Chapter 22

Vanessa's body had overtaken and no matter how much she fisted his hair on the nape of his neck, she ended up drawing him closer, not pushing away.

When Noah felt her lips gingerly touch his neck, as if to test his reaction, he licked her just behind her ear. An assent and encouragement all in one.

She became bolder and trailed her hands lower, circling his broad back.

"Should I stop Vanessa?" He thanked his lucky stars he still had the decency to respect consent. He should talk more, in case she didn't have a clear head and ended up regretting.

She was confused, her belly ringed with an ache that traveled south. And her muscles clenched in anticipation. She was wet. Her arousal didn't come as a surprise. What confused her was her lack of shame at it. She wasn't a prude by any means. But neither had she felt liberated enough to explore further than this with anyone. Somehow his visceral need fuelled hers.

"No. I want to." She sounded scratchy. But at least she was talking to him