I understood. Closing my eyes was a cowardice I couldn’t afford. I didn't want him to think he had all the power. I held his dark stare as I leaned forward, my mouth opening.
I didn’t take him in. Not yet. I pressed my lips to the slick head—a kiss. The taste exploded on my tongue. Salt skin, him. A soft, broken sound escaped my throat involuntarily, one that left my cheeks redder than ripe tomatoes.
“Good girl,” he murmured, his fingers threading into my hair, not guiding, just holding.
Encouraged, I let my tongue out. I licked the drop away, then traced the broad crown and the prominent vein beneath. His flesh was hot silk over iron. I felt him jump against my lips.
His breathing changed. It was a slight, sharp intake, unmistakable.
It was a drug, that sound. My nervousness melted,
