Connor returned quickly, holding a pair of soft cotton shorts and a tank top, his steps quiet as he approached Wren, who lay waiting on the bed. The room was dimly lit, the soft glow from a nearby lamp casting warm shadows that danced across her delicate features. She looked up at him with a mixture of trust and nervousness, her eyes wide and her breath shallow.

“Don’t be scared,” Connor whispered, his voice gentle and reassuring. “I won’t hurt you.”

Wren nodded slightly, her heart pounding in her chest. She shut her eyes, willing herself to relax, to trust him completely. She had never let anyone this close before, and the vulnerability of the moment made her chest tighten with both anticipation and fear.

Connor hesitated, his hand hovering near the hem of her dress. Slowly, he gathered the fabric between his fingers and began to lift it, his movements deliberate and careful. As he pulled the dress upward, she could feel the cool, silky material gliding against her skin, sending a shiver down her spine. The sensation was both thrilling and terrifying, and she found herself holding her breath, waiting for what would come next.

As the dress inched higher, a surge of emotions washed over Wren. Excitement mingled with anxiety, each breath coming faster than the last. She sensed Connor’s hands falter, his touch growing hesitant as if he could feel the tension radiating from her.

“Are you okay?” he asked softly, his voice laced with concern. “Do you want me to stop?”

Wren swallowed hard, her voice barely above a whisper as she replied, “It’s okay. Keep going.”

Connor nodded, though she couldn’t see him, and continued his slow, careful work. He tugged the dress higher, past her hips, revealing a pair of lacy red underwear that made his pulse quicken. His fingers trembled slightly as he drank in the sight before him, his mind reeling at the sheer beauty of her. The dress continued its ascent, exposing the smooth, pale skin of her stomach, and Connor couldn’t help but whisper under his breath, “Goodness, you are beautiful.”

Wren’s eyes fluttered open, catching the faint sound of his voice. “What did you say?”

Connor cleared his throat, embarrassed that she had heard him. “I said you’re beautiful,” he admitted, his cheeks flushing. “Every part of you is perfect.”

Wren blushed, her heart swelling at his words. “Thank you,” she murmured, trying to smile despite her nerves.

“Almost done,” Connor said, his voice thick with emotion as he pulled the dress over her chest and finally over her head. He dropped the garment to the floor, and when he looked back at her, his breath caught in his throat.

She lay before him in just her underwear, her curves illuminated by the soft light. Her body was a vision of softness and warmth, every inch of her drawing his gaze like a magnet. His eyes lingered on her breasts, perfectly proportioned and rising and falling with each breath she took. He felt a stirring in his own body, a tension that he tried to suppress, knowing he had to keep control.

What do I do? Connor thought to himself, panic and desire warring in his mind. She’s so gorgeous and sexy, but I know I can’t touch her. Maybe if I just gently stroke her leg, it’ll be okay. Should I try?

Before he could decide, Wren’s voice pulled him from his thoughts. “Connor…Connor, can you hear me?”

He snapped out of his reverie, blinking rapidly as he focused on her face. “What? Did you say something?”

Wren’s voice was teasing, but there was a hint of shyness as well. “I asked if you were going to keep staring or put my pajamas on?”

Connor laughed, a nervous chuckle that made him feel even more foolish. “Oh, sorry. I…I just couldn’t help it. You’re so beautiful.”

Wren’s cheeks flushed again, and she looked away, embarrassed by his unabashed admiration. But then she felt it—a gentle stroke on the inside of her thigh. Her breath hitched, and she tensed, her body reacting instinctively to the unexpected touch.

“Ahhh…what are you doing?” she asked, her voice tinged with surprise.

Connor froze, his hand still on her leg. “Sorry…did I scare you?”

Wren shook her head slightly, trying to calm her racing heart. “Just a little surprised, not scared.”

Connor let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. “I’m so stupid. I should have asked you first. I just couldn’t help myself. I’m sorry.”

Wren could see the regret and worry in his eyes, the way his shoulders had slumped with guilt. He looked like he had done something unforgivable, and it pained her to see him like this.

Should I let him touch me again? Wren thought, her mind racing. I didn’t completely dislike it. Maybe…maybe since it’s him, I’ll be okay.

The decision came quickly, born from a place deep within her that trusted Connor implicitly. She looked at him, her expression softening as she made up her mind.

“Before you dress me,” she said quietly, her voice steady despite the fluttering in her chest, “will you try stroking my thigh again?”

Connor’s eyes widened in shock. He had never expected her to say that, and for a moment, he wasn’t sure if he had heard her correctly. “Are you sure?” he asked, needing to be absolutely certain.

“Yes,” Wren replied, meeting his gaze with unwavering trust. “I’m sure.”

Connor nodded, his heart swelling with love and admiration for the woman before him. He moved closer, his hand trembling slightly as he reached out to touch her again. This time, his fingers brushed against her skin with a tender care that spoke volumes about how much he cherished her. He traced the curve of her thigh slowly, savoring the way her skin felt beneath his touch, the softness of it, the warmth.

Wren closed her eyes, allowing herself to focus on the sensation. It was new, unfamiliar, but not unpleasant. Connor’s touch was gentle, respectful, and filled with so much love that it made her chest ache with emotion. She could feel the connection between them deepening, the trust they shared growing stronger with each passing second.

“Thank you,” Wren whispered, her voice barely audible.

“For what?” Connor asked, his fingers still moving softly along her thigh.

“For being so patient with me,” she replied. “For loving me the way you do.”

Connor’s heart swelled with emotion, and he leaned down to press a gentle kiss to her forehead. “I’ll always be patient with you, Wren. I’ll always love you.”