Page 73 of Hidden Kingdoms

Pulling in a breath, I turned to the shower, ready to stand underneath for as long as was necessary to chase the burning heat from my skin. My nipples were hard and aching, brushing against the confines of my top as I peeled it over my head dropping it to the floor, the rest of my clothes following moments later.

The water was perfect on my sensitive skin, and I braced my hands on the cold tiles as its warmth soaked into me. My magik a deep rush of conflicting feelings. Every pound of my heart was mirrored in the throb between my legs, the need to be touched overwhelming.

Unwilling to deny myself any longer, I pressed my back to the wall, the water skimming over my tender breasts and igniting my body as much as the energy dancing through it was. My hands moved down, fingers trailing over my skin until they reached the slick wetness of my pussy. Dipping a finger inside, I knew it wouldn’t be enough. I pulled back and slowly rubbed the hot bundle of nerves that was pulsing with magik with each stroke.

I closed my eyes, letting my mind wander to a reality where I wasn’t alone, touching myself under the heat of a shower in an attempt to give my body what it needs. He was here, lips moving on mine, fingers dragging over my skin. We hadn’t said goodbye, he’d followed me into the room, mouth moving hungrily over mine as we explored each other.

I slid down the wall until I hit the floor, knees bent within the confines of the shower, and my fingers continuing their movements on my aching clit. Pleasure was building within me, and I bit down on my lip hard on the moan that was threatening to escape, though I doubted anyone would be able to hear me.

The Kaius of my mind had moved with me, his beautiful face leaving mine to dip between my legs, strong hands holding my thighs wide for him as he leaned forward to feast on me. My fingers circled furiously, chasing the tension that was coiling inside. The image changed without any nudge from me and instead of a cold tiled wall behind me, it was now a thick hard body I was pressed against. Huge, tanned hands reached from behind, cupping my breasts as another set of lips trailed blazing kisses on my neck.

I gasped at the phantom touch of another set of hands, feeling myself getting even slicker despite the way my body was already ablaze with arousal at the fantasies I was conjuring.

Higher and higher I built the pressure within myself with every move of my hand, all the while my magik flowed across myskin and the water poured over me. My heels pressed against the edge of the shower as my fingers moved rapidly, hips grinding into my hand as my orgasm pulsed through me in a burst of ecstasy that my magik mirrored as it sparked within.

My eyes flew open, taking in the empty space as I sucked in a ragged breath. My laughter echoed as I pressed a hand to my racing heart, the buzz of my magik happily settling inside me, easing the rawness that had assaulted me only moments ago. I let the water continue to fall over me as I repositioned my stiff legs and waited for my heart to even out.

Did I really just come on my own fingers while imagining Kaius between my legs?

Because that’s not going to make things awkward when I see him next.

I decided to put a pin in the extra body that had invaded my dirty thoughts as I wrapped myself in a towel and left the bathroom, eyes settling immediately on the new item. A small crystal vase had replaced the cup I’d used for the flowers Kaius had grown for me. I ran my fingers over the cool glass, a smile playing on my lips.

Clutching the towel tight around me, I turned to see if another set of clothes had been brought while I was out, but instead I found something else that was out of place.

For a moment I just stared at the card that was on the bedside table, able to read its image from where I stood, placed upright and staring right at me.

A card that was undeniably mine.

Five young men painted in rich vibrant colours all holding up sticks, faces contorted in anger. The Five of Wands.

Aggression, clashing egos, lack of cooperation.

Talk about state the fucking obvious.

I picked it up, knowing I would feel that hum of familiarity in my fingertips.. Apparently, I didn’t even need to draw themmyself anymore, they had taken it upon themselves to seek me out.

With my post-orgasm high rapidly declining, I opened the top drawer under the TV and dropped it inside. It was no use to me now.

It fell next to The Tower, both of them mocking me with their shitty omens. I slammed the drawer shut; they only served as a painful reminder of home and how I was still so ridiculously lost in this world of magik I had found myself in. My fingers wrapped around the emerald pendant that was sat against my skin, a whisper of Kaius’ energy still resided, and I wondered if he would be back again tonight.

I found myself hoping he would be.

29

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

ELODIE

Settling back against the pillows, as the early morning light streamed down onto the grey sheets, it didn’t escape my notice that last night—for the first time in forever—had been dream free. And as I avoided the cold spots in the bed, I was also reminded that Kaius hadn’t spent the night.

As expected, I had nothing but time on my hands as I waited for the first knock of the day that would signal breakfast. I could feel the subtle shift of my magik that had become more obvious the longer I was here, and I knew I needed someone to teach me how to properly use it. I needed to find some control.

Leaning back, I closed my eyes and reached for it. The part that I could hold onto, shape. Mould to my will in the way I used to be able to.

Finding it, I pulled slightly—concentrating hard to force it to follow my directions. To move from place to place around my body as I willed it.

Starting small, I sent enough that small sparks flew over my fingers. It took more focus to keep them in control than when I had been fighting with Bastian, and before long I had to release it, allowing it to flow back through me.

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