Page 71 of Hell-Bound

It was incredible. The flavor was deep and full, like fresh red fruit, ripe on a summer evening. She smiled to herself, knowing this unique flavor would be a memory she could come back to. She took another generous sip and couldn’t help the slight moan of culinary pleasure that escaped her.

“My my. I didn’t think I’d be hearing that sound so soon,” Azur quipped from across the table.

Ren almost spit out her wine.

“Excuse me,sir.I don’t remember much about table manners, but I know this isn’t a polite conversation!”

He laughed fully.

“I’m sorry, Ren. I didn’t mean to offend.”

He took a small sip from his own glass, licking a small drip from his supple mouth. Ren had to stop herself from shivering.

“I have no bad intentions, I can assure you. I don’t make it a habit of mixing business and pleasure.”

“Oh,” was her only response as the forbidden emotion of disappointment crept in.

“I just don’t see you that way, Ren,” he stated, swirling his wine in its glass. “I understand your silly little game with this kiss. You’re not the first to be curious, and I hate to disappoint you, for you obviously crave something more, but I really don’t have the time for such frivolous matters. You do understand, darling?”

Ren’s mouth was fully agape.

“Excuseme?” she burst out, “that’squitethe ego you have on you,Lord Pelegros,but while Iwascurious last night, I decided after such adisappointingperformance on your part that if I wanted to have a mediocre kiss and conversation, I’d take it up with Jester.”

His mouth tilted flirtatiously. “Is that so?”

“Itisso!” She stood up and tossed her napkin on the table. “If you knew anything about me, then you would know the thing I hate most is when peopletellme how I feel. Only I get to decide that!”

She spun on her heel and stormed out the door, stomping towards her rooms. He didn’t follow.

Of all the preposterous…of all the egotistical things he could have said! Lord of Prideindeed!

She kicked her dress off and threw herself on the bed, wearing her borrowed silken underclothes, and screamed into her pillow.

She knew that the kiss had likely meant very little to him, but the confirmation was deflating. Despite what she might tell herself, it had been important to her. It was her firstkiss, and it was undeniably plane-shattering.

He hadn’t needed to kiss me, so like—whatever that was! It could have been a little peck!He was clearly teasing her. That lustful beast was trying to gain the upper hand in some sort of contest of wills.

Then, an idea.

A deliciouslyawfulidea.

An idea completelydevilish.

Ren settled her head gently in her pillow. She slid her hand down her chest to her stomach and leisurely drew slow circles around her navel. The sensation sent small, pleasant electric shocks down her body. She stopped for a moment before she let her fingers wander. When she reached the lining of her silken undergarment, she paused and let out a nervous breath. This would be another first. She continued her journey down, delicately touching the tender, soft skin between her legs. This feeling, this exploration, was altogether new, and it filled her with excitement and anticipation.

She began delicately testing the sensations of herself. The textures of different layers and lips, each responding and soon slick with desire. She found that certain rhythms made her blood rush and her legs clench. After a few practiced strokes, she whimpered in lustful satisfaction.

My myyyyy. Did you summon me, darling?

His voice.

She smirked to herself as she dipped her fingers lower and spread herself wide, feeling her own desire. The warmth that had pooled and ached for friction.

She could feel his voice hovering close as the phantom smoke swirled around her. She could almost feel his breath on her neck.

Ren.

Renata.

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