“I don’t want to embarrass you.”
“You could never embarrass me, baby. Never.”
Those sapphire eyes hold mine hostage for a few moments. My entire body seizes up, and I will never grasp how nervous he makes me. His smile grows, and he leans in to leave a delicate kiss on my lips.
“I should apologise to her, too,” I confess. “Now that I can actually think with a clear mind, I feel so guilty.”
Jaxon nods. “I think that’s a good idea, baby. But first, please go and see the infirmary and ask the healers to help. I can’t bear to look at the bruises forming on your face.”
I chuckle gently. “Does it not make me look cool?”
Jaxon’s jaw tightens. “No, it turns my stomach.”
“I’m fine,” I reassure him again for what feels like the hundredth time.
“You’re not fine. Let me take you there,” he says. “I won’t rest until you’re healed. And I’m not letting you fight me on this.”
This time, I don’t protest.
As I lay in bed thinking about today's events, my brain is more than scrambled. It’s like I’ve latched onto a livewire, and I’m still feeling the aftereffects. I’m over what went down with Rachel. I’ve been thinking non-stop about my reaction to seeing Jaxon sweaty, shirtless, and fighting instead.
But that pressure inside my core continued through his care and attention towards me. The way he speaks to me, touches me, and reassures me. It’s incredibly intense but in the best way.
Another image of his perfect body flashes in my mind. His muscles flexing, those big strong arms wrapping around me…wait, what?
My entire body erupts into endless flames. It’s not just him. It’s thinking about us. What is happening to my body right now? I’ve been turned on before, but I’m on literal fire.
I clamp down on my bottom lip and twist in the sheets. My hand slips over my stomach, under the fabric covering my skin, I slowly dip my fingers into my pyjama shorts and inside my underwear. I lightly brush the tips over my core, and I gasp at the connection.
I don’t even remember the last time I touched myself and allowed myself to have this private and intimate moment alone. Wow. It was a long time ago.
I close my eyes as I gently rub my fingers across my sensitive clit. More images of Jaxon’s half naked body show clearly in my head. The last thing I want to do is objectify him, but he’s beautiful—in every sense of the word.
The way he makes me feel safe. The way he positions his hands with respect. The way he cares about my wellbeing more than his own.
It’s not just his appearance. It’s everything else.
My lips begin to tremble as I rub harder, arching my back into the bed. I slap a hand over my mouth to stop the whimpers that fall from my deepest pleasures. But I don’t stop because it feels blissful and freeing all at once.
This is my body, and I get to do whatever I want to it.
It doesn’t belong to anyone else. It belongs to me.
30
AVA
Lucy and Sebastian have been home from their honeymoon for an entire day before Jaxon drags Sebastian away to train. I take a walk with Lucy through the town for a change of scenery. Every last detail of their honeymoon? I hear about it.
I swear this woman doesn’t have a filter, but I appreciate her willingness to share. It makes me feel like I’ve been here all along. I smile listening to her; it’s nice to hear happy stories and exciting memories being made.
“Anyway.” She waves a hand in her face. “Enough about me. How was it whilst we were away?”
A soft hum vibrates off my lips. “Yeah. It’s been good. Jaxon’s back to training everyone until they bleed internally.”
Lucy snorts. “Sounds like my brother.”
We fall into a comfortable silence for the first time since we stepped out of the house, and I let my boots kick the leaves that have fallen on the path.