Page 37 of To Tame An Angel

“You need to look at the cards so you can learn,” I told him.

“I can’t. I’m looking at you.”

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

TANNOR

“I can’t. I’m looking at you,” I said these words tumble from my mouth before I’m able to stop them.

Nalla stared at me with her wide brown eyes as her lovely round lips softened. She’s so tender right now, so free, that to behold her is like witnessing a rainbow. One didn’t look away from rainbows, one marveled at them. A sharp feeling pierced my chest and belly, so much so that it eclipsed everything else, and it was like a rebirth. We were in a protective nucleolus only the two of us occupied.

She didn’t know this, but she held me in her palm, and I was desperately grasping the edge of her hand, ensuring I didn’t fall. This was the loveliest moment of my long, terrible, dark life. She erased all the years of bitter loneliness and painted them with vibrant colors.

I felt the same sharp pain once more between my shoulder blades, like something wishing to escape and find freedom. It would tear through bone and sinew for its birthing. Nalla’s face creased in worry when I winced, and she stood before I could stop her. She opened the door and requested a warm bath be brought in a larger tub.

Considering my body was sticky from my seed and sweat, it was probably a good idea. Still, I keenly felt the loss of the game, for I would’ve enjoyed watching her explain the rules that I’d master.

Nalla busied herself rummaging through all the small trinkets she had in her room, searching for something.

“Come back to bed,” I said.

She didn’t. Instead, she perused her oils, reading the hand-written labels to determine which was best.

“Please,” I said finally, and that gave her pause.

Her brows were still furrowed, and the gentle curves of her body peeked through her gown. In that moment, she was enticing, with her wild brown curls taking a life of their own and her cheeks flushed. I was a little desperate to taste her. In the place she won’t let me near, right in the center of her cunt.

To my surprise, she stood by me, and her hand went to my hair. I couldn’t recall a time in my life when anyone caressed my hair for the sake of it. Certainly not my mother, and never in the pits. Unconsciously, I leaned towards her, my body warming at her tender touch. That she can cause so much pain and simultaneously so much pleasure confuses and arouses me.

“Lavander oil helps with aches,” she whispered and bathed me in her natural scent, as she kissed my temple.

I pulled her in. Without overthinking, I pressed my head into her belly, pushing my forehead into the little roll of fat she carried at her waist. It was the most comfortable feeling and if I were to die, it would be there.

Nalla held me as she held me last night, when I thought I drowned, when I couldn’t even walk. The sigh that left my body unclasped more tension, more than I ever knew I carried. As if bricks downed my body for decades and just now, I realized I carried their weight. The pain in my back sharpened, and I twitched a hiss.

“It’s my spine. I don’t know,” I confessed.

She pulled back, her face as concerned as before, worried that it was her actions which caused me the lingering pain. But the dull ache on my thighs was somewhat nice, like pressing into a bruise. She searched my back, sliding her warm hand over my shoulder blades and down my spine. Her actions weren’t sexual, but somehow, they felt sexual.

“There aren’t bruises or cuts,” she murmured. “We should take it easy.”

To me, it sounded like she’d leave me alone once more to recover. Panic settled in my belly. I didn’t wish to be alone, not when I’ve just uncovered so many things about myself. Selfishly, I wanted her with me. Even if all we do is play cards. I didn’t wish her gone.

“It’s nothing,” I assured. “It’s gone, I’m fine.”

She studied my face, attempting to detect lies. I wasn’t used to smiling, but around her, my mouth involuntarily curved upwards.

“Did you enjoy it? What I did to you. The pain mixed with the pleasure?” She asked, almost unsure. She worried at her lip, tucking the lower one into her teeth.

I had the most powerful orgasm of my life, so I almost laughed at her question. Still, I was hesitant. These were new sensations and discoveries I hadn’t comprehended. In the pits, if I was beaten, I hated it. Hated each moment and only fueled hate and anger. I didn’t hate her. And I wasn’t angry. On the contrary, I kept thinking of the sting that shot desire straight into my cock.

“Yes,” I admitted.

It took a lot for the words to leave my mouth. I felt like I lost something. Dignity. Power. I’m letting go of a part of me I’ve kept hidden for a long time. Like if I voiced it, the world would know I have a weakness. It’s shaped like Nalla and the voice she used when she commanded me. The instinct to say no but scream yes.

Her fingers caressed my hair and she smiled a little. Our tender moment was interrupted by the knock on the door, that blasted door I wished to yank from the hinges. She brightened and left me. Losing her warmth was keen.

A massive tub was set in the center of the room. Servants brought buckets of hot water and Nalla walked around the space lighting candles, creating a soft glow when she closed the curtains. Now it looked like night descended and we were once more alone in the safe space Nalla created for us.

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