“Scream for me, Kirana,” Cyprian demanded.
Kirana—he was showing me respect as the lynchpin of our Fusion, giving me my title. And I knew why. He had felt belittled by that socialite's words, but if he could remind himself that what we had was blessed by the Gods, he would stop feeling like a worthless whore. He'd remember that he was a rebel who had fought for his people, freed them, and carved out a home for them on a new world. Cyprian was more of a hero than I would ever be.
“Makeme scream, Ruar,” I shot back, giving him the chance to prove himself.
And he did.
Cyprian went savage, his hips bucking wildly as one hand slid forward to stroke the nub at the top of my sex. Pleasure bloomed and broke inside me like a cresting wave, rising stronger with each new flow.
“That's it,” he panted. “Take the pleasure I give you, Se Esaria. Take your due as our kirana.”
“And you take yours, Ruar,” I growled as I pushed back on him. “Take what's yours,” I moaned the words into a scream and came violently.
Cyprian pumped through my climax and then shouted brokenly, his hands gripping my hips tightly as he filled me. Then his arms came around me and his cheek pressed against my back. He held me with lazy satisfaction, breath stroking my skin. After several trembling moments, Cyprian drew out of me slowly and helped me straighten, then turn around. He eased me against the wall, bracing me with his solid body as he kissed me languorously.
“I love you,” Cyprian said simply.
“I love you too,” I said with a smirk as I shut off the water. “But we've barely begun. Take me out to the balcony and make love to me beneath the stars while we dry off.”
“As my kirana demands,” Cyprian declared gleefully as he lifted me into his arms and headed for the bedroom's balcony.
Chapter Fifteen
The next night, we had the members of F.E.A.R. over for dinner, including Alex. Kyrian, who'd been doing most of the cooking lately, made the meal. He even baked pretty appetizers for us to nibble on while the Prime Rib finished roasting. We sat in the grand living room—the one we used for company—and had a few drinks to loosen things up.
Davorin, Jason, Leo, and Lily had stared at Braxis with wide eyes when they'd been introduced—taking in the Bleiten clothing, thick build, and height before settling on Braxis's rugged face. But Dav's shock quickly turned into animosity and his stare became a considering glare—doubtless deliberating whether he could turn Braxis into a statue before the Bleiten snapped his neck. Alex was just finishing up, telling us that every supe in Leshing's email had been confirmed as a criminal, when Braxis had enough.
“Do you want to take a swing at me, Davorin?” Braxis asked. “Would that make you feel better?”
“As if the only way I could hit you would be if you allowed it?” Davorin growled.
“I didn't say that,” Braxis said calmly.
“No, you implied it,” Davorin stretched his shoulders as if preparing for a fight. “We can settle that right now.”
“That is enough!” Malik roared and stood up. He pointed at Dav, “You don't like him because of what he did to Amara. Fine. We all understand that. You want to harbor a grudge on her behalf? Also perfectly understandable. But don't come into our home under the premise of giving him a chance only to instigate a fight. I won't have it. If you are intent on staying mad, do it out there.” Malik shifted his pointer finger in the direction of the front door. “Just know that Braxis is likely to be around for a while and if you are at odds with him, you won't be welcome in our home until he leaves.”
“You're choosing that fucker over me?” Davorin stood up and glared at Mal. “This is because I'm in love with her, isn't it?”
Braxis lifted a brow at me. I just shook my head, giving him a look that advised him to remain silent. Malik was defending Braxis—something most of us thought would happen only after the planet of Hell froze over. The last thing Braxis should do was interrupt and draw attention to that fact.
“No.This,”—Malik waved his hand at Davorin, indicating Dav's behavior—“is because you're in love with her. Get your head out of your ass or get your ass out of my house.”
Davorin looked at me. “Do you want me to leave, Amara?”
“Don't fucking put her in the middle,” Malik snarled. “Make a choice—either sit down and be civil or get out. What's it going to be?”
But Davorin was still looking at me.
“Dav, you know that I don't want you to go,” I said gently. “I'd like you to stay and give this a chance. But Malik's right; you don't get to come in here and antagonize my guest. If you won't even try to get to know him, I understand and even appreciate your anger, but you'll need to leave.”
Davorin nodded crisply. “All right, Mara.” Then he looked at Braxis. “You're a piece of shit, and I look forward to the day Amara realizes it.” Then he turned on his heels and left.
I let out a long, sad sigh.
“Well, I think you're brave,” Lily said to Braxis.
Braxis lifted his brows at her in surprise. “Brave? Why?”
