28. Drakar

Ihave to admit, I do know how to throw a party. But though the Harte clan seem to be enjoying themselves, the reception is nothing but a blur to me. All the lights and sounds are a distant background to Sally’s smile. There’s toasting and dancing, speeches and gifts, as well as a champagne fountain as tall as the cake. However, it’s the open gelato bar that I end up having to tear my wife away from for our pictures.

The food is excellent, and necessary to maintain my energy- especially when Sally spends over an hour receiving congratulations. She insisted it was polite etiquette, but the mischievous sparkle in her eye hinted that she was purposefully goading me. In response, I let her play her game for a while longer before I diplomatically suggested to my new in-laws that it might be better for them to take over the congenial salutations.

We barely make it to the elevator before I’m hauling her to me, with not enough arms to tangle around her body. Sally gasps encouragingly, leaving succulent kisses along my jawline. When she licks at my old scar, I almost lose my mind at the way the sensitive skin tingles.

“I don’t know how to get this dress off of you,” I mutter, giving a rumble of frustration. The only thing that appeases me right now is memorizing her curves with my fingers, and feasting on whatever skin I can reach.

“You should probably wait for that until we get out of the elevator at least.” Her conversational tone is meant to drive me crazy, and it’s working. I counter her by hoisting her legs up around my hips, secretly pleased when she opens wide to accommodate my frame between her thighs.

“We might give people in the hall a real show,” I argue halfheartedly. “Besides, I don’t want anyone else seeing you like this. Even though I might be willing to make an exception, given the circumstances.”

There are too many clothes separating us, so I suck on her pulse point in challenge, loving her responsive, full-body shiver. I don’t know if she knows that she’s shallowly grinding on me, but it’s enough to drive me to the brink. I’m straining the seams of my slacks, but all I can think about is drawing out her pleasure.

“Wait until we get to the room. The anticipation makes it better.” Her breathy, whispered tease has my brain momentarily short-circuiting.

Since our mutual hospital confession, we’ve often found ourselves in salacious situations, where I am the primary initiator and seducer. Yet here my mate is, proving that even this sweet sunflower can give a powerful orc like me, a run for my money.

One of the things I love most about Sally is how her playful optimism translates into sassy, challenging behavior in the bedroom. Or the kitchen, or living room, or wherever we happen to be at the moment.

She nibbles on the shell of my ear at my momentary silence, and the dull pleasure-pain makes my eyes roll in the back of my head. Keyed up and impatient, I’m not gentle as I yank her hair back in order to suck bruises over her collarbone. My other hand slips between her legs, cupping her heated center.

Heaving a shuddering breath, I press into her neck, overwhelmed by the intensity of my desires. We’re both panting harshly, the mingled sound overtaking the soft elevator tones. There will never be another woman who can brighten my world the way Sally can, and I love that I can call her mine in all ways.

Gentling my caresses helps me regain a certain amount of control. I know that more than her beauty and my pride, there is a deeper, more encompassing emotion driving our passion. Ever since the beginning our love has driven us and inspired everything that has led up to this day, this moment. To me holding her fondly, sharing a private moment in the elevator.

“You know I love you with everything I am, don’t you?” I murmur against her slender neck.

“I hope so, with all that fanfare we just spent the whole afternoon going through.” She chuckles up at me, pressing her body invitingly close to mine.

“Hush, you loved it- admit it.”

“I did.” Happiness makes her eyes sparkle, and her smile is as bright as day. “Today has been a dream come true for me Drakar, thank you.”

“As your husband and mate, it is my duty to give you everything in my power.” I reinforce my vow with another kiss. “All you have to do is simply ask, and I will place the world at your feet.”

“Just get me out of this elevator, and out of this dress. We’ve already spent too much time fully clothed around each other today. Get us to a hotel room, so we can rectify that.”

Growling, I move my hands along her showcased curves, delighting in how she trembles eagerly beneath me. Moving in to wrap her in another kiss, the chime signals as the doors open, and instead I’m letting her down and pulling her to the penthouse suite. Sally laughs happily as she follows, and the sound echoes delightfully down the hall.

Our wedding suite does not disappoint. Flowers that match her bouquet adorn the tables and arches, with richly-colored petals scattered everywhere, while the standing windows provide a panoramic view that showcases the splendid view of the valley between Highbridge and the city. I give her time to enjoy the moment, letting her bask in the glory of the day, while I pour us a couple of glasses of champagne.

“Everything has been incredible Drakar, this has been a dream come true,” she says, accepting the flute. I draw her back into my embrace, resting my chin on her shoulder she leans back into my chest, while we take a quiet moment to enjoy the view.

“Didn’t I tell you I would put the world at your feet?” Kissing along her jaw, I victoriously find her dress’ elusive zipper, and the dress parts from her skin easily, falling to the floor in a flutter of velvet and tulle. Sally turns away from the view to wrap her arms around me, setting the champagne aside.

My vision is filled with her lovely curves. She is standing in nothing but lace stockings, surrounded by flowers, and all I want to do is finish claiming her, so the world knows that Sally and I are forever bound. As she reaches up to kiss my facial scar, I see her ever-present desire flare again.

“I don’t need the world, Drakar, I only need you.” She kisses me, long and deep, as her body enfolds into mine. “Please, now.”

The sight and sound of my chosen love begging for me, makes me feel like roaring in victory. Instead, I crush her to me as we intertwine, letting that whirlwind of passion overtake us once more.

I drag her to the floor, impassioned and needy. There has always been an undercurrent of heat that has flowed between us ever since our first interaction, and that blaze crashes over us like a typhoon. We come together heatedly, as ardor and affection carry us to an explosive climax.

Even with as often as we’ve come together over the past three months, it never feels like enough. I am addicted to this woman”s body and soul, and although she gives me undue pleasure, my need for her is such that I am never truly satiated.

So it is now, even as she hurriedly strips me of my clothing. Our first joining was quick and heated as if to take the edge off. The next round is equally enthralling.

Settling her placid form across the bed for our second session, it isn’t long before our combined scent hypnotizes me. Before I know it, I’m feasting on the nectar spilling out of her.

This time our lovemaking is tender, gentled by joined looks and our deepening bond. The exchange is more romantic as we roll our hips into each other, and I whisper our marriage vows into her ear. I make the effort to take my time this go around, drawing out as much sensation as I can- with shallow, teasing movements that are no less fervent in their desire.

We spend the night making love, taking turns thrilling at the push and pull that exists naturally between our bodies. Even before we ever came together physically, there was always a magnetic pull attracting us to one another.

Exhausted and satiated, we eventually give in as the morning breaches the horizon, collapsing into slumber as the gray rays of dawn begin to streak across the sky. Her breath evens out before mine does, and another note of satisfaction layers over me when I think of how ardently I’ve pleased her.

As morning tries to filter through our senses, I hum a little human tune about sunshine aloud that reminds me of my mate. Even drifting in and out of consciousness, I register her smile as the sound reaches her dainty ears.

My last thought before sleep envelopes me is that I forgot to mention the surprise honeymoon attached to our wedding plans. Oh, well, I think to myself hazily, and I fall asleep dreaming of sandy curves stretched along a backdrop of blue-green waters.