Healing chains (rewriting)

Maniuplation: part 17 (his teasing, her scars)

As Thea slowly woke up, she became aware of the warmth around her, trapped between Yaroslav's strong arms. Feeling a rush of heat bloom in her cheeks, she tried to squirm free, but Yaroslav only tightened his hold, nuzzling deeper into her neck. Her face flushed furiously, and she stammered, "Ro, wake up. I need to go."

Yaroslav stirred, lifting his head slightly. His messy hair and sleepy eyes only made him more irresistible, and his voice was low and husky as he mumbled, "Please, Thea, just a few more minutes."

Thea shivered at the sound of his dominant tone, feeling him relax back into her. She sighed softly, knowing he had been up late and probably needed the rest. Gently, she began caressing his hair, making him smile against her neck, his warm breath sending shivers down her spine.

But then she realized—his arm was resting on her bare waist. Oh my god. She shifted uncomfortably, trying not to think about how intimate this was, but Yaroslav groaned and whined in response, his voice muffled as he muttered, "You're soft... let me sleep."

Thea's face burned hotter at his words, unable to stop herself from blushing even more. Shut up, Thea, she scolded herself silently. Stop thinking ridiculous things. But how could she? Yaroslav was half-naked, holding her so closely, his hand on her bare skin. It was all too much for her poor heart to handle, and the butterflies in her stomach fluttered wildly as she tried to calm herself down.

As Thea drifted back to sleep, Yaroslav instinctively pulled her closer, their bodies molding together. His lips curled into a lazy smile, as if he knew it was her without even opening his eyes. An hour later, he woke to find her snuggled up against him, her soft breaths warming his chest. He brushed away the strands of hair that had fallen across her face, his fingers lingering on her delicate cheek. Unable to resist, he nuzzled back into her neck, placing a soft kiss there.

The moment his lips touched her skin, an overwhelming surge of desire rippled through him. His grip on her waist tightened as his instincts took over, and he bit down gently on her neck, eliciting a soft, unconscious hiss from Thea. He sucked on the spot, savoring the feeling as her body responded with a quiet moan in her sleep. His obsession burned hotter, and though he wanted to continue, he restrained himself. He leaned back to admire the mark he had left, his fingers tracing over it possessively.

"Wonder how you'll react to this, butterfly," he murmured to himself, his voice thick with a dark possessiveness.

As he gazed at her, his hunger for control and affection warring within him, he noticed her eyes fluttering open. Before she could fully awaken, he pulled her closer, making her face him. When she blinked her sleepy eyes open, the first thing she saw was him staring down at her, his eyes filled with an intense, burning desire. His hand, still resting on her waist, caressed her bare skin, making her painfully aware of their intimate position.

"Good morning, love," he greeted, his voice low and captivating.

"G-good morning," she stuttered, unable to meet his gaze directly, her heart pounding in her chest. His smile was dangerously intoxicating, and she found herself lost in it, trying to find her voice again.

"Did you sleep well?" Yaroslav asked, already knowing her answer, but enjoying the way she squirmed beneath his attention.

She nodded, too flustered to speak, feeling the heat of his teasing words wrap around her. He smirked, fully aware of the effect he was having on her, and leaned in just a little closer.

"You know," he began, his tone both playful and possessive, "if I get to sleep like this with you, I might never let you go." His eyes darkened slightly, a promise laced beneath his words that only he fully understood. There was no "might" about it—he had no intention of letting her go, ever.