him to give a low cry and erupt. His cock flexed against her as his seed shot forth, covering her upper body.
He had barely finished coming before he lifted her higher and started kissing her frantically, taking her mouth with a demanding urgency that left her dazed and clinging to him when he finally raised his head.
“I can’t control myself around you,” he said. He ran a finger down between her breasts to where his semen had soaked her gown and her skin. “This pleases me more than it should.”
“I suspect that goes both ways.” She shook her head as he carried her over to the couch. “I’m more attracted to you than I’ve ever been to another man.”
He growled softly. “Do not talk to me of other men. May I remove this?”
“Might as well. It’s kind of damp now. I guess I need to have Cassie help me make some other nightgowns.”
“You do not need to conceal your beauty.” He pulled the gown over her head, leaving her naked on his lap. She might have felt embarrassed if he weren’t so obviously pleased. His fingers went back to her breasts, stroking the still damp skin. “I enjoy the scent of my seed on you.”
The soft scrape of his fingers across the sensitive flesh made it difficult to concentrate on his words. “You mentioned scent bonding earlier. What does that mean? Is your sense of smell that strong?”
“I don’t believe so, but—” His hand stilled. “There is a historical tale. A beautiful princess was sought by a warlord from a distant land. He sent his men to capture her and bring her to him. It was a long journey, and along the way, she fell in love with one of her guards. When she was brought before the warlord, she refused him and told him that her heart was already given. In his anger, he had her blinded. He then told her she could have her lover if she could identify him without sight or sound. He paraded his men before her, each one blindfolded and gagged. A hundred men went by, then a thousand, then finally, the princess cried out. She had found her lover. Without sight, without sound.”
“By scent?”
“Yes.”
“What happened to the princess and her lover?”
“The warlord let them go and they made their way back to the princess’s land, where she eventually became queen and ruled for many years.”
“I love that story.” She smiled up at him. “Lucie would love it too. Except perhaps the princess should be blindfolded instead, just to be on the safe side.”
His hand had stilled while he told the story, and she brought it over to cover her breast. He stroked a thumb across her nipple, but he still looked thoughtful.
“How did your females choose which garments to use to make their clothes today?”
“Really? That’s what you’re thinking about now?” A little annoyed, she started to pull away, but his hand tightened, sending a wave of pleasure straight to her aching pussy.
“Please, Abigail. This is important.”
His dark eyes were intent on her face so she tried to think back. “Everything was stacked on the table, remember? The girls just went through them and picked out what they wanted.”
“Did they smell them?”
“No—” A sudden memory made her hesitate. Molly had been reluctantly picking through the pile when she’d stopped and pulled out a shirt. Had she held it to her face? “Actually, I’m not sure. I think Molly might have. I know she held it up to her face.” She sat up in his lap. “You aren’t thinking of that story, are you? Molly is human, not Cire.”
“And yet she chose something that had belonged to Ribel. He believes her to be his mate.”
“Then he can unbelieve it. I told you she’s too young.”
“I relayed that to him,” he said soothingly, but then he frowned. “He said he was willing to wait, no matter how long it took for her to come of age.”
“He’s young. He’ll get over it. They both will.” She tried for a dismissive tone, despite her own concerns about Molly.
“Perhaps. Did you know that we rescued another group of females previously?”
“Oh?” A distinct pang of jealousy hit her. Had Hrebec been involved with one of them?
“Yes. They were Villae. Tiny little things. Quite beautiful.” He must have felt her instinctive withdrawal, because he pulled her closer and gave her a quick kiss. “Of course, none of them were as beautiful as you. My point was that Ribel was fascinated