AN: SMUUUUUUT...but also emotional as heck. my sweet sweet babies...

Two days.

It had been two days since they had made love, and Ward was beginning to feel like he had a small forest fire beneath his skin. He ached for Soraya constantly, and the sensation of holding her in his arms each night was torture of the best kind.

Each night had been more torturous than the last; their hands were all over each other, their lips swollen with kisses, desire saturating the air in the house.

Ward tried to go to sleep, but Soraya was nuzzled up against him, her leg thrown over his hips, her bare skin searing into his. His fingers gripped her thigh, holding it against him because even though the sensation of her body against his made him want to fuck her into the mattress or rip his own balls off, he couldn't handle not having her against him.

He glanced over at the clock and huffed out a breath. It was just after midnight and he had yet to fall asleep successfully. Slowly he eased Soraya's limbs off him and slid off the bed, walking softly out onto the patio.

The cool breeze off the ocean cooled his searing skin and he dropped his head, letting it wick away the sweat that had accumulated on his neck and spine.

He closed his eyes and listened to the crash of the waves on the beach, trying to forget what it had felt like to be fully sheathed inside Soraya, hearing her call out his name in a choked whisper.

Cursing softly he shook his head and swallowed hard, knowing that he'd never be fully rid of the memory of their making love. He'd never be over her, he realized. He had fallen head over heels for Soraya and there was no going back now.

Soft hands slid up his back and around his chest, gripping him tightly. A warm body nestled into his, round hips fitting perfectly against his narrow angular ones.

"What's the matter baby?"

Her soft question hit him deep in his chest and he heaved a slow sigh, trying to fight back his emotions.

"Ward?"

"I…"

He choked on the words for a long moment and then managed to force them out.

"I love you."

He felt her sharp breath against his back and her fingers tightened against his sweaty skin. A moment later her lips pressed against his spine, sending a shiver over his skin.

"I love you too Ward," she whispered.

Shock rippled through him at her admission and he felt like he had gone numb. Surely she couldn't be serious?

Who could love him? His own father hadn't managed it.

He remained silent for so long that Soraya grew more worried than she had been before. Her fingers tightened on his chest, slipping against the sweat that had accumulated there.

"Ward…what's wrong?" she whispered. "Talk to me," she insisted softly.

His chest heaved slowly as he struggled against the tide of emotions rising within him. Tears burned in his eyes and he swallowed hard around the lump in his throat.

"I…I don't deserve you," he whispered, his voice raw with emotion.

Soraya frowned deeply and tugged on him until he turned to face her, his head hanging low, not meeting her gaze. She slid her hand up his chest, past his throat and up to his cheek, pressing her fingers into his skin.

He fought the urge to lean into her caress and kept his gaze averted, the urge to cry welling up within him dangerously. He swallowed around the lump in his throat created by emotion and shook his head, still not looking at her.

"Ward, why don't you think you deserve me?" she demanded, a hint of steel in her voice this time.

He swallowed hard again and shook his head, "I…I…I'll always hurt you," he whispered.

"Why would you think that?" Soraya insisted.

"Because! Everything that has happened since we met has been terrible, if you hadn't met me you would never have gotten hurt. You'll be ruined if you stay with me," he replied harshly.

"I rather think that's up to me, don't you?" Soraya murmured. "You're not wrong that things have been rough for us, but that doesn't mean we should give up on each other, on us. You have to be willing to fight for what you want Ward, even if it scares the hell out of you," she told him softly.

Slowly he lifted his gaze to hers, hope swelling within him.

His hand lifted to her cheek shakily, his fingers trembling when they brushed against her skin.

She leaned into his touch, her dark eyes wide and wondering. When his head tilted down, his mouth moving towards hers, he hesitated and rested his forehead against hers, their eyes meeting.

"Are you sure?" he asked, his voice raw with need.

Are you sure you love me?

Are you sure I'm good enough?

Are you sure?

If she said anything but yes he would leave, because he couldn't stand to be near her and not have her, not anymore.

Soraya smiled softly and lifted a hand to slide along his cheek, her thumb stroking his cheekbone. "Yes."

Ward shuddered at that one word that held so much power, relief coursing through him. Soraya leaned in those few spare inches and pressed her mouth to his, her kiss soft and sweet.

He sighed against her lips and slid his arms around her, pulling her soft frame against him. Soraya kissed him languidly, her tongue sliding along his for a moment before she withdrew and nipped at his lip.

Ward moaned softly and slid his hands under her silk top, encountering skin that was just as soft beneath. Her fingers wound through his hair, holding him close as they kissed. She could feel his desperation in the way his fingers griped her skin tightly and his body shuddered against hers.

She could practically feel his need for her, the ache in his chest to be proven worthy. It nearly broke her heart to know that Ward still felt so worthless, that his father could still hold such sway over him.

When they broke apart long minutes later they were both gasping softly for air, bodies pressed close. Ward clung to her, and she resolved to show him how worthy he was; how much she loved him.

Soraya took his hand and tugged gently, pulling him back inside to the bed. With gentle movements she pushed him to the bed and smiled softly down at him before straddling his lap.

She knew he was incredibly vulnerable from his admission of self loathing and fear on the patio, and she wanted to reassure him of his value. She was going to help him feel her love and make love to him slowly, sweetly.

Her arms wound around his shoulders, her fingers dancing over the muscles of his back as she leaned in, her long hair brushing against his arm as she tilted her head and began kissing along his jaw.

Her teeth skimmed over his jaw for a moment before her mouth slid away, hot and eager, towards his neck. Her tongue darted over the skin below his ear and his breath caught, pleasure simmering in his veins.

His hands rested on her hips, his body drunk with desire, weak under her caresses. She sucked lightly on his neck, then harder, her teeth buffing his skin. He shuddered at the sensation and moaned when she moved her mouth away.

Slowly, achingly slow, she pressed kisses down his neck to his chest, pushing against him until he collapsed back and she could access his whole chest.

Her fingers trailed over his hot skin, feeling him tremble beneath her touch. His heart raced beneath her palm and she could feel his chest rising and expanding, his soft noises of pleasure rumbling under his skin.

Soraya mouthed over his chest and licked his flat nipple, satisfaction swirling through her at the sound he made in return, his hips rolling into hers for a moment. She trailed her fingers over to the other nipple and rubbed her thumb over it as her teeth closed around the other and tugged gently.

Ward barely recognized his own voice when he moaned and rolled his hips into her. He was saturated with desire, trembling with need, and she had barely begun touching him.

Soraya ran her tongue over his nipple again, sucking on it a moment later, her fingers rolling the other and squeezing it gently. After a long few minutes she switched sides and continued teasing him.

"Soraya…please…please," Ward moaned, his fingers digging into her waist. His hips rolled into hers, trying to get more friction against his dick, his body aching almost painfully with need.

She could feel Ward trembling under her and moved away from his nipples, her mouth capturing his. He leaned into the kiss, mouth greedy and hot. She brushed his hair back from his forehead when she pulled back and kissed him softly, their eyes meeting in an intense look.

She wasn't surprised to see the brightness in his eyes, the struggle of emotion he was laboring under. Making love like this…it was intimate.

Slowly she worked her way down his body again, her tongue darting out to brush against his sensitized nipples before continuing lower. When her mouth worked over his abdomen, just above his briefs, he gasped and his hips canted, his dick seeking out relief.

Her fingers were nimble and pulled his briefs away, tossing them aside and allowing his cock to spring free. He was already hard, the tip weeping with the force of his need.

Laying a hand flat on his stomach and settling herself on his thighs, she leaned in and hovered above the head her warm breath burning on his skin.

Ward whimpered, a sound he hadn't realized he was capable of and tilted his hips up, trying to get relief. Soraya rubbed her hand on his stomach and hushed him, "Shh baby, its okay," she assured him, "I'm going to take care of you," she promised.

"Please…" Ward pleaded, his eyes desperate.

She smiled sweetly and lowered her mouth, opening to take his tip in. Ward cried out softly, the sensation of her warm tongue pressing against his tip was almost too much to bear, and yet he needed more.

She took him in slowly, too slow for his liking, her tongue swirling around the length in her mouth. Breathing slowly, she took him deeper until he was nearly fully sheathed in her mouth and trembling, his breaths coming in sharp pants.

She ran her tongue over him as she began working her mouth over his length, the thick vein on the underside running over her tongue. Ward groaned and shivered, begging for more.

"Soraya…please," he gasped, his chest tight with need.

She hummed softly in response and felt him flinch at the sensation, a groan rumbling in his chest. She worked him until he was trembling under her, breathing heavily.

"Soraya…I'm gonna…" he panted.

She pulled off him abruptly, ignoring his cry of protest. She leaned up over him, pressing her lips to his, keeping her hips away from his, denying him sensation. Ward moaned into her mouth and flicked his tongue against hers, his hips rolling to try and catch some of her body and get relief.

Soraya abandoned his mouth to press kisses to his jaw and neck again, covering the expanse of skin thoroughly. Ward groaned and begged, "Please Soraya…please touch me."

Her fingers skimmed over his chest slowly, pausing to roll one of his nipples between her fingers, eliciting a sharp cry from him. Her mouth left dark marks on his clavicle as her fingers went to the other nipple.

Ward was panting and groaning, his body arching under her touch, his brain on fire. His cock was so hard it was tapping against his stomach, weeping and aching for a touch.

She moved slowly back down his body and then back up to kiss him, her hand trailing down to brush against his hip. He gasped against her lips, needing more. "Tell me when you're close," she whispered against his mouth and he nodded loosely, he'd do just about anything to have her touch him again.

Soraya kissed him hard and reached down to wrap her fingers around his length, squeezing when he jerked under her touch. Slowly she kissed him, her tongue delving into his mouth as she began to stroke him, her fingers tight around him.

Ward groaned and writhed, aching for her to go faster.

"Harder…please," he whispered, his voice raw with need.

She hushed him and continued her pace, building him back up slowly. Her tongue darted out to swipe over his throat, tasting the sweat that had broken out on his skin. He shivered under her, hips thrusting into her hand, trying to get more.

Her thighs clamped around his, holding him in place as she stroked him, a little faster now. Her hand swirled around, squeezing and pulling at the head, the slick sound of her flesh against his obscene in the soft quietness of the room.

Ward groaned and begged, his hips shuddering under her touch. His dick felt like it was on fire, his balls ached with the need to come and his throat rasped each moan. Sweat pearled on his chest and slid down his throat, a deep moan coming from it when Soraya leaned in and licked delicately.

Ward mumbled something and she leaned up, "What baby?" she responded, her own voice hoarse from desire.

"C-close," he gasped.

She nodded and squeezed harder; rubbing her thumb over his sensitive tip each time she twisted back up. Abruptly she pulled her hand away and leaned in to swallow his needy cry of protest.

His mouth met hers in a frenzy and he moaned, begging for more when she broke away. "Just wait," she assured him.

She was already damp with desire, so when she rolled away and pulled her pajamas off her thighs clenched with desire at the sight of Ward's throbbing cock. Straddling him, she felt him settled between her legs, her damp folds brushing against him.

Ward moaned and reached out to grab her hips, his rolling against hers, trying to thrust into her. She shook her head and pushed his shoulder, forcing him back against the bed. "Just breathe," she whispered.

He nodded, his neck taut as he held himself in control and watched as she rose a little, her nimble fingers wrapping around him and guiding him to her entrance. She slipped down over him as she had done everything else; slowly.

Ward whimpered and trembled under her, the sensation of being inside her almost too much. When he sat fully inside her Soraya sat still, her own body shivering with need. She knew what he needed, and she would give it to him.

Rolling her hips, she leaned back and moved in a slow rhythm, sighing in pleasure. It felt so right to have him back inside her again. God, why had she waited to do this again?

Despite Ward's frequent pleas for her to speed up, go harder, she stayed slow letting the sensation build between them until she too had a sweat breaking out on her skin. She took Ward's hands and guided them up to her breasts, ordering him softly to touch her.

He complied readily, his hands filling with her soft skin, squeezing gently. His thumbs stroked over her nipples until they were hard and aching, a low heavy sensation filling them. She whimpered and arched harder against him.

When Ward realized he could get her to move harder he rolled her nipples between his fingers, leaning up to capture one in his mouth and suck on it. Soraya moaned and rolled her hips faster, pleasure swelling within her.

Ward eagerly moved his mouth to the other breast and continued, his pulse thrumming with the need to come. Soraya's fingers dug into his hair, holding him close. He could feel her heartbeat against his chest, unsteady and rapid, just like his.

Soraya sighed as Ward's mouth worked steadily. Pleasure filled her until her pussy clenched around him, the first telltale signs she was getting close.

The wet sound of their coupling made her head spin. Every inch of her was ablaze with desire, and slowly her hips began rolling faster, gasps coming from her chest almost painfully.

"Touch me," she gasped, pushing his hand low until he followed through and slipped lower.

When his fingers settled against her clit and rubbed she cried out softly, a sweet ache filling her. Sweat rolled down her back slowly, the sensation of Ward filling her and his fingers rubbing on her clit making her weak with desire.

Ward shuddered, he was so dangerously close…Rubbing harder on her clit he was rewarded with a rush of wet heat on his dick as her hips moved faster. Her moans and gasps told him how close she was and he leaned in to take one of her breasts back into his mouth.

The combined sensation was too much for Soraya and a few minutes later she was crying out brokenly, her walls contracting around him like a glove.

Ward cried out sharply and thrust harder as his own release began. His balls clenched as he spurted hot and hard into her, the sound of their release wet and messy. His cock almost hurt it was so hard, and his release was like an eruption, blinding him with ecstasy.

Groaning loudly, his mouth found hers and they kissed, tongues hot and demanding as his hips shivered with the last of his release.

Soraya whined and shuddered as he slipped his fingers from her. Pleasure sparked through her and she panted against his lips, her body slightly numb. Dark spots floated in front of her eyes as she clung to him, trying to slow her breathing.

Ward's arms were tight around her waist, holding her close. His heart thundered in his chest, his head swimming. His eyes burned with unshed tears, his throat tight and a heavy sensation filled his chest.

It had never been like that before.

With anyone.

Fuck, he was a goner.

He took unsteady breaths, trying to keep his emotions from spilling out. His fingers ran over her body, memorizing the sensation of her skin against his, shivers running over his body. They kissed slowly and when he slid from within her she whimpered against his mouth, her fingers tightening on his shoulders.

Gently he rolled her down to the pillows, his arms still holding fast to her waist. Her eyes were lidded heavily as she smiled at him, her fingers running over his chest softly.

"Are you okay?" she whispered, reaching up to stroke his cheek.

He swallowed hard and nodded, trying to find the right words. "I…It's never been like that before," he told her softly. It took everything within him not to break down and cry. His emotions were so close to the surface after their heavy discussion on the terrace and the way she had made love to him.

She nodded, smiling softly, "You needed that release," she replied, "it's stronger with orgasm delay."

"It was the most intense feeling," he admitted, "It almost...hurt."

Her brow furrowed in concern, "Did it? That's not what it was supposed to do," she told him.

"No, it was just…so intense it felt like I was breaking apart."

Her face softened and she nodded, "Good. I wasn't sure if you had tried anything like that before," she murmured. He shook his head and she rolled closer to him, gazing up at him steadily.

"Do you still think you don't deserve me?" she asked softly.

Ward appeared to think about it for a moment before shaking his head slowly, "No…not really. I think it's a large part of my addiction, not feeling deserving of being loved," he admitted.

Her eyes shone with pride as she leaned in to kiss him. This breakthrough was so important and with it, she knew he was on his way to a healthier life.

"You are Ward. And I do love you," she whispered.

His throat worked hard and if it took him a moment to answer, she didn't say anything about it. Breakthroughs and falling in love were hard.

"I love you too."

Ward watched Soraya sleep, his heart clenching softly in his chest, a sappy smile painted on his face. He could barely believe their mutual admissions of love, or the way that Soraya had loved him so slowly and tenderly the previous night.

He had never experienced anything like that, and he knew there was no way now that he would ever be able to get over her if things ended. The idea of them not being together made his throat tighten and his stomach flutter.

They were only planning to be here for another few days, and already he was dreading their return to New York. He wondered idly if he would be able to convince her to leave New York behind, to run away with him wherever she wanted to go.

But deep down he knew Soraya would never leave her family behind, not permanently anyway. Sighing softly he brushed a strand of her dark hair back from her face and watched as the sunlight crept in through the curtains.

God, I love her so much he thought wistfully, his fingers stroking her cheek gently, barely brushing the skin it was so light of a touch.

Her eyes fluttered open and a smile crept onto her lips, lighting her eyes. "Morning," she whispered.

"Morning," he replied just as quietly.

He stared at her in wonder until she flushed and laid a hand on his chest, "What?" she asked nervously.

He shook his head and his heart thudded harder, "Nothing, I just…" he breathed out softly, "I just love you," he told her, his voice unsteady.

Her smile quavered for a moment before she slid against his chest, her breath warm on his skin.

"I love you too," she breathed after a long moment of silence.

Ward ran his hands over her back, the silky feel of her body under his touch amazing him. He was still stunned that she could want him, or that she would ever even dream of allowing him to hold her like this.

Soraya tilted her head up and he took the opportunity to capture her full lips in a heady embrace. She gasped softly against his lips, and his hand at her waist pressed her closer, allowing her to feel his desire for her.

She moaned softly and he rolled her onto her back, holding her tenderly as he worshiped her body with kisses and caresses.

Over and over he murmured the same thing.

"I love you."

AN: I'm sorry for the delay on this update! I hope it's worth the wait, especially with this little breakthrough on Ward's part! More smut and love and fluff and just awesomeness to come! I'll be writing up some more chapters and getting shit planned out before I write more, but please do review and let me know what you think! xoxo