“Anything you want female.” His voice was husky with need. “If you want me to keep the crown on, I will.”
She shook her head. “I think I would like to see you naked, your hair unbound. Look at you, you’re in full attire.” He wore the customary sash around his waist. His robes were long and flowing, his cock jutted from between the silken folds. Keto choked out a laugh and pulled the garment straight. Fuck! He must look a sight.
“Naked it is. Any wish you might have will be my desire.”
She gave a tentative nod.
Yes! Victory. “Let’s go.” He clasped her hand in his and headed for the rear exit. They would sneak out. One more night with this female. One more night with Charlotte and then he would be ready to move on. He would have to be.
Chapter 14
Charlotte fell against the pillow. She struggled to catch her breath. Her hair clung to her forehead in a matted mess no doubt. Her whole body still vibrated from the orgasm that had just pummeled the hell out of her. She felt sated, tired, sore and oddly enough, still wired. It seemed the elven king … that Keto had that effect on her.
The male in question pulled her flush against him, his chest expanded and contracted in quick succession which made her smile. It seemed that she had the same effect on him. He’d shouted in both triumph and ecstasy as she sank her fangs into his neck. His whole body had quaked as he’d come hard. It still shook, just a little. Her smile grew as Keto nuzzled into the back of her neck, his hold felt oddly intimate.
“The crown suits you,” she whispered into the dark. She said it as a reminder … this was going to end in the morning. It might feel good to lie here with him but it didn’t mean anything.
“Why did you make me take it off then?” She could hear he was smiling.
“I wanted to be with you … not the king.”
His hold relaxed as he turned her to face him. Keto’s eyes were filled with warmth. “That’s really sweet. I’ve had moments where I’ve felt like no one has wanted me for me. They always wanted the prince and now they will want the king. I sometimes feel lost in amongst everything.”
She held his gaze. “It’s strange to me that a male so powerful, so strong could feel lost.”
“Believe it. I am glad you want me. It means a lot.”
“I’m glad because it’s true.”
“I know.” He stroked some hair from her face and leaned in, brushing a kiss against her forehead. Oddly enough, it felt intimate as well and reminded her of … “Why are you frowning?”
“What happened to your mother? Your father was at the crowning ceremony but …” she let the sentence die as she watched his eyes cloud. So damned familiar it made her chest tighten. No! It couldn’t be.
Keto turned away for a moment. When he looked back at her his emotions were back under control. “It was an accident.”
What? What were the chances?
“It’s not something I want to talk about. Not tonight. I want to enjoy being with you, having you in my bed.” His eyes were dark.
Was he hiding something? And, why did he keep reminding her so much of Keraar? She had to know. “Your second name is not Keraar by any chance, is it?” Her voice was timid.
Keto pulled a face, his eyes gave nothing away this time. “Elves don’t have a second name.” He rolled her so that she was on her back. “Enough talking.” He slid down her body and sucked on her clit before laving his tongue over the tight bundle of nerves. It didn’t take long for her to lose her train of thought altogether.
Keto was beautiful wet. Who was she kidding? The elven prince was beautiful full stop. He was gorgeous when he was being pompous and bossy, he was beautiful in jeans and a t-shirt, the fabric straining around his wide, muscled chest and thick thighs. He was utterly delicious when his features pulled tight as he was about to come. She especially loved the sight of him when she sank her teeth into his flesh and watched him let go. Really, really let go. Now that was an amazing sight to behold.
Rivulets of water ran down his chest. Down, down, down, getting caught in the white towel wrapped around his waist.
It was over. Their night together. Charlotte stretched her arms above her head, loving how his gaze was drawn to her chest. She might have very narrow hips, but she had been blessed in the mammary gland department, at least, she had been for a vampire.
Everything hurt. Every muscle from her head to her toes. It was a good kind of pain though. She moved onto her belly and he groaned as his gaze landed on her ass. Keto might like her breasts but he loved her ass. “That’s unfair. If it weren’t for having to meet my sister …” He raised his brows, his eyes heated as they continued to track her body.
“We had a good night together. Now, it’s time to move on.” She wanted to be the first one to get that out in the open. It was hanging between them. Hell, he was getting ready to leave.
The thing was, the last time they had been together, he had practically kicked her out. Okay, that wasn’t true. He had offered her breakfast. He had definitely been the first one to finish it though. She wanted to be the first one this time. It might be childish but she didn’t care. A female had a reputation to uphold. She felt a pang at the thought of walking away this time. That feeling in the middle of her chest, the one that told her she could develop feelings for this male, that was the main reason she needed to finish this right now. It was the reason she had hesitated last night.
Keto frowned. “Yeah.” He looked almost wistful. “It most certainly is time to move on.” His words stung, even though he had pretty much repeated what she had said.
Moving on. “I never did congratulate you,” Charlotte paused, “on becoming king.”
Something clouded in his eyes for a moment and then he smiled and it was gone. “Oh, I think you did. On your back, on your knees … you congratulated the hell out of me. I only hope I thanked you enough for all of your help with the ceremony.”
Charlotte had to laugh. “Yeah, I think you did … with your head buried between my thighs and that magical cock deep inside me.”
“Magical?” He pulled off his towel and there it was. Beautiful, even when only semi-erect. She was surprised he could still get it up after the epic sexathon they’d just had.
“Yup … very magical.” She grinned. “You had me talking Swahili.”
He chuckled. “What the hell is Swahili?” Keto opened his closet. His ass was meaty, his glutes were amazing.
“An African language,” she paused, “you had me talking Swahili and I’ve never even been to Africa. Your cock is so magical at one point my eyes rolled so far into the back of my head, I actually saw my own brain.”
He laughed, taking a robe out and pulling it over his shoulders. Keto turned serious. He looked at her in much the same way he had just before she left the last time. Desire and longing. “I’m sure your grey matter is just as beautiful as the rest of you.”
It was really weird but it was probably the nicest, sincerest thing anyone had ever said to her. “Thank you.”
“You are most welcome. Are you sure I can’t order you some breakfast? I’m sorry I can’t invite you to join me.”
She choked out a laugh. “That would be nuts. We’re not going to see each other again … remember?”
“Of course.” He pulled his robe around himself and tied it closed.
“Would you mind if I was honest with you about something?”
He looked up at her, interest shone in his eyes. “Go ahead.”
“You tend to get this look when you’re nervous, or unsure about something. You got the look when you were bullshitting about the soap.” He had got it last night when she asked about his mother, about … not going there. She was having crazy thoughts. “You got it again just now when I congratulated you on becoming king. Are you nervous about it? Running the kingdom?” Shit! Maybe she shouldn’t have said anything. He stopped what he was doing and just stared at her. Thing was, she knew she was right about this. Charlotte might not know him well bu
t she knew she’d hit the nail on the head. “I mean, I would be a bit nervous, if it was me. It’s a big responsibility and you’re probably worried about your dad. Look, forget I said anything. I’m sorry … I put my foot in it. It’s none of my business.”
“I get a look?” He frowned.
“Yup. Your voice also gets a bit funny. You sounded … not nervous exactly, just different … when you called me about the soap. You were worried then too. Probably because you were talking a load of bull.” She smiled.
“I have a ‘tell’ when I’m nervous?” Keto frowned. “Not that I get nervous often, mind you.” He quirked a brow, managing to look sexy.
“Of course not.” She laughed.
He smiled. “You hardly know me and you picked it up like that.” He clicked his fingers.
“I’m good at reading people. Especially people who are difficult to read. I’m pretty sure that most people will not have noticed. Maybe those close to you, but …”
“Why has no one ever told me?” He widened his eyes.
“You’re royalty. Even more importantly ‒ forgive me ‒ but you’re quite a daunting guy.”
He narrowed his eyes. “Why did you tell me then?”
Charlotte shrugged. “I’m not your family, or your friend or one of your subjects.” She lowered her voice. “I called you by your given name while you were inside me. I think that gives me the right to at least be honest with you about this.”
“Called my name?” He laughed. “You screamed my name. Thank the gods for advanced healing because you tore my back to ribbons as well.”
Charlotte felt her cheeks heat, she laughed softly. “Yeah, well … it’s your own fault for having a magic cock.”
Keto laughed along with her but turned serious while taking a seat at the edge of the bed. “I am nervous. I’m so afraid of fucking things up.” He scrubbed a hand over his face, suddenly looking tired.
Charlotte got up into a sitting position. She wanted to reassure him but instinctively knew that there was nothing she could say to make him feel better. It wasn’t like she’d run an empire. She could run housekeeping and maintenance but a whole kingdom? Forget it. She didn’t envy him.
“My father is too young to look the way he does.” Keto looked stricken. “He should still be in charge. I should still be learning from him. I don’t think I’m ready.” His voice was grave and a little choked.
“You are far more ready than you think.” She put a hand on his back.
Keto’s eyes brightened up. “I have so many ideas.” He looked at her, his voice a bit more animated. “I just don’t know how well they will be received. Change is imperative but too fast and too radical and the foundations could crumble. Did you know that an elven king can be voted out by his councilors? I have ten of them. Mature males who have been around the block a time or two. They are great males. They care very much for our kingdom. I could lose everything if I push too hard or make a wrong move.”
“They can vote you out?” She shook her head. “I had no idea.”
“Yeah. My family oak has ruled for many generations. Can you imagine the shame if I was to be cast out?” Worry caused lines to form on his brow.
“They might also encourage you. Give you the help and support that you need. They might be more open-minded than you think.”
Keto snorted. “I tried to make a small change to my outfit for the crowning ceremony and it was frowned upon. Something as small as clothing. How do I change mindsets about people? Matings? Whole orders? They wouldn’t let me wear pants under my robe.”
“I, for one, am infinitely glad. I love that you are naked under your robe.”
Keto grinned. “I’m sure you do.”
Charlotte pulled in a breath. “You need to do what you believe in. What you know is right in your heart.” She placed her hand on his chest. “You are a good male, Keto. You should believe in yourself.”
He put his hand over hers. “You make it sound so simple.”
She had to smile. “It is.”
He smiled back, his gaze dipping to her lips, making her heart beat faster. They’d rutted many times, in many positions. He’d made good on each and every promise and yet, he hadn’t kissed her. Not once. Not on the lips at least.
Maybe now.
Maybe.
Charlotte found herself leaning forward. Looking at his lips. Like the rest of him, Keto had a beautiful mouth. She’d had those lips all over her body, at her core. He was right, Charlotte had screamed his name. His bottom lip was slightly plumper. They were full and soft-looking. Right now she wanted them crushed to hers. Just once.
Instead, Keto pulled in a breath. He blinked twice and pulled away. “I need to get to that breakfast. Esral needs my help with something. Thank you for everything. You’ve been like a ‒ I don’t know …” Keto paused, a look of nostalgia crossed his face. That and maybe a hint of shyness as he looked down at his lap. “An oasis in the desert.” His blue eyes met hers. “A raging storm after a drought. Just pure and fresh and …” He cupped her cheek. “Thank you.” That look was back. Need and longing. His eyes blazed. He started to pull away.
Screw it! She was getting her kiss. One stupid little kiss and then he could go. Charlotte gripped his silky robe and planted one on him. His eyes widened. His lips went from soft and pliable to tight and set. Keto grunted in surprise. It reminded her a little of when she bit him during sex. The male went from all together and focused to totally unraveled and in a second. His hands banded around her and his mouth opened with a moan. Then he kissed her right back. The simple, sweet goodbye kiss she planned turned hot and heavy. Next thing, Charlotte’s chest was pushed up against his, her legs around his hips. Teeth clashed and lips smacked. His robe was being ripped at and she was on her back. Then he was deep inside her and she was moaning his name.
“Taken everything,” he grunted as he thrust into her. He kissed her neck. Suckled on her ears. Charlotte cried out.
Ears.
Really?
Apparently so. Her pussy began to flutter, her orgasm right there. Keto pulled away, taking her back from the brink. “Not yet.” He kept his movements rhythmical. His eyes locked with hers. Intense. Ridiculously intense. “Ruined … me …” he growled as he kissed her again.
Ruined? What? Why had he said that? Pity she couldn’t think coherently. Everything reduced to this. To feeling. To being. To joining. Their bodies slick. So close it was hard to tell where one began and the other ended. Just a bunch of nerves and synapses all firing in sync. Completely in sync. So much so that it would have scared her if it didn’t feel so right. He growled her name, kissing her hard as they both tipped over the edge. He swallowed her cries, his whole body held her in place. They were both shaking. Both breathing hard. They lay there for a few minutes, still entwined.
Keto lifted his head and groaned. There was no pleasure in the sound. “Fuck!” A low growl. “I’ve been inside you for half an hour.”
“Oh my god! Talk about losing track of time.” She panted softly, still trying to catch her breath. “I’m so sorry. That was supposed to be a goodbye kiss.”
“Not your fault.” There was a bit of a sting as he pulled out. For just a second she was tempted to hold onto him. To throw her arms and legs around him and hold on for dear life. So stupid! Her body didn’t seem to know when enough was enough.
He pulled the destroyed robe over his head and picked up the phone.
“I’ll go and shower. Get out of your hair.” She stood up.
Keto nodded, his eyes clouded in worry. “Esral,” he blurted as she answered the phone.
“Where are you?” Charlotte could hear Keto’s sister loud and clear. Her voice was filled with frustration, irritation and a good dose of anger.
“I’m sorry I—”
“Save it!” An angry yell. Charlotte had never heard the tiny elven princess so much as raise her voice before. She looked back as she walked towards the bathroom.
“I can be there in t
en minutes,” Keto said, he looked up at Charlotte and gave her a small shake of the head and mouthed ‘shit’.
“No point.” Esral sounded upset. “We have to go. I didn’t want to do this over the phone. I told you to be here at eight. I told you we didn’t have much time.”
Keto frowned. “We don’t have to talk about it over the phone.” He ran a hand through his hair. He breathed out through his nose. Shit, she’d messed up badly by kissing him. She should have known it would be explosive. Being with Keto was like nothing she’d ever experienced before. Thank the gods it seemed to affect him just as badly.
She held onto the bathroom door, still listening in on his conversation. Keto’s eyes were on her. “I’ll come and see you at the castle. I effed up, so let me make it up to you.”
Esral sighed. “You’ll come all the way to the vampire castle?”
“It’s not that far. When can you both see me?”
“Hold on.”
“I’m sorry,” Charlotte mouthed the words.
Keto’s expression softened and he gave her another small shake of the head.
“It will have to be this evening. Xavier has meetings all day today. We don’t want to wait any longer. I need to know what you found out. Please, Keto, you can’t let us down like this again.”
“I have some information but I told you not to get your hopes up.” Charlotte felt bad for listening in. This part of the conversation had nothing to do with her. She closed the bathroom door behind her and turned on the shower.
Ten minutes later, she walked back into the room, smelling like sunshine and buttercups. Summerhill was a brand she loved. One she had chosen for the vampire castle. It gave her a warm and fuzzy feeling to know he was using the products she’d given him. That one of the shower gels was in his stall right now.
Keto was on the phone. He groaned. “Yeah, you’re right.”
“I’m not canceling,” someone on the other side said. It was a male.
“Fine. I’ll be there,” Keto sounded pained.
Wanted By the Elven King (The Chosen Series Book 7) Page 10