Page 30 of Across the Crimson Sands

Arilee’s lips curved into a challenging smile. “I’m not going anywhere.”

Four little words. Four little words that made me lose what was left of my control. In two swift strides, I closed the distance between us, my hands finding her waist. I lifted her easily, setting her on the edge of the counter.

“Good,” I murmured, my voice rough with need.

My fingers found the hem of her shirt, tugging it upwards. Arilee raised her arms, allowing me to pull it over her head. I tossed it aside, uncaring where it landed. My gaze roved hungrily over her newly exposed skin.

Arilee’s hands weren’t idle, her touch like burning embers everywhere her fingers trailed, stoking the fire building in my core.

“Your turn,” she breathed, reaching for the fastenings of my shirt.

I allowed her to remove it, watching her face as she took in the sight of my bare torso. Her pupils dilated, a flush creeping up her neck. Her sweet, honeyed scent hit me, making my head spin.

“Like what you see?” It was impossible not to tease her, just a bit.

Arilee’s eyes snapped up to mine. “You know I do,” she retorted.

Her hands slid down my abdomen, fingers dipping just below the waistband of my pants. I sucked in a sharp breath, fighting to maintain control.

“Careful,” I warned, my voice low and dangerous. “You’re playing with fire.”

“Maybe I want to get burned,” Arilee challenged, her eyes gleaming with mischief.

I growled, unable to resist any longer. My mouth claimed hers, pouring all my pent-up desire into it. Arilee responded with equal fervor, her arms wrapping around my neck to pull me closer.

As we kissed, my hands worked at removing the rest of her clothing. I peeled away each layer, revealing more of her soft, enticing skin. Arilee shivered as the night air hit her, but I knew it wasn’t from cold.

When she was finally bare before me, I pulled back to admire her. My eyes raked over her form, committing every detail to memory. Arilee squirmed under my intense gaze, her cheeks coloring.

My gaze lingered on Arilee’s exposed form, savoring every curve and contour. But as my eyes reached her neck and wrists, I froze. Angry welts marred her delicate skin, a harsh reminder of Gorin’s brutality.

I’d known about them. Seen the marks before. So why did they affect me now?

Fury erupted within me, sudden and scorching. I yearned to rip Gorin apart for daring to harm her. The need to shield Arilee, to guard her from further torment, consumed me.

But I pushed those thoughts aside. They had no place here, not now.

“Rokan?” Arilee’s soft voice claimed me from my dark musings. “Is something wrong?”

I shook my head, forcing a smile. “Nothing. You’re beautiful.”

My fingers ghosted over the bruises on her wrist, gentle as a feather. Arilee trembled at my touch, her eyes fluttering closed.

“Do they hurt?” I murmured.

As she opened her eyes, I had the strangest sensation of falling into them.

“Not anymore.”

I leaned in, pressing my lips to the marks on her neck. Arilee gave a blissful sigh, her hands flying to my shoulders.

“Let me make you forget,” I murmured against her skin. “Just for tonight.”

Arilee’s expression softened for a second before that familiar spark of defiance returned to her eyes. “You’re still overdressed,” she pointed out, her hands moving to the fastenings of my pants.

I let her undress me, my breath catching as her fingers brushed against sensitive areas. When we were both nude, I lifted her once more, carrying her towards the shower.

“Ready?” I asked, my hand on the controls.

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