by Lily Thomas
Daerrin smiled at Roxanne, as she sat down on the blanket near him thankfully for the break in the conversation. He didn’t want Stryme to order him to release Roxanne.
“Ever had a picnic before?” She asked as she grabbed a slice of cheese.
“Never.”
Roxanne’s jade eyes danced with delight. “Doesn’t surprise me that a warrior like yourself wouldn’t have done something so soft like this.”
Was she trying to prick him?
“I’m not just a hardened warrior.”
“Could have fooled me.” She grabbed another slice of cheese.
Daerrin popped a couple of grapes into his mouth. Try as she might, he wasn’t about to let her prickle him into a foul mood. He was intent on enjoying his first picnic.
Stryme passed out glasses of sweet wine. The women began chatting, and Stryme and Daerrin turned to conversations about the border.
Chapter 14
Roxanne stumbled into her chamber. The picnic had been a blast, maybe too much of a blast. She may have indulged in a bit too much of the wine, but it’d been so sweet and delicious.
She wasn’t drunk, but she sure was in a good mood, and Daerrin looked mighty fine to her. Screw trying to keep distance, like that was ever going to happen when he was so close and handsome.
“I had a tub of water called up to the room so I could bathe after our outing.” He informed her.
“Whatever you like.” Roxanne smiled as she sat on the edge of the bed and watched him strip down.
Oh, he was fine looking. She couldn’t drag her eyes off of him. His body teamed with muscles, and that cock! It rose proudly from under his patch of thick black hair.
She felt herself heat up as she took in the sight before her.
“Like what you see?”
Roxanne smiled. “Yes.”
His eyes widened at her admission. Then he turned his attention back to the tub of hot water and sank into the water. His cock disappearing under the warm water.
“Come here.” His crimson eyes focused in on her.
Hesitantly, Roxanne rose from the bed and walked over the cool stone floor to his side. Slowly, she bent down next to the side of the tub.
She had no idea what he had planned for her, but the wine let her not care. She just wanted to enjoy the small moments of life.
“A little closer.” He coaxed her.
Scooting closer her knees bumped up against the metal tub, and she stared at him in silence, waiting for his next command.
Daerrin raised a hand, and she followed the movement, noticing he held a bar of soap.
“What do you want me to do with that?”
“Wash me.”
Roxanne scoffed. “Sure.” Then she looked into his eyes. “You’re serious?”
“Serious.”
Her eyes narrowed. She still had no idea what his end goal was, but she’d play along. Snatching the soap from his hand, she dipped it in the water and then rubbed it across his chest.
“What are you doing?”
“Washing you, as you demanded.”
He smiled. “Start with my hair and work your way down to the tips of my toes.”
Roxanne gritted her teeth but did as he said. After dipping her hand back in the water, she scrubbed through his black hair.
“Scoot down.”
He obeyed her, and she washed the soap out, taking her time to appreciate the soft strands floating through her fingers.
As she was about to start on his chest, his hand caught her wrist. “One moment.”
She sat back on her heels as he dipped his head under the water fully. She watched on as he ran his hands through his hair and then popped back out of the water. Her heart melted at the sight of him. The water glistening off of his hair was so sexy.
“When you’re done staring at me you can continue washing.”
She frowned. “I’m not your maid.”
“I could have another female finish washing me.”
Roxanne glared at him. “You wouldn’t.”
“I’d prefer you.”
She continued washing him, not because she wanted to wash him, but because it let her run her hands all over his body and prevented another woman from having the pleasure. Not that she thought he would follow through with the threat. Recently, she’d noticed a gleam in his eyes every time he looked at her, and it made her wonder how he felt about her.
She should let another woman wash him, but every time she thought of it a spark of jealousy would raise its ugly head.
Her hands brushed over his powerful chest, working her way over scars. She could feel his gaze watching her every move, so she moved on to his muscular arms.
She loved caressing the bar of soap over his taut skin. The bar glided over his abs, his ribs, and then he leaned forward allowing her to brush the soap up and over his muscular back.
Every time her fingers brushed against his skin, she felt sparks fly through her.
He leaned back against the tub, and she worked her way back to his chest, and slowly worked her way down to the juncture of his hard thighs. Her heart stuttered in her chest.
“Nervous?”
She glanced up to see him watching her. “Please.” She scoffed.
“Excited?”
“You can only be excited about something if you enjoy it.”
He grinned. “All your moans in the past would say you enjoyed it.”
A blush crept up her cheeks. Confidently, she soaped up his loins. She wasn’t a woman who would shy away.
Daerrin tensed as she began running her hands over his balls. They were both playing a dangerous game with each other. He could continue to deny it all he wanted, but there was something building between them, and it wasn’t just lust. It was something more.
His heart hitched as he watched a lock of her fiery hair slip past her shoulder, hiding her face from his view. The tip of the lock dipped into the warm water, caressing the skin of his abdomen.
As Roxanne’s hand made its way to his shaft, she wrapped her slender fingers around it and stroked it. His cock had already been rock hard, and when she finished it strained for more of her touch.
Roxanne rose to stand beside his tub. “Is there anything else I can help you with, master?”
“Watch yourself. I could get used to being called that.”
She cocked a hip as she frowned down at him.
“You can undress.”
She arched a brow but sent him a saucy smile.
Her fingers slowly undid the laces at the front of her dress. She was drawing it out, the vixen. His eyes were glued to her every moment. Nothing would distract him from paying rapt attention.
The dress slipped from her shoulders leaving the thin underdress the only thing covering her frame from view. He could see her hard nipples poking the lightweight fabric.
“Take off the underdress,” Daerrin commanded her.
She gathered the fabric in her hands and drew it up and over her head, before tossing it to the ground. His eyes zeroed in on her pert breasts, and those spellbinding nipples of hers.
His eyes skimmed down from her breasts, over her flat stomach, to her rounded hips, and then down to the patch of hair protecting her womanly area. Her body was designed to please a man and drive him senseless.
“Now come here.”
She strode over to him confidently. He was sure she knew what her body did to him. How could she not?
“What now?” She placed her hands on her hips.
She acted haughty, but he knew she was just as excited as he was. A slight blush punctuated her neck and cheeks.
“Join me.”
“In the tub? There isn’t enough room for the both of us.”
“There’s plenty of room.” He tossed her a provocative smile.
“How do you suggest I get in there then?” She arched a delicate brow.
“One foot here,” he pointed to his left thigh, “and one foot here.” He pointed to the side of his right thig
h.
Roxanne pursed her lips. Daerrin wasn’t sure she would go for it, but he sure hoped she would.
Roxanne eyed the space he’d pointed out. She still wasn’t sure, but her curiosity drew her forward. Stepping lightly into the warm water, she placed either of her feet on each side of his hips.
The warm water came up to mid-calf. “What now?”
His hands traveled up the back of her calves to the back of her thighs, and then up to her buttocks. He squeezed the orbs gently and growled.
“Now I have a taste.”
He leaned over, shoving his face against her womanly mound, his tongue rubbing her nub. Her mouth popped open as she dug her hands into his hair to steady her trembling legs. Her eyes closed as she enjoyed the sensations he had rolling through her body.
She felt his hands work their way from her buttocks down to the inside of her thighs spreading them slightly wider until the sides of her feet hit the sides of the tub.
Then his hands slid up the insides of her thighs, a finger slipped between her folds, parting them. His finger slipped into her wetness, as his tongue continued to slowly circle her nub. Removing his finger from her core, he slid his tongue between her folds, taking in her essence.
A growl rumbled up his throat, vibrating against her clit.
“Oh my god.” Roxanne’s fingers scraped over his scalp.
“You taste so good.” He purred against her heated flesh. Then he dove right back to her center, his tongue sliding over her nub and two of his fingers entered her.
“Ah, your pussy lips are fattening. Excited?”
“Uh huh.” Roxanne couldn’t focus on what he was saying. Her breathing escalated as he kept assaulting her senses with overwhelming pleasure. As the desire built her hips bucked against his face, but his fingers and tongue never slowed.
Roxanne clenched her teeth as pleasure rocked through her body. Moans escaped her throat as he continued his onslaught and her inner muscles clenched down around his ever-pumping fingers.
As she came around his face and fingers, she let out a rapturous cry as her head flung back and her hips jerked with the force of her pleasure fucking his face with abandonment.
Trembling she smiled down at him as his fingers left her and he pulled away.
“I love how responsive you are.”
“And I enjoy the way you touch me.” She sent him a cocky smile.
Grabbing onto her buttocks, he pulled her down to straddle his hips. Water sloshed over the sides of the tub. A giggle escaped her as her hands landed on his shoulders.
Then she felt his cock slide against her inner lips.
“Enter me.” She commanded. His crimson eyes darkened.
She didn’t need to ask him twice. Daerrin’s shaft was so swollen and hard that it pained him. He needed to, nay, he wanted to release his seed deep inside her soft flesh.
Bit by bit, he eased her welcoming sheath down over his straining cock. Clenching his teeth, he forced himself to go slowly. He wanted to enjoy every long moment of this that he could.
“Faster.” Roxanne groaned as she tried to get him to penetrate her faster.
Daerrin ignored her request. He loved the feeling of his cock stretching her wide, loved feeling her soft wetness enveloping his every inch.
“Daerrin!” Roxanne growled as she leaned into his shoulder and lightly bit his shoulder.
Her bite spurred him on and sent him into a frenzy. Slamming her up and down on his shaft, they sent water spewing over the sides of the tub, but not giving a single care.
Daerrin captured her mouth, his tongue thrust inside hers, teasing and drawing her tongue into his mouth. She was hesitant, but picked up confidence, dueling with his tongue.
Her hips rolled against him seeking, demanding, their climax.
“I’m coming!” She yelled as her body spasmed in pleasure.
“Yes! Come for me, Roxanne!” Daerrin rasped, as pleasure rocked his own body. His muscles tensed, and as he felt her come around his shaft, he released his load within her.
The force of the explosion shook him to his soul. Daerrin wasn’t sure he could ever leave her arms. He was completely captivated.
Rising in the tub, he left his cock inside her entrance.
Roxanne stirred at the movement. “Mmm?”
“Shh…” His arms were wrapped around her. After stepping out of the tub, he brought her over to the bed and laid her down on the fur covers. Finally, he broke their connection, slipping his shaft from her entrance, but he laid down with her and cuddled her against his chest.
Roxanne had ended up enjoying the picnic from the day before… and the intimacy she’d shared with Daerrin. Elizabeth was someone she could easily befriend, and she even, surprisingly, enjoyed Stryme’s company. She’d felt like they were two couples enjoying a pleasant day together.
It had been both alarming and comfortable.
Looking in a mirror, she adjusted her braided hair again. Daerrin had left her alone this morning… with a kiss on the lips. It had been affectionate and stirred her heart, but she wasn’t sure what to make of it.
She placed her fingertips against her lips, remembering the soft caress.
He’d been so polite with her and perhaps loving. Or was that just wishful thinking on her part?
“Are you ready?” Elizabeth’s head popped around the corner of the bedchamber door.
Roxanne jumped a little, her heart thundering away in her chest. “Yes,” she responded as she raised a hand to her chest.
“Good. Come join us in the hall for the evening meal.” Elizabeth waved her forward impatiently.
“Is this Daerrin’s chamber?” He hadn’t really given her a straight answer when she’d asked him.
Elizabeth laughed. “Oh no, this is just a guest room. Usually, he sleeps with his men in the barracks.” She wiggled her eyebrows. “They have a lot of good times down there. Maybe a little too much fun.”
Roxanne felt herself bristling a little. She could imagine what kind of fun they got into in the barracks with just a group of rowdy soldiers. She forced herself to calm down. She had no claim to Daerrin.
“Although you can be assured he hasn’t been anywhere other than in your chamber at nights.” Elizabeth rushed to say when she saw the black cloud move over Roxanne’s face.
It worked in alleviating any of Roxanne’s jealousy and bewildered her. There were a lot of concerning signs that this might be more than just lovers slaking their lust.
Elizabeth looped her arm through Roxanne’s and guided her out of the chamber and down the corridor to the great hall. It was filled to the brim with giants and their merrymaking.
She was guided over to a table for the evening meal, but her eager eyes weren’t able to pick out Daerrin’s form in the ever-moving mass of people.
“Where is Daerrin?”
“Daerrin?” Elizabeth looked around the great hall. “There he is sitting with his men.” She pointed him out.
Roxanne glanced over to where Elizabeth pointed. It was a table swarmed by fire giants. Her eager eyes sought out Daerrin and relief swam through her. He was sitting with his warriors, having a jolly good time.
“Will he be joining us?” Roxanne didn’t want to express too much interest in Daerrin, but she couldn’t help but want to be near him. He was like a drug that she was unable to get out of her system, try as she might to harden her heart and move on from him.
Elizabeth shrugged. “I couldn’t tell you, but don’t worry about it. I’ll make sure to keep you company.” She tossed her a smile filled with warmth.
Roxanne sat down but had a hard time focusing on what Elizabeth was talking about.
“I’m sorry what did you say?”
Elizabeth chuckled. “I said I had so much fun on our picnic and hoped we could do it again before this one comes along.” She caressed her rounded stomach a few times.
Roxanne eyed Elizabeth’s bulging stomach. Someday she would love to join the ranks of mothers, but for now,
she had to wonder if any man would ever want her as a wife. “Of course. I enjoyed it more than I would’ve ever thought possible.” And the passionate sex Daerrin had surprised her with afterwards.
“This place has that effect on people.”
Roxanne glanced over to where Daerrin was still laughing and having an all-out great time with his men. A servant pressed her bosom near Daerrin’s face as she refilled his cup, and Roxanne felt her face fill with heat. He appeared to be ignoring the woman, but it didn’t make her feel any better.
She wondered if he was enjoying any of the giant women from this castle on the side. It wasn’t like Roxanne was his only choice now that they were at a castle. It made her want to slap him. She wasn’t an object he could just discard.
Roxanne stopped herself. Then again, if he found another plaything, she wouldn’t have to worry about ruining herself further. It might even end their nights together, which was what she wanted. Right?
But that thought didn’t comfort her like she thought it would. Instead, she felt a pull at her heartstrings. She didn’t love him, but she did enjoy his presence, his warm arms around her, and those delicious lips of his.
As another servant pressed advances on Daerrin, Roxanne’s fingers tightened around her mug but then loosened as Daerrin pushed the maid away and rebuffed her advances.
His crimson eyes rose to meet hers, and he cast her a devilish smile with the promise of a wicked night ahead of them.
Roxanne felt heat rush to her cheeks. She felt like a virgin in his presence, uncertain and eager. The feeling was thrilling for her. He knew how to make her feel treasured and unique.
Once again she found herself under his spell. Damn him!
Roxanne ignored all the conversations at her table, as she watched female servants lead warriors out of the great hall for a good night, but Daerrin declined every invitation sent his way.
Roxanne leaned in to whisper to Elizabeth. “He isn’t married or betrothed, is he?”
“Who?” Elizabeth quirked an eyebrow in her direction.
“Daerrin.”
Elizabeth smiled. “Why should it interest you?”
