Page 52 of The Poison of the Earth
I nod slowly. “We need the dragons,” I murmur.
He makes an affirmative noise. “Have you... sent the message to your contact?”
Shaking my head, embarrassed at my delay, I answer, “I need to consult with someone first.”
His lips graze over the shell of my ear, “I’m always happy to speak with my mate.” His other arm comes around my waist and he gently pulls me against his body.
I bend, letting my body curve into him and it feels better than I’d like to admit. I want his comfort, I realize suddenly.Fuck. Fuck. I’m abruptly overwhelmed with an urge to kiss him.
“I need... a woman’s perspective. May I speak of sensitive matters with Cook or Lu?”
He makes a sound of consideration as he seems to think on it. “They likely hear a lot, and I trust them, but I would not have you speaking freely of such things to them.” He shakes his head, “No. Speak to Lilac.”
I manage not to snort but I do calmly say, “I don’t believe she likes me.”
“She likes no one.”
I chuckle at that. Lo’s hands slide slowly to my hips; he turns me to face him.
“I’m desperate for you, Oleander,” his voice is a whisper as his lips trail up my exposed neck. I shiver and he chuckles lowly upon seeing it.
“Do you need me, sweetheart?” He purrs.
Yes, my mind answers. “No,” I say curtly. I twist slowly out of his embrace, turning to look at him. His very dark brown waves are loose and messy, and he’s shirtless, showing off the intricate tattoos that run from his hands to his pecs. He steps back, running a hand through his hair, frustrated.
I try to head the conversation off. “I cannot rely on herbs with a questionable success rate to not be pregnant. Icannotbe pregnant in a war.”
He nods, “I understand that, Ollie. But...”
I frown, already guessing at what he’s going to say. It’s what any man says in the face of this.
“I could... finish... outside your body. Or...” he pauses, his face desperate, “We could stick to oral.” He smiles, “Didn’t you enjoy my tongue last time?”
I did.Greatly.
I shrug nonchalantly. He blinks, surprised, a flicker of hurt across his face.
I sigh, “I thought... you had Kai? For your needs?”
He grimaces. “I wantyou, Oleander. You! Your touch upon my skin, your hands in my hair, your body gripped around mine.”
I shake my head, truly sad for us both, for I do dearly want to climb on that big cock of his.
Instead I change the topic. “When will you tell your Inner Circle that I’m notjustyour consort? That I’m your spirit mate? None of them know.” I step backward. I’m over this, and over the ache between my legs. He’s silent, his maroon eyes sad. I climb into bed and turn my back to him.
Several moments pass before he climbs in too, carefully avoiding touching me.
All I want to do is get off. Rub myself to relief, but I can hardly do that with him right here. I try to wait until he falls asleep but my eyes quickly become heavy, despite the need between my legs. Just before I give into sleep, I realize he’s probably trying to do the exact same thing.
Chapter Seventeen
Kai
Ipace my chambers, agitated, as I have done basically every evening.
How has years of planning come tothis? This utter clusterfuck.
I tug at my hair as frustration threatens to swallow me. The fire in my fireplace flares, sparks dancing into the dim room.
