Authors: Julie Nicholls
Kai’s muscles tensed with each dip of Eloise’s head. Her warm, soft lips puckered around his cock perfectly; just as he’d imagined. Tightening his grip on her hair and moving his hand to cover hers around his shaft, he pumped their hands faster, urging on his climax. Eloise followed his lead; she wanted to please him, as he’d done her.
‘Eloise!’
Kai groaned her name and thrust his hips to meet sensual lips latched onto his cock. His eyes rolled back when his head fell against the bed. Loud groans filled the room. Jerking his hips with a husky cry, he convulsed beneath her, his breaths ragged and heavy as he climaxed.
Warm liquid flowed into Eloise’s mouth. Swallowing it without a thought, she kept her lips wrapped around the tip of his cock until he finally relaxed and released her hair. Smoothing his fingers through silky locks and stilling his breathing, Kai touched his other hand to Eloise’s face and encouraged her to move up his body. She crawled over him, her hair sweeping over bronzed skin as she straddled his hips and leaned forward to kiss him.
Tasting his pleasure on her lips, he slipped his tongue against hers with long, velvety strokes.
Releasing her lips, his murmured words fell against her mouth. ‘Thank you.’
Praising words and the wicked grin that accompanied them made Eloise smile wide. She slid her hands into his hair and leaned in for another kiss. Kai groaned into her mouth at the thought of sliding into her and pressed his hands firmly against her cheeks while raising his hips. Hardening already, his appetite was insatiable and feeling the wetness between Eloise’s thighs, his hand found its way between them. Thick fingers parted wet folds before he nudged against her opening with his cock. Eloise straightened and sighed at the thought of feeling him inside her once more.
Lowering herself slowly and gasping when Kai filled her, soft hands roved over the muscles of his chest. Her hips rocked; guided by Kai’s gentle hands she found a rhythm that excited them both. He shuddered as he felt her quiver around him and groaning softly, wild eyes widened with each sensual movement.
Eloise straightened her spine and let her head fall back, her soft hair fell across his thighs and he moaned at the coolness against his skin. Sliding his hand over her mound, and with tantalizingly slow and delicate touches, ran the soft pad of his thumb over her clitoris. Slowly circling in delicate precision, Eloise’s breaths hastened. Kai raised his hips and made subtle thrusts, bringing her quickening breaths to gasping moans. The hooded nub hardened beneath his caress, and Eloise felt her body tremble. Her orgasm began, rushing over her in a wild eruption of pleasure causing her to shudder uncontrollably. Kai’s hand surrounded her breast; fingers and thumb pinched her peaked nipple causing her to cry out in a mixture of exquisite pain and pleasure. She fell forward as the last ripple of her climax ended and Kai pulled her close and bucked fiercely then exploded inside her. Eloise braced her hands either side of his head and leaned forward, she met each thrust from Kai’s hips with gasping breaths. Hissing through gritted teeth, he groaned loudly and once the last of him spilled into Eloise’s heat, he pulled her close. Resting her cheek against his fiercely beating heart, she sighed with contentment.
‘I’m so happy...tell me this isn’t a dream.’ Eloise’s words fell against his rising chest in wispy breaths.
Kai squeezed her tightly and groaned. ‘If it is, we’re both dreaming.’
‘Then I never want to wake.’
Eloise raised her head from his chest and kissed him softly.
Riding side by side, Kiera and Jace lead the party as they traveled towards Darkmide before continuing onto Braxton to aid Darion. They’d set off a little later than planned but already made good time and were not that far from their first port of call.
Roulan, hadn’t stop whining since they’d left Blackhill, but Saul and Maika, riding at his side, kept him in check despite his protests that he wasn’t feeling well and needed to return home. Saul’s grin after each swat of Roulan’s horse to keep the pace made Kiera chuckle.
She sneered at the glare she got in return, she never liked Roulan from the first moment she’d met him; devious and sneaky, she was right to trust her intuition.
Darion couldn’t wait to return home, and although he’d only been absent a few days, missed the familiar countryside and his friends and family. If they kept up a good pace, and didn’t make too many stops, the party should be in Braxton by tomorrow afternoon He’d still had trouble sleeping; images of Milo played over and over in his mind and he didn’t want the same thing to happen to anyone else. But he felt more at ease with six warriors escorting him, hand-picked by Maika, who would deter any raiders or bandits.
While Darion had no experience when it came to fighting and couldn’t begin to imagine the amount of training needed to become so skilled, he admired the courage and loyalty they willingly offered. Unobserved, he studied them; he’d thought Saul and Maika were two of the biggest men he’d ever met, until Maika introduced him to the others. Once slaves, he couldn’t begin to understand what their lives were like, nor did he wish to learn. Thankful he was free, to live his life as he chose, within reason. He would be eternally grateful to Kai.
Jace kept his eyes on the road ahead and only when Kiera leaned over to touch his arm, did he realize he was in a daydream.
‘Hey, are you alright?’
Turning towards Kiera’s sultry eyes, Jace smiled and nodded.
‘Yes, I’m good. Sorry I was miles away.’
‘I noticed. What’s on your mind?’
Letting out a long sigh, Jace wasn’t sure where to start.
‘That bad huh?’ Kiera’s wide smile made Jace grin.
‘Sorry.’ Giving Kiera one of his beautiful smiles. ‘I don’t know what’s going to happen with my father and the whole situation regarding Garlan.’
Kiera nodded and pursed her lips.
‘I can see how this would be a worry, it’s a bit of a mess. But, your father seems to be very levelheaded, and I’m sure he’ll choose the best course of action.’
Surprised at Kiera’s insight and understanding of his father after only meeting him a few times, Jace knew in his heart, she was right. His father always managed to deal with whatever difficulties arrived.
‘I agree, and I appreciate you saying that. My father is a smart man. I’m glad you noticed.’
‘Oh I didn’t notice he was, I got that from studying you. And the apple doesn’t usually fall too far away from the tree.’ Kiera grinned.
Laughing and shaking his head, Jace wondered how someone so young had become so wise, but liked her way of thinking.
‘I’m pleased Kai offered me the opportunity to stay a few more days. Do you think he might make use of a skilled swordsman permanently?’
A small smile began to grow on Kiera’s lips.
‘I have no doubt he’d welcome someone who has… exceptional skills.’ She brushed a lock of hair as it blew across her face. ‘Do you know anyone?’
‘I might.’ Jace replied casually.
There was silence for a while as they rode in single file through a pass between high rocks; once they were clear and were able to ride side by side, Kiera quickly sidled up beside Jace.
‘I was thinking, if your father is rightful King of Brightstone that would make you a Prince. Don’t you want to return to Brightstone Castle?’
Pulling on the reins of Kiera’s horse, Jace brought them both to a halt. He waited a moment and looked into dark eyes before speaking.
‘It doesn’t mean anything to me, I’d rather stay here…with you.’
Unable to reply and feeling her heart beat hard in her chest; she blinked a few times before managing to speak.
‘Do you mean that?’
‘Every word… that’s if you want me?’
Wide eyes lingered over Jace’s lips as Kiera was left speechless.
There was nothing left to say. Jace reached his hand around Kiera’s neck and pulled her towards him. His lips landed against hers in a sealing lock of passion. Maika and Saul were close behind, and Saul nudged his friend and grinned wide. They walked their horses around the kissing couple and gawped as they rode by.
It was a few moment before Jace released his hold on Kiera and not sure if would receive a slap for embarrassing her in front of her men, lowered his head and apologized.
‘I’m sorry, I had to do that.’
Kiera stared with slightly parted lips and after recovering from the memorable kiss, smiled.
‘You don’t have to apologize.’
‘So, you’re not going to castrate me… with your sword?’ Jace grinned.
Kiera frowned. ‘Have you been talking to my brother?’
Laughing before pulling her towards him and stealing another kiss, Jace quickly released her and kicked his horse forward.
‘I’d heard a story or two, but I never betray a confidence.’
Breaking into a trot, Jace caught up Saul and Maika as they rode towards the crest of the hill.
Kiera quickly followed Jace and checked to make sure the other riders were not too far behind. When she turned towards Maika and Saul as they paused on the brow of the hill, she frowned at their stunned faces.
‘Hey! What’s going on?’
Kiera spurred her horse forward and joined them in stunned silence.
‘What’s happened?’ Jace pulled his horse beside Kiera’s and gazed at the demolished town below. There was nothing left, no buildings standing other than the wooden framework that smoldered.
‘It's… it’s all gone…everything…burned.’ Maika managed to speak.
Saul let out a loud cry and hit his fist against his head in disbelief. It was like nothing they’d ever seen. So many people…gone. They could only assume the attack was during the night as nothing was on fire; there was only the ashy remains of a once, thriving town.
It wasn’t long before Darion and Roulan, with the rest of the warriors caught up. Gasps and cries of shock were heard amongst the group as the vast smoky remnants came into view.
‘Oh no! It’s just like Dryden!’ Darion’s emotions got the better of him. He already started to panic that whoever attacked Darkmide, must have come via Braxton. ‘My father! Everyone I know in Braxton… what if they’re all dead too?’
Jace tried to ease Darion’s worries. ‘You don’t know that Darion, stay calm. We’ve no way of knowing if the same has happened to your town.’
‘But Braxton is between Dryden and Darkmide; they must have been there… No! I can’t believe this!’
‘Jace is right Darion, don’t think that way.’ Kiera snapped.
Turning to Maika she thought the best course of action would be for Darion and the warriors to continue towards Braxton while she and Jace rode back to Blackhill. There was no way of knowing if whoever did this had designs on Blackhill.
‘Maika, continue with Darion and the others to Braxton.’
Nodding and moving forward down the hill, Maika called for the others to follow.
‘Go with Maika Darion, he and the others will make sure you’re safe. If your town was attacked…and there are survivors, come back to Blackhill. We’ll take care of anyone needing aid. I give you my word.’
Kiera’s words gave Darion some comfort. Nodding and thanking her, he pressed forward his mount and began to follow Maika.
‘Who would do this, and how many of them are there to create such devastation?’
Kiera shook her head at Jace’s queries, it didn’t make any sense.
Turning to look at Roulan, Jace furrowed his brows then leaned towards Kiera and whispered. ‘What about Roulan?’
Kiera thought for a moment. ‘He’ll have to return to Blackhill with us.’
As soon as Maika, Saul and Darion, together with the other warriors were on the road to Braxton, Kiera turned her horse and headed for home. Closely followed by Jace and Roulan, they galloped for some time before taking a short break. Kiera wanted to get back to Blackhill and warn Kai that whatever or whoever attacked Darkmide, could look to Blackhill next.
Water lapped gently against the sides of the copper bath. Kai sighed as the light captured chestnut hair draping over the edge towards the floor; Eloise was a rare beauty, even if she didn’t fully understand what effect she had on him. Her innocent glances and smiles as he perched in the open window frame were driving him crazy.
‘Why are you grinning?’
He wondered if he should tell her. Kai inclined his head. ‘Just the sight of you bathing, I know you’re happy…and I it makes me happy too.’
Giggling and smoothing the washcloth up her arm, letting the warm water caress her skin, Eloise continued to bathe.
‘I should get out, I’m starting to wrinkle.’
Kai’s eyes widened when she leaned back against the tub, arching her back and sighing, her breasts rose from beneath the water, making Kai wish he was in there with her.
He pushed away from his perch and slowly moved towards her. Kneeling, he pulled shimmering locks of her hair through his fingers; soft and silky, a rainbow of gold’s, browns and copper, he could look at it all day.
Quickly pulling a leather strap from one of his braids and holding it between his teeth, he braided the thick mass of hair. Kai inhaled deeply while playing with the long tresses, tying it securely with the leather, he pulled it through his hands once more before letting it fall.
After rising and taking a towel from the dresser, Kai held it wide and waited for Eloise to leave the comfort of her bath.
‘Let’s go and have breakfast, I’m starving.’
Eloise rose, her skin flushed and warm; he purred while watching the droplets of water trickle over her breasts. With strong arms he enveloped her, holding her tight against him, he began drying her then relaxed his hold as he fell to his knees. Patting her delicate skin his concentration made Eloise smile as she stared down.
He performed his task with enthusiasm, not missing any area, and Eloise wondered if this was common practice. Kai gently nudged her legs and grinned wickedly.
‘Open your legs wider.’ His hands moved higher and patted gently on her most sensitive area, his eyes had a feral look about them; they matched his carnal smirk.
‘Are you going to do this every time I take a bath?’ Eloise nibbled her lip.
Kai didn’t look at her and continued working. He was now concentrating his efforts on her legs and feet. She giggled when he raised her foot, and she steadied herself by resting her hands on his shoulders.
‘It depends.’
Eloise’s brows rose. ‘On what?’
‘On whether I get to taste you afterwards.’
Throwing the towel to the side and without warning Kai’s fingers trailed up her inner thigh and brushed against her intimately. She gasped and flinched at his touch, her body humming with excitement and growing exhilaration.
Soft lips complimented the fleshy pad of his fingertips, followed by an eager tongue lazily sliding between her folds. Eloise gripped his shoulders then moved one hand to his head let her fingers tangle in his hair.
‘Kai…’ Breathy and barely audible, Eloise could barely speak.
Hips involuntarily ground against his mouth and without realizing she found herself tugging at his hair, making him work harder. Kai’s hot breath fell against her already sizzling flesh; lapping feverishly, his tongue searched every crevice to taste her.
‘I thought you… were hungry?’ Sighing heavily, Eloise could hardly catch her breath.
Kai’s voice was husky, throaty; words a whisper, as he nestled his face between her legs.
‘I am.’
His tongue flicked against her hardening nub, sending a sensual shock through her.
‘Kai!’ Eloise gripped his hair and dug her nails into his shoulder. ‘Don’t stop!’
Eager fingers slid between wet folds. Pushing inside her heat and feeling the slickness of her, he closed his eyes and growled at her shuddering body.
Eloise felt her knees buckle and clung to him desperately while her hips rocked; his expert tongue and fingers brought her body to a heated frenzy. Breaths forced out in short, sharp gasps as the first flutters of pleasure began, before rapidly increasing with exquisite sensations. Eloise screamed out his name as the intensity of her climax heightened. Fingers tightened in his hair and caused another growl from Kai. She slumped forward as the last ripples and shudders ceased.
Kai rose from his knees and held her against him. Sliding a hand between their bodies, his fingers fumbled to unfasten the laces of his pants. Aided by Eloise’s slender fingers, she quickly unfastened the lacing and pulled the soft leather apart. Springing free, his heavy cock almost sighed at the release of the restraints, causing Kai to hiss. He spun Eloise around and ushered her towards the window. His large hands cupped her soft buttocks and shoved her forward, his need urgent.
Bracing her hands against the window sill, Eloise leaned forward and raised her hips in hasty need to feel Kai inside her. Dipping low and taking a fist full of cock, he slipped between her wetness. Grunting as he thrust into her heat he squeezed his eyes shut tight. Eloise gasped at the impact, she’d not expected to be handled so roughly but the sensation of large hands kneading her cheeks, squeezing, sent a heated rush through her body. Her heart pounded, she could hear the blood rushing in her ears and pulsing between her legs; she was dazed by mixed emotions. Inching himself out of the tight heat slowly before returning, he made untamed groaning sounds with each thrust. He watched his cock disappear inside her body and felt her squeeze him tight as tensing muscles spasm around him. Withdrawing and gazing at his wet cock he couldn’t hold back his need. Bracing his hands against her hips, he started pounding against her. Pulling her closer and holding her fast, his grunting grew louder with each thrust. Eloise gripped the wooden frame of the open window and tried to brace herself; it was Kai that held her fast with his hands gripping her hips. She felt complete whenever she was with him, either in a sensual embrace or just close to him, he was her world and knew they would never be apart. Her body took the pummeling and submitted to his need, she loved him.
Kai couldn’t stop and didn’t want to, his cock throbbed and ached for release, his balls tightened and he was almost there, just a few more forceful jabs. Gritting his teeth causing the muscle in his clenched jaw to twitch and with heavy breaths between groans that resounded around the room, Kai started to cry out when his climax hit. He piled into Eloise so forcefully she cried out and fell against the frame, gasping. The first, deep hard thrust made Kai toss back his head, throwing his hair against sweated skin. He paused a moment, enjoying the exquisite release before jabbing against her once more, again pausing as his eyes remained closed, savoring the moment, then finally withdrawing and thrusting one final time with a husky groan.
Kai smoothed his hands around Eloise waist then cupping her breasts, pulled her against him, making her straighten. Their breathing was still slowing back to normal and Kai nestled his chin at the crook of her neck.
‘I’m sorry, I couldn’t-’
‘That was…breathtaking…and you have nothing to apologize for.’
Groaning against her neck he squeezed her tightly.
‘Apart from starving me.’ She giggled.