Eyden’s movement slowed as she slumped against him. She opened her eyes, still riding her bliss as she took in the steamed-up shower door; the air around them foggy.
Lora twisted around on unsteady legs, meeting his mischievous eyes. He seemed to be waiting for her cue. This had been her idea, after all. She reached out to trail a drop of water that was sliding down his chest. His hooded gaze followed her every move.
“I’m curious,” she started, not looking at him, her finger sliding lower, “when did you realise you wanted me?” Her eyes met his.
“I denied I cared about you until Falea Night.” He tilted his head down, a ghost of a kiss brushing over her lips. “I’ve wanted you since you showed up out of nowhere with a fire in your eyes that would put everyone else to shame.”
Lora sucked in a startled breath at his confession. A new wave of heat flushed her skin. “I…I think I’ve been in denial longer,” she whispered, her hand still trapped between them on his lower stomach. “But that time in the strip club, when you pushed me against the wall…part of me wanted you to take me right there.”
Eyden’s eyes reflected pure desire, so intense it almost made her knees buckle. “Is that what you want me to do now?” he breathed against her parted lips. “Take you?”
Her mouth stretched into a daring smile. “Maybe.” She was sure her eyes reflected the same desire right back at him, her intention crystal clear.
Eyden’s hint of a smirk was all the warning she got before he moved her backwards until her back hit the steamed-up shower wall. His hand curled around her thigh, bending her knee as his lips smashed against hers. He groaned against her mouth as he lined himself up between her legs, barely holding back. Sparks covered every bare inch of her.
Lora drew back enough to meet his stormy gaze, giving him a nod. His restraint broke free, and this time, there was nothing slow about it as he pushed into her. A cry of pleasure left her lips before she could contain it, overwhelmed by the sudden, delicious fullness.
Eyden’s free hand moved to her mouth, muffling her moans. He stayed still until she opened her eyes again, encouraging him on. Dropping his hand from her lips, he moved it to her waist before grasping her backside and lifting her up swiftly. The movement made both of them groan, their joined pleasure undeniable.
She squirmed against him, seeking more, seekingeverything.He was all too ready to give her everything she desired. He drew back just to move back into her. This time she was prepared, biting her lip so hard she might draw blood. She braced her hand against the wall behind her to keep upright as her hips rocked forward.
Eyden’s hand felt almost bruising as he held her up, his movement increasing, not letting her catch her breath. As her core tightened again, Lora forced her eyes open and found Eyden watching her. The look in his eyes drove her over the edge. She clenched around him, her eyes falling shut, stars dancing behind her eyelids. There was nothing but fire in her veins as she came. Eyden picked up speed, making her gasp for air, before following right after her.
As he slowly stilled, both of them breathing heavily, their eyes met again. Eyden’s eyes were full of want, but something shined through stronger than anything else. Lora’s stomach flipped at the sight, warmth spreading through her in a delightful way she’d never experienced before meeting Eyden.
In her heart, she knew what it was even if her mind was too scared to confirm it. All she was ready to admit was that whatever he felt, she felt it too. And she would do anything to keep it.
Chapter61
Elyssa
Elyssa dreaded returning to the rebel camp. A few months ago, she’d called it her home. Now, she was homeless. She’d stayed at Eyden’s last night, but his flat seemed rather small to her now. Being apart from Amira, Elyssa realised that, although Tarnan’s palace would never be her home, being close to Amira had made her feel at peace. Now that Amira was back at the palace in Parae, it felt as if something,someone,was missing.
The sun was setting when Elyssa reached the clearing in the woods she was all too familiar with. Their plan to overthrow Karwyn tomorrow depended on multiple people; multiple pieces had to fall into perfect fucking place. But she was certain this time she wouldn’t have to admit defeat.
Straightening the heavy bag thrown over her shoulder, she glanced around her to make sure no one was lurking close by before whispering the password. A second later, the spell gave way. Jaspen probably would have changed the password if he wasn’t dependent on Farren to do so.
With determined steps, Elyssa walked towards the camp. As she reached the tents, familiar faces came into view. One of them was Ian. He looked at her in surprise.
“Elyssa? What are you doing here?” he asked. He was joined by a small group of humans lingering by someone’s tent. “Does Jaspen know you’re here?”
“Nope,” Elyssa replied, nonchalant. She knew there was no point in asking for his help one on one. She needed to go over his closed-minded head. “You better fetch him. Tell everyone to gather at the bonfire.” Ian seemed to hesitate at that. Her eyes saidWhat the fuck are you waiting for?
Ian still looked troubled, but he scampered off. Turning to the other members of the camp, Elyssa tilted her head. “Come on, let’s talk about how we’re gonna throw Karwyn’s bony ass off the throne tomorrow.” That got their attention. As she walked towards their usual meeting spot, she didn’t have to turn around to know they were following her.
When she reached the bonfire, Elyssa spotted Jaspen right away. More people were coming from all directions. Ian had managed to spread the word.
Jaspen stood in the middle of a circle that was now forming. Ignoring Jaspen’s withering stare, she walked right up to him.
“Elyssa, I thought you had decided to leave for good,” Jaspen proclaimed, his tone implying it had been her decision and not his actions that had convinced her to go. She wished Farren was here with her, but he was busy going over the spell and preparing backup spells for whatever fight might follow.
Amira and Cirny couldn’t be gone from the palace for long, so it was down to him to prepare. He’d gone to Halie’s to go over everything and gather more crystals.
“I was needed elsewhere,” Elyssa replied, dropping the bag on the ground. The arrows in it clunked together, drawing Jaspen’s attention. She turned to the humans around her. “I don’t know about you, but I’ve had enough of the king. It’s time to finally take some goddamn action.”
Jaspen glanced around the group of humans before settling on her again. “Big words, but you’ve been gone for months and we’ve been fine without you, just as I predicted. What is it you want to drag us into?”
Elyssa’s stare turned deadly. As if Jaspen hadn’t been the one to drag them into his fucking mess of a mission not long ago, costing lives.Iris’ life.
