Chapter 3 The Night She Chose Desire

Vera hadn't expected him to kiss her back.

She kissed him out of hurt, out of rebellion, out of some desperate hunger to feel wanted just once. But when Michael's hand slid to the small of her back and pulled her closer, when his mouth moved against hers with a hunger that shook her, everything else disappeared.

He wasn't rough, but he wasn't gentle either.

He kissed her like he was claiming her. Like he had been holding back since the moment he first saw her, and now that the dam had broken, there was no turning back.

Vera gasped when he pulled her fully against his body, feeling the solid heat of him, the raw masculinity that oozed from every inch. His fingers slipped into her hair, tugging her head back just slightly as he kissed a trail down the side of her neck.

"I don't usually take in strays," he murmured against her skin.

She tilted her head, breathless. "I'm not a stray."

He chuckled, deep and low. "No. You're a lioness in disguise."

His words made something flutter deep inside her. No one had ever seen her like that. Fierce. Powerful. Desirable.

She tugged at his shirt, needing to feel him skin to skin. Michael didn't stop her. In one swift motion, he pulled his shirt off and tossed it aside. Her fingers traced the ridges of his abs, the broad plane of his chest, as if mapping unfamiliar territory she knew she'd dream of later.

"Are you sure?" he asked, a voice rasped and barely restrained. "I don't play games, Vera. If we do this..."

"I want to forget," she interrupted, looking up into his eyes. "I want to feel something real. Just for tonight."

Michael's gaze darkened.

"Then let me show you what real feels like."

He lifted her effortlessly into his arms, and her breath hitched as he carried her back to the bed. Laying her down gently, he hovered over her, eyes locked on hers.

His fingers slipped beneath the oversized shirt she wore, skimming across her waist. She tensed, self-conscious, until he leaned down and whispered against her lips, "You're beautiful. Every inch of you. And I'm going to worship it."

Her heart thudded painfully in her chest, emotions tangling with arousal. No one had ever touched her like she was precious. Desired. Michael's hands and mouth moved with intent, as though memorizing her curves, her softness, her hidden strength.

She arched beneath him as he kissed a path down her stomach, his touch igniting a fire she didn't know she had in her. And when he finally entered her, slow and careful, the pain was sharp but fleeting. His eyes widened in surprise.

"Vera," he breathed. "You're a virgin?"

She bit her lip, nodding.

Michael's hands stilled. "Why me?"

"Because I wanted my first time to be with someone who saw me. And you do. Even if it's just for tonight."

Something shifted in his gaze something possessive and tender all at once.

"Then I'll make sure you never forget tonight."

He kissed her again this time slower, deeper, and moved inside her with a rhythm that made her moan his name. She gave herself to him completely, her walls shattering with each wave of pleasure until she felt reborn in his arms.

By the time the sun peeked through the curtains again, their bodies were tangled in the sheets, and Vera lay against his chest, breathing steady, heart aching in a way she couldn't explain.

She knew she couldn't stay.

Slipping out of bed, she dressed quietly. She glanced back once at the man who had given her more in one night than Edward had in all their years together. Her eyes landed on her earrings, resting on the bedside table. But she didn't take them.

She left them and him behind.