H erleif wanted desperately to believe her words. His hunger for her grew with every passing minute he remained in her presence. Like a vine twisting around his heart, its hold, tenacious, but not strangling.

Oddly comforting. At least that’s how he thought it felt, given he’d never experienced the feeling before.

Somehow, he felt at peace. Didn’t mean he hadn’t liked their snarky banter toward one another.

He rather liked the verbal sparring, seeing her strength, her daring, and what she was capable of.

Right now, she was highly capable of fanning the flames of his desire. He feared he’d be too rough, too aggressive. Too much. And he wanted to, Gods , how he wanted to ravage her. Own her. But he didn’t want to hurt her.

As he started to loosen his hold and gentle the kiss, Alexia whimpered and crawled into his lap, spearing her fingers in his hair and holding him to her.

The kiss deepened and he took hold of her hips, grinding her body to his.

She moaned into his mouth as she moved her body in time to his movements, and Herleif thought for sure he’d bust right there.

“Alexia,” he groaned, pulling away with great effort.

“No, please, don’t stop,” she pleaded. “Don’t tell me why this is a bad idea when it feels so right.”

“Be sure of what you’re saying, because once I start with you, I will not stop.”

She framed his face and locked her eyes on him. “I’m sure.”

There was no tremor in her voice, no hesitation. He saw truth in her eyes, and his heart truly skipped a beat at the wonder of her words.

“Then you are mine.” He held her ass and stood. Her legs wrapped around him and her gaze never strayed from his.

“I’m yours.”

He marched them down the only hallway to where he presumed her bedroom to be.

When he found it, he stood short of the threshold and looked past Alexia to take in her space.

Earthy colors in various tones of brown, green, orange, and yellow greeted him as the first morning light began to brighten the area.

Herleif was surprised yet pleased to see the size of her bed filling the room.

His mind conjured wicked thoughts about what he’d do to her in that bed.

He looked at her and grinned. “Seems there’s plenty of room for the both of us. I hope it’s sturdy.” He winked.

Her giggle was like fairy music, light and delicate. “It’ll hold.”

Ducking into the room and stepping to the edge of the bed, he loosened his grip, and she released her legs to stand before him.

When she reached for the hem of her shirt, Herleif stopped her and brought her hands to his mouth to kiss.

Then he said, “Let me.” She nodded and he released her hands to take hold of the material, lifting it off.

He took in the beautiful sight of her bare torso and generous breasts.

The dark nipples peaked, and he desperately wanted his mouth on them.

But first he needed to finish undressing her.

She wore a skirt that tied at her side and hung loosely to her ankles.

Her pale bare feet with toenails painted bronze made a stark contrast to his large black boots.

Herleif reached for the ties, pulling the ends which allowed the material to fall at her feet.

Alexia stepped away from her skirt toward him, pressing her palms against his chest. She ran her fingers down the length of his torso until she reached the hem.

“May I?” she asked as she began to lift the material. But Herleif halted her movement.

“No.” She began to frown, and he simply chuckled as he scooped her up, delighting in her squeal. He spread her out on the bed then stood, drinking in the sight of her beautiful body. “You are magnificent.” He loved the blush of her cheeks.

Making quick work of shedding his boots and clothes, he watched as Alexia rose onto her elbows to study him, scanning his body. Her perusal brought his cock to attention, and when she met his gaze, there was no mistaking her look of need. And when she licked her lips, Herleif groaned.

“I am going to thoroughly enjoy worshipping every inch of you.”

She smiled and drew her legs apart. “What’s stopping you?”

The sight of her damp curls and the scent of her arousal had Herleif clenching his hands at his sides. His erection hardened near the point of pain, the tip weeping with moisture.

“Herleif, don’t be afraid of hurting me. I’m prepared and know what to expect.”

“You may think you’re ready, but you aren’t yet, and I don’t want to hurt you.” He fisted his cock and gave it a squeeze. “This is more than most can handle, especially for a virgin pussy.”

“Do you expect me to watch you pleasure yourself and leave me wanting?” She trailed a hand down her abdomen and into her curls. “Or shall I join you in the self-pleasure?”

“Woman,” he growled.

“You did say you were going to enjoy worshipping every inch of me.” She swirled her fingers through her folds, causing herself to gasp. “Will you be true to your word, Herleif?”

Her breathy voice undid him, and he moved quickly, bracing himself above her.

“I will. For you.” The softening look in her eyes eased the tightness in his chest, dispelling the uneasy feeling of expecting her to change her mind.

But her warm smile and welcoming arms cracked his hardened heart, bringing in a breath of life he never thought to feel.

He wouldn’t get ahead of himself and think beyond the moment. For now, he’d gladly take whatever she offered.

Leaning down, he molded his mouth to hers, kissing her now with leisure and care.

With reverence. She responded in-kind, relaxing beneath him just as she wound her arms around him, splaying her hands against his back.

Herleif tried to restrain from pressing his full weight onto Alexia, but she pulled his body to hers, wrapping a leg across the back of his thighs.

The feel of her against him, at his mercy, was heady, but he knew he was too much.

Herleif used his strength and speed to hold her and roll, bringing her on top of him.

He loved seeing the delight in her eyes as she planted her hands on his chest and sat up.

Her fingers traced the many dips and swells along with the scars across his flesh.

He watched her closely, looking for any sign of disgust, but he saw only interest. Desire.

While she explored his body, he did the same, tracing her sides until his hands covered her breasts, kneading the generous mounds.

Alexia let her head fall back as she moaned, pressing into his touch.

She rocked her pelvis into his with a slow and steady rhythm that had her slick pussy sliding across his eager cock.

“Herleif,” she moaned.

He tweaked her nipples then flicked the rigid pebbles with a claw, causing her to squeak.

When he did it again, she cried out before her gaze met his.

He carefully worked his hands beneath her thighs and began to lift her.

“You’re going to hold onto that frame while I devour that enticing pussy of yours. ”

“Wh-what? No, you don’t—”

“Oh, but I do, Alexia. And I will. Now grab it.” He gave her no time as he shifted her body, positioning her sex above his face.

Her arms flew forward to find purchase on the metal structure which banged against the wall.

He then spread her legs wide and held her aloft as he dragged his tongue through her slit.

The instant he tasted her juices he knew he was lost. He was tasting ambrosia. Heaven.

Alexia gasped as he repeated the action. Over and over, he lapped at her pussy, trying to quench his thirst, knowing he never would. Knowing he’d never have enough of her.

He lashed his tongue across her engorged clit, reveling in her noises.

Her body seemed to want more as she tried to grind against his face, but he held her at his mercy, delivering unrelenting whips with his tongue.

With each strike she shuddered and gasped as her thighs shook in his hands.

He wrapped his lips around the bud, suckling, causing her to cry out his name.

Her tremors increased as her skin grew dewy with sweat, and he knew she was close to release.

Herleif wanted this pleasure for her. Wanted to be the one to deliver it.

He knew an instant before she came as her body tightened and her breath caught.

Then she exploded, dancing frantically, rubbing her pussy against his face as he held her quaking body above him.

His cock ached, longing to fill her, knowing it would do so very soon.

Gripping her thighs, he knew for sure he’d leave bruises as if leaving his mark and staking his claim.

But they wouldn’t be the only marks he left on her.

Before this morning ended, she’d know she belonged to no one but him.

He gently lapped at her sex, continuing to flick at her sensitized clit, feeling every twitch and spasm.

“Herleif, please,” she pleaded. “I can’t ... I don’t...” Her body went limp, and he sat up, cradling her in his arms as she rode out the orgasm, panting into his neck. “That was ... I feel...”

“I’m hoping that was amazing and you feel euphoric.”

“Yes.” She lightly chuckled. “That’s a decent start.”

Herleif kissed the side of her head while kneading her shapely ass.

“Oh, it’s only the start. I have much more in store for you.

” To prove his point, he flexed his erect cock, slapping it against her rear.

She started to laugh but it morphed into a squeal when he traced a digit through the crease and carefully teased her hole.

Alexia squirmed and tried to move away, but that brought her sex in contact with Herleif’s other hand he’d moved between them.

He pressed his thumb to her clit as he slowly inserted a finger into her channel, causing her to cry out.

“Easy, relax,” he cooed. “You can take it. And you’ll take more.”

“Herleif,” she moaned while pumping her body with the thrusting of his finger. He added a second, stretching her, and her guttural sounds intensified. “So good,” she drew out.

“It gets better,” he growled, feeling her tighten around his digits. Putting more pressure on her clit, he felt her close to another orgasm. She became wetter, coating his fingers and dripping between them.

It was time.

Pulling his hands away, he earned a gasp then a protest. But he gave her little time to speak as he once again used his speed and power to lift her and notch his erection at her opening. He locked eyes with her, giving her only a second to realize what came next.

“Take me, Alexia, as I claim you as mine.”

He drew her body down his length, breaking through her barrier, filling her completely. Her cry turned to a whimper as she clung to him, her pussy surrounding him with exquisite tightness. Herleif wrapped his arms around her, rubbing her back, soothing her while she adjusted to the invasion.

Seconds passed before Alexia leaned back and raised her face to look at him.

Although her eyes shone with moisture, they also radiated trust and acceptance.

She framed his face and drew him close for a kiss.

His heart thundered in his chest as his cock pulsed, eager for movement.

Without breaking contact, Herleif maneuvered their bodies so she lay beneath him.

Bracing his forearms on either side of her head, he withdrew his cock to the tip, only to slide back inside.

He captured her moans, kissing her deeply as he increased his pace, and she matched his movements to perfection.

He then placed a hand beneath her ass, changing their angle, sliding in deeper, harder.

“So fucking good,” he groaned. “You were made for me, Alexia.”

“Yes,” she said, her voice breathy. “And you, for me.” She wrapped her legs around his waist, meeting his thrusts, grinding herself against his groin.

He felt her tremors, and he couldn’t contain his grunts as she gripped him impossibly tighter.

“That’s it, squeeze me, milk me. Come for me.

Come with me.” Each word was more difficult than the last as his control began to slip.

He couldn’t slow his pace, and she didn’t seem to mind. Just the opposite—she spurred him on.

“Yes, Herleif,” she cried just as she came, clamping down on him like a vise.

Her eyes flashed the color of fire, burning with passion before returning to their original emerald.

Herleif felt the rush of his orgasm overtake him, and he buried his face in the soft cradle of her shoulder as he hammered into her, spurting his seed.

He couldn’t stop himself from sinking his teeth into her tender flesh, causing her to cry out and send a rush of power sizzling through him.

Locked together, their orgasms seemed never-ending.

And that was fine with Herleif. He could remain inside Alexia until the end of his days, which, God willing, would be a very long time.

Eventually their tremors eased, and he removed his mouth from her shoulder, licking the punctures and using a bit of his own power to soothe the wounds.

He then withdrew from her, earning a sigh.

“Rest,” he whispered then kissed her temple. With more creative maneuvering, Herleif managed to get them beneath the covers, spooning her body as she instantly fell asleep.