I catch and cradle every piece.
Men like me—forged in battle—think burning down an empire is the best feeling. It’s not. Getting them to open their gates, handing you the keys willingly, that’s the best fucking feeling.
Selene just handed me total control.
I open my eyes, needing to see her. Her black hair frames her sun-kissed skin, and those angled eyes press into me like a butter knife, wanting me to cover my body over hers.
Tristen clears his throat noisily. I completely forgot he was outside. He shouts through the door, “I’m going to go further down the hall and make sure no one comes, because we all knowyou both will be coming. Pun intended. Okay, it’s not the time for sex jokes. For fuck’s sake, you’re lucky Galen went on his little pony ride. Let’s hope he’s not back soon.”
I hear his shadows slide out to cover him and his sword. The door closes. If anyone enters her hall, Tristen will kill them as he remains camouflaged in the dark corner next to the staircase.
That’s right. Galen left. I have her all to myself.
She looks away from the locked door and gives in to her desire. Her fingers dig into my garments, fiddling with my armor’s fasteners, while her eyes drop to my erection. “I need you now.” She pushes forward and straddles my lap as the bond gives us both the fuel we need.
I cage her wrists. Sex has always been an escape for her. She’s always been used, never admired, cherished, or loved. “Sex with me is not your escape, Selene. I’m not rushing. I’m going to take my time. I will spend the rest of my life worshiping your body, protecting your heart, and praising your strength.”
Her breath causes her chest to rise and fall like the tide. Her hands abandon my clothing, combing through my hair instead. “I’m not worthy of you.”
Another kiss is how I silence her. “Enough with this talk; you are worthy of my love. I will consider it an honor to remind you of this every day.”
She gathers my face in her hands. “I’m sorry, so sorry I asked you to deny the bond, to ignore it.”
“It’s in the past.” My eyes drop to her lips.
“Titus…”
I’ll never tire of hearing my name on her lips.
“I can’t stop,” the rasp of my voice scrapes my throat. I unfasten my leather armor.
She grabs the hem of my shirt and pulls it off. Her eyes trace my mark; her fingers drift out to touch it. As soon as she makes contact with it, we moan in unison. Her thighs squeeze me; myhands reach out, guiding her hips back and forth against my core.
“Did that feel as good for you as it did for me?” Her breath is like a delicate thread.
I nod. Words have vanished from my tongue.
“What’s this?” She peers at the small scar our family made.
“It’s a mark my brothers and sister gave each other. If a battle stole us, we never wanted to forget one another.”
I expect her jealousy. Instead, she smiles as she presses her forehead to mine. “I’ll keep you safe for them.”
“It’s my job to keep you safe.” My hand glides down her spine. Each inch it descends has her body trembling and leaning closer to me.
She moves her head. “No. Our mark makes us equal. I belong to you, and you belong to me.”
“You are my equal, but there is nothing wrong with allowing me to be your shield. You’ve been holding a sword for so long. It’s time to let me bear the weight.” I tuck her hair behind her pointed ear and study the angle of her jaw.
Where will I kiss her first? There, I press my lips to her collarbone.
“You don’t have to fight me to gain my love and affection.” Another kiss. “You have it, all of it.” She angles her neck, allowing more of my lips to taste her skin.
Her throat rolls as she swallows. The thumping of her pulse pulls my fangs longer. “You’ve been mine since I released that arrow aimed at your heart. It was my heart to take.” Lowering her face, she kisses our mark.
What feels like an orgasm explodes through my body. My back lies against the stone floor of her balcony. I hold on to her like a blanket, keeping her on top of me. Her plump lips suck my skin as she nips it, then she admires the teeth marks on our bond. She spreads her palms wide, roaming all over my chest,down my abs, touching and studying my strength. “By the gods, you’re beautiful, Titus,” she murmurs in awe. Taking her time, she traces my body with her fingertips. “And I still want your heart, but this time, I intend to keep it safe instead of driving an arrow through it.”
A dark laugh slips from my lips. “You’re not like any other.” I smirk, then I grab her shirt.
