Chapter 358

Chloe wriggled out of her dress and underwear while Declan continued to undress. When he stood before her, naked, she took in her first full breath all day. This. This was what she needed. He rested one knee on the bed and reached for her bedside where he had placed a condom packet. She reached over and stilled his hand. “Not today,” she said softly. “I need to feel all of you today.” He frowned down at her and she could tell he was conflicted. He wanted her without anything between them as much as she did, but he wanted to make sure. “I’m on the pill,” she assured him, “and I’m clean…I…I just need—” He silenced her with a kiss. “I’m clean too,” he said as he positioned himself over her, covering her body with his. She closed her eyes at the sensation of his warm, bare skin as it settled over her. She wanted to be completely surrounded by him - his touch, his scent, the sound of his breathing, the intensity of his eyes. “Open your eyes, Chloe,” he whispered and she did, gazing up into