Page 39 of Thawed Gladiator Thrax

“Thrax!” His name blurts out of me in surprise, reverberating around us like a prayer. I’m coming. It rushes over me in waves, a torrent of ecstasy crashing against my senses with a force I’ve never experienced before. When he slides a finger inside me, the sensation is so intensely pleasurablethat I shout again—a wordless monosyllable of bliss that seems to rise from the very depths of my being.

I grip his hair, anchoring myself to him. Unable to stop because every muscle is spasming beneath the sweet onslaught and I can’t control my movements. It’s as though I’ve been swept up in some tidal wave of pleasure that has no intention of letting me emerge for air.

The orgasm has peaks and valleys, a relentless series of climaxes that extend and elongate as Thrax seems to have transcended the need for oxygen. He just keeps pleasing me, uncaring that the filthy noises he’s making would embarrass me if it were anyone but him. A second finger breaches me, coaxing forth an ecstasy I didn’t think could rise any higher, making me writhe beneath him as I dive deeper into pure euphoria.

I spiral down, still spasming, but slower now, until I can force my eyes open. I want to see him, to capture this moment, but all I see is his dark head, unwavering, focused as he laps me clean. He nuzzles against me, shamelessly gathering my scent on his face, his devotion unmasked. I know enough of his story that I’d bet my last dollar he’s never done anything like that before. Perhaps he’s gone through the motions as demanded by owners, but not with the generous affection bestowed on me.

I’m an idiot, because the words, “I love you,” are threatening to jump out of my mouth, raw and unfiltered. Ridiculous. I’ve known him for such a short time, he’s from another millennia, and there are a thousand reasons this will never, ever work. And yet, my heart races with the thought. Still, I have to physically clamp my lips together, swallowing those three words before they ruin everything. What could they possibly mean in the world we inhabit?

Instead, I motion for him to join me as we right ourselves on the bed and lay our heads on the pillows. The way I look at him—eyes soft, lips slightly parted, and a smile that encompasses everything I want to express—says it all. Nor does he shy from my gaze. He holds nothing back as he lifts his head, my juices glistening on his lips like the most delicious ambrosia.

We just bask in this moment, our breaths syncing as if we share a heartbeat. I know he must be ready to burst, the tension palpable in the air between us, but he gives us, our relationship, the time and respect it deserves. It feels monumental, a defining moment in our shared journey, and my heart swells at the realization of how profoundly connected we are.

“I guess I should tell you,” I begin, my voice still breathy with aftershocks of pleasure. “I’ve never… experienced that much pleasure before.” The words tumble out unfiltered and I wonder if dozens more revealing sentences are lining up in my mind to vomit from my mouth and embarrass me.

“Nor I.” His deep voice rumbles softly, grounding me in the moment and shutting up all the craziness spiraling in my mind.

He twirls a lock of my hair around his finger, his movements gentle but curious as he relishes the way the curl springs back into shape. His laughter echoes softly in the stillness, a sound that brings warmth to the air.

As we settle into shared silence, this moment is big—so big—that I won’t cheapen it by asking him what he’s thinking. Although I don’t ask aloud, I can’t help but wonder if he’s thinking about those three little words, too.

“I imagine someone would love some relief,” I tease, a playful lilt in my voice as I lean closer to him. “Lie back and let me make you feel good, Thrax,” I whisper, the heat of the moment still clinging to my skin like a second layer, my heart racing with the prospect of returning the favor.

“In good time, Skye. Let me hold you. Watch you go to sleep.” The tender authority in his tone melts the words into something so soft it sends a cascade of warmth through me. I tell my guilt to take a hike. He has free will to say no, after all. So I curl beside him, tucking my head against the broad expanse of his chest, reveling in the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

With my head on his heart, I drift into a world where our passions are accepted. The gentle rise and fall of his breathing is both a lullaby and a reminder of his presence. I fall asleep listening to that steady drumming, feeling exquisite contentmentand knowing I’ll sleep all night with this peaceful smile on my face, dreaming of what we just shared.

Chapter Thirty-Three

Thrax

Awareness seeps in slowly, like the gentle tide of a calm sea. My body feels… different. Relaxed. Rejuvenated. Better than it has in… ever. With my eyes still closed, I allow myself to bask in the memory of last night’s events, replaying every touch, every whispered word, every moment of connection.

Skye. Just thinking her name brings a smile to my lips. Even in our sleep, we clung together most of the night. Perhaps I turned away from her earlier this morning. In a moment, I’ll turn over and kiss her awake. Maybe I’ll reacquaint myself with her taste and remind myself of every inch of her lush body.

Last night was more than just physical pleasure—it was a sharing of ourselves, raw and vulnerable and beautiful. The way she looked at me, touched me, spoke to me… it blew a spark of life into my long-dead soul. Giving her pleasure was its own kind of bliss.

Although she didn’t balk at my rejection of her offer to pleasure me, I imagine she wondered why I refused her. What we shared was beautiful, and my ugly memories released me while I adored her with my hands and mouth. Still, I wasn’t sure what would happen if I entered her, if I allowed my passions full rein. I don’twant to do anything that will repulse or terrify her. There will be plenty of time for us to feel comfortable with the next step. Last night wasn’t the right time for that.

Pride swells in my chest as I recall how easily affection flowed from me, despite a lifetime of pain and mistrust. The words I’d been holding back for so long spilled forth, painting the air between us with promises and tender confessions. And Skye… her eyes shone with an emotion so pure, so intense, it nearly overwhelmed me.

“Planning on sleeping all day?” Skye’s voice, tinged with amusement, breaks through my reverie. “We’re burning daylight. I’ve been up, working on something for you.”

My eyes fly open, surprised to find her not beside me, but across the room at her small desk. She’s fully dressed, her hair damp from a recent shower, a mischievous glint in her eye.

“Why didn’t you wake me?” My voice is still rough with sleep. “How long have you been up?”

“Long enough,” she replies with a wink. “Come on, sleepyhead. Get dressed. We’ve got places to be.”

She’s grabbed my curiosity, although I would prefer to lie in bed with her all day. Well, not lie exactly. What I have in mind is much more active.

Reluctantly, I comply with her orders, quickly pulling on the clothes I scattered on the floor last night. To my surprise, instead of staying in her room, Skye leads me to the cafeteria for a quick breakfast. The entire time, she’s practically vibrating with excited energy, but refuses to give me even one hint about what she has planned.

A few days ago, being led to an unknown destination might have filled me with fear. But after last night, I trust this woman. Completely. Whatever she has in store, I know it comes from a place of caring.

We end up in the conference room, where Skye immediately sets up her computer—all business. With a few deft movements,she projects images onto the large whiteboard at the front of the room.

“Alright,” she says, her tone shifting to something more formal, as though she’s speaking to a group of important people. “I want to show you something, Thrax. But before we start, I need you to know this is purely informational. There’s no pressure, no expectations. Okay?”

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