Page 19 of His Noble Savior

“Don’t be. Your needs take precedence. James can wait. It’s not like he’s always on time or never left me waiting. He’s got cake and company; I’m sure he won’t die of boredom if I leave him to it for a bit.” Richard circled his thumb at the small of Lilian’s back. “Are you in pain?”

As if on cue, a twinge stabbed Lilian, and he hissed. “Yes.”

“I’ll take care of it.”

Chapter Seven

Richard

Thank goodness Richard had insisted on James coming to Somerdale Castle and hadn’t let himself and Lilian be roped into a visit to Castlehill. This way, he could attend to Lilian when it became necessary. Lilian had been fidgeting for a while when he told him what he needed. Richard berated himself for not picking up on the cues earlier. He’d been so engrossed in the discussion that Lilian’s discomfort only registered in the outermost corners of his consciousness. Going forward, Richard was going to pay better attention. He wasn’t being a good companion if he missed signs of pain.

After Lilian had come on his finger a few days earlier, Richard had been careful to remain as courteous as always. Lilian couldn’t find out how the tightness of his hole and the sounds he made aroused him. Richard had almost spilled in his trousers at the sight of Lilian’s flushed cock jerking in release. Compunctions ate at him for his attraction. If Lilian needed him on his healing journey, he was elated to be of help, but he couldn’t afford to forget that he was Lilian’s protector. Richard’s desires had no room no matter how enamored he was with Lilian’s pink eyes and tender soul.

When they reached the door to his chambers, Richard opened it for Lilian to step through. It was unbecoming for a lord to open doors for anyone, but this rule shouldn’t apply to Lilian. Lilian was special; he had to be protected and made comfortable nomatter the cost.

Richard took him to his bedchamber, and when the door closed behind them, the atmosphere in the room thickened. Lilian turned to him with rosy cheeks and blown pupils. In the privacy of their chamber, Lilian wrapped his arms around Richard. “I owe you for being there for me.”

He pressed against Richard, burying his face in the crook of his neck. Something hard pushed into Richard’s upper thigh. Lilian was aroused. A hundred things went through his mind. And in a knee-jerk reaction to Lilian’s erection, Richard’s cock rose.

Without letting Lilian go, Richard angled his own crotch away. This wasn’t about him. It was about Lilian getting better, physically and emotionally. Had Lilian pressed against him to convey a message? Or was it a mistake, and if Richard mentioned it, he’d embarrass him? The best way forward was to reassure him that he could express all his needs safely.

He cupped the back of Lilian’s head and slung an arm around his middle, holding him close. “You can ask me for anything you need. You know that, right? I’m here for you.”

Lilian’s hot breath puffed against Richard’s pulse point, making his cock twitch. Damn it! He tried to will away his erection. No chance.

“Tell me what I can do for you,” Richard said. “You’re sore and need faerie oil—do you want to start with that? Get you comfortable?”

Lilian made a small noise against his neck that sounded like agreement. When he pulled away, his face was flushed, and he’d sunk his teeth into his plump bottom lip. With effort, Richard fought the urge to palm Lilian’s face and capture his lips. Kissing Lilian was the worst thing he could do.

“I…” Lilian’s blush deepened.

“You’re free to say whatever is on your mind. I won’t judgeyou.”

Lilian swallowed, looking up at him with big eyes, waking Richard’s protective instincts. “My insides are hurting, and I need the faerie oil. But there’s also something else.” Lilian gave a shallow roll of his hips, rocking into Richard, making it clear what he meant.

“Your sexual appetite is reawakening,” Richard said.

“Yes.”

“That’s good. It’s healthy to have those needs.”

“Even after what the orcs did to me?” Lilian’s bottom lip quivered.

Richard petted his hair. “Yes. You can think about how you want to address your desires.”

“I’m sorry I’m bothering you with this.”

“Don’t be. However you want me to help you, I gladly will. You voicing your needs means you’re asserting ownership over your body.” Richard paused. He wanted to reassure but not pressure Lilian. “I’m here for whatever you need.”

Lilian lowered his gaze. “I want to come again.”

Richard’s stomach clenched. He’d give anything to have Lilian climax on his finger once more, but that was being presumptuous. Lilian might not want that. This was about Lilian’s healing journey, and Richard wouldn’t allow the tender feelings he was developing to get in the way.

“Will you help me?” Lilian asked quietly. “Like last time?”

The possessiveness lurking in Richard’s chest surged in triumph. “Of course.” He shouldn’t be so happy about Lilian askinghim. Lilian wantedsomeoneto pleasure and comfort him; he didn’t have romantic feelings for Richard. He might not even find him attractive—fae were known for their beauty while humans were considered plain. Richard couldn’t let Lilian’s request go to his head. Reacquainting himself with pleasure and release was part of Lilian’s emotional healing process. Richardwas just there to help.

He guided Lilian to the bed and gave him time to take off his trousers. Richard removed his doublet in case things got messy but was caught by surprise when Lilian disrobed completely.

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