Althea turned her face to the side, heat burning her cheeks. Her chest rose and fell quickly as she struggled to catch her breath.

“It hurts,” she said softly, not meeting his gaze.

He pulled back just slightly, enough to lessen the overwhelming pressure. Still between her thighs, his hand moved to cup her jaw, forcing her to look at him.

“You should have said something,” he muttered, his voice now less harsh and edged with emotions, perhaps frustration, restraint, or even a hint of ...