Page 51 of The Anointed's Paladin

“Now, now,” I drawled, becoming visible again. “What do we have here?”

He turned, searching for me, but didn’t look up. I grinned and dangled my hand down, brushing his hair. He peered up at me and his face changed. Softened. A look he only had when he looked at me, a reverence that sent goose bumps along my arms. His blue eyes really were gorgeous, luminous in the dark.

“I was wondering if you’d show up,” I said.

“Didn’t think you were the kind to enjoy sightseeing,” he replied in an almost casual voice, his tail lashing behind him.

“Let’s just say…I’m currently trying to find out what kind I am,” I said, gaze drifting to the lake, a slight furrowon my brow.

“You all right?” he asked. “That’s very reflective of you.”

“Ugh. I know.” I rubbed my forehead. “Apparently, I’m in the mood to think. Nothing good comes of that, you know.”

“Thinking?”

“Mm-hmm. I’m much better when I’m just enjoying myself. I think you can relate, hmm?” I crouched and jumped down by his side. I heard his heart start racing, his breathing hitch as I straightened next to him. He was melting like a candle to flame, and I wanted to burn hot enough that he was nothing but a puddle on the ground.

“Lucky for me, the perfect distraction came along,” I said, pushing him backwards until he was pressed against the column. His face was already flushing, his eyes heavy-lidded. I slipped my hands under his shirt, feeling his hot skin, tracing the firm muscles adorning his body. Yes. This was exactly what I needed right now. His tail curled up at my touch, brushing against my side.

“You know, you’re very good at rescuing me from unpleasant situations,” I told him.

“Such as your own thoughts?” he managed to say.

He was so cute when he was trying to keep it together. I turned back to undoing the buttons on his shirt. That needed to come off. Immediately. I finished, and his breath came out in a hot sigh, eyes almost glazing over. I ran my hand along his chest, trailing his collarbones. I saw he hadn’t healed the bite mark on his neck and felt a primal satisfaction.Mine.

“Not just that,” I said, leaning forward and kissing his chest. He let out another heavy breath, his body melting into mine. “In fights.” I kissed him again, lips trailing down past his nipple, enjoying the softness. “In the river.” I was at his abs, nipping. This low down, I was so close to his erection, barely contained by his thin pants. I’d take care of that later. “On the cliff.” I came back up on the other side ofhis chest, teasing his skin, meeting his gaze again. “It’s very admirable, you know.”

His wings wrapped around us again. He picked me up, his strong arms holding me firmly. My legs wound around his waist, and I leaned in, my chin brushing his jaw. His scent washed over me, cinders and cinnamon drawing me in.

“Happy to be of service,” he murmured, leaning his head back as I trailed kisses up his neck.

Fuck, we still had too many clothes on. I had to fix that.

He stepped back against the wall as I pulled my shirt over my head, letting our skin touch. Then I was on him, hands tangling in his hair as our lips met. His hands slipped down, cupping my ass and stoking the lust within me. The kiss deepened, and I could feel his tongue split in response.

I moaned, gripping his head as our tongues clashed. His hands dug into my ass. My hand came to his chin, forcing his head back as I leaned closer, demanding he yield to me. My finger trailed along his lips, and he opened, sucking on it as I turned to his neck again. His skin was hot, his pulse bounding, tempting me to sink my fangs in, draw in that beautiful electricity. My finger found his tongue, trailing up one side and down the centre, and it responded, the wetness wrapping around my finger and up my hand.

“Every inch of you is truly delightful,” I whispered, needing him to know.

He looked down, not meeting my eyes, his tongue pulling back. I snarled. How could he not know?

“Talon,” I said, turning his head towards me. He met my gaze hesitantly as I continued. “You are glorious.”

He shook his head, looking away again and drawing another snarl from me. I grabbed his face, leaning in close.

“Right from the start, I wanted you. I wanted to run my fingers on your horns, tangle them through your hair. I wanted your tongue on my cock. I wanted your thighs trembling under my hands as I grabbed your tail and fucked you in your perfect ass.”

He took in a shaky breath, his eyes meeting mine. I didn’t know why I was saying it. Why it was important for him to believe me, but itwas. Fuck anyone who had ever made him doubt it.

“I want that,” he said, biting his lip and looking down at me. I grinned and slipped my feet back down to the ground, grinding on his cock along the way. I wanted to take him on the table, see his face as I drove him to lose control. My arms wound around his neck, pulling him over. He followed like a puppy, eyes locked on to mine, hypnotised.

“Good boy. Now, get up there,” I ordered, nodding behind us.

He obeyed without hesitation, and I pushed him back, removing the rest of his clothes. I could feel his temperature rising, warming the cool air around us. It was like his body was made to respond to me. I could see the fire in his eyes, a drive that he struggled to control.

“You’re going to be good for me, right?” I asked, stroking his thigh. It was a thrilling game; could he behave for me? Or could I push him over the edge? He nodded, perhaps not trusting himself to speak. His tail curled towards me, stroking my leg.

I looked down at him appraisingly, enjoying having him beneath me.

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