RISK

27*

Isabella's dark eyes slowly open as she's surrounded by a comforting scent, from the bed she's in. It takes her a moment to realize the intoxicating smell is Xander. She could recognize his cologne anywhere but this scent is more. It's his natural scent and it has her wolf purring in delight. Isabella rolls around in the large bed onto her back enjoying how comfortable she is. It's not until she hears the bathroom door open that she sits up, knowing it's her mate. She doesn't have much time to admire his body, only in his briefs because once she's upright,  the comforter falls down her chest into her lap revealing her bare chest. As quickly as possible, she pulls the blanket back up to cover herself, bashfully avoiding eye contact with Xander. Xander chuckles under his breath at his mate's actions.

He smirks at her. "You know I just saw you naked a couple hours ago, right? And you've been sleeping here naked in my bed ever since."

Isabella blushes. "I know...I just-I don't know." She shrugs, having difficulty explaining that she's still a bit nervous.

Xander smiles at her reassuringly. "It's ok. I don't want to make you uncomfortable."

Isabella shakes her head. "I'm not! You don't make me feel uncomfortable," she takes a breath before whispering her next words, "I enjoyed what we did. I felt safe," she blushes, "I've just...never been naked in front of anyone before and I don't really know how you feel about what you see, I guess?"

Xander climbs into his bed and sits next to his mate. He lightly grabs her by her hips signaling he wants her to straddle his waist. Fully aware of her naked state Isabella bites her lip nervously before settling herself into his lap.

Xander kisses her forehead, her nose, and finally her lips. He rubs her bare sides up and down.

"Iz," Xander speaks, "I meant it when I said you are absolutely beautiful. All of you. Every inch of you."

Isabella hears his words and thinks about them. She's reassured but there's something else she's doubting.

She nods, understanding. "I appreciate that, Xander. I really do." She smiles at him.

Xander raises his eyebrow, knowing something is still on her mind. "But?"

She sighs. "But...," she pauses nervously, deciding to just say it, "do you think I'm sexy?" She closes her eyes immediately after, not wanting to see the expression on his face.

Xander's jaw drops a bit at his mate's words. He's utterly stunned this woman doesn't understand how attracted he is to her.

"Iz, seriously? Please look at me." He says.

Isabella nervously opens one eye then finally the other when she sees the look on his face doesn't read disappointment.

"Isabella it's taking so much strength in me not to complete the mating bond right now, with you here naked in my lap, because of how sexy you are."

Xander watches as his mate's eyes widen at his words then she breaks eye contact looking down bashfully. He puts his finger under her chin and gently tilts her head back up to look at him in the eyes again.

"Every single time I see you I'm reminded how sexy you are. Your thighs," he runs his fingers up and down her thighs and his touch warms her body up, "Your hips," he makes his way up to her hips then behind her to her ass, "Your ass," he smirks cupping both round cheeks into his palms. Xander's hands make their way back to her sides, "Your waist," gently his hands find their way to her breasts, rubbing her nipples in between his fingers, "Your breast." He hears his mate gasp quietly as he watches her brown nipples harden from his play.

"You are the sexist woman I've ever seen Isabella."

Isabella's mind goes blank, not even close to thinking of the proper response. All she does know is that these simple touches alone and Xander's voice has her wet all over again. So she kisses him.