Page 53 of Splintered Shadow
In the past, he had been loath to mention any point of weakness or fear. Those sentiments could be used against him. With Sarah, it was easy. She would not turn his emotions against him, except to lightly tease him when he deserved it. Never as a weapon. Never to hurt.
“Is this like a hug? Because I enjoy hugs. Very pro -hug here.”
He wrapped his free arm around her. The bound arm stayed at their side. “It is like an embrace, but more intimate. It is for loved ones.” To stand so close to another person was to be vulnerable. Vekele could not remember the last time he had embraced anyone in this manner. Probably his brother, years ago.
“I like it,” she said, her voice soft.
“May I touch you?” he asked.
She twisted her head to look at him. “Yes, but can we talk about sex for a minute?”
“You have questions,” he said, unable to resist the urge to tease his mate. “What happens between mates can be many things, but it should always be pleasurable for both people. Or all, but that is not what I prefer. I don’t intend to share.”
“All? Oh my word, Vekele, you’re killing me.” Her face flushed a bright pink, but she laughed. “I know what sex is. I want to know how it will work between us, because,” she stumbled, “because I can’t stop thinking about what you said earlier today.”
He leaned, his lips brushing against the shell of her round ear. “Remind me.”
“You know…”
“Is my mate shy? I am shocked.” His fingers traced a path down her throat.
“You know I’m not.”
“Then tell me.”
“To share a bed.”
Desire rumbled deep in his throat. He slipped a finger under the dress’ strap, letting it slide over her beige skin.
“I can’t think when you do that,” she said.
“What else?”
“I’m not… I’m not good at dirty talk.” The pink flush returned to her skin.
“I disagree. You have my full attention.” He gently tugged the ribbon binding them together, pulling her back until she pressed against his front. At this angle, she was nothing but a blur of powdered hair and pale skin. His hands skimmed over her shoulders, trailing down her arms, partly to explore her features but also to reassure himself of her location.
Her back arched, leaning into his touch. He nuzzled the curve of her neck, then licked the flesh. A clean burst of soap and salt blossomed on his tongue.
“Can we slow down for a minute?” she asked.
Vekele stepped back as far as their joined hands allowed. “Are you uncomfortable? Do you not want this?”
She turned to face him. “I do. I want this. I want you.”
Satisfaction rolled through him at her words. She wanted him.
“But this is happening so fast.”
“You have been sleeping in my bed for weeks,” he said.
“But you’ve been all…” she said, waggling her fingers in his direction.
“I do not know what that means.”
“Cold. Aloof with your sneering prince face.”
“That is my face. You like my face.”
