Truth

pair of flesh-colored lace panties.
    His hardened expression continued in silence... until her trembling registered. Suddenly, he fell to his knees and gently clutched her hips. His lips gently brushed her stomach and tenderly caressed her battered mid-section. The domineering voice disappeared; his actions spoke of love and possession. Holding his head for support, her fingers wove through his hair. Claire whispered, “Please, Tony, please, can we go to bed?”
    His lips continued to caress her bruised body. Each kiss electrified her skin, melting her insides until her legs turned to jelly. When her knees buckled, she knelt before him and their eyes met.
    “ You’re mine.” His words weren’t debatable. He wasn’t asking.
    “ Tony, bed... please?”
    “ I’m trying so hard. You have no idea the restraint I’m enlisting...yet, all I can think about are his hands on you.”
    “ Tony, I’m fine. I’m all right. I’m with you.”
    “ But, you weren’t. You were with him.”
    “ He just wanted your money...”
    Tony clutched her frame. His dark eyes burned with desire and despair. “I’m not talking about Chester.”
    Claire froze. Her heart pounded in her chest. Somewhere deep, she knew the scene in the hospital went too well. She framed Tony’s face and watched as he searched her emerald eyes. With all her might, she tried to keep them subdued. “ I wasn’t with you,” she whispered. “ We weren’t together.”
    His loud visceral response was unreadable.
    “ But now...” her lips touched his, “now, I want to be... please, Tony.”
    One of the hands which held her waist now roughly seized her loose damp hair, pulling her head back, and exposing her slender neck. His lips met the soft skin with equal force. A shocked moan escaped her lips. Tony’s unbridled passion ignited her, creating a sudden rush of heat overpowering any impulses of pain crying out from her tender scalp. His rough stubble scratched her collar bone, and his voice resonated throughout the suite like a low growl, “Are you sure?”
    The fervent lust tightened her insides. Momentarily, speech was lost. Finally, she whimpered, “I am.”
    He continued his unrelenting assault, holding her tighter, wildly claiming everything before him. His fire consumed everything in its path, a passion which held no bounds. Claire never felt so desired; her whole body ached for his touch. When he paused she saw the flames in his dark eyes. The inferno wasn’t frightening; it fueled her desire. His low growl became more demanding, “You are mine.”
    She kissed his stubbly neck, hearing, as well as feeling, a rumble from the back of his throat. Once again he pulled her hair, tipped her head, and bathed her in the aroma of whiskey. His glaring abyss penetrated as he demanded, “Say it!”
    Her emerald eyes begged for understanding, uncertain of what he wanted.
    “ Say you are mine and nobody else’s.”
    Despite his command and her powerful yearning, Claire’s eyes shone. Her voice resonated above his growl, “Yes, Tony, you are mine and nobody else’s.”
    She watched. A spark penetrated his dark gaze – a flash of light where only moments before darkness prevailed. Through the crack in his facade of domination, he responded. It began as a whisper and rose in volume. “Yes...mighty fine and sexy as hell,” claiming her lips he added, “and mine!”
    Suddenly, he stood, seized her wrist and pulled her up toward the bedroom. Before she could comment, the world shifted and she was upon the king sized bed. His hungry mouth on hers made protesting impossible. Truly, it wasn’t her plan.
    Once her breathing became labored, he moved to the end of the bed. Beginning at her ankles he worked his way toward her injuries. Each touch released energy, freed aggression, and exposed affection. If she winced, he caressed. If she moaned, he encouraged. With each kiss, each touch, Tony reminded Claire of her desires. The outside world was lost... gone beyond comprehension. He elicited thoughts and desires she’d compartmentalized away. His lips found places she’d abandoned. His teeth nipped at nubs which yearned for attention. His long talented fingers and skillful tongue probed and tantalized. Within no time, Claire found herself begging for mercy and at the same time pleading for more.
    It was different than the day in the condo or from her visit to Iowa. It was different than ever before. This was deep, raw, and primal -- unbridled carnal