Ava released a contented sigh as she leaned back against Casimir’s chest, the warm water in the deep tub easing her aching muscles. She inhaled the scent of lavender and lemon, closing her eyes and relishing the quiet time with her soulbond.
They’d been in Mosshaven four days and Ava’s leg was completely healed, though she still had a slight limp the healers told her would resolve itself soon. They were leaving for Caelestia tomorrow and she had to admit she was nervous. Casimir’s family was difficult, to say the least, and she knew he was dreading the upcoming trip as much as she was.
After the interactions she’d had with both Casimir’s father and brother at the Summer Solstice ball not long ago, she had no idea how she was going to convince them to join the fight against Andras.
They seemed to despise everyone from the earth kingdom.
Goosebumps peppered her skin as Casimir’s fingers traced gentle circles below her collarbone, his other arm across her stomach, holding her close.
“I could stay here forever,” she whispered.
“Mmm…Me too,” he murmured, placing a soft kiss against the curve of her neck.
She let out a small sigh. “I’m nervous about going to Caelestia.”
Taking her chin between his thumb and forefinger, he beheld her with tenderness in his golden eyes. “I know, love. But I have faith you can convince them to aid us. I know you still question yourself sometimes, but you’re incredible. And you’ll make them see that. You will make them want to aid us.”
She brushed her fingers along his jaw. “You are too, Cas. I hate that they can’t see how amazing you are.”
“It doesn’t matter. Blood doesn’t equal family. My family is here in Mosshaven.”
“Mine too,” she whispered.
He pulled her closer and pressed a delicate kiss to her lips. “Let me distract you from your nerves, princess.”
“And how might you do that?”
“Shall I show you?” He tilted her head to trail kisses down the length of her neck.
“Yes…please,” she whimpered, arching against him.
He groaned and scraped his teeth along her shoulder. Trailing his fingers down her waist, they dipped below the water, slowly making their way between her legs while his other hand continued drawing tantalizing circles along her chest.
Ava gasped as his fingers traced the outline of her breast, taunting her with a delicious motion as he avoided her peaked nipples. His other hand brushed her inner thighs while he continued his ministrations along her neck and shoulder, nipping and licking her soft skin.
“Cas…” she moaned, urging him to touch her where she needed to feel him.
“Yes, love?” He kissed her neck, a hint of a smile in his voice. He knew exactly what he was doing.
“I…you’re—ooooh…” She gasped when he finally pinched her nipple, rolling it between his fingertips.
He chuckled at her reaction and continued his torment between her legs, stroking everywhere but the exact spot she wanted. “I’m what?”
“…stop teasing me…”
“Perhaps I enjoy teasing you.” He pulled his hand away from her breast and tilted her head toward him.
His lips met hers again, slow and gentle at first, his tongue tracing the seam, and urging her to open. He kissed her with a passion that ignited every cell in her body. She moaned and he increased the intensity, hand cupping her face while the other gripped her hip and moved her against him.
She tried to turn and face him, but he broke the kiss. “No, princess.” He rose from the step they had been sitting on and turned them both around. “Hands on the side of the tub, love.”
“Are you bossing me around in the bedroom?” Ava asked with amusement. Casimir guided her to kneel on the step, the water now coming up to mid-thigh, leaving the rest of her exposed.
She shivered, waiting, her senses in overdrive.
He stood behind her and leaned over, his massive body covering hers, and whispered in her ear, “Technically I’m bossing you around in the bathroom.” His hand moved down her stomach, pulling her against him. He spread her legs further apart with his knee. “Do you like it?”
Her palms rested on the side of the tub while he lined himself up with her entrance. “Yes,” she gasped as he teased her with the tip of his cock.
