"So, what you’re saying is...I can do everything now?"

Vareela smiles as she holds An, the baby's amber brown eyes looking up at the midwife adoringly.

"Yes. You may continue as normal in the bedchamber," she says baldly. No beating around the bush with her.

Or for Naefaren anymore. I wince at my own bad joke, shaking my head.

"Thank God," I mutter. Naefaren should be home soon. "I need to go," I say, trying to plan as I take An back in my arms. "Thank you so much!"

"You're welcome!" she calls as I hustle away with An in a sling against my chest.

I need to feed her and bathe her and then she'll be down for at least a couple of hours. She usually sleeps in the room with us, her small crib next to the bed but I don't want to wake her.

I have plans for the next couple of hours that may be...vigorous.

Hopefully.

But I need to move fast.

As soon as I'm back at the House Mansion, I ask for a bath—one for each of us. By the time I get her fed, changed, and down to sleep in the room connected to ours, leaving the door open, my bath is only lukewarm.

I'll take it. I clean up quickly, check on An, and then head over to the wardrobe. I've been slowly getting clothes to fit my height and build, the House seamstress coming through for me. But the outfit she made and gave to me last week was a complete surprise.

"You will know when to wear it," she said to me with a knowing smile.

As I take it out now, I mentally thank her. With the extra weight I'm carrying, especially in the breast region, the clothes I was wearing before aren't the most comfortable. As I figure out how to put it on, I realize calling it a dress might be a little too generous. Made of a deep orange, the cups of the bodice hug and lift my fuller breasts while leaving my back mostly bare, the skirt is a slim column. At least, from the back. The front is cut just low enough to cover my hips and not much else.

It makes me feel sexy, the fabric soft and slick. A feeling which I really appreciate after so many sleepless nights with a crying baby.

I’m trying to figure out what else to do to seduce Naefaren when the door opens and he steps inside.

Time’s up.

"Ling, I..." his eyes widen as he takes in the dress.

I have taken to wearing more baggy clothes after having An, just because they're more comfortable but the way he's looking at me now is making me rethink that decision.

"You look...you are beautiful,"

I know through the bond he means it and my heart melts a little.

"I went to see Vareela today," I say, stepping closer.

"Oh?" he asks absently, his eyes hot as they scan me.

"She says I can do everything now," I say, stopping with my bare feet just in front of his boots.

His eyes rise to meet mine as I slide a hand up his chest. "Everything?" he repeats, his voice already deeper.

I nod.

I let out a squeak as my feet immediately leave the ground and he tosses me onto the bed. I'm laughing as he follows, but then his mouth comes down on mine and all I can do is moan, my hands shaping his shoulders and back.

He abruptly breaks the kiss and jumps off the bed to rip off his clothes in less time than I thought possible. His erection is already at full mast as he takes a step toward the bed.

"Wait," I say huskily, sliding down so I can sit on the edge, my feet flat on the floor.

Guiding him towards me by his hips, I take him in my hands.

And then in my mouth.

"Ling," he groans, his hand cupping my head as I lick and suck at him.

But he doesn't let me stay there long. With a groan, he pulls out of my mouth, panting.

"No more. I want to be inside you when I spill."

Oh. Yes, please.

He pushes me back on the bed, kissing my lips, then my neck, the tops of my breasts. A quick yank and they spill out, his hands and mouth immediately covering the now lush curves.

I groan. "I need more," I say, twisting under him.

His hand slides down to my thigh, skimming up. And finding nothing. He hums in the back of his throat as his fingers softly trace my folds. He lifts his head to look at me as he sinks two fingers in.

"You are ready," he growls, carefully moving those fingers as he watches my face.

"Yes. Please," I gasp, arching up against his hand.

But he doesn't take my cue. Sliding down, his eyes are locked on mine as he deliberately licks me.

I gasp at the sharp sensation.

He doesn't play around, giving me exactly what I need, exactly what he knows sets me off. I cry out as the orgasm hits me, my body trying to move but his hands are holding me down, wrapped around my thighs as he keeps me where he wants me. The pleasure washes over me in waves, his enjoyment of seeing it coming through our bond.

You are so beautiful.

I open my eyes to see him rising up, his massive erection in his fist.

"I need you," I murmur.

He gives a sharp nod. And he doesn't waste any time.

Raising my legs, he locks eyes with me as he rubs the head of his cock up and down my wet furrow. His gaze drifts down, lingering on my breasts and then between my legs as he starts pushing.

We both close our eyes as he sinks into me.

It's even more intense as I feel an echo of what he feels, his pleasure ramping my own up even higher.

"Good?" he asks, brushing my hair away from my face.

I open my eyes to see him watching me with concern, his face already flushed, his eyes dark.

I nod. "Yes." Raising my legs, I wrap them around his waist to make sure he doesn't go anywhere. "More."

He nods, biting his lip, his fangs denting his bottom one as he slowly pulls out.

And then pushes in.

But it doesn't stay slow for long.

Both of us need more.

I push up against him on his next thrust, our bodies slapping together.

And then the leash just breaks. With a harsh sound, Naefaren braces me and starts to thrust in earnest, his jaw clenched as his muscles flex and release with the movement, his abs clenched.

I can feel his orgasm building.

In sync with my own.

But I need just a little...

"I have you," he says as my hand starts to inch down.

His hand reaches between us to rub at me right where I need it.

It's enough. I cry out as Naefaren thrusts into me again.

Once.

Twice.

And then I feel his own orgasm hit, his erection jerking inside as his fingers stay on my clitoris, forcing me to ride my own climax to the very end.

It lasts.

And lasts.

His pleasure and mine combine in our bond until it feels almost like it will never end. Slowly, the crest wanes, the sharp pleasure softening into a gentle warmth. With a heartfelt sigh, Naefaren slowly lowers his body on top of mine, a little to the side so his weight doesn't crush me.

Still buried deep inside.

I slide my hand down his damp back, kissing his shoulder as I just lie still. Feeling completely wrecked.

"Did you like my dress?" I ask, humor coloring my voice.

He grunts. "Very pretty," he acknowledges raising his head. "Though, I confess, I think I am partial to what is underneath."

I chuckle, sighing as I kiss him. I can feel his love for me emanating from him, suffusing me with warmth. I break the kiss to take in his beautiful face. He's such a wonderful person. So much more so than anyone I could have pictured for myself.

So much more than I ever thought I would have.

"I love you," I say, even though I know he can feel it coming from me. "So much."

His face softens as he kisses my palm, taking my hand in his. "I love you, too." His smile is soft as his eyes trace my face. "But you already know that. You and An...you are my life." He rests his forehead against mine, his heart in his eyes.

I don't even need the Paritella to know he means every word.

The road to this moment was dangerous, twisted, unpredictable. But as I hold Naefaren against me and hear An starting to fuss...

I would do it all over again.

In a heartbeat.

I've finally found my home right here.

In Naefaren's arms.

* * *