Page 47 of Realm of Flames (Reborn 3)
I’m not positive that it was something I would have chosen for myself.
It was a deep gold satin bodice that clung to my chest in a sweetheart neckline and had a corset-like center that went out in a really delicate material that formed the skirt. It was gorgeous, of course, but I didn’t feel as though it was truly me. It felt a bit tight and uncomfortable, like I was being squeezed into something that wasn’t made for me.
A knock on the door had Bella prancing down the counter as it opened and she bound out past Croy, his golden brow arching at her quick escape. I smiled slightly and admitted, “She’s a bit mad at me right now.”
“What did you do?” He chuckled.
“I’m not allowing her to come to the event,” I pointed out and looked back in the mirror, biting down on my pink lip again, feeling at odds with the dress.
“Who delivered that?” Croy asked curiously. I looked over him, realizing he had changed from his outfit before into a pair of dark uniform pants and a top with a jacket that had an embroidered green wolf on it. It was a very attractive look on him, and my throat felt dry as I tried to remember his question.
“One of the castle people?” I winced, not knowing what to call them.
Croy nodded and then walked back into the bedroom, pulling a dark garment bag from a hook that was near the door, one that hadn’t been there minutes ago. I frowned as he explained, “This was delivered directly from your mom. If I had to guess, the other was just a standard ordered by the castle.”
“So which am I supposed to wear?”
I eyed the bag, both curious and a bit worried to look at what was inside. I knew I needed to wear whatever it was, but I was already feeling so uncomfortable with this entire situation, and the dress had the potential to make it ten times worse.
“I imagine you can choose to wear whatever you want, sugar,” he drew out, examining my face and frowning at the obvious conflict there.
Nodding and inhaling, trying to keep myself calm, I took the bag and went into the large closet, hanging it on the hook there but not bothering to close the door. Turning in my current dress, I called out to Croy, who was leaning against the doorway.
“Can you come unzip this?” I asked, sincerely wanting help but loving the way his wolf let out a rumble. My skin broke out into shivers at the magic that heated up the space. My breathing hitched as I felt his frame press against mine from the back, my thighs pressing together as I felt his magic roll over my skin in a dangerous pattern I’d never felt before. His rough fingers ran over my shoulders as he pressed a kiss to the back of my neck, moving my hair before sliding the zipper of the dress down, making my entire body light up under the air that brushed across my skin.
“Sugar.” He let out a low growl as my smile tipped up slightly. I let the dress fall down to the floor, revealing what I was wearing underneath. I had to admit, I was really starting to love this lingerie thing. I had never considered it when I first purchased them from the store, but it was like wearing another sparkly garment under your first. These were from the closet, but the concept held true. Even my stockings were a pale gold glitter and attached to a garter set of cream and gold that wrapped around my waist, highlighting my strapless bra and panties. My panties that were currently growing wet as I turned into his muscular chest.
“What?” I asked breathlessly, loving the way he looked over me, his eyes darkening from green to black.
“Fucking hell,” he snarled, his fingers running over my waist and down my hips. “You need to get dressed, now.”
“Why?”
It was a sincere question, but the nerves about the event today had me wanting to push Croy a bit. I needed the security of knowing that he wanted me as much as I wanted him. I needed to know that no matter what happened, he would be there with me. I already felt so safe around him, I just needed confirmation that this was real for him.
“Because you look way too fucking good in that,” he admitted roughly, his eyes dipping back over me. “And I’m already on edge around all these other shifters.”
It was the first time I had heard Croy express frustration, his normally calm and relaxed attitude so different from the edge that seemed to invade his personality while here. It was like the predator inside of him was right on the edge, and I found myself desperately wanting to play.
“What can I do to help?” I asked, running my fingers up his chest and wrapping them around his neck. “With the edge, that is.”
His jaw clenched, and I let out a small surprised sound as he walked me backwards, his hand coming down to grip my ass as I squirmed against how hard he was. When my back hit one of the closet walls, more specifically a mirror, I pressed myself forward, wanting to feel every line of his body. I tilted my head up and he obliged with a kiss, the sensation warm and smooth like honey against my skin as something began to boil under the surface dangerously. My small moan against his lips had him bending slightly and picking me up with an ease that had me letting out a surprised sound.
My legs wrapped around his waist as his kiss turned far more ravenous, my blood heating as my phoenix began to break out, circling his wolf with flames. My fingers gripped his hair as he let out a snarl against my lips, my breathing hitching at how good he felt against me. Everything about Croy felt good, and I found myself wanting him more than my next breath. Literally, I was very tempted to give it up. I rocked my hips against his hard length, wishing I had more access to it or that we were against a bed.
“Sugar,” Croy’s groan was low in his throat, “don’t tease me.”
“Who said I’m teasing?” I whimpered.
His chuckle was dark and hot. “Maya, sugar, you get off on teasing us. I see how much you love it. And we are never going to fucking say no to you. But I am not sure how long I can go without at least tasting you—”
“I don’t want you tasting me,” I admitted against his lips. “I want more. I want you.”
Was it true? Did I get off on teasing them? It did excite me. The idea of pushing them enough that they just took me left me feeling wanted and sexier than I ever had.
Croy groaned, running his lips down my jaw. “You know I can’t fuck you without marking you. Even I don’t have that level of control, nor would I want to.”
“What about just a little bit?” I rolled my hips again, wanting desperately to convince him. Even if it was just a little bit, I was hoping he would change my mind.
