Page 72 of Dark Fate

He pulls out of my mouth, a slick, wet sound, and smacks my jaw with a stinging slap. "Words, Angel. Let me hear them."

"Yes," I finally gasp, my voice raw and hoarse. "Yes, I love it. I'm your dirty girl."

He rewards me with a swift thrust back into my mouth, his length hitting the back of my throat. I suppress my gag reflex, determined to take him, please him, my thighs slick with my desire.

His groans fuel my fire, spurring me on as I increase my pace, eager to taste his release.

"That's it,baby," he praises, his voice strained. "Take it, all of it."

His body tenses, his abs flexing as he nears the edge, his grip on my hair a silent command for more.

The rush of excitement takes over me, knowing I'm about to push him over the edge.

"Oh—fuuuck, Angel—I'm—"

Lucianbursts into our tent, his golden blonde hair sticking up in every direction like he just stuck his finger in an electrical socket. But the moment his eyes land on me andRhylandin our—ahem—compromising position, his jaw drops so fast I swear I hear it crack against the ground.

"SweetbabyJesus on a pogo stick! My eyes! My innocent, virgin eyes!" he yelps, slapping a hand over his eyes like he's just been blinded by the sun. "But damn, guys, at least put a sock on the tent flap or something!"

He stumbles backward, tripping over his own feet in his haste to escape the scandalous scene. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'll just—I'm gonna go bleach my eyeballs now, okay? Okay. You two just... carry on with your little game of hide-the-salami. Pretend I was never here."

And with that, he scurries out of the tent like his ass is on fire, leaving me andRhylandstaring after him.

Rhylandcurses, then yells, "Anyone ever teach you to fucking knock?"

I giggle, wiping my mouth asRhylandlooks at me, half-pissed off and half still turned on, breathing hard. It's a sight to behold this Viking god of mine, all flushed and wild, his eyes gleaming with irritation and desire.

I flash him a playful smirk, "Now, where was I?"

Axilyaannounces, "Today we set forth tothe Sun Court," her voice like wind chimes in a gentle breeze, melodic and soothing. "Prepare yourself for a two-day ride to the north, adjacent to theCrystal Peaks."

I groan inwardly at the thought of another carriage ride, and the memory of my last journey’s discomfort—and the fiasco betweenLucianandRhyland—makes my decision swift and final.

"I’ll pass on the carriage," I say firmly, my voice brooking no argument. "I think I’ll manage better on horseback."

Axilyaarches an eyebrow but nods in understanding, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips.

When we arrive, the stables are bustling with activity. Horses whiny and stamp their hooves, sensing the excitement in the air. I stand awkwardly among them, painfully aware of my lack of equestrian knowledge, feeling like a fish out of water in this sea of horseflesh.

But thenRhylandappears beside me, his presence like a warm cloak enveloping my senses, his signature scent of salt and sea instantly putting me at ease.

"Are you sure about this?" he asks, a mischievous twinkle in his azure eyes. His lips curve into a smirk that is half challenge and half invitation.

I nod, mustering up a bravado I don’t quite feel. "I’ve got a gentle grasp on horseback riding—just the cliff notes, really," I say with a half-shrug, trying to play it cool even as my heart races in my chest.

He chuckles—a deep, resonant sound that rumbles through his chest like distant thunder—and reaches out to stroke the mane of a majestic black stallion, his fingers gliding through the silky strands with a casual grace that makes my mouth go dry.

"No worries,Angel," he says with a confident and charming grin. "You'll ride with me."

Before I can protest, he effortlessly swings onto the horse’s back, his muscles rippling beneath his shirt like a work of art. Then he extends a hand to me, his eyes glinting with a challenge that I can’t resist.

With a deep breath, I accept his help and hoist myself up in front of him, my body molding to his like a puzzle piece snapping into place. His arms encircle me as he guides me into position, his touch gentle but firm, and it feels good, so good, to be pulled snugly against him like this.

His chest is a solid wall against my back, his thighs pressing against mine as he adjusts our seating, and I can feel the heat of him seeping into my skin like a brand.

"Comfortable?" he murmurs into my ear, his breath warm against my skin, sending shivers down my spine that have nothing to do with the cool morning air.

Okay, sure. Horseback riding semi-virgin here, but guess what? I’m perched on this equine giant with a Viking god strapped to my back like the world’s most muscular safety feature. So yeah, I’m feeling pretty damn comfortable right about now.

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