Page 57 of The Aether

Vivian wrapped her hand around his hard length and glided the tip of his penis along her swollen, wet flesh. “Please, darling. Now.”

He stole her breath with his first thrust, pulsing magic through their connection and causing her to cry out. Gripping his hair, she turned her head slightly to whisper into the shell of his ear.

“I love you, Damian.”

His body tensed, and the burning desire in his smoldering dark gaze made her catch her breath in anticipation. Never breaking eye contact, he eased out only to thrust back, time and time again, vigorously driving them toward the brink. Chant-like, his name fell from her lips between pants, and when she came, she buried her mouth against the hollow of his throat to muffle a scream. His cry of release followed on the heels of hers.

Rolling to the side, he pulled her against him.

“I love you, too, Viv,” he murmured, sounding half asleep.

With a sigh of contentment, she snuggled closer and closed her eyes.

This was where she belonged.

Forever and always.

CHAPTER20

“We should find Beastie.” Damian yawned and scratched his chest. “Ronan will require a break by now.”

The picture of a satisfied lover, Vivian lay facedown with her crossed arms pillowing her head. She didn’t bother opening her eyes when she replied, “Surely he’s ushered her off to bed. It’s past midnight, and he can’t have that much fortitude.”

Chuckling, he leaned over and nuzzled her silky-smooth throat, breathing in the faint smell of gardenias. She’d once told him it was her favorite flower, and her sister Soleil did her damndest to keep one alive during their harsh Northeast winters. Earth witches were nothing if not dedicated.

“Rest, my love. I’ll go check on them. If he’s torn his hair out from the stress, you’ll cry to see it.”

“Heisthe perfect eye candy. I’m not about to deny it.”

“This is only a suggestion, but perhaps you should refrain from thinking about ‘eye candy’ when you’re in bed with your husband. It’s not a well-known fact, but he’s jealous to the extreme and likely to uglify the handsome Guardian in his rage.”

When Vivian tucked her face to hide her grin, an easy peace settled in Damian’s chest. This was the way marriage should be. He drew the sheet down and feathered kisses along the exposed skin of her back, taking great satisfaction when she shivered her pleasure. She was highly responsive to the slightest stimulation, and he loved how his overtures brought out her wild side.

“I suppose you’ll have to keep me occupied with other things,” she murmured huskily.

“Mmm. Yes. I suppose I will.” As he started to draw the bedding down farther, a surge of childlike energy hit him, and he sat up. “Beastie’s almost to our door.”

Visualizing pajama bottoms and a t-shirt, Damian snapped his fingers. Vivian, too, managed to clothe herself an instant before the door burst open.

“We need to remember to engage the lock,” she murmured as she shifted to a sitting position.

As if she suspected they were hiding something from her, Sabrina paused overly long in the doorway and gave them a suspicious look. Whatever her curious mind came up with was satisfying enough, and she ran to dive into Damian’s waiting embrace.

“Are you and Mama all better?”

“I didn’t know we were sick,” he replied dryly.

With an exaggerated eye roll, she bumped her bony shoulder into his chest. “You’re silly, Papa.”

Sharing a glance and a grin, Damian and Vivian nodded in unison.

“I think we’re all better,” Vivian said softly, never taking her eyes from his.

Feeling lighter than he’d been in recent years, he laughed. “Indeed.”

“I’m going to check on Nate.” Vivian leaned in and kissed first Sabrina, then him. “Whatever she’s plotting, don’t cave. It’s past her bedtime.”

After his wife left, Damian could better feel his daughter’s insecurity. “What has you troubled, Beastie?”

---