Page 52 of Kingdoms of Tides and Twilight

“Possessive much?” she teased as he backed her into the room, slamming the door with his booted foot.

His eyes glistened intoxicatingly. Renya could get lost in those deep pools of jade and never resurface. He tugged her alongside the bed next to him and wrapped his arms tightly around her chest. Rolling her on her back, he gave her a scorching kiss, his lips seeking out hers like the force of two magnets.

After a few moments, Grayden pulled away, and they both lay back on the bed, panting and trying to catch their breath. Renya felt herself being pulled into his side, and he stroked her head like a prized puppy. She finally started to relax after their long day of travel. They hadn't discussed how long they would be at the Twilight Kingdom, but their accommodations suggested an extended stay. Plus, Renya was sure it would take a while for her to learn how to use her magic.

The calm seemed to settle both of them, and Renya felt her eyes growing heavy as she tucked her head against the side of his neck, breathing in his unique scent of pine and cinnamon. She listened to his blood pumping through his jugular and could feel his heart steady under her palm. The sound soothed her like waves crashing along the beach, and she was pulled under, the allure of sleep too strong to resist.

The smell of freshly baked bread gradually roused her. She reached for Grayden on the bed, only to find herself alone. She sat up immediately, looking around the room.

Grayden sat at a small table near a crackling fireplace, his feet and chest bare. He was picking at something on a silver platter, holding it between two fingers as he looked at her.

“How long was I asleep?”

“Just an hour. A maid brought in the tray, and you looked so peaceful I couldn't bear to disturb you. But I saved some for you.”

Renya swung her legs over the bed. She tried to push herself off, but the soft down mattress hugged her body as she tried to force herself up. Her legs were sore, and Grayden saw her struggle.

“Rest, my Little Fawn.” He crossed the large room and brought her the platter. He set it down on the bed and crawled behind her, his hands moving to her shoulders and pressing deeply with his thumbs, rubbing out the knots that had formed there.

She purred contentedly as she brought a piece of bread to her lips. Renya admired the room as she scarfed down her supper. She could tell they were in one of the towers by the large circular shape of the chamber. The bed was centered in the circular part of the room, with a small bathroom off to the left. The walls were a deep crimson, and plush white carpets lined the hard cobblestone floor. The little table was circled by two chairs, and they each had a nightstand on their side of the large bed. It was even larger than Grayden's bed back at the lodge, and the four corners of the posters almost reached the tall ceiling. Gauzy tulle curtains were pulled back, and thick embroidered tapestries covered whatever view there was from the window.

Grayden continued to work his way down her back, massaging and caressing her aching muscles.

“Aren't you glad we're in the same room now?”

She moaned and leaned back into his chest as she popped a candied date into her mouth.

“I never said I wasn't,” she responded, trying to keep herself upright when all she wanted to do was sink back into the feather bed and disappear into her dreams. “I'm always happiest when I'm with you. But I have to admit, I don't think I've ever been this tired.”

His eyes warmed, and she couldn't help but notice the stark difference from when she first met him in the woods. He had always been caring and compassionate, but he seemed so much happier now. She wondered if she had changed as well.

Grayden stopped his fingers and moved to the floor on her side of the bed. He knelt before her and started working the laces of her boots. He slipped them off, placing her dagger on her nightstand, and then massaged her arches and the pads of her toes. Next came her calves, and he pushed her trousers up as far as he could, continuing his gentle care. She tried to sit up, but he stopped her with a hand on her shoulder.

“Let me take care of you.”

It felt so good to be pampered that she let him continue. He undid the fasteners of her trousers and pulled them down her legs, then pulled up her tunic. Grayden crossed the room and Renya noticed their travel trunk had been brought in as well. He rummaged through it, before coming up with a peach-colored nightgown. Her clothes were folded and left on the trunk, and he came back over to her.

Her eyes were unbelievably heavy. She looked at him through lidded eyes as he slipped off her bralette. Exposed to the cool air, she shivered, and he couldn't help but place a warm, masculine kiss between the valley of her breasts. She whined a bit when he stopped, but he hushed her.

“Hands up.”

She did as she was told, and he pulled the nightgown on and settled it over her hips.

“You're so good to me,” she murmured as he placed her back against the pillow, tucking her legs underneath the white sheets and coverlet.

“You are good for me.”

She was nearly drifting off when he moved to the other side of the bed. Grayden pulled back the sheets and removed his trousers, sleeping in the nude as he generally preferred when they weren't out in the harsh elements of his lands. He tugged her closer to the center of the bed, pulling her leg over his hip before kissing her on her temple.

“Goodnight, my little light bringer.”

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Renya couldn't remember the last time she'd slept so well. She opened her eyes gingerly, finding Grayden's face mere inches from hers. His arm lay draped across her stomach, pulling her close like a child clutching a beloved teddy bear. His warm breath caressed her cheek, his face unlined and peaceful in slumber. She inched closer, eliciting a quiet moan from him. He pushed against her involuntarily, his hardness straining against her stomach. It seemed he woke ready every morning.

Sensing her slight movements, Grayden's eyes fluttered open.

“Morning.” His lazy smile accompanied the subtle lift of her leg over his hip as he ground against her. Renya's lips parted, her breath quickening. “Sleep well?” he asked, continuing his gentle assault as he gauged her reaction.

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