Lacey
She drowned herself in the sea of his eyes to keep from second-guessing. Trapped firmly, wading endlessly as her heart raced and she touched him. Just a brief brush of her lips to his nose. Soft. He was so warm and so soft. God, and she couldn't breathe. He sighed at her touch. She pulled back, still reeling at the difference from the smooth, hard iron. Wild uncertainty met his eyes, eyes gone dark, deep blue with a desire she still had trouble accepting was for her. Was this even really happening? Did she dream this whole thing?
"Lace."
Just one syllable. Just the one syllable in his deep, husky voice and her damn spine melted. A soft sound slipped unwanted passed her lips, confused at how easily he could affect her. He didn't need his magic, his scent alone could make her dizzy. And it surrounded her, his smell, strong and rich and the only thing she breathed as his muzzle pressed lightly to hers.
Her eyes closed and they stayed that way together for a few moments, each second stretching out for minutes. Her heart was a damn frantic bird, beating wildly against the cage of her ribs. Every muscle felt locked tightly in place, so tensed and afraid to move. Afraid to push this further, afraid to leave it. She was out of her element. Who was she kidding, she didn't have an element. But she certainly had no idea what the hell to do.
She didn't really have to know.
Because he guided them.
His lips brushed hers, so gently, and she could practically drink him in with a soft intake of breath. He was as tensed as she was, and she wished she could shatter it and free him. Yet, also afraid to. She didn't understand what this was. Still so hard to believe it was happening. Where was this taking them? What would he expect from her? What could she give him? She was still stupid and tangled in Kirby. Didn't he see it? Did it matter to him? What was happening?
Reilly? she whispered against his lips when he stilled, her voice tight enough to be a squeak, afraid to open her eyes. Confusion and uncertainty seemed to be all she could ever manage anymore, her brows neatly knitted together. She tensed a little more and realized she was afraid he was going to leave. She could already feel the sting of rejection, another rejection. She swallowed and chanced opening her eyes, lifting thick lashes.
Reilly? she repeated, soft and quiet. Help me. I--
She what? Had no idea what to do? He was older, more experienced, and she didn't have a clue how to do any of this, even after Kirby. Of course, she learned things. But this was so different, somehow. Whatever this was. God, she was suddenly so nervous and she bit her lip, her mind racing.
I don't know how to do this. I'm gonna mess this up.
Maybe she should leave before he could reject her. But she was locked in place even as she wished she could just run away.
