Gods, I could climax from this alone, and I half-think I might. But Alexus lets go of the lace and draws back, leaving me pulsing with need.
This night is far from over, so I take my hands from his hair and rest against the soft, crushed flowers at my back, trying my best for patience. With that same rougher touch, Alexus trails his strong hands and warm mouth down my abdomen, skims his broad palms over my hips, and slips his tongue along the edge of the lace.
“Red,” he whispers, gripping the back of my thigh. “I love you in red.”
In the next heartbeat, he lifts my knee over his shoulder, opening me to him. I can barely remain standing when he leans forward and drags his teeth over me, through the fabric, again and again, until I’m grinding shamelessly in time with his mouth, yearning to feel his tongue buried inside me.
Reading my mind, he hooks a finger in the lace and pulls the material aside. The night wind off the sea is tinged with the slightest cool edge, enough that a chill races over my skin at the exposure. I drop my head back against the wall and listen as my pulse pounds harder and harder in my ears. I’ve never been so starved for anything or anyone in my life. Never needed someone so much it hurts.
Again, I thread my fingers into Alexus’s hair. His mouth is so close that when I curve my hips I can feel the damp warmth of his panting breaths. All I can think about is yesterday, straddling his face, his cock in my mouth, the bliss I felt when he came.
With that thought, the loud creak of the metal gate opening and closing screeches through the garden. My blood turns to ice, and Alexus shoots to his feet, bringing my gown with him, sliding it up, helping me slip my arms into the short, ruffled sleeves. Just like that, his magick uncoils from mine like a fraying rope under loads of strain.
He cuts his eyes in the direction of the path leading to the lighthouse, then drags me deeper into the shadows and nestles me in an alcove beneath a bower of foliage. Reeling from being startled, I close the folds of my dress to cover my nakedness and tune my ear to our visitor.
Just as quickly, I let out a steady breath of relief. I’ve been at Starworth Tor for such a short time, and I already recognize the click-clack of Yaz’s shoes. This time, however, she’s stalking across the flagstone, her steps hastened.
She bangs the knocker on Alexus’s door, and the corner of his mouth curves with a mischievous grin. “Whatever it is can wait,” he whispers in my ear, and by all the gods, I’m thankful.
But Yazmin doesn’t give up so easily, which shouldn’t surprise. She seems like the kind of woman whose most well-known traits are persistence and determination.
She bangs the knocker again, and a third time, with feeling—it almost sounds aggressive. Huffing and groaning, she moves toward us, her heels carrying her past our nook, click-clacking quickly toward the gate.
But she stops. Takes more steps. Backtracking. Until her shadow moves at the mouth of the short labyrinth, and finally, she appears.
Wearing a knowing smirk, Yaz walks closer and glances down, spying my discarded lace top and the sash to my dress. My face heats to what I know must be a shade as bold as the undergarment at her feet.
“For gods’ sakes, Alexus,” she tsks. “The least you could do is carry the poor woman into the lighthouse.” She brings her hands to rest on her round hips and lifts a brow. “But first, if you would be so kind, we have business to tend. It’s important.”
I push back against the alcove wall, as embarrassed as I’ve ever been, hoping the settling darkness will swallow me.
“Business?” he asks.
“Dedrick Terrowin,” Yaz replies. “He’s waiting with Zahira in the office now.”
Alexus frowns. “How’d he get through the wards?”
“Callan thankfully happened to be walking the grounds with Keth and Jaega and saw a horse-drawn cart approaching the main gate. They alerted me, and when I saw it was Dedrick, I hurried down to retrieve him. Harmon thankfully sent the sentries home again tonight, so Callan worked a little magick and let Dedrick through.”
“All right.” Alexus lets out an annoyed sigh and nods once. “I’ll be right there.”
Yaz offers me a genuine, apologetic smile, then turns and leaves, but I don’t take a full breath until the gate creaks closed.
“Gods, I’m so sorry, Raina.” Alexus groans and scrubs his hand over his face. “And believe me,” he adds, “I loathe asking you to do this, more than you can possibly imagine, but would you care to wait for me in the loft?”
“I want to go with you.” I sign the words with one hand, struggling to keep my dress closed, though I’m unsure why it matters right now.
“I know you do,” he signs and cups my face. “But I can’t take that risk. You might be part of our group on his ship, but I don’t want a smuggling sailor knowing how important you are to me. Not until I know for certain that he’s an ally.”
My stupid little soft heart all but melts into my ribs.
Alexus kisses me. It’s a tender thing, this kiss. Softly pressed with supple, swollen lips. Warm and wet and wonderful. I grip his wrists, wanting more, to finish this before he goes. I don’t care if it’s hurried or brutal. I just need him.
But he pulls away.
“Go to the loft.” He strokes my face with his thumbs. “The candles should already be burning. There’s more wine waiting too. Crawl in bed. Snuggle beneath the covers.” He leans close. “Touch that perfect little pussy for relief. But remember that I’ll be there soon.”
Gods, that mouth of his. His tongue loosens with every encounter, and I think I love it. It makes my thighs quiver, especially as he takes a step back, leaving me standing there, aching for him.
