Instinctively she sat up, forcing his hips to the bed. Another masculine growl issued from deep in his throat. Her eyes flew open as he gripped her hips again and tried to grind his hips upward between her thighs. She smiled, ready to tease for only a moment. Her body wouldn’t allow any more than that.
Rayder’s rough voice echoed in the chamber. “Fuck me, woman.”
She laughed and panted. “Your language is horrible, sir. Is that any way to speak to a lady?”
“You are killing me,” he gritted between his teeth.
Sweat beaded on his brow, his muscles taut with tension and probably burning with a need for action. She loved this control over him. She smiled slowly, holding back the driving urge to do as he demanded. Her flesh throbbed around his cock, and as she clenched her muscles around him, he moaned.
“Please, my beauty.” His eyes hadn’t softened but his words had.
“Please? The warrior begging his woman?” By Magon, it pleased her to tease him.
His jaw clenched. Without warming he sat up and in a quick maneuver, he flipped her onto her back. His cock slipped from her, slick with her juices and as hard as she’d ever seen it. She expected him to plunge back inside her. Instead, he lowered himself to the bed with his head between her legs. Oh.
Though he’d tasted her before, heat rushed into her face. She closed her eyes as he started to feast.
A loud gasp left her throat as his tongue brushed over her folds with slow deliberation. She ached, wanting so much more. He gave it. He licked, his tongue a hot invader as it caressed her folds with a gentleness she hadn’t expected. But he didn’t touch her where she needed it the most. She needed him to touch her pleasure button. Over and over he tantalized her. He dipped into her folds, thrusting his tongue inside and wiggling against sensitive flesh. A shocked, appreciative moan left her.
His relentless touches threatened to drive her over the edge, but she could never quite reach that pinnacle of pleasure.
“Please, Rayder.” A moan of need left her throat.
He lifted his head and stared at her. His eyes glowed, his smile wicked. “See what happens to a woman who taunts her lover?”
Before she could answer, he shifted off her and held his hand out. “Come.”
“What?” She slipped her hand into his. “You don’t mean to stop?”
He chuckled as he urged her to her feet. “By the god, absolutely not. I have more punishment for you.”
A twinge of alarm raced through her. “Punishment?”
“I am teasing you. I bought something earlier that I thought you’d like.”
“That sounds like a gift. Not punishment.”
“It can be both.”
Curious, she watched as he dug into a pack he’d laid on the floor earlier. He extracted a bottle of clear liquid. He placed it on a small table near the bed. Then he reached in the pack and extracted a long tubular device that resembled in almost every way a man’s—
“By the god,” she whispered. “It is a man’s…”
He laughed softly, the glow in his eyes increasing. “It is made for a woman’s pleasure. We can insert it into your sweet cunny.”
“Oh.”
Oh my.
“If you are afraid, we will not use it.”
“No. I…I want to use it.” She did, and that shocked her a smidgen. She watched him spread the clear liquid over the device. “But I do not understand one thing. Why would you want to put that inside me when you could put your…” She gestured at his cock and shrugged.
“Ah, but this can be used inside you in other ways too.” His smile was even more wicked, if that was possible. He walked toward her. “In your other sweet little hole too.”
Her mouth opened in surprise, but she didn’t know what to say.
“Tonight I have the privilege of tucking inside your sweet little hole, my beauty.”
Thrilled, a little scared and filled with extreme desire, she waited for instruction.
“Turn around and place your palms on the bed. Spread your legs,” he said.
She did as he asked, trembling in anticipation. When the tubular object touched her pussy lips, it was warm. Surprised, she almost purred in pleasure as the wide device parted her and Rayder slid it inside slowly. As the cock pushed through her folds, it caressed her much as Rayder always did.
“Oh Rayder. That feels wonderful.”
And it did. The heat spread her wide like Rayder’s cock, and as the length plunged all the way inside her, his husky voice said, “Now hold it. If you tighten and release, the pleasure will increase.”
She closed her eyes and did as he suggested. The rhythm of her muscles contracting around the device felt exquisite. Within a few seconds the pleasure started to build exponentially.
“Now I need you, my beauty,” Rayder said.
She expected him to withdraw the false cock. Instead his fingers touched between her butt cheeks. She gasped. “Rayder, what are you doing?”
“Preparing you for me.”
Rayder applied the warm liquid to her back hole, and with excitement and wonder, she gloried in what he intended to do. The Chronicles of Magon forbade such sex. Xandra didn’t care and longed for that forbidden experience he’d introduced her to not so long ago.
Rayder’s breathing had quickened as he slid one and then two fingers into her tightness. She moaned softly as his fingers slipped in and out of her. Each dip into her tight well and every tightening of her muscles around the false cock sent firebolts of pleasure streaking like lightning straight to her core. She didn’t think she could take much more before the peak broke her apart.
His cock touched her back entrance, and with deliberation but gentleness, he tucked just the head inside. And began to move.
A low moan of bliss left her throat as she closed her eyes and clenched at the bed covers. He worked her with the tip of his cock as she allowed her muscles to work the cock she held deep within her pussy. Relentless, with his breathing coming faster and hasher, he thrust just the tip of his cock in and out of her.
“Rayder, I need…”
“What do you need?”
“All of it.”
“Are you certain?”
“Yes. By the god Magon, yes.”
She could feel him trembling with his need. Shaking as he eased his cock deeper, deeper, going farther with each thrust until his entire length plundered her channel. He pumped, swaying back and forth with steady motion that sent new strokes of pleasure igniting into a firestorm. She couldn’t take anymore.
Bliss threw her over the edge. Tumbling. Falling.
She repressed a scream. Her pussy throbbed around the cock as her forbidden channel rippled around him in ecstasy.
Rayder gave one last thrust, breath rasping in his throat, then shuddered and shook as a guttural sound left his throat. “I need more.”
More?
He drew his cock from her and pulled the false cock from her pussy. He left the bed long enough to pour more liquid on the false cock. He washed his own body then returned to her. He guided her to place her hands on the bed again. The false cock touched between her butt checks and he inserted it with determination into her forbidden channel. She’d thought she’d be sore, but the hard, unrelenting object buried within felt exciting. Sinful.
His fingers slid over her hips, and with one lunge, he buried himself in her pussy. She cried out, grappling for control as the first spear brought her to the edge.
Rayder didn’t wait. He withdrew and then fed his length into her wetness, down to the core. She shivered and sighed. The two cocks added to her excitement, bringing her more pleasure than she could have expected.
Rayder thrust hard, picking up the pace until his groans of animalistic power fueled her exhilaration. She whimpered, she cried out, tried to keep her voice lower but couldn’t. The pleasure was too stark to contain.
Climax slammed her, pulsing outward from her pussy to her belly, to her breasts until the bliss tingled in her n
ipples with sharp stings.
Rayder exploded inside her, a hot rush of his life force flooding within her, a rough cry ripping from his throat. He leaned over her, his arms coming around her, pressing small kisses to her back.
“That was wonderful, my beauty,” he managed to say as he caught his breath.
Later on, as he held her close and they drifted to sleep, she pondered one aspect of the night that concerned her. Actually, it stung her deeply, if she thought too much about it.
He’d never said he loved her in return.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Xandra rose early in the morning, when the sun barely awakened. She lay quietly next to Rayder, who was turned away on his right side. She eased from bed and dressed. Aches twinged through her muscles, and tenderness in certain parts of her body reminded Xandra what they’d done before. She wouldn’t complain or forget the excitement.
She considered going outside to see Arcos. While the creature had initially frightened her, she was amazed at how gentle it seemed to be with women and how much it was devoted to Marc. No, she wanted to see Aknada more.
Xandra slipped into her boots and left the room, closing the door slow and easy. She wandered toward Aknada’s room, intent on seeing how she faired. Before she reached the door, she saw it cracked open and heard low voices. She almost pushed the door open all the way, but she listened instead, captured by the conversation.
“Why did you bring me here?” Aknada’s voice held strength.
Xandra pressed her hands to her mouth. This was wonderful.
“Because I can take care of you,” Marc said.
“I don’t need you to take care of me.” Her announcement sounded clear.
“You’d rather I left you with Pian?” Marc’s voice sounded incredulous. “Did you plan to wander with those desert people forever?”
“I don’t see the problem.”
“You were almost killed.” His strident tone was a little louder.
“You know better than that. I’m a Daryk One. I’m not easy to kill. Five men jumped me and I killed all but two.”
The room went silent.
Marc spoke next. “I understand that Pian isn’t a true slave trader.”
“Like you are?” she said with heat.
“I may not release people at will as Pian does, but I treat all my people well. No one has tried to escape and all are loyal because they respect me. They are paid a wage.”
Aknada was quiet for a moment and Xandra wished she could see her face. Finally Aknada said, “I did not realize you paid them.”
“You could call it indentured servitude. Not true slavery. You knew that about me before Aramus took you. You know me better than anyone ever has, Aknada.”
Aknada snorted. “You did not answer my most vital questions about you before…”
“I know. Before you betrothed to Braxis. I should have. Draconus knows I have regretted that every moment of every day since Aramus took you.”
Xandra dared to edge closer to the door opening and gazed through. Marc sat on a chair next to the bed. His right hand close to Aknada’s where it lay on the covers. In profile, his mouth held a stubborn line and so did hers. Her arm was no longer bandaged and she appeared to move it with ease. Perhaps she was completely mended.
He reached out and placed his hand over Aknada’s, and his big fingers covered hers. “Five men?”
Her expression eased to dismay. “Yes. But I don’t enjoy killing.”
“You have before?” His voice softened.
“For Pian. To protect the caravan.”
Xandra saw tears roll down Aknada’s face. “You know Daryk Ones. They can singlehandedly kill several men without trying. I was the head warrior with the caravan. I trained some of the men.”
“The slaves.”
“Slaves only in others’ imaginations. They stay with Pian willingly, just like I did. Now his camp is devastated, some of his people killed.” Tears started to creep down her face.
“Don’t cry, Aknada.” Marc’s voice resonated with deep feeling. “You are safe forever now.”
She sniffed then laughed. Her smile wasn’t real. “Whatever makes you think that? I’ve never been safe in our society. I’m an outcast and a…a freak.” She pulled her hand out from under his. “With Pian’s camp, I was with everyone else who is an outcast. With people who understand me. In Dragonian society, I have no place. I belonged in the caravan.”
“You belong with people who care about you.”
She glanced away, eyes swimming with pain and tears. “Pian and his people care about me more than anyone else ever has.”
Marc’s face twisted. “That isn’t true.”
Aknada didn’t look at him.
Marc shook his head and stood. He paced the floor, hands on his hips. “I’m grateful.”
“Why?”
“Because your skills have kept you alive all this time. Because you could have drowned like Aramus said. But you’re strong and can take care of yourself.” He returned to the bed, looking down on her. “I didn’t protect you when Braxis was killed. Maybe I cannot protect you. But it doesn’t keep me from wanting to try.”
“Why?” Aknada’s voice turned sweeter and more feminine. “Why?”
Xandra’s feet were glued to the floor. She couldn’t move.
A hand came down on Xandra’s shoulder, and she squeaked in surprise and jumped. She swung to the left, ready to hit whoever touched her.
“Whoa, my beauty. It’s just me.” Rayder stood there with hands up, a grin flirting with his mouth.
Marc came to the door and opened it all the way. Xandra half-expected anger, but he smiled instead. “How long were you standing there?”
“Long enough,” Xandra said softly.
“In my case, not long enough.” Rayder frowned at them both as he walked passed them to his sister. “Aknada.”
Rayder’s quick steps took him straight to the bed, and he occupied the chair. He didn’t reach for her hand, but he smiled.
Aknada’s expression remained conflicted, as if she couldn’t decide whether his presence was welcome or not. Her gaze flickered to Xandra and relief altered her face. “Xandra, you’re safe.”
Xandra crossed to the other side of the bed. “We were worried about you.”
“Me? No one should ever worry about me.”
“Stubborn woman,” Marc said with exasperation. “When we found you were alive, can you imagine in any way how that made us feel? The relief and joy?”
Aknada swallowed hard. “Your concern is generous—”
“Forget it.” Marc glared and threw up his hands. “I have tasks to complete. I’ll return later.” Marc stomped from the room, boot steps tromping down the hallway and downstairs.
Silence enveloped the room for a few moments, awkward and telling. Aknada turned her gaze to Rayder. “Rayder, why are you here?”
Rayder frowned, his gaze flicking to Xandra momentarily. “Why? Are you daft, Aknada? When I realized you were alive, it was as Marc said. I was stunned. Relieved. Do you know what it means to see you awake and speaking? To know that you’ll recover?”
Aknada blinked, surprise a part of her eyes. “I thought after knowing that I’ve deceived you for three years and let you think I was dead—”
“All is forgiven.” Rayder leaned closer and reached for her hand.
Aknada’s eyes widened a little. “How can you forgive me so easily? You don’t even know why I stayed away three years.”
“I will withhold my forgiveness if it makes you happy.” Teasing filled is tone, his eyes lighter and warm. “At least until you explain. Then I’ll forgive you anyway.”
More tears filled Aknada’s eyes. “You shouldn’t forgive me. You shouldn’t.”
Rayder brought his sister’s hand up to his lips and kissed it. “Please, Aknada, I hate to see you in such pain. Tell me what happened to you these three years. Tell me why you let me think you were dead.”
Xandra knew she nee
ded to give them time and space to sort out their family business, and perhaps if she departed for a time, they’d both feel comfortable explaining their feelings. “I’ll find breakfast for us all and return some time later. Give you a chance to talk.”
Rayder glanced up at Xandra. “Thank you.”
Xandra left the room and closed the door. As she wandered downstairs in search of nourishment, she wondered if Aknada would soak in Rayder’s forgiveness and if she would honor Marc with that same absolution. Xandra’s curiosity remained. Why exactly did Aknada want to bait and annoy Marc? Obviously Marc and Aknada had unresolved feelings for each other—even Xandra could see that in their glances. Heat lay between them. And why did Aknada think Rayder shouldn’t forgive her? Aknada had told Xandra while they were in Pian’s camp that she didn’t want to see Marc either, but Xandra didn’t think it was from genuine loathing. No, Aknada’s feelings ran deep for Marc.
Though curious, Xandra decided to resist placing her nose in their business. Rayder would tell her what he found out if chose to share. She wouldn’t press Marc, Aknada or Rayder for answers.
Xandra’s stomach growled and hurried her toward the kitchen.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Rayder watched his sister’s face grow more apprehensive after Xandra left. He sat in the chair beside her bed. She pulled her hand from his and sat up with a grimace. He knew better than to express more concern. She wouldn’t welcome it and would see it as weakness if she admitted to it. All Daryk Ones saw physical injury to themselves in this way. Rapid healing ensured she’d be up and around within no time. Marc had never understood this—he’d always treated Aknada as if he needed to protect her, and that drove Aknada mad. If Marc intended to keep Aknada close, and Rayder believed he did, Marc would have to break down her suspicious nature. She didn’t want coddling or pampering. She wanted the one thing most Dragonian men had difficulty accepting. She was unique. Strong. Capable without a man in every way. In no need of protection whatsoever.
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