Constant Craving [Rapture Island 2] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) by Leah Brooke

upper arms.
    Lifting his head, he stared down at her, his eyes hooded and searching.
    “We’re not going to play at this. I can’t, and I can’t go into this half-hearted. It’s all or nothing, Kelsey.” Even though his voice didn’t rise above a whisper, the harshness and hunger in it told her how deeply he meant it.
    Amazed at the fresh rush of moisture that coated her inner thighs and the sharp pull to her emotions, she found herself lifting to her toes to get closer. The heat of his body seemed to wrap around her, like warm hands that drew her against him, warm arms that enveloped her in a sense of rightness and inevitability that dispelled the cold numbness deep inside her.
    She couldn’t—wouldn’t—allow her emotions to ruin this chance to be with him. She couldn’t deny herself the promise of pleasure that gleamed in Gabriel’s confident gaze. Shivering when he drew her closer, she licked her tingling lips, inwardly cursing the fact that she’d never be able to hide how she felt about him if she allowed him to kiss her. “What do you mean by that?”
    Lifting his head, he stared down at her, his gaze moving over her face before meeting hers. “I’m saying that I want you to trust me. I can’t have you stopping and starting for no reason. If you’re scared, tell me. If you’re mad, tell me. Talk to me. I’m going to take you outside your comfort zone, and I don’t want your fears getting in the way of experiencing the pleasure I want to give you.”
    Gripping her upper arms, he lifted her to her toes, his hands clenching as if fighting the urge to yank her against him. “You can end this any time you want, but don’t do it on a whim. I can’t do this half-assed, Kelsey. I’ll go as slow as you need, but I care too much about you to play games. I know you and I can have something special, something incredible, but I need to know that you trust me to take care of you, to give you what you need, and not take any more than you’re willing to give. I’m trusting you to commit to this as much as I do.”
    Releasing her, he blew out a breath and ran his hands over her hair, the tortured look in his eyes making it impossible to take this lightly. “I want nothing more than to make you happy—to let loose that passion that you’re dying to explore—and to show you that you have no reason to fear me. But if you can’t, or aren’t willing to try, I’m walking away before you put me through an emotional shredder.”
    Kelsey blinked in surprise, staring after him as he strode away. “How the hell am I supposed to know if I can do this? I don’t want to get hurt, but I feel like I’m flying blind here.”
    Gabriel smiled. “You worry too much, and worry about accepting my lifestyle. This isn’t just about me. I want to learn what you like, too. What you need. What pleases you.” Running a fingertip down her cheek, he held her gaze. “We have this week to explore each other, Kelsey. Please, stop worrying so much. Just relax and enjoy. Your safe word is red. If I do something you don’t like, use it, and I’ll stop. If you need help, say yellow, and I’ll slow down and help you through it.”
    Turning her, he pressed a hand at the small of her back. “That’s enough for tonight. It’s late and you’ve had a long day. Come on. Let’s go to bed.”
    Blinking again, Kelsey stared up at him, her body humming with a need that demanded to be satisfied. “You’re going to leave me like this?”
    Gabriel’s dark brow went up. “Like what, darling? Aroused? If you need to come, I’ll be happy to oblige, but I won’t touch any part of you that you haven’t given to me.”
    Clenching her jaw, she tried to tamp down an arousal that had become so strong she shook with it. Her clit felt huge, and the tingling made it difficult to even walk.
    Sleeping would be impossible.
    ”Never mind.” She’d just go to the bathroom and take care of it herself.”
    She whirled away, heading for the