“I can’t give you what you want, Hildi, it goes against everything I’ve worked so hard to establish for myself.” His jaw tenses. “I’m a strong man, Valkryie, if I cross over that line…”
“I’m injured,” I say, touching the wound. “Poisoned, and there’s one thing that can take away the pain. This isn’t about sex, Miya.”
We stare at one another as the arousal continues to build. My nipples are hard, stabbing at my shirt, my skin damp, coated in sweat. I fight my urges, shoving my hand between my legs. I groan, knowing I’m seconds from taking care of it myself.
“Lie back,” he says suddenly, his voice quiet.
“What?”
“Lie on the bed, Hildi.”
I do as he says.
Miya kneels by the bed and closes his eyes; his lips move like he’s saying a prayer. My belly burns, roll
ing with inconsolable desire. I’ve never felt something like this before. Ever.
“Miya,” I whisper.
His eyes pop open wide and he stands. I think he’s going to leave me, abandon me like this, but to my surprise and utter relief, he doesn’t. He shrugs off his robe, revealing a thin shirt and pants, before climbing into the bed.
He molds himself into my side, head next to mine on the pillow. “Tell me what you need.”
I lock eyes with his.
“Fuck me, Miya. Fuck me so hard the poison leaves my system.”
“I’ll do this,” he says, “but my way, understand?” His hand slides over my waist, making my skin explode with goosebumps.
“I understand,” I whisper, feeling steadier already.
“Close your eyes.”
I allow them to fall shut and he doesn’t hesitate. He tugs my shirt over my head and lowers my pants down my hips. His fingers hook in my panties and the cool air of my room shocks against the heat between my legs. His hands skim my body, forcing my hips to rise. He takes his time. It’s painful in a whole other way, deliciously so, his lips burn against my skin, they suck at my nipples. His teeth graze, biting the flesh at my hips. He hovers over me and I feel the ghost of his body right above. I reach for him, but he says quietly, “Don’t. Please.”
I fist the sheets in my hands.
His mouth covers the wound, lathing his tongue against the punctures. That’s when I feel his hardness against me, slipping between my legs. I can’t see him—just feel him. He’s big and when he grazes my clit with the tip, jolts of electricity shoot through my body and I cry out in pain.
I wrap my legs around him. Wanting more, needing more, I don’t know how long it’s been since Marielle bit me. I’ve lost track of time, caught up in my body.
I feel his hands in the slippery wetness between my legs, I sense the tip of his cock at my entrance. I whisper a beg, unashamed, just desperate. He pushes in, providing the first rush of relief I’ve had since this began.
“Thank the gods,” I moan in his ear as he shifts his hips, thrusting into me. He moves hard, fast, so fast, in a way I’ve never experienced. My eyes fall open and I see him over me, eyes closed, jaw tense. He’s gorgeous, a face made of angles, filled with peace. If he’s struggling with this decision, there’s no evidence in his expression.
I feel the poison pulsing in my system, beating in time to the thrust of Miya’s hips. The coil inside of me that has been tightening and tightening wraps further until there’s no space left. My tits rub against Miya’s chest. I pant, little cries that let him know I’m on the edge. My nails dig into his back.
“So close, so close, so close,” I mutter, like a woman deranged.
His eyes pop open and we stare at one another and I’m terrified he’ll pull away. I’d broke the rule. But that’s not what happened. His warm eyes bore into mine, filled with heat and desire. His tongue darts out and he licks his bottom lip and then, without warning, as the coil threatens to spring, he kisses me.
Odin above, he kisses me.
My body unleashes.
His hips keep moving, my legs shake, my insides crumble.
I break from the kiss, sprung, crying out, both high-pitched and guttural, biting down on his shoulder. My heart clenches when Miya finally lets go, releasing on his own, his groan the sound of promises broken, his own rules shattered.