Taste of Wolves

Chapter 25

The next few days she just lounged around trying to recuperate from the bender she'd gone on. He'd gone back to work but checked on her during his lunch break where she'd make them grilled cheese sandwiches. After he got off work, he headed back to her house. They'd order in and lounge on the couch watching movies. He stayed over each night to look after her. Once she'd gotten her strength back and didn't feel like complete shit, she started to get back to her normal routine. Getting a shower, getting dressed, making breakfast, then cleaning the house. She usually watched TV until lunch time where she made herself lunch or headed to the diner where she met Quinn for lunch.

After lunch she did her afternoon stream until it was time for her to make dinner. She'd make dinner for her and Quinn then clean up and finally start her night stream where he'd sit next to her and just observe. After her night stream, they'd sit on the couch talking about their day, their families, hopes, and dreams, and other random things. Despite snuggling in bed, they still hadn't had sex and he wasn't going to step over the line until she was ready. Things got hot and heavy when they started to make-out but she always stopped before things went too far. He respected her wishes even though it was driving him mad with lust for her. She wanted to be sure how she felt before going over "the line" with Rane. She'd hopped into bed too soon with her last boyfriend and she wound up regretting it.

"Rane?" She asked one evening as they were laying in bed watching TV.

"Hmm?"

"Why don't you ever pressure me for sex?" She inquired.

"I don't want you to do something you're not ready for. Pressuring you would do just that. I respect your boundaries." He replied, "Why?"

"I was just curious. I know it has to be frustrating for you going this long with no sex." She looked away from him, "But..."

"But what? You can tell me anything, Lil Bit." He told her.

"But I don't know if I'm ready for that step or not. I hopped into bed with my last boyfriend too soon and it just ruined everything. I don't want to make that same mistake again. Yet I am very attracted to you." She explained quietly.

"Lil Bit, I'm not going anywhere. I care about you. Deeply." He stated, "If I have to wait a hundred years for sex then so be it. It's just a small price to pay for being with you."

"I care about you too, Rane. More than I thought was possible." She confessed.

"You told me you loved me the other day as you were drifting off to sleep. Mumbled it but I know what I heard." He cupped her face in his large hand, "I've thought a lot about that and have come to the conclusion I feel the same."

"I did? (He nodded) I...I mean...I haven't really thought...oh my." She stuttered making him smile at her.

"I don't expect you to repeat it again anytime soon. I just thought you should know." He told her.

"I guess my heart knows what my head is still trying to figure out." She chuckled nervously.

"I care for you, Aria. I love you. I'll protect you with my life if it came down to it. I want to make you happy." He stated.

"You do make me happy." She stared into his eyes.

He leaned down and pressed his lips to hers. The spark she felt was nearly overwhelming. A sudden intense, burning desire lit inside her. She'd always found him very attractive but suddenly she wanted him. Wanted to know what he felt like. She ran her hand through his hair and pulled him as close to her as she could get him. A low groan left his throat as she pushed herself into him. He hadn't meant for the conversation to lead to sex but she seemed to be taking the lead on this and he would follow her lead. He kissed his way down her jaw and over her throat making her moan slightly. She scratched at his back urging him on. Nipping at the flesh of her neck had her moaning again.