As the dinner wore on, the heated tension between him and I grew. Each touch, each stolen glance was a promise of what was to come. The naked emotion in his eyes and the subtle tension in his body drove heat through me. He wanted me as much as I did him, and the knowledge intoxicated me.
“I can't wait to see you in your mask tonight,” he said, his voice a low growl.
I raised an eyebrow, playing along. “Oh? And why is that?”
He leaned in, his breath hot on my ear. “Because I want to be the one to take it off later.”
“Maybe I should keep it on . . . and nothing else.”
His eyes smoldered.
Anticipation made this meal delicious. I could hardly wait for the dinner and the ball to end, for the moment when we could slip away and be alone for the very first time.
As the final course was cleared away, Merrick stood, offeringme his hand. I took it, my heart a furious beast in my chest as I rose to stand beside him. The room fell silent, all eyes on us.
“Ladies and lords,” Merrick said, his voice strong and commanding. “Thank you for joining us for this fine meal. We'll soon see you in the ballroom.”
He led me at an almost feral pace through a door exiting out into a hallway I hadn't seen before, closing the door in our guards' faces.
“Stand watch,” he barked through the panel, his voice thriving with tension. “Surround the hall but do. Not. Enter. Not until I give you leave.”
Merrick's hand swirled, and I felt his magic encircle us, creating a protective shell. The outside world faded to nothing, leaving the two of us alone in this quiet space. He nudged me gently against the wall, his eyes locked onto mine, reflecting a raw hunger that made my breath catch.
“You, my pretty bride, have been driving me out of my mind.” His low, rough voice rasped across my skin, lighting fire wherever it touched. “It's time to pay the price for your bad behavior.”
A husky laugh escaped me, oozing with sexual tension. Before I could say anything, he lifted my chin and kissed me. His mouth claimed mine, the pressure and heat of his lips making every nerve in my body spark to life. It was a kiss that said he wanted me desperately, a kiss that made my heart pound, and my body ache for everything.
I melted into him, grasping his shoulders, savoring the strength and power beneath my fingertips. His tongue slid against mine, deepening the kiss, and a moan escaped fromdeep within me. The way he moved, the taste of him, everything about this man drove me wild.
When his hand found my breast through my gown, I lost all control. I tugged at his clothing, wanting nothing between us. He groaned against my lips, the sound vibrating through me and fanning the fire deep within my core.
In one swift move, he lifted me, pushing me against the wall. One hand stayed on my butt, supporting me, while the other roamed freely. Every touch, every caress drove my longing to a fever pitch.
He slid up the fabric of my skirt, exposing me to the chilly air and the heat of his touch. My heart slammed in my ears as he snarled my undergarments to the side, his fingers grazing my sensitive skin and my clit that throbbed. When he slid a finger inside me, he groaned, “Wet.” His hoarse voice reflected his feverish desire. “Fucking wet and only for me.”
My body trembled, the ache between my legs growing more intense with every stroke of his fingers. I gasped, my nails digging into his shoulders as a world of sensations built inside me. His touch, both tender and fierce, drove me to the edge of insanity with every stroke.
Time stood still as he continued to explore me, his mouth moving from mine to my neck, leaving a trail of kisses and gentle bites that fanned the blaze roaring through me. Every part of me came alive, every sense rose to heights I’d never felt before. I wanted more of him, all of him, the need inside me growing stronger with each passing second.
Merrick's fingers danced against my clit, sending jolts of pleasure through my veins. I writhed against him, my breathhitching in desperate gasps. His fingers dove deep, moving in a rhythm that matched the need pulsing within me, driving me higher and higher.
“Merrick,” I moaned, my voice echoing in the empty hallway. My hands fisted in his hair, and I yanked before tugging him close, holding his mouth against my throat while his hand worked its magic on my body. Each stroke sent me spiraling toward the edge.
He locked his gaze on mine, his green eyes darker than night. “Come for me, Reyla.” Need grated through his voice. “Scream for me.”
As if his words were the key to unlocking every door inside me, the pressure built to an unbearable point. My body tensed, and with a sharp cry, I shattered. Waves of ecstasy lashed through me, leaving me trembling and clinging.
But Merrick wasn't done with me yet. His fingers continued their relentless assault, drawing out my orgasm until I thought I'd implode. He wrung every last drop of sensation from my body.
“Again,” he growled against my flesh, his breath hot and demanding. “Come for me again, Wildfire.”
I shook my head, panting heavily. “I can't. It's too much.”
He chuckled, the sound vibrating through me and sending a fresh wave of heat through my veins. “You can and you will.”
He lowered me to the floor only to drop to his knees and hitch my legs up onto his shoulders. Then he buried his face between my legs, licking. His tongue found that perfect spot, circling and teasing until I turned into a writhing mess in his arms again. My breath came in ragged gasps, my heartthrashing inside my chest, my body aching for the release only this man could give me.
His fingers pumped inside me, filling me completely. The combination of his rapid thrusts and his tongue sent me careening over the edge. This time, my cry came out hoarse and desperate, echoing through the hallway like a wild beast's call.
