Page 112 of Of Shadows and Blood

Cedric moans, arching his neck. “Thank Gods you did that,” he says between strokes. His hands travel to my rear and begin to help. In one quick move, I’m placed on my back again.

“Just like that,” he grits into my ear as I take him fully. “You’ve always known how to let me know you like it, Liv.”

Through my breaths and the ministrations his hands are working on my sensitive nub, I manage to breathe his name.

Just once.

Gently.

A shudder rolls through him and he pauses, finding my gaze. “Do that again.”

I try to but my moans of pleasure take over and I can’t stop for breath, for wanting. He picks up his speed and growls. A shadow flicks out and runs across my wrists.

Did I just strike a chord?

I moan louder and the wisp feathers across my throat, adding onto the sensation.

The king plunges firmly into me. Once, twice. My moans hitch and I dig my nails into his shoulders. His breathe deepens as he murmurs sweet nothings all over the top half of my body. His hips angle in the most direct way, hitting the spot within me that ensures I won’t last much longer.

“When you come, I want to hear it on those pretty little lips of yours,” Cedric commands.

I manage a nod between moans because holy Gods, I like this side of him.

We explore each other’s mouths, making small noises muffled by the slide of tongues. Cedric flips me around once more, as awkward as it is in here, having enough with that position.

My elbows dig into the hard surface and he slides himself in halfway before pausing. I turn back and notice he’s waiting for my approval. My words lose themselves because I feel myself wet even more, so I nod aggressively. A carnal look grazes his face as he sinks himself deeper into me, hitting that sensitive spot directly. The bench creaks from this motion and I let a very loud moan escape. I clasp my hand over my mouth immediately, embarrassed.

“Don’t,” he breathes, “do not cover your mouth. Let me hear you.”

My core heats and I can tell Cedric is close as well. His motions have become more crazed, and the challenge is in keeping my face out of the cushions. He wants to hear me, so I let him. In his final plunge, everything lights up and tingles float all over my body. I bite the fabric, thankful for something to hold onto because this is intense. The pleasure pulls me into moans over and over as Cedric finds his release as well, powerfully pounding into me over and over again.

The king collapses and we both roll onto the seat into a comfortable position, my head resting on his chest. While our breath comes back to us, I think of how different this time felt. So much of my time in Lux was filled with tension and confusion. Our times together always meant something, but this time was unique. I’m not sure what changed, but I feel at peace with us.

“Thank you,” Cedric muffles as he kisses my head.

“Did you just thank me?”

“Yes. It was a blessing and you are a true goddess. So, thank you.”

I smack his chest and laugh as he tries to pull my dress back up to my chest but fails.

“I’m sorry, I think you’re going to have to stay utterly indecent.”

“Then I think I’d truly be fitting in, no?” I wiggle my chest.

Cedric’s breath comes out hot, his smile wicked. “Gods, I’m going to miss you,” he says before recapturing my mouth, as well as other things, as we make our way back to Demis.

Chapter 29

At least the quartet was talented. At least we have art in a world that can be unforgiving. At least there are small gifts in this curse.

The chill of autumn creeps up on Lux. Still maintaining my privacy, I have opted for more time at the cottage in Cedric’s absence. The wildlife has started migrating to prepare for the cold and being so close to the forest allows for an inside look at their movements.

Avonde visited me this morning for tea and to update me on the curse.

“We feel so close but alas, we haven’t figured out half of it.” She sighs. “We’re failing you.”

“Don’t say that.” I step over a muddy section of the trail behind the cottage. The last time I was here was with Sawyer.