Page 36 of The Orc's Promised Bride

“Are you sure about this?” His voice sounded harsh, strained with the effort of maintaining control. “My Beast… he wants you. I don’t want to frighten you.”

“You don’t frighten me,” she said honestly. “Not in any way.”

“I’m glad.” His grip tightened possessively. “Because he’s never going to let you go.”

She froze, his words hitting a nerve. The last man who claimed her wouldn’t let her go. The one she’d married. She hadn’t chosen him, hadn’t wanted him.

“Stop,” he whispered, his hands moving up her back, tracing gentle circles against her skin. “I can see your thoughts turningdark. You’re not there anymore. You’re here, with me, and you’re safe. I’ll keep you safe.”

She blinked back tears and nodded.

“It’s just… old memories. I want this,” she promised, and it was the truth.

He didn’t push for more, simply continued the slow circles on her back. Each caress eased her fears a little more, and her desire began to build again. She found herself shifting against him, the movement pressing her core against his erection.

A low, guttural sound escaped his throat and he grabbed her hips, pulling her tighter against him, then immediately releasing her. She rocked against him again and a shudder ran through his body.

“Fuck,” he groaned. “That feels good.”

Encouraged, she repeated the movement, savoring the heat of his cock through the fabric.

“So good,” he growled. “Do you want more?”

CHAPTER 19

Lothar’s heart pounded in his chest as he looked down at Jana, her dark eyes filled with trust and desire. The scent of her arousal drove him wild and his Beast clawed at his control, demanding he claim what was his, but he forced it down, waiting for her answer.

“Yes,” she whispered.

“Are you sure?”

She reached up and traced the line of his jaw, her fingers ghosting over his tusks.

“I know I can trust you, Lothar. You’ve proven that over and over.”

The simple words nearly broke him. This fragile female had placed her trust in him. Unable to speak, he caught her hand and pressed a kiss to her palm. Her pulse fluttered beneath his lips like a trapped bird but her gaze didn’t falter.

“You don’t understand what you do to me,” he growled. “How close I am to losing control.”

She shifted against him, the heat of her core against his cock sending fire dancing along his spine.

“I trust you,” she repeated.

“Then may I taste you, my little valai? Will you let me pleasure you?”

“Taste?” Her eyes widened, but she didn’t move away.

“Yes.”

He leaned forward, pressing a kiss to the exposed skin above her collar. Her head fell back, granting him access and he fought the urge to mark the smooth skin of her neck. Instead he kissed his way down her throat, her rapid pulse beating against his lips.

She was so fragile, and the knowledge that she trusted him sent his blood racing.

“Tell me if I scare you,” he murmured against her throat.

She didn’t answer, just threaded her fingers through his hair, holding him close. His hand drifted lower, gently cupping her breast. The nipple pebbled against his palm and he brushed his thumb across the sensitive bud. She moaned, arching into his touch, her hands clutching at his shoulders.

He drew aback enough to see the tight outline of her nipples beneath the delicate lace.

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