Page 87 of A King’s Obsession

He studies my face. “You sure?”

“Yes.” I nod, making sure he understands that I'm not saying it just because he wants to hear it.

I sit up, gathering the sheet around myself, and he helps me off the table. When I reach his bed, I sit on the edge, and Ezra settles beside me. Before he can say anything else, I reach for the front of his shirt and pull him closer.

“Jru—” He starts to speak, but I shake my head before he can finish.

“I want you, Ezra.” I hold onto his shirt, refusing to let my nerves make the decision for me.

I hold his gaze. I’m nervous, but I’m not confused. I know what being in this bed with him means. I knew before I asked him to sit beside me.

“I know what I told you about waiting,” I continue. “You don’t have to remind me. I’m the one changing my mind.”

His eyes move over my face before returning to mine. “Ain’t trying to change it for you.”

“You’re not.” I slide my hand against his cheek. “I’m telling you what I want.”

For once, the man who always has something to say goes quiet.

“What?” I ask, studying his expression.

His mouth curves. “I’m listening.”

“Well, listen closer.” I lean toward him, closing the distance between us.

I kiss him, and this time there’s nothing hesitant about it. My fingers settle at the back of his neck while his arm wraps around me, drawing me closer. I’ve spent enough nights wondering what it would feel like to stop pulling away from him. Tonight, I don’t.

When our mouths separate, I stay close.

“I’m nervous about it hurting,” I admit, looking into his eyes. “That’s all.”

His expression softens without turning pitying. “We taking our time. You need me to stop, tell me.”

“I will.” I nod, feeling some of the tension leave my shoulders.

“I mean that shit, Jru.” He keeps his eyes on mine, waiting until he knows I'm listening.

“I heard you.” I give him a small smile.

He brushes his thumb along my cheek, waiting until my eyes meet his again. “You ain’t gotta push through nothing for me.”

Something in my chest loosens. I brush my thumb along his jaw, taking in how closely he’s watching me. For all that mouth he has, he’s being gentle with me, and it makes me want him even more.

“Then quit looking at me like I might run,” I tell him, trying to lighten the moment.

A low laugh leaves him. “Your ass been running from me for two weeks.”

“And now I’m sitting in your bed. Catch up.” I lift my eyebrows, giving him a look that makes his grin spread.

His grin spreads before he kisses me again.

I ease back against the pillows, bringing him with me. The nerves are still there, but so is everything else—the way he looks at me, the warmth of his hand around mine, how much I want this man close.

He pauses, brushing his lips against my forehead.

“Talk to me,” he murmurs, keeping his face close to mine.

“I’m good.” I look up at him, wanting him to see that I mean it.