Page 13 of The Court of Thorns and Wings

“No.” He adjusted the large bulge in his pants. “That’s the problem.”

“How is that a problem?” Suddenly, I felt like I was back in English class where all these strict rules existed, but there was a list of crazy exceptions you had to memorize.

He lifted both hands and ran them through his hair. “Because you’re injured, and kissing me like that will ruin my self-control. I can’t risk hurting you again.”

“You won’t hurt me.” I fisted his tunic and pulled him toward me. My body was uncomfortably warm, and there was one thing that would fix that issue.

As soon as he was back within reach, I kissed him. He groaned, pressing his hardness into my stomach. I gasped as need soared through me.

He stopped moving. “Did I hurt you?”

“No, but if you keep stopping, I’m going to hurtyou.” I pivoted on my heels, dragging him with me, and shoved him onto the bed.

Nightbane’s lime eyes glowed, and he snarled at Tavish.

“Come on, boy.” I released Tavish’s shirt and clicked my tongue, wanting the beast to obey me.

Thankfully, he did, and I led him into the bathroom. If he was going to threaten Tavish when he already had reservations about him touching me, Nightbane needed to stay in a separate room until it was safe for him to be with us.

When I opened the door and told him to go in, the beast tilted his head like he didn’t understand. Somehow, he realized I had no intention of going in there with him. “It’s okay. It won’t be for long.”

He scoffed but went into the bathroom, allowing me to shut the door behind him.

When I turned back to the bed, I found Tavish where I’d pushed him, but his face was lined with worry.

Walking back to him, I lifted both hands. “If you don’t want to kiss or…” I trailed off, feeling my face flame. I wasn’t even sure what to say because I didn’t want to sound like I expected more than he was willing to do. I didn’t want to pressure him.

“Sprite, there isnothingmore I want than to be buried inside you. But you’re hurt, and I lost you once already. I can’t risk it.”

His words lit a fire inside me, and it had nothing to do with embarrassment. He wanted me, though I doubted it compared to how much I needed him. “The pain is barely a discomfort now.”

He sat up and motioned for me to come to him.

My legs moved of their own accord. When I reached him, I waited for him to give in, but instead, he lifted the left side of my shirt and inspected my injury.

His jaw dropped. “That isn’t possible.”

I glanced down to find that the gaping wound from earlier was now a mere scab. “I… I don’t know how that healed so fast. But I told you I’m not hurting like before.” I had my own questions about that, but there was something way more pressing on my mind.

Emboldened by his words and his shock, I wrapped my arms around his neck and straddled him.

“You’re going to be the death of me,” he murmured. “And I’ll cherish each moment of dying.” Then he kissed me, and this time, it was different.

No restraint.

Instead of moving his hand from my side, he reached up and cupped my breast as he devoured my mouth. Each stroke of his tongue had me needing more, and I rolled my hips against him.

His fingers gently rolled over my nipple, causing me to arch. I’d never been this turned on before, and I felt like I might implode if we didn’t get there faster. I reached down and yanked the hem of my gown over my head, baring my body to him. He was worried that I didn’t want this—that I didn’t want him—and I wanted to make it very clear that I did.

Now both his hands cupped my breasts as he leaned forward and kissed my neck and then moved downward. He wrapped one arm around my body and paused, whispering, “I’m going to lower you onto your back.”

I nodded and folded my wings in, and he moved me slowly and gently, making sure not to grasp my side. My blonde hair spilled over the pillow as he kneeled between my legs, lazily scanning me. “You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, Lira.”

His inability to lie and the adoration on his face had my chest expanding uncomfortably. There were so many things I wantedto say, but I settled on something I could actually get out. “Show me.”

He smirked, looking more handsome than ever before. “Gladly.”

Sliding his body onto mine, he lowered his head and took my nipple into his mouth. One hand slid between my legs, spreading my lips apart. His tongue flicked my nipple as a finger slid inside me, and his thumb hit the most sensitive spot I’d ever experienced.

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