He smiled widely, as if I’d just given him the realm’s best compliment. Eyes squinting, dimples popping. He was kind of adorable. “Thank you.”
He lessoned his smile and leaned toward me, but I flinched. Why? Why had I done that? I knew why, and I hated it. My head would never let me forget. The memories haunted me when I least expected them to. “I’m sorry.”
He leaned back, worry now replacing the happiness once on his face. “I was just going to kiss you on the cheek. Did I do something wrong?”
I shook my head, quickly. “No, you didn’t. I thought you were about to bite me. I wasn’t ready.”
He rubbed the back of his neck, rearing farther back. “Gods, no, love. I would never claim you like that. I want you to feel good. We should tell them to fuck themselves. We don’t need to do this.”
I grabbed his hand. “No. I can do this. I just, need a moment.” I absentmindedly touched the area where that alpha had tried to claim me. My stomach knotted at the memory of him slammingme against the couch. He’d been so strong. It was only by luck I was able to get away. I shivered, thinking about where I would be now if I was claimed by him. There would be no hiding from him. I’d be drawn to him no matter what my mind wanted. I rubbed at my chest as if it would soothe the discomfort and tightness. It did not.
Ivan growled and stood up. “If I ever meet that alpha who assaulted you, I will kill him on sight.”
“How sweet.”
He let out a breath and moved in front of me, dropping to his knees. He then grabbed my hands, kissing each palm before speaking. He was being so tender with me, and I could feel my anxiousness slowly residing. He always had that effect on me. I missed it. “I would love to be bonded to you, but not if it’s going to cause you physical or psychological pain. There are ways we can get around what’s happened to me. Maybe have someone else go to the human realm and find a cure for us. We’ll figure it out. And I was kidding about saying you can’t talk about this marriage not being,” he looked around the room as if checking for the magical listening device he suspected was here, “what I wanted it to be.”
I twisted my lips to the side in disbelief. “You were really joking?”
He gave a boyish, lopsided smile. “Okay, no, but the point is, I’m not pushy. I have patience, and I’m sure we can turn this thing around. I love you, Jalisa.”
He was amazing. It was silly to deny it now. I still loved him after all this time. The emotions came tumbling back when I first saw him and remained in place when we sorted out what really happened that night. Everything since then was me moving in denial. I was beginning to really want this marriage. He spoke so hopeful, that I thought maybe we could survive this, despite themany threats to our happiness. Perhaps being claimed would be helpful to us both. Who knew, maybe it would even cure him.
“I love you, too,” I replied in a soft voice.
Ivan straightened up, shuddering. “I’m sorry, I didn’t hear that. I think my hearing must have been affected as well.”
“Lies.”
“You’re no fun.”
“At times, yes. Now let’s get this over with before the attendant comes back.”
“You sure know how to set the mood with your sweet words,” he replied with a deadpan face.
“Alright, well let me say it in a different way.” I leaned forward and kissed him on the lips. “Let’s get right to it.”
He tilted his head from side to side. “That kind of sounds like the same thing, but let’s go with it. So where do you want my mark?”
I smiled, leaning back. “You decide.”
He wiggled his brows. He then pulled at my gown, gathering it up over my legs and over my knees. “Do you trust me?”
I nodded.
“Good. Close your eyes.”
I wanted to argue. It was in my nature to fear relying on others, but I would let down my guard for once. With him. And so, I closed my eyes and rested my back against the chaise lounge.
“Good girl,” he whispered, and my core fluttered at that tiny bit of praise.
He pushed my legs apart, and I soon felt his soft lips on the inside of my knees. My thighs tensed as he kissed up my right thigh, hiking my gown up with each kiss. By the time he reached my center, I was already damp. I bit down on my lower lip in anticipation, and he did not disappoint. He paused, and I heard him take a deep inhale of my scent. My perfume was hardly newto him, but he seemed to never tire of it, which I took a secret joy in. A cold breeze tickled me, and I took a deep breath as every nerve in my body buzzed.
I felt his fingers gently pull my undergarment to the side before he softly kissed me. Soon, I felt the slick smoothness of his cool tongue glide over me, circling my clit. The coolness seemed to flutter over me, brushing against my most tender spots. It vibrated over my nipples, hardening them, and over the insides of my elbows, the back of my knees, and crook of my neck. I whined at the multiple pleasure points, unconcerned about anyone hearing or spying on us.
Ivan gripped me harder around the thighs, and it wouldn’t be a leap to think that he was struggling with wanting more. An omega whine often had that effect. If only we had the time. Visions of him balanced over me, taking me with each hard thrust of his hips, filled my mind. I wanted to feel him inside me. Feel his cool release bringing me to the edge.
“Ivan!” I cried, burying my fingers in his hair, my head tossing from side to side as his tongue continued to flick over my clit. I didn’t care if I was messing up his hair or rumpling my dress. I wanted this. I wanted him.
