Page 43 of Orc's Mate

I shrugged. “My mother visited the village often. My father was always busy with the clan. I entertained myself.”

“I’m sorry. I imagine you were lonely.”

“There were other orclings here I played with, but I also enjoyed being by myself.” I nudged my chin to the pool. “Enough of that, however. Let’s sit on the side first and dangle our feet in the water.”

She laughed again when we did so, pointing to where her feet skimmed well above the water. “So much for dangling our feet. I’m coming up short.”

I slid off the rock and into the refreshing chill of the pool and faced her with my arms toward her, treading water to hold my position. “Jump in and I’ll catch you.”

A cute frown took over her face. “How’s the temperature?”

“Cool. Wonderful.”

“That’s a matter of perspective. Some of the wealthier villagers had tubs and would have servants carry hot water to fill it. I can’t imagine what it’s like to soak in hot water.”

“Maybe you’ll find out one day.” I could heat the sea water. Buy a tub in the city. It would make a wonderful surprise.

She hopped down to join me in the pool, shrieking when her body slid into the water. Bobbing, she clung to my shoulders, and I was reminded all over again that we wore no clothing.

I traced my fingers down her sides, and she shivered, her gaze falling on my mouth.

“I love that this puts us at the right height for kissing, but it issocold!” she said, quaking.

“Kissing, you say? Are you trying to tempt me away from my swim lesson?” Like she needed to make any effort? It was all I could do not to touch her breasts, her luscious ass. To spread her legs and touch her there.

“Why would I want to distract you?” Her eyes gleamed with mischief. “I live on an island surrounded by water. It makes sense for me to learn how to swim, don’t you think?”

Because I could never resist her, I kissed her, stroking my tongue across her lips until she gave me full access.

This was our first true kiss, and I was going to savor it.

With a moan, she clutched my shoulders, pressing her body against mine.

I stroked her lips with my tongue, and she let me inside. Our tongues slid together, as did our bodies.

Fuck it. I slid my fingers across her breast and rolled her nipple.

She broke away with a gasp, her eyes dark with desire. “I think you’re the one providing a distraction.”

“Should I stop?”

“I like it. It would be a lie to say I didn’t.”

“We came here for your swimming lesson.” And it was important that she learn. “What do you say to swimming first, and then I’ll show you pleasure?”

“Maybe we should skip the lesson.”

Heat roared through me, but the storm was coming. This would be our last time in the water for days.

I was foolish not to take her offer, but I didn’t want her to think I brought her down here with the tease of getting naked only to take advantage of the situation. My cock shouted it was well past time I claimed her, but I had principles.

“We’ll have a short lesson.” Nothing was going to get the image of claiming my mate out of my mind.

She pouted, her bottom lip jutting out in the most tempting way. “You’re a tease.”

“But you’re relaxed in the water now, aren’t you?

She huffed. “I am.”

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