Page 7 of Warrior Princess
“Thank you,” I whispered, my eyes finally meeting his. His gaze was intense, signaling a depth of feeling that made my heart flutter.
Ronan paused, his hand still holding the cloth against my skin. “I just want you to feel safe, Leila. To know that you’re not alone in this.”
His words stirred something inside me, breaking down the last barriers I had erected around my heart. “I do feel safe…with you,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. The admission felt like a confession, one that brought with it a rush of relief and a sense of connection I hadn't realized was missing.
Ronan set the cloth aside and cupped my face gently, his thumbs brushing away the moisture of my tears. “I’m here for you, always,” he promised. Slowly, almost hesitantly, he leaned in.
Our lips met in a kiss that was gentle at first but quickly grew in intensity, as if all the emotions we’d held back were being expressed in this one connection. It was a kiss that spoke of shared hardships, of battles fought and yet to fight, and of a burgeoning love that had been tempered in the fires of adversity.
As we breathlessly pulled away, our foreheads rested against each other. Ronan’s hands remained on my face, his breath mingling with mine. We didn't need words; the comfort and understanding we offered each other were as palpable as the touch that lingered on my skin.
In that moment, everything else fell away—the fears, the uncertainties about the future, the shadows of past horrors. There was only us, the warm water, and the promise of support and care that we both needed and were finally ready to fully accept.
Wanting more… needing more, I stood from the tub, bringing Ronan with me as I wrapped my arms around his neck. “Heal me,” I whispered against his lips.
“How?” he asked, almost pained.
“Make love to me.” I leaned in closer, brushing my lips against his.
He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “Leila… we don’t need to do anything until you are ready—”
“Please, Ronan,” I begged. “I need this.Please.”
His lids slowly opened and those crimson eyes stared deep into mine as if trying to see past the walls I’d erected after last night.
I didn’t know what he saw, but the resolve was clear. Ronan gripped my thighs and lifted me out of the tub, splashing water everywhere as I wrapped my legs around his waist. As if I weighed nothing at all, he walked us back inside and to his bed. Laying me on the fur blanket, Ronan hovered over me, his gaze never leaving mine, filled with an intensity that made me shiver.
“Ronan, I need to feel you inside me, please.” I pulled him closer, trying to connect the only way I knew how.
“I know exactly what you need,” he murmured. His crimson eyes raked over my naked body beneath him. He peppered kisses along my neck, shoulder, and breasts, his tongue finding my nipple and circling the nub before biting it gently and then licking away the sting.
He lowered himself and nestled between my thighs before spreading my legs wide. He kissed my inner thighs, trailing kisses along my heated skin until he reached my core. His tongue flicked against my nub, slowly at first until they became lashes. Pressure built within me at the hungry sounds he made as he consumed me completely. I threaded my fingers into his hair and gripped it tightly, guiding him as the pressure built. Wanting more, so much more, my moans were loud and unyielding as I lost control. He inserted a finger inside me as he continued to lick my clit, then added a second finger. I was teetering at the precipice of my climax when he added a third finger and hit the spot that made me see stars and scream his name.
I came over and over again, my over-sensitive body jerking at his touch.
“Ronan!”
He pulled away, placing small kisses against my inner thighs. “Whatever you need, I’ll give it to you,” he murmured against my skin. “You just have to say the word.”
“I want you,” I whispered in a euphoric daze.
His eyes met mine and he offered his signature smirk as he climbed up my body and settled between my thighs. I reached down and untied his pants, hurriedly sliding them off with the heels of my feet until his erection popped free. Without a care for the torn fabric, I ripped off his shirt. My hands grazed his tattooed skin and muscular body.
“I love you, Leila.” He placed a kiss on my lips, letting me taste myself. “Always,” he whispered as he plunged inside me.
I gasped and arched my back, delighting in the feel of him deep inside my body. This was exactly what I wanted. I never wanted to leave this room again.
4
When the news that Keldara's delegation had arrived and was assembling in the ritual hall reached us, Ronan and I quickly dressed and started toward the hall. Before stepping outside, I snatched a scarf to cover my neck, feeling self-conscious. Silas was waiting outside the hall, his expression etched with urgency.
“Shiro hasn't arrived yet.” His voice was tight with concern as he fell into step beside us.
“Don't worry,” Ronan reassured him, giving his shoulder a firm pat. “He'll be here.”
Silas nodded, though his eyes betrayed his lingering doubts.
Ronan pushed aside the heavy cloth that served as the door to the hall and we stepped inside to an atmosphere charged with tension. The elders and Chief Aryan were already engaging with the representatives from Keldara. I scanned the room for Mykal, hoping to see a familiar face among the delegates, but he was nowhere to be found. His absence made me uneasy. His presence might have suggested a chance for peaceful resolution. Instead, I was met by a sea of strangers, which added an edge of unpredictability to the proceedings.
