Page 73 of Research with Rivals
His fingers moved only inches, but it was precisely what I needed. My back bowed again as desire flooded me.
“You seem to enjoy my reward system.” He kissed me hard as his thumb circled my clit, and his middle finger slipped into my heat.
“It’s acceptable, but we should really…” He paused his plunges to curl his finger and a moan escaped my lips. I grasped for reason to finish my thought. “Continue testing.”
“Oh, we will.” His reassurance warmed me to the center of my being.
And then he returned to his task with the tenacity that made him the library’s golden boy, even if only in my head. His mouth was everywhere, while his hand maintained a steady rhythm. He wouldn’t be rushed. Every movement wound me tighter, and every slight tilt of his head was an acknowledgement of a discovery—of something that brought me closer to my edge.
I ran my hands across his broad shoulders. Having studied them from afar for weeks, I took advantage of the opportunity to explore unhindered.
Fire burned within me while his mouth traversed my body. I bit down on his shoulder, needing the grounding as he drove me to new heights. It would leave a mark, but he didn’t seem tomind. I traced my tongue over the space to cool the sting, and he continued, frustratingly steady in his work.
“It was the wildness I didn’t understand at first, but I think my wolf did. I considered it reckless, but it’s not. It’s a desire to know more, to understand more, to fight for change, no matter what box this continent tries to fit you into.”
My back didn’t feel like it could bow any farther. My hands dropped to the sheets, clawing in search of something, anything, for purchase.
“You remind me why I loved our field to begin with. And I’d be honored to stoke that wildness, to explore this continent, to push its limits, so long as it’s with you.”
I shattered against his hand, but he didn’t stop. Fire consumed me, and flames burned through my veins, leaving me a pile of ashes. All the while, Ambrose was there—working me through my pleasure.
He pressed a lingering kiss to my lips, and when he tried to pull away, I cupped my hands against his cheeks to hold him in place. I’d never felt so seen, so exposed. Distantly, I knew his words were nonsensical. We were still competing for … something. We wouldn’t even work together for much longer.
I desperately wanted everything he offered, but giving voice to a desire so fleeting, so unattainable, would only cause heartbreak. Even knowing it would leave a mark, I could enjoy this while it lasted and attempt to protect myself from our inevitable separation.
When I met his gaze, it held only warmth, no disappointment at my lack of words. My hands slid to his shoulders, and I realized he was still clothed. My fingers found the remaining buttons, freeing him from his white shirt and tossing it on the floor. Then I rolled us over, positioning myself on top of him to undo his trousers, removing the last vestiges between us.
He reached up to caress the side of my face, and I leaned into it. My veil cat purred, and from the smile that curled his lip, I knew he heard it.
“Show me what you like,” he said as his hands rested at my hips. I straddled him, positioning him at my entrance. I’d never taken control like this before in the bedroom. But Ambrose wanted to see where I’d lead, and I knew he’d follow with studious attention.
I closed my eyes and sank down. Inch by delicious inch, he filled me, my body stretching to accommodate his very welcome intrusion. My hands rested on his pectorals, his body my stabilizing force as I found the perfect angle and rhythm.
His fingers tightened around my waist, steadying me. “That’s it. You know what you want.”
I marveled at his words. How he once again knew precisely what I needed to hear. There was no hesitation now, no consideration of what the words would cost me in the future. They slipped out for him, the same way my desire to be Vesten historian had days ago: “I want you, Ambrose.”
Some restraint in him snapped. I squeaked as he flipped us over. His movements echoed where I’d led, what I’d shown him, but as he took over, his thrusts were faster, harder, deeper. He drew forth the flame that only moments ago had consumed me.
Our breaths quickened together—my heartbeat raced, and fire burned in my chest. I glanced up to see his hazel eyes flash gold. Knowing that this satisfied all parts of him only pushed me faster to my edge.
I came with his name on my lips, and he followed.
He tried to roll away so as not to settle his weight atop me, but I wrapped my legs around him so he couldn’t get away. I didn’t know how long we lay there, but every moment we did, I felt cherished. My veil cat agreed. The image of her curled up inmy mind like the most contented animal on the continent was the last thing I saw before drifting off to sleep.
30
Ambrose
In sleep, Evelyn reached for me, tangling every part of us together. First it was our fingers, and then our legs. She inched closer and closer to me throughout the night. I was more than happy to oblige until she inevitably woke me with more demands.
My wolf chuffed with contentment.
I had to convince myself this was real. That Evelyn was here with me, that we shared a bed—and not because of a shortage of rooms at the inn. I pulled our linked hands closer.
I could get used to this.
Of course I could. It was Evelyn. She was everything I’d never dared to dream of. I closed my eyes and breathed her in. Her scent was so distinct, so perfectly her—wildflowers and honey.
