Page 70 of King of Fire and Flames

“Always,” I said. “I will always and forever adore you.”

With trembling hands, I slid the gown up her thighs, exposing her body to my devoted appraisal. Through a hooded gaze, she tracked my every move, her skin pebbling at my touch, her breath labored. Tantalizing moisture glistened at her center.

I’d barely touched her, and she was wet for me, needing me badly. And yet I knew I desired her more. Certain I would die if I couldn’t bury myself in the sanctuary of her body.

“Nothing else matters,” she murmured, as if reading my thoughts.

In case someone entered, I shrugged off my cloak, but kept my shirt on and unlaced my pants. Even though I longed for every part of our skin to be in contact, at this time and in this place, it was impossible.

“Soon,” I told myself, the thought connecting through our bond.

Leaf shook her head. “Not soon, now. Kiss me,” she demanded, shuffling her weight onto her elbows, bringing our faces closer. “Come inside me. Hurry.”

“You’re as demanding as ever,” I said, pushing her backward, then climbing over her.

She writhed beneath me, one hand pulling my head down, the other fumbling at the laces on my pants.

With a laugh, I framed her face with my hands, then kissed her slowly. Each time she tried to rush me, I nipped her lip and soothed her with a soft whisper.

I’d been waiting for Leaf to look at me this way again since the moment I learned that the Sun Realm had captured her, tricked her, and placed the blame on me. I had to know if she trusted me. Her faith in me was more essential than oxygen. More vital than food or water.

Before we went further, I had to be certain she understood. That she knew I would always be her hero, and only her villain if she asked me very, very nicely.

Chapter 22

Arrow

“Leaf… I’m so sorry,” I said between bitter-sweet kisses. “Sorry for everything. I should have been gentle, revered you from the moment I laid eyes on you at the gilt market. Never frightened you. Not once. To atone for my sins, you can lash my body a thousand times a day. Starve me. Beat me. Anything as long as you never stop needing me. To me, you are more precious than gold. More vital than air and lightning. More necessary to life than blood. Let me show you.”

“Yes,” she murmured. “Show me. Please, hurry.”

My wings enfolded her, creating a cocoon that insulated us from the bleakness of Taln. “You are safe with me, little Leaf,” I said, sick with the need to carry my Aldara away from this terrible place. “You’ll always be safe with me. Each tear I shed is a vow to you, a prayer, and a wish that you will return my love forever.”

With a gasp, she wiped moisture from my cheek. Fuck. Since when did I cry?

Even when my family died, I screamed and raged, but shed no tears for their loss.

This was yet another lesson my human had taught me.

To be vulnerable.

To risk rejection, if I must.

Because living without her wasn’t an option.

“Oh, Arrow,” she breathed my name on a soft sigh. “Please don’t worry. Everything will be all right.”

We smiled at each other, tears shimmering in our gazes. Then I kissed her, the taste of salt on her lips the sweetest potion.

I couldn’t decide which part of her to worship next. I wanted all of her. Now. Now and forever.

She cried out as I drew a nipple into my mouth, biting one softly, then the other. A low moan vibrated in her throat as my fangs pierced her flesh, and I drew blood from the side of her breast. Only two small sips. Enough to make her arch off the bed and drag my hips forward with greedy, clutching hands.

Shaking with anticipation, I slid my hand down her body and teased my fingers through her wetness. “Fuck, Leaf. You’re so ready for me.”

She made a broken noise, halfway between a laugh and a groan. “Yes, no more waiting. Please, Arrow.”

“As you wish,” I said, sliding into her heat with one fluid movement.

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