If Only

Chapter Seventeen: Unveiling Vulnerability

Taking the cue, I captured his lips once more. My hands traveled to his face, and I tangled my fingers in his blonde hair, which glistened in the soft room light. Uninhibited, I couldn't control the pleasure that coursed through me as I felt his hand gently squeeze my thigh. Another sensation, combined with a slight hint of pain, grew between my legs.

Just as I was about to release another moan, he silenced me with a soft, "Shhh," between kisses, and all I could do was giggle in response.

I couldn't comprehend much beyond the sensations of his lips locking with mine. We moved, and I was aware of the shifting surroundings, but my mind was consumed by the intoxicating taste of him.

Suddenly, he released me, and I felt my body sink into the softness of my mattress. I looked up at the ceiling, my senses alive with anticipation. The bed shifted, and I knew Jared was climbing on top of me, his form hovering over mine, casting a seductive shadow in the dim light.

Without hesitation, his lips found mine once more, his tongue invading my mouth without seeking permission. Once again, he asserted his dominance, and I surrendered to the fiery passion between us.

A jolt of excitement surged through me when I felt Jared's lower body press against mine, aligning perfectly with the contours of my pelvis. My back arched involuntarily, and my hips lifted, eager to meet his. The delightful friction sent shivers of pleasure coursing through my body, and I couldn't hold back the moan that escaped my lips. Our voices melded in a harmonious symphony of desire, making it nearly impossible to resist the overwhelming sensations.

As Jared held me firmly in place, his hands framing my head against the bed, I clung to him with one arm, fingers intertwined with his, while my other hand caressed the contours of his side. Lost in the passionate moment, I let out unrestrained noises that betrayed my desire, and Jared, taking a moment to gaze into my eyes, could see the yearning in my own.

We both needed this, for reasons only we understood. The flush on his face mirrored my own as we locked eyes, sharing an intimate connection. For a fleeting moment, I envisioned a different scenario—a dimly lit room, scented candles casting flickering shadows, rose petals strewn across a bed, and a ring on my finger, symbolizing our love and commitment.

But reality struck as I lay beneath Jared on my disheveled bed. He, the man I had once considered a vandal, had ignited a fury in me I never knew existed. Yet he had also brought excitement and a renewed sense of purpose into my life, showing me that I could rise above my painful past. Now, he was on the verge of becoming the first person to see me stripped of all pretenses.

In that instant, I made a choice—I was ready. Ready for whatever he desired, ready to give myself to him, if this was the night we had both been yearning for. I couldn't tear my eyes away from him, fearing that he might disappear if I did. My hands traced along his skin, and when his neck met my fingertips, I tugged gently, pulling him closer.

"Hali ka dito," I whispered breathlessly, a giddy smile playing on my lips. Confusion knitted Jared's brow as he gazed down at me, the warmth of his breath mingling with a faint scent of cigarettes and mint. My fingers continued to explore the back of his neck, where a few stray hairs stood on end, and I pulled him nearer.

"It means 'come here' in English," I explained.

Jared's laughter reverberated through the room as he playfully pinched my side, eliciting an unexpected shriek from me. His quick reaction had his hand covering my mouth, his smug grin never leaving his face.

"You wouldn't want your momma to hear you, Jade," he teased, his eyes locked onto mine.

I squirmed beneath him, unable to contain my pleasure and helplessness, communicating my desire for him to continue. My muffled voice pleaded, "Just shut up and kiss me."