Total pages in book: 130
Estimated words: 121008 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 605(@200wpm)___ 484(@250wpm)___ 403(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 121008 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 605(@200wpm)___ 484(@250wpm)___ 403(@300wpm)
I look up at him and finally realize he isn’t his brother. Technically, he’s half his brother, but they are so very different. How can I ever find happiness if I never ask for what I want? If I keep telling myself no, I never give anyone a chance to say yes.
“I’m scared,” I tell Cian quietly.
“I know,” he replies with soft eyes. He leans down and presses a kiss on my forehead, as tender as the pleasure before was rough. “How about we do this? Let’s take it slow. No more overwhelming you with my dirty self-pleasure. I want you, Meggie. I want you to come to me because you want me, not because I’m the only one available. Though I am, you understand. I know you are stubbornly telling yourself we’re not truly married, but I wouldn’t push that if I were you. I’m willing to be reasonable. I’m willing to be patient. I am not willing to watch you flirt with another man.”
“I can’t handle the two I have.” It feels so good to sink into his strength. It helps me find my own. “I want things, Ci. I have certain needs that Beckett found distasteful. I’m worried you will, too.”
His laugh rumbles through his chest as he pulls me close. He tangles our legs together. “I don’t find much distasteful sexually. Why don’t you explain what you want? I saw flashes of it, but I don’t completely understand. I liked how you looked tied up and spread out for me.”
I take a deep breath and proceed to explain Dominance and submission to Cian. He’s patient and asks questions.
“You want me to make decisions for you?”
“No.” I’m sure of that. “That’s the way it works for some couples, but I would rather we had a partnership in our daily lives.”
“And at night, when we’re alone, I’m your Master,” Cian says, his voice hoarse. His hands tighten around me, and I can feel his cock starting to revive. “Your body is mine, and I do what I want with it.”
I sit up and look down at my husband who is, once again, sporting a huge erection. At least he seems willing to hear me out. “I haven’t tried this with anyone. I don’t know what I’ll like and what I won’t. Hell, at this point I’m not even sure it was what I liked or if I was just overwhelmed by the bond. I have to admit I’m curious and a little scared by all of it.”
“You liked what Beck did to you,” he points out. He seems to be carefully thinking through the problem. “Whether it was the bond or your own needs, you enjoyed yourself.”
I nod. “I loved it. It was the best sex I’ve ever had. I should warn you, though. I hadn’t had great sex before that. It was mediocre at best. Beck was upset afterward. He doesn’t think I should like it. It can’t work if the Dom hates himself for dominating his submissive. It kind of defeats the point.”
Cian props himself up on one elbow and brushes the hair back from my face. “He’s fighting himself. He’s trying to be something we’re not. Give him time. Meanwhile, I’m more than willing to explore this with you. I’ll admit I’m not the dominant half. I’m very carnal, but I tend to be softer than Beck.”
“If you don’t…”
His finger comes up to my lips. “Hush. I’m still male. I think I can handle it just fine. How about we make a vow? I’ll fulfill your fantasies to the best of my ability, and you’ll do the same for me?”
I grin. “Deal.”
He reaches over and takes my left hand in his. He brushes his thumb over the golden band that rests there. “This was my mother’s. I told you about it last night, but I don’t think you remember.”
Should I offer it back to him until we’re sure it can work? “I don’t. It’s beautiful, though. Maybe you should take it back for now.”
He gently squeezes my hand. “Please wear it. It would confuse our people if you didn’t. But you should know that it’s important. It’s the queen’s ring. My sister…”
Tears pierce my eyes because I remember this part. “She died, and the last thing she gave you was this ring. She wanted to save it because she watched your mother die. Ci, I’m so sorry about what happened.”
I feel him sigh, his body cuddling mine.
“Is it odd that it doesn’t feel as bad now that I’ve shared it with you? Now when I think of that terrible time, I’ll remember that you were there with me.”
Oh, how will I ever keep myself apart from this man? “I’ll wear the ring, but if you ever want it back, I’ll understand.”
He sits up and kisses me firmly. “I won’t. I promise you that. But, for now, we work on being friends. I want you to take this time I’m giving you. I’ll back off, but the minute you say yes, everything changes. Do you understand?”