Page 119 of Twisted Bonds
I sigh, sitting up straight to receive his next command. But when he approaches, something changes in his gait. It moves from purposeful strides to a tentative dance. Then I notice his eyes aren’t on me at all. He’s staring at Lisa.
I glance between them, realizing this is my chance to escape another set of cleanup orders. I quickly make an excuse about needing to rest and slip away, but neither of them seem to notice my exit.
I snake my way through the crowded streets towards the palace, picturing my pillow when I feel the arrival of Bobble beside me. Like me, he’s spent every drop of his magic healing those who could be saved. His arm wraps around my waist as we walk in comfortable silence. It doesn’t take long for the others to find us, each spent and exhausted. With all the critical work seemingly done, I guess none of us feel guilty about taking a break.
Suddenly, Bobble stops walking and I stumble forward a step before realizing he’s not at my side. “What is it?” I ask, squinting up into his face. His amber eyes flicker with something I can’t quite read.
“I just… can’t go on. Carry me,” he says with such melodrama as he transforms into the tiny orange tabby cat.
“Oh, so this is how we’re doing it now,” I grumble and laugh at the same time, scooping him up into my arms. He nudges his furry head against my chest, letting out a soft purr. “Fine, be a cat.”
I march on toward the palace, Bobble tucked safely in my arms as I nuzzle his soft fur with my nose. Callum walks side by side with Tairyn and Sunder, but no feelings of jealousy pulse through our bond.
And when my head hits the pillow in my room, Bobble curled up by my side, I feel at peace for the first time in a very, very long time.
sixty-nine
Mira
Late in the hours of night, I sense a demanding tug from Tairyn’s bond urging me to his room. There’s no hint of danger or fear. Just desire, longing. A demand to finally have me all to himself.
I grin like a fat cat as I take my time bathing and shaving, washing every inch before I present myself to him like a summoned servant. Deep down, that’s exactly what I’m picturing, though. Giving into this urge inside me, letting him take total control of my body. I’ve already given him my heart. My trust.
I’m ready for him to take the rest of me, too.
I wrap a silky black robe tightly around my waist before making my way to his room on the top floor of Cor’than’s palace.
Slipping through the doorway, the only light in the cozy room is the crackling fire in the hearth. Tairyn waits for me with ankle over knee in a plush armchair facing the door. His dark hair and dark suit are perfectly neat, while his green eyes dance with something dark.
I lick my lips as I move closer to him, my nerves catching up with me. What was total excitement and confidence before, seeps into something unsure now that he’s staring at me like a wolf about to devour the unsuspecting rabbit.
His voice is low and smooth like honey when he says, “I promised myself that when I finally bed you, it would alter your whole being. Are ready for that, Mira? To be my pet. To give yourself fully to me, nin anto anna.”
I swallow as I nod my head. As if sensing my nerves, his voice softens to a gentle caress, reassurance flowing through the bond between us. “I’d never do anything you didn’t want me to. We can stop anytime you wish. Right now, even. We can climb into my bed and I’ll hold you close to my chest while you drift off to sleep. Would you like that?”
I would. I know I would love every second of that, but that’s not why I’m here right now in front of him, naked save for a silky robe. “First you have to tell me something.”
“Anything.”
“What does nin anto anna mean?”
He gives a small laugh, eyes twinkling with delight. “There’s not a direct translation. But it’s something like ‘my mouthy little gift.’”
I can’t stop the grin forming across my cheeks. “You think I’m a gift?”
His eyes brush every inch of my face before he finally nods, his smirk so amazing my heart nearly bursts from adoration. “Now, show yourself to me.”
Nodding, I fumble with the ties on the robe like a teenager after prom. Something about this feels similar, forbidden, but right. My eyes are glued to the floor as I bite my lip. Taking a deep breath, I peel the fabric back, revealing my body to him for the first time.
“Eyes on me,” he commands, and I yank my gaze to his. Nostrils flaring, he drinks me in like a Goddess to be worshiped. His fingers grip the arms of his chair as if he’s trying to keep them off me. A slip of confidence swirls inside me, seeing the effect my body has on him.
Wisps of purple Chroma materialize in front of me. I can’t contain my excitement as it pulls me onto his bed, my back pressing comfortably against the soft sheets. My stomach flutters and flips as Tairyn approaches, my core already aching for his attention.
“Grab your ankles. Show me all of you.”
My heart pounds as I bend my knees, sliding my ankles high enough for me to grab. The cool air whips across my moist slit as I chew nervously on my lip. I’ve never felt so exposed before. So vulnerable.
Tairyn leans over me, his face so close to my core that his hot breath brushes against my mound. I arch my back just slightly, willing him to touch me. Release some of the tension that’s been building for him for so long.