I groan and clench around the ice, gliding up and down the shaft while it moves on its own again, giving me the friction my body begs for. A feverish need pulses through me. A desire to claim every inch of him until there’s nothing between us. Nothing but him in me, on me, filling and fulfilling me.
Just the idea sends me over the edge. I’m falling for what feels like the millionth time tonight, my body weak from the repeated bursts of pleasure.
Thick streaks of glistening cum jet across my throat, collarbones, chest, and belly, cool against my skin. The knot starts to disappear as I swipe the last bit from his tip. It sparkles next to my silvery mark in the dim light. I once thought it was ascar of my tragedy, so much from that day was, but this part of me, it connects me to him.
My mate.
Jax gets down on his knees in front of me. “So. Fucking. Beautiful.”
His eyes twinkle and his voice is raw—a shard of something so precious and irreplaceable it steals the breath from my lungs. He summons a washcloth and cleans every inch of me, taking his time and scattering kisses along my skin. The ice within me melts away on a drift of snowflakes, its chill felt even more now that I’m empty.
“Sure I can’t convince you to stick around?” I ask, feeling guilty for even saying the words because I know if he could stay, he would. He doesn’t want to have to leave me again. It’s another crappy rotation on this never-ending cycle of seasons where Fate keeps us just out of reach from one another, occasionally letting our paths collide in the most beautiful harmony.
“I’m certain you can, Tempest.”
It’s oddly reassuring to know that I’m in this with him. Despite the pain of distance, we are etched into each other as much as the frost along his flesh.
He pulls a shirt out from thin air, guiding my hands above my head and slipping it over me. It hangs above my knees and smells just like him. I’ve already decided every moment I’m not out and about, I’ll be cocooned in this. Wrapped up and enveloped in his perfect wintry scent. I lift the hem and inhale the rich, indulgent pine with the tiniest hint of juniper.
“I don’t want to leave, but I need to get things in order so I can go undetected and give my mate the attention she deserves.”
“I can’t wait.”
“Me neither.” He scoops me up and carries me to the bed, tucking me under the covers and then settling in beside me. Hisbody is cold against mine, a chilling reassurance that he’s here as I lay my head on the pillow and fall blissfully asleep.
35
JOLIE
Sightseeing has been a blast, but when our long weekend arrives, I’m more than ready to get to the ski resort and relax. Thank goodness we decided to splurge and fly the hour instead of driving and worrying about tire chains. Too much of a hassle.
Lark and I packed pretty light, considering. Delilah, on the other hand, has all her cold weather and ski gear ready to go. When she looks like she might tip over, one of the lodge workers hurries over to take her skis and snowboard off her hands.
“Look at those hills! I can’t freaking wait,” Delilah says, rubbing her newly free hands together, cheeks pinked from the cold.
“Happy for you, honey. Enjoy those slopes.” Lark gets up on her tiptoes and gives her a swift peck on the lips. “Happier for us, though.”
She shoots me a grin, then pulls her beanie off, unleashing her frizzy curls. Combing through her locks, she tames it a bit, and I help her get the last few wayward pieces.
“Same,” I agree, glad that Lark and I already decided to opt for a relaxing experience. I’ve booked us massages, facials, and pedicures, figuring we can indulge while her girlfriendskis. Between traveling, performing in the festival, and running around to fit in as many tourist spots as possible, my body is aching and exhausted. Besides, I’ve heard enough skiing horror stories to not want to do anything to jeopardize my career. Not when I’m potentially returning to Ballet Potomac as a soloist. The last thing I need is to get some new injury.
Nope. Massages, yoga, and hot cocoa are calling my name. Plus, we’ve booked an excursion for tomorrow night that I’m more than excited about, staying in ice domes near the resort. There’s a hot tub Lark and I already booked for ourselves, and the overnight trip is more glamping than being out in the wintry wilderness. There’s a fondue and wine experience around a bonfire and then private ice-encased domes with lush bedding to sleep on. When I first suggested it, Lark and Delilah thought it was strange that I wanted to book my own space… And maybe it was, but it was also a bit of wishful thinking on my part.
Jax did confirm he is doing his job here, though, and ever since the night at the theater and my hotel room, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about him or his naughty promises. I’m addicted to him and this connection we share, already anticipating my next fix. The uniqueness of his body sends butterflies bursting through my belly. I’m both nervous and counting down all at once. I can’t imagine how it will be to take hisknot.
Despite my jitters, I want it all.
I want him.
“Look at that view,” Lark says, gaze trained behind me. Delilah whistles in agreement.
I turn, instantly struck by the hills covered in mounds of snowy white. The mountains ripple, large and small peaks jutting up in the distance. Dark trees pepper the landscape, pops of color from Hotham’s visitors decked out in their cold-weather garb, tiny puffs of white filling the space around them whilethey chat and enjoy the resort’s outdoor amenities. “Wow. It’s beautiful.”
“It really is.” Lark nudges me with her elbow. “How about we get our stuff to our rooms and then go get that spa time in? I’m sure Delilah is ready to channel her inner ski bunny.”
“Sounds great!”
We walk through the lobby, thick stonework donning the walls surrounding an elegant and modern white stone fireplace that spans the length of the room. An oversized plush couch sits at the center of the main room where a few people are gathered, sipping at the mugs clutched in their hands.
