I had tried my hardest to hold back, to let her make the first move. But the tension was overwhelming, and despite her seemingly innocent demeanor, I couldn't take it anymore. Without thinking, I pushed her gently onto the mattress and climbed on top of her, my legs straddling her hips. I paused for a moment, hesitating, searching her eyes to make sure she was okay with this.

Her eyes were wide, her lips slightly parted, and the soft flush on her cheeks told me everything I needed to know. I leaned down and began pressing open-mouthed kisses along the delicate curve of her neck. The sounds escaping her lips were intoxicating, each one sending a shiver down my spine.

Before I could lose myself completely, she surprised me. Her fingers tangled roughly in my hair, and with a sudden intensity, she pulled me down, crashing her lips against mine. Her grip was firm-possessive, almost-but not painful. I shuddered against her, overwhelmed by the sensation.

I kissed her back fervently, like she was my lifeline, my oxygen. Every movement of her lips against mine set my body aflame. I bit down gently on her lower lip, eliciting a sharp gasp from her that sent a thrill coursing through me. Seizing the moment, I nudged her lips apart with my own, deepening the kiss as I hungrily explored her mouth.

Our hands began roaming instinctively, each touch igniting a spark. Yet, the layers of fabric between us felt like an unbearable barrier. I tugged lightly at her T-shirt, silently asking for permission.

To my relief, she sat up, raising her arms for me to pull it off. I tossed it aside, revealing a simple black bra underneath. My breath hitched. Even in her simplicity, she was captivating. I leaned forward, peppering her chest and stomach with kisses, savoring the feel of her skin beneath my lips. I placed a teasing kiss over her bra, and she bucked against me, pressing her chest closer to my mouth. I grinned at her eagerness.

Her breaths were shallow, her pupils dark and dilated with desire. She was stunning, an absolute vision.

With practiced ease, I slid the straps of her bra down her shoulders, letting it fall away. The sight of her, bare and vulnerable, left me momentarily speechless. She was a beautiful, mesmerizing mess of need and raw emotion, her body trembling beneath me.

As I kissed her neck again, my hand drifted lower, slipping under the waistband of her shorts. My fingers found her warmth, and I couldn't hold back the groan that escaped me. She was soaking wet, her body responding to me in the most primal way.

"You're so wet for me, lionessa," I whispered against her lips, the nickname spilling from me naturally, like it had always belonged to her. She moaned softly, arching her hips to meet my hand as I teased her sensitive clit.

"Shhh, patience, love," I murmured, unable to resist a playful smirk. Her cheeks flushed a bright, endearing red, but the heat in her gaze didn't waver.

I gently tugged at the waistband of her shorts, silently asking her permission once again. She lifted her hips in response, allowing me to slide them off, along with her underwear. They joined the growing pile of clothes on the floor. I sat back for a moment, taking in the sight of her. She was exquisite, every inch of her a masterpiece.

But then, my eyes fell on her scars. They stood out starkly against her otherwise flawless skin, telling stories of pain she had tried to keep hidden. My heart ached. She was breathtaking, scars and all, but the thought of her suffering filled me with a quiet rage. Whoever had hurt her deserved nothing less than my wrath.

She followed my gaze, and I saw the shift in her expression. Her vulnerability was replaced by panic as her walls began to rise. She sat up abruptly, wrapping her arms around herself.

"No," I said firmly but gently, my voice low with conviction. "Don't shut me out."

She looked at me, startled. I reached out, cupping her face in my hands. My thumb traced soothing circles on her cheek as I spoke.

"You don't have to tell me anything now," I said softly. "But when you're ready, I'll be here. Always."

Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, a storm of emotions swirling within them. Then, with sudden determination, she straddled my lap, wrapping her arms around me and kissing me with an urgency that left me breathless.

Her hands wandered, trailing over my chest, and she moved to tug at my shorts. I stopped her gently, placing my hands over hers. As much as I wanted her-God, did I want her-I knew this was her first time. I didn't want to rush her, to risk overwhelming her.

"One step at a time, lionessa," I murmured, brushing my lips against hers. "We'll take this slow."

She nodded, her lips curving into a small smile. "Okay," she whispered. "But I'm not done kissing you yet."

I chuckled softly, letting her pull my face back to hers. The rest of the night passed in a haze of soft kisses, gentle touches, and quiet exploration. She traced my tattoos with an almost childlike fascination, her fingers following the intricate lines and patterns as though trying to memorize them.

I held her close, savoring every moment, every sigh, and every touch. And as we lay tangled together in the soft glow of the moonlight, I silently prayed that when morning came, we wouldn't retreat to the walls and hostility that had once defined us.