The fuzzy aftershocks of my release went on for what felt like minutes. I was breathless and dizzy from pleasure. I thought I’d tip over when two firm hands gripped my shoulders.
“Are you all right?” Jade asked, panting hard.
I swallowed again, trying to clear the fluid from my mouth. “Yes.”
A second later I felt a silky fabric carefully wipe my chin and face. Even in the post-orgasm daze, Jade took care of me.
He kissed my cheeks in a flurry of motion. “You were wonderful, Alaric,” he murmured, his voice almost desperate in its tenderness. “You’re so good and beautiful.”
My heart quivered. A sudden onslaught of emotion washed over me.
That wasn’t just sex. That felt like something more.
I inhaled shakily as Jade undid my restraints. The eye covering disappeared first, followed by the ropes. He moved quickly and with purpose, like he didn’t want me to be tied up for a needless second longer. When he finished, I sat back on my ass, examining my wrists and ankles. There was a slight indentation in my skin, but it didn’t hurt or feel uncomfortable. That didn’t stop Jade from taking my wrists and kissing them gently where the ropes had lain.
My heart stirred again, floating to some higher plane of bliss. Now that I could see him again, he looked even more handsome.
With lightning-strike clarity, I realized I was in love with him.
I blinked, staring at Jade as he pressed soft kisses to my skin. I was so,soin love with him.
My breath caught in my throat. The thick scents of incense and sex and books suddenly felt suffocating.
It wasn’t fair to Jade. He’d bared his soul to me, yet I hadn’t reciprocated anything. There was so much he didn’t even know.
“Can we go outside?” I asked in a ragged voice. “There’s something I need to tell you.”
13
Jade
The cool nightbreeze did nothing to ease my frayed nerves as we stepped out onto the private beach behind the castle. Disquiet crawled under my skin like marching ants. Alaric had been quiet since we left my office, and his sudden mood shift worried me. Had the scene been too much for him? The thought of accidentally harming him, physically or emotionally, was too much to bear.
I watched Alaric closely. I’d given him a fresh pair of clothes after the scene, but I couldn’t even enjoy seeing him wear my old silk pyjamas. I was too anxious.
After taking a deep breath, Alaric lifted his head to stare at the stars. I followed his gaze, but the dark sky’s celestial beauty felt dull while I was concerned for him.
Finally, I couldn’t take the inner turmoil any longer.
“Alaric, have I upset you?” I begged.
His round gaze locked onto mine like he’d been snapped from his thoughts. “What?” he asked, sounding baffled.
“You’ve barely spoken since our scene ended, and you were in a rush to leave,” I said. “If something upset you, please tell me. I won’t do it again.”
Alaric slowly arched a brow, then breathed out a laugh. “Oh, calm down, you dramatic dragon. I’m fine.”
The crushing weight of my anguish fizzled away, but it didn’t cure my confusion.
“My apologies,” I murmured. “You were uncharacteristically quiet, so...”
He smirked. “Contrary to popular belief, Iamcapable of keeping my mouth shut.”
His sassy remark calmed me down further. I breathed deeper, allowing myself to enjoy the crisp air and the water lapping at the shore.
A moment later, I felt the edge of Alaric’s hand brush against my own. Warmth flowed from his skin into my body. I fastened our fingers together, noting the thinness of Alaric’s digits. I never knew holding hands could feel so nice.
After a shared moment of peace, Alaric sighed. “I’m not trying to be cagey or anything. It’s just... difficult for me to talk about this.”
