Ian clasped my hand, distracting me. "I'll ask a friend of mine to leave the city and keep watch for me. But I need to find Mason, too. Will you both stay in here or Kiarra's room? If you go into Kiarra's room, enter through your connecting door. Is that acceptable to you?" He studied me intently, and I examined my body and mind. Nothing stabbed me in the gut or filled me with fear.
I nodded. "Yes, that should be all right."
"I'll be back soon," Ian whispered and bent over to kiss me firmly on the lips. He stared at Seb. "Take care of our girl."
"I will," Seb agreed, nodding resolutely.
Ian vanished like the Shadow he was, and Seb rose to lock the door behind him. My Planner joined me back on the bed, and we turned towards each other. His hand lifted to brush my forehead, and he frowned. "Are you sure you're all right, Kee?"
I smiled, enjoying my nickname on his lips. I nodded. Now that Ian no longer planned on traveling into danger, I was excellent.
"Tell me about your parents," I insisted as I clasped his hands. "I can't believe I didn't ask."
Seb shrugged, his eyes glowing more golden than green. "We haven't known each other long in the grand scheme of things, Kee. It's not your fault for not knowing or not asking. There's not much to tell. I was only three. They went to work one day at the University laboratory and never came back home. A chemical compound exploded and killed them instantly. They were best friends and neighbors with Reed's parents in second-tier Scholar Housing. I've known Reed since we were babes; our mothers were pregnant at the same time. A simple petition granted the Porters permission to adopt me. I barely remember their faces."
I squeezed his hands. "I'm sorry, Seb."
"It's all right. Their death no longer hurts. Sometimes I miss them, but it no longer hurts. Reed has always been a great brother and his parents are amazing. You'll meet his mom soon; she'll want to be introduced to her sons' Soul Match." Despite his protestations, the pain behind his words didn't abate. He was hiding secret misery inside, but I didn't push at the moment.
"Is it a problem that you share the same Soul Match?"
Seb grinned, the distress stolen from his hazel eyes by amusement. "Ma and Pa Porter are firm believers in Soul Matches. They are the most perfect example of a Soul Match I have ever seen. If our match is sanctioned by the Soul Tenders, they won't bat an eye."
"That's relieving." I hadn't even considered the men's families, another indication I was a selfish match. In my defense, the week had been crazy. We sat for a moment in silence until my eyes fell to his mouth. "I haven't kissed you yet," I commented, my voice breathless as desire struck me suddenly.
"Do you want to?" he asked quietly.
I nodded, my braid bouncing. "Most definitely." I leaned into him and pressed my lips against his. His lips were thinner but no less perfect for kissing. His eyes darkened to green as I deepened the kiss, a fierce look I'd never associated with Seb overtaking his expression. With an animalistic growl, he lifted me into his lap, his hands on my hips. He might be the skinniest of my matches, but he was not weak. His body was wiry and lean, comparable power in a smaller package. His arms tightened around me as one hand held the nape of my neck. His kiss became demanding, and I gave in, allowing him to lead the way. His kisses were different than the other men's. They had given and taken, letting my cues direct them. Seb was insistent and almost bruising in his intensity. I delighted in the barely restrained passion I sensed in his body; he unleashed a quiet desperation which spoke to my soul.
His teeth bit my lower lip, and I moaned, electricity dancing along my nerves. My flesh heated as his hand dug into my hair, pulling the strands gently. The prickles on my scalp didn't detract from the pleasure, they enhanced it. If this was what Ian had meant by dominance, I was definitely accepting. His touch displayed an intensity I had yet to experience because my men insisted on holding back. Seb didn't hold back.
Nipping my lip again, he moved down my neck and bit along my fragile skin. He grazed and nibbled but didn't break the surface. "Kee," he panted raggedly, "you make me so hard I can't even think." He thrust his hips into my rear and his long, rigid shaft pressed against my soft flesh. I groaned.
The words he spoke as he licked and bit my skin increased the clenching of my sex. "If you think I'm too rough, I want you to stop me in any way you can," he commanded. I nodded dumbly, my mind clouding with a haze of lust. I certainly didn't want him to stop anytime soon. My body ached for him, my carefree Planner with the hidden well of fiery passion and a burning desire to take control.
He pulled harder on my hair, and I recalled the look on his face at dinner. He had been thinking about this, I realized. His lips traveled further downward, roughly pulling my shirt from my breeches and skimming his palm across my bare ribs. I squirmed on his lap, whimpering as his hand brushed the bottom of my breast.
"I want to fuck you," he gasped. "We agreed to wait and I will, but I want you to know I have been thinking about fucking you since the moment I saw you."
My nipples tightened; the only response I could manage was a low moan. The transformation of fun loving, playful friend to fierce lover was compelling. Something primal within me responded to the heat of his lust. His hand claimed my breast, and I gasped as his palm grazed my aching nipple. His fingers found the stiffened peak through the thin fabric. He pinched, and I cried out as a shaft of desire shot from my breast to my throbbing center.
"I can't wait to be inside you," he muttered as he returned to my lips, his kiss so wild our teeth clacked together. He chuckled, his chest vibrating against me. "I can't control myself around you." He thrust his hips against my butt again and my thighs slicked with wetness as my sex gushed in response. His eyes, dark green with flecks of gold and brown, met mine and penetrated into the deepest reaches of me. His nostrils flared and a smile tilted his lips. "I can smell your desire, Kee."
"You can?" A prickle of embarrassment nudged me. He kissed me again, hard and fast.
"Don't be ashamed," he said, his hand kneading my breast and rolling my nipple between his fingers. "It's a beautiful thing. I bet your cunny is as gorgeous as the rest of you." I flushed while he nibbled at my collarbone. I liked his playful word for my most intimate place. It matched his fun personality. "Your body is made for loving, Kee."
He lowered me gently, laying me sideways on the bed with his body beside mine. His erection jutted into my hip and then against my aching core when he turned me to face him. I couldn't fight my instincts. I slung a leg over him, pressing myself more firmly against his stiffness. The action was similar to my morning with Ian, and yet not. I could never confuse them; each one felt different. I wanted him inside me, all of him. I felt empty. He groaned, hiding his face in my neck. My body heat rose higher. Sweat slicked my back and under my breasts.
Seb stilled, one hand resting under my shirt on my ribs, his other gripping my shoulders. He took a deep breath, the air leaving him in a ragged gasp. His heart beat hard against my chest.
"We should stop or I won't be able to," he murmured, his tone pained. I clenched my fists and thighs in disappointment.
"You all are teasing me beyond belief, you realize that?" I asked him dryly.
He chuckled. "It will be worth the wait, darling."
We lay in silence for many moments, our heart rates settling and our breaths slowing. When a knock rapped on the outer door, we complained together. I might need to devise a system for when I wasn't to be disturbed. These interruptions could become problematic in the future.
Chapter 12
Reed
Reed was early for his time with Kiarra, but he had hurried from the library when Ian approached him, worried about the Prince returning before they expected. He'd also mentioned Kiarra's slight fever, and Reed had rushed to be near her. He needed to assure himself she was all right. The journal had been on his mind all morning as well. He knew the slim book would answer so many of their unanswered questions, answers only Kiarra could uncover.
When Reed
found Kiarra's rooms empty, he went to Seb's room. He waited several moments for his brother to open the door. Kiarra sat on the bed adjusting her shirt. Her cheeks were flushed, her lips swollen and pink, and her neck displayed a few red marks. She appeared thoroughly aroused. For the second time in two days, Reed had walked in after another man had roused her to that point. Yesterday, he had struggled with his feelings. Today, he wanted to pull her into his arms and finish what his brother started. Seb had regained his usual carefree attitude, his ghosts again buried deep, so he assumed Kiarra responded well to his particular brand of attention. He hoped Kiarra would be amenable to his own innocent fumbling after being with her other men.
Reed fidgeted on the threshold, running a hand through his hair. "Ian told me to come. He was concerned. Sorry if I interrupted something."
Kiarra smiled at him, her face brightening further. The blue shirt was gorgeous on her, just as he had predicted. An endless sky existed in the color of her gaze. "It's all right," she assured him. "It's bound to happen. We might have to figure out how to address such interruptions in the future," she added to herself.
Seb chuckled. "Yes, we shall have to consider some warning system." He motioned to Reed to enter the room, looking up and down the hallway before pulling the door shut and locking it again. "I'm not sure why Ian is so concerned. The Prince isn't here yet."
Reed regarded his brother dryly. Occasionally, he wondered how Seb had obtained such high scores on his Scholar test. He could envision the bigger picture of anything, but he periodically encountered difficulties with details. Reed supposed the skill was necessary for a Planner. It was crucial to visualize the extended image when building a water system or a road design required to accommodate an entire city. In contrast, Reed sometimes had difficulty seeing the grand scheme of things when he became bogged down in details.
"I think Ian is more concerned with who told the Prince about Kiarra, not necessarily the Prince himself yet."
Understanding dawned in Seb's gaze. "Ah, yes, I suppose that is a problem."
Kiarra rose from the bed and embraced Reed. They had seen each other only a couple hours ago, but Reed loved that Kiarra expressed her affection through physical contact. It didn't matter how long they spent apart; she always acted happy to see them. He adored her hugs and cherished every touch from her. He rubbed a gentle finger across the bruise forming on her neck. She blushed and glanced downward. He wouldn't shame his brother by asking if she was all right. She didn't appear hurt and only pleasure communicated along their bond. Whatever had transpired, she had enjoyed it. She snagged his hand and retrieved her satchel from beside the bed.
"Come on. Bridget should bring food soon, and I want to start reading the diary. Seb, can you show me the maps later?"
Seb grinned. "Of course," he agreed. He followed them as they walked through Kiarra's bedroom and into the common room. Seb stopped them in the middle of the chamber. He bounced on the mattress and grimaced.
"Damn, Ian was right. This bed is amazing."
Curious himself, Reed pushed a hand on the bed. It was nearly three times softer than his bed in the other room. He frowned. "Yes, it does seem a little unfair."
Kiarra giggled. "I'll ask the steward about getting you guys new beds. Except for Mason; I think he prefers his hard. I'll ask him."
Seb grinned at Reed behind Kiarra's back, his mind automatically sinking into innuendo. Reed shook his head at his brother but shared his smile. Bridget was indeed laying out food for a midday meal as they entered. She jumped when they emerged from Kiarra's room and stammered that she would be finished soon. Kiarra approached her and helped with the distribution of dishes.
"Bridget, why do the men scare you so? They're all honest, sweet men."
Bridget colored deeply. Reed had noticed the young maid acted incredibly nervous when they occupied the same room, but he had decided the anxiety was her typical demeanor. "It's nothing, Miss."
Kiarra deliberated before putting a hand on her maid's arm, forcing the younger woman to meet her eyes. "Bridget, don't believe what the other servants are saying. We are all Soul Matched together, and there is nothing odd happening here. It may not be typical for one woman to share five Soul Matches, but our relationship is sanctioned by the Soul Tenders."
Reed frowned, momentarily distracted by wondering what gossip was spreading among the servants. He didn't like the thought of rumors about Kiarra circulating the palace. People could be cruel when they didn't understand something.
"Of course, Miss, I can see that when you're with them. But, the others, they can't. I try to ignore what they say, but I'm not strong enough to say anything back." She stuttered.
"You don't have to defend me, Bridget. I am adept at defending myself. I also don't want to hear what they're saying because it's not true. If anyone harasses you because you are my maid, however, tell me immediately. I won't tolerate others abusing you because of me."
Bridget bobbed her head. "Yes, Miss."
"The rumors don't explain why my matches make you so nervous."
Bridget colored further. "I haven't been around many men, Miss. I grew up with only my mother and the other lady's maids. My mother kept me separated from the men in the palace. I'm not used to being around males." Her eyes flicked to Seb and Reed where they waited near Kiarra's bedroom door.
"Ah," Kiarra said. "Well, they are just like women except with different equipment."
Bridget ducked her head. Seb coughed, hiding a laugh, and Reed restrained his own laughter. He didn’t think Kiarra's explanation was the best way to reassure a woman who had never been around men. Kiarra understood belatedly. "Sorry, that probably didn't make you any more comfortable. Be assured no one will hurt you here and you can be yourself. And if you are having issues with the other servants, please tell me."
Bridget bobbed a curtsy, distributed the remainder of the dishes, and fled the room. Kiarra shook her head. "I don't think I handled that well. You are the least intimidating of my five, and yet she still shakes like a leaf when you enter the room. Granted, she's not that much better when it is only her and I, but she had started to relax a little."
Kiarra made a plate of food, took the journal out of her bag and settled in the middle of the long couch. She raised her brows at Seb and Reed. "Join me?" she requested. Reed wasn't hungry, so he sat down next to her right away. Seb made a sandwich and set it on the table beside the sofa, claiming her other side.
Kiarra stared at the opal on the front of the journal with a frown on her face. "Is it cowardly to be afraid of a book?"
"Not at all," Seb answered. "It's strange enough that you are descended from a long ago Queen. The diary being keyed magically to your touch alone is even odder. We aren't raised to believe in such things in Megreria."
Kiarra nodded and peered at Reed from under dark lashes. Her deep blue eyes expressed worry and Reed slipped his arm around her shoulder. "You can wait to read it if you want."
"No," she responded resolutely. "I need to know. I know in my gut this book contains answers to the questions I have, especially after the incident this morning."
"What happened this morning?" Reed asked with a furrowed brow. Kiarra relayed the pain and the dread she had experienced when Ian suggested leaving the city. Reed glanced questioningly at Seb, and his brother nodded. He'd told Kiarra of his parents' intuitive warnings before they'd died.
Kiarra munched on a square of cheese, sighed again, and flicked her thumb over the jewel in the center. She opened the journal to the first page. As she read, she settled into Reed's lap. He produced his current book about the formation of the five Houses so he wouldn't be tempted to peek over her shoulder. Seb pulled off her boots, carefully extracting the dagger hidden in one of them. He placed her calves across his thighs.
Soon, Kiarra was entrenched in the words of her grandmother, entirely lost to their world. She sank until she was lying on the sofa, her head cushioned on Reed's thigh and her legs across Seb. The Planner snored softly on
the other end of the couch, and Reed recalled his brother hadn't slept well the night before.
Reed gently smoothed her hair while she read, frowning at the temperature of her brow. As Ian had mentioned, she was warm. Not fever hot yet, but warmer than usual. Considering the day was relatively mild, her condition concerned him. He hoped she wasn't taking ill. She needed to be at her strongest when the Prince arrived.
Halfway through the afternoon, Reed ceased trying to read his book. Kiarra's emotions were too distracting. She repeatedly cycled between anger, sadness, surprise, awe, and confusion. Whatever her many greats grandmother had written was intriguing information. He unwound her braid and ran his fingers through her hair. She moaned contentedly as she continued to turn pages, his touch soothing her more volatile emotions.
Clay and Mason entered soon after Reed had given up on his own book, but Kiarra hardly marked their entrance. Seeing she was firmly rooted in the diary, they sat around the cozy sitting area and nibbled on the food left over from lunch. Bridget hadn't reappeared for the dishes, likely because they occupied the room.
Kiarra still wasn't finished when Ian returned, exhausted from a long day running around the city. He crouched next to Reed. "How is her heat?"
"Hasn't increased since this morning," Reed whispered in reply. Ian nodded, grabbed a handful of nuts from the dish on the table and joined Mason on the short couch across from them. Clay sat in the armchair to the side reading a treatise on the import and export trade of Megreria. Reed didn't envy Clay his Merchant tasks. He loved to read, but a book like the one the Merchant held would put him to sleep within minutes.
Seb woke after Ian entered, dismissed himself to use the bathroom in Kiarra's room and returned to the couch. She absently lifted her feet the second he lowered himself, and he tucked them back into his lap. The tension built in the room as she neared the last pages. They all stared at her. If Reed could feel her tumultuous emotions, the others could as well.
Echoes of Her Soul: A Reverse Harem Fantasy (Soul Tenders Book 2) Page 10
