Gabriel's Redemption (Gabriel's Inferno #3)(46)

Chapter Eighteen

You were wonderful,” Gabriel whispered, lazily running the backs of his fingers up and down her spine.

She hugged the pillow, hiding her face. She was lying on her stomach, her back gloriously exposed.

He eyed her bashfulness with concern before leaning over to kiss the slope of her shoulder.

“Darling?”

“Thank you.” Julia shifted a little, her eyes meeting his.

“How did you feel about that position?” Gabriel pressed his palm flat just above her backside, resting over two dimples.

“I enjoyed it.”

“But?”

“No qualifications.”

“Then why are you shy?”

She shrugged.

Gabriel rolled her to her side. “You’re safe. I promise, you’re safe in my arms and in my bed. Always.”

He placed a finger to her chin, lifting it.

“Talk to me.”

She avoided his eyes. “I don’t want to bring old issues up, but sometimes I worry.”

“About what?”

“I worry I’m not adventurous enough for you.”

Gabriel would have laughed had she not looked so serious. He forced himself to look grave.

“That’s a remarkable worry after the past few hours.” His palm rested on the curve of her backside, but he resisted the urge to squeeze.

She blew a lock of hair away from her mouth. “I didn’t get a chance to tell you this, but Christa cornered me just before lunch.”

Gabriel’s eyes flashed. “I don’t want to hear that name while we’re in bed.”

Julia nuzzled against the fine hair of his chest. “I’m sorry.”

“What did she say?”

“She said you deserved someone adventurous.”

“Don’t listen to her poisonous bullshit.”

“I told her you deserved love and that’s what I gave you.”

“That’s certainly true.” His hand slid up her spine to her neck, where he began massaging her gently. “So why are you worrying?”

“Because I want to keep you.”

Gabriel chuckled in spite of himself. “I’m afraid we’re in a competition, then, darling, because I want to do my damnedest to keep you.”

“Good.” She snuggled closer in his arms.

“There are some adventures I experienced before you that I don’t wish to repeat.”

Julia thought of Professor Pain and winced.

Gabriel’s index finger traced the curve of her neck, up and down and up and down, whisper soft. “Other adventures I’d be willing to explore, if you felt the same way. Our bed is for pleasure. My utmost concern is to please you and to find my pleasure with you, not at your expense. You don’t need to worry that I’ll abandon you if you say no to me. You can always say no. Understand?”

“Yes.” She breathed deeply.

“So if I were to suggest something . . . new, and you were to decide you didn’t want to try it, that’s fine.”

“Really?” Her large eyes searched his.

The edges of his lips turned up. “I might attempt to seduce you and change your mind. But I can think of few things more unpleasant than bedding an unwilling woman.”

He stroked his thumb across the curve of her cheek.

“And in your case, I can think of nothing more painful than looking into your eyes and seeing discomfort or regret.”

He brought their mouths together and they were both momentarily lost in the sweetness of their embrace.

“Do you still feel shy?” He pulled back so he could see her expression.

“No.” She pressed her legs together. “But I’m wondering what kind of sexual adventures you have in mind.”

“Trust me, Julianne, and I’ll show you.” He rolled her to her back before pinning her arms above her head and whispering his lips against her throat.

The next morning, the Emersons slept late despite their intention to awake early and visit the Ashmolean Museum. Gabriel left the bed first, kissing Julia before walking to the en-suite.

After he’d showered and shaved, he entered the bedroom, clad only in his glasses and a towel. Julia was still asleep.

He gazed on her with no little satisfaction. She’d been absolutely shattered the night before, the result of an exceptional series of orgasms. His chest swelled with pride.

For Gabriel, it had been a night spent initiating her into activities she’d never done before. He couldn’t help the primal possessiveness he felt at being the one to teach her—at being the one to share her pleasure. But his possessiveness was tempered with tenderness, as he recognized how much Julia had come to trust him.

Their couplings were always passionate, always loving. Gabriel watched her relentlessly when they were together, so that any sign of hesitation was immediately addressed. And knowing that she was safe in his bed, she gave herself freely.

Sex could be all-consuming. He knew this and had once been consumed, caught like an animal in a trap. He knew that even with his wife, there were times when he felt the temptation to push everything aside so he could find himself inside her.

Julia could be voracious and passionate. Her confidence in her safety made her brave, and her passion for him made her an enthusiastic lover. Her experience was limited to what he’d taught her, a fact in which he took no little pride. It seemed as if every sexual act between them was fraught with newness.