V-shape, he has a small trail of hair leading down to his waistband. My fingers trail over it absently, and he seems to relax beneath my touch.
He mounts the bed and lowers himself onto me, his lips meeting mine in a feverish kiss. I reach down and tug at his waist band, letting his erection spring free as I gather it into my palm. My hand moves up and down his thick shaft, testing my limits. I know I’m pushing my luck, but he hasn’t outright stopped me, and his entire body has slackened with my touch. But all too soon, he gains back what little control he may have lost in the moment.
“Victoria,” he whispers. “Lay on your back.”
I pout and do as he says, watching him roll on a condom.
“I’m going to fuck you now,” he smirks.
It’s an offer too good to refuse.
He fucks me, as promised, but not quite as rough as before, and this time with no bondage. By the time it’s all over, I really am exhausted. I can hardly move, and I’m surprised when he takes me into his arms, holding me against his chest. He smells so good, and now I smell like him too… just like I wanted. His skin is warm and comforting against my cheek, and before I know it, my eyes are growing heavy again. I force myself to sit up.
“I should probably go.”
He looks up at me, his face soft and relaxed. “Are you sure?” he pauses for a moment before adding, “you don’t have to. You could sleep in here for a while if you’re tired.”
Without him, I assume. “No, it’s okay. My roommate’s probably waiting for me anyway. And I don’t want to keep you from anything.”
He doesn’t respond, so I think I’m right in my assumption. I stand up and quickly reassemble myself, picking up my clothes and dressing.
Gabriel ambles over to me, surprising me by taking me in his arms and kissing me again. The kiss is soft and surprisingly gentle.
“I could find something to eat if you’re hungry,” he offers.
“That’s alright.” I smile. “Alanna is probably waiting for me to eat dinner.”
He frowns, looking almost disappointed. But he recovers quickly as he walks me to the door.
“Alanna is your roommate.”
I’m not sure if he’s asking or stating. By now, I have no idea what kind of information he has on me, and quite frankly it’s a bit worrying. Because if he can get his hands on that kind of information, then surely almost anyone can.
“Yes, she is. Roommate, slash pain in the ass, slash best friend,” I reply jokingly.
Gabriel doesn’t smile at my joke. He seems to be distant again.
“So, do you know how long you want to keep this thing going between us?” he asks in a business-like tone.
“Um, I’m not sure.”
“Well, I don’t want it to get complicated,” he says. “So what do you say, maybe three months and then we can go from there?”
Geez, his mood shifted so suddenly. Is he pissed at me? Or is this just how he treats his fuck buddies? Does he think I’m going to get too overly emotional, and that’s why he’s asking? If that’s the case, I know how to stop that thought process right here.
“I’m leaving in two months, Gabriel. So I guess it will be either before or until then.”
My words actually seem to shock him, and the muscle in his jaw starts ticking.
“When were you planning on telling me that?”