34. Danica

Danica

34

A fter our epic splashdown showdown, we're both refreshed and changed into clean clothes we'd brought along. We return to the campsite, whereAxilyaand our companions have settled in their tents for the night.

Rhylandlays our furs next to the crackling campfire, inviting like a bear's den. I snuggle in close to him, my back to his front, folding into his arms as if I'm the missing puzzle piece designed to fit right there—in the nook of his embrace, my forever spot.

Rhyland's warmth rivals the campfire, teaming up to banish the ghostly chills left from our makeshift lake shower. His arms cage me in a fortress of security while we both get lost in the ballet of sparks that leap toward a sky glittering with celestial sequins.

"You okay,baby?" he asks softly.

I crane my neck to lock eyes with him, giving him a mini smile. "Yeah—just shook up from the ruckus, and I want to fix the wrongs…but I'm not sure how," I admit.

Being 'okay' seems like a ship that's sailed. How those ogres stormed us, fury-fueled for the hurts they've carried, tightens my chest fiercely. I'm stuck in the middle of this seven-realm hot mess, the one they say I've gotta sort out, and I'm winging it without a how-to guide.

"Hey,"Rhylandpulls me close, squeezing tight enough to press the assurance into my bones, "I know this shit's heavy, and you want to fix everything—it's a fucking burden that's not meant to be carried alone. But,baby, I'm right here, stride for stride with you. You're not in this solo for a single moment."

His words are a tether, his resolve an anchor, and I let out a sigh, letting them wrap around me. "I know," I whisper back, feeling the warmth of his conviction.

But inside, doubt and fear are persistent shadows, heavy on my mind. The path ahead is long, and what I've tackled is barely a mark on our vast expanse of challenges.

Rhylandpresses his lips to my neck, a brief sanctuary in the chaos of emotions swirling within me. "I can feel the storm brewing inside you,baby. Remember? Your feelings are mine to share. And this doubt festering in your pretty head—it's gotta end."

His words are an attempt to steady the storm inside me, reminding me of our unbreakable bond.

"I've got my ways to take your mind off this, even if just for a bit,"Rhyland's voice is laced with a smirk I can all but see without looking. The playful undercurrent of his tone promises a temporary escape from the weight of my concerns.

I whip my head around to meet his mischievous gaze, shocked. My eyes dart around the makeshift campsite—the fae camp sprawled in uneasy sleep, mostly in tents, but some are sprawled out on makeshift beds.

"Oh, no, no, no…we can't—" I protest.

Rhylandcuts off my words, his lips landing gently on mine. He kisses me softly, a promise in the brief contact, and then pulls back with a finger to his lips.

"Shh… don't rouse the others," he whispers into my mind, a sly grin playing at the corners of his mouth. "Just relax and let me take care of you."

I roll back onto my side, a huff escaping me as I shake my head atRhyland's boldness. Yet, there's a smirk tugging at my lips—because, damn, the audacity of this man is somehow endearing.

Who doesn't want a man who's hell-bent on showering you with pleasure, ceaseless in his devotion to your happiness?

I can't help but glance around again, ensuring the soft breaths and still forms around us remain undisturbed. As I confirm everyone's deep in slumber,Rhyland's hand moves with quiet deliberation toward my pants, fingers deftly working at the clasp with a slow, tantalizing intention.

His voice, a low velvet murmur, floats through my mind like a lover's caress, "I'm gonna make you feel so good,Angel. Consider it a debt I'm more than happy to settle."

The flirtatious promise in his tone sends a shiver of anticipation down my spine.

"Rhyland, come on…"

My brain detours as his hand slips into my leathers and locates my sweet spot like it's his personal GPS. His other hand snakes up from underneath me, yanking the leather aside and exposing my breast to the cool night breeze. My nipple stiffens and aches. Then, his warm hand takes control, covering it like a protective shield.

"Yeah,baby. You can't deny this is what you crave. I know your body,Dani, and what it needs," his voice is like a lover's tender touch in my mind. "See how fucking slick you are."

His body melds with mine, his hard cock rubbing against my ass, his fingers playing my clit like a maestro with his violin, hitting all the right notes.

My eyes roll back, and now there's only one thing on my mind—more of him. He knows exactly which strings to pluck, making my body sing.

"I will always crave you…" I moan out loud at his touch, lost in the moment.

"Shh…" he reminds me.

His fingers thrust inside me, a rough, possessive claim that sends a jolt of pleasure-pain through me.

"Mmm... I need more." His voice is a low growl with a rough edge that promises satisfaction.

I bite my lip to stifle my moans, my body arching with each thrust of his fingers. The sensation is overwhelming, a whirlwind of pleasure that's taking me higher and higher. He continues to pinch my nipple—twisting and pulling. It's driving me mad.

He quickly withdraws from me, yanking my leathers down my legs.

"Get these off," he growls.

I do a shuffle-and-shimmy routine as I wage war with the constricting embrace of my leathers under the covers. The thought ofRhyland's next move has me all aflutter. After what feels like a gazillion years of grappling with the pesky fabric, I kick them off.

Rhylandmoves like lightning, flipping me quickly, tossing the blanket over us like a cloak of secrecy, and finding his cozy spot between my thighs before I can catch my breath.

He's going for it right here, smack-dab in the middle of camp, where anyone could take a peek. Talk about being on display—I might as well have gills and fins with how exposed I feel!

"Rhyland! Keeping it down isn't exactly my strong suit when you're doing... that!" I whisper-yell into his mind.

His chuckle is a low vibration in my thoughts, "I know,baby—that's precisely why I adore you. You're not shy about hitting those high notes, and I fucking live for hearing myAngelsing. But if you don't want to be caught, I suggest you keep that beautiful voice on mute."

Crap. He's on his own wavelength, immune to my caution.

Bracing to interject and squeezing my legs shut out of sheer reflex—this is madness, " Rhyland—"

But just like that, my protests evaporate, and every coherent thought zaps away, leaving me utterly without words as his searing tongue glides up my clit and his lips wrap around the tight bundle of nerves—

Sweet Jesus!

"Mmm…cotton candy." His voice rumbles through my thoughts, describing how I taste—a decadent concoction of sweet, sexy, and downright intoxicating.

I surrender, hoisting my imaginary white flag high as my resistance crumbles and my legs part like the Red Sea.

Here I am, shamelessly sailing the seas of pleasure aboard the good shipRhyland.