quick recovery time, at least around her. He pumped once, loving the way her breath hitched. “No, we’re not.”
****
Delphi had assumed it was over. After all, she’d come and so had he. This time there’d been no pain when she’d taken him inside. The sense of fullness, the intimacy of being joined had remained, but it had been tempered with pleasure.
Her breasts still tingled from where he’d sucked on them. Her core was wet from her earlier orgasm and now from his. She’d always wondered what that would feel like, if she’d find it messy and disgusting. It was certainly messy, but not disgusting at all. It was natural and beautiful.
At least with Ivar.
She wasn’t naïve enough to believe it would be like this with every man. On the contrary, sex was often a monetary or power exchange.
This was making love.
There was a huge difference.
He was hard again, even though he’d softened briefly. “How?” Sex wasn’t new, even if this was her first hands-on experience. Men finished, rolled off women, and left. That was how it was done.
“You inspire me.” He thrust lightly and the nerve endings in her core sparked to life. Every muscle in her body, which had been loose and relaxed, tensed again in anticipation.
“I’m not sure this is a good idea. I mean, I already came.”
“That’s the beauty of being a woman. You can orgasm many times, as long as you have the right partner.”
“And you’re the right partner?” The teasing, like the lovemaking, was totally natural and something she’d never done before. Not for real. Sure, she’d put on for a target before taking him down, but this wasn’t anything like that.
“Yes.” His gaze was solemn. There was no twinkle in his eyes. He meant it.
She ignored the jump of her heart. “Show me.”
He moved over her, in her, his body rocking back and forth, sliding in and out of her sheath. It was enjoyable, so she went with it. After a minute or so, it wasn’t enough. She hitched her legs around him and ground her pelvis against his, massaging her clit with each stroke.
“That’s is,” he crooned. “Take what you need. Gods, you’re incredible.”
They were both panting as though they’d run for miles. His battered and bruised body shone with sweat. His short hair was plastered to his skull.
“This is hurting you.”
“Stopping would hurt more. Touch yourself, kismara. Put your hand between your legs and stroke your clit.”
Her pulse spiked. Did he realize what he’d said? The word had tumbled off his tongue easily. Delphi had heard her sister’s husband whisper it to her when he thought no one was around. She didn’t know what it meant, only that it was a Gravasian term of endearment.
She could have asked Sass. Her sister would have told her, but it seemed too intimate a thing.
It didn’t mean anything. This was nothing more than a sharing of bodies. More than sex, but not everlasting love or a commitment.
Determined not to spoil the moment, she brought all her attention back to what was happening now. She’d touched herself many times when she’d been alone but never in front of anyone. There was a slight tremble in her fingers as she dipped between her legs and stroked. Like explosives primed and ready to go, everything went hot and she detonated.
“Yes. Yes. Yes,” she chanted, even as he thrust harder and faster. Then he threw back his head and yelled his release. Eyes slitted, she watched, lost in the primal power of it all. Every muscle in his arms and chest stood out in relief, and the cords of his neck were tight. He collapsed over her. He was heavy, but it wasn’t unpleasant.
Before it became a problem, he rolled to the side, gasping for air.
The cool air of the cave wafted over her overheated body. Her nipples pebbled, and she had to swallow back a moan as it stroked her core. Every inch of her skin was incredibly sensitive.
She turned her head to stare at him, this man who’d touched her soul and irreparably changed her. Sensing her gaze, he opened his eyes and smiled. “Thank you.”
“For what?” They’d both gotten pleasure. It had been an even exchange.
“For the most amazing gift in the world.”
Needing some time to gather her defenses once again, she rolled to her feet and gathered her clothes and weapons.
Ivar groaned as he pushed himself up. “Is everything okay?”
“Yes. I’m going to get washed and dressed and scout around a bit. It wouldn’t be