Page 41 of Chaos Carnival

For what felt like an eternity, we lay in a tangled heap, our breath slowly returning to normal. Maverick's fingers traced shapes on my back, sending sparks of pleasure across my oversensitive skin. I felt branded by his touch, my body still thrumming.

“Mmm.” I hummed my satisfaction, nuzzling deeper into the pillows. “That was—“

“Best argument I've ever heard for staying alive.” Maverick's voice was warm and rough against my shoulder, his breath stirring my hair.

I smiled, my body humming with satisfaction. “Keep almost dying, then.”

His chuckle rumbled through me, sending aftershocks of pleasure dancing along my nerves. “Only if you promise to reward me like that every time.”

I stretched, savoring the feel of sated muscles. “Only if you're lucky.”

His lips brushed my shoulder, a gentle contrast to the possessive grip he still had on my hair. “I’ll take my chances, monstre.”

Chapter 17: Sunrise Treatment

Maverick

Sunlightwashedoverus,warming my skin. I felt refreshed, rejuvenated... healed. I smiled into the pillows of dark hair, breathing in the fragrance of Tess. My hands traveled lower, exploring, enjoying her softness, the curve of her breast, the swell of her hip.

Last night had been intense. The rush of alchemy under my skin, the push and pull of the magic bond saving my life, it had ignited something inside me. And now, here we were, wrapped up in each other, my body hard against her soft skin.

“Mornin', beautiful.” My voice rumbled as I kissed her neck, nipping gently at her pulse point.

Tess murmured something unintelligible, snuggling deeper into the pillows. I grinned, enjoying her sleepy warmth, her body so relaxed and trusting.

I shifted, enjoying the press of her gorgeous ass to my growing arousal. My hands slid over her, greedy for her, wanting, but also just savoring her. We'd been through so much, danced around each other, and now... something had shifted. The bond, the curse, and the poison had all played a part, but here in the aftermath, I couldn't find it in me to care.

“We should get going,” I whispered, my lips brushing her ear. “But damn if I'm not tempted to keep you here all day.”

I kissed her neck again, savoring the taste of her, my hands never still, wanting to capture every inch of her. We had plenty of trouble waiting for us—hunters, Ivan, and Addie's capture—but in that moment, with Tess in my arms, I wanted to forget it all.

I teased her, stroking that sweet spot, and she moaned, her hips pushing back, still near asleep. I smiled, a possessive, primal feeling rushing through me. I wanted to claim her again, show her what she did to me.

Sliding my hands down her body, I gripped her hips, pulling her back against me as I entered her, slow and steady. She was so wet, so perfect, and she fit me like a glove. I groaned, fighting the urge to just pound into her like a beast.

“Mmm-Maverick,” she moaned, her voice hazy with sleep.

Hearing my name on her lips sent a bolt of lightning through me. I plunged deeper, melting into her tight heat, her body welcoming mine. I buried my face in her neck, scraping my teeth along her skin, wanting to leave another mark that would tell everyone she was mine. Everywhere. All over her.

I held her hair in a tight grip, exposing the delicate skin of her neck, and licked a path up to her ear. “You feel so damn good, baby,” I whispered. “All mine.”

My words seemed to sink into her, and she shifted, pushing back against me, her body waking up to the pleasure. I growled, unable to hold back anymore, and started to move harder, my cock sliding in and out of her in deep, slow strokes. I knew, with a fierce possessiveness, that I'd do whatever it took to keep her safe.

“Mine,” I rasped, my voice hoarse with desire and something more.

I lost myself in that moment, in the connection between us, the magic of our bond, and the fierce need to protect what was mine.

Her pussy clenched around me, and I groaned as the pressure built in my balls. I slammed into her harder, faster, unable to hold back, and I knew, without a doubt, that nothing would keep me from this woman.

“Tess,” I growled, my eyes anchored on hers as I moved within her. “My fucking pussy.”

I felt her wake up then, saw her eyes widening as she realized what was happening. Her hands gripped the sheets as she came to life beneath me.

“Oh god,” she breathed, her hips bucking against my hand.

I grinned as I rubbed little circles on her clit, because I knew instinctively what she liked, and I loved making her lose control. Her eyes went hazy, and she yelped, a mix of shock and pleasure, as she woke fully and orgasmed hard around me.

I felt victorious in that moment, and as her pussy clenched around me, I couldn't hold back anymore. I drove into her, deep and hard, my own climax peaking.

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