Page 84 of Wrath of the Oracle

“Isn’t it funny?” Sholei chuckled. “I betrayed him to return home, and for my efforts, my kingdom turned against me.”

“Things become hard before they get easier.” Litonde placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. “This storm shall pass.”

“The winds are too strong. I am afraid I will be swept away,” Sholei whispered to herself.

“Have this.” Litonde released the pendant on his neck and shoved it into Sholei’s hands. “I don’t know what you’re planning, but with this, you can get through the administration in the Faye Islands.”

“I can’t take your pendant.” Sholei made to return the white insignia of the Imperial Physician. “This is yours.”

“You’re the first apprentice I have ever had. I should help you accomplish your dreams.” Litonde smiled at her and left the room. Sholei stared at his retreating form as she held the pendant. Words stuck in her throat.

Sholei tucked the pendant into her robes, turned to work, and tried to forget her misery. She ensured Ojore was submerged inside the pool, from his neck downwards. With a clean cloth, she wiped his face and tied his hairback with a band. He turned and slid down the pool. Sholei was to hold his head and stop him from sliding under the water.

After several attempts to keep him upright, she discarded her outer robes and joined him in the pool. The scent of fresh herbs swirled to her nose as she sat beside him. She placed his head against her shoulder and waited.

The warmth of the herbs drew her to sleep, and when she awoke, her head was against Ojore’s shoulder. He was awake and gazed down at her.

“You have dark circles around your eyes.” Ojore’s low voice washed over Sholei. “You must have spent the whole night taking care of me.” Sholei didn’t know when she fell asleep, and she fumbled on the pool floor to sit upright.

“How are you feeling?” Sholei asked and touched his forehead. “You fainted. I came to you as soon as Akima called.”

“I must have caused you to worry.” He moved closer to her and took her hand in his. Water ran from his strong shoulders in rivulets down his chest. Only his torso was visible, the rest of his body submerged in the now cool water. He leaned in front of her and pierced her with his gaze. With the dim light, he was all sharp angles, something dark, moving in the shadows. Sholei was hypnotized by him. She couldn’t move a muscle, and words dried up in her throat.

“I want to give you the world, Sholei,” he whispered in the dark. His wet hand cradled her cheek, and she melted into him.

“What if I don’t accept it?” she found her voice.

“What is it that you fear? With me, nothing can ever touch you,” he whispered.

“It’s not you that I am afraid of.” She palmed his hand with hers. “I am afraid of what I might do in the future.”

“You would never do anything to harm me.” Ojore opened his eyes again, and the amber burned fierce. Sholei moaned when he leaned in and placed an open, wet kiss on her neck. She brought her hands around his bunched shoulders. A strong hand wrapped around her waist, and she found herself pinned against the pool’s edges.

“I might not have a choice in the matter.” Sholei breathed as fire spread in her blood. Something in Ojore’s eyes made it hard for her to form a coherent statement. She pulled Ojore closer, and he groaned before kissing her hard until she moaned into his mouth.

Keita, something whimpered in the back of her head, sounding like her voice but different at the same time. In the haze of her mind, he carried her out of the pool and laid her across the soft, thick carpet beside it.

He held her eyes with hunger as he ripped the loose, wet shirt from her body. His caresses became bolder, like never before, and Sholei panted underneath him as she sank deeper into the warm carpet. Her hands moved across his broad back. His lips left hers and roamed down her neck. His warm breath made her core tighten. Sholei bucked when his lips found her nipple and tugged the sensitive mound into his warm mouth. His hand found her other breast and squeezed hard, making her whimper.

“I want you. All of you,” Ojore grunted and lavished her other breast with the same attention as the first. Sholei’s knees parted. She lay naked underneath him, andhis body was heavy above hers, but his touch was hot, combustible. Sholei tangled her hands into his hair and dragged his lips back to hers. She whimpered when he kissed her. A hand spanned her ribcage, and the muscles beneath those strong fingers contracted and added to the fluttering in her stomach. His hand felt large and heavy, and his touch was masterful as it trailed down her stomach toward her thighs.

Her entire body tingled, and between her legs, she throbbed.

Sholei’s hand tightened in his hair as she moaned in his mouth. Her body writhed underneath him as his tongue traced her lips and then dipped into her mouth, the kiss passionate, all-consuming. All the while, his hand inched downward, settling brazenly between her thighs. Sholei’s eyes flew open, meeting the scorching intensity of his burning gaze. Her breath came out labored as his fingers continued to move and slipped unhindered through her slick entrance. Sholei couldn’t believe he touched her so intimately, so boldly, but she couldn’t stop him.

It just feltsogood.

She breathed his name, and Ojore growled at her, holding her gaze. His eyes filled with a burning desire that threatened to engulf them both. His finger moved within her in a leisurely, steady rhythm, winding her tension tighter with each pull. Her hips moved, chasing the promise of a much-needed release. Then a powerful rush of heat overtook her, and she gave a loud cry. Ojore bit down on the side of her neck, and the tension between her legs snapped into a shower of stars.

“I want to be with you. Will you let me?” Ojore asked. His smoky voice cut through her high. Sholei opened her eyes to see the same finger that had been inside her moment ago disappear into his mouth.

“Let me please you,” he whispered again, and Sholei nodded. She would agree with anything to make him never stop looking at her like that. She felt his bulge straining against her thigh and longing stirred, mingling with the last ripple of her release.

“I want you,” Sholei whispered. Her gaze returned to his. Whether she was looking at Ojore or Keita, Sholei had gotten to a point of no return.

Ojore scooped her in his arms. Sholei was grateful she didn’t have to walk or her legs might have given way. She held onto his shoulders as he walked to the outer room where his bed was.

Ojore’s body covered hers once more, his hips nestling perfectly into the cradle of her thighs. His mouth seized hers in a dizzying kiss that left her panting with desire as their passionate cries echoed throughout the room.

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