Total pages in book: 134
Estimated words: 125179 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 626(@200wpm)___ 501(@250wpm)___ 417(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 125179 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 626(@200wpm)___ 501(@250wpm)___ 417(@300wpm)
Her body trembling from the aftershocks, she slumped against him, breathing hard, burying her face in the crook of his neck. “For an old and decrepit dude, you have a whole lot of energy when it comes to sexytimes.”
Feeling his lips curve, he gave her earlobe a sharp nip. “I may be old, but I’m not decrepit.”
“I’m going with you when you storm Aeon. You know that, right?”
He tensed. Where in the fuck had that come from? And why in the hell would she ever think he’d allow it? “That’s not going to happen. And if you’re mentioning this now because you thought that I’ll be easier to convince while in post-sex throes, you were mistaken.”
She lifted her head, meeting his gaze. There was no anger there, only resolve—firm, calm, and all too familiar. “That wasn’t a request,” she softly stated. “I know you worry about me. I worry about you just the same. But I won’t stay behind.”
Cain felt a muscle in his cheek flex. “More than anything, Adam wants you at Aeon. You’d give him that?”
She let out a prim little sniff. “He also wants you there. I don’t see you offering to stay behind. Besides, it’s not like I plan to hand myself over to him.” She planted her hands on his shoulders. “I’ll make a good distraction, Cain. You know that. He’ll be caught between being desperate to eliminate you and desperate to catch me alive. He won’t order any of his people to kill me, which means I’ll be way safer than you’ll be. And I’m no easy target. You remember that, right?”
He sighed, knowing she was right in all she’d said, hating to admit it even to himself. Still, he argued that she should stay behind as they dried off, returned to his chamber, and pulled on some clothes. She didn’t back down. Nor did she get mad or snippy. She remained calm as she repeatedly stated her case . . . and he knew that he wouldn’t convince her to change her mind. Fuck.
Wynter relented at times, even if only in the spirit of compromise so they could find a good balance in their relationship. But not when it came to something important to her. He respected that even though it drove him crazy on occasion.
Turning away from her, he stared unseeing at the wall tapestry. A ruthless voice floated to the forefront of his mind, whispering that he could force her hand. Well, yes, he could. He owned her soul, after all. But he’d never abuse that advantage he held. And there were times he genuinely lamented that there were moral lines he’d agreed—both with himself and with her—never to cross when it came to his consort.
“So you’re gonna sulk, huh?”
Affronted, he faced her once more. “I’m not sulking. I’m pissed. You had to know I wouldn’t want you to lay siege to Aeon alongside me.”
“Considering you asked me to sit out the other two battles, it seemed inevitable that you’d do the same this time. But it isn’t going to happen. And before you think about confining me somewhere, remember that Kali wouldn’t stand for you holding me anywhere against my will.”
“Perhaps She’d side with me on this.” Cain narrowed his eyes as an otherworldly breeze fluttered over him, practically purring with an amused condescension. “Or not.” He hadn’t sensed the deity’s presence until right then—She was very good at concealing Herself.
Wynter gave him a wan smile. “You could try convincing Her, but it’s super doubtful that She’ll go for it.”
“You don’t have to sound so smug about that.”
“Come on, Cain, I’m not some terrified maiden who’s inexperienced at battle. Be overprotective, be pissed, be sulky—”
“I’m not sulking.”
“—but accept that it won’t change anything. Admit, even if only to yourself, that I’d be an asset during the battle rather than a hindrance.”
“I don’t wish to be rational right now.”
Her lips twitched. “All right. We can put logic aside for the moment if you’d like. The situation will remain the same, though.” She bit her lip and tilted her head. “Would it make you feel better about everything if I sucked you off?”
His dick reflexively jerked. “No.”
“You sure? You don’t want a blowjob?”
“No.”
A slow, confident smile curved her mouth. “Liar.”
“That’s where you’re wrong.” He slowly advanced on her, drilling his gaze into hers. “I don’t want to fuck your mouth. I want to fuck your throat. I want to feel the muscles there contract around my cock. Want to see and hear you choke. Want to watch tears fill your eyes and trickle down your face. And then? Then I’d shove my dick somewhere it’s only been a few times before now, because if you’re going to be a pain in my ass, it’s only fair if I’m a pain in yours.”
Her pupils dilating, she licked her lips. “Bring it, old man.”