Page 76 of Doubts & Fears

“I’ll promise you anything if you continue touching me like that.”

He moaned as my fingers moved lower toward his stomach. I continued caressing him, relishing in the way his warm skin tingled across my fingertips. He cursed, pulling a smile to my lips as my hand traveled back up toward his pecs.

“Let me hear you solemnly swear an oath, then,” I teased, before placing a small kiss on his chest.

“I swear you’re going to kill me.”

I raised my eyebrow and stilled my hand.

He cleared his throat. “I, Aleksandr King, solemnly swear to my naughty little kitty that I won’t engage in fistfights with Ivan or Nikolai until said day that I discard her for a naughtier little kitty.” He grinned wickedly as I glared. “Happy now?”

He laughed, but the sound was cut short by a sharp wince as his split lip reopened. I shook my head at his foolishness. A trickle of blood appeared, and I couldn’t help myself. I leaned in and flicked my tongue out. When I pulled back, his crystal-blue eyes were filled with desire.

“Close it out. It’s not official until you swear it upon a higher authority or someone you respect.”

The air between us was electrified, crackling with energy, and a mutual awareness that something deeper was happening. Maybe it was because he was making a vow, and vows were something people made when they were committed.

“I swear and affirm that I shall hold true to this oath as a subject of His Majesty King Charles III, his heirs, and his successors, according to law. So help me God.”

I stared, mesmerized once more, as my heart ached in my chest. “Roll over, Your Majesty, and I’ll scratch your back, though you don’t deserve it. Discard me for a naughtier kitty, seriously.”

The intensity of the moment passed, and I breathed a sigh of relief. He seemed lighthearted and boyish as he happily rolled over to submit to my touch on his back.

“I think I’m quite deserving,” he mumbled.

His words from earlier stung. I didn’t want to think about someone taking my place. Not with him, not with Nik, and certainly not with Ivan.

“I’ll have you know I’m not so easily replaced. Now close your eyes and let me show the Reaper how much I appreciate his willingness to not fight with my beloved Blade.”

Sitting up, I took my chemise off and then brought my fingers to his back, gently scratching, listening to him moan appreciatively. I leaned close to him, letting him feel my breasts on his shoulder blades. He whipped his head around, and I smiled shyly.

“Maybe I’m more ready than you think,” I whispered into his ear.

The secret part of me that wanted to see where this could go was feeling bold this evening.

“Damn, don’t say things you don’t mean. I have requirements. There would also need to be some negotiations. I’m not sure you understand what you’re asking for.”

“That’s not surprising, and probably a good thing. I understand more than you think. However, do I dare ask what requirements you might have?” I continued running my fingernails over the back of his arms, his goose bumps making me smile.

“You could, but I doubt you’d agree to the main one. And I hate to say it, but if you can’t do it, I’d have to decline. Although it’s taking everything in me not to roll over and take what you’re offering.”

“What’s the one thing?” I asked with trepidation.

My heart burned like it was going to explode. He wanted me.

“You agree to talk to Marcel.” He groaned as I moved my breasts over his back, teasing him.

“Hmm, again, not surprising. Do you make all the girls you play with talk to him?”

His eyes found mine. “Would you be appalled if I said yes?”

The level of vulnerability in his voice had me wondering what he was thinking about.

“I’m not sure how I feel about that. I suppose you have your reasoning. At the end of the day, I can respect that.”

I scratched his back for a long time, caressing him lovingly. Beneath the gentle glide of my fingertips, his muscles gradually relaxed, and a calmness washed over his features. His eyelids fluttered closed, and his breathing deepened.

There was something powerful in knowing my touch brought about a measure of peace for him. Smiling, I watched over him a little longer. Several minutes later, he rolled and pulled me against him.

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