When they reached the bed, Adrian drew her onto his lap. His hands moved to her face, then her hair, then the curve of her neck.
"Elara," he whispered, his voice hushed and roughened by emotion.
"I'm here," she said, her fingers brushing his jaw.
He drew her closer, resting his forehead against hers. "I have never felt like this for any woman," he said quietly. His voice carried both wonder and truth.
Elara's breath caught. "Then why me?" she asked softly.
"Because when I am with you, I forget everything else. The noise, the darkness, the weight of what I lost, it all disappears," he said. "You make it feel like I am whole again."
Her chest tightened, and for a long moment, she could not speak. She lifted a hand to his cheek, her thumb brushing the faint line of his jaw. "Then don't let me go," she whispered.
Adrian closed the distance between them, his lips meeting Elara's in a kiss that started softly and deepened with growing urgency. As they kissed, his hands slid beneath the fabric of her dress, his touch a slow, deliberate exploration. His palms skimmed the curve of her waist, leaving a trail of heat on her skin, before rising to cradle the soft weight of her breast. Elara gasped into the kiss, her entire body awakening with a sudden, exquisite sensitivity.
Adrian then lifted up her dress and removed it. Elara's heart pounded so hard she thought he might hear it. She had never been this close to anyone before, never allowed herself to feel so exposed.
He brushed a strand of hair from her face, his touch gentle, almost reverent. "Are you nervous?" he asked softly.
"A little," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "Everything about this feels new to me."
He smiled faintly. "Then we'll take it slow."
Emboldened by the sensations he was stirring in her, Elara's fingers moved to his shirt, quickly undoing the buttons. Beneath it, his body was lean and strong, all tight muscle and smooth skin. She pressed her palms against his chest, feeling the hard planes of his stomach and the rapid beat of his heart.
Adrian unclasped her bra and lowered his mouth to her breast, his tongue licking and teasing her nipple until she cried out. "So soft," he murmured against her skin, before flipping her onto the bed. He covered her body with his, his kiss deep and consuming as his hands explored every curve.
Adrian's fingers hooked into the waistband of her panties, sliding them down her legs. A gasp caught in Elara's throat as his thumb drew a slow, deliberate circle over her clit, the sensation so intense it made her hips jerk. She was achingly wet, and a soft, helpless moan escaped her when he groaned, "So ready for me."
He moved with a new urgency, shedding his pants and underwear. Elara's breath hitched at the sight of him, hard and wanting. He's so much… more than I imagined, she thought, a flicker of nervous anticipation mixing with her desire.
But his touch remained gentle. He lowered himself over her, his eyes searching hers. "Look at me," he whispered, and as she held his gaze, he guided himself to her entrance. With a slow, pressing glide, he slid inside, the feeling of being filled so profound it stole her breath.
He stilled, letting her adjust, his forehead resting against hers. Then, he lowered his mouth to her breast, his tongue teasing her nipple until she cried out, her fingers digging into his shoulders. "So soft," he murmured against her heated skin, the words a stark contrast to his own hard body covering hers.
Adrian held her by the hips, her legs wrapped around his waist, and began a slow, rhythmic movement of his own. A gasp caught in Elara's throat, overwhelmed by the unfamiliar and consuming sensation. Yet, his touch remained an anchor of gentleness.
Adrian moved faster, his hands holding her hips tightly. "You feel so good," he growled in her ear.
Adrian kept moving, driving deeper until Elara cried out as her pleasure peaked, her body pulsing around him.
Pulling her onto his lap, he helped her sink down onto him again. "Elara," he breathed, his voice thick with feeling. Elara wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing her chest against his as she met his gaze.
"Are you alright?" he murmured, his hands gentle on her hips.
"Yes," she whispered, her voice soft and breathless. He held her close then, moving her in a slow, deep rhythm that kept them locked in a tight, perfect embrace. Elara cupped his face and kissed him. Adrian groaned softly, his hands holding her tighter as he kissed her back with equal passion. He rested his forehead against hers, breathing her name before kissing her again.
With a final, deep kiss, Adrian broke away. "I need to feel all of you," he breathed, gently lowering her onto her back.
He moved over her, his body caging hers in the most delicious way. Hooking one of her legs over his arm, he drove into her again. His rhythm shifted, becoming faster and more urgent. The pace was relentless, each thrust a jolt of pure pleasure.
"Adrian..." Elara gasped, her fingers digging into his shoulders as pleasure overwhelmed her.
"I'm with you," he gritted out, his voice strained. "Come for me."
At his words, she fell over the edge. As she cried out, Adrian thrust deep, his own release following with a rough cry. They held each other, shaking, until the pleasure faded. Adrian softened his hold, his hands shifting to a gentle cradle. He pressed a soft kiss to her forehead, then to her lips, his breathing slowly steadying against her skin.
"You're incredible," he whispered, his voice rough but full of warmth. He didn't pull away, instead staying close, one hand stroking her hair.
A blush warmed Elara's cheeks as she tucked her face against his neck. "Don't say that," she whispered, her voice muffled against his skin.
A low chuckle rumbled in Adrian's chest, the sound warm and deeply affectionate. He pressed a kiss into her hair. "Why not?" he murmured, his hand still gently stroking her back. "It's the truth and I cannot control it again."
His fingers gently tilted her chin up and his lips met hers in a soft, lingering kiss, full of the warmth and affection that his words could only begin to convey.
*****
The next morning, sunrise woke Elara. She felt Adrian's arm around her from behind and smiled. She turned and slipped into his embrace.
"You are awake," Adrian asked.
"Good morning," Elara said, kissing his cheek. He smiled. It had been a long time since happiness felt this simple.
His hand, which had been resting on her hip, began a slow journey up her spine, then back down, tracing the curve of her waist. He shifted, rolling onto his back and gently guiding her to lie atop him. She settled into the familiar weight and warmth of his body, her legs slotting between his. The thin sheet that covered them was the only barrier, and she could feel him, already hard, pressing against her thigh.
"See what you do to me?" he whispered, his hands sliding down to cradle her butt.
Elara answered with a slow, deep kiss. Adrian responded to her kiss with a deep, languid one of his own. But then, with a low growl of desire, he gently rolled them over in one smooth motion, reversing their positions until she was nestled beneath him against the pillows.
His hands cupped her face. "I need you, Elara," he whispered. He pushed into her with a slow, deep thrust, making them both sigh. His rhythm was strong in the morning, each movement deep and deliberate. Elara wrapped her legs around him, pulling him closer as she met his steady pace. Her soft moans filled the quiet room, a perfect harmony to his ragged breathing.
The slow, building friction was exquisite. Elara's head fell back, her breathing becoming shallow pants as the pleasure coiled tightly within her.
"Let go for me," he breathed, his voice full of quiet intensity.
His touch and words pushed her over the edge. She came with a soft cry, her body pulsing around him. Feeling her let go, Adrian followed with a rough groan, holding her tight as he found his own release.
She collapsed onto his chest and he held her close, his arms strong around her, and pressed a soft kiss to her temple.
"Good morning," he whispered again, and Elara knew no day could start more perfectly.