Clara

Drevakin’s massive form looms over where I sit.

I hold his eyes with mine, watching as he reaches out to skim a finger across my shoulder. The narrow strap of my dress slides over at his touch.

My breath comes faster as he deliberately does the same on the other side, his eyes not leaving mine, the contact searing. The top of my dress loosens, hanging loose over my breasts now. I watch his face and know his lust.

His gaze lingers on my bared curves then he drops to his knees, making our faces level with each other. This isn't a good idea. I know it isn't. Despite every attempt I've made to keep him out of my mind, I've thought about him every night since we first met. His gorgeous eyes, his unique taste, his clever fingers, his jacked body.

His hard cock.

I've dreamed about him and all the things I want to do with him, to him. Everything about him attracts me. Now I'm alone with him and he wants me as much as I want him. I can't hold back. My desire is overwhelming. My pulse pounds loudly in my ears as my nipples harden, scraping painfully against the cloth of my dress.

This is happening. I will cross the line again.

Leaning forward to meet his kiss, my fingers slide into his silky hair as I make a small sound, meeting his tongue with mine. He kisses me back voraciously, the floodgates well and truly opened.

His fingers hook into the lax top of my gown and tug the fabric down to my waist. My skin prickles at the cold air against my naked skin. I have a moment to I remember that we're not in a private area. The room is open to the hall and the latticework windows to the area outside.

It isn't enough to stop me. Lust combined with the unrelenting stress of the last few days leaves me reckless. Dangerously so.

I slide my arms out of the thin straps one at a time, not moving my mouth from his. A trickle of wetness slides down his thighs as his hands find the warm weight of my breasts. His thumbs caress the hardened tips and that small touch sends a sharp tingle through me.

Drevakin pushes me back against the cushions as he leaves my mouth. He kisses his way down my throat, his fangs scraping against my delicate skin. Shivering in reaction, I moan as he moves down farther to nibble at my collarbones.

I would never have thought fangs were hot until I met him.

He moves down farther to my bare breasts. My chest rises and falls, my breathing rapid. He licks the sensitive crease underneath each curve, tasting my skin and I clench my hands on his hard shoulders, fingernails digging into the supple leather covering them.

He carefully scrapes his teeth across one stiffened peak. I gasp, shock and pleasure ripping through me as he takes it into his mouth, soothing it with his tongue. I turn my head to the side as he moves to my other breast. Taking it in both his hands, he repeats the delicate scrape and suck, his mouth closing over me and settling in for longer, until it’s so good it almost hurts.

He doesn't stop until I pull his head away, groaning. He moves down farther, stopping at my navel and nuzzling it as his large, callused hands slide up the insides of my thighs and push them farther apart.

His hot breath brushes across my skin as he continues down, but then Drevakin pauses, his eyes focused between my legs. He looks up, his eyes narrowed, their color a darker purple, lust crystal clear. His cheeks are flushed as his hands clench my thighs.

"No undergarment?" he growls.

It’s possessive and not called for in our situation, but I can't deny that I like it.

"Everything shows under... this," I explain, gesturing at the dress, only part of my midsection covered by it now.

It felt odd walking around without underwear, the dress itself flimsy enough to make it seem like I had nothing on. I would never dress like this if the heat didn't mean it’s also practical. Definitely more comfortable.

Drevakin shakes his head. "This is a temptation no male could resist."

"I don't want you to resist," I murmur.

"Then you shall have your wish," he says, his eyes on mine as he lowers his head to taste me.

The first swipe of his mobile tongue has me closing my eyes and swallowing hard in response. I will definitely keep this dress. I hum, digging my fingernails into his scalp as I try to push closer to his ridiculously talented mouth.

He increases the pressure of his tongue in response, licking up and down my length, making a low sound in the back of his throat in obvious enjoyment. That's almost better than the actual sensation. Knowing he's liking it as much as I am.

His thumb rubs the sensitive, delicate grooves where my thighs meet my body, as he licks and sucks my slick folds, my breathy moans filling the silence. He's so good and I'm a very appreciative recipient.

I groan as he scrapes his fangs against me then pulls back like he’s afraid it was too much.

I shake my head. "More," I urge, trying to bring him back, wanting the dangerous, thrilling sensation of his fangs against me.

"Are you certain?" he asks, his breath coming in pants.

"Yes," I say, arching up against his mouth.

He doesn't ask again, giving me what I want. He adds delicate scrapes to his licks as he settles in against my clitoris, right where I need him, the nub sensitized from what he's already done.

My thighs tremble as my orgasm draws nearer, my body almost trying to fight him off, the cresting sensation close to overwhelming.

He holds my thighs apart with a firm grip, his large hands controlling me as he licks with a furious intent, pushing me to the cliff. It doesn't take much longer.

My cry is low and hoarse as I grind against his face, shaking with the intensity of the climax as he keeps up the stimulation, drawing it out as long as it can go, holding me down forcefully so he can keep his mouth on me. It's almost painfully intense.

As I relax back against the couch, breathless, he lifts his mouth, kissing the inside of my thigh, the gesture surprisingly sweet. I didn't expect sweetness after his coldness before. It's... nice. I try not to read too much into it, no matter how much I want it to mean more. He brings my legs back together and tugs my dress down to cover me again, his touch considerate and caring. Though maybe I'm reading too much into it.

He even slides my straps back up my arms as I watch with half open eyes, limp from what just happened. I would be happy to lie here for the next week. He gives my breasts another firm squeeze, his face tight, still wound up, but he covers them anyway, smoothing the fabric over my curves.

He meets my eyes with a confusing mix of emotions. This transgression is much worse than the previous one. We're in Rathorin's house, his home. Reckless doesn't even cover it.

"This was not a good idea," I mutter.

He sighs, cupping my face with one large hand. "No, it was not," he agrees, a tight grin on his face. "But I don't regret it."

I smile back, layering my hand over his, appreciating the sentiment. I open my mouth, to say what I don't know, when the sound of the front door opens down the hall. My eyes widen in alarm as I sit up and Drevakin's own face shuts down as he rises and steps back.

He moves to the other side of the room and sits across from me again, grimacing as he tries to adjust the impressive bulge in his pants. I hope nobody looks there. No way would they miss it if they even just glance in the general direction.

My face burns hot so I know it's flushed. When I look down, my nipples are hard under the flimsy material of the dress, poking out and demanding attention. I can't help either of those things.

Watching Drevakin's guarded face I bite my lip, listening to the sound of footsteps coming our way, the weight and confidence of them telling me who it has to be. Drevakin stands as Rathorin enters the room.

Rathorin's eyes take in the scene, his jaw clenched tight. Anger dances in his eyes and his hand balls into a fist. His eyes rake over me. He's not happy. I stand too, feeling vulnerable sitting down while they both tower over me. Not that they don't tower while I'm standing too. Maybe I need to get stilts or something.

"Every time I turn around, you are here," Rathorin growls, his nostrils flaring as he looks between us again. "It is not wise to draw this... attention... to yourself, Drevakin." He turns his cold eyes towards me. "Why are you here alone with him?" he demands, his eyes skating down my body.

It’s like he knows exactly what was going on, though that might be my paranoia talking.

"It felt rude to leave him outside to wait," I murmur.

He looks at me, his face letting me know he isn't buying it. I mean, I don't blame him. I wouldn't buy it either.

His attention goes back to Drevakin, his hands smoothing the red robe he wears which I note is matching me again. I don't know why I find that so creepy, but I do. I can't help but assume he tries to use the matching outfits as a visual way to claim me as his. Weird and uncomfortable.

"Why are you here?" Rathorin demands, his hand going to the hilt of his sword.

Shit.

"Once again your people attacked mine. I am here to tell you that you must do something. You cannot ignore this issue because it is inconvenient," Drevakin bites out, his eyes going to Rathorin's sword, but his hands staying loose at his sides.

He's trying not to escalate the situation.

Rathorin barks out a laugh. "House Lo'ara exists only because of my sufferance," he scoffs, his expression matching his tone. Ugly, condescending. "You would do well to remember that."

Drevakin's face is unreadable but his eyes are cold rage. This isn't good. There’s nothing I can do that will improve the situation. It would make it worse if I say what I'm thinking, so I bite my tongue.

"If you do not do something, I will," Drevakin hisses.

Rathorin raises his eyebrows in mock surprise. "That is ill-advised," he warns. "Do not forget who wields the power in this relationship."

Drevakin smiles, though there's no humor in it. "How could I?" he murmurs, bowing.

The gesture is dripping with sarcasm. I didn't know a respectful gesture like that could be so mocking. It isn't smart, but I can’t say I blame him for it.

"I will leave you to your day," Drevakin murmurs as he straightens.

He turns towards me and bows again, the gesture much more respectful, his eyes soft as they meet mine. I nod in response, hoping I don't give my own feelings away in front of Rathorin. As Drevakin walks to the hall leading to the front door, Rathorin speaks again.

"Do not enter my home when I am not here again."

Drevakin pauses, his back stiffening, but then he nods. He doesn't turn around as he continues to the front door. Rathorin watches me as the door closes behind Drevakin.

"Do you think me a fool, my Princess," he bites out when we're alone.

I swallow, my hands damp, my heart beat loud in my ears. "No, I do not," I say, cold sweat trickling down my spine.

He steps closer, his eyes sliding down my body, the scrutiny makes me feel dirty.

"But you must. You think I do not see how you look at that trash? A male from a Minor House!" He says the latter like it's inconceivable anyone would find anyone from a Minor House attractive. "All the while, you hold me, your mate, at arm's length! It is ridiculous!" He laughs, a harsh sound, as he steps closer still. "Perhaps I have been too lenient, given you the wrong impression," he says, his voice barely above a whisper.

The softer tone puts me on edge. I'd prefer it if he yelled, or raged, this makes a chill run down my back. I stiffen and suck in a breath as he slides one hand around me, cupping my ass, while the other slides up and closes over my breast. His eyes dare me to do anything about it.

"This is mine," he says in a low voice, squeezing both hands for good measure, too hard. I know it isn't a mistake. He wants it to hurt. "Do not doubt it."

I err on the side of silence, my jaw clenching as my skin crawls from the unwanted contact. He smirks as he watches me straining to contain myself.

"Good. It seems you are understanding." He holds my eyes with his as he uses his thumb to toy with my nipple, showing me he can do whatever he wants.

I refuse to react, I won't give him the satisfaction. His smile widens, enjoying my discomfort.

"Tonight we consummate our relationship. Be ready," he orders.

He lets go of me and walks away without a backward glance.