Unfortunately for her, it was clear Karn still didn’t feel the same way.
Karn paced the tearoom, his jaw set and his mood even more sullen than normal. Lord Kir, his friend and guest, watched Karn with an amused expression on his strong features.
A low growl rumbled in Karn’s chest. Just the thought of Annie made his cock spring to life, and he ached to thrust it into her. Ever since he had drawn Annie into his world, he could not get enough of her. He felt the fierce need to protect her and had no desire to bed any other women, or to share Annie in any way.
Today that would change. He had planned the da’mea, a “sharing tea,” to return to the ways of his people, and to watch his future queen being pleasured.
Kir, lord of Emerald City and of the mountain wolf clan, leaned one shoulder against the wall and folded his arms across his chest. “You have fallen for the maid,” he stated as if it were fact. “You are in love with her.”
“No.” Karn’s response came out as a growl and he paused his pacing and shot Kir a dark look. “She is nothing more to me than a willing woman who will serve as my queen.”
“Sire,” Kalina said from the doorway behind him.
Karn turned and his attention immediately shot to her, only to see Annie beside the sorceress, hurt glistening in her eyes.
And yet, Annie stood between Kalina and Aleana, her chin high. His kitten was so beautiful his heart ached, but the pain in her eyes caused a knot to form in his gut. Obviously, she had overheard his callous words.
For a moment, he battled regret. Then, with a sigh, he decided fate had done him a favor.
Better she know now.
“You kept me waiting.” He kept his expression stone hard as he gestured to the low tea table, surrounded by large black velvet cushions. “Be seated.”
Tears threatened to well up in Annie’s eyes, but she wasn’t about to let Karn see how much he’d hurt her. She kept her head up and avoided his gaze as she moved toward the low table set for eight. Her face felt frozen and her heart just as cold after overhearing the tail end of what Karn thought about her. She had hoped he would grow to love her, but obviously that had been an empty hope.
The low rectangular table was the centerpiece of the room, but there were also decorative tables, and black vases with gold inlay that were filled with red flowers. On the walls were three majestic oil paintings in rich wooden frames of burnished gold. The pictures were all stormy seascapes that went well with the room. Despite her hurt at Karn’s words, her artistic sensibilities were attracted to the incredible detail in the paintings.
Kalina and Aleana seated Annie between them on one side of the table, as if protecting her. The cushions were large and Annie’s hugged her ass as she sank into it. Like the other women, she sat cross-legged. The mini dress hiked up to Annie’s hips, almost exposing her, and cool air brushed her bare folds.
It was then she noticed the gorgeous man leaning with one shoulder against the wall. The man’s chest was as bare as Karn’s, and just as broad and muscular. He had sapphire-blue eyes, golden-blond hair to his shoulders, tanned skin, and his breeches were tight, molded around the thickness of him. Obviously, he was turned on.
No doubt by Kalina and Aleana.
Certainly not by me, Annie thought as she clenched her hands on the cloth-covered table and continued to ignore Karn. I can’t even interest the man who’s been screwing me. What does that say?
The golden-haired man pushed away from the wall and sauntered toward them. In a slow and athletic movement, he seated himself on the opposite side of the narrow table, directly across from Annie. Openly, he appraised her and gave an untamed smile, as if approving of her curvaceous figure.
He reached over the table, took her hand from where it was resting, and raised it to his lips. “I am Kir,” he murmured, his deep voice sexy and vibrant. “Lord of Emerald City and the mountain wolf clan.”
“I’m Annie.” She did her best to give him a little smile. “Lady of naught.”
Lord Kir brushed his lips over her knuckles and heat rushed to Annie’s cheeks. “If you were my Lady, you would be the most cherished woman in my realm.”
A low growl rumbled from Karn, who still stood apart from them, and Annie was sure her face was stoplight red. Let him stew, she thought, despite the twinge of embarrassment. Without looking at Karn, Annie held Kir’s hand just a moment longer, and then slowly let her fingertips slide from his.
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Karn’s thunderous expression and she barely kept from smiling. Apparently, he wasn’t into sharing his possessions with other men.
She pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose, settled her hands in her lap, and studied the intricate designs on the black china plates and teacups. Like the stained-glass doors leading to the garden, the red and gold diamond pattern matched the one on Karn’s shoulder.
While Annie remained quiet, Kalina and Aleana chatted easily with Lord Kir. From the sensual tone of their conversation, it was obvious they were very familiar with him. While they talked, Annie absently raised a hand to her collar. The collar felt confining now instead of comfortable. If she wasn’t concerned that Karn would erotically punish her in front of everyone, she would yank it off and throw it at the jerk.
Laughter and conversation came from the doorway, and Annie glanced up to see three people appear in the room—two men and a woman—and the air sparkled around them. They were all only as tall as Beya, perhaps three feet in height. One of the men wore a very large and peculiar orange head covering that reminded Annie of a goofy version of an old-fashioned stovepipe hat.
The other man had a pinched face and a haughty expression. He rather looked like a snobbish mouse—all he needed was whiskers instead of his neatly trimmed mustache.
Appearing behind the men was a cute and perky-looking woman in a light blue dress. She had a fresh and beautiful smile, and her hair tumbled over her shoulders in golden-blonde ringlets. She gracefully sat on one of the cushions beside Kir and gave him a reverent nod. Mouse-man sat on the other side of Kir, and goofy-hat-man sat at the end of the table.
Annie was intensely aware of Karn as he seated himself opposite hat-man, on the only remaining seat cushion, but she still couldn’t look at him.
She was also incredibly aware of the two naked women to either side of her, and how comfortable they seemed to be in their nakedness. Annie’s clothing was revealing, but at least she had clothing.
“I am Lia,” the blonde woman said as she extended her hand, and smiled when Annie took it. “We are Munchfolk from near Lord Kir’s realm.” She released Annie’s fingers and gestured toward hat-man. “That is Derk, our mayor.” And then she pointed to mouse-man. “Ront, our constable.”
Both men nodded to Annie and said almost as one, “A pleasure, Milady.”
“A pleasure.” Annie returned their nods and tried to keep her face straight. In her mind was a vision of Alice in Wonderland’s tea party, and the thought almost brought an absurd giggle to her lips.
Beya appeared with a tray full of pastries and cookies, along with a tall teapot, a bottle of what looked like oil, and a bowl of starflower petals that she set before Karn. In a matter of moments, everyone had been served, including tea poured into the teacups.
“Enjoy the sharing tea,” the sprightly woman said with a wink before vanishing into so many sparkles.
There it was again. “Sharing tea.” What would they be sharing? Confidences?
Before they started eating the goodies, Karn retrieved a small, votive-sized and perforated candleholder with his magic. Once he set it on the table, he placed the bowl of red starflowers on top of it, then poured in oil that smelled of cinnamon and spice. After he lit the candle with his magic, he stirred the oil and starflower petals.
The sweet smell of the blooms and spice filled the room, and Annie instantly relaxed. All tension in her body faded, and for the moment she no longer felt any of the pain that had been in her heart since she heard Karn’s wo
rds.
Between the delicious treats and good conversation, the “sharing tea” was quite enjoyable.
The cookies tasted like chocolate mint, and the pastries, which were filled with exotic fruits that tasted as though they’d been fermented, warmed Annie’s belly. The tea itself had an unusual taste to it, like a mixture of licorice and caramel, and its warmth added to the slow burn in her stomach and the slightly woozy feeling in her head.
Annie hiccupped and clapped her hand over her mouth, but no one seemed to notice. Between the starflowers and tea, she felt so relaxed and uninhibited, like she could try anything in the world.
By the time the Munchfolk took their leave and vanished in glittery puffs, Annie was feeling positively delicious and so horny she didn’t care if Karn only considered her a willing lay. Her nipples were hard and aching and she tingled between her thighs.
Karn waved his hand in a dismissive gesture and the table, dishes, and leftover food vanished. Only the two men and three women, and the cushions they were sitting on remained.
Kalina and Aleana eased closer to Annie and her heart started to pound. Her mind swam as she struggled to think clearly.
“Relax,” Kalina murmured near Annie’s ear, the feel of the sorceress’s breath against her cheek sending surprisingly delicious shivers throughout Annie. The next thing she knew, she was partially reclined against the cushion and Kalina was lightly circling her nipple through the thin material of her dress. Aleana took Annie’s glasses and laid them on a corner table.
Kalina slid her finger down the curve of Annie’s breast. “The da’mea tea will only enhance your desires.” The sorceress eased her hand to Annie’s belly, causing her to catch her breath. “The purpose of a sharing tea is to share one’s mate.”
So that’s what this was all about—Karn wanted to share her.
Although if he intended to screw one of these women she’d kill him. Right after she fucked him.
First she intended to drive him out of his mind.
Annie turned to look at Karn as Aleana lowered her head and flicked her tongue across Annie’s still clothed nipple. A gasp escaped her at the feel of Kalina’s mouth on her.
The look on Karn’s face nearly caused Annie to smile. This time she could read his gaze and she could see deeper into what truly lay in his soul. It was turning him on to watch the women touch her, but at the same time it was driving him mad.
Even though he’d said she was nothing but a willing lay, he still wanted her for himself.
Lord Kir let out a low rumble of satisfaction as Kalina and Aleana stroked Annie’s body. Annie gave herself up to the sensations of the women touching her, if only because it satisfied her immensely to know that it was driving Karn mad to watch the women, and to have another man watching them, too.
She’d always heard that men liked to watch women on women. The look on Karn’s face, and Lord Kir’s expression, proved that was true as far as she was concerned.
Kalina’s small fingers slipped between Annie’s thighs. Shock made Annie clench her thighs, but then the erotic feelings from the incense made Annie relax like she’d never done before.
The sorceress lightly kissed Annie and stroked her clit. Kalina’s lips were soft and her touch so sensual. She tasted of tea and the sweet flavor of the fruit pastries.
Annie’s head spun from the kiss and from the da’mea tea, but it wasn’t like being drunk at all. It was more relaxing, and her mind and thoughts felt freed from all societal restrictions
While Kalina kissed her, Aleana slid the fine material at Annie’s neckline aside, freeing her breasts. The beautiful woman flicked her tongue over Annie’s nipple, causing her to arch her back and moan. Kalina gave a soft purr and moved her mouth to Annie’s other nipple.
Annie’s dress was up around her hips and both women were stroking her now. Kalina fingered Annie’s clit while Aleana thrust three fingers into her core. Annie was so close, so close to coming.
“Remember, you cannot climax without Sire’s permission,” Kalina murmured.
But Annie didn’t care. “Screw him,” she mumbled, but not loud enough to hear—she didn’t think so, anyway.
Her eyes were heavy-lidded but she saw both men watching—and both were now naked, their cocks standing at rigid attention like military sentinels. Lord Kir had a fierce and predatory expression while Karn clenched his jaw and looked ready to tear the place apart.
As Annie neared climax, Karn’s dark gaze met hers. She didn’t ask permission first. The hunger and jealousy in his eyes threw her over the edge into a powerful orgasm. Heat flushed her from head to toe and her body rocked against the women’s mouths and hands.
Karn had never felt such desire, lust, and fury all at once. He could only fault himself for arranging the tea and sharing Annie, for trying to force himself back to a place where Annie meant less to him than was true—but he’d be damned before he would let Lord Kir near his woman.
Even as Annie’s body still quaked from her climax, Karn looked at Aleana and Kalina. “See to Lord Kir’s needs.”
Both women smiled and went immediately to Kir.
Karn moved to Annie’s side and growled. She kept her face away, ignoring him. He growled again, moved between her thighs, and caught her face in his hand. He was determined that she would know to whom she belonged. “Look at me,” he demanded. “Watch me take you.”
Her eyes were wide as he thrust into her core and held still. She gasped as she stared up at him, her body trembling beneath his.
Behind him he heard the sounds of sex from Kir and the women, soft moans and sharp cries.
Karn focused his entire attention on Annie. “You are mine.” He growled and was tempted to release his tigri pheromones to ensure she would scream with need for him. “No one is ever to touch you again. No woman or man shall lay their hands on you.” He gritted his teeth. “Do you understand?”
Annie seemed to struggle with herself for a moment.
Karn expected a lash from her tongue, full of anger for his insulting words earlier. He steeled himself, trying to decide about punishment versus silent acceptance—but even as he watched, Annie’s face changed.
It was as if she had squeezed her anger into a fine diamond, then released the hardness, leaving only light radiating from the soft lines of her face.
She writhed beneath him as though trying to take him deeper. “I understand you,” she whispered. “And I need you, Karn.”
Stunned, intrigued, he began moving in and out of her tight channel. While he took her, he sucked on first one nipple, then the next. Annie cried out with one orgasm, then another, but still he drove her on. He wanted her to remember only the pleasure he had given her and none other.
“I can’t take any more,” she said, her voice trembling from yet another orgasm.
“You can and you will.” Karn increased his strokes, his balls slapping her ass as he fucked his woman even harder.
His eyes locked on Annie’s—
The orgasm that slammed into him took him by complete surprise. He hadn’t intended to climax yet, but the way she looked at him drove him over the edge. A roar rushed from his chest and his bellow filled the room as his come filled her core. She came again, her soft cry making his orgasm even more powerful.
When he had emptied himself into Annie, Karn scooped up her limp body and held her tightly to his chest. Without a backward look to the man and two women still in the tearoom, he exited and carried Annie through the mansion, up the staircase, and to her room.
His jaws hurt from clenching his teeth. His muscles felt banded, and his heart ached and rattled in his chest. Such sensations distressed and angered him.
He was losing control of himself.
Something he absolutely could not, would not, must not do. Not now, and not ever. A childish part of him wanted to blame Annie, but he knew where the true fault lay. Even more, he knew whose responsibility it was to regain that safe, careful control.
After all, his will
protected Annie as well as himself, didn’t it?
Besides, our time together has become too distracting. I am a king first, above all things, loyal to my realm and my brothers. Yes. It is too distracting. Problematic, messy, dangerous—I will only break her heart, hurt her worse than I did today.
Distance was the only answer.
Karn knew he had to put space between himself and his future queen.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
KARN WAS GONE.
When Annie woke the day after the tea party, Beya had informed her that he’d left on a trip, and the housekeeper hadn’t known when the king would return.
That was three Tarok days ago, and Annie was miserable. Today, she was wandering through the mansion, its shadows and darkness only adding to her bleak mood. She wore the most conservative clothing she could find, which happened to be one of Karn’s black shirts. Even though she had a generous figure, his shirt was so big on her that it fit like a dress, but was far more concealing than any of the outfits in the wardrobe in her room.
The only problem was the shirt smelled like him, the warm musky scent making her heart break just a little more.
After the “sharing tea,” she’d fallen asleep, alone in her own bed once again, yet hoping Karn had realized he did care for her.
So much for hope.
Where had he gone? She hadn’t seen Kalina since he left, and a part of her felt sick inside at the thought of the sorceress sharing his bed. It might be the way of his world, to have a mistress or two, but it would never be a part of hers.
Annie trailed her finger along the wall in the abandoned wing—although now it wasn’t quite as abandoned since she’d taken over the art room. She shivered in the wing that was still darker than the rest of the mansion. Only dreary gray light spilled into the corridor from the one large window.
As she walked along the flagstone-tiled hallway, Annie made no sound at all. The tiles were cool beneath her bare feet and she wished for the thousandth time that she knew where her clothing was. She would love to have her jeans and her own T-shirt.
Bound by Desire: King of Diamonds (Wonderland Book 3) Page 15