His pace increased gradually, each thrust sending waves of pleasure through me that built higher and higher. The coorails seemed to know exactly where to touch, how much pressure to apply, until I was writhing beneath him.
“I want to see your face when you come,” he said, his voice rough with need. “Want to watch you fall apart for m-m-me.”
His words sent flames roaring through me, and I could feel my climax building like a storm on the horizon. “Then watch.” I met his gaze as best I could from my position beneath him.
He groaned at my words, his movements becoming urgent. His control was fraying. Strain blazed in his face as he fought to make it good for me, to hold back until I was ready.
“Let go,” I whispered, gripping his forearms as I felt myself approaching the edge. “I’m right there with you.”
That was all the permission he needed. His hips snapped forward with more force, the coorails vibrating harder, hitting all the right spots with complete devastation. The pleasure built and built until suddenly I was flying apart in his arms, my climax hitting like lightning.
My orgasm tore through me with an intensity that stole my breath, bliss so sharp and overwhelming I saw stars behind my closed eyelids. I cried out his name, my body arching and trembling as waves of sensation crashed over me.
He followed me over the edge moments later, his roar echoing off the bedroom walls as he spilled himself inside me.The feeling of his release triggered another wave of aftershocks through my already oversensitive body.
We collapsed together afterward, both breathing hard, his weight carefully distributed so he wouldn’t crush me. The coorails had stilled, but I could still feel their presence, a reminder of the incredible experience we’d just shared.
“That was…” I couldn’t quite find adequate words for what had happened between us.
“Amazing?” he said, pressing a soft kiss to my temple, his breathing still uneven.
“Life-changing. I had no idea it could be like that.”
He chuckled, the sound vibrating through his chest where it pressed against my side. “Neither did I, honestly. It’s never been like that be-before.”
“Never?” I turned to look at him, surprised by the admission.
“Never.” His expression remained serious. “The mate bond changes everything. Makes it more intense, more meaningful.”
“So this is what it feels like.” I dragged lazy patterns on his chest with my fingertip.
“What what feels like?”
“Being completely, utterly claimed by someone.” I marveled at how right it felt. “I understand now why the mate bond is so important to orcs.”
“It’s not just about the physical claiming,” he said, stroking his fingers through my hair. “It’s about choosing each other, every day, no matter what-what comes.”
“Even criminal syndicates?” I asked, only half-joking.
“Especially criminal syndicates.” His arms tightened around me. “We will always face everything together. As mates. As partners.”
My resolve strengthened. I had something worth fighting for now. Not just my own life, but the future we were building one day, one pottery lesson, one loving moment at a time.
“I should probably get up,” I said eventually, though I made no move to leave his arms. The practical side of my nature was starting to reassert itself, reminding me we had responsibilities, dangers to face. “Make dinner.”
“In a minute,” he said, tightening his hold on me. “I’m not ready to let you go yet.”
I smiled, content to stay wrapped in his embrace for as long as he’d have me. But even as I relaxed into his warmth, part of my mind was already shifting ahead to what came next. We couldn’t stay here forever, as much as I might want us to.
“Besides.” Mischievousness glinted in his eyes. “I’m curious to see if it’s as good the second time.”
“Second time?” I raised an eyebrow, though I could feel my body already responding to the suggestion.
“Orc stamina,” he said with a grin that was pure male satisfaction. “I ho-hope you’re not tired yet.”
“Never too tired for you.”
He rose above me and flipped me onto my belly, tugging my hips up. “What does my mate think of this position?”
