by Lily Thomas
“I still can't believe one of them is dead. I kept thinking it was a nightmare I would be able to wake from. Sometimes, I still have a small hope it might all be a nightmare.”
Stryme winced, as he felt a stab of guilt. He was sure she included being a captive as part of her nightmare. He was part of her nightmare. He was even a willing participant, but he wasn’t able to let her go.
He wanted her by his side. Fight it as he might, but he was attracted to her. She was the first female to drive him insane, and he loved it.
“I’m also sorry for your loss.” He added.
Her head swiveled around in shock that he had been listening into their conversation. A weak smile formed on her lips. It ever so slightly turned the corners up.
“I had no idea someone close to you had died.” He had an urge to find the rock giant that had done this to her and slaughter him. No one caused her pain without answering for it.
He blinked. Where had that come from?
“It's fine.” She brushed it off. She still didn’t want all this attention on her. “He had a wonderful life, even if it was short. He was up to his waist in girls. They would swoon over his good looks every day. He was never lonelyor in need of anything.” She put her other hand on top of his and patted it. “I’m sorry for the loss of your father. There seems to be a lot of death in our pasts and possibly for our futures.”
“Perhaps we should talk about something else.” His mother suggested. “Elizabeth, I would love to hear about your people. As you can safely assume, I have never had the chance to speak with a human before.”
Stryme smiled, as the two of them started to talk together. He was glad he had a mother who was so accepting of others.
He planned on keeping Elizabeth around. His eyes glittered with desire, as he thought of the upcoming night they would spend together.
The night went on, and Elizabeth talked about her life, while excluding any tidbits that might hint at her being a princess.
His mother was able to talk her into having a few cups of ale. Before she knew it, she was a little more than just tipsy. It wasn't that she had too many glasses. It was just a lot stronger than anything she’d had before.
“I didn't expect our drinks to effect you so much.” His mother explained with sympathy.
Elizabeth gave a nod, as she held a hand to her forehead. After blinking a couple times, she was able to get her eyes to focus on the room around her. She shoved the mug out of her reach.
His mother laughed and wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. “If I had known, I would have warned you away from the ale.”
Other than the fiasco with the ale, nothing else exciting happened. The giants danced, drank, and laughed the night away. They seemed to have quite a healthy appetite, when it came to both food and dragging off a partner for the night.
Eventually, the evening waned and Elizabeth turned to Stryme. “I think I would like to retire. I am so exhausted.” She was sure the ale was adding to her exhaustion.
“I will escort you back to the chamber.”
Before she could reassure him she would be able to find her way back to the room, he had turned back to his companions.
She sighed.
Elizabeth was divided on what her heart was telling her. She had to make it to Sardarn to marry the prince, but she was starting to detest the whole idea of marrying a man she had never met. She wished for once in her life she could do something without having to think of anyone else.
Being a princess meant she had to think of her people. Every once in a while, she wanted to think about herself though.
Then again she had no idea what Stryme’s feelings were. He might just be using her, and when he was done he might get rid of her without a second thought.
Elizabeth observed Stryme, as he continued saying goodnights to other fire giants.
Her heart couldn't help but give a little flutter. Maybe if he wanted to take her tonight she would let him. Who knew what kind of love she might find in Sardarn. The prince could be potbellied and cruel for all she knew.
After he was done talking to the other giants, he turned back to her, and offered his hand.
Feeling something ominous from behind, Elizabeth took a glance over her shoulder. There sat Lele glaring with all her might. She was clearly wishing her glares were daggers. Elizabeth would have to watch her back, because she wasn’t keen on feeling metal slip between her ribs.
Until she was gone, Lele wasn’t going to be happy with her.
At least spending the nights with Stryme would keep Lele from trying to kill her while she slept. She knew it was only a matter of time before Lele made another move against her.
Some point soon Lele would have her chance to win over Stryme. Elizabeth had every intention of finding a way out of the castle. She would enjoy whatever time she had with Stryme, but she had an obligation to fulfill in the end.
Duty had been bred into her. She may not like it, but she felt the sense of obligation driving her forward.
The fire had already been built in the hearth for their arrival, and she was glad for the warmth. The castle could be a bit nippy without a source of heat nearby.
He made his way over to the chairs to sit in front of the hearth, and Elizabeth followed him in. She was tired from the ride through the city, and the fire provided her with the warmth she dearly wanted.
He grabbed a sheathed sword that had been propped up against his chair. Elizabeth watched him intently, while he went through the motions of taking it out to sharpen it.
Elizabeth shook her head. He might be a giant, but he acted just like any other human man. It seemed like every man enjoyed taking care of his swords.
This was a domestic setting she could see herself replaying for many years to come if she could. Unfortunately, she was a princess doomed to marrying a prince she didn’t know. She didn’t even know how long Stryme would keep her. His attention could wander, at any moment.
She watched as the firelight played over his finely chiseled cheekbones. Most women would think the scar detracted from his amazingly good looks. For her, it sent a feminine sense of appeal racing through her.
He was clearly a formidable warrior who would always be there to protect what was his. Even when she put herself in danger, he still treated her with tenderness. If anything, Stryme was just a gentle giant.
A shiver ran down her spine, as she thought about what tonight might bring for her. Anticipation flowed through her veins, as she continued to watch him sharpening his sword. Would he be a gentle giant in bed?
Eventually, her eyelids grew heavy, and she rested her head against the back of the chair.
When a hand shook her shoulder, Elizabeth startled. Blinking she realized she must have fallen asleep while he tended to his swords.
Mentally, she was finding herself growing tired. All day long she would debate what her feelings were. She kept twisting her mind into knots of confusion. Elizabeth rose from the chair letting her mind unwind. She needed to be able to relax.
It was hard for her to remember he was the same fire giant who had ordered the attack on their carriages. He was so gentle with her, as he led her over to the bed.
She now knew he had two sides, the warrior side and the gentle giant side.
Slowly, he wrapped his arms around her body. Her head tilted back, so she could gaze into his crimson eyes. What she saw there made her breath hitch low in her throat. Her heart skipped a beat in pure anticipation.
She saw desire fill his eyes, as he stared down at her. It was all for her. His eyes pierced her, and she knew this was her chance to back out. If she didn’t take it now, she wasn’t going to have another chance. Her heart sputtered again. This was how a man should look at a woman.
All those suitors had just seen something to possess, but when Stryme’s eyes roamed over her she just felt loved and beautiful.
His eyes kept taking in their fill, eating every inch of her. The thought flitted through her mind that she mi
ght just be a novelty to him, but she shoved it aside. She should enjoy the moment. Who knew what her future could hold. This whole adventure was making her realize she should live every day like it might be her last.
His hands went from holding hers to rubbing up her arms. He massaged her shoulders, loosening any tension there.
Stryme pulled her even closer to him. Gradually, he lowered his head, as if not to scare her away, and his warm lips met her trembling ones in a sensual kiss.
Her poor heart was beating such a fast tempo against her ribs she thought it might burst free from her chest. Now that she knew what kissing felt like she never wanted it to stop. She loved the way their lips melded together fitting like a puzzle.
It was gentle, yet forceful. She could feel him demanding more of her. She gave it freely, without any hesitation.
Stryme moved to kiss the side of her mouth. He made his way down to her dainty chin, then kissed his way down her slender neck, which sent a thrill burning through her body. Nothing had felt quite this amazing. She could feel her body heat up with the excitement she felt every time he touched her.
She was so distracted by his exploring kisses, Elizabethnever noticed her dress had slid down her shoulders to land in a puddle around her feet. When he made his way down her collarbone, she finally realized, but didn't care. All caution was thrown to the wind. This was her chance, and nothing was going to ruin this for her.
She was about to experience pure pleasure from a man she was sure knew what he was doing. She wasn’t about to let this pass her by.
His hot kisses trailed fire from her collarbone down to the top of one of her pert breasts. Elizabeth looked down at the top of his head. He glanced up, and she was able to see passion glazing over his eyes. Giving her a wicked smile full of promise he turned back to her breast. She loved watching him, as he filled her with pleasure.
She sucked in a deep breath, as Stryme made his way to her rosy nipple. First, he kissed it, and then he sucked it deep into his scalding mouth.
Elizabeth melted against Stryme. Her back arched, pushing her breasts towards his face. She felt as though her legs might buckle, but he reached behind her to grab her ass. His hands kneaded the plump orbs.
She felt like there was a fire building underneath her skin. She let out a small moan,as he continued to suck on her nipple. It felt so very good. This was every thing she had thought a lover would do for her. To make her feel alive, like she had no responsibilities left in the world. For her there was no world. Everything around them disappeared, and all she could focus on now was what he was doing to her.
Her hands made their way to his broad shoulders. As he left the first nipple to go to the other, her nipple tightened in the cool air. She dug her nails into his shoulders.
He gave a growl of satisfaction, as he ran his teeth over her nipple. Her mouth popped open in surprise, as she gave a whimper. Her skin felt so flushed, and she loved it.
He rose from his kneeling position to back away from her. She watched with bated breath, as he stripped off his trousers. His member sprang free, and she nearly melted in fright. He was so large, and she had never been with a man before.
She stuck her chin in the air. She wanted to see this through. He had yet to hurt her, and she wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt.
He grabbed her around her waist throwing her back onto the bed. She bounced, as she landed on the soft furs. Glancing up at him she heard a growl rumble through his chest. Never before had she felt so alluring like she did at this exact moment. His eyes scorched paths up and down her body, and she felt like he was trying to ingrain her naked form in his mind.
Stryme growled in satisfaction. The little moans she gave off spurred him on and made him even harder. It made him want to dive right into her, but he knew he would have to take it gently. He wanted this first joining to be perfect. If he jumped her, he might terrify her.
He followed her down onto the bed. “I love the sounds you make for me when I tease your body.”
A cute blush spread over her cheeks, as she nibbled on her bottom lip uncertainly.
His eyes narrowed in on her plump lip. He wanted to kiss her, wanted to tug at her lip ever so slightly. He felt his cock throb at the thought of being inside her. Her figure was meant for a man to enjoy.
He slid up her body, kissed her gently on her lips then focused back onto her breasts. He bit down on her nipple softly scraping his teeth against it. He was rewarded with a small mewl from her. She rocked her hips searching for something unknown to her, but very well known to him.
Finally, he was going to get his little human female. He groaned, as naked images of her flickered through his mind. How was he going to be patient with her when she was driving him mad with lust? Would he have the strength to be slow, while she adjusted to him being inside her?
Stryme had trouble remembering the last time he had bedded a female who had been so innocent. At that thought, he gave another growl. He would be pleased, if he were her first bedmate, because he may very well be her last. Stryme wasn't known for letting go of things of importance.
Slowly but surely, she was working her magic on him. Amazingly enough he didn’t mind being wrapped around Elizabeth’s finger.
Stryme gave her nipples a few more licks, before he dragged himself away from their luscious fullness. They were meant for a man to hold in his palm. If he could, he would spend a day honoring her breasts, but other parts of her were calling to him.
He couldn't wait to teach her how to pleasure him and learn what she liked in return.
Elizabeth couldn't help the little sound of disappointment that left her, as Stryme left her nipples. The cold air puckered them into hard little pebbles. Never before would she have thought they would bring her this much pleasure. She felt like she was going nuts. Her body was so hot and ready.
“Don’t fret. We aren't even close to being done yet.” He murmured against her pale skin, as he promised yet more seduction to come.
Elizabeth watched Stryme brush kisses down her belly, while his hands slid down her sides. His kisses were sizzling hot making her skin shiver with anticipation. Soon she forgot her uncertainty and could only focus on what he was doing to her body.
When he reached the patch of hair between her thighs, he stopped to look up at her. He loved the view from her thighs. She was gazing down at him, her lips rosy red from his kisses, and her breasts rising and falling to her breathing.
He didn’t think he could get enough of those pale orbs. They were so full and made for a man to enjoy for hours.
“Relax, Elizabeth. Trust me, I will only bring you pleasure.” He tried to coax the stiffness out of her muscles.
Elizabeth's thighs remained tightly pressed together though. He could understand any fear she might have. He had his own concerns. Stryme had never heard of a giant and a human coming together in such a way.
“Do you trust me?” He asked. “Look at me, Elizabeth.”
Her eyes shot down to look at him lying over her legs. As she looked into his eyes, he could feel her start to relax a small amount.
Knowing she needed more reassurance, he kissed her thighs and her stomach. He let his wondering hands massage her. Eventually, she relaxed enough for him to get his hands between her thighs.
Stryme spread them wide. Quickly, he stuck a knee between them, before she could change her mind.
Elizabeth's eyes popped wide, and she sucked in a breath from the cold air that rushed between her steaming hot thighs. She was able to feel how soaked her center had become.
She looked down at him, as he settled between her legs. He was completely focused on her lower half. He had a great view of her womanly parts. A bit embarrassed, she attempted to close her thighs around his knees, but his hand came down quickly to stop her.
“Don't.” He whispered his voice gone husky. “I want to be able to see you. I want to see all of you. Never hide yourself from me.”
After some time, he dragged his eyes
from between her thighs to look up into her sea-blue eyes. Neither of them moved, as they just stared into each other's eyes. She knew he was going to make sure she found pleasure, before he sought his own. He was the kind of man who would make this an experience she would never forget.
Stryme moved his massive body up hers. His hard chest rubbed up against her soft breasts, and she sucked in a breath, as her nipples puckered from the contact with his skin.
Slowly, he kissed her on the lips, and soon their lips moved together with a fierce hunger. It shocked both of them to the core. It also spurred them on, as their hunger grew fierce. Their tongues danced around each other, each trying to gain the upper hand, and their breath mingled with heated passion.
Elizabeth loved the feel of his lips pressing against hers. It excited her just as much as having him lick and suck on her nipples. Only this pleasure was of a completely different kind. It seemed less like lust and more like a show of love. She felt as though he was honoring her body.
Then there was the unmistakable press of his rock hard member. He moved his hips ever so slightly, so that the length of it rubbed up and down her belly. Her mind ran away with her. All she could think about was having it inside her, stretching her wide.
Wanting more of his seductive kisses she wrapped her arms around his neck. She pulled him down against her. Chest to chest they kissed, as he continued to tease her with his ever-moving hips. With one last long kiss Stryme broke away, and he made his way back down her body.
When his breath tickled the area between her thighs, Elizabeth startled a bit. She watched him, wanting to know what he had planned next. All of this was new to her.
“I need you.” She panted out shocking herself. She sounded so breathless and needy.
“I know, but we need to make sure you are as wet as you can possibly get. I am a large male, and I have no wish for you to experience too much pain.”