Melodies of a stranger

Chapter 22

Maxi stared at him, her owl-like eyes blinking rapidly.

'I can't have heard him right...'

Riftan ran his fingers across her forehead pushing some stray hair back behind her ears before he cupped her jaw in his hand, stroking her lips with his thumb. His other hand was resting on the nape of her neck.

"You don't have to say anything until you're ready Maxi, but I wanted you to know I love you. I love everything about you. I love your kindness and compassion. I love the fire and passion within you. I want you to be the first thing I see in the morning and the last thing I see at night. I want to share your happiness and laughter along with your tears. I want to marry you and raise our children together with you."

Maxi's eyes grew large as she stuttered out "A-are you asking...?"

"No, not yet. When I do ask you, I want to do it in a way that you deserve."

He gazed tenderly into her eyes. Maxi's head went completely blank. She stared at him taking in his handsome features.

'He loves me? He... loves me...'

As his words soaked into her, a warmth settled in her belly, spreading throughout her body, seeping into her fingers and toes. His eyes were full of ardour and hope.

Slowly, but surely a smile spread across her face until she was beaming at him. She felt so light, she thought that she would float away on a cloud of happiness.

Riftan ducked his head and hungrily devoured her lips. She could feel his passion for her. He bit her bottom lip and pulled slightly, causing a thrill to shoot up her spine. He licked the seam of her lips, asking for permission. Maxi opened up for him without hesitation. As their tongues tangled, he pulled her body closer to him. Maxi could feel him against her stomach, hard and ready for her. She threw her head back and moaned loudly in anticipation.

Riftan suddenly flinched as realisation crashed over him. He closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths, trying to calm himself down. 'How many times must you get carried away before you learn?' he admonished himself.

"I'm sorry Maxi, I keep pushing you, when you're still recovering..."

He smiled sadly at her bewildered expression.

"But... I want you to touch me."

Riftan was torn in two between the desire to protect her and do what he believed was right, and the overwhelming need to make love to her.

"But I'll exhaust you, you're only just starting to be more yourself."

"We can be gentle..."

"Maxi... It's me you're talking to. You know I can't control myself with you."

Maxi gazed into his eyes pleadingly. "Please Riftan, I want to do it."

Riftan sighed as he rested his forehead against hers. He didn't have the willpower to refuse her completely. Taking a seat on the sofa, he pulled her onto his lap and began feathering his fingers along her calf, past her knee and up her thigh, raising her skirt as he went. He noticed with great satisfaction how Maxi shuddered and gasped as he touched her, how she released these breathy little moans as he neared the place she longed to be caressed.

As he ran a finger down her underwear, he felt her clench as her face filled with desire. Riftan groaned as he pushed the fabric to one side and began rolling her clit with his thumb. She was already soaking wet. Heat burned through every inch of him as he tried to suppress the desire to strip them both naked and bury himself deep inside of her.