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They stroked and touched. Other than sweet nothings, few words were uttered as they reveled in the unspoken, soothing the contusions of their long separation, melding their hearts once more.

As Devansi’s sun tracked across the skies, they slipped into oblivion, arms wound around each other. Until sleep finally took over, and their weary, wounded souls rested.

15

White Diamond Plains

RIV

Riv woke first and, still lost to somnolence, nuzzled her closer.

Élisa’s firm behind nestled against his loins, and he hardened.

He opened his eyes, not daring to believe she was lying beside him, alongside his real self.

His eyes fell on her silver sheath of hair. He sighed, inhaling her skin’s sweet, warm scent.

She lay curled in his arms, his more prominent, power-packed form curved to shield her.

Still half asleep, he put his hand under her shift, on her hip, and stroked upward.

Damn, how smooth and soft she was.

He slipped his hand around to her belly and gave her a light massage. She muttered a little in her sleep as she shifted her buttocks to a more snug position against the ridge of his shaft.

Moaning, she turned to face him, her lips heat-seeking.

He leaned in and gave her what she desired, his firm mouth teasing, nibbling. She opened her lips and let him in. His tongue brushed hers, and their mouths moved in unison.

He nibbled her lips as he slipped inside her jumpsuit.

His breath caught as his heart hammered in his chest. She whimpered, enraptured as he cupped her breasts and flicked her nipples. They both jolted from the electric shock of the touch, and their breathing grew heavier.

Her touch flew to his chest and kneaded, searching for skin.

‘Riv.’

‘Naam.’

‘Make love to me.’

‘With pleasure.’

He’d been waiting so long for this moment. He’d dreamed about it for years, and his hands trembled in anticipation.

He kissed her again as she ran her hands over his smooth back and shoulders.

He pulled away from her to take off his clothes.

She worked off her gear in between their melded, heated kissing, her hands gliding, touching him.

That’s when he noted the dainty necklace lying on her bosom. It’d lain hidden all this time under her clothing.

His eyes narrowed on the pendant hanging from it, peering closer. ‘It’s not any locket, is it, my angel?’ he said, his voice rough.

Her gaze fell, her face flushed with color. ‘I always kept your ring, my love.’

He slid a finger on her chest to lift the chain away from her skin. His eyes misted as he studied the simple, tiny diamond he’d purchased many years ago.