Page 32 of The Sword & the Stone

"Merlin, my dear deluded friend, do you really think that's wise? The girl just found out you've been keeping rathersignificantsecrets from her. I hardly think she's going to be thrilled to wake up and find you hovering over her like a mother hen."

Merlin's jaw clenched. “And I suppose you’re offering to stand in for me then?”

“Of course I am. Besides, I’m much larger than you, puny man. She needs the warmth for—well, you know—warmth.” I smiled, all teeth.

Merlin wasn’t that puny, but I liked poking at the sorcerer. He was much too serious sometimes. Besides,everyonewas puny next to me and Galahad.

He cursed under his breath, running a hand down his face as he shrugged off my hand and turned back to the fire. I watched him go, feeling a twinge of sympathy despite myself. For all his mistakes, I knew Merlin cared deeply for Arthur.

I did too. Somehow, it happened, and I hadn’t been prepared.

Quietly, so as not to wake her, I settled down on the moss a respectful distance away. Close enough to watch over her, but far enough to give her the space she needed.

Chapter Eleven

ARTHUR

I wokeup slowly this time, rising from the depths of a blessedly dreamless sleep. The first thing I became aware of was the warmth enveloping me, seeping into my chilled bones, and soothing my aching muscles. The second was the solid presence at my back, the rise and fall of a broad chest pressed against my shoulder blades.

My eyes fluttered open, blinking away the lingering haze of sleep. Shifting slightly, I craned my neck to glance behind me and found myself gazing into a pair of familiar steel-gray eyes, glinting with mischief.

"Well, good morning, my lady," Gawain murmured, his deep voice still rough with sleep. "I was beginning to think I'd have to resort to more drastic measures to wake you."

I felt a flush creep up my neck, immediately aware of every place our bodies touched. The strong arm draped over my waist, his muscular thigh pressed against the back of my own, the soft puff of his breath stirring the fine hairs at my nape.

"Gawain? What are you doing?"

"Keeping you warm. You were shivering in your sleep. I couldn't let you freeze to death, could I?"

I was suddenly very aware of the heat of his skin seeping through the layers of clothing between us. My breath hitched as his hand slid lower on my belly, his fingers grazing the sensitive skin just above the waistband of my trousers.

"Gawain," I breathed, my voice coming out far breathier than I intended. "We can't—the others."

"Shh," he murmured, his lips brushing the shell of my ear and sending a shiver racing down my spine. "They're all still asleep. It's just you and me right now."

His hand dipped lower, slipping beneath the fabric to skim over my hip bone. I bit back a moan, my body responding to his touch with a speed that left me dizzy.

"I can make you feel pleasure, Arthur," Gawain whispered, his voice a low rumble that I felt all the way to my core. "Just say the word and I'll chase all those dark thoughts right out of your pretty head."

I knew I should put a stop to this. We were on a dangerous quest, surrounded by deadly ancient magic. The fate of the kingdom rested on my shoulders. I couldn't afford any distractions.

But gods, the way Gawain was touching me, the heat of his breath on my neck, and the promise in his words...

I let out a shaky breath, my resolve crumbling under the onslaught of Gawain's skilled fingers. "Okay," I whispered, my voice barely audible even to my own ears. "Okay, just...be quiet."

I could feel Gawain's smile against my neck, his teeth grazing my pulse point and making me shudder. "As you wish, my queen," he purred.

His hand slid fully into my trousers, his calloused palm rough against the smooth skin of my lower belly. I had to bite the insideof my cheek to keep from crying out as his fingers dipped lower, brushing against the slick heat at the apex of my thighs.

Gawain groaned softly, the sound muffled against my shoulder. "Gods, Arthur, you're so wet already. Is this all for me?"

My hips canted forward of their own accord, seeking more of his touch. "Yes," I gasped, beyond caring how desperate I sounded. "Please, Gawain."

He needed no further encouragement. His fingers delved into my heat, stroking and circling, mapping out the most sensitive parts of me like he'd been born to it. I rocked against his hand, biting my lip hard enough to taste blood as I fought to keep my moans contained.

Gawain's other hand slid up under my tunic, cupping my breast and thumbing roughly at my nipple through the thin fabric of my breast band. The dual sensations were maddening, the ache between my thighs building to a fever pitch as Gawain worked me with expert precision.

"That's it," he encouraged, his voice a dark honey rumble in my ear. "Think of my cock filling you up until you’re stretched deliciously.” I groaned, my hand coming up to cover my mouth. His lips pressed against my ear. “One day soon, I’m going to fuck you until your thighs shake around my hips.”

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