Page 42 of Twisted Thorns

Moving over her but keeping our bodies separate, I lick away each of those salt encrusted orbs. I can't help the shudder that comes over me. "I love it when you trust me enough to make you cry." I press my body down, my throbbing cock pressing against her weeping core.

I untie her arms and nails immediately prick my flesh as Lina wraps her arms around me, trying to tug my cock closer to her demanding heat as she arches up to me.

My hand shoots out and cages Avalina's throat. "I thought I told you to stay still." She whines as I draw back and slap her pussy.

Bending down to press a kiss on her lips, my other hand squeezes her hip as I nip along her jaw and neck, where the necklace I gave her gleams in the fading light of day.

Pressing my cock at her entrance, we both groan. "Be a good girl," I hiss, "and show me how much you want my come."

Lina whines at my command but keeps her body still as I gradually inch inside of her, knowing I'm not going to last much longer. Even now, I can feel my body getting tight and my monster roaring to thrust into her so hard I leave bruises.

Shaking off the urge to punish, I focus on my pace, driving into her a little harder, a little faster, each time our bodies meet, Lina's whines turning into animalistic moans that my throat is echoing, my climax so close I can taste it.

Avalina's muscles clench around me, her nails digging into my back, and she arches and writhes, unable to control her limbs any longer. The pinprick of pain sends me tumbling over the edge after her, and I fall into the sweet release of darkness.

Chapter 21

Avalina

The scent of olive oil and warm bread engulf my senses as I take another huge bite of bread, the tang of rosemary blooming on my tongue. Bella Luna is one of my favorite places to eat, and it's not just because of the fresh bread, so warm steam escapes the loaf as I tear it apart. The atmosphere is cozy and friendly, with warm lighting and deep seats you can relax in.

Amanda and Claire sit across from me, chatting about work projects, while Iris sits next to me, scanning the restaurant menu like it holds a secret only she can decode.

We're all meeting up for the first time since the Preston Gala a few weeks ago, since we've all been busy with different work projects, many of which were kicked off at the gala, a place more for making connections than truly having fun.

Sarah and I have been busy at the library now that Mavis is taking some time before her baby arrives. I've taken it upon myself to make Kingsdale a sought-out spot for authors on book tours and I've reached out to local writers to get the ball rolling.

I'm busy munching on some bread and thinking about the authors I should reach out to next when Amanda says a name that catches my attention.

"I'm so glad we're finally getting to catch up, but I can't stay out late tonight. I've got a big meeting in the morning with Kieran Calder."

"Kieran Calder?" Iris asks. "Why are you meeting with him?"

"His family owns an extensive amount of artwork, and the gallery is setting up a showing and they want to really expand the guest list. I think he's looking into selling some of the collection."

"Oh, what kind of art does he have?" Claire asks, then looks at me. "Avie, have you seen any of it?"

Amanda frowns. "Why would Avie have seen any of the Calder collection?"

I can feel Iris staring at me, her glare practically burning holes in the side of my head.

Taking a sip of water to clear the once delicious bread now feels like a lead weight at the bottom of my stomach, I clear my throat. "Kieran and I have been seeing each other."

"What?" Amanda practically screeches. "Since when?"

"Technically, since before my accident. But then with the accident, I forgot I was in a relationship with him. We've recently reconnected."

"And you knew?" Amanda turns and slaps Claire on the shoulder.

"Hey!" Claire holds up her hands in innocence. "Iris knew, too!"

"Why am I the last one to know?" Amanda pouts.

I reach across the table to grab Amanda's hands, trying to snuff out her anger with the desperate plea of my voice. "Because it's new. Well, new to me. It's awkward having Kieran remember me so well but I still feel like I'm discovering who Kieran is. I guess I wanted to protect that. Those of you at this table are the only ones who know."

Amanda huffs, but that she doesn't pull her hands away tells me she's at least a little mollified. "I guess I can understand that." Her gaze shifts, sharpens. "But you have to tell me everything now."

Groaning, I stuff another piece of bread in my mouth, wanting to avoid exactly what Amanda wants me to talk about.

---