They lay for a long time, breathing hard, not moving, his cock still hard and buried within her. Instead of pulling from her, he kissed her neck and snuggled closer. He reached between her legs and softly caressed her tender button with the gentlest of caresses.
She gasped as the soft touch sent new sparklers of pleasure darting from her. “Rayder.”
“Mmm,” he murmured against her ear. “I think there is another one in there.”
“Another one?”
“If you were finished, if it were too much, you wouldn’t want me to touch you here right now.” He swirled his fingers over her spot and moved his hips. Excitement rioted in her belly and her pussy. “I think you need another release.”
“Oh my god.”
“Yes.” His deep voice whispered in her ear. “Do you want this?”
She could barely speak as his hips pumped against her with the barest stroke, caressing a spot inside her that sent pleasure dancing inside and made her flesh tremble around his cock. “Yes.”
His sex teased her, refusing to allow her rest. She’d never imagined such pleasure until she met this man—never understood any touch could destroy her and bring her together again. She released all inhibition and opened her body and mind to the beauty of their lovemaking. It didn’t take long. She climaxed, screaming harshly. With a soft groan he shuddered and came.
For long moments they relaxed, and she almost fell asleep. Eventually he pulled from inside her, and Xandra turned toward Rayder. She curled into his side and allowed a smile of sexual satisfaction to bloom across her face. It had been luxury to sleep at his side without worry. A week had passed since the events on Aramus’ ship. So many things had changed, and most of them for the good.
Rayder’s arms came around her and he kissed her forehead. “Happy?”
“More than I could ever have imagined.” She sighed.
“Good.”
“I am concerned about Aknada though.”
Silence surrounded them until he cleared his throat. “She’s all right.”
“She is not. She is morose and quiet and… Ever since Marc was injured she hasn’t been the same.”
“Marc is healing. He’ll be fine.”
“That’s what I told her. He should be well in no time at all.”
“My sister has much healing to do. She needs time to work through everything that happened to her three years ago.”
“Have you healed from knowing what Aramus and those men did to her?”
“Aramus’ death gave me peace.”
“Even though Yoanda killed him instead of you?”
Rayder sighed. “More so. There has been so much death, Xandra. For once justice was served and it came from somewhere else besides me. A Daryk One didn’t have to take Aramus’ life in retribution. I feel the better for it.”
Satisfied, she said, “Marc and Aknada love each other.”
He laughed softly. “My beauty, are you sure? They certainly do not act like they are in love.”
She snorted softly. “You do not see it because you are…”
“Yes?”
“A man.”
He chuckled and his arms tightened. “All right, I admit it. I know there’s something between them. I saw it in my sister’s eyes when Marc was hurt. I saw how she hovered around him. How she bullied him to drink and eat and not exert himself. And when she was hurt, he did the same. But I don’t know if they can overcome their differences.”
She didn’t know either. Only time would answer that question.
Rayder said, “On another matter entirely, I heard news today.”
“Oh?”
“Grimnald Castle suffered a great loss. Their ruler was killed.”
She levered up on one elbow and looked down into his serious face. “How does that affect us?”
“The new leader is Dane Charger.”
Her interest leapt. “Ketera Aldrancos’ Daryk One.”
“The very same. They are to rule the castle and its people from now on.”
“But this is a good thing, isn’t it?”
“It is, and I hope we can visit them soon. But I also heard other news.”
Even in the short time she’d actually known him, she’d learned to read his expressions well. He looked concerned. Her heart sank. “What is it?”
“There is much talk of war.”
“Isn’t it always that way?”
“This time I fear it’s more serious. A messenger from Bardannia Castle arrived. They were attacked by Leadios Castle, which is in the Imekland region. There were many casualties.”
She frowned. “That’s where Eryk Gauth is, correct? He’s your friend?”
“Whether he thinks of me as a friend is doubtful. Perhaps he heard that we destroyed Aramus and his minions and thinks better of me.” He gazed into her eyes with an intensity that told her what he had to say next serious indeed. “He sent a message asking for my help if I would give it. Your friend Mia Griffi was with Eryk at the castle.”
She sat upright, excitement at hearing that her other friend was alive erasing other concerns. “She’s alive?”
“She is. But when the castle was overtaken, Eryk wasn’t there. Mia is in the castle alone with the men who took over Leadios Castle. Eryk needs our help to rescue her.”
Her heart sank. “Oh no.”
“It will be a hard fight. We’ve also heard that Drakus is mobilizing his men and intends to destroy Felican Castle before joining with Leadios Castle. He’ll reinforce with the men who control Bardannia Castle.”
“Overall war and domination.”
“Yes.”
“And if Drakus succeeds, his forces will attack Magonia and enslave the entire population.” He drew her down into his arms and kissed her softly. “I sent a message back to Eryk. I know how much Mia means to you. I will help him save her. And if I know Dane, he’ll want to help too.”
Her heart warmed at the same time new fear rose. “It will be dangerous.”
“Yes.”
What else could he say? Perilous times lay ahead. The beauty of the moments they’d shared started to fade and she fought with worry.
Perhaps she should tell him her news in light of what he’d revealed about Mia. Happiness soared inside her, because this news was better than anything she could have imagined. “Rayder, I have to tell you something.”
He kissed her forehead softly. “What is it, my beauty?”
“My…courses are very late, and they are never late.”
The silence was deafening.
Rayder released her and sat up. His eyes had widened, his mouth open. She hoped that was happiness she saw in his eyes. “You’re with child?”
“Yes.”
Disbelief colored his face. “It’s not possible. You drank the potion. How could it be?”
“The healer told me that in a small number of cases the potions don’t work.” She waited as dawning happiness replaced his amazement. She couldn’t contain her next words. “I feared you wouldn’t want me after you learned I drank the potion. Even though you haven’t said anything to prove it, I still worried.”
“You did what you had to do, Xandra. You were saving yourself and any children from that evil man.” He scooped her up, a whoop of joy escaping his throat as he crushed her close. “By Draconus and all that is good. I never believed it possible.” He kissed her deep and hard until she was breathless. “My life is complete. I want for nothing more. I would have gone anywhere and anyplace for you when I thought we couldn’t have a child. You are what matters. But this makes our time together that much more precious.”
“Peace on Dragonia and Magonia perhaps?”
“We’ll have that and our lives too. I swear it to you.”
Tears shimmered in his eyes, and wonder glowed in her heart. In a thousand years she never imagined seeing this big, tough warrior melting like this. Guilt she’d harbored for so long disappeared. Tears fell from her eyes. “Rayder, I am so happy. No matter what comes, I am
so happy.”
“I love you, my beauty.” He cupped her face. “No matter what happens, don’t ever forget that. You’re my wife. My love. Forever.”
About the Author
Suspenseful, erotic, edgy, thrilling, romantic, adventurous. All these words are used to describe award-winning, bestselling novelist Denise A. Agnew’s novels. Romantic Times Magazine called her romantic suspense novels Dangerous Intentions and Treacherous Wishes “top-notch romantic suspense”. With paranormal, time travel, romantic comedy, contemporary, historical, erotica and romantic suspense novels under her belt, she proves her gift for writing about a diverse range of subjects. (Writing tales that scare the reader is her ultimate thrill.)
Denise’s inspiration for her novels comes from innumerable sources, but the fact that she has lived in Colorado, Hawaii and the United Kingdom has given her a lifetime of ideas. Her experiences with archaeology have crept into her work, as well as numerous travels throughout England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Denise currently lives in Arizona with her real life hero, her husband.
Denise welcomes comments from readers. You can find her website and email address on her author bio page at www.ellorascave.com.
Tell Us What You Think
We appreciate hearing reader opinions about our books. You can email us at [email protected].
Also by Denise A. Agnew
Bridge Through the Mist
Dangerous Intentions
Daryk Hunter
Deep is the Night 1: Dark Fire
Deep is the Night 2: Night Watch
Deep is the Night 3: Haunted Souls
Ellora’s Cavemen: Dreams of the Oasis II anthology
Ellora’s Cavemen: Tales from the Temple IV anthology
Impetuous
Instinct
Major Pleasure
Over the Line
Special Investigations Agency: Hideaway
Special Investigations Agency: Maneater
Special Investigations Agency: Shadows and Ruins
Special Investigations Agency: Special Agent Santa
The Dare
Treacherous Wishes
Discover for yourself why readers can’t get enough of the multiple award-winning publisher Ellora’s Cave. Whether you prefer ebooks or paperbacks, be sure to visit EC on the web at www.ellorascave.com for an erotic reading experience that will leave you breathless.
www.ellorascave.com
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