Page 127 of Alpha Queen
"I have an idea," he said. "How about I give you a foot rub while you finish your food and ridiculous movie?"
A shiver ran over her at the prospect of him rubbing her feet.
"I'd have to be an idiot to pass up that offer."
Ares reached in and nibbled one of her toes through the blanket. "Give me a minute to grab some massage oil."
"Okay, but nothing perfumy. My sense of smell is in overdrive."
"Of course." He hopped off the bed and walked out of the room.
River took another bite of her meat and chased it with a piece of the baked potato. She smiled to herself. Damn, she'd missed real food while being kept prisoner. And even more, Strider's cooking. It'd been so long since she'd tasted his food, she'd forgotten how amazing he was at cooking.
The door clicked open, and Ares returned with a small bottle. His golden eyes gleamed as he approached the bed.
"Found something that shouldn't bother your nose," he said, holding up the bottle of unscented almond oil.
River wiggled her toes in anticipation as he settled at the foot of the bed. He moved the tray to give himself room, then took her right foot in his large hands.
"Keep eating," he encouraged, warming the oil between his palms before beginning to work his thumbs into her arch.
River moaned and took another bite of her meal. The combination of delicious food and Ares' skilled hands was heavenly. He applied just the proper pressure, finding knots she hadn't even realized were there.
"Oh goddess," she groaned as he worked his way to her heel. "That feels amazing."
Ares smiled, his eyes never leaving her face as he switched to her other foot. "I've missed taking care of you."
As she finished her meal, his hands moved higher, massaging her ankles and then her calves with gentle but firm pressure. The movie played in the background as River surrendered to his touch.
"May I?" he asked, fingers hovering at the waistband of her loose pajama pants.
River nodded, suddenly breathless. With infinite care, Ares eased the fabric down her legs, his eyes darkening as they fell on the healing wound on her thigh. The angry line had faded to pink, new skin forming where the razor wire had gouged into her.
Ares traced the scar with gentle fingers. "Does it still hurt?"
"Not unless the nerves flare. Just pulls a bit."
He leaned down and his lips caressed the healing line, feathering her with kisses and sending shivers through her entire body. His kisses trailed upward, across her thigh, over the curve of her hip. He paused at the wound on her side, examining it with careful eyes before covering it too with tender kisses.
River's breath quickened as his mouth moved higher, tracing the path his hands had blazed. His lips found the sensitive spot beneath her ribs that always made her gasp.
Without hesitation, she pulled her shirt over her head, followed by her bra. Ares' eyes darkened at the sight of her, his gaze reverent as it traveled over her body.
"You are so beautiful," he whispered, voice rough with emotion.
He reached over and moved the tray to the nightstand, then stood and stripped off his pajama pants in one fluid motion. The sight of him, powerful and gloriously naked, stole her ability to speak. He was magnificent, every inch of him perfection, and he was hers.
When he returned to her, his kiss started gentle but insistent, a claiming which spoke of love rather than possession. She opened to him willingly, reveling in the familiar taste of him, the scent that was uniquely Ares.
He entered her gently, and she mewled into his mouth. Too long. It had been much too long since they'd made love. Their bodies moved together with practiced ease, finding the perfect rhythm that belonged only to them. Every deliberate caress imbued with meaning. It wasn't just passion, it was reconnection, healing, an affirmation of love after despair.
"I love you," Ares murmured against her skin as they moved as one. "I was so scared, River. So terrified I'd lost you forever."
She cradled his face between her palms. "You'll never lose me. Never."
His movements quickened, intensity building between them. "If anything happened to you... to our children... I couldn't bear it. I would die of a broken heart."
"Shhhhh," she soothed, kissing away the fear in his eyes. "I'm here. We all are."
