not maybe, definitely

The little touches and trails of his toes over fur and skin caused shivers and little gasps. He was playing with her, but every drag caused a reaction. He was slowly unweaving the tapestry of her, revealing the hidden depths of her that even her husband had not been privy to. Had he ever even wanted to see? He said he had loved her, but now that she had seen what he was capable of, was that a lie too? The first kiss he placed on her cheek was a tender affection that meant so much more than just the manifestation of Maverick’s lust. This wasn’t just a rebellion from the cage of responsibility she was trapped within. His gentle touch made her believe that this was more than letting go of her propriety and getting laid. That was what she struggled with as the lines blurred between enjoying a good time and forgetting why she was forgetting. He tore down the walls and defenses she built up, he revealed the vulnerable soul inside, and Venom’s fears were revealed.

She was giving him everything, including a power over her she didn’t give to anyone. Maverick, a vagabond ruffian who had disrespected her title and her borders. A man who had no loyalties and was as predictable as the weather. Venom knew that this could be the biggest mistake of her life, and yet as she looked up into his brilliant gaze she felt safe and protected. As she uttered her fears his deep growl rumbled within her and he held her more carefully. She let him manipulate her form, rolling her gently to fully reveal her belly to him. She was already lost at that moment, Maverick possessed her fully. Now she needed reassurance that he hadn’t misled her, that she was really safe, that she could trust in him.

He gazed down at her, she could she the adoration there. His little smile, and lidded gaze projecting nothing but truth. Maverick cared about her. It wasn’t the words she needed as reassurance it was his actions. His rumbling voice uttered life’s truths, there were no guarantees. Maverick paused, and she could feel the ‘but’ coming even as he caressed the soft fur of her belly. His tender touch further eased the tension within as the intoxicants took stronger hold and replaced the anxiety.

If this was his last, he would have been glad to have spent it with her. "Maverick..” She whispered his name in return, obviously touched by his words as much as his wandering paws. Their eyes never left each other as he said it, and Venom felt herself warm at the conviction in his voice. He had been flirting with her since he brought her here, but every word was what he believed was the truth. He shifted again, bringing them closer as he held her protectively and hovered his muzzle above hers. He promised that he would keep her riding this high for as long as she needed. How long did she wish for this to last? How long did she need him to take her away and open her eyes.

She stiffened again as the thought of forever crossed her mind, and how badly she was burned when she last asked for such a thing. Her defenses lowered, the emotions were swift to take her, and tears welled in her crystalline gaze. "I don’t want to fall again.” Venom confessed softly, tasting his breath as she searched his chiseled features. It was foolish to believe that he had the power to undo what was done. Yet she felt him wield some kind of power over her. He deconstructed her defenses, revealed her weaknesses, but remained a shield to keep those secrets for himself. He sparked hope inside of her, and now that he’d gone through all of that Venom was reliant. Something she never wanted to admit again, only time would tell if she was making a mistake. But Venom wanted to let go and trust this man to catch her.

"Venom"