Page 80 of The Sovereign: Part One
His breath faltered as he pulled away.“Please understand.We were lucky to escape an infraction before.I won’t risk it again.”
“That’swhy you stopped?”
He breathed out a small laugh.“You have no idea how much I want you.”
I bit my lip.“I suppose it’s futile.That… feature… doesn’t activate until after the Oathbond.”
Fingers firmly around my wrist, he guided my hand to the impressive, rigid proof of his defiance beneath the thin fabric of his pants.“I disagree.”
I kissed him again, and for a moment, he met me with equal fervor before his pace gradually slowed once more.
“I stand by my words—we wait.Your experience is tainted, let’s keep at least one thing unchanged.”
“Why does it have to bethis?”I asked, flustered.
He exhaled a short, amused breath.
I met his eyes.“I… have a theory.If you’ll indulge me.”
“Oh?”he asked.
I nodded, pulse thrumming.“About why we didn’t receive an infraction for the other night.I don’t know how, but too many things have happened to have slipped under The Citadel’s radar.I think we’re being cloaked.Possibly by the same person who’s responsible for your deviations.”
“That’s quite a theory… a rather dangerous one.”
I hesitated.“I want to test it.Something that would definitely result in an infraction, but not serious enough to ruin our plans tomorrow.”
“Test it how?”he asked.
I wrapped my fingers around his wrist, drawing his hand to my lips as I traced my tongue over his fingertips.His brows knitted, his gaze darkening with a blend of curiosity and desire.Slowly, I guided his hand beneath the comforter, past the edge of my panties, a soft sigh escaping when the warmth of his fingertips met my skin.
“I’ve heard an accordant’s touch surpasses anything else,” I breathed out.“Show me.”
Maxim’s mouth possessed mine, his fingers gliding with intent—patient, practiced, devastating.A moan slipped free, my back arching as my body responded to each motion.It had been years since I’d felt anything beyond my own hand.Years of careful restraint, never daring to push Joss past his limits, and then, by mandate, untouched, celibate, sealed within the confines of the Veritas Protocol.But this… this was not simply touch.Not even foreplay.It was artistry.Every stroke a masterpiece, each caress painting pleasure across my skin with aching, exquisite detail.
My hands found the sharp lines of his face, fingers pressing into the strength of his jaw as I turned, my cheek grazing his.I was lost, drowning in sensation, in the dizzying contrast of skill and softness, of focus and need.I had only ever given myself this before—but never like this.Neverthis.
“Is that what you want?”Maxim whispered in my ear.
I nodded, biting my lip.
With a single, fluid motion, he slid the delicate fabric of my panties away, his hand finding me again in the next breath.I moved instinctively, pressing closer, my knee hooking at his hip as my hand drifted between his legs in silent reciprocation.But before I could reach him, he pulled back, his touch retreating just enough to make me meet his gaze.His olive-green eyes held mine as he shook his head slowly.
“This is about you,” he murmured.“Only you.”
I breathed out a laugh, a grin teasing my lips before I kissed him again, savoring the slow glide of his tongue against mine.As I melted back into the mattress, he followed, pressing languid kisses from my collarbone to the tender skin just behind my ear.A shiver coursed through me as his fingers traced gentle, knowing circles, and then—he eased one inside.
I gasped, my thighs tensing, and he groaned in response, the sound rough, almost primal.Something electric pulsed through me as he curled his finger, too easily finding that perfect spot, the heel of his hand delivering slow friction that sent heat spiraling through my core.
“I can’t wait to be here,” he murmured, his voice thick with longing.“Inside you,” he breathed.“Every night.”
My fingers dug into his skin as tension coiled deep, winding tighter with every pulse of pleasure.Heat unfurled, igniting every nerve in a slow, consuming burn.A final tremor crashed through me, waves cresting, breaking, leaving me trembling beneath the force of it.He groaned, his cheek flush against mine, the heat of his breath ghosting over my skin.
For a moment, neither of us moved, lingering in the aftershocks, breaths mingling, hearts pounding in unison.Then, as the intensity ebbed, I melted into him, boneless and replete, a slow, satisfied smile curving my lips.
Maxim looked down at me with adoration, yet there was a trace of surprise, amusement—as if he hadn’t anticipated this any more than I had.
“I’m sorry,” I said, still catching my breath.“I know you wanted to wait.”
