Page 55 of Between Realms

My heart sings with her laughter. I have planned on a good portion of the day dedicated to rolling on the ground—in the name of self-defense training.

I put her through a few more escape exercises and find Wyn’s a quick study.

During my next attack position, I clasp her hands over her head with one hand, pinning her to the ground. My body presses against hers, hips nestled between her legs. It takes everything in me not to grind my aching cock against her heat.

Feck, I shouldn’t have done this. It feels too good. Too perfect. Like I belong here. Forever.

Wyn’s breath catches in her throat. Her eyes dilate and lock onto mine.

The scent of orange blossoms fills my nose. She is excited by me, too. Aroused.

If I were to slip my hand down between us, I’m certain I would feel her slick, readying herself for me to stake my claim, just as she has done to my heart.

She owns me.

All I wish to do is give myself freely over to her to do with me as she will.

Wyn shakes her head wildly, breaking our intense eye contact. Her breathing is ragged. She feels the bond that wants to snap into place and is resisting it.

With my other hand keeping her wrists pinned to the floor, I grasp her throat just below her chin. Her eyes widen, but her hips tilt into mine, striving for friction.

I whisper over the column of her slender neck, “It’s alright, love.”

She swallows heavily, still feeling nervous about our mating dance.

I chide myself, remembering she is inexperienced. I need to pull back before I frighten her. Besides, I’m forced to wait patiently for Eldrin to grow tired of her. Then I can court her.

She tugs her arms, attempting to break free. “I don’t know how to get out of this hold.”

Her voice is nervous, wondering what I have planned for her. I decide to lighten the mood so she can relax once again.

I tickle my fingers down her side.

Wyn lets out a peel of laughter. “What? Don’t! It’s too much,” she pants.

With her frantic squirming, Wyn bucks me off once again. This time, she springs backward and stands. Winded from the exertion, she doubles over, holding her sides. “What… the feck… was… that?”

“Tickle torture.” I chuckle, still on the floor. “I wanted to see how ticklish you were.”

“Well, now we know.” Wyn shakes her head, amused. Then her face shifts to sadness suddenly.

“What is it?” I’m on my feet in an instant, holding my arms open to her.

Wyn flinches and averts her eyes. Her skin pinkens again.

“Wyn?” I take another cautious step toward her, closing the distance. “Did I upset you?”

“I appreciate you trying to help me, but I’m done with… training.”

“Wyn?” I wait until she looks up at me. Our faces are so close, my breath catches when her golden-edged eyes lock with my gaze.

“I can’t do this anymore,” she says, like an apology.

There’s more to her resistance to my training. Should I push her or let her realize she needs to learn how to protect herself? She had been enjoying our sparring. She was even enjoying our mating dance. What shifted?

I don’t want to force her, but I can’t let her out in the world defenseless. “If you don’t learn my defensive techniques, you will need to carry your weapon. And youmustuse it if you need to.”

“It’s illegal—”

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