Page 93 of A War Apart

Pulling back from his touch, I stood and slipped off my sarafan. His eyes widened, drinking in the sight of me in only my long linen shirt. “Beautiful,” he murmured.

My cheeks blazed at the compliment, and I knelt before him. I pulled off his boots one at a time, then dragged his pants off. His erection, thick and slightly curved, sprang free. I reached for it, a thrill of power running through me.

I ran my thumb over the tip, and he gasped. Looking up at him through my lashes, I lowered my head, intending to take him into my mouth, but he reached down to touch my cheek.

“No.”

I stroked him. “No?”

He clenched his eyes shut. “No,” he said through gritted teeth. I stopped stroking, and he opened his eyes. “Not the first time, my sun. I want you, all of you.”

Heat rushed through me at his words. “Well, then.” I straddled him, feeling him against my center. I wasn’t ready yet, but he didn’t rush me. He kissed my neck, fingers trailing up and down my spine. I squirmed, every touch of his lips on my skin leaving me slicker.

“Please, Alexey.” My words were a whimper.

He groaned in response, lifting me up by the hips and sliding further back on the bed. “Whatever you need.” He laid back against the pillow. “Take it.”

My hand shook as I guided him into me. He was wider, thicker than—no, I couldn’t think of him. Not right now. Alexey moved beneath me, just slightly, and I jerked.

He froze. “Did I hurt you?”

“No. You won’t.” I’d never been more sure of anything in my life.

“Show me,” he said. “Show me what you want. How to touch you.”

I guided his hands to my hips. “Just hold me here.”

I slid up and down on him, relishing the feel of him inside me. He groaned, fingers digging into my flesh, but otherwise didn’t move.

I swirled my hips, grinding against him. I was close, so close already. Alexey’s eyes squeezed shut, and I placed my hand on his chest.

“Look at me,” I whispered. His eyes flew open.

Otets, I felt like a whole new person. He pulled my mouth down to his for a kiss, and I exploded, my climax flooding through me.

A moment later, he followed, spasming inside me as he cried out in wordless release.

Chapter thirty-two

Attainted

Mila

We lay together tangled in his bed. I rested my head on his chest. “I’m glad you’re back safe,” I whispered.

His fingers comed through the curls at the end of my braid. “I wasn’t in any danger. We didn’t even join battle.”

Then my message had gotten through to Tsar Borislav in time. “What happened?”

“Either our spy was wrong, or they got word that we were coming. They took a different route. Circumvented us completely and reached the castle before we’d even realized we were in the wrong place. Borislav took the castle without any opposition.”

It had to be an important victory, and we’d managed it without bloodshed. A blessing.

“It’s selfish,” I said, “but I’m glad you weren’t in any danger. Even if it means we lost the battle.”

He pressed a kiss to the top of my head. “I’d fight a thousand battles if that was what it took to come back to you.”

“I’d rather you not have to.” I snuggled closer.

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