Page 96 of Bloodguard

I’m not alone in this tempest.

He hefts one of my legs up and around his waist. When his hand trails below, I’m hot. Wet. I gasp at the way he touches me, and I use my leg hooked around him to pull him closer so the aching part of me slides over his erection, and he chokes on a muffled curse.

I grin against his mouth and then take us both under again.

His fingers tease a rhythm, dipping in, retreating, somehow making me hotter, more needy, as the incredible sensation building in my core makes my legs shake.

“Stay with me,” he mutters.

As if I could be anywhere else. “Always,” I whisper.

He kisses me, then rests his forehead against mine for a moment.

His thumb makes fast, tiny circles over my sensitive nub, and I tug at his neck and hair, each exquisite stroke of his hands taking me higher. And,oh stars, even higher. When I explode, he holds me through it, drawing each pulse of pleasure until my legs fold.

I’m swept up in the next instant, held close against his chest, wrapped in all that strength and tenderness. I marvel at how a man so formidable, so deadly in the arena, can be so soft, bringing me to such heights of happiness. I smile, and he smiles back.

He lowers me onto the bed of moss I’ve spent so many hours lying upon alone. I draw him in for a kiss, and I pour myself into it. Neither of us is alone anymore.

My trust. My faith. My love.

Yes,love.

This gladiator is kind and good and strong. He’s everything I need and all I’ve ever wanted.

“Leith, I…”

He rests his forehead against mine once again. Then kisses me gently.

He rolls his hips, rocking against me and starting those tiny pulses all over again. On the next stroke, I grab hold of him, bringing his smooth, round head to my core.

He stills. His muscles tense.

I put my heels on the ground and arch up. There is pressure and fullness, and a quick flash of discomfort that is already abating.

Leith shudders and waits.

His body is as taut as a string of a violin, and inside me, his thick length flexes in a way that makes me moan. He withdraws a little and then pushes forward again. The friction—it’s so good. I gasp, and it’s all the encouragement he needs.

He pulls back nearly all the way out and then enters me again. And again.

And again. He starts gently, too gently. I need more of him, and I need itnow.

“Leith.” I practically growl his name, spurring him to go faster and deeper until I’m bowing my hips to meet him at every thrust.

I drag my hands down his back, urging him to continue.

And then there’s only the slap of our bodies, our breaths harsh and intermingling, the scent of flowers and grass, summer and skin. Love and lust and pure, unadulterated pleasure.

I scream his name when I come undone again, each pulse dragging him closer, deeper. Leith groans but doesn’t quit. He rides me through pleasure so intense I weep from it. He groans and praises me, his hands moving over my body like he can’t stop touching me.

He slows only enough to roll so that he’s on the ground and I’m seated atop him. When I straighten, he somehow sinks deeper, and I release a low-pitched rumble of shock.

He pumps his hips from below me, and I shudder.“Fuck!”

“Maeve. My sweet, sweet Maeve…we’re just getting started.”

chapter 36

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