29. Valen

CHAPTER 29

VALEN

T he door to our bedroom clicks shut behind us, sealing out the world. I carry Ariana effortlessly, her laughter like music against my neck. The night’s festivities have left her cheeks flushed, her eyes sparkling with joy. I set her down gently, the silk of her dress rustling against the cool sheets.

Slowly, I peel it off of her. Nimbly working the satin ribbon and metal fastenings apart.

“Gods, you look incredible,” I murmur, my gaze roving over her form. The lace lingerie she wears beneath her dress is a tantalizing glimpse of heaven. I can’t help but trace the delicate patterns with my fingertips, feeling her shiver under my touch.

“You’re not so bad yourself,” she teases, her voice barely above a whisper. Her fingers trail along the line of my jaw, her touch electric.

I lean in, capturing her lips in a slow, deep kiss. Her arms wrap around my neck, pulling me closer. The taste of her, the feel of her—it’s intoxicating. I slide my hand under the waistband of her panties, feeling the heat of her skin against mine. She gasps against my mouth, her body arching into my touch.

“Valen,” she breathes, her voice a mix of need and surprise.

“Shh,” I whisper, my lips moving to her ear. “Let me take care of you.”

I stroke her slowly, teasingly, my fingers exploring every curve and contour. Her breath hitches as I brush over her clit, her eyes fluttering closed as she gives herself over to the sensation. I watch her, my own desire building with every soft moan that escapes her lips.

“You’re driving me crazy,” she murmurs, her voice ragged with desire.

“Good,” I growl, my lips trailing down her neck. “That’s the point.”

She laughs softly, the sound turning into a gasp as I press deeper, my fingers finding the spot that makes her whole body tremble. I can feel her heart racing against mine, her breath coming in short, sharp bursts.

“Valen,” she whispers, her voice pleading. “Please.”

I know what she wants, what she needs. I slip my fingers inside her, feeling her tighten around me. Her hips move in rhythm with my touch, her body seeking more, demanding more.

“That’s it, love,” I murmur, my voice rough with desire. “Take what you need.”

She does, her body moving with a wild, desperate hunger. I watch her, my own need building with every soft cry, every tremble of her body. She’s beautiful, she’s mine, and I can’t get enough of her.

As her breaths grow more ragged, her body tensing with impending release, I slow my movements, drawing out her pleasure. Her eyes flutter open, meeting mine with a look of pure, unadulterated need.

“Valen,” she whispers, her voice a plea.

“I’ve got you,” I promise, my voice steady despite the storm raging inside me. “Always.”

And with that, I bring her to the edge, watching as she falls over, her body shuddering with release. Her cries fill the room, her pleasure echoing through every fiber of my being. As she comes down from the high, I gather her in my arms, holding her close, knowing that this—this is just the beginning.

I watch as Ariana slips off her panties, her eyes never leaving mine. My fingers deftly undo the buttons of my shirt, revealing the hard planes of my chest. I let it fall to the floor, alongside the rest of my attire, discarded like an afterthought. Her gaze lingers on my body, a mix of desire and awe in her eyes.

I capture her lips in a slow, teasing kiss, my hands roaming over her body. I can feel her heart racing against mine, her breath coming in short, sharp gasps. I break the kiss, my lips trailing down her neck as I murmur against her skin.

"Good," I say, my voice low and husky. "Because I plan on making you like it even more."

I guide her back onto the bed, my body covering hers. I rub the head of my cock over her clit, teasing her, getting her worked up again. She moans, her hips bucking against me as she tries to draw me in deeper.

"Valen," she gasps, her voice a plea. "Please."

I smile, a slow, wicked grin spreading across my face. "Patience, love," I say, my voice a low rumble. "I plan on making this last."

And with that, I slip inside of her, feeling her warmth envelop me. We move together, our bodies in perfect sync. I can feel her tightening around me, her breath coming in short, sharp gasps as she nears her release.

"Valen," she cries out, her voice a mix of pleasure and desperation. "I'm going to come."

"I know," I murmur, my lips brushing against her ear. "And I'm going to come with you."

And with that, we both reach our peak, our bodies shuddering with the force of our release. I collapse on top of her, my breath coming in short, sharp gasps. She wraps her arms around me, holding me close as we both come down from the high.

I roll off of her, pulling her into my arms. "That was amazing," I say, my voice a low rumble.

She smiles, her eyes sparkling with happiness. "It was," she agrees.

I lean in, capturing her lips in a slow, lingering kiss. "But the night isn't over yet," I say, my voice a low growl. "I plan on giving you at least two more orgasms tonight."

She laughs, a low, throaty sound that sends a shiver down my spine. "I'm going to hold you to that," she says, her voice teasing.

I smile, a slow, wicked grin spreading across my face.

I guide Ariana's hand down to my cock, still wet from our previous encounter. Her fingers wrap around me, and she begins to stroke me with a soft, tentative touch. I close my eyes, savoring the sensation as I harden in her hand.

"Like this?" she asks, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Just like that," I murmur, my own hand finding its way between her legs. I stroke her clit gently, feeling her wetness against my fingertips. She gasps, her hand tightening around me in response.

"Valen," she breathes, her hips bucking against my touch.

I hitch her leg over my hip, positioning myself at her entrance. I slide inside her slowly, reveling in the feeling of her warmth enveloping me. She moans, her head falling back against the pillow.

"Fuck, you feel so good," I groan, my fingers still working their magic on her clit.

She gasps, her body trembling as she comes apart beside me. Her orgasms is quick but fierce. And I'm not done. I made a promise; and I intend to keep it.

Her eyes are glassy and unfocused, lost in her own pleasure. I drive into her over and over, delighting in the small noises she makes urging me on.

I keep going, my thrusts growing more urgent as I feel my own release building.

"Again," I command, my voice low and husky. "Come for me again."

She whimpers, her body writhing beneath me as I push her higher and higher. I can feel her tightening around me, her muscles clenching as she comes again.

With a final, powerful thrust, I follow her over the edge, my own release washing over me like a tidal wave.

"Holy shit," she murmurs, her voice barely audible.

"Yeah," I agree, my own voice equally breathless. "That was...incredible."

We lay there for a moment, our bodies entwined as we catch our breath. I can feel her heartbeat against my chest, steady and strong. I press a soft kiss to her forehead, my arms tightening around her.

"I don't want to let you go," I whisper, my voice thick with emotion.

"Then don't," she replies, her eyes meeting mine. "I don't want you to either."

And in that moment, I know that I never will. Ariana is mine, and I am hers. Fate may have brought us together, but it's our love that will keep us that way.

I gently scoop Ariana into my arms, her body warm and pliant against mine. She mumbles something incoherent, her eyes heavy-lidded with exhaustion and satisfaction.

"Come on, love," I murmur, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Let's get you cleaned up."

I carry her to the shower, her head lolling against my chest. The warm water cascades over us as I hold her steady, her legs wobbling beneath her.

"Mmm, feels nice," she sighs, leaning heavily against me.

I chuckle, reaching for the soap. "Stay with me, sweetheart. Can't have you falling asleep in here."

My hands glide over her skin, washing away the evidence of our lovemaking. She shivers under my touch, a small moan escaping her lips.

"Careful," I tease, "or we might have to start all over again."

She laughs softly, her eyes fluttering open to meet mine. "Tempting, but I don't think I can move."

I rinse her off, marveling at the way the water beads on her skin. Even in her exhausted state, she's breathtaking.

"All done," I announce, turning off the water. "Think you can stand while I grab a towel?"

She nods, but as soon as I let go, she sways dangerously. I catch her quickly, wrapping a fluffy towel around her.

"Whoa there," I say, steadying her. "Let's get you to bed before you collapse."

I dry her off gently, then guide her back to our bed. She crawls in, her movements sluggish but graceful. I slide in beside her, pulling her close.

As she drifts off, I can't help but stare. Her face is relaxed in sleep, her lips slightly parted. The moonlight filtering through the window casts a soft glow on her skin, highlighting the curve of her cheek, the sweep of her lashes.

I trace the line of her jaw with my finger, marveling at the softness of her skin. She sighs contentedly in her sleep, snuggling closer to me.

At this moment, I'm struck by how lucky I am. This beautiful, strong woman is mine. My mate, my partner, my love. I press a gentle kiss to her temple, careful not to wake her.

"Sleep well, my love," I whisper, letting my own eyes close as I join her in slumber.