Page 124 of Lana Pecherczyk

“You think we’re done?” He dashed a lock of hair from his sweaty brow. “We’re not done.”

“We’re not?”

“I said I want you dripping.” He spread his release across her stomach, mixing it with swirls of the shimmering paint. “I’m going to mark you,” he murmured, almost to himself. “I’m going to own every part of you.”

“God, yes.”

He flipped her onto her stomach and pressed her down with firm yet gentle hands that traced reverent patterns over her spine, her thighs. Each touch felt like worship.

Desire hummed through her veins as he slid backward, dragging her with him. Only her torso remained on the bed, legs dangling over the edge.

“Yep.” He splayed his big hand across her lower back, then gave her bottom a quick, biting smack. “This is mine too.”

Blake sensed movement, heard his knees hit the floor, and then he parted her folds and claimed her pussy with his mouth. Pleasure paralyzed her. All she could do was clutch sheets and surrender as his skilled tongue brought her to a screaming climax, leaving her throat raw.

When her tremors finally subsided, and she lay boneless and panting, his touch disappeared. The creak of an opening wicker basket made her lift her head, but he pressed her face back to the sheets with a gentle command. “No peeking.”

“More?” she whimpered.

“I warned you.” A pause. “Unless you have something to say to me.” Warm oil dripped onto her lower back, onto her bottom.His calloused hands worked it into every curve, every hollow. “A particular word?”

She shook her head, biting her thumb to hide her smile.

“You asked for it.” He swatted her ass again, then took his time apologizing by kneading deep into her aching muscles until she groaned, blissed out. Just as she felt herself drift off, his touch slipped into the crack between her cheeks. Her pulse quickened as he gently massaged the rim of her tight back entrance, pausing again for a beat, waiting for her word. Did he forgetshesuggested trying the toys?

His oiled finger breached the first tight ring, and she moaned, pushing back into him for more.

Another nip on the pillow of her bottom to remind her who was in control. And then he owned every part of her, worshipped at the altar of her pleasure, painted a messy masterpiece all over her.

Hours later, after he’d cleaned them both and collapsed beside her, his heavy arms pulled her close and his legs entwined with hers. Peace settled over them like a blanket. The gentle rocking of the cabin was the perfect lullaby.

Only when his breathing evened out and his body fully relaxed did she allow her guarded emotions to surface—ones she’d held back, even as she screamed in pleasure.

He’d find a way to fly away if he knew how much she worried.

Her fingers traced the lightly haired area around his steady heartbeat. An undercurrent of his truth pulsed through their bond—a shadow lurking beneath his calm. His desperate need to possess her was armor, masking the fear behind his confession:“I don’t want to be left in darkness. I don’t want to end up like him.”

Chapter

Thirty-Nine

River thrashed in the darkness, trapped in a storm of memory. Lightning crackled, but he wasn’t its target this time. He stood on solid ground, watching Cloud spiral downward through rain, wings failing. River’s arms remained locked at his sides despite his desperate need to reach out.

“You’re never here when it matters,” Cloud’s voice warbled, distorted, like it came through water. “You never stay for the mess.”

The scene shifted.

They sat at a tavern, Cloud’s ale untouched.

“I need to tell you something about her,” he whispered, eyes haunted.

River heard himself laugh, slapping his best friend’s shoulder. “In a minute. The princeling’s stuck at the bar with a handsy pixie.”

Frantic caws jolted River awake.The caravan’s unnatural stillness registered first—no fake clip-clopping, no tinkling beads. Every nerve in his body sparked to life.

Danger.

He lunged forPeacemakeron the clothing chest, instincts primed for battle. No intruders burst through their door, but distant screams confirmed his fears. The threat lay elsewhere in the cavalcade.