There is a strong pull inside her to throw out an insult, but she refrains. She bites the inside of her cheek. “Right. I’m telling you to forget it—in this moment, don’t.” If he needs permission to get rough, there it is.

Her fingers dig into the sheets, curling around the fabric with every inch he pushes in. She sucks in a breath, her body tensing around him on instinct, until she reminds herself to breathe and relax. Pressing her lips together, she refuses to let anything slip out. Not yet, at least.

She watches his body tremble above her, and as soon as Kainé feels comfortable, she rolls her hips. It’s a small movement, a slight one, meant to tease him. “Don’t you dare hold back.”