“We may require assistance.” Rune lifted his hand, and a small crystal vial formed in his palm. It shimmered like cut diamond, its contents glowing molten gold within. “This was a gift from the Lady of Lust herself,” he murmured as she watched the potion swirl inside. “For moments when desire outpaces sense.”
Alora bit her lip. “I remember.”
Rune uncorked the vial and poured. The liquid struck her skin cool, stealing a gasp from her lips. For a heartbeat, it was only silk and chill—then warmth bloomed beneath it.
His shadow-self seated himself behind her, parting her thighs.
“Rune,” she breathed, scandalized thrill crashing through her.
He remained where he was, kneeling before her, watching. Containing himself.
“Slowly,” he commanded, voice edged and rough.
The shadows obeyed.
They touched her gently at first. Coiling at her waist. Tracing her breasts. Curling lower with deliberate intent.
The potion did not ignite her instantly. It unwound her.
The tightness in her chest eased. Her breath deepened. The edge of nerves softened beneath patient hands.
Shadowed fingers slipped between her folds, teasing, testing. One entered her slowly. Then another. Alora gasped, her body answering with a helpless arch.
Rune looked like a beast restrained, eyes wild, shadows rippling around him.
Warmth followed, blooming low and spreading outward in languid waves. Her body grew heavy and light at the same time, instincts stirring as her breaths trembled with her soft moans.
“The opportunity to bring you pleasure is a divine privilege,” Rune rumbled. “It is my duty to assure you are fully ready before I ever enter your body.”
Because he would always put her first.
Heat washed through her when she noticed Rune’s clawed hand stroking himself. Both lengths were hard and erect, glistening at the tip.
The sight made her core clench.
“Do you like this?” Rune asked, a dark smile on his lips. “Watching me pleasure myself to the sight of you?”
“Yes,” she confessed breathlessly.
Her entire body shook, the sheets growing damp beneath her.
“Another,” Rune growled low.
A third finger pressed inside her, stretching her carefully. The intrusion was sharp, intoxicating agony. Her breath fractured as shadows tightened their hold, a second shadowed hand curving over her breast, smoke curling warm at her throat.
Then when those shadow fingers moved it sent a heightened current through every nerve ending. Stars danced in behind her closed lids as all of her burned. The sting entangled with her elation, her moans filling the chamber as she fell completely at their mercy.
The sensation soaked her in pleasure until her body softened, open and begging. Yet the release stayed beyond her grasp.
Alora shuddered from the sheer torment of it.
“Rune,” she whimpered.
“Yes, love?”
“Please. I need you!”
And his restraint snapped.
