Page 46 of Crowned

Growing impatient, Cove helps me to my feet, peels the leggings down my legs, and helps me step out. It’s fine, because I’m wearing one of his shirts and it comes down to mid-thigh, giving me the illusion of decency, and we’re alone anyway.

“I fucking love seeing you in my clothes,” he says, his tone low and gravelly.

Without giving further instructions, he sits back in his seat, pulling me down with him. Once I’m situated back on his lap, he spreads my knees wide and then hooks each leg over the chair’s armrest so that I’m indecently exposed.

“Cove!” I whine, trying to cover up.

“Shush, Mai-Tai, you’re perfect like this.”

His deft fingers slowly undo the buttons on my –his– shirt until the material is loose and draped over my breasts. My nipples are pert and begging for his attention – which has nothing to do with the kiss of cool air and everything to do with him – but he doesn’t give them it. Instead, he skims his palms over my waist, his thumbs tracing over my hip bones in a sensual caress.

Everywhere he touches me, my skin ignites.

The sensations are overwhelming, each caress of Cove’s hands sending waves of heat straight to my core. My skin prickles with goosebumps, as his thumbs brush over my hips again, teasing but never lingering.

“Cove,” I whisper, my voice trembling with need.

He doesn’t respond immediately, his gaze fixed on my body like I’m the most captivating thing he’s ever seen. The weight of his attention makes me squirm, the vulnerability of being so exposed a heady mix of embarrassment and excitement.

“You’re so beautiful, Mai-Tai,” he murmurs, his voice deep and reverent. “Every inch of you.”

His hands move to my thighs, his fingertips brushing along the sensitive skin as he leans in, pressing his lips to the side of my neck. The warmth of his breath fans over my skin, making me shiver.

“Relax for me,” he whispers against my ear, his voice a gentle command. “Let me take care of you.”

I close my eyes, letting his words wash over me. For a moment, I allow myself to forget my worries about Bhodi and the others, to forget the uncertainty and danger lurking outside these walls. Here, in Cove’s arms, I feel safe. Cherished. Loved.

He shifts beneath me, the hard length of him pressing against me in a way that makes me gasp again. His lips trail down my neck, planting soft kisses that leave a trail of fire in their wake. His hands slide higher up my thighs, thumbs brushing the edges of where I’m soaked and aching for him.

“Do you feel how much I want you?” he asks, his voice rough with desire.

“Yes,” I breathe, my head falling back onto his shoulder as his fingers inch closer to my center.

“I want you to feel good, baby. I want to take away every ounce of stress you’re carrying.” His fingers slip between my folds, sliding through the slickness there. “Let me do that for you.”

I nod, unable to form words as his fingers begin to circle my clit again, firmer this time, more deliberate. My hips move instinctively, rolling against his hand as he works me, his free arm wrapping around my waist to hold me steady.

The sensations build quickly, a rapid climb that has me gasping and clutching at his arm. My entire body is taut, strung tight like a bow, every nerve ending alight with pleasure.

“Cove,” I whimper, my voice barely audible over the pounding of my heart.

“I’ve got you, baby,” he murmurs, his lips brushing against my ear. “Just let go.”

And I do. The tension in my body snaps, releasing in a rush that has me crying out his name. The waves of pleasure crash over me, leaving me trembling and breathless in his arms. I never knew it could be that easy. Or quick.

He holds me through it, his hands gentle as they stroke my skin, grounding me as I come down from the high.

“Better?” he asks after a moment, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

I nod, my cheeks flushing as I meet his gaze. “Better.”

“Good.” He presses a kiss to my temple, his arms tightening around me. “Now, let me get you cleaned up, and then maybe we can actually watch the movie.”

I laugh softly, the sound light and free, and for the first time since Bhodi left, I feel like I can breathe again and I relax.

Cove doesn’t move to clean me up, though. Instead, he just holds me there on his lap, my body pliant and trembling as his hands continue to roam over my skin. His lips trail kisses along my shoulder, his teeth scraping lightly, sending shivers down my spine.

I can feel him pressing against me, hard and insistent, and even though my body is still buzzing from the release he just gave me, there’s a deeper, hungrier ache building.

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