Page 57 of Warrior
Dawn remained a few hours away. The light streaming through the overhead was gray, reminding me of the fog that adheres to early morning battlefields. Normally, I looked forward to battle. It heats the blood and sets anticipation racing through me in a heady wave.
Not this time.
Now I feel careful, more measured, something almost like fear teeming just under my skin. The things endangered far too precious to let my head spin into a battle rage—the moment when I lose focus of everything save the need to kill.
I needed to stay focused on Daisy and the younglings. Their safety came first, whether I got to slaughter any guards or not.
I veered from the tunnel, skirting the common area toward the hot springs. Although it wasn’t the heated water I craved, but the cold. The pool was too small to submerge in, but I cupped the water in my hands, splashing it over my face and neck.
The cold water settled me somewhat, clearing my head of emotion and allowing me to focus on next steps. It was difficult, but I managed to separate the blasting module from the fuel so the charges in the common area would be no more than smoke and noise. The explosives I placed on either side of the stonesteps and under the weakest part of the archway would cause damage. Which was exactly what I wanted.
With George’s help, I modified my comm into a wireless detonator. Chanel one would set off the charges in the common room. Channel two controlled the explosives under the stairs. The guards wouldn’t notice Daisy milling about the kitchens—even if they did, it's not out of the ordinary—which put her in the perfect spot to detonate the blasts.
A smile curved my lips at the memory of Daisy's face when I explained her role in the diversion. A flash of terror gave way to determination and resolve. She loved the younglings, proving she would go to any lengths to ensure their safety. She’s the most loving, caring, courageous woman ever to grace my presence. When we escaped and returned to the Bardaga, my first task would be to find out the truth of Khaion's mating with Emmy. I will claim Daisy as my own, if possible. If not, I will yield, glad to be the one claimed by her.
I already am.
A boyfriend.
There is no imagining my life going forward without her by my side. I don’t even want to try.
The cacophony of gentle snores wafted from the dorms, bringing my attention to the present. A rustling indicated one restless youngling… maybe two. George and Ewok. For younglings, they accepted the duty forced on them with courage and relish. Those two had the heart to make good warriors, although I would not risk Daisy’s wrath to suggest such a path for them.
In the kitchen, a plate of bread, meat, and cheese waited on the table. Along the wall, bags of supplies awaited the morning. I scarfed the food, not bothering to relish the taste, although I knew it was delicious, just like every other thing Daisy cooks.
Daisy.
Valana, please keep her safe.
Praying to the goddess isn’t something I do often. I can't remember the last time I called out for her blessing and protection, save for battlefield cries of victory or within the rapture of pleasure. This time, the supplication came from deep in my soul, from a part of me that knew I would not survive the loss of the female more important than my own heartbeat.
I slipped from the kitchen toward her room, my steps careful of making noise. Hopefully, Daisy slept. She needed her rest for tomorrow just like the younglings. I knew sleep would elude me. It always does before a battle. Just holding Daisy in my arms, her softness curled against me, would be enough to see me through the dawn.
Despite my best efforts, the metal door gave a long, low creak as I pushed it open. I held my breath, slipping silently inside. Two steps inside the room and a small, soft body slammed against mine.
“Daicon.”
Her voice was a breathy whimper. Her hands clutched at my shoulders, twining her fingers in my hair and pulling my face downward so she could claim my lips.
"Sweetling," I groaned and captured her lips.
Her lips were hot and urgent as they moved against mine, her teeth grazing my lower lip as her tongue pressed against mine, hot and needy.
Her hands went to the fastening of my breeches as I pushed the loose garment she wore over her naked hips, clothes feeling like weights that we desperately wanted to shed. Our hands moved slowly yet surely, undoing buttons and zips as anticipation grew with each inch of exposed skin.
My hands clutched her waist, lifting her off the ground. Daisy wrapped her legs tightly around my waist and pushedher hips to grind against my cock, now standing hard and hot against my stomach. I spun, pressing her against the wall, my arm across her back, protecting her from sharp edges.
There was no need for foreplay, and the few steps it would have taken to get us to the bed were too far to travel.
My hardened tip slid against her warm folds, my desire intensifying with each passing second. Then I thrust firmly, lost in pleasure as I sheathed myself in her hot wetness and felt her body quiver against mine.
Our eyes met, and her desire-filled gaze sent a wave of heat through my body. With each thrust, I felt her slickness envelop me as she moved with me in perfect harmony. My thrusts grew impassioned, becoming faster and more frantic. She clung to me, letting out soft cries of pleasure.
Our bodies locked together, her thick, dark hair cascaded over her shoulders, accentuating the curve of her bouncing breasts as she cried out in pleasure. The rippling of her inner walls increased with each passing moment until a shudder ran through her body, and she bit her lip to stifle a moan.
A wave of satisfaction coursed through me as she gasped my name, her breath hot against my ear. I groaned uncontrollably as I drove into her with a final powerful thrust of my hips, releasing myself deeply within her.
My forehead dropped to hers, feeling the warmth of her skin and the dampness of our shared breaths. I felt a wave of contentment flooding my veins and twirling joyfully around my heart.
