Revealed

by April Zyon

  “When I woke, he told me what he’d done and the consequences of such action. I would have to leave with him immediately, never to have contact with anyone I ever knew. I would live forever unless my head was taken or the medallion destroyed. It was a hard decision, but I feel I made the right one. Had I chosen not to leave with him, he would have smashed the medallion, and I would have gone to the funeral pyre.

  “As it was, another took my place and earned a prince’s memorial. The man had been killed in an early attack against the city, so don’t look so worried,” he told her.

  “Gaius was also a recruit. You may now realize that his name is actually his name, not just a case of some mean parenting.” He smiled when she flinched at that memory. “Don’t worry, he always finds it very amusing to let others think his parents were twisted enough to saddle him with it. The reality is—it is a very noble name. One that has received some bad, and wrong, press. But, as Mercury often reminds us, the victors always write the history books in their favor.”

  She couldn’t have stopped the question that had her interrupting him, even if she had tried. “Do you miss them?” She cringed at the look on his face and shook her head. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked that. I just—I—” She moved her fingers over the place above his heart where he had been stabbed. “Is there room in here for me? With all you’ve lost in your life?” she asked quietly, looking up at him with the inquiry burning in her eyes.

  His hand trapped hers to his chest as he nodded, his expression gentle. “It’s been nearly two millennia since they passed. I’ve been alone for a long time. My marriage to Andromache was a political arrangement. While I came to care for her, there wasn’t love as you likely know it. I would protect her—did protect her—but it was only because it was expected of me.

  “You need to remember that those times were very different, Riley. Marriages for love were only permitted for those that had nothing to lose—the servants and working class. For those above a certain standing, it was all about position, gain, and money. If a couple came to love one another, they were truly blessed. But that was a miracle, not the standard.”

  Rolling toward her, he pressed a kiss to her lips. “There’s always room in my heart for you, Riley. The amazing part about the medallion is that it helps us to find the one woman who is our true match in all ways. The only woman who can stand up to us, keep us calm at our darkest moments. A woman who is the perfect balance of our soul.

  “She is the light in the growing darkness. She may not be perfect—none of us are—but in her warrior’s eyes she is nothing short of an angel. What I feel for you, little Riley, is so much more than I ever expected. I’ve known the love of parents, to a point. I’ve known the love for a son, but it was too short of a time. While I will always hold their memories dear, there is so much room for you to fill within me.”

  That had Riley grinning, and she nodded. “I’m glad. I’m very happy that there’s room for me inside your heart, because as odd as it sounds, you are in mine,” she admitted. “So, what happens now? Between us. You said that this medallion points you to the woman that could complete you. Now that it’s pointed you my way, what happens?

  “Because I have to tell you that what I’m feeling for you right now is incredible. It’s something I want to know more of.” She had to have him in her life. Forever. “And what is this thing I see between the two of us? This thin, golden thread?”

  “The Fates choose who our match is. They determine when we are born, the length of our life, and when our death will come to be. The only thing left to chance is how we die. Because the goddess—through Mercury, of course—brought us back, she had to allow the Fates a boon for messing with the threads of the universe.

  “What you are seeing is the first bond between us. The closer we are, the more we feel that pull to the other person. When we make love, we will bond our life forces together. As mine is determined by the medallion, and keeping my head, your life will be extended the same as mine has been. It’s also permanent—there is no divorce, no walking away, no changing your mind. So you need to be very sure you want this.

  “It’s a huge commitment—one that has had more than a few women in the past, along with other warriors, racing for the hills. A few returned, but some never did. We don’t know if they were ever offered a second chance, as they all became suicidal and had their heads removed during battles. There are only fifteen of us left, not including Mercury.”

  “I’m not going anywhere.” She wanted to know more. She wanted to feel just how good it would be to have him making love to her. “How do we tie our life forces together? How do we do any of this?”

  “From what Gaius has told me, it happens during climax.” He shrugged and grinned at her as she squirmed. “What? Why are you wiggling around, Riley? Are you uncomfortable discussing sex? If you are, we’ll need to get you over that, since I happen to like being very graphic.”

  “Not uncomfortable talking about it, but I’ve not … well … and I want to, but…” I’m blushing. Damn, I hate being so backward. “I would be very happy if you showed me. I’ve always learned better by hands-on training instead of talking.” Which was true. She loved the hands-on part, especially if her hands could be on him.

  Chapter Four

  He suddenly rolled over her, his larger body pressing hers down into the bed. “I like being very hands-on in my demonstrations. But it doesn’t mean that we won’t be having a little discussion. After all, without a constructive and mutual exchange, how can we learn what the other likes?”

  Riley licked her lips again. “I think we should definitely do hands-on.” She rubbed her leg against the growing and impressive erection he was sporting. “I think we should get undressed and figure out just how well we might fit together.” That was her first thought, at least—getting naked with him.

  He smiled slowly and shook his head. “Not yet.” Lowering his head, he nipped at her jaw. “There are a couple things I should mention to you. Especially since you’re new to all of this, I’m guessing, from your earlier reactions.”

  His mouth moved down to her neck, his lips and teeth lightly teasing her. “I’m very dominant in bed. As a warrior, I need to be. I have certain skills that can be deadly in any situation, so it’s just easier for me to be in control at all times. I’m not saying that you won’t ever have a chance to be on top, as it were. Just know that for the most part, I have to be in complete and total control.”

  “I’m perfectly fine with that.” She arched against him and bit her lower lip. “I think that I was born to be submissive.” If her reactions were anything to go on. She was happy to follow his lead and the idea of him being in complete control thrilled her. She wanted more. Hell, she needed more. She had to have him. “Because I know that no matter what, you will always make sure that I have as much pleasure as you.”

  “Definitely,” he breathed against her pulse. When he sank his teeth into her neck, at the point where it joined her shoulder, she jolted against him. The bite didn’t hurt—it was just a bit of pressure from his teeth before he scraped them over her skin lightly. “I think we’ll be just fine in all aspects, Riley. Now, I want you to get naked, fast if you would, please.” He pushed up and off her and was standing at the end of the bed before her brain even registered he’d actually moved.

  She wouldn’t and couldn’t deny him. She stood and stripped out of her clothes as fast as she could. Licking her lips, she watched him with her hands at the clasp of her bra. “Why is it that I’m nearly naked and you aren’t even pulling off anything?” She stood there in her peach-colored bra and panties, silk and skimpy, with little bows at her hips and between her breasts.

  He tipped his head and pulled his undershirt off, tossing it to the side. His hands went to his pants, undoing them before he bent to strip them down. Interesting tidbit—Hector goes commando. As he straightened, he tossed them to the side with the rest of his clothing and cocked a brow as he stood there, naked.


  Riley’s gaze was on his impressive erection. The man was hard and large all over. She tugged off her bra and tossed it somewhere behind her. She pushed her panties down, then moved back to the bed. Her body was aching for him. She wanted to touch all of the scars on him, kiss them, and try to get him to understand that she hurt for his past hurts. She ached because of the pain he had endured.

  “On your back. Arms over your head. Hold on to the headboard,” he told her. He stepped closer to the bed but didn’t climb up as he watched her with hungry eyes. “I want you to spread your legs, bending your knees up to show me all of you.”

  Riley did as he instructed, gripping the headboard tightly. She shifted her bottom just a bit and allowed her thighs to open.

  A low growl sounded from him as he leaned onto his hands, climbing up between her legs. He brushed a kiss to her inner thigh, meeting her gaze as he began to nibble down toward her pussy. Not once did he break the connection, even as he lifted to give her other thigh the same treatment.

  Riley wouldn’t allow her eyes to turn from his. She was drawn to the heat in his gaze. She couldn’t turn away even if she wanted to. She lifted her hips slightly, biting her lower lip and begging, “Hector, just a bit lower.” She wanted to let go of the headboard and put her hands on his head, but she let him do with her body as he desired.

  Her words earned her a sharp bite to her inner thigh. It hurt for a moment, but then he was soothing it with his tongue. Sitting up, he pressed her legs wider as he lowered his head, his gaze still on hers. She heard him inhale and saw the look of pleasure that rolled over his face as he took in the scent of her body calling to him. “You’re very wet. I like the way you respond to me, Riley. Would you like me to touch you, or should I feast on your pussy first?”

  She didn’t know. She needed both, wanted both, and God help her, she was going to scream without both. “Please,” she whimpered, looking at him with need and passion painted over her features. “I’m yours. Do whatever you want.” She gave full control to him because she knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that she would enjoy everything he gave her.

  Hector smiled at her words, his head lowering as he settled his body onto the mattress. Riley could feel his breath over the dampness of her pussy. “Since you asked so nicely,” he said. Leaning in, he ran his tongue over her folds, his eyes drifting shut for a moment. He groaned. “By the gods, you taste exquisite,” he growled out. His eyes snapped open, and he pinned her with a look as he put his open mouth to her and began to feast.

  Riley watched him for as long as she could stand it, but then the pleasure got the best of her and she allowed her eyes to flutter closed as she moaned. She tried to lift her hips to push closer to his face, but his large hands at her hips stopped her from doing so. She whimpered again, her head tossing back and forth and her hands gripping the headboard even tighter.

  Suddenly, his mouth left her body and only his breath brushed over her skin. “Riley, open your eyes and look at me,” he ordered in a demanding yet soft tone. “I want to see your reactions to everything so I know how you like what I’m doing to you. You must always look at me, Riley. At least for these first times together. I couldn’t ever bear to cause you pain.”

  Riley nodded and complied. “You would never cause me pain, not without pleasure to follow.” In the deepest part of her soul, she knew that without question. This man would always make sure there was a balance for her, a happiness and joy that only he could give. “I want everything with you. I want to be everything you need, because I know you’re going to be all I need, even when I didn’t know I needed it.”

  “I still need to see your eyes, Riley. Until you’re completely comfortable with all I plan to do to and with you, your eyes should be on me.” He stared at her a moment longer before he lowered his head again. His lips found her clit and began to suckle on the sensitive bud. His tongue flicked the end as he moved one hand to rub his fingers through her slick folds, his other arm going over her hips to keep her down.

  Watching him wasn’t a hardship. The play of emotions and intensity with which he observed her made her wiggle and shudder. She heard herself whimpering his name, her desperation kicking up a notch. “Oh God. There.” Riley sobbed when Hector’s too-clever fingers and mouth found a very sensitive spot on her body.

  The corners of his eyes crinkled and she knew he was laughing, though that was the only tell. His fingers drove into her pussy, curling to tease her as he thrust them in and out. She felt the bite of his teeth on her clit, then a slow scrape before he began flicking it over and over with his tongue.

  Riley arched back once more, her lower lip caught with her teeth and a sob tearing from her throat. “Hector.” She could only cry out his name, beg for more, when his fingers found that inner bundle of nerves deep inside of her core. The intensity of her first orgasm with him rocked her to her core.

  He went on to lap at her pussy, then sucked on his fingers as he smiled at her. “You taste absolutely divine.” A quick kiss to her mound, then he moved up and over her. He settled onto her slowly, letting her take a little of his weight, but he kept most of it off her by using his arms.

  Riley’s vision focused on Hector after several long gasps of air. She had a silly smile on her face and asked, “Can I release the headboard?” She didn’t know when she could let it go and didn’t know if she should ask or not, so she just did. She didn’t want him to stop, after all.

  “You may.” He stopped her, though, his hands coming up to her arms as his weight pushed her down into the mattress. “I’ll give you a lot of leeway since you’re new to everything, Riley. One thing you should know, though—when you ask a question or answer one from me when I’m in charge in bed, you should address me as Sir. I know it won’t come naturally, so I’ll correct you often, until it becomes second nature. Do you understand?”

  Riley nodded. When his gaze turned dark, she bit her lip and said, “Yes, Sir.” She shivered. Her pussy clenched, and her womb tightened at the word. “I trust you.” She hesitated then, cocking her head to the side, and added, “Sir.” She bared her throat to him, rubbing her hands over his shoulders—after releasing the headboard—and her leg up and down his. His tip nudged her entrance and she wanted to weep. God help her, but she needed him more than she needed her next breath.

  “Good girl.” He put his mouth on her throat and nipped. “For that you will get a reward. What would you like as your reward, Riley?” He asked the question while rocking his hips forward, his cock sliding through her slick folds to bump against her clit.

  “You. All that I could ever want, all I could ever need is you, Sir.” Her eyes glazed over. “Please,” she whispered, then quickly added, “Sir, take what has always been yours.” She knew it now. She’d been his from the moment she’d been born. She’d had to wait for him to come into her life.

  “Then I’ll have to think of a reward,” he said softly. He nipped at her throat again, scraping his teeth down as he pressed his torso up a little. The move rubbed his cock over her clit again while his head shifted to a point where he could lick her nipple.

  Riley’s fingers bit into Hector’s shoulders. She arched against him, her head falling to the side to give him better access to her neck. “Hector,” she moaned. In this moment of pure bliss, she couldn’t remember to call him anything other than his name. She shuddered. “Please, Sir.”

  He bit her nipple, then sucked it into the heat of his mouth. Each one got the same treatment before he returned to her neck, his nose rubbing along the length. “You’re a delight, Riley. I could never have expected someone like you had I tried.” His arms slid around her, his hands under her shoulders as he lifted her just a little. He bit that spot between shoulder and neck, all the while rocking his cock through her folds in a slow, agonizing tease.

  Riley smiled and looked up at him. “You’re everything that I ever could have dreamed of,” she admitted with absolute truth in her eyes. Her hand moved from his shoulder to his cheek. She ran
her thumb over his lips and bit her lower one. His amazingly beautiful teasing was killing her. “Please, make me yours,” she whispered, her heart in her words. “Forever with you isn’t long enough. Will never be long enough.”

  “Definitely not,” he agreed. Leaning in, he kissed her gently, his body shifting until he was pressed against her entrance. “Put your legs around my waist, Riley,” he ordered against her mouth. “Then I want you to hold on to me as I slide into your sweet, hot pussy. If it’s too much at any time, say something, and we’ll pause. Okay?”

  Riley nodded. “I trust you, Sir.” Her ankles locked just above his incredible buttocks. Her nipples were rock hard, and every time he moved and they rubbed against his hard chest, she wanted to sob in pleasure.

  Hector lifted a little so they were able to see one another without going cross-eyed. Slowly, he entered her. Not once did he blink as he filled her, creeping deeper, stretching her wider.

  Riley wasn’t able to last. “A second, please,” she begged, her fingers tight on his shoulders. “That burns, just a bit.” She was wet, and her pussy continued to weep its honey to cover him, but he was too large.

  “Shh,” he whispered. He’d stopped as soon as she’d tightened her fingers. “Take slow, deep breaths, Riley. I’m not going to move until you say the word.” He pressed kisses to her jaw and over her neck. “We have all the time in the world, sweetheart. There’s no reason to ever rush making love. Well, there is, but that’s a whole other discussion for another time and place. In this case, it doesn’t apply.”

  Riley nodded and squirmed, bringing him deeper into her body. Her eyes wide, she looked up at him. “Again,” she said. That had felt very, very good. “Please?” She let her hands trail down his shoulders and to his arms, then back up again.

  A little bite to her chin and he pressed in more. “You can take me, Riley. We were meant for one another, which means we fit perfectly. I know it seems like it’s impossible right now, but you know I wouldn’t lie to you.”