Page 13 of Eden and her Mercenary (Changing of the Guards)

I laughed softly, the sound disappearing into the space between us. "Is that what passes for a proper kiss these days?"

"No," he said, his thumb tracing the line of my jaw. "That was just the beginning."

"We should probably head back," he said, though he made no move to pick up the oars.

"Probably," I agreed, equally motionless.

Instead, I leaned in again, my fingers threading through his hair as our mouths met with increasing hunger. The boat swayed precariously, water lapping at the sides as Royal pulled me onto his lap, his hands warm under my shirt.

"This boat is not designed for what I'm thinking," he murmured against my neck.

I laughed, breathless. "Probably why Chen keeps it around. Discourages guests from getting ideas."

"Too late for that," Royal said, nipping gently at my collarbone .

Somehow, we managed to row back to shore without capsizing, though it took twice as long with frequent pauses for kisses that grew increasingly desperate. By the time we reached the boathouse, the fishing gear was haphazardly stowed, our focus entirely elsewhere.

We stumbled back toward the guest cabin, reluctant to break contact for even a moment. Royal paused at the threshold, suddenly serious.

"Eden," he said, his voice rough. "This isn't just—"

I pressed my fingers to his lips. "I know. For me either."

Relief and something deeper flashed across his face before he swept me into his arms, kicking the door shut behind us.

Inside, he pressed me against the door, his body hard and insistent against mine. His kiss deepened, tongue seeking entrance as his hands roamed freely, leaving trails of heat through my clothes. I arched into him, desperate for more contact, more friction.

"Too many layers," I gasped as his mouth moved to my neck, teeth grazing the sensitive spot below my ear.

"Let me fix that," he murmured, his voice a low rumble that vibrated through my skin.

With deliberate slowness, he peeled my jacket off, then my shirt, his eyes darkening as each new inch of skin was revealed. When I stood before him in just my bra, his breath caught audibly.

"You're beautiful," he whispered, reverently tracing the curve of my breast with his fingertip.

I reached for him, tugging impatiently at his henley until he helped me pull it over his head.

The sight of his bare chest made my mouth go dry—broad shoulders tapering to a narrow waist, defined muscles rippling under skin marked with scars both old and new.

I traced one that curved around his ribs, silently questioning.

"Bar fight in Edmonton," he explained, his voice strained as my fingers continued their exploration.

"And this one?" I touched a puckered mark near his collarbone.

"Knife. Guy didn't appreciate me interrupting his business."

I leaned forward and pressed my lips to the scar, feeling his sharp intake of breath. "And this?" I whispered against a thin white line above his heart.

Instead of answering, Royal captured my mouth again, walking us backward toward the sofa. We tumbled onto it in a tangle of limbs, his weight pressing me deliciously into the cushions. His hands found the clasp of my bra, deftly unhooking it and sliding it down my arms.

"God, Eden," he breathed, cupping my breasts reverently, thumbs circling my nipples until they hardened into tight peaks.

I moaned as he lowered his head, replacing his thumb with his mouth, the wet heat of his tongue sending electricity straight to my core. My hands clutched at his shoulders, nails digging into firm muscle as he lavished attention on first one breast, then the other.

"Royal," I gasped, arching into him. "Please..."

He looked up, eyes dark with desire, a wicked smile playing at his lips. "Please what?"

In answer, I reached between us, fumbling with his belt buckle. He chuckled, the sound vibrating against my skin before he stood, shucking his jeans and boxers in one fluid motion. My breath caught at the sight of him fully naked—powerful thighs, narrow hips, and his cock standing proud and ready.

"Your turn," he said, hooking his fingers into the waistband of my jeans.

I lifted my hips, allowing him to slide them down. The cool air raised goosebumps on my newly exposed skin, but they were quickly replaced by heat as Royal's gaze traveled hungrily over me.

"I've thought about this," he admitted, lowering himself back onto the sofa, sitting on the edge of it. "Since that first night at the motel."

"Even with a gun pointed at you?" I teased, my voice breathy as his hand slid between my thighs.

"Especially then." And then he growled, "God, Eden," he said, stroking me through the thin cotton of my underwear. "You're soaked."

I moved against his hand, seeking more pressure. "Your fault," I gasped as he pushed the fabric aside, one thick finger sliding into me with agonizing slowness.

He grinned wolfishly, adding a second finger and curling them forward in a way that made my hips buck. "Guilty as charged."

The friction of his thumb against my clit while his fingers worked inside me had me climbing rapidly toward release. I clutched at his wrist, torn between wanting him to continue and needing more.

"Royal," I panted, tearing off my underwear. "I want you inside me when I come."

He paused, reaching for his discarded jeans. "Condom," he explained, retrieving one from his wallet.

I took it from him, tearing the packet open with my teeth before rolling it onto his length with trembling fingers. His eyes closed briefly at my touch, jaw clenching with the effort of restraint.

When he positioned himself between my thighs, the head of his cock pressing against my entrance, our eyes locked. Something passed between us—an understanding, a promise—before he pushed forward, filling me in one slow, exquisite thrust.

We both gasped at the sensation, bodies perfectly aligned. For a moment, neither of us moved, savoring the connection. Then Royal began to rock, setting a rhythm that had me clinging to his shoulders, legs wrapped around his waist to take him deeper.

"You feel incredible," he murmured against my ear, his voice strained with the effort of maintaining control. "So tight, so perfect."

I could only moan in response, words escaping me as he hit a spot inside that made stars explode behind my eyelids. My nails raked down his back, urging him on as our bodies moved together with increasing urgency.

The sofa creaked beneath us, the sound mingling with our harsh breathing and occasional gasps. Royal's thrusts grew more powerful, more demanding, driving me higher with each movement. I felt the familiar tension building, coiling tight in my lower belly.

"I'm close," I warned, my voice barely recognizable.

"Touch yourself," he commanded, voice rough with desire. "I want to feel you come around me."

I slid a hand between us, fingers circling my clit in time with his movements. The dual stimulation was overwhelming, pleasure building rapidly at the base of my spine .

"That's it," Royal encouraged, watching my face with heated intensity. "Let go, Eden."

That was all it took. Pleasure crashed through me in waves, my body clenching around him as I cried out his name.

Royal groaned, his rhythm faltering as my inner muscles pulsed around him.

With a final, powerful thrust, he followed me over the edge, his face buried in my neck as he shuddered through his release.

We lay tangled together afterward, skin slick with sweat, hearts gradually slowing to normal. Royal's weight was heavy but welcome, anchoring me to the moment. When he finally moved, it was only to shift us to a more comfortable position, keeping me tucked against his side.

"That was..." he began, then laughed softly. "I don't think there are words."

I smiled against his chest, pressing a kiss to the scar above his heart. "Agreed."

We might have dozed off, because the next thing I knew, the light had shifted, golden afternoon sun slanting through the windows. Royal was watching me, his expression soft in a way I hadn't seen before.

"What are you thinking?" I asked, tracing idle patterns on his chest.

He caught my hand, bringing it to his lips. "That I don't want to let you go back to your life on the road. "

The simple honesty of his statement caught me off guard. "Royal..."

"I know," he said quickly. "It's too soon. We barely know each other. But these past few days..." He hesitated, searching for words. "I've never felt this way about anyone."

I pushed myself up on one elbow, studying his face. "You mean the adrenaline, the danger—"

"No," he interrupted firmly. "Not that. This." He gestured between us. "Whatever this is. It feels... important."

My heart hammered against my ribs. "It feels important to me too," I admitted softly.

A thundering sound shook the door. "If you two are quite finished," came Dr. Chen's dry voice, "Stella's awake and asking for you."

“How did she know?” I hissed, scrambling for my clothes. Royal just shrugged and shook his head.

“The walls are thin… I should have warned you,” came Chen’s reply.

Exchanging sheepish grins as we dressed hastily. Royal caught me before I could open the door, pulling me in for one more lingering kiss.

"We'll figure this out," he promised against my lips. "Whatever comes next."

I nodded, suddenly certain that whatever the future held, I didn't want to face it without him.