I don’t even realize how sore my sinuses are until Razul sprays something under my nose, and the mist relieves the burning instantly.
I sneeze.
He laughs warmly and strokes my cheek, and I lean happily into his palm.
Razul scoops me up and carries me through the house, eventually arriving at a circular chamber. Most of the floor is dominated by a recess lined with tufted pillows in woven fabric dyed rich jewel tones. Tiny alcoves in the curved wall hold dozens of candles, and Razul uses a tarnished brass lighter on each in turn. Soon, wavering golden light surrounds us.
He settles down into the pillows, arranging them under me so that I can recline against his chest.
Razul says something, and I just nuzzle into the rumble of his voice.
Then there’s two gentle taps behind my ear.
“Celeste. We need to talk for a moment. Take your time.”
My body stiffens as my brain wakes up again. I still feel foggy.
Razul hands me a bowl of green citrus, and I slowly eat, clarity returning.
I take stock of everything that’s happened and my cheeks flare with heat. Oh. Oh no. I’ve been horribly inappropriate, haven’t I? I grabbed his cock and then I—and then he?—
Razul’s hands grip my face, soothing me with their warmth. “Are you alright, Celeste? That was… a lot.”
My gaze falls.You’re a lot, Celeste. Too much. You blew it.
“Hey.” He lifts my chin. “Hey. What was that?”
“What was what?”
“Your eyes just…”
“My eyes didn’t do anything. I’m happy. Very happy. Everything’s fine.”
“Celeste.” His stern voice cuts to my core.
I tremble, bracing for a reprimand.
He just rubs gently behind my ears.
I try to keep my guard up. I try to be rational about this. I fail.
A soft sigh escapes me as my eyes slide closed.
“You poor little thing,” he murmurs. “Who did this to you?”
A wave of emotion rises in my chest. “Don’t send me away. Please don’t send me away.”
Razul’s grip closes around me, holding me tight to his chest. “I won’t send you anywhere you don’t want to be.”
“I want to be here,” I say, clinging to his neck. “I want to behere.”
“Then here you’ll stay. Here you’ll stay.” He kisses my forehead. “I just wanted to be sure you weren’t too… overwhelmed earlier.”
“It was perfect,” I breathe, nails digging into his skin. “Is that bad?”
His laugh rumbles beneath me. “You liked my cock that much?”
“Yes,” I answer too quickly, too earnestly.
