“You’re the only bottom for me, Ro.”
When he showed a peek of my favorite tooth, warmth pooled in his eyes, bringing out deeper golden tones. I could tell my words touched something inside him. He trusted me. And he’d never given that level of trust to anyone else before.
Emotion clawed at my sternum, and I hugged him closer. Not having the words to express what he meant to me, I let my body do the talking. My lips brushed along his collarbone. My palms skated along his sides. I pumped my hips up into him and took his nipple back into my mouth, cherishing him in a way I knew he wasn’t used to. But a way he deserved.
Rowan groaned and rested against me, surrendering every ounce of his control. He clung on to me and trembled, either from his building orgasm or the deep bond that connected us, one that felt stronger now.
What tipped him over the edge? I took hold of his bobbing erection and stroked him.
“Gods!” He shuddered. Warm jets of cum landed on my chest, and his ass muscles clamped down around my shaft.
I followed right behind him, coming so hard I swore I saw stars. Was I on a tight schedule to get dressed and head to the ballroom to finish last touches before guests arrived for the ball? Yes. But as Rowan slumped against me, his breaths labored and fingers twisting in my hair, I sensed his unspoken plea for me to stay. It echoed my own feelings.
Holding him for a few more minutes wouldn’t hurt.
“Evan?” He pushed his face into the crease of my neck. “Don’t wander off by yourself tonight. Make sure one of us is always with you. If what Lupin said is true. If you do have some grand destiny or rare magical blood… just promise you won’t do anything foolish. That you’ll do all you can to stay safe.”
Ah. That explained his reluctancy to let me go. He was worried.
I rested my cheek against his hair. “I promise.”
Chapter Nine
One Hell of a Ball
“Come on.” I inched around the dessert table, trying to find an open spot for the last lemon cupcake. No such luck. The display was completely full. “Welp. Looks like there’s no room for you. You’ll have to be sacrificed.”
After glancing around to make sure no one was looking, I shoved it into my mouth.
“I saw that.”
I choked and whirled around, almost slamming into Maddox.
“Easy, sweetheart.” He grabbed my shoulders to steady me, lips twitching with a smile he tried hard to hold at bay. “Correct me if I’m wrong, but those are supposed to be for the guests.”
The man could’ve been speaking German for all I knew; his words went right over my head. One look at him damn near took my breath away. Black hair had been swept back, but a few strands fell forward, kissing the edge of his brow. Instead of armor, he wore his officer’s dress uniform. It had been tailored to fit his muscled body to perfection, emphasizing his broad shoulders and torso. Decorative medals adorned his chest, and the emblem on the side of his arm signified his Order and rank.
“You, uh…” I patted his chest. “Look nice.”
Maddox snatched hold of my hand and lifted it to his lips. “As do you. The most handsome muffin in all of Bremloc.”
“And don’t you forget it.” I rose up on my tiptoes and kissed him.
“Mmm. You taste sweet,” he murmured against my lips. “Must be the remnants of the cupcake you stole.”
“I didn’t steal it. I made the damn thing. I can eat it if I want.”
He cupped the back of my head and brought me closer. “The thief said Lupin visited you earlier. He didn’t have a chance to tell me more, other than that Reign’s theory held merit. That you have a certain… gift.”
“Yeah.” I hid my face more into his chest, thankful for the cover. Not sure what my expression would’ve shown in that moment. Nerves, probably. Maybe even that annoying wobble in my chin when I was trying not to cry. “After the ball, we need to talk. All of us.”
“All right.”
“I’m sorry, Maddox.”
He stilled. “Why are you apologizing?”
“Because.” Tears surged forward, and I did my best to blink them away. “A simple life with me isn’t possible. I’ll just keep bringing trouble wherever I go. Bandits. Mercenaries.”
