Page 16 of Witchful Thinking

Alarick paused there, his hands cradling her face, his eyes searching hers."Are you sure?We can slow down."

The consideration in his voice, the genuine care beneath the obvious desire, convinced Diana more than any passionate declaration could have.This wasn't just physical attraction or magical resonance.This was something deeper, a connection that had been building since his return.

"I'm sure," she said, pulling him to her."Though I reserve the right to blame temporary insanity later."

His smile was wicked as he backed her toward the bed."Nothing temporary about what I'm feeling, Diana."

The sound of her name on his lips sent a thrill through her.He said it with such reverence, as if her name itself was a spell worth savoring.His hands were at her waist, then sliding up beneath her blouse, warm against her skin.Diana fumbled with the buttons of his shirt, eager to feel more of him, to explore the body she'd been pretending not to notice.

When his shirt finally fell open, revealing a chest defined by years of physical work rather than vanity, she ran her hands across his warm skin, feeling the solid strength beneath.She traced the contours of his shoulders, down the planes of his chest, following a thin trail of dark hair that disappeared beneath his waistband.

"Your turn," he murmured, his voice a low rumble that she could feel against her palms.His fingers found the hem of her blouse, tugging gently in question.

Diana hesitated only briefly before lifting her arms, allowing him to pull the garment over her head.It left her in a simple lace bra that suddenly felt both too revealing and not revealing enough.The way Alarick looked at her, with unconcealed appreciation and hunger, made her feel desirable in a way she hadn't in far too long.

"You're beautiful," he said, his voice rough with desire.His hands skimmed her sides, tracing the curve of her waist, the flare of her hips."I've thought about this since the moment I saw you again."

Before she could respond, his lips were on her neck, trailing down to her collarbone, the junction of her shoulder.Each kiss left a trail of heat in its wake, her skin tingling with magical energy where his mouth had been.His hands slid up her back, finding the clasp of her bra with practiced ease.Diana arched into his touch as he caressed newly exposed skin, his mouth continuing its exploration down to the swell of her breast.

When his lips closed around her nipple, a gasp escaped her, pleasure spiraling outward from the point of contact.He lavished attention on one breast and then the other, his tongue and teeth creating sensations that sent tremors through her body.The magical shimmer around them intensified, responding to her pleasure, casting dancing patterns of light across their skin.

Alarick's attention was thorough, alternating between gentle and demanding in a way that suggested he was noting every response, adapting to what made her breath catch and her body arch.His hands traveled down her sides to her hips, thumbs hooking in the waistband of her skirt.

"You're overdressed," she managed to say, reaching for the fastening of his trousers.

He helped her, shedding the remainder of his clothing before assisting with hers.When they were finally skin to skin, Diana couldn't help the soft sound that escaped her at the exquisite sensation.Alarick's body was warm and solid against hers, his arousal evident as he pressed her back onto the bed.

Their magical resonance intensified with direct contact, a subtle glow emanating from where their skin touched.Diana had read about such phenomenon but always assumed the accounts were exaggerated for romantic effect.Now, experiencing the heightened sensitivity, the way her magic seemed to reach for his, she understood those descriptions had, if anything, understated the reality.

His hands moved over her with reverent exploration, as if mapping territory he intended to memorize.Every touch sent ripples of both physical pleasure and magical response through her body.When his lips followed the path of his hands, trailing down her stomach, Diana's breathing quickened in anticipation.

Alarick's hands explored her body with the same precision and care he brought to his work, finding places she hadn't realized were sensitive.When his fingers trailed up her inner thigh, she trembled with anticipation.The first touch against her center drew a gasp from her lips, pleasure sharp and immediate.

"Tell me what you like," he murmured against her hip, his fingers exploring with deliberate gentleness.

Diana couldn't remember the last time someone had asked that question—had cared enough about her pleasure to seek explicit guidance.The consideration behind the question was almost as arousing as his touch.

"This," she breathed as his fingers found a particularly sensitive spot, circling with perfect pressure."Just like that."

He followed her guidance, his touch becoming more confident as he learned her responses.When he slid one finger inside her, then another, Diana's hips rose to meet his hand, seeking more of the exquisite sensation.The magical resonance between them amplified every touch, creating a feedback loop of physical and magical pleasure that was quickly overwhelming her senses.

But she wanted more than just his touch.Needed more.Her hand found him, wrapping around his length, feeling him pulse against her palm.Alarick's rhythm faltered momentarily at her touch, a groan escaping him that sent a thrill of feminine power through her.

"Diana," he said, her name half-warning, half-plea."I won't last if you keep that up."

"Then don't wait," she replied, surprising herself with her boldness."I want you.Now."

He reached for his discarded trousers, extracting protection from a pocket.Diana appreciated his preparation even as impatience coursed through her.When he finally settled between her thighs, the anticipation was almost unbearable.

The first push of him entering her drew matching gasps from them both.Alarick stilled, giving her time to adjust, his control evident in the tension of his muscles beneath her hands.Their magical resonance peaked at the moment of joining, casting the room in a soft blue-gold glow that pulsed in rhythm with their heartbeats.

When he began to move, it was with careful restraint that rapidly gave way to more urgent rhythm as Diana's responses made it clear what she wanted.She wrapped her legs around him, drawing him deeper, her hands tracing the flex of muscles in his back as he moved within her.

Their magic continued to entwine, amplifying every sensation, creating a connection that went beyond physical.Diana felt herself climbing toward release faster than expected, the combination of physical pleasure and magical resonance overwhelming her usual control.

Alarick shifted slightly, changing the angle of his thrusts to hit a spot inside her that sent lightning through her veins.Diana's nails dug into his shoulders, her head falling back as pleasure built toward an almost unbearable peak.

"Let go," Alarick whispered, sensing her closeness.His voice was strained with his own effort at control."I've got you."

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