Page 115 of Tides of Shadows

His touch grew surer, learning me, drawing soft sounds from my throat. His fingers moved skillfully, teasing and exploring, sending waves of pleasure through my body. My hips moved of their own accord, seeking more. I had never felt anything like this before, I didn’t know what was happening to me. Only that I did not wish it to end.

“Stay with me,” he breathed, his voice low and unsteady.

Heat coiled in my body parts. I felt as though I were coming apart in his hands. It was not enough. I needed him. All of him. I was ready to give myself to him wholly. I ached for him.

“Aidenar,” I whispered, my voice ragged with want. “Please. Take me.”

He stilled. He could not wait any longer. He stripped off his trousers, baring himself. Marble statues of nameless gods had seemed perfect, but here he was. His body was a golden ratio with divine proportions of every muscle. If the purest evil wore his face, I would still give him my soul.

He knelt between my legs, his hands firm at my hips, drawing me closer.

“I will be gentle,” he said, looking into my eyes. “Tell me if you want me to stop.”

I nodded, unable to speak.

He moved with care, joining our bodies slowly. His fingers were still working, circling my core as he slowly slid inside me. I felt the pressure, the stretch, my body yielding to him. I was tight, and a sharp pain made me wince. He noticed, his eyes searching mine, but I didn’t want him to stop. My hands held him to me.

He moved with slow, measured strokes. Looking at me and searching for any sign of pain. His eyes were dark with desire. I pulled him closer, kissed him, and lifted my hips to meet him, urging him deeper. He slid fully into me.

Pain flared and my eyes shut. Tears slipped down my cheek. He kissed them away.

“You are mine,” he whispered. “You always were.”

As he spoke he began to move again, gentle at first, each motion building the tension coiled inside me. He was watching me to see if I could hold it. His rhythm grew steadier, stronger. There was still a trace of pain, but I didn’t want him to stop. He thrust faster and faster until I saw he was losing himself.

“Aiden,” I breathed.

My nails dug into his back as he pushed harder.

“Nerissa,” he groaned, surrendering to it. I felt him tense, felt the rhythm falter, and then he shuddered and came within me. For a moment the world went still. There were only the two of us, our breaths tangled, our bodies entwined.

“Now I know,” he whispered, more to himself. “How it should have felt. How everything seems right.”

We lay in silence for a long time. His fingers traced lazy patterns upon my skin. I hid my face against his chest, my hair falling like a curtain, as if I still felt shy about what we had done.

“How do you feel,” he asked, gently lifting my chin so I would meet his eyes.

“Overwhelmed,” I mumbled, my voice muffled against his skin. “I don’t know.”

He kissed me softly, his hand warm at my jaw. Heat radiated from his body.

A knock at the door startled us, though no one entered.

“They are looking for you,” I said, laughing quietly into our kiss.

Aidenar smiled, the old mischief returning to his face.

“If you think I’m going to leave this bed to discuss palladium prices with the steward, you’ve lost your mind.”

I laughed, the tension easing. “Aidenar, we cannot hide here forever. Dinner will be soon.”

“I am Lord of these lands, you know,” he said, lifting a brow in mock outrage. “I have certain rights. Privileges.”

I rolled my eyes and slipped from the bed. He reached for me, but I was quicker. My own shirt was beyond saving, so I stole one of his, soft and smelling of him.

“I need to make myself in order” I said, walking toward the door.

“So this is it. You use me and then just walk away.” He still lay on the bed, naked, carved like a forbidden statue.