Page 35 of Willow and the Wraith

His frills stroked her inner walls, the combination of soft and hard pushing her over the edge in an explosion of ecstasy and then he was roaring and his hot seed flooded her once more, the sensation carrying her higher, her body pulsing around him as he jerked and shuddered against her.

Afterwards, he pulled her into his arms and held her, his fingers gently stroking her hair. He didn’t speak, but neither did she, content to enjoy this moment and not worry about the future. His heart beat steadily beneath her face, and she let the soothing rhythm carry her into sleep.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Wraith woke as the ship’s lights began to brighten, signifying a new day on board. He was so unused to waking in his own bed that it took him a moment to realize where he was. Even more unusual was the warm presence beside him.

Willow.

He tensed, memories of the previous night flooding back. He’d told her the truth about Farlain, about the bounty. He’d expected her to order him to leave. Instead, she’d invited him into her arms, accepting him not only then but again when he’d woken her during the night, driven by his urgent need for her.

With a start he realized that he’d slept through the rest of the night, deeply and dreamlessly. The constant tension that usually coiled in his muscles had eased somewhat. He felt… rested.

Willow stirred beside him, her eyes fluttering open. A soft smile curved her lips as she met his gaze.

“Morning,” she murmured, voice still husky with sleep.

He swallowed hard, fighting the urge to pull her closer.

“Why?” he asked, his voice rough. “Why did you want me to stay? I told you I’d be paid for taking you to Farlain.”

She propped herself up on one elbow, regarding him with those warm hazel eyes.

“Did you tell me the truth about Farlain? That I would be safe there?”

“Of course.”

She shrugged, the movement causing the sheet to slip down far enough to reveal one pretty white breast - a breast reddened by his mouth. His frills stirred, but he forced himself to concentrate on her words rather than the tempting sight.

“Then why shouldn’t you be paid?” she asked.

He blinked, caught off guard by her pragmatism. He’d expected anger, betrayal, not this calm acceptance.

“I don’t understand,” he admitted, the words feeling foreign on his tongue.

“Wraith, you’re not carting me off to jail or turning me over to some sadistic slave owner. You’re taking me to a place where I’ll be safe and protected. You said there’s even another human woman there. You’ve transported me and cared for me. It’s only fair that you should be compensated.”

“I can’t just… just turn you in.”

Even the idea left a hollow feeling in his chest.

She shook her head, a look of frustration on her face.

“This isn’t turning me in, it’s more like… dropping me off.” A fleeting shadow crossed her face and he wondered if the thought of their upcoming separation bothered her as much as it bothered him. But then she gave him a gentle smile. “It’s not the same thing at all.”

He couldn’t resist any longer. He leaned down and kissed her. He’d intended it as gratitude for her understanding, but it rapidly turned passionate. Her stiff little nipples pressed against his chest as her hands began to explore his body, tracing the contours of his chest and shoulders and sending sparks of pleasure through him.

He cupped her breast, toying with a tempting little nipple until she began to squirm beneath him. He was about to replace his hand with his mouth when the cabin door slid open with a soft hiss and he quickly covered her with his body.

“I’m hungry,” Sooni announced, giving them a puzzled look.

Frustrated and embarrassed, he barely managed to restrain a growl. Willow stiffened but managed to keep her voice remarkably calm.

“I’ll be there in a minute, sweetie. Why don’t you go wait in the common area?”

Sooni gave an exaggerated sigh, but she obeyed. The door closed behind her, and he let out a long breath.

“I’ll have to remember to lock the door next time,” he grumbled, then froze as he realized the implication of his words.

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