3
ADARA
My family history is full of daring exploits, wild battles and courageous tales of my ancestors taking what they want. I feel that blood rushing through my veins as Vander dips his head and captures my lips with his. The kiss starts out gentle, like something I’ve seen in a movie as he softly explores how we fit together. He tastes like mint as my eyes drift close to enjoy the magic of my first real kiss. One of his hands slides up to cup my jaw and he tilts my head, slanting his mouth over mine, taking the kiss deeper. He coaxes my lips open, sliding his tongue into my mouth and a moan escapes me as I touch my tongue tentatively against his. I’m almost embarrassed by my intense reaction, but instead of pulling away, Vander drags me closer, my sensitive nipples beading against my dress. I can feel him, hard and hot against me, and I squeeze my thighs together to try and stop the rush of sensation flooding me.
He breaks the kiss, moving back slightly to stare down at me, his heavy-lidded gaze full of heat. “Too much?”
I shake my head. “More.” I am seduced by the feeling of freedom. I may not control my future, but I can control this.
“Curious little cat,” he murmurs, pressing a kiss against my forehead. He takes my hand and leads me to a low, cushioned sofa that blends seamlessly with the garden. I feel like a fairy in a hidden grove as he pushes his jacket to the ground and sits, guiding me to his lap. I fumble, not really knowing what to do next, and he lifts one leg so I’m straddling him, the position making my core clench. My panties are soaked, and I try to hold myself up as much as I can.
One of his large hands grips the back of my neck, his thumb stroking the indent between my jaw and ear, while the other splays on my hip, pulling me into the cradle of his lap. He pushes against me, groaning when his body aligns with mine. I gasp in surprise to feel his hardnessright thereand his gaze flies to mine while he deliberately rubs again, watching me closely. Even through his slacks, the hard length of him sends fireworks through me. The jolt of sensation is overwhelming, and while I might be a virgin, being alone in a palace has provided ample time for me to educate myself with some fascinating books and videos and I am suddenly overeager to experience the real thing. I shift my hips, needing more pressure. This is so much better than my pillow.
My hair falls over my face as I tip my head down, letting him capture my mouth in another kiss that leaves me dizzy. This is insanity, but it feels so good, I don’t want to stop. I want the memory of this man, this moment, to hold close for all those long nights ahead of me.
Several sharp beeps break the moment and Vander stills, our breath mingling. The piercing alarm sounds again, and he heaves a sigh, pressing his forehead to mine. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. That is an emergency, I’m afraid.” Carefully, he shifts me to the side, sweeping my skirt down over my thighs. I nearly cry at the loss of him, my core clenching, my body primed for something I can’t even describe.
“Addy…” He takes my hand, ignoring the escalating beeps that are coming so rapidly now I can see his jacket moving from the vibration of his phone. He tips my chin up so I meet his fierce gaze. “Just know this isn’t finished.”
He picks up his jacket, pulls out his phone and holds it up to his face. Instantly the beeping stops and he moves a few steps away, his voice low and urgent. Suddenly, he turns, pinning me with a stare, his blue eyes hard.
My heart accelerates and my hands start to shake like the petals of a flower in a windstorm.He knows.
He ends the call, striding back to me. My pulse thunders in my ears and I feel dizzy, but this time it’s from fear instead of pleasure.
Vander crosses his arms. “The princess is missing.”
“Wh-what?” I croak.
He moves swiftly, his arms falling on either side of me, caging me in with his body. I shrink back even though my body hasn’t received the message that the action has shifted. My body wants to arch against his and grind itself all over him like the cat he affectionately called me just minutes ago.
“Do you know who I am?” he demands. He straightens, roughly running his hands through his hair. “Or maybe the better question is, who are you?”
I bite my lip but stay silent. I have no idea who he is, beyond the man that nearly made my whole world light up with just a kiss.
