I moaned, resisting the urge to arch my back, but I must have displayed enough of a reaction to his touch, because he grinned, then latched his mouth onto my left breast.
"Ah!" I moaned, and my hands gripped the sheets while I squeezed my legs together in an effort to conceal how wet I was. Aki’s eyes never left mine as his lips released my breast and he moved back slightly. His hand trailed down me slowly, sliding between my legs. His finger slipped between the folds of my wet entrance, moving up to my clit.
"Mhm, Aki," I breathed before a whimper escaped me as his finger slid inside me. He moved his finger in a circular motion while his mouth shifted to my other breast. I closed my eyes, giving in and arching my back as I moaned and wiggled in his hold. I could tell my inability to stay still amused him because he smiled against my flesh.
He slid another finger inside me and began to pump those fingers in an unpredictable pattern that drove me wild.
"AH!" I cried out as I climaxed, my fluid coating his fingers. I panted heavily, lifting my head as he removed his fingers and licked them clean. Then he spread my legs and his mouth was next to send waves of pleasure through me.
Aki lapped skillfully at my center, before licking his lips and returning to hover over me. His lips pressed against mine and I moaned at the taste of me on his mouth.
Time passed and we were both breathless by the time he broke the kiss to reach over to the top drawer of the nightstand, sticking his hand in it and pulling out a condom. He sat back and opened the package quickly while I stayed focused on his erect manhood, and wishing I had the patience to spend some time sucking his length.
"Next time, Crim," Aki hummed.
I figured he must have realized my train of thought. My eyes drifted up to meet his lust filled gaze and wide smile. He slid the condom over his rigid shaft before coming back to hover over me while his cock teased my entrance.
I moaned rather loudly as he pushed inside me, inch by inch, until he was deep inside me. The pleasure that rocked through me was only the beginning; he began to slide his length in and out of me. He fucked me nice and slow, while keeping my lips occupied and muffling my moans. I lifted my hands, placing one on his shoulder as the other ran its way through his smooth hair.
I opened my eyes and stared into his; we both moaned as our hips moved in perfect rhythm with one another. My hand moved closer to his left ear and I hoped my pleading eyes were enough to show him how much I wanted to touch them.
He nodded and I stroked it just slightly.
Aki paused, still deep inside me to moan and bit his lip.
"So sensitive," I purred and claimed his lips, again stroking his ears.
He began thrusting again, faster now, and I felt my pleasure begin to build once more, inching me closer and closer to ecstasy.
"Akihiro! Ah. Yes, faster," I moaned, gasping as Aki shifted his position slightly to allow him to sink deeper, so he was hitting my g-spot with every thrust.
"Ah, Crim! Crimson fuck, so good. Your pussy is so tight and wet," Aki panted.
Even with the condom, I could hear the wet sounds of our lovemaking due to the rapid pounding of his hips and the smacking of his balls as he thrust inside me so deeply; I knew it wouldn't be much longer.
"Akihiro, I'm close. So...so close!" I cried out and he increased his pace.
"I want you to cry out my name when you come, Crimson. Do it now," Aki ordered and pounded into me deep enough to throw me over the edge and my body went into spasms of pleasure.
"Akihiro!" My climax pulsed through me and my pussy tightened around his cock.
"Crimson!" he moaned and gave one last thrust before he climaxed.
I let the aftershocks run through me and listened to Aki's harsh breathing. He slowly pulled himself out and removed the used condom, throwing it into the garbage next to the nightstand before collapsing next to me.
He pulled me into his arms and his tails wrapped around me, giving me comfort.
"Aki, that was amazing," I confessed through ragged breaths.
"I agree," he replied, pressing a soft kiss to my neck.
We laid in comfortable silence until the exhaustion of our activities began to get to me. Aki's heartbeat was rather soothing as I listened to it slow to a steady pace and his warm tails wrapped around my lower half felt nice.
"Aki?"
"Hmm, Crim?"
"Would it be too early to say I love you?" I asked the question that had been on my mind for a while.
"It's never too early if you mean it. And I love you too," Aki softly.
"Thank you," I whispered.
"No, Crim. Thank you." Aki kissed my temple.
I wanted to say more, to tell him how happy I was that he'd moved on and had chosen me. A part of me felt sorry for Storm's magic, but I realized that’s all it was: magic.
Her soul would continue to float with the rest of the lost souls and I would keep my promise. I'd find her murderer and retrieve the remaining four crystals.
And I’d heal all her men's hearts and love them unconditionally like she had.
"Are you sure we can leave you alone?" Malachi frowned at me. I looked up from my sketchbook at the guys who were near the door with worried expressions.
"Don't give me those looks. I'm fine. Tripping down the stairs was just an accident and not because I'm gonna die or any other weird shit you guys are thinking about AND this is my family home. I know it inside and out," I announced, waving them off.
Aki and Yoshi exchanged looks and Malachi crossed his arms. Quil had a blank expression on his face and Haru and Itsuki looked calm, but their worry showed in their eyes.
I sighed. "Guys, I'm not Storm. No one is going to attack me or kidnap me or anything. No one even looks my way when I walk down the hall. You guys are wasting your energy here. This is a huge update! Storm would not be pleased that you guys are standing there collecting dust like furniture instead of going to see the Council yourself. We need to be one hundred percent sure that the traitor is a part of the Council OR aiming to overthrow the Council in order to take their place."
Melody had reached her destination safely thanks to Yoshi's plan; the doppelganger was attacked as predicted. Thankfully, no one got hurt or killed, but we knew someone was definitely interfering from the outside.
Because of Melody's confession, the Emperor requested a meeting with Storm's guards and the Council, and wanted to do a live video conference which was something new. Not to say that we didn't love technology, but for the average person, seeing the Emperor was a BIG deal and an opportunity you'd be lucky to experience even once in your lifetime.
"One of us could stay," Quil suggested anxiously.
I uncrossed my legs and slid off the bed to stand.
"None of you are staying. As a group, you’re representing Storm Yuna's case. You were her protectors and knew her better than anyone on that Council. Whoever is trying to brush off her case will pull out every card they have to minimize the situation or come up with a reason for the Emperor to dismiss it and move on. You guys work well as a team, so all of you have to be there. This may be the only shot we get and we will make it count for the sake of Storm."
The guys were quiet as they exchanged glances. I could feel their tension and fear regarding this meeting. If we screwed this up for whatever reason, we may never get the chance to talk with the Emperor regarding Storm's murder again.
"Crimson has a point," Yoshi announced reluctantly.
I glanced at the others who sighed. "The meeting won’t take long, guys. I don't need a babysitter and I have Urufu." I beamed and pointed to my Uru who was curled up on the bed.
She perked up at my suggestion. 'WOOF!' She stood up to stare at the guys.
They smiled and shook their heads.
"Yup, we can leave Crim with her beloved familiar," Malachi proclaimed.
"Hey, Urufu can destroy those nuts of yours." I winked at Malachi whose eyes widened at my comment.
"Nope. Leave my balls and anything
near them alone!" He snuck behind Aki who just rolled his eyes.
"Alright. You're going to stay here, right Crim?" Aki asked.
"My mom's in her room so I'm gonna go spend some time with her. She needs it." I'd talked to her before we made our way to the shrine and she said she'd be taking a nap so she wouldn't get in Father's way.
Apparently, he'd been stressed lately which led to his enraged behavior and she didn't have time for it or want to deal with it anymore. I bet she was already stressed enough with trying to find a way to divorce him without also having to be concerned about his little tantrum over this meeting with the Emperor.
"I guess she'll be okay," Haru said softly.
"Well, they've doubled security today because of the recent attacks. Everything should go smoothly," Itsuki disclosed.
Yoshi nodded. "Let's make our way there then. Crim, if you need anything just call. Malachi has his phone."
"Yup. I'll behave and ensure I don't trip, have nosebleeds, or pass out, at least not until you all return," I teased.
They all chuckled.
"WOOF!" Uru added.
Malachi smirked and walked up to pet the wolf familiar. "No shifting into your other forms while we’re away," Malachi warned.
"Why can't she?" I wondered.
Quil pushed off the wall to also pet Uru who sat back down on the bed to relax. "Another reason you may be so tired is because Uru drains a small amount of energy from you in this form, and your body is trying to adapt. If she changed into a bunny, it would cost less, but if she changed into a phoenix it would cost triple the magic and have a greater toll on you. You know how she loves exploring and your family’s garden is tempting." Quil smiled and met my gaze.
I grinned. "Makes sense. Okay. Uru, be good," I joked.
"Woof!" she barked in response.
I took a long glance at each of my men and couldn't help but feel a sense of pride.
They had been able to mourn the woman they loved, push forward to pursue the people who took her away from them, and they still had enough space in their hearts to love me. Now, they needed the strength to fight against whatever plan our hidden enemy was creating.
"After this, we’re going out tonight!" Itsuki declared.
"We are? Drinks?" I asked, curious as to how the guys would behave after a few glasses of alcohol.
Aki laughed. "I love how happy she suddenly became over alcohol."
"Alcohol is fun with company. And I want to get Malachi wasted," I pointed out with a grin.
"Oh Hottie, that will be a mission. I have a high tolerance. You wouldn't stand a chance," he teased, reaching my side in two steps to give me a kiss on the cheek.
I grinned and leaned in to whisper in his ear, "Don't test me, Hottie McHot Pants. I'm not afraid to play with fire." I could see the slight flush on his cheeks before he turned away.
"I'm leaving. Crim using her seductive voice on me is going to make it hard for me to concentrate," Malachi complained.
"Or make those pants a little too tight for his comfort," Quil laughed.
"I hate you," Malachi retorted.
"Sure you do. I'll make sure not to carry your drunk ass home when Crim beats you then," Quil teased and walked to my side to give me a hug and a kiss.
"Be good," he whispered.
"I'm always good,” I replied.
He smirked before pulling away.
"You guys are being dramatic. It's just a meeting." Itsuki sighed and approached to give his own hug and a kiss on my cheek.
"She's perfectly healthy right now from what I see. Nothing to worry about," Haru reassured them all as he took Itsuki’s place and gave me a hug and kiss on the opposite cheek.
"I like being overdramatic. It gives me character. Wait, I didn't get my hug!" Malachi frowned.
Yoshi and Aki groaned and the others laughed. Malachi quickly squeezed past Yoshi who was about to pull me into his arms.
"Hottie McHot Pants, go away," I giggled.
"Fine, fine. I'll go chill with the others outside," he replied, quickly giving me a second kiss on the cheek before he left with the others, leaving me with Yoshi and Aki.
Yoshi pulled me into his arms. "I really hope this goes well," he whispered.
I was shocked by the vulnerability in his voice; it made me pull back so I could stare into his sapphire eyes that lacked their usual vibrant flow of gold. "Hey, don’t lose that confidence. I know you can convince the Emperor. You have it in you as do the others," I comforted.
"I know. I'm just worried I'll mess it up," he admitted.
I knew Yoshi and Aki were close and that they both had seen each other at their best and worst. I realized after spending time with them that it seemed Akihiro and Yoshimitsu shared the responsibility of leader; Aki held the role within their group and Yoshi took over during political issues or in public discussions.
"You will do amazing. I have confidence in all of you," I whispered and lifted on my tiptoes to kiss him gently on the lips.
He closed his eyes and relaxed, returning the soft kiss. We pulled away after a moment and smiled and I brushed his cheek with my hand.
"You will make Storm so proud to have had you as guards."
He smiled and blinked his eyes rapidly to ward off tears. I pulled him into another hug, hoping my affection would be enough to steady his troubled heart. I couldn't wait for this to be over with so I could get to know everyone better.
"Thanks, Crim." Yoshi pulled away and I knew my action had helped as confidence returned to his sapphire eyes that were once again twinkling with those mini gold lines.
Yoshi turned and nodded at Aki who patted his back. "We'll meet you there, Aki. Don't take too long," Yoshi advised.
"Yup," Aki acknowledged and watched him leave, closing the door behind him.
"Yoshi rarely shows his emotions, does he?" I wondered.
Aki turned and gave me a sad smile. "Yoshi was raised to express everything but his sadness. It's weird if you think about it, but it’s common for males to be taught to hide any perceived weakness. We can't cry or show that something makes us depressed. It's a stereotype that still lingers today even with how advanced we've gotten in other areas," Aki explained.
I gave him a sad smile and slid my arms around his waist, hugging him.
"I hope you know you never need to guard your emotions around me. You can be transparent and I'll never judge you," I declared.
He kissed my neck and held me tightly. "I know. I just can't wait for this chapter in our lives to be closed. I want all of the others to be able to move forward," Aki whispered.
We held each other close for a minute before pulling back to share a kiss.
"I'll see you in a bit. If I'm not here, I'll be upstairs. I'll bring my phone with me," I reassured him.
"I love you," he whispered the words.
I knew it was difficult for him to say and it made me smile with delight; I leaned up to kiss him deeply. He moaned into my mouth and it took everything in me to not fall back onto the bed behind me and savor his taste. But he had a duty to perform and he needed to be there for his team, and for the sake of Storm Yuna's legacy.
"I love you too. Make sure you make my father squirm in his seat," I encouraged.
"Oh trust me, we already planned to do that. Malachi has a whole plan worked out," Aki revealed, laughing at my stunned expression.
"Men. You guys are troublesome," I sighed, but did so with a smile.
"But you secretly love it," he retorted, winking at me and pulling out of the embrace. He petted Urufu and headed to the door. He was about to leave, but he paused, looking over his shoulder to stare at me as I sat back down to get to work on my sketches.
"Crim?" Aki spoke up.
I looked up at him, tilting my head in confusion. "Yes?"
His eyes lowered to the pocket watch dangling from my neck. He came back over and laid his hand on top of it.
I blinked as I felt the rush of magic wrap around me and then the pocket watch
disappeared.
"Where did it go?" I asked, my voice a little higher than normal.
"It's still there. I just performed a spell to hide it. I noticed when we walked in that your father was eyeing it. I’d rather he thinks one of us has it, instead of you."
"Okay. If you say so," I replied.
He kissed my forehead and made for the door again. "We'll come back with good news," Aki reassured me.
I nodded with confidence and waved goodbye. He closed the door and Urufu moved over to lay her head on my lap.
I smirked and kissed the top of her head; she tilted her head and began licking my face. "You're gonna keep me company as we wait to see what happens?"
"Woof," she barked in agreement.
"Good," I replied, hoping her calm and reassuring presence would help ease my nerves. All I could do was pray to our ancestors for this to go in our favor.
Let this be a victory for Nokamato... and for Storm Yuna.
"Mom?" I whispered as I opened her bedroom door. I poked my head inside and noticed her sleeping figure on the bed. Her tails were wrapped around her and her hair was up in a ponytail. She twitched slightly, but didn't wake up at my call.
I frowned and closed the door gently. I didn't want to wake her up. I looked around the hall and sighed in defeat. Guess I'll go back to my room, or maybe I'll see where Uru went. I hope she's not eating any of the flowers.
I put my hand into my leather jacket pocket to grab my phone, but it was empty. I groaned. I'm so forgetful lately. Note to self. Make it a commitment to stop forgetting stuff, faint less, and take more time off.
The little vacation we’d taken had really done wonders for me, I felt rejuvenated. After my birthday, Haru suggested I take a full body exam to see what was wrong with me and why my health went up and down like a yo-yo.
I felt like Yoshi knew something he wasn’t telling me. Either they were worried I'd freak out and faint again, or maybe they wanted to wait to tell me until after things had calmed down.
I walked toward the stairs as a sharp pain radiated through my chest. I gasped and clenched my chest, squeezing my eyes shut. What’s going on?
Again and again, my chest pulsed painfully and I couldn't understand why it was happening.
Taming the Storm (Crimson Storm Chronicles Book 1) Page 26
