Page 32 of Lhora
When she held out her arms to him, Duren positioned himself over her willing body and submitted to her demands.
16
Morning
Lhora lay still and silent as Duren slept in her arms, his face pillowed on her breasts. His breath tickled her belly as it also cooled her sweaty skin.
The first faint rays of the sun glittered against the glass windowpanes. She had no idea when the person who was supposed to take her to Kotill would arrive, or if he was already here and waiting outside. She wanted to awaken Duren, but she couldn’t. This moment felt too right. In truth, she didn’t want it to end, even though it was inevitable.
They’d plugged each other almost senseless as they reveled in each other’s bodies and the orgasms which overtook them. At some point they’d ceased thinking of each other as Beinight and Coltrosstian, and became a man and a woman rejoicing in the ecstasy created by their bodies. One sensation led to another. One location was abandoned for another several times, until they were too exhausted and drained and sore to continue. They’d finally made it back to the bed and dropped into deep slumber almost instantly.
Duren moved slightly. His body rubbed against hers, and her womb almost clenched. She wanted him to take her again, even though her flesh throbbed from overuse, and that realization left her stunned. When was the last time she’d taken a man to her bed, or her go to his, and stay through the night? When was the last time she’d plugged with someone, and wanted a second go? Or a third? Much less on the same night?
There’s never been that instance,she admitted to herself.Never that instance.
Until now.
She felt him cuddle closer to her warmth. She’d heard him ask himself what it would take to convince her to stay with him. He’d said it aloud, without meaning to. At the time, she’d taken it to mean stay with him for the night, which she felt was meaningless. Hadn’t she already assumed she’d be staying with him until morning?
Now she wasn’t so sure that’s what he intended.He meant for longer. For another night, or maybe a week of nights. If that’s the case, and he asked me, would I give in and say yes?
Lhora almost gasped in shock. She was actually considering staying longer?I can’t! I have to get back home! I don’t belong here, and I surely can’t stay somewhere where I’m considered the enemy!
Duren stirred. Opening herself, she waited as he rose from the depths of unconsciousness. A few more moments, and his lips kissed a breast. He lifted his head and turned to look at her.
“Good morning. Tell me you’re as sore as I am.”
She snorted. “I can’t remember the last time I was this sore.”
“Too sore for one more time?”
She stared at him wide-eyed. “Please tell me you’re jok— You’re not joking.”
“I’m joking. I’m afraid if we try another go, I’ll break it.”
Lhora cracked up, giggling to where he had to sit up or else be bounced around on her belly. He held out his arms, and she willingly moved into his embrace. She felt him kiss her hair as she snuggled against his chest. Too soon, he released her and climbed out of the bed. She watched as he went over to the far wall and pulled on a bell rope. Giving it a few hard jerks, he walked to a door she hadn’t noticed until now and opened it a crack.
“Admit the servant when they bring breakfast.”
A faint voice responded. He closed the door and headed for the lav.
He’d had a guard at his door throughout the night.In case I tried to escape?She glanced over at the concealed door on the opposite side of the room. The door they’d used when they’d arrived. A door that appeared to be part of the wall, which meant it was intended to be secretive. She wondered if a guard was waiting there, too. She pulsed, searching for another presence, but she detected nothing. As far as she could tell, that door was without a guard.
Duren emerged from the bath and retrieved a pair of breeches from the chifforobe, pulling them on. “As soon as breakfast arrives, I’ll order whoever brought it to bring you a change of clothes. In the meantime, if you’re chilled, you can wear one of my shirts.” He grabbed one from the wardrobe and tossed it to her.
Lhora picked it up and quickly drew it over her head. As she expected, it was large on her, but at least it provided some warmth. She drew the bedcovers up around her as Duren refreshed the fire.
Presently there came a knock on the door.
“Enter,” Duren called out.
The portal opened, and two women entered the room, each with a large loaded tray. They barely glanced at her on the bed but quickly averted their eyes. She wondered if seeing a woman in the Sarpen’s bed was a common sight for them. After they placed the trays on the only table in the room, they started to leave when Duren motioned to one of them.
“Fetch her suitable clothing,” he ordered, pointing to Lhora.
The woman eyed her and nodded. “Yes, Sarpen.”
“As quickly as possible,” Duren ordered.
