Page 33 of Queen of Serpents and Shadows

He moved in slow circles, making heat build in my lower belly until I was lifting my hips in encouragement. I needed more. His lips grazed over my hip bones, then he kissed my stomach while continuing the slow progress. Everything felt so good, but it was so slow and steady, I started to whine, “More.”

He hummed along my lower stomach, the vibrations making my breath hitch. “Was that begging I heard? It’s been a while since I had you begging me.”

“I’m not begging,” I told him. “I’m demanding.”

He laughed and I leaned up and reached for him. He adjusted and our lips crashed together. I pulled him on top of me, his hips settling between my thighs. I needed him as close to me as possible. I needed to feel all of him, taste all of him, breathe him in until I wasn’t sure where he started and I began.

Our tongues clashed and his hands were in my hair,then sliding down my neck to my breasts. His palms were rough, but I arched to meet him, encouraging more. His lips moved to my chin, then my jaw, then my neck. I moaned as I leaned my head back, reveling in every sensation.

I could feel his hardness at my entrance, sliding and teasing. My hips rose and fell, impatient for him to be inside me. When his mouth found my nipples, I gasped. His tongue flicked and swirled while his hands caressed and squeezed. Moving from one breast to the other, he increased his cadence. I ran my hands along his back and when I reached his hips, I pulled him closer as I wrapped my legs around his waist.

He took the invitation and thrust into me in one quick moment without slowing the sensations with his mouth. I cried out, arching my back in response to the sudden increase in pleasure.

I kissed every part of skin I could reach, pressing my mouth to his shoulders before drawing his head back to me, recapturing his lips. He moved slowly inside me, the sensations intense and euphoric. I knew I’d never get enough of him.

His kiss was intense and claiming; there was a desperation there that I’d not felt before. I returned it ferociously, using my body to reassure him. He responded, meeting me with the same force as he increased the speed of his thrusts. I gasped for breath, and my hips moved in time with him, struggling for air as pleasure built in a crescendo. I had to pull away, myhead tilting back, eyes closed as I moaned. Gripping the sheets, I gave in, letting the ecstasy wash over me as I climaxed.

Catching my breath, I opened my eyes, then cupped Ryvin’s cheek. He’d stopped moving and was looking down at me with a pleased smile on his lips. “You’re so fucking beautiful when you come undone.”

If my cheeks weren’t already so hot, I might feel a flush creep in. “Your turn.”

He laughed. “I’m not done with you yet.” He wrapped his arms around me, lifting me as he sat up, taking me with him. My legs were around his hips and I was sitting on his lap with him still inside me. I inhaled sharply, my eyes widening at the sensation of the new position. He smirked.

He wrapped his arms around me, pulling me so close our chests were pressed together. Moving so my knees were on the bed, I began to ride him and this time, I got to watch as his eyes widened. He moaned, his eyes closing as I increased speed.

After a few moments, he wove his fingers into my hair and pulled my head to him. Our lips collided and we devoured each other. His hands moved over my skin, caressing and kneading my breasts, moving down to grasp my ass, ghosting over my back. His touch left a trail of tingles wherever he went, making all the sensations even more intense.

I dug my fingers into his back as I held on, struggling to stay focused on my movements while all the sensationscollided. I was quickly reaching my limit, desperate to continue until I could give Ryvin a release of his own.

His breathing was rapid, and I could sense that he was just as close as I was. I broke from our kiss, moving my mouth to his neck. I licked and sucked and brushed my lips against his skin, tasting the salt of his sweat. He leaned his head back and his hands stilled, sprawled out on my lower back for a moment before he wrapped his arms around me and pulled me even closer. The sensation of losing myself in his embrace pushed me over the edge. My back arched and I let out a series of cries as release coursed through me, emptying my mind of all but pleasure as oblivion overtook me. Ryvin’s fingers dug into my back and he groaned, finding his own release.

I leaned my head on his chest, breathing him in as I caught my breath. He leaned down, his cheek against the top of my head. We stayed that way for a long while, so close that we were almost one person.

Then, he turned with me still in his arms, until my back was on the bed. He glistened with sweat, but he had a relaxed, calm smile on his lips. “I’m not finished yet.”

I lifted a brow in silent challenge before grabbing him and pulling him to me. After a few more rounds, I fell asleep wrapped in his arms. I dreamed that I was walking through fields of wildflowers on a cliffside overlooking the sea. It was the first time in a long time that I slept soundly and dreamed of something beautiful.

13

Lagina

I setthe book down at the sound of footsteps and was surprised to see Cora entering the library. She glanced around nervously, as if concerned that someone was going to jump out and attack her.

“We’re alone,” I called, hoping to help calm her.

Her hands were clasped in front of her, her body tense. “Good.” She walked into the library, then hesitated in front of the chair next to me.

“You can sit. You’re welcome to join me,” I offered. We’d invited her to help, but she’d been avoiding everything that had to do with the war. “Sophia and Aunt Katerina just went to get something to eat. They’ll return shortly.”

“I know. I saw them in the breakfast room. It’s why Icame now. I wanted to talk to you,” she said as she settled into the chair.

I turned so I was facing her. “What can I help you with?”

“The alliance with the dragons is the only thing that might save us, isn’t it?” she asked.

I knew where she was going with this. “I’m sorry, Cora. If I could offer myself in your place, I would. You know I would.”

“I’m not asking to get out of it.” She blew out a long breath and I noticed that her hands were shaking. “I’m asking to have the wedding now. Before the fae arrive.”

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