Chapter 5
"I mean, I know he's tough and strong," Brick went on, his voice still tinged with frustration and concern. "And he's got a good heart, deep down. But he's also so damn reckless and stubborn, y'know? I'm worried he might not be able to rein in his impulsiveness in the heat of battle."
The squirrels and rabbits around him were listening keenly now, their eyes fixed on the troubled soldier.
As Brick continued speaking, he noticed a few more animals seemed to be listening in on his conversation. A family of deer were watching from a nearby copse of trees, their elegant heads tilted as they tuned in to the sound of his voice. A herd of wild goats were nibbling on the grass nearby, and some of them had raised their heads to listen as Brick spoke.
"Brian is also a real charmer, y'know?" he added with a sigh. "Always chasing after girls, trying to impress them and... well, let's just say he has a way with the ladies."
"And I don't know if that's gonna be a good thing out here," he added, his frustration returning. "The last thing we need is my hotheaded cousin trying to impress some girl and charging into danger like a lovesick fool. I've got enough to worry about without him making a mess, y'know?"
The animals continued to listen, some of them now looking a bit more curious about the unfolding drama.
"And don't even get me started on his lack of impulse control," Brick continued, his tone becoming more exasperated as he spoke. "He's always acting without thinking, jumping into things without a second thought. He's the kind of guy who'll take on the whole damn German army if it means getting a girl's attention."
The animals, now completely captivated by the story, shifted slightly in anticipation, eager to hear more.
Brick sighed deeply, his frustration and jealousy mixing with a sense of resignation.
"You know, I suppose I'm a little bit envious of Brian sometimes," he admitted, a hint of bitterness in his voice. "He's allowed to act however he wants, to chase after girls without a care in the world, and my family just sort of... lets him, y'know? They're all like, 'Oh, that's just Brian, he's a ladies' man, he's got charm...'"
He paused, a pained expression on his face.
"And me, well, I've never really had a girlfriend or even... kissed anyone," he confessed, a hint of embarrassment in his voice. "I'm the obedient, responsible cousin who does everything by the book, always following the rules. And sometimes, I can't help but feel like the family's favorite is Brian, the carefree, reckless charmer who gets away with everything."
"Sure, I get that it's not his fault that he's charming and popular, and hell, I even like the guy, deep down," Brick continued, trying to rationalize his jealousy. "But sometimes I wish I could be a little more impulsive, a little more carefree. To be able to do what I want without being the dutiful cousin who always plays it safe. Sometimes, I feel like a damn stick in the mud compared to him. And it sucks, y'know?"
"And the worst part is," he added with a bitter chuckle, looking at the animals who were listening to him intently. "Even the animals prefer him, I bet. Can you believe that? Even they'd rather hang out with that damn womanizer than me. What chance do I have in this world, huh?"
The animals, of course, didn't respond to his rhetorical question, but the look in their eyes seemed to have an understanding. The deer, the goats, the squirrels, and even the birds seemed to be listening intently, as if they could sense his frustration and loneliness. The squirrel in particular seemed to fidget nervously, as if it wanted to comfort him but didn't know how.
Brick let out a long, wistful sigh, his mind already wandering into dreams of the future.
"You know, I've thought a lot about my wedding day," he confessed wistfully. "If I ever get married, that is. But when I do, I want it to be perfect. And I already have some ideas in mind."
He counted them off on his fingers, a little gleam of hope in his eyes.
"First, I'd want it during springtime. I like the blooming flowers and the new life in the air."
"Second," he continued with determination, "I'd want a beautiful venue. Something out in the open, somewhere with a stunning view and lots of nature. I'd love to get married on a hilltop or something similar, so we could say our vows with the whole world watching. I love the idea of having nature witness my love and commitment, you know?"
The animals around him seemed to be listening intently, their ears perked up like intrigued spectators.
"And third," Brick went on, a hint of longing in his voice. "I want the ceremony to be filled with music. I'd want a full band playing the sweetest, most romantic tunes, with a soloist singing an emotional love song dedicated only to my bride. It'd be like something out of a movie, I tell you. Damn, just thinking about it makes my heart race."
The animals were practically hanging onto his every word, as if caught up in his romantic daydream.
"She'll reach the altar, and I'll take her hand in mine, and we'll stand before each other, the priest reciting the sacred vows. And when he tells me to kiss the bride," Brick continued, his voice a mixture of longing and determination. "I'll pull her close, and I'll press my lips against hers, giving her the most passionate, heartfelt kiss I can. It'll be like all the fairy tales and movies and love songs come to life. Damn, I can almost feel it now..."
Brick's body was responding in a way that he wasn't used to, and it was both exhilarating and a bit embarrassing. He felt himself blushing, his heart racing, his body responding to a desire he had long suppressed. The need for love and connection, the need to feel safe and desired before succumbing to his own desires.
"I, uh..." he began, stammering and flustered, his mouth feeling dry. "I'm not like those other soldiers, y'know. I need more than just a quick release. I need... affection, understanding, love."
"I can't just give myself to anyone," he continued, his voice soft but resolute. "I need to be fully and completely in love, utterly devoted to the woman I marry. And when that time comes, I want to make sure it's as passionate and beautiful as possible."
He looked down, feeling a mixture of embarrassment and determination. The animals seemed to be sensing the shift in his emotions, their eyes fixed on him with a sense of keen interest and understanding.
"I want to feel loved, not just lusted after," he continued, his voice gaining more strength. "I don't want some quick and meaningless fling; I want a deep and lasting connection. I want to kiss my wife passionately, to hold her in my arms in our bed, to feel her soft breath against my chest as we lie together in the afterglow of our lovemaking. And I don't want to rush that moment. I want to savor every second, make it perfect, and commit it to memory for the rest of my life."
Brick's voice was a mix of frustration, determination, and a hint of vulnerability as he addressed the animal audience. He bared his heart, confessing his reasons for waiting for marriage with raw honesty.
"I'm not waiting because of religion, or family expectations, or military duty," he declared. "I'm doing it for myself. I can't be like those other men who treat sex like some kind of sport, casually bouncing from partner to partner. It makes me sick to my stomach. I want something real, something meaningful."
"I want a deep connection, a bond that goes beyond physical desire. I want to give myself fully and completely to someone who loves me, who accepts me for who I am," Brick continues, his voice filled with a fierce but tender resolve. "When I find that person, I want to make sure she knows how much she means to me, and that she means more to me than any casual fling ever could. I want to cherish her, worship her, and love her with every fiber of my being."
Brick chuckled softly as he jested about preferring a blonde future wife, lightening the mood a bit.
"I hope she's not only blonde, but also smart, kind, and easy on the eyes," he quipped, rolling his shoulders and standing up to stretch. "Gotta have some standards, you know?"
He stretched his arms high above his head and then looked down at the animals surrounding him. His expression softened, his gaze filled with gratitude.
"And thanks for not judging me, y'all," he added in a soft voice.
As Brick spoke, the animals seemed to understand his meaning. The deer, whose ears had perked up when he first started speaking, gave a soft, gentle nod, as if acknowledging his words. The squirrel, watching from a nearby tree, looked down at him with a look that seemed to say, "We understand, soldier."
The rabbits, still nibbling on the grass, didn't move a muscle, but their eyes showed a sense of empathy and acceptance. The birds in the trees chirped in agreement, adding their voices to the silent chorus of support.
Brick sighed, feeling a wave of relief and gratitude wash over him. The animals' acceptance and understanding filled him with a sense of reassurance. It was as if they were telling him that it was okay to want something more substantial than casual hookups and shallow connections. They were telling him that he wasn't alone in his desires for something deeper and more profound.
Brick smiled faintly, patting the nearby tree trunk with a gentleness that he reserved only for the creatures in his forest sanctuary.
As he patted the tree trunk, the bark felt rough against his palm. He let his hand slide down, feeling the texture and the strength of the wood. He closed his eyes for a moment, letting his senses take in the surroundings. The birds' chirping, the rustling of leaves, the soft breeze caressing his face… it all added to the sense of peace he felt in this place.
He glanced at the animals, who seemed to be looking at him with a sense of understanding and acceptance. They were his confidants, his silent witnesses to his innermost thoughts and desires.
Brick's mind began to wander, imagining what his future bride might look like. He pictured a pretty American girl with a sweet smile and kind eyes. He thought about her hair, her height, and her personality. He wondered where he would meet her, and what circumstances would lead to their meeting.
He could feel a flutter in his stomach at the thought of it all. The idea of having a beautiful wife, someone to love and cherish, made his heart race, despite the harsh realities of war looming in the background.
As the minutes ticked by, Brick's thoughts continued to drift. He thought about what it would be like to wake up next to his wife every morning, the scent of her hair filling his nose and her body warm against his. He imagined the softness of her skin, the sound of her laughter, and the warmth of her embrace.
He could feel his heart aching with longing, a mix of excitement and frustration. He wanted the war to end, so he could return home and make his dreams a reality.
Brick jumped as Scott and Lightning approached, their loud and boisterous energy shattering his peaceful daydream. He turned to face them, trying to hide his flustered state from their teasing.
"What the-?!" he exclaimed, his heart still racing slightly. "Damn it, you two! You nearly gave me a heart attack!"
He then huffed, crossing his arms over his chest. "And we are supposed to be hunting for food, not roughhousing around like a bunch of clowns."
Scott and Lightning were grinning ear to ear, clearly enjoying Brick's surprise and the chaos they had caused. They gave him a playful nudge, laughing as the animals scattered in all directions.
"You were just daydreaming, weren't you, Brick?" Scott teased, elbowing him in the side. "Thinking about some lucky lady, eh?"
Lightning chimed in with a smirk. "Yeah, we saw you getting all dreamy-eyed over there! What were you thinking about, soldier?"
Brick huffed, his cheeks turning pink at their playful accusations. He pushed them off with a scowl, trying to appear nonchalant.
"Daydreaming? Me?" he replied, feigning innocence. "I was just… taking a moment to gather my thoughts, that's all. I wasn't thinking about anyone in particular!"
He attempted to sound cool and composed, but the hint of a smile tugged at the corners of his lips, betraying his true feelings.
Brick felt his cheeks burn as Scott and Lightning playfully planted kisses on his face, their affection and teasing making his heart flutter. He tried to look annoyed but couldn't help but smile at their playful banter.
As they moved deeper into the forest, searching for wildlife to trap for dinner, Brick's thoughts returned to his dream of having a wife. He imagined the woman he would marry, her sweet smile and kind eyes filling his mind's eye. But he also tried to focus on the task at hand, not wanting to let his mind wander too far again.
Scott and Lightning continued their search, occasionally poking and joking with Brick as they went along. Brick tried to keep up a pretense of seriousness, pretending to be focused on the task at hand. But his mind kept drifting, conjuring up visions of his future wife in his head. He imagined her long, flowing hair and her petite frame. He could practically see her walking alongside him, the sunlight shining on her face as she smiled at him.
He shook his head, mentally scolding himself for daydreams once more. "Focus, Brick," he muttered under his breath.
Courtney found herself in the private section of the library, her back pressed against a bookshelf and her body growing increasingly hot and needy under Brian's touch.
"B-Brian, we... we're supposed to be learning about each other," she protested, her voice coming out in a breathy whisper. "Not... not doing this."
But even as she spoke, she could feel herself growing more and more aroused as he teased and stroked her, her body arching into his touch without her control.
Brian smirked at her words, his hands continuing to roam over her body. He loved the way she squirmed and trembled under his touch, her breath coming out in soft gasps as she tried to maintain her composure.
"We are learning about each other," he said softly, his lips brushing against her ear. "I'm just exploring a different kind of... educational method."
He moved his mouth down to her neck, his tongue tracing a path along her sensitive skin as his hands continued their slow, teasing movements.
Courtney let out a stifled moan as Brian's mouth traveled down to her neck, his tongue leaving a trail of fire on her skin. She tried to keep her composure, to maintain some semblance of control, but her body was betraying her, responding to his touch with a wild abandon.
"This... this isn't educational," she protested weakly, her voice hitching in her throat as he continued to explore her sensitive spots. "It's... it's... something else entirely."
Courtney was a flustered and embarrassed mess, her face hot and her heart racing as she found herself in such an intimate position with Brian. Despite her initial protestations, she couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement at the taboo nature of their situation.
"Brian, this is... so improper," she whispered, her voice shaky with arousal and suppressed desire. "What if someone catches us? We could get in so much trouble."
But even as she spoke, she didn't make any move to stop him, her body responding to his touch all too eagerly.
Brian chuckled softly, his hands continuing to explore her body as he pulled her even closer against him. He loved the way she trembled and flushed with embarrassment, the mix of innocence and desire in her eyes driving him wild.
"Shhh," he shushed her gently, his voice low and rough. "There's no one here but us. And even if someone were to catch us... well, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it."
He pressed his lips to the side of her neck, gently nipping at her skin. "Just relax and let me take care of you, darlin'."
With that, Brian continued his slow, deliberate assault on Courtney's senses. His touches became more intimate, his mouth trailing down her body, leaving a trail of hot, open-mouthed kisses on her skin. He teased and caressed her, his hands roaming freely as he took his time exploring every inch of her.
"You're so goddamn beautiful, darlin'," he murmured against her stomach, his voice ragged with desire. "You have no idea how much I've longed to get you like this, all at my mercy."
Brian's eyes widened in surprise as Courtney came apart under his touch, her soft cries and release taking him a little off-guard. He held her close as she trembled and gasped, a mix of pleasure and shame coursing through her.
"Damnit, darlin'," he breathed, his voice husky with desire. "You're even more sensitive than I thought."
He kept her pinned between his thighs, his hands gently stroking her body as she rode out the last of her orgasm.
"Shh, don't be embarrassed," he whispered in her ear, his voice gentle and soothing. "There's nothin' to be ashamed of. You're just feelin' good, darlin'. And I love makin' you feel good."
He continued to hold her close, his hands running over her body in gentle, calming motions. "You're so damn beautiful, especially like this. So damn responsive and sensitive."
He pressed a kiss to the top of her head, his body still thrumming with desire.
"Don't worry about anythin' else right now. Just focus on how good you feel, on the way my hands are makin' you tremble." He punctuated his words with a light press of his fingers against her sensitive spot, drawing another gasp from her lips.
"God, I love the way you react to my touch," he continued, his voice almost a growl. "Feels like I could make you come apart over and over again just by touchin' you like this."
Brian chuckled softly, his hands still roaming over Courtney's body as she melted against him, still trembling from her orgasm.
"Oh, I know I said I'd keep my hands off you," he murmured, his voice thick with desire. "But you're just so damn tempting, darlin'. I can't help myself when you're like this, all sensitive and needy. And feelin' how hot and ready you are... it makes it even harder to hold back."
He let out a low, guttural moan as she pressed back against his obvious arousal.
"You feel how much I want you, darlin'?" he growled, his mouth finding the sensitive spot on her neck once more. "I'm so damn hard right now, just from listenin' to you cry out and tremblin' against me. It takes all my damn willpower not to just take you right here and now, in this damn library."
He moved his hips, pressing himself harder against her, a low groan escaping his lips at the friction.
"You have no idea what you do to me, darlin'," he muttered, his lips moving up to her ear, his voice ragged with desire. "The way you respond to me, the way you feel... it's like you were made for me. My own personal little temptress, always keepin' me on the edge, drivin' me damn near insane."
He ground his hips against her again, the friction and pressure causing him to release a soft curse under his breath.
"I can't resist you, darlin'," he admitted, his body practically thrumming with need and desire. "Your soft gasps and moans, the way you shake and quiver in my arms... I could listen to those sounds all damn day, but knowin' I'm the one makin' you feel that good is just... damn near mind-blowin'."
He ran his hands down her sides, his touch growing rougher and more possessive with each pass. "I want to hear you make those sounds again, darlin'. Let me make you fall apart once more."
Courtney's mind was a maelstrom of conflicting emotions. On one hand, she was enjoying every second of Brian's touch, her body responding to him in ways she never knew it could. On the other hand, a pang of guilt and shame washed over her as she remembered Duncan, his watchful gaze as they cuddled together.
She let out a soft whimper, her words coming out in a shaky whisper. "This is... so wrong. I shouldn't be doing this. I... I'm supposed to wait until marriage…"
Brian heard the guilty edge in her voice and felt her conflicted emotions. He understood that she was struggling with her own sense of propriety and morality, her upbringing and beliefs trying to assert themselves despite the heat and desire coursing through her body.
He gently caressed her back and kissed the side of her neck, his voice soft and soothing. "Shhh, darlin', shhhh. It's all okay. It's just you and me here, in this private little corner of the library. Nobody can see or hear us, nobody's gonna judge us for what we do."
"Just relax and let go, darlin'," he continued, his mouth moving down to her collarbone, his lips and tongue leaving hot, open-mouthed kisses on her skin. "Forget about what's 'right' and what's 'wrong'. Just let yourself feel the pleasure I'm givin' you, the way your body responds to my touch. Let go of that guilt and just focus on how damn good it feels to be with me like this."
As Courtney lay there with her eyes closed, images of Duncan began to flash through her mind, his intense, observant gaze fixed firmly on her. The realization of what she was doing in that moment hit her like a punch to the gut - that she was betraying Duncan, her best friend who was off fighting in the war while she was here, allowing herself to be touched and caressed by another man.
A tear slipped down her cheek as the magnitude of her disloyalty sunk in, her heart filled with a mixture of shame and guilt.
"This... this isn't right," she choked out, her voice thick with emotion. "Duncan... he's off fighting and I... I'm here, letting myself be touched by someone else. I'm betraying him, breaking his trust, breaking the vow I made to wait until marriage…"
She opened her eyes, her gaze locking with Brian's, a mix of shame and uncertainty evident in her expression. "We shouldn't be doing this. I need to stop it, we have to stop…"
Brian responded to Courtney's sudden change in demeanor by stopping immediately and dressing her from the bottom, his movements gentle yet efficient. He then pulled her into his lap, wrapping his arms around her in a protective embrace.
"Shhh, darlin', shhhh," he murmured, his voice soft and soothing. "Tell me what happened. What's got you so upset?"
He gently ran a hand through her hair, his touch reassuring as he held her close against his chest, waiting for her to compose herself enough to speak. He could feel the tension and turmoil in her body, the way her breath came in shaky gasps, and knew that something had truly upset her.
"Sweetheart, please talk to me," he urged, his voice laced with concern. "What's got you so torn up? You were enjoying yourself just a moment ago, but now you're crying and talkin' about waitin' till marriage."
He tilted her face up so that she was looking at him, his gaze steady and serious. "You know I won't judge ya for anything, but you gotta tell me what's goin' on in that pretty little head of yours."
"Is it Duncan?" he asked, his voice gentle but firm. "You're thinkin' about him, aren't ya? That's why you're talkin' about marriage and feelin' guilty."
He continued to cradle her in his lap, his hands tracing slow, soothing circles over her back, trying to soothe her agitated state.
Brian fought to suppress a smile as he noticed the pouty expression on her face, her innocent gaze filled with a mixture of guilt and vulnerability. He found it incredibly endearing, the way she looked like a scolded puppy trying to make amends.
He held her gaze, his own eyes warm and understanding. "Go on, darlin'," he gently prompted. "Tell me what's on your mind. Why do you feel so guilty about this?"
He brushed a strand of hair away from her face, his touch light and tender as he waited patiently for her to explain her feelings. He could sense that there was more to her sudden change in demeanor than just guilt overindulging in their physical attraction. There was a deeper emotion at play here, something that tied into Duncan.
Brian's expression softened as he listened to Courtney's tear-filled confession. The mention of her promise to Duncan and the guilt it brought up tugged at his heartstrings.
He gently wiped away her tears, his voice a gentle murmur. "So that's what this is about, huh? You made a promise to Duncan to behave yourself and look out for the others. And you think you've broken that promise by letting me touch you like this."
He pulled her a bit closer to him, his arms tight and protective around her. "Listen, darlin', listen to me. You ain't broken no promises by lettin' me touch you. You're allowed to feel good, you're allowed to let yourself be pleasured, you're allowed to be tempted and to give in to those temptations."
He ran a hand gently down her back in a comforting gesture. "Duncan wouldn't want you to feel guilty for experiencin' pleasure, sweetheart."
"He wouldn't want you to deny yourself happiness or pleasure just because of some promise you made," he continued, his voice firm yet reassuring. "He'd want you to enjoy life, live it to the fullest, and that includes experiencin' physical pleasure and desire."
He leaned in to place a tender kiss on her forehead, his mouth gentle against her skin. "So don't you be worryin' about breakin' no promises, darlin'. You're just givin' in to the natural desires of the human body."
Brian's heart ached as he looked down at Courtney, her tears staining her cheeks as she looked up at him with such a vulnerable, innocent expression. He knew that she was struggling with a mix of emotions, torn between her promise to Duncan and the desire and pleasure she had found in his arms.
He gently cupped her face in his hands, his thumbs wiping away the tears with utmost tenderness. "Shhh, darlin', shhh," he soothed, his voice low and gentle. "It's all right. You're not doin' anythin' wrong."
"You're not betraying Duncan by lettin' me touch you and make you feel good," he assured her, his voice soft and earnest. "He'd want you to enjoy yourself, to live your life to the fullest. You don't need to feel guilty for lettin' yourself be pleasured by someone else."
He pulled her close, enveloping her in a tight, protective embrace. "You're just followin' the natural desires of your body, and there ain't nothin' wrong with that, darlin'. Nothing at all."
Brian chuckled softly at her question, his eyes flickering with amusement and desire. "How could I not be, darlin'?" he responded, his voice tinged with a hint of playfulness.
He pulled her tighter against him, his arms encircling her slender waist in a possessive grip. She could feel the still-hard evidence of his arousal pressing against her, the heat and hardness a reminder of his own intense desire.
"You may be conflicted, but your body certainly isn't," he murmured, his voice low and velvety.
"Your body responds to me, darlin'," he continued, his hands sliding down to her hips, holding her firmly against him. "It craves my touch, my caresses, my attention. It wants more of me and it doesn't care about any promises or guilt you may be feelin'. It's just pure, raw need."
He leaned in close, his mouth trailing soft kisses along her jawline, his breath hot against her skin. "And my body responds to you just as strongly, darlin'. Can you feel how much I want you right now?"
"Oh, trust me, darlin'," he purred, his mouth moving to her neck, his kisses becoming a little more insistent, a little more demanding. "I am. I can feel the need and desire coursing through me, the fire that your body stokes inside me every time I touch you."
He pressed her closer still, his hips shifting slightly to grind against her, his hardness a clear indication of his own aching need.
"And I can't deny it any longer, darlin'. I want you. I want you so damn bad."
"I've tried to hold back," he continued, his voice a rough whisper against her skin. "Tried to control myself, to be a gentleman and not take advantage of the situation. But you make it so damn hard, darlin'. When you respond to my touch like this, all soft and sweet and submissive, I can't help but crave you even more."
He nipped at her neck with his teeth, a low growl escaping his lips as he fought back his primal need to claim her completely.
Brian pushed her onto the carpeted floor, his body covering hers as his weight pinned her down, his muscles taut and strong. Her wrists were pinned above her head by his larger hands, his grip firm but gentle.
He looked down at her, his eyes darkened with desire and need, as he took in the sight of her lying beneath him, her body a feast for his senses. He slowly moved one of his legs between hers, his thigh pressing against her intimately.
Courtney's heart raced as she lay beneath Brian, her wrists pinned above her head and her legs spread by his strong thigh. The realization that she was letting him take control, that she was letting herself be in this vulnerable, submissive position, sent a shiver down her spine.
Her voice trembled as she spoke, her words laced with a mix of desire and determination. "I... I'm still saving myself for marriage," she whispered, her breath coming in shaky gasps as she looked up at him with pleading eyes.
"Please, Brian," she continued, her voice laced with a hint of pleading and vulnerability. "I... I don't want to do anything we'll regret later. I want to honor my promise to Duncan, even though my body is craving your touch..."
She shuddered as he teased her with his thigh, his dominant presence making it harder and harder to resist his advances.
"I can't... We can't," she protested, her words a mix of determination and desperation. "I... I can't just give in to these desires... I need to stay strong..."
Her body arched against him, as if betraying her words, her hips rocking against his in a way she couldn't control. She was losing herself in his touch, her body responding to him even as her mind tried to cling to her promise.
"I know I want this too," she continued, her words nearly a broken whisper. "I want you so much, my body craves you more than I ever thought possible. But... but I can't... we can't... not yet..."
She let out a soft moan as he moved against her once more, his thigh pressing against her more firmly, sending waves of heat and pleasure through her body, weakening her defenses with every passing second.
"I... I have to be strong," she pleaded, her voice a strangled gasp. "I can't give in... I... can't... Oh, god, Brian... your touch... it's driving me insane..."
She looked up at him with wide, pleading eyes, her chest heaving as she struggled to maintain control despite the overwhelming need coursing through her body. She was losing herself, inch by aching inch, her resistance crumbling with every brush of his thigh against her sensitive flesh.
The sound of the zipper sent a shockwave of realization through Courtney's body. Her eyes widened in a mix of shock, fear, and a strange, forbidden excitement. She was frozen, her entire body taut with anticipation as she listened to the sound of Brian's pants being unzipped.
Her heart thumped loudly in her chest, her mind racing with a thousand conflicting thoughts. She knew what was coming, she could sense the intensity and lust in Brian's actions, and yet a small part of her yearned for it, ached for it.
"Brian," she whispered, her voice a mixture of trepidation and anticipation. "Wait, we... we can't..."
But her protests were half-hearted at best, her body betraying her words as she arched her back, her body still pinned beneath him, her hands still restrained above her head. She knew she should resist, she knew she should stop him before they went too far... but the heat of the moment was too strong, the need too primal.
Courtney's mind was racing as she looked around her, the secluded corner of the library hiding them from view, but it did little to soothe her worry and anxiety. She knew what was about to happen, she knew she was about to give in to Brian's desires, and it terrified her even as it excited her.
She glanced at Brian, her eyes wide and vulnerable, her body still pinned beneath his. She opened her mouth to protest once more, but the sight of his pants and briefs being stripped away silenced her.
"N-no, wait," she whispered.
"Be quiet," Brian whispered back, his voice a soft command. His gaze was dark and intense, his own desire and need evident in his eyes. "We're alone here, darlin'. No one will find us. Just relax, trust me."
He moved over her, his body pressing hers down into the soft carpet, his hand moving to cup her jaw, tilting her head up to meet his gaze. "Close your eyes," he murmured, his voice a low, sultry growl. "Just feel what I'm about to do to you."
Courtney hesitated for a moment, her heart hammering in her chest. But the heat and intensity in Brian's voice and eyes broke through her defenses. With a small, surrendering sigh, she closed her eyes, her body quivering with a mix of fear and excitement.
The loss of her sight only heightened her other senses, making every touch and sound more intense. She could feel the rough carpet beneath her, the heat of Brian's skin against hers, the scent of his cologne and sweat mingling with the musky scent of her own desire.
Brian's whispered words sent a wave of relief and warmth through Courtney's body. The fact that he was respecting her boundaries, that he would never force anything, was unexpectedly soothing. She responded with a small, breathless giggle, her body relaxing slightly beneath his.
"I... I appreciate that," she murmured, her voice a mixture of gratitude and arousal. She was still nervous and apprehensive, but the fact that he was being gentle and considerate made it easier to breathe.
"Just... just rub against me?" she asked, her cheeks flushing with a mixture of shyness and desire.
Brian gave a soft, affirmative hum, his own desire and need still evident in his eyes. He shifted atop her, his body laying fully on top of hers, his weight a delicious, pressing heat against her form.
"That's right, darlin'," he growled, his mouth moving to her ear, his breath warm and hot against her skin. "Just gonna rub ourselves together, nice and slow..."
He rolled his hips against hers, the friction between them sending sparks of heat and pleasure through her veins.
"You feel so damn good," he whispered, his voice a low, rough growl. "So soft and perfect"
He began to move against her, his body grinding into hers in a slow, sultry rhythm, the friction and heat building steadily between them. His hands roamed her body, touching and caressing every inch, his hands seeking and finding every sensitive spot to tease and explore.
Brian could feel the heat and dampness of Courtney's arousal through her panties, the fabric growing more and more soaked as he ground himself against her. The sensation sent a wave of heat straight to his own aching need, and he had to bite back a moan as he continued to move atop her, the friction driving him to the edge of his control.
He could feel her shifting slightly, her attempt to sneak a peek at his arousal not as subtle as she thought. He knew she was curious, her shyness only making him more eager to give her what she secretly craved.
"Trying to sneak a peek, sweetheart?" he whispered, his voice a soft tease, a hint of mirth in his tone. "You know you don't have to be shy. You can look all you want."
He moved his body just enough to give her a better view, allowing her a good look at his arousal, hard and aching, just inches away from her core.
"See something you like?" he teased, his voice a low, sultry rumble. He watched her face, watching her eyes widen as she took him in, her breath catching in her throat. He could see the flicker of desire and need in her gaze, her shyness warring with her growing need and curiosity.
"You know what you do to me, darlin'," he whispered, moving his hips in another slow, deliberate roll, pressing his aching need against her damp, soft center.
Courtney was speechless, her eyes fixed on his arousal, her breath coming in short, quick gasps. Her mind was a swirling mess of desire and need, and she could hardly believe this was happening. Here she was, in the secluded corner of a library, with a man she barely knew, and her body was on fire, her need growing with each passing moment.
Her hips involuntarily moved against him, seeking more of that delicious friction, her body arching and rubbing against him in a silent plea for more.
Courtney's breath hitched as she took in the sight of Brian's arousal, her inexperience and shyness evident in her wide-eyed gaze. She was fascinated, her eyes tracing every inch of his length, her mind cataloguing each contour and detail.
Her cheeks were flushed, a mixture of embarrassment and arousal coloring her face as she couldn't tear her eyes away. It was so alien and yet so exciting, and she felt a sudden, overwhelming need to touch and explore him.
Courtney's breath caught as she took in the sight of Brian, his arousal standing hard and proud in his hand. She couldn't help but make small, nervous noises of surprise and awe.
"It looks so... angry," she whispered, her voice a mixture of wonder and trepidation.
Brian chuckled softly, a hint of satisfaction in his smirk. "Angry?" he chuckled again, giving a light, gentle stroke up its length, drawing her eye.
"Does it make you nervous?" he asked, his voice a low, silky drawl. He moved his hips again, pressing against her, drawing a soft gasp from her lips. "You can touch it if you want," he whispered, his tone reassuring. "Go ahead. It won't bite, I promise."
Courtney hesitated for a moment, her shyness warring with her curiosity and need. She wanted to touch him, to feel the silky, hot length in her hand, but she was also nervous, unsure of what to do.
Tentatively, she reached a hand up, her fingers lightly brushing over the swollen head of his arousal. The sensation sent a thrill through her, and she bit back a gasp, her eyes wide and filled with a mixture of fear and excitement.
Brian moaned softly at the feel of her fingers on his sensitive skin, his body shuddering involuntarily. The gentle, tentative touch of her fingers sent a shudder of pleasure through his core, and his grip on her hip tightened.
"That's it, sweetheart," he murmured, his voice rough with need. "Just touch it. Explore it with your hands."
Courtney's fingers trembled as she explored him, her touch becoming more confident and sure as she grew more comfortable with his size and shape. She felt the heat of his skin, the smoothness of his flesh, the hardness and softness all at once.
As her hand stroked him, she found a particular spot that drew a low, guttural moan from deep in Brian's chest, and she couldn't help but give it a small, curious squeeze.
Brian's eyes fluttered shut for a moment as her fingers found that sensitive spot, his hips bucking against her involuntarily. He let out a low, guttural moan, his body tense with the effort to keep control.
"Ah, God, sweetheart" he gasped, his voice strained. "Be careful... I'm not gonna last if you keep doing that."
Courtney's eyes widened as she heard the need and raw desire in Brian's voice, her stomach fluttering at the knowledge that she was the cause of it. She paused for a moment before resuming the motion, her touch firmer now, more deliberate. She wanted to see him come undone, to feel him lose control because of her.
Brian's breath came in short, ragged gasps as Courtney continued to touch him, increasing the pressure and speed of her movements. His body was taut, his control nearing its limit, his whole being focused on the pleasure and need coursing through him.
He tried to speak, to warn her, but his words came out in broken gasps and moans, his body arching against her, seeking more and more of that delicious, maddening friction.
"Oh, God... darlin'... I'm gonna..."he gasped, his voice strangled. His control was slipping away, and he couldn't hold on much longer.
He reached down, his hand locking onto her wrist, stopping her movements just as he was teetering on the edge. He forced himself to take deep, shaky breaths, fighting against the overwhelming urge to let go.
"W-wait," he gasped, his voice a ragged plea. "I... I need a moment. If you keep doing that, I'm gonna come right now, and I'm trying to make it last..."
He held her wrist tightly, his grip almost bruising, his body trembling with the effort to hold back his release. His eyes were dark with desire and restraint, his breaths coming in short, sharp gasps as he held on to the edge by a mere thread.
Brian took a moment to gather himself, his breaths gradually evening out as he fought to gain control. He looked down at Courtney, taking in her shy, submissive pose, her body beneath his and her eyes watching him with trust and expectation.
He let out a shaky breath, his eyes raking over her body, drinking in the sight of her vulnerability. "You trust me, darlin'?" he asked, his voice a low, gravelly rumble.
"I need to hear you say it," he murmured, leaning down to press a hot, soft kiss to her throat, right above her pulse point. He could feel the frantic beating against his lips, could almost taste the heat and the need coursing through her veins.
His hands roamed down her body, possessive and claiming, caressing her curves, his fingers skimming over her thighs, teasing the edge of her panties without moving them.
"Tell me you trust me," he whispered, his lips moving up to her ear, his breath warm against her skin. He nipped gently at her earlobe, his teeth grazing the sensitive flesh, his tongue tracing a hot, wet path down the side of her throat.
His body was practically thrumming with need, his restraint thinning, his restraint fraying. He fought the urge to rip away her panties, to claim her fully and completely.
"Say you trust me," he repeated, his voice rougher this time, a hint of command in his tone. His body was pressed close to hers, his weight pinning her down, trapping her beneath him.
His hands continued their explorations, moving down to her thighs, gently parting them, his touch growing bolder, a silent demand for more access.
"I need to hear it, darlin'," he whispered against her skin, his lips moving back to her throat, his tongue tracing a trail of hot, wet kisses down to her collarbone. All the while, his hands kept roaming, his body pressed against her, his hardness pressing against her inner thigh, its heat and length a maddening torture.
Brian's breath caught as he heard her trembling confession, her words a stark reminder of her innocence and her beliefs. For a moment, frustration and desire warred within him, the need to claim her and possess her conflicting with her beliefs.
But as he looked down at her, the vulnerability in her eyes and the way she trembled beneath him, a different feeling bloomed in his chest, one that was unexpected and unfamiliar to him.
"Ah, darlin'," he whispered, his voice hoarse with a mixture of desire and resignation.
He leaned down and kissed her again, a slow, languid kiss, his tongue delving into her mouth, twining with hers, tasting her sweetness. Despite the frustration and the need that burned within him, he couldn't bring himself to push further, to take what he wanted.
He pulled back from the kiss, resting his forehead against hers, their breaths mingling as he fought to get himself under control. "God help me, you're gonna drive me to the brink, sweetheart," he whispered.
Brian's grip on her hips tightened as he fought against the primal urge to take her, his body taut with need. He could feel her body trembling beneath him, her heat and softness so close yet not quite within reach.
With great effort, he held back, his eyes fixed on hers, taking in the mixture of fear and desire that flickered in her gaze. She was both an angel and a temptress, his own personal contradiction, a mix of innocence and siren song.
He could feel his control slipping, his need for her growing with each passing moment. The sight of her, the feel of her, the scent of her, it was driving him to the edge of madness. But he couldn't, wouldn't, cross that boundary. Not yet.
"You're so goddamn beautiful," he whispered, his voice rough with restrained desire. "So beautiful and infuriating. Do you have any idea what you do to me?"
Brian's body went rigid as the sound of Gwen's voice interrupted the moment. Frustration and annoyance welled up inside him as he listened to her approach. Why was she always sticking her nose into things, interrupting his time with Courtney?
"Gwen," he gritted out through clenched teeth, his grip on Courtney's hips instinctively tightening. "What do you want?"
Brian's jaw flared with annoyance and frustration as Courtney pushed him away and got up to fix herself. He wanted to protest, to pull her back down into his arms, to keep her close and claim her as his.
But he knew that Gwen's presence would only complicate things further. So, he reluctantly pulled away, his eyes following Courtney as she moved to fix her appearance. The loss of her warmth and softness against him was like a physical ache, a painful absence.
He sat up, running a hand through his hair in frustration. His body was still full of need and desire, unfulfilled and pent-up. He shot a glare at Gwen, silently cursing her for interrupting them. Why did she have to be so damn nosy?
"You seriously have the worst timing in the world, you know that?" he growled at Gwen, his voice edged with irritation. He wanted nothing more than to throw her out and be alone with Courtney again, to finish what they had started.
But Gwen just scoffed, unbothered by his obvious frustration. She crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow, eyeing him with a mix of sarcasm and amusement. "What, did I interrupt something important?" she quipped.
"You have no idea," Brian gritted out through clenched teeth. He wanted to strangle her, to shake her until that smug look was wiped off her face. "We were in the middle of something that you so rudely interrupted."
Brian's body went taut as Courtney mentioned the sewing duty. He wanted to protest, to keep her by his side, but he knew it was useless with Gwen there.
Gwen's smirk widened, her eyes glittering with mischief.
"Oh, that's right!" she said brightly. "I forgot about that too. We do have sewing duty in an hour. We should start heading over there soon. The fabric won't cut itself, y'know."
Brian's hands clenched into fists, his jaw working as he fought to control his frustration. He wanted to argue, to tell them that he needed Courtney with him, not in some sewing room with Gwen. But he knew it was a losing battle, especially with Gwen backing her up.
"Fine," he ground out, his voice tense. "Go do your damned sewing. But we're not done here."
Brian's body relaxed as Courtney hugged him, her touch instantly soothing his frustrations and pent-up desire. He wrapped his arms around her, burying his face in her hair, inhaling her scent.
"It's damn hard to behave when you're so delicious," he muttered into her ear, his voice low and dark with need. "You tempt me like a goddamn siren. "
Brian's frustration flared as Gwen interrupted them once again, her hand yanking Courtney out of his embrace. He had been so close, so damn close to tasting her lips, to feeling her body against his. And now he was left standing there, unfulfilled and frustrated.
He watched as she waved goodbye, her soft, sweet smile making his heart ache. He wanted her in his arms, damn it, not being dragged off by another damn cock-blocker.
He clenched his fists, his body taut with suppressed desires. He wanted to chase after her, to pull her back into his arms and show her just how much he wanted her, damn the consequences. But once again, he was left with no choice but to watch as she was taken away.
He shot a glare at Gwen, his eyes full of frustration and pent-up desire. "You really enjoy meddling, don't you?" he growled at her.
Gwen led Courtney out of the library, her grip on her arm firm and protective. Once they were out in the open air, Gwen turned to her with a tired expression.
"That soldier is using you," she said bluntly, her eyes searching Courtney's face. "Don't you see it, honey? He just wants to take advantage of you, to get what he wants and then move on to the next pretty face. "
"Men like him, they're all the same," Gwen continued, her voice laced with a hint of bitterness. "They only care about getting under your skirt. They don't care about you as a person, about your thoughts, dreams, or your beliefs. They just want one thing from you."
As they walked side by side, Gwen's mother's words echoed in her mind. The connection between Brian and her own father was undeniable, and it sent a cold shiver down her spine. Memories of her mother's sadness and pain surfaced, making Gwen's heart ache.
Courtney's sobs were like a knife to the heart. Hearing her friend cry made Gwen's frustration and anger give way to worry and a deep protectiveness. She pulled Courtney closer, wrapping an arm around her. "Shh, it's okay," she whispered soothingly.
"You don't have to see him again, honey," she continued, her voice gentle and firm. "You're young, you have your whole life ahead of you. You can do so much more than wasting your time on a handsome soldier who's just using you."
Even as she spoke, Gwen's thoughts drifted back to Brian. She couldn't deny his good looks and charisma, but when she thought of his intentions, a frown tugged at her mouth.
Gwen's heart ached as she heard the tears in Courtney's voice and the determination in her words. She knew how stubborn her friend could be, and she knew that trying to force her to stop seeing Brian wouldn't work.
So instead, Gwen tried a different approach, trying to make Courtney see reason. "Sweetheart," she began gently, "I'm not saying you should stop seeing him altogether. But you need to understand, he's just after one thing. He doesn't see you as someone to love and cherish. He just wants your body."
Gwen's eyes widened at Courtney's words. The mention of marriage brought a mix of feelings, and her mind raced with thoughts. "Marriage?" she repeated, her voice betraying her shock. "He promised to marry you? After the war, after he gets deployed?"
She studied her friend's face for any signs of doubt or hesitation. Courtney seemed so certain, so convinced that Brian had genuine intentions. But something about it didn't sit right with Gwen.