He glances over at me. “You must intrigue them.”
“Me? I thought they were helping you.”
He snorts. “You have seen their method of helping.”
Ugh, he’s right. Hiding me away for two days just to see how Aron would react. Dicks. I can’t imagine what they’re thinking, other than they just like to toy with us. “They did tell me where we’re supposed to go,” I offer. “You’ll never guess.”
“Yshrem?”
I point at him, taking another sip of my wine. “That’s it.” The fruit in my hands smells heavenly, and I’m still a little hungry. I put down my wine cup and sniff the skin, enjoying the tease. I mean, I’m totally going to eat this, but I’ll give it a little foreplay first. “Yshrem. He said you would meet your destiny there.”
Aron nods thoughtfully. “The Cyclopae are warriors dedicated to me, and they conquered Yshrem years ago. I believe their king rules from there now, so it does not surprise me that I will meet my other Aspects on the field of battle before Castle Yshrem’s gates.”
Field of battle? I don’t like the sound of that. “Is it safe to go there?”
“Do you mean, will the people of Yshrem try to kill me as my own priests did back in Aventine?” His lip curls with the memory. “There is only one way to find out, but the Cyclopae king is an honorable warrior.”
“Whereas the prelate was a corrupt asshole looking out for himself. I gotcha.” I nod and nibble on the skin of my fruit. It’s so juicy that a droplet dribbles onto my hand, and I absently lick it up.
Aron watches me, his gaze intent on my actions. For some reason, I immediately think of sex. The way he’s watching me tells me it’s not about the fruit. Not anymore.
Flustered at his intense scrutiny, I try to keep the conversation going. “So you don’t mind staying here until we head out to Yshrem then?”
“Staying in bed with you for a few weeks? It does not seem like such a chore.” He slowly gets to his feet, and his gaze is devouring me.
I feel all fluttery and weak. Does he really want to spend the next few weeks in bed? “You know, for a guy that didn’t want to touch me for the longest time, you’re pretty gung-ho now.”
“I told you.” He stalks toward me, like a predator chasing prey. “I am already lost.”
I watch him, fascinated and breathless. “What are you doing?”
“I find that I need to eat as well,” Aron murmurs.
Confused, I automatically hold out the fruit in my hand. Sure, I’ve taken a bite out of it, but it’s really the only thing left to eat. I’ve cleaned out everything else.
“That’s not what I hunger for, Faith.” And he slides to his knees before my chair, his hands moving to my hips.
I whimper.
With slow, methodical movements, Aron opens the slit of my Novoran wraparound gown and exposes my pussy. He stares down at it for a moment, and I squirm in response. Did I think the way he looked at me before was intense? It’s nothing compared to how he’s looking at me now.
His hands grip my hips and he tugs me forward, ever so slightly. When I remain completely still, he glances up at me, at the uneaten fruit in my hands. “Don’t let me interrupt you. My anchor needs to eat and keep up her strength.”
Oh.
It feels like the world is in slow motion as I put the fruit to my lips and lick away a bead of juice. Even as I do, Aron leans forward, his face moving between my trembling thighs.
And he licks me.
I can’t stop the moan that pours from my throat. This is the first time he’s put his mouth on me, there, and the spark that ripples between us feels like foreplay. I lean back in the chair, panting, as his tongue moves over my folds, dragging over my most sensitive spots, before he sucks lightly on my clit, drawing it into his mouth.
I’m whimpering with full-blown lust and need even as I raise the fruit to my lips and take another small bite. My mouth fills with juice as he works my clit, and it’s the most erotic and insanely filthy thing I’ve ever done.
He strokes a finger deep into my core, and I sink my teeth into the red fruit as he does. Instead of thrusting into me, using his finger like he would his cock, he doesn’t move. I’m