Page 50 of Poisoned Empire

“It could be, if you wanted it,” she replied, excitement pulsing through her.

How long had it been since she’d been able to really let loose with a man? Years? Ever? To never need suspect a man of only wanting her for the thrill of danger her gift posed? The idea was heady. She found herself wading closer to the prince, watching as the scowl melted off his face and lust darkened his eyes.

“If this is your idea of a prank-”

“Promise you’ll spank me?” she asked with a sassy smile, reaching out for him.

Grabbing her outstretched wrist, he jerked her against his body, water sloshing with his quick movements. His other hand gripped her thigh, pressing her hips to his. Her free arm wrapped around his slick shoulder, nipples grazing his chest as her core rubbed against a thick shaft. Perfection.

“A spanking would be the least of your worries.”

“Less talk, more seducing.”

Selene kissed him—hard. He released her wrist, and she wrapped that arm around him, too. His hand skimmed down her back, his kiss punishing. Fingers kneading her backside, he ground himself against her. The tingling shot down to her toes. She nipped his ear, licking and kissing her way down his neck as his harsh breaths sounded in her ears. When he pulled her away, she groaned in denial. She’d almost had a mouthful of his perfect chest.

His lips found hers again, and she became vaguely aware that he was lifting her out of the waters and positioning her on a plush towel. No matter how eagerly her tongue greeted his, Belisarius punished her, claiming her. When he finally let her up for air, hot, hungry lips worked down her neck as he crouched over her, refusing to let her move. He sucked on her nipple, dark eyes lost to some primal need as he gazed back up at her. Then he bit down gently, sending a bolt of lust straight through her.

She took hold of him, revelling in the feeling of hot, soft skin stretched tight over rigid steel. His fingers found their way to her core and stroked her mercilessly. Leaving her breasts behind, he kissed his way down her body to where his fingers tortured her in the best way.

The sight of him between her thighs, his long black hair trailing across her stomach, hand gripping her hip—it was a wicked, waking dream. His tongue kept her on the edge of sanity as he filled her with his fingers. She lost all control, choking on her pleasure. But he wasn’t done. Slowing his erotic onslaught, he proved immune to begging, bargaining or threats, refusing to be rushed, not until she saw stars a second time. Every sensual nerve alight, breathless from pleasure he leaned over her, his mouth glistening from his task. He took her hand and placed it back on his shaft.

“Do you want this?” he asked, dark, sensual promise plain.

“I want it now!” she cried out, beyond shame or games of one-upmanship. She ached.

Selene guided him into her, stretching deliciously. When he thrust, she moved with him, desperate to feel every inch. Her nails scored his back, legs locked on his hips, frantic to have more of him. Every stroke lit her senses on fire. He angled himself, hitting her just right, wrenching a sharp gasp from her. Reclaiming her mouth, he branded her with his tongue as he took his due. When his lips left hers, his thrusts turned frenzied, dark eyes wild and fierce. She drank in the sight of him as he followed her to completion.

They lay tangled, gasping as if they had just run for their lives. Her fingers threaded through his long, silky hair as she breathed in the scent of him. His eyes found hers, searching for something she couldn’t name. Grinning like a fool, she pulled him down for soft, lazy kisses. Eventually, he pulled away, helping her back into the spring when her shaky legs refused to cooperate. Coaxing her into his lap, his chin resting on her head, they simply sat. His arms encircled her and she sank into him, flush against his smooth, warm skin.

Neither said a word.

Chapter 19

Theballroomglitteredwiththe flickering flames of hundreds of candles held aloft in chandeliers. Elegant chatter, the clinking of glasses and the soft music of stringed instruments created a constant, low buzz. None of it could distract Iliana from her friend’s odd plea. Having just finished a round of dancing with the increasingly popular griffin, Selene had been deposited close at hand. Dressed in purple silks and glittering jewels, Selene looked as though she belonged in this overcrowded noble party. Her words, however, did not.

“I need to make Belisarius forget we fucked.”

“Wait, what happened? How? I thought you both despised each other.”

Iliana had noticed that the prince no longer had a cold and haughty disposition when he danced with Selene. He’d been almost tender, playing his part to utter perfection. Perhaps his acting was no longer just that.

“Well, I was busy furthering my education, and I bumped into him in the bath. Anyway, he looks amazing naked, and I couldn’t help myself. The problem is now he’s being...nice.”

Selene spoke the word like it was the filthiest thing to have ever crossed her lips. Iliana could barely contain her snort of mirth. Selene could handle death and mutilation with aplomb, but an affectionate look had her running?

“Don’t laugh! It’s so humiliating!”

“Which part? The sex or his change of heart?”

“Obviously the feelings bit! The sex was top five, easily,” Selene replied with all seriousness.

“Selene, this isn’t a problem.” Iliana crossed her arms, mulish. She would take no part in a scheme so hare-brained.

“He hasn’t even insulted me once since the sex! Not once! It’s weird, and I need to make it stop,” Selene whined.

“Have you ever considered that maybe he finds himself attracted to you, and now wants to have a better relationship?”

“Gods forbid!” Selene shuddered. “I don’t dorelationships.”

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