Page 137 of Shadows of Ruin

It was fucking divine.

“You’re so tight around me.” My hands gripped her hips tighter as she moved, arching her back. “Made for me. You’re made for me.”

Lana’s body clenched. “More. I need you deeper.”

I gripped her hips and leaned back slightly, thrusting into her, letting her maintain her illusion of control while I lost mine beneath her.

“You are amazing,” I praised, thrusting harder. “So perfect.”

All she did was moan in response, her hands roaming her breasts as my shadows supported her back so she wouldn’t fall. I didn’t trust myself not to completely lose myself inside of her and tip us over the edge of the bed.

I slipped my hand between us, rubbing against her clit.

Her breaths grew shorter, quicker, and I could feel her starting to reach her peak.

“Come with me, Kade.” A desperate plea.

“Anything for you, Little Rebel.”

I gripped her hair, tugging her head back and licking along the column of her neck. I slammed her body into mine, and as her hips rocked harder, she sent us both into oblivion, her screaming my name while we came down from the electric sensation of pleasure.

I pulled her in close, not allowing her to move. Not ready to release her and have our bodies separate. I nuzzled my face into the side of her neck, surrounding myself with her beautiful hair.

We sat there silently, trembling in aftershocks, joined in an embrace that spoke more than words ever would. Our kingdoms would have to find a way wherever we ended up, because I would never again be parted from her side. I would not give her up. I couldn’t, even if I tried.

The ache in my chest, which remained after Hale kidnapped her, finally ebbed enough that I took in my first full breath. Her scent surrounded me, soothing every corner of my soul.

I loved Illiana Dresden, my Little Rebel, and whether in this world or the next, she would forever be the compass that pointed me home.

Chapter 39

Kade

The early morning light streamed on my face, waking me from our brief slumber.

Lana remained curled into my side, and I would give anything to stay in this bed for hours—no days longer. The only thing pulling me from this heaven was the need to protect her and our kingdoms.

I planted sweet kisses on her forehead, trailing my lips down her neck and between her breasts until she woke. It would only take a few words for me to say “forget it” and risk the wrath of my father, and I was shockingly close to allowing the thought to come to fruition.

“We need to get to Cassandra,” she whispered, running her fingers through my hair.

“And if I say no?”

She laughed before claiming my lips. “Let’s go find a way to save our kingdoms.”

I grumbled but pulled myself from her side, a monumental effort. Ten minutes later, we made our way through the castle, not speaking more than absolutely necessary. One could never be too careful in palaces, especially this one. I trusted no one here except Finn. Therewas always someone listening, trying to get in the king’s good graces.

We ended up outside Cassandra’s door in record time. I squeezed Lana’s hand once. “Ready?”

She nodded. I knocked at the large door. Letting out a slow, measured breath, we waited. I knocked again.

“We don’t have time for this,” I grumbled, sending my shadows to her lock. The contraption clicked, and I pushed through.

Cassandra’s living room was eerily dark and chilly. The flames that should still be simmering in the fireplace, even at this hour, were absent. A small, barely visible light flickered from underneath her bedroom door though.

“Cassandra?” I called out as Lana shut the main door behind me. I pointed toward the back rooms. I had only seen Cassandra’s personal room once, but I’d recovered in her guest room on more than one occasion.

I strode across the room and knocked on her door. It opened with the force of my hand, and Lana gasped.

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