LEX'S POV

I can't see a fucking thing.

Roman didn't utter a word as we left the cab. He paid the driver, almost doubling the fare in tip and then his hand slid around mine as he pulled me towards the hotel, across the lobby and into the elevator. Alone at last and I was more than happy to carry on where we left off, but the second I even attempted to brush my hand over his straining crotch, his grip on my other hand tightened and he shot me a warning look.

I backed down, my insides fluttering as I took in the steely gaze, the tight jawline and the hint of a snarl in his lips. My panties dampened accordingly, as if on order. I squeezed my thighs together, a movement that didn't go un-noticed and I stopped instantly as he raised his eyebrow.

I was completely and utterly under his command. And my skin tingled with excitement and anticipation. He may have had a plan up his sleeve, but I too had him right where I wanted him. I knew exactly what I wanted for my birthday and I was going to get it, no matter what.

When the elevator door pinged open, I realised that we'd travelled several floors higher than the room we'd checked in to earlier in the day.

"Wh-"

Roman raised a finger. "Do you trust me?"

It's a funny question – you trust most people, right up until the point where they ask you that exact question. And only then do you even begin to wonder yourself. But I had no hesitation. I nodded, my body trembling as he offered me a small, barely there, smile.

"Good. Close your eyes."

I did as he said, sensing him move behind me. The softness of silk tickled my bare shoulder and then I felt the material cover my eyes, heard the swish as he tied it firmly at the back of my head. His hands brushed my hair back over my shoulders and I couldn't help but shudder as his lips caressed my skin.

"Good girl," he murmured, his body pressing against mine as he leaned forward. I listened as the elevator door slid home and my stomach jolted as we started to move upwards again.

His fingers ghosted over my sensitive skin as we rose higher and higher. His breath was warm against my neck as his fingers laced with mine just as the door pinged open for the second time.

"Walk forward, baby girl," he commanded, his hands on mine still as he guided me out of the elevator. "I got you."

Those three words. They mean so much in so many different ways. It's what he says when I'm on a step-ladder shifting boxes around the top of the wardrobe. It's what he murmurs when I bump into inanimate objects and curse profanities until I'm blue in the face. It's what he promises when he picks me up after a rough day. It's what he whispers when I'm limp in his arms, my release washing over me as he softens his thrusts and pulls me into his arms.

They mean more than I love you.

My heels click on a hard surface and I sense the space surrounding us as the sound echoes. My mind is back in the here and now, my anxiety and anticipation fighting each other as Roman guides me across the floor that suddenly turns to carpet. He pauses, keeping me steady in his arms, before he chuckles softly.

We move forward once more, only for him to stop me a few paces in.

"Hold your arms above your head," he breathes into my ear. I raise them, feeling his hands circle my wrists and then push my arms apart and rest them against a cool, hard surface. "Perfect... Now, spread your legs for me."

I bite my lip as his voice drops into the dark and dangerous territory I've only encountered a handful of times before. I'm fucking dripping at the thought. I shift my legs open.

"Wider."

I do as he says until his hand stops me, gripping my hip in approval.

"Good girl. Lean forward."

I press my forehead against the hard surface and as much of my body as my stance will allow. His hand moves from my hip to my ass, squeezing hard and then pushing my lower body forward as well.

"You're a tease, Lexi. A fucking tease." His mouth is by my ear again and I feel my legs start to shake as his tongue runs along the shell before he nips at my earlobe. "You think, just because it's your birthday, you can do as you please? You're sadly mistaken, I'm afraid... You know what happens when you tease. You know what that does to me."

I nod, tentatively. I don't trust myself to speak. Words flit through my mind, but barely pause long enough for me to form a coherent thought, let alone a sentence. His hand drops from my ass, his fingers gliding over my bare thigh instead. His other hand mirrors the actions and I instinctively clench my hands into fists.

"Palms flat."

I groan, but obey.

"Do that again and I'll strap your hands down," he threatens softly, his body flush against me. I can feel his heart hammering in his chest, beating through to my back. I bite my lip hard as he nudges my head to once side, fingers brushing away my hair so he can attack my neck.

"You were mighty generous back in the cab, Lexi. Anyone would've thought it was my birthday, not yours. But I've always known you've craved my dick." He grinds against my ass to emphasis his point. "You can't get enough. Your hand, your sweet, sweet mouth, your pussy."

I shiver at the final word and he chuckles, his breath tickling my ear."Yes, Lex. Your pussy craves my dick."

He grips my hip and pulls me back to him, creating enough space between my body and the wall for his hand to slip between. He growls in appreciation as his fingers caress my wet panties.

"Is that for me, Lexi? Are you this wet for me?"

I nod shakily, as he traces my entrance with one long, thick finger.

"Take them off."

I slowly lower my hands and shift my dress up slightly to grip the waistband and pull them down. As soon as they're below thighs, I feel a sharp tug and the sound of tearing rips through the silence.

"Much better." Roman's hands ease my dress back down, covering my modesty. But his fingers are soon sliding under, from the back this time and I can't help but jut my butt out behind me at this touch. I grind back against him and I can hear the change in his breathing as I do. And then: "No."

I lean forward again and am rewarded when he pushes a finger into me. I whimper softly as he pulls it back out, spreading my wetness. I press my hands hard against the wall, my body tensing as he circles my clit, touching everywhere else aside from where I want him the most. His hand grips my hip, holding me still.

"Ro..." I manage to choke as he pushes his finger back inside me.

"What's the matter, Lex?" His beard scratches my shoulder as he lazily pushes in and out of me. "Tell me."

"I... Shit, Ro... I need you."

"Patience, baby girl."

I groan as he curls his finger inside me, brushing over my g-spot, making me groan loudly. My knees start to shake, my feet in pain from my shoes and the pressure of having to keep upright. Roman's hand moves around my waist, pulling me back to him slightly. I feel his legs against the back of my thighs as I prop myself between him and the wall.

"You're so wet." His voice clips around the T, making my stomach flip. His finger slides out of me again. "Open your mouth."

I part my lips and feel his finger slide into my mouth.

"Suck it."

I run my tongue over the digit, tasting myself and then wrap my lips around the base and suck hard, pulling my head back to release him before I press a kiss to the tip. He runs it over my lips, his breathing heavy and laboured in my ear. His hand drops back to between my thighs and this time, there's no bullshit as he plunges two fingers inside me, making me curse loudly.

And then his other hand makes contact with my ass and I'm shocked into silence. The slap rings out around us and my mind starts to shut down. He squeezes the flesh hard and then raises his hand again, his slap harder than the first, making me exhale sharply.

His thumb starts to rub my clit and I can't choose what to focus on. His fingers frantic inside me, his thumb twisting and flicking my clit, his hot breath on my neck, his tongue licking along my hairline or his hand, that large hand which smacks my ass for a third time.

"Fuck, Lex. You're pussy is like a vice," he grits out as I involuntarily tighten around his fingers as he smacks my ass again. "You like that, baby girl? You like me spanking you? Do you want my handprint on your ass?"

I nod my head feverishly, my legs shaking uncontrollably as I hurtle towards my release. His thumb is fucking insane, the pressure just right, the speed spot on. He knows me inside and out. He knows where to push, pull, squeeze, press.

"Shi-it. Ro... I'm..."

I feel the blindfold loosen and I blink, my eyes unfocused for a second. And then it's too late – my body snaps and I fall forward with a cry, my mind struggling to keep up as I look out at the strip below me. I'm not against the wall. I'm against the floor to ceiling window, my body pressed against the glass, with nothing below me but neon lights. My breath catches in the back of my throat as Roman pinches my clit and I fall.

I squeeze my eyes shut, my head spinning as I try to push myself away from the glass.

"Holy crap... Fuck, Ro. I..."

My legs are like jelly, vertigo fighting to take over me as I struggle with the sensory overload.

"Sssh," he murmurs in my ear. His hands glide up over my back to my shoulders where he pulls me to him, edging me away from the glass for a second. "Deep breath, Lex."

I inhale shakily, my head pounding.

"You okay?" he asks, his fingers rubbing small, slow circles across my shoulder blades.

"I..."

He brushes his lips over my jawbone. I twist my head away from the view and my mouth meets his. Letting me turn to face him, he presses me back up against the glass, his body flush against mine as he deepens the kiss.

I want to get away from the window, but he won't let me, my body trapped between it and him. But his kiss is strong, hard and hot. His hands caress my hips, edging my dress up to my waist as he grinds his crotch against me. He pulls back for a second and tugs his shirt over his head, loosening his hair from its band at the same time.

Terror mixes with desire.

I help him un-do his pants, my hand brushing over his hard length as he holds my gaze.

"Trust me."

He lifts me easily and I wrap my legs around his waist on auto-pilot. I feel him brush over my clit, wincing at the sensitivity before he slowly lowers me onto his dick. His eyes squeeze shut for a second, but then he opens them and meets mine. I'm lost in the grey orbs, momentarily forgetting where we are. He rests his forehead against mine, unblinking as he starts to lift me up and down.

I wrap my arms around his neck, burying my face in his shoulder as his thrusts become slower, but remain just as hard, my body jerking with every single one.

"Hands above your head, Lex," he growls.

I shake my head.

"Now."

"I..."

He pauses, his body pinning me to the glass. His hands pull mine away from his neck and he stretches them high above my head. His fingers dig into my wrists as he pumps into me, painfully slowly.

"Open your eyes."

I can't help myself. His voice is low, dripping in sex and I can't help but do as he says. He meets my gaze, a small smile tugging at his lips as he watches my face contort in desire and fear. I whimper at his expression and he softens, brushing his lips over my forehead as he starts to up his pace. My thighs burn as I grip his waist tighter, the only leverage I have. My arms strain against his grip as he holds me firm, determined to bring me off on the edge of a fucking precipice.

A moan escapes my lips, as I feel my climax starting to build again. My head rocks back against the glass and I tear my eyes away from his to stare around the dark room, to focus on anything but what's behind me. The anxiety tears through me and my mind can't compute if it's good or bad, if it's pleasure or pain.

Roman slips in and out of me, grunting in exertion as he mumbles into my neck. "Fuck, Lex. You're dripping. You're on the edge, baby girl. I can feel it. Let go. For me. Let go."

I blink, tears forming in my eyes as my body starts to go numb. His voice echoes around me as I tumble into oblivion, my senses awash with a cocktail of emotions that blur into one: panic and lust, desire and torment. Roman isn't far behind, his body stiffening as he bites down hard on my neck. I hiss his teeth bruise my skin, wriggling my hands in his vice-like grip.

Pulling back, his hands drop to my hips so he can pull out of me, before lowering my legs to the floor. He gathers me in his arms, pulling me away from the window. I clutch at him, my legs still shaking as I struggle to walk. Without a word, he stoops and sweeps me off the floor and carries me across the room.

Pausing at the door, he flicks on the light and then moves forward to set me on the bed. I lie there motionless, still struggling to comprehend what has just happened. I feel his hands on my ankles, his fingers unbuckling my shoes before he removes them completely and his fingers dig into my soles. Then he pulls me up, pushing my dress up over my head and then unfastening my strapless bra so I'm naked before him.

"You okay?" he finally asks.

I nod.

"I wanted to surprise you."

"Consider me well and truly surprised."

"You..." his voice cracks slightly. "I didn't mean for to be scared."

I shake my head. "I just wasn't expecting it. I couldn't keep up with what was happening."

He crawls over me, resting his arms either side of my head and lowering his face to mine. "Thought I'd give you the full Vegas experience."

"Mission accomplished," I smile up and him and watch his face relax. He moves off and to the side, pulling me on top of him. His hands find mine and he brings my wrists to his lips, kissing them softly. "I don't think you'll ever top that surprise."

"I've got plenty up my sleeve, Lexi. You should know that by now."

I rest my head on his chest, feeling his touch glide over my back. "Is that so?"

"But no more tonight."

I tilt my head to meet his eye. "You sure?"

He chews the inside of his mouth thoughtfully. "Yes."

"Y'know, I thought... When I saw Shiv, that perhaps you had something else in mind." I eye him cautiously, desperate to gauge his reaction.

"Oh really and what's that?" He shifts one hand behind his head, the other remaining on the small of my back.

"Call me stupid-"

"Never."

"I thought you might propose."

"It never crossed my mind." He grins, but the gesture doesn't reach his eyes. Grey orbs bore into me, full of anything but mirth.

"Even so," I say, choosing my words carefully. "If the thought had crossed your mind, I'm glad you didn't act on it."

"Why's that?" The grin is gone, leaving behind a furrowed brow.

"I'm not in to grand gestures, all that traditional crap. I don't want you to get down on one knee or fill the house with roses or take me out for dinner and drop the question in public. I just want it to be you. You and me." I trace my finger over his tattoo, but ensuring to keep my eyes on him. I hope and pray that he gets what I mean. That I haven't ruined his plans, short-term or long-term.

And I hope that it doesn't put him off. Because I'm right there with him. I want the next step. I want to move forward with him and only him. I want to be there for him through thick and thin, with more than just my word to back me up. I want him to have everything I have and more. I want to show the world that he is mine and I am his. I want to scream it from the fucking rooftops. I want it all.

But what I don't want is his idea of what he thinks I want. I want to make it clear that he doesn't need all that bullshit to make it special. That no matter where or when he decides to make that move, it's what he says that counts. I'm not going to beg for him to say them. From the look in his eye, he's torn. And I completely understand why. It's a big step forward into the unknown. It's a commitment that we both have to make and who knows what we'll face along the way, but I'm ready if he is.

"Good to know," he smiles and this time his eyes light up. I reach up and brush my fingers across his cheek as his hand slides under my ass and pulls me up to be level with his face.

I can feel him hard again, rubbing against my thigh as I kiss him lazily. His hands slide over the back of my thighs, lifting me slightly until he can sink into me.

I groan into the pillow, my body aching. Stretching out to either side of me, I grasp only cold sheets. Lifting my head, I see the bed and room is empty. I drop back down into the pillow and curl onto my side, pulling the sheets around me tightly. I ache between my legs, Roman's determination to fuck me into the mattress countless times throughout the night taking it's toll. But I'm not complaining. Far from it. I just wish the ache would remain, the feeling of him inside me staying with me beyond the next few days when he goes back on the road.

I roll onto my back and frown as something digs in to my spine. Grumbling to myself I pat the sheets around me and freeze when my fingers scrape over a velvet box.

Sitting up, the sheets pool at my waist. I hold the box gingerly, unsure if this is my imagination playing tricks on me or if it is what I think it is.

Me and my god damn mouth...

With my thumbs, I push the lid back. But nothing sparkles or dazzles. There's just a small square of paper, slotted into the ring holder. I tug it loose and unfold it.

To the woman who put me in my place the second she met me. To the woman who would rather have pancakes and milkshakes over fancy food and wine. To the woman who stands up for what she believes in and goes after what she wants, no matter what. To the woman who makes me want to prove to her that I am worthy of her love and affection.

To the woman that I love, care, lust, crave.

No grand gestures. Just you and me.

Fin x

A/N: No jumping to conclusions now...