Free Dante's Fire by Jennifer Probst

climb into bed and prayed she wouldn’t act like a scared virgin.
    “Invite me in.”
    His command was dark, seductive, and demanding. Her skin prickled as awareness trickled through her. He never moved, never blinked, just stood before her like a gorgeous vampire from the night.
    Her lower lip trembled. “Why?”
    “Because this is your choice. Every move I make, every touch, is because you allow it. Your body and surrender is a gift to me. You have all the power, Selina.”
    And as simple as that, some of her confidence was restored. He’d never push her to past her comfort zone. She trusted him.
    She inched aside to make room. He climbed into bed wearing only a pair of low riding jeans and the black mask. His bare feet brushed her leg as he re-arranged the covers and settled close. Then with slow, deliberate movements, he placed his hands around her waist and pulled her towards him.
    She sucked in her breath as heat singed her. God, he was deliciously warm and hard, his bare chest pressed against the flimsy cotton of her shirt. Her nipples rose on command and an itchy, unsettled ache throbbed between her thighs. One hard thigh wrapped around her leg so she was snuggled tightly around every inch of him. Her head spun at the feeling of safety, like a warm cocoon protected her. She relaxed inch by inch against him.
    "Okay?" His breath stirred the tendrils of her hair against her ear.
    "Yes." A few heartbeats passed. "Now what to do we do?"
    Amusement laced his voice. "You're definitely a planner. This is it for now. Just relax."
    His command allowed her to obey. Selina drifted in sensual heaven as he held her. After a few moments passed and she felt more relaxed and unpressured to touch him or make conversation, her muscles reached a new level of release she hadn't felt since the attack.
    Then the feeling turned.
    Her heart sped up as she became aware of the length of his body pressed against hers. The delicious scent of coffee and musk drifting from his skin. The sexy sensation of his breath against her ear. The obvious bulge against her leg told her he was aroused, though his level of control was that of a superhero. He never gave any indication he was uncomfortable.
    Selina began thinking of other things. How his lips would taste against hers. How his hands would slide over her naked skin.
    He gave a low, sexy laugh as if he knew her thoughts. "Let's move on now, shall we?" he murmured. Dante slid down a bit. Pushed her hair back. And lowered his head.
    The sensation of his lips against the sensitive curve of her neck made her toes curl. He made his way up to her ear, nibbled on her lobe, as his hands stroked her nape with gentle, talented fingers. A moan rose up to her lips as she gave him further access.
    He took it. His tongue swept down and licked the pounding pulse at the base of her neck. Nibbled over the swell of her breasts. She arched upward. God, she wanted his hands on her swollen nipples, wanted...
    Bra torn, rough hands grabbing, hurting, twisting...
    "No!" She stiffened as the image assaulted her vision and blurred the man in front of her. Instantly, he removed his hands from her body. She fought panic until the sound of her name spoken over and over cut through the fog.
    "It's me. Look at me, Selina." She turned her head and focused on Dante. Dark eyes glimmered with patience, understanding, and desire. "It's me. Not them. Never them again."
    "Not them."
    "That's right, sweetheart." He smiled with encouragement, and then caressed her cheek. "Just me. They can never hurt you again."
    She closed her eyes; afraid she'd never get past that barrier. "I'm sorry," she whispered.
    "No more apologies. A gorgeous, intelligent woman is allowing me the pleasure to lie down with her. Be with her. I'm the lucky one. Don't forget it."
    She smiled, the warmth in his eyes allowing her to relax again. Who was this wonderful man who was so patient and kind and mysterious?
    "Who are you?" she asked again. Selina reached out