Page 153 of The Soulbond and Her Beloved

Was that even possible? But she drew a calming breath. “Alright.”

She still didn’t understand entirely what was happening, but her curiosity outweighed her nerves.

“Good girl,” the courtesan praised. “You seem tense. Relax.”

It was the gentlest command, and yet something in Emeriel’s body responded as though it had no choice. The tightness in her shoulders softened. Her breathing slowed.

“Very good,” Alviara continued, smiling. “Now look at me and tell me what you see.”

Emeriel lifted her gaze fully to the female before her. Alviara was a vision in red and black, a short silk garment hugging every curve of her body. Her breasts were showcased, the soft roundness spilling just over the line of her bodice.

“You look very pretty,” Emeriel said, her voice honest.

Alviara’s grin was confident and unashamed. “I know.” She stepped closer, their bodies almost touching. “I’m a whore of many skills, my princess. Trained in every art of pleasure and practices that bring males and females alike to their knees.” Her voice threaded with gentleness. “One of those skills is easing nervous first-timers through their first night with their mates... and helping haunted females find their way back to pleasure, in whatever way they need.” She paused, letting the words settle. “Tonight, we’ll be trying one.”

“Oh,” Emeriel’s breath caught.So that’s why.She looked at her beloved.

He gave a nod of encouragement and approval.

“My reputation precedes me.” Alviara’s smile deepened as she brushed her fingers against Emeriel’s cheek. “Don’t worry. You’re in good hands.” She leaned in to Emeriel’s ear. “And if you let me touch you, I’ll make sure you feelreally,reallygood.”

Emeriel swallowed, her throat suddenly dry, pulse fluttering wildly. She didn’t move away.

“I can smell your musk,” Alviara whispered. “Absolutely intoxicating.” Her tongue flicked out, tasting the line of Emeriel’s throat, sending a tremor through her body. “Your scent alone is enough to drive anyone mad with desire.”

The female gave compliments freely, and just like her command, they settled within Emeriel. She leaned into Alviara, horny, feeling like she was in a daze. “Thank you.”

Alviara held her waist securely. “Will you let me touch you?” the courtesan asked, her voice a sultry promise. “I can do someverywonderful things with my tongue.”

Emeriel’s lips parted, but she found her answer quickly. “No,” she murmured, even as she rested her forehead against Alviara’s shoulder.

Gentle hands stroked over her back, never demanding.

“Why not?” Alviara asked, without any offense, only curiosity. “You are hungry, and I can ease you.”

Emeriel was quiet for a moment. She did not want to hurt the courtesan’s feelings, but she chose honesty anyway. “You’re not the one I want.”

Alviara hummed, the sound warm and amused. “And who do you want?”

Emeriel’s lips brushed against Alviara’s shoulder as she mumbled, “My Daemon.”

“Mmm,” Alviara said, thoughtful. “Are you sure?”

“Very.”

“Good,” Alviara said simply.

She stepped back, releasing Emeriel gently, going behind her. “Look at him,” Alviara crooned. “Reallylookat him.”

Emeriel did. Daemonikai was seated, watching her, but the air between themsizzled. The hunger in his eyes had becomeintense. Possessiveness clear in them. Tight control scribbled in every line of his body.

As seconds passed, the raw worship in his gaze became her undoing. She grew even wetter.

“Do you see the way he looks at you?” Alviara asked, her voice low.

“Y-yes.”

“Do you see how he holds himself back? Those hands of his ache to be on you. That mouth aches to devour you. And still… he waits.”

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