“So what’s he going to do if you go through with it? Disown you?” Mattox shook his head. “Naw. He loves you too much to do that. On top of that, you’re his only heir. If he disowns you, who’ll take command of the compound when he’s gone?”
Caralas frowned. “Something just hit me.” She looked off into the distance. “I’m wondering if he’s more concerned about having a Mutah as a son-in-law, or if he’s worried you’ll inevitably take over as battle lord.”
“I’ll bet money it’s about fifty-fifty. I’m also willing to bet that me being half Mutah isn’t what’s worrying him. It’s the fact that I’m next in line as battle lord at another compound. If I was someone, say, a soldier, from your compound, whom you’d fallen in love with, I don’t think my Mutah side would be that much of an issue. Vega City would remain independent. But since I’m from Alta Novis, if I took command, his compound might come under a different banner.”
She nodded. “I see your point.”
He bent closer to her. Spreading his legs, he drew her into his arms. The press of her breasts against his was titillating. Adding to that sensation, the pressure of her knees against his groin was making his dick thicken. When she lifted her face from where she’d been nuzzling his neck, he slid farther into the water and pulled her on top of him to claim her mouth.
She eagerly responded, opening her lips to his probing tongue. Her breath was hot and sweet, and their kiss grew more frenzied, until he felt her position herself above his jutting erection. Breaking their contact, she stared into his eyes to create a new one.
She was tight, but the water and her inner juices allowed him to slip into her depths with little resistance. She paused partway to adjust herself and threw back her head to revel in the feel of him inside her. Taking her by the hips, he gradually pushed her downward until she nearly enveloped his entire length.
“Stop. Stop. I’m… It’s…”
He reached out through their tenuous connection for any sign of pain, and was relieved to find none. There was lust, and an almost animalistic sexual need for him she was trying not to succumb to. Grinning, Mattox whispered, “Do what you want, my Cara. Take me. Use me. Pump me dry, if that’s what it’s gonna take to get you off.”
She hesitantly bobbed over him, then gradually began increasing her speed. Water sloshed over the sides of the tub, but neither of them cared. Mattox leaned back, guiding her and keeping her over the target, until she started making small keening noises. She was close, so close, but not close enough.
Letting go with a soft growl, he deftly lifted her off of him and flipped her around to where she faced the tub. “Grab on and don’t let go,” he gruffly ordered her as he positioned the head of his erection at her entrance. One push inside to secure himself, and he began plunging deep and thick through her channel. Ramming into her, all the while aware of her rising orgasm that was on the cusp of exploding—
Caralas cried out from the flood of pleasure overtaking her, and still Mattox continued to work her as he reached for his own conclusion. It wasn’t until he poured himself into her that he finally slowed, yet remained entrenched inside her. Careful not to break contact, he leaned backwards, bringing her with him, and wrapped his arms around her as she rested against his chest.
Together they waited for the water, their breathing, and their hearts to regain normalcy, neither of them realizing they were drifting off to sleep.
35
Breach
Apounding on the bedroom door awoke them. It took Mattox a moment to remember where he was.
“What is it?” he bellowed.
“Bloods have breached the walls!” a muted voice yelled.
“I’m coming!”
“Wait. What?” Caralas asked as they exited the tub and quickly dried off. She followed him into the bedroom and over to the bureau to grab some clean clothes. As he slipped on a pair of breeches, she also pulled on some pants that were way too big for her. Fortunately, her weapons belt kept them snug enough to prevent them from falling off.
Mattox saw her readying. “No. You stay here.”
“The compound’s being invaded!” she shot back and drew a tunic over her head.
“And I need you safe!” he lashed back at her. Their eyes locked, but neither of them swayed from their decision. Not saying anything more, he strode out of the bedroom and to the main hall.
A guard, a man named Hood, and the one Mattox assumed had been sent to notify him, was waiting outside the side entrance. “Bloods have been discovered inside the compound,” the soldier explained in a tight voice.
“Where’s my father?”
“East inner wall. Two of the enemy have already been dispatched near the storage tanks.”
East inner wall, meaning the battle lord was in the first section where the apartments were located. He started to head in that direction to join up with him, when a door slam interrupted his thoughts. Whirling around, he saw Caralas standing a few feet away.
“What are you—”
“I bet no one told my father the Bloods are inside!” she hissed angrily, drawing her sword. “I’m going to let him know.” She took off before he could object.
He hesitated, torn between going to aid the others and wanting to make sure Caralas was safe before he headed for the rear gates. Hood had already disappeared, presumably to let the battle lord know Mattox was on his way. Otherwise, he could have ordered the guard to tail her and remain with her until the all-clear was given.
