Page 31 of The Arrangement

“The way we met,” I went on. “That’s the most direct I am these days. I typically have underlings handle such matters, but now and then the hand of the vor can expedite certain processes.”

Another sigh, another shake of her head. After a few beats, she gets up and makes her way over to the fire, the glass of water held by the tips of her fingers. She places her other hand on the mantle.

“I just need to know that I’m going to be safe,” she says finally. “I can’t be involved with a man who makes it necessary to be looking over my shoulder constantly.”

I rise, stepping over to her where she stands before the fire. Tory looks so small, so delicate, so innocent. It’s strange – I’ve only known her strength, which she has in abundance. Seeing her like that stirs something in me, something fierce and protective.

I place my hand on her chin, turning her toward me. "I swear, Tory." The words are a whisper against her lips, a vow made in the most intimate of whispers. "I'll protect you. As long as you’re in my life, in this world, I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe. No matter what.”

The urge to kiss her is overwhelming, a yearning that's become impossible to ignore. Despite every intention to keep a sliver of distance, to maintain some semblance of restraint, it all crumbles the moment our eyes lock. I lean in, the space between us charged with a magnetic pull that neither of us can deny.

So I don’t resist any longer.

Our lips meet in a kiss that's both a promise and a surrender. It's gentle at first, an exploration. But quickly, it deepens, fueled by the emotions swirling between us. Tory responds with equal fervor, her arms wrapping around me, pulling me closer.

She tastes like heaven, her tongue moving over mine, her flavor intoxicating. My hands fall to her hips, and I squeeze the roundness of her curves, pulling her against my hardness. She gasps as she feels my throbbing erection. I’m stiff as steel, my cock grinding against her thigh as I show her how much I want her without speaking the words.

We deepen the kiss into something more profound and primal, our bodies and souls intertwining and taking over. There is no room for reason here. No point. I almost rip the shirt off her, the firelight flickering against her perfect body. I trail wet kisses down her neck, nipping with my teeth along the way, licking… tasting everything. She resists nothing, instead drawing closer to me with every bite that I take. Her skin is soft and warm as my hands travel up her bare lower back, coming to a stop at the clasp of her bra. I unhook it quickly and slide the straps down her lovely shoulders, releasing a pair full, gorgeous breasts. A flashback of her fingers pinching them adds gasoline to the inner fire already making my pants too tight for my comfort.

I step back and take in the sight of her topless. Her tits are perfect, round and pert, her nipples rose-pink. Leaning down, I take one into my mouth, teasing it with my tongue.

“Oh… fuck yes,” she moans, throwing her head back and holding my head in place.

I make a mental note to make sure I explore every bit of her body in this fashion.

I rise again, gazing at her. All I want is to claim her, to show her how much I want to make her mine, all mine.

Now’s not the time for such predilections, I realize. Just as Tory needs to be eased into my life as a vor, she’ll need to be eased into my tastes in the bedroom.

All the same, I can’t resist giving in, just a little.

“Take off your jeans.” My words come out in a stern command.

Her eyes flash. “Just like that?”

“Just like that.”

“Bossy.”

“Comes with the territory. You know the drill, already, baby.”

“Yes, sir…” A small smirk crosses her lips. But as her hands move to the front of her jeans, I know I’ve gotten my way.

I always do.

Her eyes on mine, she slowly undoes the button of her jeans, then the zipper. Her hands move to her sides, and she begins shimmying down the skin-tight denim, revealing the black panties underneath. I watch her slowly, watch her expose more of her ripe, flawless legs.

The jeans are soon at her ankles, and she steps out of them, moving closer to me.

My blood simmers, my hands clenching and unclenching at the sight of Tory nearly nude before me. It takes all the restraint I have to maintain my composure. I can’t rush it like that first night. No, this conquest needs to be methodical. Calculated. If only my cock would listen. It’s aching for her.

Part of me wants to totally let go, to pounce on her like the animal I feel like in those moments.

“Get on your knees.”

She bites her lip again, as if she wants to throw some sass in my direction, but she doesn’t. Instead, she obeys my command, dropping to her knees in front of me. She looks up, and I once more take her chin into my hand.

“Open my pants.”

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