My body shifted instinctively, hovering over her, ready to back down—but her hand stopped me.
The words had landed softly. Almost too softly. But they cracked something wide open in me.
Her gaze flicked back to mine—steady now. Honest. Raw. "I've never had sex. Ever."
My hands slid up her thighs, slower this time. Tender. Protective.
"Not even once?" I asked, my voice low, barely trusting itself.
She shook her head. "No. I mean… I've been close. But..."
She exhaled deeply, and I watched her chest rise, the way her pulse danced just beneath her collarbone.
"You feel safe with me?"
Her lips curved into a small, trembling smile. "Yeah. Maybe… too safe."
I leaned in, kissed her forehead, then down to her cheek, then paused just above her lips, our breaths mingling.
"There's no pressure here, Nelly," I whispered. "We stop now, or we go slow. Or I just hold you all night and don't touch a damn thing unless you ask me to. Just say the word."
Her breath hitched.
