He inhales sharply but doesn’t waste another moment, sinking into me with a single push.
Surely, my guttural cry carries through the still forest, perking ears of the owls and whichever legionaries guard against dangers. But right now, the world is only Zander and me. No one and nothing else matters as our bodies writhe and grind against each other, the impressive span of muscle across his back tensing beneath my fingertips with each thrust.
Over and over, he moves inside me, his breathing ragged as my skin grows slick, our cries unchecked in the night.
With a swift maneuver, I find myself straddling Zander, his eyes blazing as he grips my hips. I roll them, and the smile he gives me is slow and satisfied. He’s never been able to last long in this position once I begin to move, his glazed focus struggling between my swaying breasts and where we’re joined.
He seems to remember that quickly. The padded muscle across his stomach flexes as he sits up, our chests meeting in the middle. “Not yet.” His mouth lands on mine, his fingers collecting a fistful of hair as he pushes my lips wide open in a deep kiss, our bodies rocking in a sensual, well-timed dance.
I hold his gaze as my hands crawl over his shoulders, his arms, his chest, until they settle flared against his back, pulling his body flat against mine.
“You wanted to see me break,” he whispers, his breathing uneven.
“No, I wanted to see you love.” My focus shifts to where we’re joined, the feel of him filling my welcoming body … My release hits me in a sudden and unexpected rush, stealing my control. I cry out Zander’s name as my muscles spasm around him. He follows immediately after, his arms flexing around my body as he pulsates inside me.
I remain straddling his lap afterward, our chests heaving from exertion, our lips sneaking gentle kisses along jawlines and necks. The only sound to compete with us is the occasional snap of roasting wood.
I could stay like this all night.
But when Zander’s body tenses, I know this reprieve is over, and his worries have begun to consume him again.
“Those warriors out there have pledged their loyalty and their lives to me. They must have faith that I remain focused on a way out of this mess.”
“And not chasing to get under my skirts?” I mock, as Corrin loved to say.
“Abarrane will worry that I’m under your influence again.” He smooths his palm over my bare thigh. “I suppose I am. But I need her every step of the way. She cannot think my judgment is compromised.”
I know what he’s saying. “It’s fine. I won’t take it personally.” I kiss the tip of his nose. “Just don’t be a fucking asshole again.”
He sighs heavily. “Would the people’s princess use that foul language?”
My head falls back with a bellow of laughter that reminds me where he’s still deeply seated.