26. Josie

26

JOSIE

I sink into the plush cushions of Sarod's couch, my body aching from Grokus's cruelty. Sarod's massive form looms over me, his amber eyes filled with concern. My heart races as he kneels beside me, his calloused hands surprisingly gentle as they examine my wounds.

"This'll sting a bit," he grunts, uncorking a vial of pungent green liquid.

I wince as he applies the salve to my bruises, but the pain quickly fades to a soothing warmth. His fingers work methodically, tracing patterns across my skin as he mutters guttural incantations. A soft glow emanates from his touch, and I feel the swelling subside.

"How'd you learn to do this?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

Sarod's lips quirk into a half-smile. "Zyrphix ain't for the faint of heart. You learn to patch yourself up or you don't last long."

As he continues his ministrations, I'm struck by the tenderness in his actions. This isn't the same orc who berated and threatened me. This is... something else entirely.

"Why'd you come for me?" The question slips out before I can stop it.

Sarod's hands pause, his eyes meeting mine. "Because you're mine," he growls, but there's no malice in his voice. Just raw emotion that makes my breath catch.

Overwhelmed, I feel tears welling up in my eyes. I try to blink them away, but they spill down my cheeks. Sarod's thumb brushes them away, his touch impossibly gentle.

"Thank you," I choke out, my gratitude threatening to consume me.

Sarod doesn't respond with words. Instead, he pulls me into his arms, cradling me against his broad chest. I bury my face in the crook of his neck, inhaling his musky scent as I let the tears flow freely.

I sink into Sarod's embrace, tears streaming down my face as I cry into his neck. His skin is warm and rough against mine, his scent enveloping me. He holds me tight, one hand cradling the back of my head, the other stroking my back in a soothing rhythm. I feel his lips brush against my temple, feather-light and gentle.

"It's over, Josie," he murmurs, his voice a low rumble. "You're safe now."

His kisses trail down from my temple to my cheek, soft and tender. I cling to him, my fingers digging into his shoulders as I let out a shuddering breath. His lips find the corner of my mouth, and I turn into him, seeking more of his touch.

"Sarod," I whisper, his name a plea on my lips. "Please..."

He responds with a low growl, capturing my mouth with his. His kiss is gentle, yet fierce, filled with a hunger that mirrors my own. I open up to him, my hands sliding up to tangle in his dark hair as I pull him closer.

His kisses start to trail lower, from my mouth to my jaw, then down to my neck. I tilt my head back, giving him better access as I beg for more. "Please, Sarod. Don't stop."

He growls against my skin, his hands moving to cup my face as he trails kisses down to my collarbone. Each touch of his lips sends shivers down my spine, igniting a fire within me that I didn't know existed. I gasp as he nips at the sensitive skin, my body arching into his touch.

"Sarod," I whisper again, my voice barely audible. But he hears me. He always hears me.

His hands leave my face, trailing down my body as his kisses move lower still. I cling to him, my breath coming in ragged gasps as I beg for his touch. And he complies, his hands and lips working in tandem to explore every inch of my skin as if it were a sacred ground.

Before I know it, he helps me onto my stomach so that he can start giving me a massage. I'm in no position to say no, so I comply with his every word and lean into each kiss he gives me.

Sarod's hands roam over my body, his calloused fingers tracing the curves of my muscles, soothing the aches that Grokus left behind. I let out a soft moan as he works out the knots in my shoulders, his touch firm yet gentle. The rough pads of his fingers send shivers down my spine, igniting a warmth that spreads through my limbs. Along with his fingers, he trails kisses down my skin as well.

"Feel good?" he grunts.

I nod, leaning into his touch. "Mmm-hmm."

His hands move lower, kneading the tension from my back, drawing out another moan from deep within me. I can feel the heat of his gaze on my skin, his breath hot on my neck. His fingers dip beneath the waistband of my pants, sending a jolt of anticipation coursing through me.

"Sarod," I whisper, the anticipation driving me wild. It doesn't matter that I'm still aching and bruised in some places. I want him. I need him.

He growls in response, his hands sliding further down, cupping my ass and pulling me against him. I can feel his desire pressing against me, his body hard and ready. I gasp as his lips find the sensitive spot on my neck, his teeth grazing against my skin.

"Tell me what you want, Josie," he murmurs, his voice a low rumble in my ear. "I don't have to do this if you don't want to."

I hesitate for a moment, my heart pounding in my chest. But the warmth of his touch, the hunger in his voice, it draws out a boldness in me that I never knew existed. I turn to face him, my eyes meeting his.

"I want you, Sarod," I say, my voice steady and sure. "I want all of you."

A fierce hunger flashes in his eyes, his grip on me tightening. He captures my mouth with his, his kiss fierce and demanding. I open up to him, my hands sliding up to tangle in his dark hair as I pull him closer.

His hands roam over my body yet again, his touch growing more insistent, more intimate. He trails kisses down my neck, his fingers deftly unbuttoning my shirt. I shudder as he pushes the fabric aside, his lips finding the swell of my breasts.

I gasp as he takes one nipple into his mouth, his tongue swirling around the sensitive peak. My body arches into his touch, my fingers digging into his shoulders as I beg for more. He complies, swirling his tongue around my nipple and sucking on it gently before moving to the next one. My hand grips at his scalp, moaning softly at his movements.

The air between us grows hot and heavy, filled with the scent of our desire. I can feel the tension building within me, my body aching for release. Sarod seems to sense it too, his touch growing more urgent, more demanding.

He lifts me up, my legs wrapping around his waist as he carries me to his bedroom. He sets me down onto the bed and Sarod positions himself over me, his amber eyes locked onto mine.

Before I know it, he's already undressing himself and pulling the rest of my clothes off as well. His penis, large and throbbing, springs up to hit his abdomen. With his cock in hand, he enters me gently, his movements slow and controlled. I gasp at the intrusion, my body tensing for a moment before relaxing into his touch. He starts to thrust, his pace steady and deliberate, mindful of the bruises that mar my skin.

"More, Sarod," I whisper, my voice ragged with desire. "I need more."

He growls, his grip on my hips tightening. "You sure, Josie? I don't want to hurt you."

I nod, my fingers digging into his shoulders. "Please, I can take it. I want it."

Sarod searches my face, seeing the truth in my eyes. He pulls out, only to flip me onto my stomach. His hands roam over my back, tracing the curve of my spine before gripping my hips again. He enters me from behind, his thrusts deeper, harder. I moan, my body pressing back against his, meeting each thrust with eager anticipation.

"Yes," I gasp, my fists clutching the sheets. "Like that, Sarod. Just like that."

He leans over me, his breath hot on my neck. His teeth graze my ear, sending a shiver down my spine. "You feel so good, Josie," he growls. "So fucking good."

I can only moan in response, my body consumed by the sensation of him moving inside me. Each thrust sends waves of pleasure coursing through me, building and intensifying with every passing second. I can feel the tension coiling within me, my body aching for release.

Sarod's pace quickens, his grip on my hips tightening. He drives into me with a fierce intensity, each thrust pushing me closer to the edge. I can hear his ragged breaths, feel the sweat dripping from his body onto mine. It's raw, primal, and I love every second of it.

"Harder," I beg, my voice barely recognizable, desperate with need. "Please, Sarod. Harder."

He complies, his thrusts becoming more forceful, more demanding. The sound of our bodies colliding fills the room, echoing off the walls like a primal rhythm. I can feel the tension reaching its peak, my body trembling with anticipation, every nerve ending alight with sensation.

"Fuck, Josie," Sarod growls, his voice strained and gutural. "You're so tight, so perfect. I can't get enough of you."

His words send me spiraling, my body convulsing with pleasure. Waves of ecstasy wash over me, leaving me breathless and shaking. Sarod continues to thrust, his pace unrelenting, drawing out my orgasm until he finds his own release. He collapses on next to me, his body slick with sweat, his breath coming in ragged gasps.

We lie there for a moment, our bodies entwined, our hearts pounding in sync. I can feel his arms around me, the comforting pressure of his body against mine. It's a sensation I never want to end, a moment of pure contentment and bliss.