Page 37 of Temel

“I want you to be happy here.”

“I know, Mama.”

Dora left the crib and came over to give her a quick, impulsive hug. Her slender body felt more fragile than normal, and Ida frowned.

“Are you losing weight?”

“No.”

Her daughter rolled her eyes at the question, the familiar gesture reassuring her, even though she resolved silently to keep an eye on how much Dora was eating.

“I thought I’d make a cake for tonight as sort of a moving-in celebration. Would you like chocolate?”

Something flickered in Dora’s eyes before she shrugged.

“I don’t mind. Whatever you make will be delicious.”

She laughed. “I hope so. I’m sure Kalpar won’t hesitate to tell me if it doesn’t meet his standards.”

Dora rolled her eyes again, a more normal smile crossing her face.

“He’s definitely picky.”

He was, which made his praise even more satisfying. Everyone else was simply enthusiastic about food. Thank goodness they’d also stocked up on supplies while they were in town. Mr. Armstrong had fulfilled the order, chatting easily with Temel, while his second wife eyed her almost as suspiciously as Mrs. Raven. She wasn’t going to miss the town gossips at all.

“Do you want to come help me in the kitchen?”

“In a little while. I have a few things I want to do first, while Angel is sleeping.”

“All right. Whenever you feel like it.”

As soon as she walked through the kitchen door, a big arm grabbed her and Temel pulled her into his arms with a satisfied growl.

“Gods, I’ve missed this.”

“Me too.” She reached around and gave his butt a playful squeeze. “I’m surprised you waited this long.”

“If I’d kissed you this morning, we would never have made it to town.” His eyes gleamed silver as he gazed down at her mouth. “And if I’d kissed you while we were in town, we would probably have scandalized the whole community.”

“Do you think we’re safe now?” she asked, licking her lips provocatively.

“No. But my patience is at an end.”

He started to lower his head, then took a quick look at the row of windows, muttered a curse, and yanked her into the pantry closet.

The first touch of his mouth against hers sent a shock of pure pleasure through her body, then a flush of heat as his tongue swept over her bottom lip and slipped into her mouth. She’d thought she remembered how good he tasted, but the memory couldn’t compare to the reality. Her hands slid up to clutch his horns and he groaned into her mouth, his arms tightening around her.

Somehow she found herself pinned against the pantry wall, one big hand holding her in place for his kiss while the other tugged impatiently at her skirts, dragging the fabric up over her thighs. The cool air against her leg made her shiver—or perhaps it was due to the anticipation of what was to come. He hadn’t stopped kissing her, and every stroke of his tongue promised more.

She whimpered into his mouth as he found the opening in her drawers and a thick finger slipped inside to trace her slick folds.

“You’re already ready for me,” he growled approvingly, nipping at her lower lip as that big finger probed at her entrance. Her sheath fluttered as he pushed deeper, even the single digit stretching her.

Despite the impatience he’d displayed earlier, he took his time, working her open before settling into a demanding rhythm as his thumb found her swollen clit.

A few quick strokes of his clever fingers was all it took to send her flying.

“Perfect,” he purred as she trembled against him. “You are so beautiful like this.”

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