"Oh dear!" she looked down at the fork she dropped and disappeared from his view as she picked it up.
"Leave it, Alethi. You can have mine." He did not get a response and his brows furrowed. "Alethi?"
Arun stiffened as he felt something touch his calves. "Alethi?"
"Hush my lord," her voice came from underneath the table and he clenched his jaw as her hands slowly made their way to his thigh.
By the gods! He could feel himself straining at her sultry voice and her teasing hands. It was all he could do not to grab her and have his way with her. He shook his head. She had prepared for this and he would wait for what she wanted to do.
He shuddered as he felt her hot breath on his thighs through his thin breeches. "I hope you can be patient with me, my lord."
"Yes love," he breathed closing his eyes. "Take your time." He kept himself from lifting the damned table cloth and see her in action. She was likely still too shy. So he would indulge her. For now.
His breath hitched as her hand tentatively covered him, sighed as she gently caressed him through the cursed material. Her other hand set to work on unraveling the ties that held his breeches when a knock came upon the door and Orrin's voice came through. "My queen? It is I, Orrin."
Arun's eyes flew open and he stiffened, but Alethi did not stop. She did not even seem to care or raise any concerns that Orrin was just on the other side of the door as she slowly peeled off the offending cloth. He cleared the tightness in his throat. Hell, he did not want any interruptions either.
"She went out for a while," he called out, surprised at the steadiness of his voice.
Rather than going away, Orrin, peeked inside and Arun schooled his face to stillness as he felt her fingers trace his length. He clenched the armrests as her breath touched his jewels.
"I hope you do not mind me waiting for her." He strode in.
What could Arun say? No? Oh hell! Her fingers were now tracing patterns all over him as her other hand caressed underneath. Good gods! She made his ache worse and sent his head spinning. He clung desperately to the last shreds of self control he had as Orrin seated himself on a chaise lounge across him. The man could not find out that his daughter was pleasuring him right under his nose!
Somehow, this moment with Alethi was a private treasure he would never share. He had not minded with he fucked elves out in the open before, but with Alethi…he would give anything for the intimacy that only they would know. Fuck! He would keep it from Orrin even if he did approve of voyeurism.
"Where did she say she went to?"
Arun took a deep breath as he felt her tongue at the tip tasting his weeping manhood. "She did not say." Damn it! Damn it all! He should throw the man out so he could enjoy her without restraint.
"I see." Orrin smiled at him. His lack of reaction was enough to tell Arun that he was doing a good job hiding the pleasurable waves his daughter was giving him. Damn it! Why did the thought of what they were doing excite him further?
"Not to worry, Arun, I will be out of your hair as soon as I find out what she needed me for."
Arun shut his eyes as her hand slowly slid along him. By the gods! This was a part of her plan? The devious woman! Or perhaps he had Eian to thank for this too. One thing was certain, though. She did not want to be seen pleasuring him. The unusual tablecloth was enough proof of that.
"Is there something wrong?" Orrin's voice was tinged with worry.
Arun opened his eyes slowly. "A slight headache." He was forced to pause and clear his throat to mask a groan as he felt her warm, wet tongue all over him. "Is all."
"Ah. Perhaps I could call for some medicine to be brought up when you are finished with your dinner."
He nodded his head, not trusting himself to say anything that would compromise him and Alethi. Fuck! But the woman was a temptress! She took her sweet time in her tentative strokes and it was all he could do not to roar in lust and thrust himself into her hot mouth.
He focused on Orrin's face searching for signs he gave away too much, but instead saw his shoulders sag. The man suddenly looked older. He opened his mouth to comfort him but clenched it when he felt Alethi's mouth take the tip of him. Before he could stop himself, he thrust toward her and he found himself a quarter of the way in, reveling in her hot wetness.
"I am getting really old." Orrin's voice shook him from bliss he was experiencing. Truth of the matter is, I want to see a grandchild soon. But I am not pressuring Alethi. It is just…" he shook his head. "Never you mind an old man's senility."
Fuck! If she continued with her slow, gentle sucking of his hardness and the gentle massage of his heavy sacs, Orrin might just have his wish granted, despite his screaming conscience. He did not want to say anything. Just feel. Feel Alethi toying with him. But he knew he had to say something.
"I would be honored to be the father of your grandchildren," he felt his voice more steady that what he truly felt inside, "If Alethi would have me."
"Of course she would!" Orrin chuckled. "The girl fretted about you and talked about no one but you when you were away. What she is waiting for to marry herself to you, I have no idea."
Arun groaned with one hard suckle from her. He immediately regretted the sound he made as Orrin strode to him.
"Headache." He immediately said stopping the man in his tracks. "It is getting worse. Perhaps I need that medicine now." He did not know what came across Orrin's face but at the click of the closed door, he drew a shuddering breath as she continued her slow, agonizing ministration.
"Alethi," his voice shook with lust, "I am nearly there. Pull out…" he groaned again. "I will finish myself."
Her response was to be more vigorous in her efforts and he could do nothing but throw his head back roaring as he came undone, unable to hold himself back any longer. He struggled to catch his breath knowing that his release was quite unlike anything he had ever experienced before. Perhaps it was his seasons of celibacy that helped him have it, but he was certain of one thing. Alethi had been the only woman to ever make him such an animal, despite her inexperience. Oh, but he would certainly change that inexperience. He could not help but feel giddy at what a passionate woman like her would be like after he taught her a few things himself.
Arun opened his eyes to find her dabbing at the corners of her mouth with a napkin as if she had just had some tasty dessert. He also noticed that his clothes had been set to rights as if nothing had happened. He smiled at her lazily noticing that her flush had gotten deeper.
"Have you enjoyed the experience, love?"
She smiled back. "I quite had a different expectation, but reality proved much better than imagination in this case. I hope I had not disappointed my lord."
He chuckled and righted himself. "You most certainly have not! Truth to be told, it was the best I have ever had."
Alethi looked at him incredulously but her shade deepened if it were even possible. "Do not toy with me, Arun."
"I do not. But tell me, was your father's coming your plan?"
Alethi looked away from him. "It was ill-timed. I am glad that you have managed to make him leave us."
"If I did not, I would have been driven to madness and we would have been discovered, love. Not good."
"Most definitely not. Forgive me for having abandoned all sense and continued on with…what I did. I did not want to stop. I could not see your reactions but I felt that you liked it and…I quite enjoyed it myself."
Her warring gentleness and passion inflamed him. Oh he was not yet quite done, but she had relieved him quite nicely of some frustration – frustration that was easily being called back. But he knew this frustration was different from all the years he had lived. This held a sense of protectiveness and…anticipation. Anticipation of a shared life with her, of her bearing his children and watching them grow, and of taking care of her.
"It does not matter. I still would have gone mad if you had stopped. And of course, I do not wish to stop you of your desire. I have to confess. It is min
e as well."
"And I have another thing to confess." Alethi took a deep breath and bit her lower lip as if considering. "I have had Leanne and Liushan teach me. Though I did not your liege. I only…watched."
Arun's brows furrowed. She had asked to be taught? Was it because she thought she would disappoint? No. He doubted anything she did would disappoint him. One thing, he was sure of, he was jealous. She had seen Liushan before him. Truth to be told, he was not fearful of any comparison, but he was disturbed. And angry.
He shook his head. He had no right to be angry. He had had many women before and she did not judge him. But he did want to know why she had asked Liushan.
"Come here, my dear."
She walked toward him, her eyes averted as if she felt she had offended him so. She constantly chewed on her lower lip that they were red and swollen. His blood jumped and his desire pounded at him to take those lips into his own and savor her.
He adjusted his seat to face her and pulled her to straddle his lap. She made a tiny cry of protest but no more. With a finger, he lifted her chin so that he stared directly at her hazel eyes. Eyes he did not mind drowning himself in. In it she asked for forgiveness, but truly there was nothing to forgive. He trusted her to make the right and honorable decisions. He trusted her to never cheat or slight him. He trusted her with his own life.
"Tell me why you did it, love."
He barely listened to the confirmation of his thoughts. She did it all for him. To know how to please him. But his ears picked up at an unexpected reason. That she was afraid of other wenches who might jade his view of her.
Arun held back a chuckle. She would never pale in comparison to any woman. Never tire or get bored of her as she feared. That she did what she dreaded to keep herself desirable in his eyes made him pant after her already. She was not a woman who desired to please others, but for him, she did so fearlessly, though it might sully her reputation. She knew and she did not care.
"Show me what you've learned."
Alerhi looked at him in wide-eyed surprise. Her look of innocence shook him and he dropped all precaution at her father coming back. He pulled her close and closed the distance capturing her lips, his teeth nibbling on her swollen flesh. He sat back relishing in her presence after such a long absence and smiled as her hands trailed along his body and clutched his shoulders as his tongue sparred with hers.
Her fingers brushed his ear and he moaned, her touch sending erotic messages throughout his being. He held her back knowing her father would return lest he break control at an inopportune time.
"Your tongue and hands have become more skilled, I must say."
Alethi opened her mouth to speak, but they were interrupted by a clearing of the throat. By the door, Orrin stood, an amused grin on his lips.
Her surprise had taken root in her look, but she did not tear herself away from Arun. Rather, she leaned against him, contentment replacing surprise.
"Father, Arun has asked for my hand in marriage, and since he does not know of our ways, I ask in his behalf that you consider."
It was Arun's turn to be surprised and his heart skipped leaps and bounds. He could not take her eyes off her in astonishment as she looked to her father with a fierce hope.
"I will not consider, Alethi. I allow. I will even push you to it if need be. You are, after all, past the age when you should be marrying. Is there anything else?"
Alethi nodded. "Would you walk me to the aisle?"
"Of course, my dear daughter."
Chapter Twenty Two
Twenty-four years a virgin and later tonight, she was going to give it up for Arun. She shivered at the thought looking out the window. The day was amazing, as if the gods themselves were celebrating the renewed coming together of man and elf. Below, she could see lines of elves and men coming in together to witness the ceremony, and thankfully, both sides were putting an effort into making their first meeting in a thousand years hospitable.
The truth was, she could not wait to give herself to Arun. If it were anything close to her previous encounters with him, she wanted to jilt the whole wedding ceremony and jump into bed with him. They were as good as married anyway. The ceremony was nothing but a symbol to let the world know that they have pledged themselves to one another.
She plucked at her robe trying to banish such thoughts. If she kept on with it, she might just go into his room and forget all about the altar.
"Stupid, Alethi! Stupid." Of course she could not just go into Arun's room! That would be too forward. Too eager. Besides, it would go against tradition for them to see each other. Although, she knew he would not mind her early visit.
"I never considered my queen to be anything but intelligent."
Arun's sultry voice and his breath on her ear made her jump and skitter to the side of the window. She held her hand to her chest, trying to calm her pounding heart. She did not even hear him approach! So her quick pulse was not exactly all due to his sudden appearance. Gods! His smile and his gorgeous face would arrest her heart just as quickly. And – oh, dear gods! – the shirt he was wearing was almost see through! "Do not frighten me like that! You stopped my heart!"
He closed the distance between them, cornering her to the wall. "I'm not quite certain surprise was all that stopped your heart."
Her eyes widened at him. Did he know how to read thoughts?
"You should not be here!" she said instead trying to distract herself from looking at his almost naked chest. Other than Aurn, Liushan was the only other man she had seen with a bare chest and liege could not compare to master on that.
"And why not?" he cocked his head with that mischievous smile playing on his face. His eyes held a dark, heavy promise that made her knees so weak, she thanked the wall for supporting her weight.
"Tradition dictates that we should not see each other before the ceremony!"
"What for?" Arun asked putting one hand on the wall beside her head.
Fuck me! If he comes any closer it would be the end of me!
"Tradition!" she squeaked.
"Hmm…are we not past tradition already?" He placed his other hand on the other side of her head boxing her in. "We are getting married against tradition. And we enjoyed each other, short of completing the whole sexual union before marriage against tradition. Why be so concerned now?"
Alethi held her breath. He was right of course. Touching each other so intimately should have soiled her if anyone else ever knew. And besides, the tradition of not seeing each other did not make sense. At least to the both of them.
"I am way past caring what anyone else might think at this moment," he whispered at her ear, his breath sending illicit messages between her thighs. He sighed and her knees almost gave way as his breath touched her neck intimately. "How about you?"
Alethi bit her lower lip holding back a gasp as Arun's teeth bit gently at her ear and held them there without moving. By the gods! The elf was driving all her sensibilities off her mind! That small act was enough to make her feel her wetness build up.
"Damn, Alethi…" he breathed as his mouth moved to nibble. "You smell so amazing…making me lose control so quickly."
She whimpered. She was not even doing anything and he already felt that way? Maybe it was his mating instincts for the year talking? She had to be the voice of reason. They could wait a few more hours.
"Arun…people might see us…" she struggled the words out trying to keep her head straight. They were not yet married…officially.
He pulled away from her and smirked. "I ought to silence you." He pulled the string holding the curtain and it came undone dimming the room as the curtain covered the light source. "I did not want to do this with such a dim light but it is better than nothing."
Alethi opened her mouth to protest but Arun stayed true to his word and silenced her with his. It did her in and her legs gave way, only to be held up by his strong arms.
Whatever she was about to say was gone from her mind. Nothing existed but Arun's hungry kis
ses, his arm around her, his hand caressing her neck and his hard body pressed against her. She moaned feeling his chest crush her breasts and his bulge poke at her stomach.
He pulled away and though she felt completely light-headed, she noticed that he was breathing as hard as she was. She did not know where he got his strength, but hers was surely gone and she could only rely on him for support.
"I am truly desperate now, love. Please…"
Alethi reached up and ran her fingers through his hair and traced his ear. He rewarded her with a primal groan, but held himself steady, waiting for her answer. She felt warmth flood her at his actions. Despite everything, he still respected her decisions and his problematic year wrenched her heart. She wanted to give Arun everything.
"I believe we are as good as married. It is only a ceremony."
Arun lips broke into a wicked smile. "For your first time, I will be gentle with you. But after this, love, you will know exactly how I like it during these years. And perhaps, you will as well. I promise, I am gentler in my more normal years."
She felt her face flush, but somehow, even the hidden danger in his tone failed to make her afraid or embarrassed. Whatever promise his words held, she held onto it with anticipation. She wanted him to show her what it was like to be loved and to be loved completely, emotionally and physically.
Alethi smiled up at him as his knuckles stroke her cheek still waiting. "I trust you completely with everything, my lord."
He smiled tracing a finger on her lips and in the heat of the moment, took it in her mouth and sucked on it. She felt the ache between her legs grow stronger and apparently, she was not the only one as Arun lifted her leg to his hips with a growl and tore at her robe. Strangely, she felt no desire to hide herself nor feel embarrassed as he perused her body with hungry eyes.
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