Page 18 of The Kingdom of Flames and Ash

Getting up slowly so as not to bother Nightbane, I tossed off the navy sheets and tiptoed to the door across from the bed. I turned the knob, wondering if it was locked, but it opened up easily.

As I shut the door behind me, my attention homed in on my mate. I took in the curves of his body in the clear tub with the frosted bottom that was elevated on a wooden floor.

If Eldrin hadn’t been behind bars, I’d have been wary of the shadows on the wall directly in front of me, which looked as if a dark forest lay behind them. But I wasn’t now, and especially not with Tavish near.

“I won’t lie.” Tavish beamed, his eyes turning the light gray they did only around me. “I was hoping you might join me, but only if you’re not hurting.” He sprawled in the tub, and through the clear glass, I could see every inch of him. Need heated my body.

“I’m still not fully healed, but I’m thinking your body might make me feel all better.” I grinned and slowly removed my shirt, careful not to jar my wings and back, and then removed my pants.

His dick hardened, and a knot of need twisted deep inside me.

“Unless you aren’t up for the challenge,” I whispered, moving slowly to him. My eyes adjusted to the soft candlelight in the dark room, and I embraced the essence of Tavish’s power running throughout the castle. I noticed that he’d laid out two towels and clothes for each of us.

I stepped into the tub and submerged myself in the warm aqua-blue water, soothing my muscles and easing the lingering tension in my limbs.

Tavish’s eyes never left me, and his wings wrapped protectively around me. I lay against his chest as our bodiesbuzzed from our fated-mate connection, and he traced gentle patterns on my arm.

“I’m glad you’re feeling better, but if you’re hurting, we need to ensure we don’t reopen the wounds.” He placed a kiss on my forehead. The warmth and tenderness of our embrace made the horribleness of the world vanish from my mind.

The water settled into my limbs, easing the discomfort in my wings and back, but heat flooded my body.

I raised my head and kissed him, swiping my tongue across his mouth, begging for entrance. His hardness pressed into my stomach, informing me that he wanted me as much as I wanted him.

Sprite,he growled.I’m trying to take care of you here.

I believe I made clear exactly what I want.I wrapped my hand around his cock and stroked it, and he shuddered.

His mouth opened, allowing me access. Our tongues intertwined as a hand caressed my breast.

I moved my hand slowly, teasing my fingers along the length of him, feeling him harden even more beneath my touch.

He groaned softly, his hands gripping my waist, pulling me farther up so he could capture my nipple in his mouth and forcing me to release him.

I’m too close to finishing,he linked as his teeth gently scraped my skin, leaving a trail of fire. One hand steadied me while the other went between my legs, rubbing ever so slightly.

Heat burned so bright that I feared I might implode as he slipped two fingers inside me.

My heart pounded as his fingers and mouth worked, bringing me closer to the edge. His musk-and-amber scent covered me, and I lost myself in him completely. Friction began to build deep within me.

Just as I was on the brink of pleasure, I gripped his hand and removed his fingers from within me.

What are you—he started, but when I slid down onto him, his breath caught.

My thighs wrapped around his waist, the cold air hitting the top half of my body. He sat more upright, completely filling me. My hands gripped his shoulders, digging in as he began to move within me.

If I hurt you, I need to know.He gently placed his hands on my hips, anchoring me to him.

I’ll be fine. I need this connection with you.I leaned forward, kissing down his neck and scraping my teeth against his skin as my head spun with the need for release… to feel our souls merge… especially after how close we’d come to losing one another.

My breath hitched as I struggled to keep pace with him. The world around us melted away, allowing us a moment of peace.

His hands cupped my face, and then one tangled in my hair, pulling me closer to him. He tugged slightly, and I moaned louder.

Blast, sprite.He tilted his head back.You’re going to kill me.

The friction peaked, and I orgasmed as his body shuddered underneath mine. Our connection opened, our pleasure blending together as the ecstasy increased.

We rode our pleasure for minutes—or hours—I wasn’t sure. All I knew was, at this moment, I felt complete.

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