Page 32 of Feathers and Thorns

Baz was out cold, snoring away, and Enara lifted her head lazily as she walked in, clearly on the verge of sleep.

“I know that look, Soren, and yes, it was short but rather enjoyable, thank you for asking.”

Soren pinched her lips together and tugged off her boots, tucking them into the far corner, then untied her vest.

“Jai’s back,” she whispered.

“Is he okay?” Enara asked.

“He is with Adaryn.”

“Oh?”

“She walked in on us hugging.”

“Oh … So, that’s a no to him being okay?”

“A big no.”

* * *

“You left!” Adaryn’s voice was shrill as she laid into him. “Without a single word, you left! No explanation! No goodbye! For two years, I have hated you! I mourned the loss of you! And now you waltz back in here as though it is your rightful place, and all you have to say is hello?” She beat her hands on his chest until she was sobbing uncontrollably in his arms.

“Would you rather I say good day, instead?”

“You are an idiot.”

“Yes, but I’m your idiot,” he said, brushing away a loose hair that had glued itself to her tear-stained cheek.

She looked up at him with those big, round eyes that he knew so well, and he placed a single kiss on the soft flesh of her heart-shaped lips.

She returned the kiss momentarily before pushing at his chest to look him in the eyes. “I still hate you.”

He gave her the side smirk that she loved, and she reached her hand up through his shaggy hair and pulled him down for another kiss. It was like the last two years had left them starving. They devoured each other with such fervor that it left them both breathless.

Adaryn sighed between kisses, fumbling with the clip of the belt that held up Jai’s black trousers. He pulled her hands away, mumbling against her lips, “Not yet.”

Before she could complain, he lifted her and turned one-hundred-eighty degrees, planting her firmly on the counter. He slid her closer, hoisting her skirts up and parting her legs, taking a moment to admire what lay before him. Her head lolled back as he worshiped her, and her back arched painfully as she climaxed against his mouth.

“I missed you,” she breathed between shudders as he resurfaced.

“I promise, I’ll make it up to you,” he replied, kissing her neck.

“Show me.”

And he did.

He made quick work of his belt, tossing it on the counter beside her before releasing himself from the confines of his trousers. Adaryn reached her legs forward, pulling him to her impatiently. Not wanting to keep her waiting, he thrust into her in one swift motion.

“Jai.”

The sound of her voice calling his name that way nearly caused him to finish right then and there, but he slowed his movements to calm himself. He would not disappoint her today. He pumped in and out of her achingly slow until she couldn’t take it anymore.

Their chests were pressed together, and their breathing was loud and labored.

“If you do not stop teasing me, I will have you sent to the dungeons, and I’ll have my way with you there,” she growled, giving his ear a sharp tug with her teeth.

“As you wish, My Lady.” He kissed the soft space between her breasts as he laid her back down on the counter. Then he hoisted her legs onto his shoulders, kissing the arch of each foot before burying himself back into her. He pumped faster now, and a thin sheen of sweat formed underneath his clothes. Adaryn was biting her hand to keep from crying out, and by the trembling of her legs, he knew she was going to come soon. He picked up his already feverish pace, willing his hips to move faster.

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