Page 37 of A Conduit of Light
“Mmhm.”Shedidn’t trust her treacherous self to speak.Asshe swallowed the lump in her throat, opening her mouth to exhale silently, her body protested at still being turned toward the bookcase.Shehadn’t asked for this when she came toFelgren—hadn’t expected it even—but she wanted it.
Badly.
Hisvoice rumbled wickedly, full of honey, smooth and thick, “Whatabout funny and kind?Thosetraits are important, too, you know.”Heleaned into her neck, pulling her hair from her shoulder, his lips brushing her skin as a chill ran through her entire body.
Shelaughed softly and closed her eyes, exposing more of her throat for him to continue his soft trek across it, feeling herself start to fade into the rapture of his touch.Shefumbled to make room somewhere on the shelf for the book she had taken and it disappeared instantly, returning to its proper place a few spaces down.
“Ido know,” she whispered, turning then to meet his mouth with hers, all sense of hesitation long gone as he pulled her head closer to him, leaning gently on her lower half, pushing her waist into the bookcase.Shemaneuvered one leg out from her skirts and wrapped it partially around him, the invitation to come nearer unspoken but heavy in the air.
Hiskiss was full of passion, his tongue exploring hers in awe and worship, and she felt as if they were there again beneath the moon in the glow of the nitor trees.
Shereturned his enthusiasm, pulling him closer, the upper half of her body plunging into the books behind her as her lower half pressed into his.
Ashpulled her head back, desperate for air to fill her panting lungs, desperate to regain control of her mind that was slipping into a place where she could not return to rational thought without a release.
Hedidn’t hesitate, his mouth seeking her neck once again, and she could tell he was slipping, too.Shelaughed lightly in her gasp of pleasure, seeking control of the very part of her which knew not the definition and uttered sweetly, “Ifyou find him, let me know.”
Snickering, he held his head against her neck, his breath hot against her skin, placing one last kiss there before pulling back to look at her. “Oh,Ash, what amIgoing to do with you.”
Itwas a statement, no implication of question as he held her face, brushing her bottom lip with his thumb.
Shekissed it, most of her wishing he hadn’t stopped, and whispered, “Ican think of a few things.”
Hecleared his throat, hands unwilling to leave her face. “Believeit or not,Icame to find you for a different purpose.”
“Whata shame,Rev.”
Helet out a breath, low and harsh from his lips, shaking his head and entwining his hand in hers.Hepulled her out from the indent of books they had made on the shelf which righted themselves immediately.
“Come.ClairanniaandFiguerahare waiting for you in the courtyard.Sylvahas brought lunch.”
“Willyou be joining us, then?”Shewalked with him, swinging their embraced hands against her skirts.
“Iwouldn’t even dare to.”Heglanced down at her eyes, then to her unbuttoned shirt, her exposed skin flushed with what had been obvious moments before.
“Whata relief.Idon’t thinkIcould sit through the whole thing with you staring across from me like that.”Sheran a hand down the top of her chest, playing with the next fastened button.
Heraked his other hand through his hair exhaling sharply again. “Whatare you doingafterlunch?”
“Lumenriding most likely—with the girls.”
“Doyou think they’d notice ifIstole you away?”
Shescoffed, still holding his hand tightly in hers as they descended another staircase. “Theyprobably noticed how long it took you to get me.Idon’t doubt they’d notice both of our absences.Nothingeludes those two.Though,Ireally should get back to studying instead.BaronHeimlenis not at all pleased with me, andIpromised to be fresh tomorrow with a clear head and notes to tell of my time inViridis.”
“I’dprefer you leave outthatencounter.”Henodded behind them to where the white roses bloomed fully.
Shelaughed, tilting her head back and pressing her shoulder to his. “IthinkIwill.Buthe asked me to studyFelgrenorigins again andI’veplenty more to read.”
“Again?Haven’tyou moved on from that subject?”
“Ithought so, but maybe he’s not satisfied with the number of booksI’veread so far.”
Thecourtyard loomed near, and it was the first time she’d felt disappointment upon seeing it.Hepulled her now messier hair behind her ears and kissed her lips lightly.
“Afterdinner then—will you come to me?”
“Idon’t even know where your rooms are.”
