Chapter 9
A band squeezedaround Vincent’s chest, and when it loosened, he felt his heart throb in his freaking temples.
Natalie shifted her weight from foot to foot, at the same time she lifted her chin. Damn it. Talking to Dina had changed her mind, he was sure of it. She wanted to go with him, he could feel it, but preferred to play it safe.
Hell, he’d stopped playing it safe the moment he slept with her. The moment he’d allowed himself to be with someone even if the odds were not in his favor. That’s why he was changing the odds—taking control, and stepping out of the shadows. “What kind of nonsense is that?”
“What if you get sick of me?”
“What if you get sick of me?” he countered.
She shook her head. “I’m worried I’m putting my life on the line to go with you, and if something goes wrong—
“Life doesn’t give us guarantees. I’ve fallen for you, and I’m old enough to know I’ve never felt this way in my entire life.”
She parted her lips, but hesitated. Her features softened, and a strand of hope moved through him.
“If you don’t want to be with me, say it. Because if you do, I’ll do anything in my power to make you happy,” he said, reaching for the ring he’d bought earlier that day. He’d been wanting to come up with a nice date or occasion to propose, but since she mentioned putting his heart on the line, he might as well share his intentions.
She covered her mouth with her hand, and he erased the distance between then, his pulse skyrocketing. “Vincent.”
“Will you let me put my heart on the line for you, Natalie? For as long as we both shall live?” he asked, his voice wavering. If she said no, he’d have to respect her decision, but fuck… that’d kill a part inside him.
He kneeled before her, and opened the box for her. A simple but beautiful solitaire with an oval-cut diamond sparkled inside. She dropped her shoulders, showing him she was no longer as stiff and worried as when he’d first stepped into her room. -“Yes,” she squealed. “Yes.”
Relief poured over him, loosening his limbs. He placed the ring on her finger, the brush of his skin on hers causing a tingle to shoot up his damn arm.
She stretched out her hand, contemplating the ring for a moment. “It’s gorgeous.”
“I wanted something to match you. This comes close.”
He got to his feet, and pulled her to him. She linked her arms around him, and he inhaled her feminine scent, holding her closely against him. Oh, how he’d missed her. He’d go crazy if he had to let go of Natalie. His Natalie.
“I’ve missed you,” he said, before slamming his lips on hers, in a kiss that spoke louder than any words.
She thrust her fingers in his hair, leaving his scalp tingly and sensitized. He lowered his hand, opening her robe, unable to wait a second longer to see her naked. She peeled it off, letting it slid down her gorgeous curves until it landed on her delicate feet.
He withdrew a bit, to contemplate the amazing young woman facing him. His gaze collided with hers, then it lowered to her full, beautiful breasts and the engorged nipples. She was hotter than the Texan sun in August.
“I wanna see, too,” she said.
He removed his jeans and boxers, tossed them to the side, then pulled his shirt over his head. Naked, they stared at each other. The low intimate light cast a perfect shadow around them, outlining her womanly curves.
They kissed again, and he took her to the bed.
When they rolled on the bed, she pushed him on his back, and straddled him. He propped on his elbows, admiring the view. “You look good with that ring on your finger.”
“You mean this ring?” she said, taking it off, and using the circular shape to rub it on her nipple.
Arousal pounded hard in his veins. “Yeah.”
She touched her tits, making a little show out if it, hardening him even more. His cock jutted out, brushing against her pussy, but he wanted to give her time to enjoy the foreplay before plunging into her sweet hotness.
She grabbed the ring and rubbed it down her belly, then all the way to her pussy. He groaned, finding it more and more difficult to keep from moving.
“Let me help you, darlin’,” he said, his voice dropping an octave.
He took the ring from her finger, and used it to tease her clit, rubbing it on it, alternating with his index finger lightly brushing it. She chewed on her lower lip, and moved on top of him, warning him his game drove her crazy. When she began to squirm, he put the ring to the side on the nightstand, and inserted three fingers into her drenched cunt, curling them into her G-spot. She shouted out his name, a flush spreading across her face and neck, her curvy body trembling, the most beautiful sight he’d ever seen.