Page 36 of Kingdom of Lies

"I said kiss me. Like you did before." She breathes against my mouth, her voice a tether that binds me to the here, the now.

For a moment, all I can do is stare. This woman, Kathleen, who should be nothing more than another responsibility, another task on my endless list, dares to defy the roles we've been given. She stands before me, not as an object to be protected or a token to be displayed, but as a force unto herself, demanding to be seen, to be heard.

A growl rumbles deep within me, a primal sound that feels both foreign and familiar. It's the sound of chains breaking, of orders being questioned. I step closer, close enough to feel the swell of her breasts against my chest. Our breath mingles in the space between us, creating a tempest that could sweep away the foundations of everything I know.

I pull her to me, resting my hand on her lower back. She timidly presses her body into mine, tilting up her face to look in my eyes. There is a nervousness in them, reflecting my same hesitation back to me. But I also see the want, I possess looking at me through her eyes.

I dip my mouth to hers, slowly brushing her lips against mine. She inhales sharply and I pause, giving her the chance to back out. When she parts her lips in invitation, it’s all I can do to stop myself from devouring her on the spot.

As our mouths meet, the world narrows to the point of singularity. There is no camp, no duty, no looming threat—only the taste of her lips, the press of her body against mine, and the shared breath of two souls entwined in a dance as old as time itself.

"Draknir," she says, and there's an edge to her voice, one that doesn't belong to the shy creature who's looked after her kin with such quiet tenacity. This is someone new, someone daring.

Her taste is intoxicating, a mix of fear and courage, and it lights up something primal within me. The room fades, the sounds of the camp beyond these walls dim, and all that exists is the feel of her body pressed to mine, the heated exchange of kisses that speak louder than any words could.

As we kiss, the warmth of her lips consumes me. Her small hands find their way to my waist, tentatively tracing the fabric of my tunic before sliding upwards to grip my shirt. She pulls me closer, and I can feel her breath against my neck as she moans softly.

Her tongue darts out to trace the seam of my lips, and I part them willingly, welcoming her inside. I press my body against hers, feeling the soft curves that make up her figure mold against mine. It's as if we were always meant to fit together like this; our hearts beat in unison as we kiss deeper yet again.

Her fingertips glide up from my waist to grasp at my shoulders, digging into the skin lightly as she loses herself in the moment beneath us. A soft whimper escapes from her throat as she runs her nails down my spine, leaving goosebumps in their wake – awakening something within both of us.

21

KATHLEEN

"Kathleen," Draknir breathes against my mouth, his heart thundering against my chest.

He pulls away slowly, looking down. His eyes are blown with desire. I feel it too, but I’m hesitant.

"I'm nervous." I say, my voice shakes and I can feel my cheeks heat with embarrassment. I have spent my life not being good enough, and this is yet another obstacle between me and others.

"Don't be afraid, I’ll be gentle. But," he pauses holding my gaze, "we don't have to do this.”

"It's not that," the words come out slowly and feel thick in my mouth. "I've never done this before. With anyone."

I lower my head, the shame burning behind my eyes.

"Kathleen," he says, lifting my chin to look at him. "We can go slow.”

"Will it hurt?" I ask in a small voice.

"If it does, you can tell me to stop at any time."

"Kiss me," I say for a second time tonight.

His lips meet mine, tentatively at first, like he's afraid that if he presses too hard, he'll break me.

His fingers intertwine with mine, guiding them up to rest on his chest. His heart beats strongly beneath my palm as I sink into the feeling of being so close to him.

Our kiss deepens, and I taste the sweetness of his tongue as it glides against my own. A soft moan escapes my throat as I lean in closer, our bodies melting together into one. He cradles my face gently, tracing the outline of my jaw.

We pull away slowly, panting slightly, catching our breath. Draknir looks into my eyes with such tenderness that it takes my breath away all over again.

"You’re so beautiful," he whispers softly before lowering himself back down to nibble at my neck playfully. Heat pools low in my stomach. I feel the need to press my thighs together, the throbbing at the juncture is ramping up with every kiss.

"Draknir," I breathe. These sensations are new to me. A searing warmth spreads across my cheeks and chest melts down low to my core.

He slowly backs me to the edge of the enormous bed and lifts me effortlessly, his mouth never leaving mine. I let out a soft moan as Draknir eases us back onto the soft, plush bedding.

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