“Yes, sir.”

Her skin breaks out in chill bumps as I move the ice over to her hip bone, down toward her panties. She sucks in a breath and holds it. I drop to my knees, my mouth following the path of dissolving ice, my tongue licking away the sting of cold.

I tease her with my mouth over the front of her panties until she’s writhing to get closer. It’s not clear which of us I’m teasing, though, because I want nothing more than to taste her sweet pussy.

We’re still standing in front of the mirror, and I turn her to face it. Her chest is flushed, and her eyes are clouded with arousal. If tonight is really meant to be our last lesson, the sentimental side of me that so rarely comes out needs to make sure she’s ready.

“I want you to look at yourself and tell me what you see,” I whisper near her ear, letting my lips brush her skin.

She fidgets, placing her hands over her belly as if inspecting herself in the mirror is too invasive despite all the things we’ve shared.

After a moment, her eyes lift to mine and she smiles. “I see a handsome man who makes me feel desirable.”

Shaking my head, I correct her. “No, tell me what you see when you look at you.”

A quiet stillness settles around us as she studies herself in the mirror. Her hair is long and glossy, her breasts are small but pert, and the juncture between her thighs is covered in white lace, but my hope is that she knows her worth beyond those physical traits.

“I don’t know how to do this. I’m sorry.” With a defeated tone, she dips her head, tucking her chin toward her chest.

Fuck. I didn’t mean to make her feel awkward and self-conscious. But women don’t come with a manual, and so sometimes even I stumble.

“Can I tell you what I see?”

Meeting my reflection in the mirror, she nods.

“I see a beautiful, smart woman who had the courage to pursue her goals, who has shown strength in each act of submission.” My knuckles trace her sides, ghosting over her ribs. “I see someone fierce and loyal and brave. Someone who is willing to sacrifice her comfort zone in the search for love. Someone who’s giving and kind in the bedroom.” My lips linger at the side of her neck. “You’re perfection, peach.” In every way.

Tears glitter in her eyes, and she chews on her lip as she blinks them away. I’m not sure why, but I wanted her to know how I feel about her. Even if I could take it back, I wouldn’t.

Needing to change the mood, I release her. “Lie down on the bed.”

She nods and quickly heads to the large bed, depositing herself on one side of it.

I remove the candle from inside my bag and light it on the dresser. It casts a subtle glow into the room, giving everything a dreamy, romantic feel. The rich, warm fragrance fills the air. This candle, which was meant to set the scene and relax her, has become so much more. It’s now a scent I’ll always associate just with Brielle.

Slowly and methodically, I remove her bra and panties. I gaze down at her, wanting to commit to memory her flawless skin, the rise and fall of her chest, the way her nipples pebble in anticipation of my mouth.

Her eyes are on mine. “How do you want me?”

I shake my head. “Just like this.” I pull my shirt off over my head and let my pants and boxers fall to the floor before joining her on the bed again. Moving my body over hers, I kiss her deeply, savoring each lick of her tongue like I’m a dying man enjoying his last meal.

When she reaches down and takes me in her hand, I don’t stop her. Her fist curls around me, and I grunt.

“Inside me, please,” she breathes against my mouth.

When I reach between us and feel that she’s soaked, I align myself with her. “Be still, okay?”

She nods her consent.

I lift her legs so her pelvis is tilted up and place her ankles on my shoulders. “I want you to feel me tomorrow.”

Brielle, ever trusting, blinks up at me.

“Eyes down here, pretty girl. Watch.” With my thumb, I part her folds and push the head of my cock just inside. Her pussy is squeezing me already, and I harden even more. I make sure her eyes are still on the action and when I see that they are, I push forward again. Two more inches of me slip inside. Fuck.

She whimpers, her voice throaty and full of need. “More, Hale. Harder,” she begs.

She wants me to slam home and fuck her until she comes. But tonight is about control.

“Patience,” I growl, pushing inside her warmth until I’m halfway buried.

Sharp fingernails dig into my ass cheeks, and she throws her head back against the pillow.

“Eyes, sweetheart,” I remind her. “Keep them on my cock. I want you to watch how I fuck you.” The truth is I want to ruin her for all other men. I want her to understand my cock is the only one that can make her feel this way.

She opens her eyes and her gaze drifts from mine, down my chest and abs to settle on my throbbing erection. Good girl.

Thrusting forward, I move slowly, allowing her body to stretch to accommodate me. I give her every last inch of me, and once I’m buried within the snug heat of her, I hiss out a breath.

We move together, our bodies growing slick with sweat, my hands digging into her hips as I pull her closer. Her inner muscles tighten and tremble, and I lean down near her ear, encouraging her to let go, slowing my movements to let her ride out the wave of pleasure her orgasm provides.

I can’t hold back any longer. I thrust hard, overcome with pleasure at the way her tight body squeezes mine. My release hits me hard and fast, obliterating all my control. I tug Brielle close, holding her tightly as our heartbeats slam together.