"I wanted to feel you without barriers, Mike."

Ria blinked up at me, her eyes half-lidded and filled with emotions. "I wanted to feel you without barriers, Mike," she said softly, her voice barely more than a whisper. "I trust you. And we can get Plan B down the block at the drugstore."

I Kissed her gently, feeling a swell of love and protectiveness for this woman who had opened herself up to me in every way possible. I pulled out of her, and she moaned softly, but it was a happy sound, a sound of satisfaction.

I moved us so that we were lying on the chair, me cradling her in my arms, her legs wrapped around my hips. We were both still panting heavily from our intensity, but I could see the happiness in her eyes.

"I feel so connected to you right now," Ria whispered, her fingers running through my hair. "I know I'm not experienced, but I don't want to lose you because I won't have sex."