Page 14 of Kingdoms of Tides and Twilight (A World of Sun and Shadow #2)

R enya was both excited and nervous about Grayden’s proclamation. His words sent a wave of longing through her, and she could feel the warmth and moisture between her legs. She had never heard something so erotic in her life. Grayden was always so formal and proper towards her, but hearing him speak of his desire for her so frankly stirred some kind of primitive longing within her. She didn’t have any qualms or reservations about sex; she just hadn’t found the right person yet and none of her relationships seemed to last long enough before getting to that point. But with Grayden, she was sure in a way she never was before.

While her fear mounted, so did desire.

He pulled her into a doorway and up a stone staircase. When they reached the top, Grayden pushed open another door and entered the second floor corridor outside of his room. The door closed behind them, and Renya noticed it was practically seamless against the wood paneling.

Grayden could see her puzzlement over the sudden appearance and disappearance of the door. “Guard passages,” he whispered, practically dragging her towards his bedchamber, as if her pace was too slow. He pulled a bit too hard and she fell into his chest, and he kissed her deeply as he reached for the doorknob behind him and twisted it. Hands grabbing at her, they fell into the room together.

“Oh my!” a voice came from inside the room.

Grayden tore his mouth away from Renya’s and saw Doria standing in the room with a pile of linens in her hands.

“Oh my!” she squealed again, taking them in. “Renya! You’re back! And Prince Grayden! How can this be? What is going on?”

Grayden looked at Doria and then back at Renya, debating within himself whether he wanted to explain to Doria or ravish Renya.

“It’s a long story. Doria, can you please tell no one that I’ve returned? I promise to fill you in as soon as I can, but Renya and I need some time alone before I’m ambushed by Tumwalt and Selenia.”

“Of course,” she said, looking at Grayden as he reached out for Renya, pulling her back into his embrace. Doria gasped as she put together what was happening before her eyes.

“How is this possible?” she asked, the delight shining in her eyes. “You’re both well past the age!”

“How did you know?” Renya asked incredulously.

“I’ve been with the Snowden family a long time. I was there when King Efferon brought Elowyn home. You are the splitting image of your father,” she said, looking at Grayden with affection. “He looked just the same when he found his mate.”

Grayden grinned. “Then you understand I need to be alone with my mate, uninterrupted?”

Renya elbowed him in the ribs. “Grayden! Rude!”

Doria didn’t look offended but gave Renya a knowing look. “I’ll see to it that no one comes this way and I’ll personally bring up your meals and anything else you need. I’ll also bring Mistress Renya’s items over here to your bedchamber. I’m guessing this is now her room as well?”

“Yes,” Grayden answered, not even looking at Renya for confirmation. Doria just smiled and headed towards the door.

“I’ll bring in some extra soaps and things too. I’m guessing you’ll want to wash after your travels.” She turned and closed the door behind her.

The second the door shut, Grayden started undressing Renya. Her borrowed cloak was unclasped and thrown on the floor near the fire. He pulled off his boots and they landed on the ground with a loud thud. Grayden deliberately backed Renya into the room off to the side with his bed and bathroom. He kept moving her backwards until her knees bent and she perched on the bed. Renya sat on the edge of the large mattress, wondering what she should do next when he suddenly kneeled before her, pulling his shirt over his head and looking up at her. She placed her hands on his shoulders, mesmerized by his muscular chest. She traced several scars with her fingers, not noticing just how many he had before. Heat blossomed between them, and Renya knew things would never be the same once they finished this dance they started.

Grayden lifted her foot in his hand and began unlacing the ties fastening her boot to her leg. For every lace he removed, he kissed higher up her calf. Once one boot was off, he placed a gentle kiss on her arch, careful to avoid the blistering and peeling areas from her long walk to the Tidal Kingdom.

He repeated the same process with the other foot until she was barefoot before him. Grayden stood to remove his belt, but was interrupted by a quiet knock on the door. He suppressed a growl, knowing it was just Doria, but he could hardly think straight right now.

“I’ll go help her,” Renya said, rising to her feet. “I’m more dressed than you are, anyways,” she teased.

Renya moved toward the door and quickly let Doria in. She was holding a tray in her hands and a basket full of fruit. She dropped them on Grayden’s desk, carefully finding a spot that wasn’t covered in parchment, and then went back into the hall, gathering more items. Grayden paced impatiently in his inner chamber.

After a couple of more trips into the bedroom, Renya’s clothing was stuffed in the wardrobe with Grayden’s and the bathroom was stocked with soaps and Renya’s belongings from her room. Doria left without saying another word.

Alone again, Grayden stalked towards Renya, and a jolt of excitement went through her. Ever since she saw him shirtless, sprawled before the fireplace in the inn, she had wanted to trace the planes of his chest. Renya reached out and stroked his upper chest, feeling his pectoral muscles clench under his warm skin. His chest was mostly bare, except for a tiny patch of dark hair on his breastbone. She noticed another scar that ran right underneath his strong chest muscles. He was entirely masculine, testosterone practically seeping from his pores. The wound she stitched up hadn’t fully healed, and she took a few seconds to inspect it.

“Either Almory or I will need to remove those stitches,” she said absentmindedly.

“That’s what you’re thinking about right now?” he asked. “All I can think of is how bad I want to feel you surrounding me.”

The sound of her own laughter bubbling up in her throat helped to relax her. This was her Grayden. She felt like she had such an insight into his soul, but the physicality of their relationship made her uncertain. After denying themselves before, the rush to consummate their bond was an adjustment. But deep down, she knew she wanted him just as much as he did her.

Rather than racing to remove the rest of her clothing, Grayden turned her around to face the bed and began delicately unbraiding her hair. Renya steadied herself and held on to one of the carved posts at the corner of his bed. His fingers combed through her tresses, and it amazed her at how his large hands could be so gentle. He picked up a section of her hair and brought it to his nose, inhaling deeply.

“You smell so intoxicating,” Grayden said, closing his eyes as if to commit the smell to memory, letting her hair fall around her shoulders when he released it.

“So do you. When I woke up in your tent, that was the first thing I noticed. You smelled of pine and the forest after a rainstorm.” Renya would normally have blushed at her declaration, but after all he said in praise of her, this small revelation seemed trivial. This man was going to have her, know her intimately. They would have no secrets between them.

Grayden began undoing the pearl buttons at the back of her borrowed gown. His nimble fingers made quick work of them, and then he pulled each strap down her arms, watching the garment fall to the ground. As in the fashion of the Tidal Kingdom, she wore nothing underneath the dress except for the pair of white lace panties he saw earlier. The gown pooled at her feet, and her bare back was right in front of him. Renya self-consciously moved to cover her chest as Grayden turned her on the spot.

“So beautiful,” he whispered, his hand cradling the back of her head and pulling her in for a kiss. “You never have to hide from me, Renya.” He motioned to her arms, crossed shyly in front of her chest.

Self-doubt crossed her mind as she stood there in nothing but her panties. She took a deep breath, and brought her arms down to her sides, exposing herself to the cold room and Grayden’s penetrating stare. He stepped back, admiring her entire figure.

His pupils dilated and he exhaled and then breathed deeply. Renya saw him struggle for control of his body. He hid it well, but she could sense what he felt, especially when his emotions were as zealous as they were now.

Grayden stared at her chest, moving towards her painstakingly slow, so as not to frighten her. He crossed the short length between them and cupped her right breast in his hand, feeling the weight and then running his calloused thumb over the nipple.

The second he made contact, Renya gasped.

“Is this okay?” he asked, trying to read her facial expression.

“Yes,” she said, moving closer to him, closing her eyes as he reached out and repeated the motion with the other breast. He opened her mouth with his, and the second she granted him access his tongue entered.

She moaned her pleasure into his mouth, and he pulled her tighter against him. She could feel his erection, hard and straining against his pants. Feeling brave at his response to her nearness, Renya reached down and tugged at his belt. He helped her remove it, and then she popped open the first button of his trousers. Grayden withdrew his mouth from hers and looked into her eyes, trying to control his emotions.

“I can feel your desire for me,” he said, placing a soft kiss on the corner of her mouth. “But I can also smell your fear.” He tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear.

“I don't know about here, but in the human world your first time is a big deal and it's normal to be a bit nervous,” she said, her voice shaking. “But I’m ready.”

“Little Fawn, don’t be afraid of me. I won’t hurt you.”

Grayden continued unbuttoning his pants. He slid them down his muscular legs, and pulled them off, freeing himself completely.

Renya’s breathing hitched when she saw him. Her frame of reference was somewhat limited, but he looked enormous. She knew about the mechanics of sex, of course, but seeing his member, hard and erect in front of her gave her pause as another wave of nervousness crashed through her.

“I’m afraid you won’t be able to control yourself like at the Tidal Kingdom,” she confessed in a small voice.

“It’s okay, my sweetling,” he said, running his finger under the waistband of her undergarment. He rested his forehead against hers, his voice sultry and sensual. “There’s no reason to rush this now we are in the moment. I know you are safe and you are mine. If you need me to stop, I absolutely will. You have my word, just as you have my body and soul.”

She nodded, not wanting him to hear how shaky her words would be.

Grayden tugged at her panties and pulled them down her legs. Although he had felt her there intimately before, he still stared without his eyes leaving her as he studied the swell of her breasts and curve of her hips. He pulled her close to him, his desire hard and throbbing against her stomach.

“Renya, look at me,” he said, tipping her chin up so she could look into his eyes. “You have nothing to be embarrassed about or ashamed of. For the rest of our lives, I’ll worship you.” He moved his head down and nuzzled her shoulder as she writhed in his arms. His hand snaked down, and he stroked the apex of her thighs. “You are the most beautiful woman in any world.”

She looked up into his eyes, touched by his words. He took advantage of her distraction and slipped his finger into her folds. “For the rest of my days, I won’t want anyone else.” He found her sensitive spot at the top of her sex and rubbed it gingerly as her legs buckled a bit. “I want you. Now, forever, and always. I love you, Renya.”

He withdrew his hand and she whimpered. Grayden picked her up and carried her over to the bed, setting her down carefully. He arranged his furs around her, making sure she was warm and comfortable. “Talk to me, my love,” he said, touching her lightly on the shoulder.

“I love you too,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’m just a little scared.”

“I’m scared as well,” he replied, stroking her golden hair. “I’m afraid of so much. I’m scared of losing you. Of hurting you. I’m afraid that you’ll reject me, or that somehow, I’ll wake up and find you gone and realize it was all a dream.”

Her eyes softened and she rose up and pressed her lips to his. This time, he let her be the aggressor. He let her be in charge and go at the speed she was comfortable with. While his primal needs were driving him, he restrained himself.

Renya deepened their kiss, and he felt her mouth hot on his. They kissed and caressed each other for long moments, stopping and starting again, taking things frustratingly slow as they learned each other’s bodies.

Renya started to feel the ache between her legs grow as he kissed and stroked her. Her mind couldn’t grasp onto a single thought when his mouth moved down her stomach and kissed her belly button, dipping his tongue in her navel. When he put his hand between her thighs again, she unconsciously spread her legs for him, inviting him to touch her most sensitive area.

He looked down at her, love and care apparent in his eyes. “Are you ready to become mine?”

“Yes,” she said breathlessly, blinking her long lashes.

Grayden rolled on top of her and held himself above her with one arm. With his free hand, he positioned himself at her soaked entrance. He gave her a few more deep kisses and her moaning became even louder and more desperate. He sat there at her entrance, continuing to kiss and caress. It took everything in him not to shove himself inside of her and take what he needed. Instead, he waited. And waited. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity to him, she started to move her hips upward, desperately seeking him.

With a delicate thrust, he moved himself partially inside of her. Her eyes widened and her mouth moved wordlessly against his.

“Renya, are you still alright?”

She nodded, breathing around the slight discomfort she felt.

“Just a little more...” he murmured, moving another inch in her. “I’m so sorry, my love. I know I’m not a small man.”

Her wetness surrounded him, and her inner muscles clenched as she tried to adjust around him, and it took everything he had not to release right then. Once he had entered her, he felt his body physically recognize her as a part of him. They were one person, but two minds together as one. The pleasure of knowing her both physically and mentally was making him shake with desire.

Renya felt it too. When he finally pushed himself inside, she wanted to sob. Not with pain, but with relief. The clarity that washed over her cleansed her soul. She was free from the senator and what he tried to do to her. The nervousness and embarrassment she felt was gone. It was as if her inhibitions left her, and just elation and sensation remained.

The second she felt the bond between them, her body relaxed and a joyful look crossed her face as she moved her hips up to his, goading him into pushing farther into her. He pushed in another few inches, leaving the rest of his length outside of her. He started to move, but before he could set a rhythm, Renya pushed her hips up quickly and took all of him.

Grayden shuddered as he hit the end of her, his pleasure mounting to impossible heights. He looked down at her beneath him, in his bed, and smiled at her.

“I’m going to go slow,” he whispered above her, starting to thrust lightly. “If you need me to stop, tell me and I will, no matter how hard it is for me.” He started a slow, tantalizing pace. Renya could see his biceps tightening as he moved over her, and she surprised herself by reaching behind him and cupping his firm cheeks. She could feel every muscle in his body clench and strain, working hard to bring them both pleasure.

At first, the slow movement was exactly what she needed as she adjusted to the sensation of him inside her. Renya felt stretched impossibly far, just beyond what was comfortable. She bit her lip, concentrating on relaxing her inner muscles. Grayden stopped moving, his gaze watching every expression and emotion that shone on her face.

“Renya. Do you want me to stop?” Grayden asked her, concern clouding his gaze.

“No. Just give me a second to adjust.” He heard her breathe deeply, trying to focus on the pleasure rather than the feeling of being stretched just outside of her comfort zone.

Grayden paused and held himself above her with just one arm. The other moved between them so he could stroke her gently between her thighs. Her breathing increased rapidly, and Grayden watched her eyelashes flutter. He felt more moisture between them, and he could tell she was finally relaxing. She began to rotate her hips and he once again started his precise movements. Grayden kept his pace slow, focusing on every sound, breath, and expression she made.

The room was quiet, their soft moans swallowed up by the silence. Heat filled the space, and Renya’s back was slick on the furs. Grayden picked up the speed, perspiration building up along his forehead and his upper arms. Renya wanted to say something, anything to him, but her mind was blank as he continued to rub and tease her. Her legs began shaking and she felt the pressure between her legs building. Grayden smiled at her, and sucked her bottom lip into his mouth and released it gingerly, and Renya thought she would combust. The spot on the back of her neck tingled and warmth spread through her, just like when Cressida unlocked her. But this warmth was pleasurable. It was like Grayden was everywhere within her.

Suddenly, her entire body seized up and her muscles shook from her arms all the way down to her toes. She moaned in his ear as she reached her pinnacle, whispering his name over and over with reverence. Grayden kept moving, wanting to draw out her climax as long as he could before giving in to his own.

Once she came down from her high, Grayden stopped his movements and kissed her again passionately, putting every bit of emotion and love that he could into his kiss.

“Sweet Renya…” he murmured, beginning to move again. “Can you handle a little more?”

She looked up at him, her face red and flushed. “Yes,” she breathed, and she surprised him by wrapping her legs around his waist.

He began to rock quickly into her, pushing her into the mattress with his body. Renya braced herself, knowing how hard it was for him to fully restrain himself. She bit her lip again and breathed through her nose. She didn’t feel pain exactly, but his movements and pressure felt intense against her sensitive flesh.

With a final thrust and a groan of bliss, Grayden found his pleasure and Renya could feel him release inside of her. It was a new sensation, and she hadn’t realized how warm and heavy his seed would feel. She actually hadn’t ever thought about it. She assumed for her first time there would be protection separating them. She frowned a bit as Grayden rolled over and pulled her on his chest, still pulsing inside of her.

He saw her frown and was instantly concerned. “My Little Fawn, what’s wrong?”

“Oh, it’s nothing, I just…you didn’t wear protection. I didn’t think—”

“What should I have worn?” Grayden asked, perplexed.

Renya looked into his puzzled eyes and realized there was no such thing here.

“Nothing,” she said, smiling at him. He returned her smile in earnest, finally feeling content and satisfied now that he had claimed her.

“I’ll wear any type of costume you’d like in the future,” he said, a devilish grin flashing across his face as she felt his member begin to harden inside her again.