**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 117: Your Touch Makes It Better**
In the quiet aftermath of chaos, Alexander found himself teetering on the edge of emotional overload. Just moments ago, he had been gripped by a genuine fear, watching Evelyn succumb to a panic attack that had rendered her unconscious. Now, however, every fiber of his being seemed to pulse with an intensity he had never experienced before, all of it centered on her.
As her confession hung in the air, the fabric of his pants tightened uncomfortably, a physical manifestation of the tumultuous feelings swirling within him. His heart raced, a wild drumbeat in his chest, swelling with an overwhelming pride that threatened to burst forth.
A wave of gratitude washed over him, for Michael had failed to sabotage this aspect of his life. The scars Michael had inflicted on Evelyn were deep, wounds that would take time—perhaps even a lifetime—to heal. But Alexander was resolute; he would stand by her, a steadfast ally in her battle against the shadows of her past. The thought of helping her navigate through those dark memories filled him with purpose.
Yet, hearing that his touch brought her comfort ignited something primal within him, a stirring that was both profound and intoxicating. He gazed down at his Luna, his heart swelling with admiration.
“It helps when I touch you,” he repeated, his voice low and earnest. “Like this?”
He tilted his chin down, subtly indicating the way he held her snugly against his side, a position that felt both protective and intimate.
Evelyn’s cheeks flushed a deeper shade of pink, a delightful response to his playful ignorance. He was fully aware of what she meant, but he wanted her to find the courage to articulate her desires.
He was ready and eager to cater to her every whim, day or night, willing to unravel her completely, thread by thread.
All she needs to do is tell me what she wants, and it’s hers.
“You know that’s not what I mean,” Evelyn murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
A single brow arched on Alexander’s forehead as he regarded her with a teasing glimmer in his eyes. “Perhaps… But why don’t you try and explain it to me?” he encouraged gently.
She narrowed her eyes at him, a playful defiance dancing in her gaze. “Stop teasing me.”
A low chuckle escaped him, sending a thrill of goosebumps skittering across her skin.
“I’m not teasing,” he replied, his tone sincere yet playful.
Shifting on the bed, he propped himself up fully, his gaze fixed on her with an intensity that made her heart race.
“What I’m trying to do is encourage you to be more open about your desires. I want to know what you like and what you want to explore.”
“Everything,” she breathed, her voice trembling with an eagerness that sent his thoughts spiraling.
Fucking hell… This woman is determined to send me to an early grave.
The weight of her words hung heavily in the air. ‘Everything.’ How could she utter that when they both knew her body was still recovering from the previous night’s passionate escapades? Who was truly teasing whom now?
A boyish grin spread across his face, unable to resist the joy her enthusiasm sparked within him. “As much as I adore your enthusiasm, I’m going to need a bit more specificity, sweetheart.”
Evelyn’s face deepened in color, her thoughts swirling as she stammered, “L-Like last night,” her voice barely a whisper.
A low hum of appreciation escaped him as he reached down to cup her cheek, his thumb lazily gliding over her lips. His eyes darkened with a hunger that mirrored hers.
“You liked the way I felt inside of you.” It was less a question and more of a statement, a truth they both understood. He noticed her breathing hitch as she nodded, a shy affirmation. “Yeah? Do you have any idea how breathtaking you looked, falling apart beneath me? Can you feel what it does to me?”
He pressed his hips into her side, letting her feel the undeniable evidence of his desire. Her lips parted in a soft gasp, revealing a glimpse of her delicate pink tongue, and his pulse quickened at the sight.
“Alexander…”
“You’re not fully healed from last night—”
“I can take it,” she declared, her voice firm and unwavering.
Her eyes flickered with uncertainty for just a moment, but with his hands firmly on her hips, he grounded her slick center against the denim of his pants.
“See? Like this. You’re going to rock your hips back and forth. Just like that, so good,” he encouraged, his voice a sultry whisper.
Evelyn’s mouth fell open in a startled whine as he continued to guide her movements, and soon she found her rhythm, bracing her hands against his chest.
“O-Oh my God!” she gasped, lost in the sensations.
With one hand on her waist, he raised the other to cup the sweet swell of her breast, pinching and rolling her sensitive nipple, igniting a fire within her.
“That’s it,” he rasped, his voice thick with desire. “Press down harder until you’re rubbing your clit. You can feel the pressure building, can’t you?”
Evelyn nodded, her breaths coming in quick, shallow gasps as the sounds escaping her lips drove him wild. What happened next was something he could have never predicted.
She raked her hands down his chest, her fingers deftly finding the metal button on his pants. With a swift motion, she slid the zipper down and reached inside, her fingers wrapping around his aching hardness. She kept her touch light yet firm, gliding her hand up and down while twisting at the head.
A guttural sound rumbled from Alexander’s chest. “Fuck. I’m not going to last long,” he admitted, the heat of the moment nearly overwhelming him.
“Then don’t,” she moaned, her expression a mix of pleasure and urgency. “Oh…Oh, God!”
“That’s it,” he groaned, the words spilling from him. “My good girl. Come for me.”
Evelyn tipped her head back, surrendering to the waves of pleasure that crashed over her, riding out each shock that coursed through her body. Alexander took over, stroking himself to eager completion, lost in the moment.
When they finally came down from the heights of ecstasy, he took her chin in his hand, his eyes locking onto hers, filled with a fierce determination.
“I promise I won’t let Michael get anywhere near you again.”

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