Missy Jane - Born of Stone

“Astrid, please…please don’t cry.”

“I’m sorry. I just…why am I even here? With you?”

He didn’t pretend to misunderstand her question. Had in fact expected it at some point. The problem was he didn’t know the answer.

“I’ve already told you I think you’re beautiful. I’ve watched you serve our meals these past few nights and you intrigued me. I’m only sorry I waited so long to speak to you. I have no excuse for not realizing how you were being treated.”

She shook her head and waved that away with one hand as if it was of no account. But to him it was everything and something for which he would always carry guilt.

“How can you find me even passably pretty with all my scars? And before that glorious bath? I was such a mess.”

Her mention of the bath brought the sight of her glistening wet skin to mind and his cock responded beneath her hip. Her eyes widened and he knew she felt him hardening.

“Does that tell you anything? I promise a man’s body cannot lie in such a way.” When she chewed on her bottom lip, he growled. “I’d be happy to chew on that lip for you.”

Her mouth popped open in surprise and he couldn’t help but laugh.

“What’s so funny?” she asked.

“You look so remarkably scandalized. Even after all we’ve done to each other.”

A pretty blush filled her cheeks but she smiled and it eased his heart.

“I suppose that’s true. I never knew such things were possible…or that they would feel so wonderful.”

She tentatively placed her small palm against his bare chest, all the while eying him warily. He remained still to see just what she intended to do. After a minute of him not reacting, she finally rubbed a spot over his heart, then moved her hand farther out. She smoothed her palm all over his chest, pressing lightly against his nipples. His breathing sped up and his cock hardened fully. She squirmed a bit on his lap but never tried to leave it. Not that he would have let her.

He was still naked from the night before and her warm thighs against his lap were heaven. Soon she brought her other hand into play and ran them both up to his shoulders.

“You have such a large, strong body. I could touch you forever.”

“You don’t find it intimidating?”

She shook her head but smiled a little. “Not anymore.”

“Good. I would never hurt you.”

Her hands froze on his chest and she looked him in the eyes. “I know, Orestes. If I know nothing else, I do know you’re a trustworthy and honorable man.”

“Does it bother you that I’m not human?”

She started to shake her head but then stopped and shrugged. “Not really, no.”

“But?”

“Well…there are so many things I don’t know or understand about you. But I know it isn’t my place to ask—”

“Stop.” He placed a finger over her lips. “When it’s just the two of us, and especially here in my room, we are equals in all things. Understand?”

She shook her head and he frowned at her, dropping his hand from her mouth.

“Orestes, I could never be your equal in anything.”

“That’s not true—”

“Yes. It is.” She looked around his room a moment. “Take your books, for example. You are a very intelligent man. I’m a peasant with barely any understanding of the written word. I know I’m blessed to be here with you now when you could have easily chosen any other woman. I’ll never forget that.”

He blew out a breath in frustration because he knew he wouldn’t be able to easily convince her of how wrong she was. Before he could respond, she used her small hands to cup his face.

“I’m not complaining and I don’t mind. I know you are a great protector and I appreciate every second of your attention. I just want you to know I won’t take it for granted. When the day comes that you no longer desire me in your bed I’ll go without a fight. And I’ll take the memory of your touches with me gladly.”

Then she surprised him by leaning forward to initiate a kiss for the first time. He took the coward’s way out and allowed it. What could he say that wouldn’t be a lie when she had read the situation so clearly? He’d never even had a woman in his bed before. He usually traveled to Keva for his liaisons. Astrid was breaking down barriers she had no clue existed and asking for no promises from him. A greater man than he might have offered them anyway, but he feared giving her false hope when he knew he would be going to battle soon.

His brothers had granted him two days of rest and play only because he had so recently returned from patrolling the Eastern part of the kingdom. He needed the time to reenergize and be at full strength. No one but he and his brothers, the wizards and the King knew of the energy within the Gargoyle castle. It held an inherent power that fed their strength and quickened their healing processes. They were almost indestructible when within the castle walls. If injured, they had only to return to the castle, no matter how grave the injury.

So despite his initial desire to look for Nel immediately, he knew he should wait the two days. He would need every ounce of strength. Not to mention the added benefit of being with Astrid during that time.

She continued to kiss him, proving she was indeed an apt pupil. Her small tongue dipped between his lips tentatively at first, then he moaned, and she speared it in with confidence. He ran one hand up her back, beneath the borrowed shirt and to her nape. He held her to him there and with his other hand cupped her lush bottom. Despite her thin frame, she had the most delectable ass. It was barely a handful, but oh what a handful. He squeezed it in appreciation and she wiggled in his grip.

“Mmmm, Orestes…”

“Yes, my sweet.”

She smiled against his mouth before kissing him again and he liked this more aggressive side of her. She surprised him further by moving away from his mouth and leaving a trail of kisses down his throat. He let his head fall back and she continued to work her way south. Once she reached his chest he expected her to stop. Instead, she pushed against him and he merely raised a brow in question.

“Will you lie back, please?” she asked quietly.

He almost didn’t. Having a woman on top of him could be wonderful but it wasn’t his preferred position. But then he saw the uncertainty in her eyes where there had been nothing but passion a moment ago and he immediately lounged back onto the fur-covered floor. A smile lit her face and dispelled his doubts as if they’d never been.

“What do you have in mind?” he asked.

She straddled him, placing her warm sex directly over his cock and he groaned. He gripped her hips and pushed against her. She gasped and he smiled.

“I don’t know,” she said.

He stilled while she looked him over. When she licked her lips an image of them wrapped around his cock immediately sprang to mind. He breathed out roughly and wondered if she had any experience with that particular act.

“I have a suggestion, but only a suggestion. You can say no,” he said. “But first, remove the shirt.”

She whipped his shirt off and threw it aside. Then she ran her hands over his chest and nodded. “Okay.”

“Have you ever taken a man into your mouth?”

Her jaw dropped and true confusion showed in her pretty eyes. “What?”

He couldn’t help but chuckle. That answered that question.

“Do you remember how I pleasured you with my tongue?” She nodded. “You are more than welcome to do the same for me…if you wish.”

Her expression cleared into one of curiosity. “Oh.”

She looked down at where her hands now rested on his lower belly. He quivered unexpectedly at her innocent touch and he nearly laughed at himself. He’d been with so many women over his long life, and yet this little human had him nearly trembling in expectation. She slid down his thighs, her sex rubbing enticingly over his skin. He nearly stopped her and asked her to ride him instead. But then the moment passed and she was positioned between his thighs, looking down at his erection curiously. She licked her lips again and his cock jumped in expectation.