Page 38 of The Rake OR The Orca Who Met His Match in a Selkie Desiring Revenge

“You’re right about that, I don't. But I do have sisters who have spent time in the Empire, in positions like mine, and there’s a reason they don’t do that anymore. Further, I’ve spent enough time pretending to be a Pathian officer that I know that their ideas of fun are often distasteful. Further, you aren't the first person I've been with that is still learning how to reclaim their body after negative experiences."

"I'm not? You're not... upset?"

"Not in the least. Some people have an easier time bouncing back than others, all of it is normal. Allof it is healing. If there's something you want from me, we can figure it out, everything on your terms. We can do everything or nothing or anything in between.”

Elspeth squeezed her eyes shut as tears began to prick at them. "It just makes me want to scream," she said. "It’s my body, I should be able to do what I want with it. I hate that what happened is getting in the way of what I want. Of what I need!"

Now that she was on her back, she realized that seeing his face helped. She was still getting used to his Elvish—no, his human—face, but seeing that it was him, that he was here with her, calmed her nerves. How could she feel, after such a short time, so safe with him?

With a deep breath, she smiled at him. "Looking at you helps. It reminds me that I am here, now, with you."

"Good. I'm glad. I know it's early days, and there are complications, but I'd never hurt you, and I would never let anyone else hurt you. Even the thought sounds like clawing out my own heart." He smiled sadly. "Though, I will admit, I don't dislike hearing you speak of your need."

She blushed as he mentioned it, the intense feelings of her arousal warring with the residual fear.

Aegir's eyes were heavy, hooded from sleep and perhaps desire. The dim morning light made her feel as if they were in some sort of secret place apart from time, that perhaps here, if she stayed focused, stayed present, she could do this. She met his eyes and reached down to touch his stomach, willing him to give her another chance.

Perhaps he knew, because he presented another opportunity. "Now, you mentioned your need, what is it you need, Elspeth?"

Elspeth gulped in a breath. The kindlings of desire rebuilt at the roughness in his voice, at the hunger she saw in his eyes. Aegir licked his lips and tilted his head. His fingers were a whisper on her cheek, sending shivers through her body. She wanted this. She deserved this.

"I need... you. I need release. I need... something. I need to know where this is going!" The words tumbled out of her mouth like a dam breaking. They spilled out, filling the space between them, and though she thought she should have felt nervous or embarrassed, she couldn't find it in her to feel either. How could she when he looked at her like that? When he touched her as if shewere something precious?

"Och, a murúch. You might not be singing, but you've got me captivated. I'd love to help you with that, desperately."

"But how—"

"I have a few ideas... and a few questions. Let's see what we come up with, shall we?"

"A-alright." Her voice quavered, but with her eyes trained on his, she found the courage to entertain his line of exploration.

"It seems to me that perhaps touching might be a bit much for you just now."

"No, I want it, please—" That wasn't a question at all! It was an observation, and she didn't see how that was going to help the situation.

"Elspeth, that's not a problem. Hell, it might even be fun..."

"Fun? What might be fun?"

"I thought that you might touch yourself, and I might touch myself..."

"Oh."

Heat flooded through her as Elspeth pictured it, Aegir lying beside her, his decadent body stretched out, chest heaving as he writhed in pleasure. "Yes," she squeaked.

Squeaked?Pull it together, Elspeth.

Clearing her throat,she began again. "Yes, I can see how that could work quite well."

"Good." Aegir purred. "Let's try something, shall we? Alright, a murúch, what would you have me do?"

"Do?"

"Just so. How should I begin?"

"Ah... well, perhaps you might take off your shirt?" Her cheeks burned as the words came out. She wasn't some inexperienced miss, but she'd never been nearly so direct with her wants. All of her previous experiences could be best described as "tumbles." Of course, a hayloft or alley behind someone’s house didn’t exactly provide the most romantic of locations, but it wasn’t like she’d ever been able to bring anyone home. She lived in a small house with her family, and they’d surely notice.

Aegir ran his hands slowly up his body, lifting his shirt until the broad expanse of his chest and stomach were exposed. Knowing he could control how he looked, she thought it was interesting to think about how he presented himself. For example, while he was muscular in his arms and shoulders—and she strongly suspected his thighs—his stomach showed no sign of abs. Instead, it was gently rounded like her own, and the small similarity brought a private, secret smile to her face. They were a matched pair, and she found she quite liked it.