I find myself repeating his name, something between a plea and a prayer.
More. I want more. Ineedmore. I might be begging for it, but he just chuckles against me and keeps working, guiding me toward some unknown conclusion. He’s relentless, pausing every so often to meet my gaze and smirk his enjoyment. Those emerald eyes track every movement I make, every twitch, every involuntary gasp. I can’t hold this much pleasure and I might shatter trying to contain it.
And that’s exactly what happens.
When Finn finally draws back, I’m limp and tingling. It’s all I can do to breathe and breathe, watching him sit up and grin at me, my prince, this son of Verdinae, the picture of a conquering warrior. My miracle.
“How was that?” Finn asks, panting.
I just reach for him. He fulfills the silent request, drawing me close. I curl into his body, pressing against the hard lines of muscle, and lay my head on his chest. Finn’s heart is pounding, keeping tempo with mine. I take a deep breath, savoring each of my singing senses.
Eventually, I sit up.
“So that was okay?” he says.
I nod my affirmation. I’m not sure I have ever loved him more than in this moment: the way he’s gazing at me expectantly, searching for my approval, his measured breaths. He’s wound so taut, he’s almost trembling. And I understand why. He is attuned to me like no one has ever been, wholly intent on my happiness and pleasure.
It’s my turn to make him speechless. As I crawl on top, he’s watching me like I’m a predator and he’s afraid of making any sudden movements. My hair tumbles around my face, forming a dark curtain. He helps guide my hips. As we move together, I realize Finn was wrong about at least one thing.
It is perfect.
rouse to the sensation of lips against my hair.
“I just got new orders. I’m leaving for Westgate,” Finn whispers. “I didn’t want you to think I snuck out on you.”
Gradually, the sleep lifts and I sink back into awareness. It’s just after dawn, and we did very little sleeping. I’m naked, except for the sheets tangled over my chest. Finn’s body is a warm, solid wall curled around me. He kisses my head again and withdraws.
I sit up blearily, looking around. The sky beyond the window is stained with the first crimson streaks of dawn. Finn is getting dressed on the other side of the bed.
“How long will you be gone?” I ask.
“I’ll be back in three days, for the ball,” Finn says.
“What ball?”
“It’s just a VIA fundraiser. Initially, we were going to cancel it after the attack. But my mother decided to hold it anyway. Officially, it’s to raise money for the war effort, but mostly it’s just an excuse for the nobles to get together and peacock.”
“Wow, your family really loves parties,” I say.
Finn just grins and laces his boots. “I have to make an appearance. It’s a typical thing. I’d love for you to accompany me, as my date.”
I pause, highly uncertain. Will I even be here in three days? My instincts tell me I should be long gone by then. “Who will be there?”
He considers. “The major noblemen and women in Verdinae. Odessa. Sandria—she’ll definitely want to show her loyalty after the attack, she’s in full goodwill-gathering mode—and, uh…my father is going to be there, too.”
I guess I’m not the only one withholding things. “King Rodrick is coming home?”
“For the night.”
It’s a miracle that I’ve made it this long without encountering the king. I take his return as a clear sign.
It’s time to get the hell out of this castle.
“So, three days?” I confirm, trying to sound unperturbed. Channeling Sandria.
“Three days.” Finn kisses my forehead. “Stay here as long as you like. I’ll have the kitchen send up breakfast.”
“Shouldn’t I leave before the servants see me?” I ask, but Finn just beams.
