“I’m sorry,” she whispered.
I returned to my task, less controlled now. Rougher. I used my tongue and lips and the edge of my teeth, building her back up in an almost brutal way. I growled against her skin, bringing her higher this time, feeling my own control starting to fracture. The terror that had consumed me for the past six days bled through every touch, transforming into something rawer. More desperate.
She was here. She was safe.
Her breathing had gone ragged. “Please, Trew, I can’t—I need?—”
“Beg me properly, Minx.”
“Please let me come. Please. I’m yours. I won’t leave again. I promise.”
The words fractured through my ribs.
I brought her to the edge again, kept her there, trembling and desperate.
“Say it again,” I said in only a marginally softer tone.
“I’m yours.” Her voice cracked. “I’m here, I’m safe. I won’t leave again.”
A tear fell onto my upturned face. Then another.
I looked up to find her face wet, her body shaking with more than just denied pleasure. She was crying, silent tears streaming down her flushed cheeks as she stood exactly where I’d positioned her, trembling but obedient.
Her tears weren’t from pain. They were mine, reflected back. The sight shattered every bit of me.
“Say my name,” I growled. “My real name.”
“Trewyn.” It came out broken, beautiful.
“Who do you belong to?” I kissed her thigh where I’d gripped too hard, already gentling my touch.
“You. Only you. Always you.”
The fear that had been driving me finally broke.
I softened immediately, the shift so complete it was like changing into a different man. The punishment dissolved into pure worship.
“I’ve got you,” I said, pressing kisses up her thigh. “I’ve got you, love. You’re here. You’re safe.”
I found her hand with mine, threading our fingers together as I brought her higher. Gentler now, but no less devastating. Building her up with tenderness instead of torture.
“That’s it,” I whispered. “Good girl. Be good for me, Minx. Let me take care of you.”
She was shaking, her legs barely supporting her weight. I felt the exact moment she reached the crest, her entire body tensing. Our magic entwined visibly, threads of fire weaving between us, glowing as a brief vision flickered, our bond, unbreakable, pulsing with shared heat.
“Now, love.” I looked up, meeting her tear-bright eyes. “Come for me now.”
I didn’t stop, but carried her through it as she shattered. As I shattered along with her.
My name tore from her lips, and I held her steady as her legs gave out, catching her as she collapsed against the door.
I stayed on my knees, pressing my forehead to her belly, my shoulders shaking with relief so profound it threatened to unmake me.
“I can’t bear to lose you,” I said against her skin. “I can’t. My crown demands my blade, but my heart? That’s yours alone.”
Her fingers wove into my hair, stroking gently. “I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.”
I rose slowly, holding her shoulders, staring down at this woman who could ask for the world, and I’d do everything within my power to give it to her.