Page 27

The more I think about it, the more the answer is crystal clear: I want Thane. He’s a grown man and knows how to say no. He knows what he wants, and it would be a disservice to think of him as anything but the capable, brilliant man he is.

We both want this, so why shouldn’t we have it? What the fuck is the point of holding myself back?

I finish my salad and put my dishes into the sink. Then I pour myself a glass of red wine. I take a sip, savoring the bold taste on my tongue. It warms my insides and puts some of my nerves at ease.

Thankfully, I don’t have to wait long before there’s a knock on the door. I take another sip of my drink before heading to the entrance of my home. With one final, steadying breath, I pull the door open.

“Hi,” Thane says, his hands buried in his pockets.

I take a step back, opening the door further for him. Thane steps inside, looking tentative and unsure. I want to take that insecurity away.

“Thane,” I say, shutting the door. I step into his space until his back is against the door. He might be bigger than me, but I know my presence fills the room. He stares at me with wide, golden eyes, waiting for me to speak, hanging on my every word.

I’m overwhelmed by how heady this feeling is, at being in control. I love it more than words can say. This is how I like things, how I get full enjoyment.

Life is so fucking hectic and unpredictable, especially working in the emergency room. This? This is different. I know what to expect. It’s calming, giving an order and watching it come to pass, knowing the person I’m with will give themselves to me fully.

Gods, I hope that’s what Thane wants. I don’t just crave it; I need it.

“Thane,” I say again, licking my lips. “There’s so many things I wish to discuss with you, but first, I’d like to start with something very specific, if you wouldn’t mind.”

“What is it?”

“I’d like for you to ask your question.”

Thane’s eyes dart down to my lips. He takes in a shaky breath. “Will you kiss me, Maverick? Please?”

“It would be my pleasure,” I say, barely above a whisper. I touch his chin, sparks dancing across my skin. My thumb caresses his bottom lip and I watch as Thane closes his eyes, like just this has him overwhelmed. Fuck, he’s so responsible, so good.

I want to ruin him for anyone but me.

I lean up on my tiptoes, replacing my thumb with my lips. My mouth perfectly fits between his tusks, like I was made to kiss him. I plant a barely there kiss to his lips before pulling back.

Somehow, our first kiss might be the most chaste I’ve ever given. That does nothing to make it any less perfect.

Taking a step back, I look up into Thane’s face. His eyes are still closed, his head thumping back against my door as he tries to catch his breath. One kiss and he looks like this? What will he look like when I ask for more? What will he look like when I make him come?

Fuck, I really want to find out.

“You are breathtaking,” I tell him, watching as a shiver runs through his body. I file that away for later.

Thane licks his lips and clears his throat. “Thank you.”

“You’re so good, Thane.” A noise escapes from the back of his throat, something embarrassed yet needy. “Stay right here, okay?”

Thane nods his head and I walk over to the couch, sitting down with my glass of wine once more. His back is still against my front door, his eyes never leaving me. The distance is good, it’ll allow Thane to have a clear head.

“What is it that you want from me, Thane? No wrong answers. Just say whatever’s on your mind.”

“I don’t know,” he says honestly. “I just know that I want you. I’ve never felt like this before, Maverick.”

I cross my leg over the other, doing my best to hide the way I’m being affected by all this. My cock is filling with blood, my stomach swooping with equal parts affection and lust.

“How far do you want things to go?”

That beautiful purple blush is back, lighting up his cheeks. Thane looks away for a moment. “I’m not sure. I’ve never done anything like this before.” He clears his throat. “I want you to take the lead. I trust you, Maverick.”

“Fuck,” I hiss out against my permission. “Fuck, how are you so perfect?”