CHAPTER 36

Vita

"AND THEN…" VITA CACKLED, unable to finish the story she was trying to tell, her entire body shaking with laughter.

She was a bit delirious, perhaps more than a bit, between the erotic acts that had titillated her at the party and her flight from the palace.

Of course, the mead could have something to do with it as well.

A half finished mug sat in front of her, though it hadn't been her first. Or her second .

When she finally regained her breath, she narrowed her eyes to Verian, who mirrored her look from across the wooden table. "I… forgot what I was saying."

Now it was his turn to laugh, though the grin quickly faded to a gentle smile.

"Maybe we should get some rest…" he started, though trailed off noticeably.

They'd been at Ad Noctua for some time now, the tavern alive with raucous chaos this late in the evening, on a holiday no less. As she glanced around the room, she still noticed the not-so-subtle stares of numerous patrons, unsurprising with the scanty dress she was wearing.

When they'd arrived, Verian had promptly bought drinks, finding a spot at an empty table. She was grateful, anything to take her mind off Renatus, the Edosal celebration, the palace. Despite it all, her heart hurt from the loss, even though it had been foolish to get attached. The moment in the rose garden, the astronomy tower, the sensual care he'd shown her during her moon cycle… it had felt like more than lust, more than dominion, but no.

"Rest?" Vita asked, worry beginning to take hold, even through the buzz of alcohol.

Where was she going to go? She had no money, no place to stay. Before panic could fully set in, Verian stepped from around the table, pulling her off the bench and into his arms.

"We'll get you a room at the inn."

She pulled away slightly so she could raise a brow. "The inn?"

Nocturnalis Inn.

Just a few minutes later and they were in a small room, paid for by Verian. The old man working the marble counter had given them the stink eye, but said nothing as he received his payment.

Money spoke more than impropriety, Vita supposed.

The room was quaint despite the hubbub from the lively street outside the window. A thin mattress and warm blankets made up the basic bed, and a wooden table sat in the corner of the small space. The innkeeper had given Verian a candle, which he set on the table, bathing the bed in a warm glow.

Nocturnalis wasn't cheap, not a place frequented by ladies of the night and their clients, unlike some of the seedier inns. At least, not usually.

Perhaps the innkeeper had thought Vita to be a meretrix from one of the local brothels, but he'd allowed them to rent the room either way.

Now, she lay on the bed, small, but sufficient, her eyes glued to Verian as he shuffled awkwardly by the door. The warmth of mead tingled her entire body, and the knowledge that she was alone with him in a room with a serviceable bed. Still, something nagged at her.

"I'm sorry about tonight. Renatus shouldn't have done that, shouldn't have made you say those things…" her voice trailed off, knowing that an apology wasn't enough.

He sighed before walking over to the bed and squeezing in next to her. They sat with their backs against the plain, wooden headboard, the warmth of his arm and leg pressing against hers sending butterflies fluttering in her stomach. With a gentle touch, he tilted her face to meet his gaze, emotion stirring behind his eyes.

"You need not apologize. It was… uncomfortable, that is certain, but not your fault. And at the very least, none of my brothers in arms were there to hear it." Verian hesitated, clearing his throat as his eyes roamed over her. "Everything I said was true, as I'm sure you know."

Though the sweet words he'd said about her made her whole body tingle, it didn't counteract the actions of Renatus.

"It was still wrong of him to do."

"Perhaps the High Consul had his reasons…"

"He has no reason, no morals. Nothing beyond what will entertain him the most at any given moment." Vita's voice was laced with vitriol, though even she found it difficult to fully believe the words she was saying.

There was something there, something behind the facade Renatus showed to all, but she was tired of searching for it.

Without warning, Verian pressed his lips to hers, aromatic mint enveloping her with its fresh scent. She inhaled a deep breath, leaning into him as she opened her mouth, his tongue wandering across her own. Sparks tingled her skin as she wrapped her arms around him, trying to pull him closer.

It wasn't enough, and she slid her leg over his body so she could straddle him. A roll of her hips and he was moaning into her mouth, a mound already pressing at the apex of her thighs. Another roll and he gripped her waist, stopping the movement as a smile tugged at his lips.

"Remember, I'm taking my time with you."

His voice was gravelly as he wrapped a large hand delicately around her throat, like some sort of erotic necklace. Just a hint of a squeeze, enough to make her suitably breathless, then he reached behind her neck, untying the fabric that kept her covered, letting it fall forward and exposing her chest.

Vita took a sharp inhale as he cupped each breast with a palm, squeezing gently while she bounced lightly on top of him. The pressure of his hard cock sent jolts of electricity through her, the way he fondled her chest clenching the muscles in her stomach.

"Sweet girl," he murmured, bringing his lips to one of her breasts, licking slow circles around the nipple as her back arched with pleasure.

" Verian …" she moaned, and he was unlacing the red straps from around her body, exposing her further before continuing his caresses.

"I know, my sweet, I know."

The silky fabric of her dress pooled in front of her, legs fully exposed, the thin strip of silk the only thing hiding her sex. Verian reached under, then cocked his head in surprise.

It took a moment for Vita to understand, her mind fuzzy as his fingers brushed over her drenched entrance.

"Oh. Not really the type of dress you can wear undergarments with."

He bit his lip, eyelids heavy with lust, and ran two fingers across her. She clenched her thighs together instinctively, the touch already overwhelming her tender flesh.

"There are so many things I want to do to you, Vita, and not nearly enough hours in the night."

His fingers pressed in and her back arched again, desperate need dotting her eyes with stars.

"Wait…" she muttered, trying to focus on breathing as she grasped for the bottom of his tunic.

Verian smiled in understanding, letting her pull the shirt off over his head before his hand returned to her entrance, the other gripping her thigh tightly.

Her mouth hung open as she gaped at the muscled chest before her, drinking in every detail of his brawny pecs and lean stomach. He had been a boy the last time she'd seen him without a tunic, on a warm summer day idling by the river, and now he was a man.

A sly smile quirked his lips as he plunged into her, forcing her eyes to roll to the back of her head. A look of utter concentration graced his beautiful face as he fucked her with two fingers, her cunt slick with need. His thumb vibrated on her clit, sending a shudder up her spine as tension coiled in her stomach.

It all felt so… right, being with the man who had always been by her side, who had always supported and protected her. They fit together like a lock and its key, freeing her of the tension that had tormented her for so long.

When they met eye to eye, Verian's gaze was both hungry and jubilant, his voice husky as he continued to curl his fingers inside her. "Oh, Vita. I've loved you for so long, since the day I met you. I'm sorry I was too scared to do anything about it, that I wasn't there for you like I should have been."

"I love you too," she breathed, gripping his shoulders and focusing on the soft glow of his eyes. " I should have done something sooner. I can't believe we could have been doing this the entire—"

Her voice gave out as another finger pressed its way in, replaced with a long, low moan. His free hand slid up her body, over her soft stomach and breasts, pinching her nipple so she tightened around him.

"Gods, Vita, you're so tight, so perfect…" Verian groaned as he flexed his fingers, pulsing the right spot inside her. He gripped the ba ck of her neck, tangling his fingers in her hair as he pulled her ear to his lips. "Come for me, sweet girl. I need you to come so I can get my cock inside you."

The whisper tickled the sensitive skin of her neck; the words burning through her as she slumped against him. Embers elevated into flames until the roaring was so mighty that her orgasm barreled right through her. She rocked her hips into him, low moans rumbling in her throat.

When she heaved a great sigh, Verian withdrew his fingers, tasting her arousal, which just continued to stoke the flames dancing in her core.

"You are perfect, so perfect , and all mine."

His words sent her heart fluttering, a flush burning her cheeks as she rested on his legs. The mound of his cock still prodded her, and she rubbed against it, letting the warmth of arousal build. His hands were at her hips, rocking her back and forth across him.

Still in a daze of euphoria, Vita unlaced his pants with delicate fingers, moving away just enough so she could wriggle them down his legs and fully slip off her own dress before returning to her place on his hips.

In the candle's light, she took her time acquainting herself with his cock, examining it as she wrapped her fingers around it. A good size, long and thick, more than enough to make her happy.

She raised up on her knees, running the tip of his length across her until he writhed with anticipation. Pressing the shaft against her slit, she let him get good and wet as she rocked her hips, each gentle movement sending a bolt of arousal through her body.

" Vita …" Verian murmured as he gripped her firmly.

"Is this how you want me?" she asked with a smirk, teasing his cock with the brush of her fingers and the slickness of her entrance.

"I want you like this and every other way." He paused, a wry smile peeking through the lust glazing his face. "And clearly there are many more than I ever thought possible."

She couldn't help but laugh, the visions from earlier still dancing in her head.

The smile disappeared from his face as he brought his lips to her ear. "I want you on top, from behind, hanging from chains, strapped to the cross—"

Vita interrupted him, relaxing her thighs and spearing herself onto his cock. He let out a yelp, but without missing a beat, moved his grip to her ass and began to fuck her in earnest. He heaved her up and down on top of him, thrusting to meet her with each stroke.

She was an utter wreck, letting her muscles go limp as he plunged into her, each jerk of his hips bringing her closer to the edge. She pressed her palms to the headboard for support as Verian found her breasts with his tongue, licking hot strokes across her nipples that matched the ones pumping into her cunt.

Ecstasy raced through her as she let herself be consumed by him, consumed by euphoria.

"Fuck, sweet girl, you take my cock so well," he groaned, leaning against the headboard, enthralled by his own rapture.

The praise burned through her, curling her lips into a smile even as her muscles coiled with tension.

Another climax struck her and she tightened against him, moaning his name as she rode through waves of bliss. Before her aftershocks subsided, there was warmth between her thighs, Verian's seed filling her as he groaned into the crook of her neck.

Vita's head was spinning, her panting breaths slowing as they remained intertwined. Sticky seed dripped from between her thighs as he softened inside her, though he didn't remove himself. He ran his fingers against her, tickling her inner thigh as he gathered his seed, then pressed them against her lips.

She eagerly parted them, tasting his salty essence as she had back at the Temple of Unera. A devious look flashed across her eyes as she sucked hard on his fingers, Verian groaning in response. In a flash, his hand dropped to her neck, squeezing tightly as he slowly started to thrust his hips.

"Oh, my sweet little love. Two is not enough?"

She felt him stiffen inside her, just slightly, and Vita couldn't resist the delighted squeal that escaped her despite the pressure at her throat.

"Do you want me again?" he asked, sage eyes already hooding once more.

She nodded, titillated by the breathlessness caused by Verian's firm grip, by the hardening of his cock.

"On all fours then, sweet girl. I told you I wanted you every way and this time I need your ass in the air."