Page 29 of Her Fallen Angel

He doesn't look away as I step into the bath, water sloshing gently against the sides. The heat envelops me, but it's his gaze that truly sets my skin aflame.

I kneel between his legs, my breath hitching as I take in the sight of him - muscles taut, scars gleaming, and his desire evident. Gods, I hope that he's going to take out whatever happened on me.

"Bathe me." His voice is rough, strained.

I reach for the soap, lathering it between my hands before gliding them over his chest. His skin is hot, slick, the ridges of his scars rough beneath my palms. I trace the patterns ofhis muscles, feeling his heartbeat quicken under my touch. His breath hitches as I move lower, my fingers trailing over the defined lines of his abdomen.

His wings shift restlessly behind him, feathers ruffling softly. I can feel his desire pressing against me, hard and insistent, but neither of us moves to close the distance. The tension builds, a tangible force between us, charged with unspoken want.

I lean forward, my hands sliding up to his broad shoulders, water droplets clinging to his lashes. His breath is ragged, his violet eyes molten as they meet mine. My own body aches, a throbbing heat between my legs that begs for more. But we hold back, teetering on the edge of a precipice, unwilling to fall.

My hands glide down his arms, tracing the corded muscles, the battle-hardened skin. Every touch is a whisper of promise, a silent vow of what could be. His hands flex at his sides, as if restraining himself from reaching out, from pulling me closer.

The water laps gently against us, the only sound besides our ragged breaths. The air is thick with steam, with desire, with the weight of our unspoken words. I can feel his heart pounding beneath my palms, echoing the rhythm of my own. We're locked in this dance, this push and pull, this delicate balance of want and restraint.

And in this moment, I know I'm lost. Lost to his touch, his gaze, his silent commands. Lost to the dark dance we weave around each other, a dance of shadows and light, of captor and captive, of desire and denial. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

The last raysof sunset paint the courtyard in shades of crimson as I kneel on the cool stone. My dark hair falls like a curtain around my face as I bow my head, clasping my handsbefore me. The evening air carries the scent of night-blooming flowers, their sweet perfume mingling with incense from my prayer ritual.

"May the goddesses, hear my prayers," I begin, my voice clear and strong. "Guide this humble servant through darkness and light." The words echo off the courtyard walls, carried on the evening breeze. "I submit myself to higher powers, offering my devotion freely."

The hair on my neck rises. Kai's presence fills the space behind me, a tangible weight in the air. My pulse quickens, but I don't turn. Instead, I raise my voice slightly, letting each word ring with purpose.

"I embrace the path laid before me, accepting the bonds that bind me." My fingers tremble as I press them together more tightly. "Through submission, I find strength. Through service, I find purpose."

The rustle of feathers breaks the silence as Kai shifts closer. Heat radiates from his body, though he remains just out of reach. My skin prickles with awareness of him.

"Blessed shadows, wrap me in your embrace." The prayer spills from my lips, weighted with double meaning. "Let me be a vessel for your will, surrendering my own."

I arch my back slightly, knowing how the fading light plays across my form. "I offer myself completely, body and soul, to those who would claim me." The words catch in my throat, raw with truth. "Guide me in darkness, shape me in shadow, forge me in flame."

Kai's breath comes faster behind me. The air crackles with tension, with power, with possibility. Still, I remain kneeling, head bowed in supplication while my heart races beneath my ribs.

"Accept my submission," I whisper, the words heavy with intent. "Accept my devotion. Accept all that I am."

I can only pray that Kai will.

15

KAI’RIN

Iwatch from my study window as Aren returns from the market, flanked by two of my most trusted guards. My wings twitch with irritation as Daren, the younger guard, flashes her a bright smile while taking her basket. The glass in my hand cracks under my grip.

Without thinking, I stalk toward the entrance hall. Aren's soft footsteps echo on the floor, accompanied by the heavier tread of the guards.

"Thank you for your assistance." Her gentle voice carries up the stairs.

Daren's eager response sets my teeth on edge. "Any time, miss. Perhaps tomorrow-"

"You're dismissed." The words cut through the air like a blade. Both guards snap to attention as I descend the last few steps. "In fact, I think you should better return to the compound. Maybe civilian security isn't for you."

Aren's eyes go to mine, heat filling them in a way that is undoing me. I love the way she is so eager to see me, to be near me. It eases the tightness in me that is always demanding to have her near me.

I grasp her chin, tilting her face up. "Did you enjoy your little excursion, little flame?"

"Yes, I did." Her tongue peeks out as she wets her lips and I find myself staring at them. Thinking what all they could do. "Thank you for allowing it."

The guards still haven't moved. My wings spread, casting shadows across the hall. "Get out. Now."

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