Page 54 of Wicked

As Maria enters with trays of food, we act like nothing is happening. We have forgotten to make small talk, and we sit there weirdly silent. Maria potters around with the food, then she glances across at us. “My, my, you two either completely nuts or well-suited for each other.”

I realize we’ve messed up, and I don’t want the entire village to know anything is going on. I move fast and pour wine as Maria leaves the room. Too fucking late.

I give myself a lecture on covering my tracks, and I stand behind Raven and pour her wine. I cannot help myself, and I place a hand on her neck and shoulder.

She leans her head against my arm affectionately, and I’m tempted to drop my hand down and play with her nipples.

I’m already hard and unsure if I can wait. I, however, know the idea of a bath with her now will end in chaos.

I lose control, and I imagine Raven against the wall, on the floor, and even old-school—on a bed.

That’s when Maria walks in, and I step back fast. “So, who is ready for a bath?”

Raven is about to reply when I cut in. “Not for me, Maria. I’m going to get dirty tomorrow. I’ll need a lot of cleaning afterward.” I look at Maria and smile.

In reality, I have to get out of here andfast.I bow my head, turning to Maria. “Good night to you both. I will drop down later for a sandwich.”

I leave fast, and I do not want Maria anywhere near whimpers, gasps, moans, screams, or the sounds of anyone coming. When it comes to the art of sex, I consider myself an artist.

Even if I don’t plan to take Raven like normal, or do my best work, I need a controlled environment. A location where no one will hear her moan and lose her mind.

23

RAVEN

I do not sleep well and I’m restless all night. All I can think of is him inside me. Us sleeping in the same building all night and in different beds while putting off the inevitable is a bad move.

My disturbed energy has me tossing and turning, and I’m stirred up. I should have forced myself to come hours ago, so I can finally sleep.

The thing is, I do not want to taint my energy or damage the powerful experience ahead of me. The likely earth-shattering orgasm is all I can think about.

As I lay awake, staring at the ceiling, I am anxious, excited, charged, and horny.I am also wet,and my clit is throbbing.

I rise and I sit alone in the dining room, drinking coffee. I am distracted, and I am having trouble thinking straight. As I stare at the crackling fire mesmerized, it takes me minutes before I realize the ancient primal energy coming from it is likely worsening my situation.

Dante is later than usual for breakfast, and I start to get nervous he’s a no-show and that our arrangement is off.

He walks in as Maria enters from the kitchen door with a smile and food. “Buongiorno, Dante. Buongiorno, Raven!”

As always, Dante smiles sweetly to Maria, tossing her a ‘Buongiorno.’ He and I look at each other with cold, loaded looks.

He tilts his head ever so slightly, and I bow mine. “Sir.” My eyes never leave his, and Maria flicks her eyes between us.

She must suspect something is up, and I decide to jump in fast. “A storm may be brewing.” I’m not wrong and grey clouds form across the sea. Dante smirks at the odd universe, with its storm and the timing of it.

As he sips coffee, thunder rumbles outside the arched windows, almost as if proving I was right. I raise a brow as if to say, “Told you so!”

Maria grins and she potters about the table with plates. “Indeed-a, bella. There is a storm coming from the ocean. We may all be in for-a battering.”

Dante smiles at me, and I blush as Maria steps back from the breakfast.

“Well, you’ve both likely got-a big days ahead and you will need the energy to burn. Best you eat heartily, both of you!”

I bite my lip, cursing the universe as Dante stares at me with cold dark eyes. He is no doubt picking up on the charged situation and strange energy.

“Thanks,” he says huskily while sipping his strong black coffee. Before Maria reaches the door, Dante turns to her. “I may stay the odd night at the castle, Maria. I will keep the room here, and my things in it, and I will be down for some meals if that is okay.”

Dante’s eyes meet mine as Maria smiles from the door. “Si and grazie. Just-a let me know, dear.”

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