Page 44 of The Dark Mage

Fael’s body was a furnace, radiating warmth that made her feel gloriously like she was basking under the summer sun. When she sighed as his mouth covered her nipple, he nudged her legs apart with his thigh and tenderly brushed his hand along her hip, guiding her toward him.

“Yes, Fael. Yes,” she sighed, sinking deeper into the security of his warm emb race.

“Look at me,” he be gged.

Where else could she look? She took him in—body and heart—her eyes locked with his as they sank into one ano ther.

As they found their rhythm again, he let go of his hold on his magic. Flames flickered over his arms, glowing like molten iron. His hazel eyes burned bright, and his skin radiated waves of heat.

Ren’wyn traced a finger over his chest, her magic responding instinctively. Frost formed where she touched, hissing and spitting against the fire.

Fael groaned in ecstasy as tongues of fire licked at the bedding and ran over Ren’wyn’s skin. The flames felt hot but didn’t burn—each flicker like the press of a kiss.

The sight of him unbound left her breathless. She hooked her legs through his, tilting her hips to take him de eper.

Fael cursed at the change in position, bracing himself to thrust harder even as she clung to his shoulders. Shadows coiled over his upper arms as darkness poured from her skin, spilling across the sheets around them. A cold wind stirred Fael’s c urls.

But his fire didn’t gutter. Instead, the wind fed the flames, turning them blue at the base. The combined power filled Ren’wyn—a mix of ice and fire. Her muscles tensed to the point of pain under the plea sure.

Fael’s gaze locked onto hers, and as their magic entwined, he climaxed with a shuddering cry of her name—loud enough to make her understand why he’d paid for the empty room.

Bracing himself on the headboard, he cracked the solid oak under the force of his grip.

He collapsed against her, panting and warm, pressing soft kisses to her neck and shoulder. Her skin tingled wherever his lips touched, and her breath hitched. When he recovered, he chuckled, his chest vibrating against her.

“Your turn,” he said with a dangerous glint in his eyes.

Rolling over, Fael pulled her on top of him. He slipped his hand between her legs, watching her face, until he found the spot that made her eyelids flutter. She dug her fingertips into his chest as he gripped her back side.

She was already on the edge of orgasm, just from watching him. Shadows poured from her fingers, curling through his flames like smoke. Fael groaned as her hips bucked and her thighs clenched, and it was her turn to tumble over the edge.

Her climax tore through her like shooting stars, like rushing wind, like the inescapable call of death it self.

She cried out his name over and over as the waves hit her. Smoke, shadow, and darkness blanketed them, Fael’s fire flaring bright before dimming into a slow burn.

When she finally opened her eyes, his skin steamed where frost had melted away.

Fael gently helped her slide off him, laying her softly onto the bed. Leaning over her, he traced lazy circles on her stomach as she continued to slow her breat hing.

“Have you ever broken a bed before?” she asked slyly as his fingers crept toward her br east.

“I might be embarrassed if I wasn’t so thoroughly satisfied,” he whispered against her ear, making her toes curl.

“Have you ever covered a lover in frost?” he te ased.

She flushed, shaking her head. “I’ve never shown anyone that, not even my self.”

His gaze softened. He brushed the backs of his fingers against her cheek, then twined his hand into her unbound hair. Leaning in, he inhaled as though breathing he r in.

“You never have to hide it,” he said. “I’m not afraid. Your power is wild and beautiful. It calls to mine—strengthens it. What you made my fire do, Ren’wyn...” His words ended in a sensual g roan.

Her gaze flicked to the cracked headboard. “You’re st rong.”

“Yes, I am,” he replied with a low chuckle, though his eyes held a wary vulnerabi lity.

She cupped his face in both hands, running her thumbs along his cheekbones. “You never have to hide it from me either, Fael. I see it—and I only see you. I want it. I want you.”

They kissed softly, a confirmation of everything they felt but hadn’t yet said.

When they pulled apart, Fael reached over and grabbed a towel from the dresser. Ren’wyn cleaned up, and he rolled her onto her side, tucking her into his chest beneath the bla nket.

His hand moved in slow, soothing strokes along her side. As they drifted in and out of a shared, blissful haze, she enjoyed how perfect it felt to be in his arms, their magic still dancing in the air between them.

The savory smell of food cooking drifted under the doorway. Ren’wyn hummed appreciatively, her stomach growling loudly enough for them both to hear.

His lips found the back of her neck, the imprint of his smile pressed into her skin.

“I think perhaps we should find some supper,” he mutt ered.

“Probably,” she agreed, though she wasn’t in a hurry to leave their co coon.

He rolled her over and propped himself up on an elbow to gaze into her eyes. For a moment, she forgot her empty stomach entirely as that expanse of golden skin invited her to touch and t aste.

“Let’s get dressed and find something to eat,” he said, kissing her nose. Then he added, his eyes darkening with promise, “and after that… I’m having you for des sert.”