Page 22 of Surrender

“I won.”

She grinned back. “Technically. But any woman on Earth would sayIwon.” Her expression grew serious, her eyes soft. “I’ve never felt anything like that before. I never knew. Never knew it could be so…” She stopped, overcome.

Kylar slid up, gathered her into his arms. Kissed her forehead. “Rest now.”

Trapped. Suffocating. Talia fought, twisting and turning to escape.

A powerful arm tightened around her. “Shhh. It’s all right. You’re safe.”

Her eyes popped open. Kylar had her in a firm embrace, her body tucked up against his, his arm encircling her waist. She wiggled away and rolled over to face him.

“I slept with my body touching yours? All night?”

He smiled. “You did.”

“That can’t be true. I don’t like touching and I definitely don’t like being touched. Creatures have been doing that to me ever since I arrived here and I hate it.”

His smile widened. “You seemed to like it last night.”

Memories came flooding back. His hands caressing her everywhere. His lips on her lips. His mouth on… She froze, suddenly embarrassed.

“How did you do that? How could you take me to gratification?” Even with all her training, she couldn’t mask the accusing tone. “You never even used a probe!”

“I told you the night we met. I’m a man of many talents.” He wiggled his eyebrows at her. “Would you like another demonstration?”

“Oh yes.” The words slipped out before she could stop them. “No! I mean no.” She stared off into the distance, unseeing. “To feel that way again. God, yes. It’s just…” Talia bent her head, suddenly shy. Unable to look him in the eye. She’d been so brazen. Sowicked. Grabbing his head, holding it between her legs. Urging him on. Begging him.

But those feelings. Pleasure so intense it was almost unbearable. She’d been afraid she’d keep on whirling higher and higher, out of control, until she lost herself.

And then she did.

He’d taken her to a place she never knew existed. A world outside rational thought. A world of pure sensation. Raw hunger. Complete fulfillment.

Talia pulled away, suddenly frightened. He’d turned her into one of those primitive beings ruled by savage lust. In a flash, she understood why her ancestors had chosen to turn away from sex. In the throes of passion, she’d given up all power. Surrendered to the intoxicating sensations. Wanting more.Needingmore. Near the end, she’d have said anything, done anything he asked, if only he’d continue.

Talia took a deep breath, knowing what she had to do.

“Your Highness, I formally request that you cease all physical contact with me, especially any contact that involves acts of intimacy. I apologize for my inappropriate behavior, and I accept full responsibility for what occurred last night. I beg you to excuse my momentary lapse of judgement.”

He laughed. The oaflaughed. She’d tossed aside all dignity, admitted her shameless behavior. And instead of graciously agreeing to forgive and forget – he laughed at her.

Anger flared. Had he done all that last night just to humiliate her?

Talia went on, her tone colder than the ground on which they lay. “If you will not accept my apology for what happened last night, will you at least agree that we never speak of it again?”

He shook his head. “I’m afraid I can’t do that.” She glared at him and opened her mouth, but before she had a chance to speak, he continued. “It’s a matter of drengr. Our Viking code of honor. As a diplomat, I’m sure you understand the importance of honoring the customs of another culture.” He paused. “If you recall, we made a wager last night.”

She wrinkled her forehead, conscious of a dull headache. Then another memory came flooding back. He’d bet that he could bring her to gratification again. Knowing it was impossible to become aroused so soon after gratification, she’d agreed to the wager. After all, it took several weeks for the body to become capable of responding to sexual stimulation again. It was a known scientific fact.

He must have seen comprehension dawning on her face because he continued. “I think you’ll acknowledge I won the wager. So now there is the matter of payment. You do recall your bet – as well as the penalty you agreed to if you broke the rules I laid out?”

She vaguely remembered something about a camping trip. Just the two of them. And then there was… She groaned. Damn that honey mead! She’d stupidly agreed to submit to a bare bottom spanking over his lap if she didn’t abide by his rules.Rules he made up on the spur of the moment.

Talia sighed heavily. Better to suffer a few minutes of humiliation than to lose face permanently by refusing to honor the terms of their wager. “Very well. Let us proceed with it. And then can we never speak of this again?”

“I’m afraid not, Ambassador. I have pressing duties awaiting me at the fortress. Much as I’d enjoy collecting that penalty right now, it will have to wait. I’ll give you notice well in advance when I intend to collect your debt of honor.”

No. Ohno. Now she’d be thinking about it endlessly. Dreading the summons to appear before him, knowing what was to come. She’d be commanded to step forward and drape herself willingly over those strong thighs. Ordered to lift up her skirt and present her bare bottom for punishment. It wasn’t so much the spanking, though that would be horribly embarrassing. But having that hot hard cock rub against her mound again. His hand roaming over her stinging cheeks between the stern whacks…

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