Anger (5 page)

When her weight hit her knees, she buckled. He caught her and carried her to the bed.

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Wardstone: Anger [Seven Sins and Virtue Series]

by Grace Viola

"Wait right here." The husky tone of his voice told her he was ready for her again. His balls hung against his thighs, relaxed after his climax, but his cock was hard, still slick with her moisture.

He disappeared into the bathing chamber and was gone for several minutes.

Alethea's nose wrinkled at the scent filling the room. She hadn't realized before that a woman's climax had its own smell. The aroma of her body's heat had mingled with Rhys's to create a potent musk that still hovered in the air. She let her hands trail over her body. Her breasts were slightly sore from his attentions—she could still feel his teeth against her skin. She moved her hands lower and gingerly touched the damp curls between her thighs. His seed had begun to seep out of her, and she drew a finger through her petals and brought it to her lips.

The salty-sweet flavor of his body mixed with the tang of hers was not unpleasant. Unbidden, her fingers returned to her core and stroked within. She flinched slightly at the soreness and sensitivity then brought them to her lips again.

"Hmmm..." Her tongue darted out to lick the results of their union from her fingers. She jumped with surprise when a masculine hand covered hers.

His eyes burning with hunger once again, he drew her fingers to his mouth and sucked them clean. He swirled his tongue around each one, causing an answering tug low in her belly.

"Touch yourself again." He brooked no argument, and trailed his own fingers across her belly. She drew her hand 45

Wardstone: Anger [Seven Sins and Virtue Series]

by Grace Viola

across her breasts once again, reveling in his rapt attention. Her hand retraced the same path as before, drawing across her belly and down between the thighs he had spread so he could watch her progress.

She dipped her fingers in and circled her core, and she watched his own hand cover his cock and began to stroke in time with her. Every time she drew her fingers across the lips of her sex, he stroked his cock and cupped his balls. Her breathing became deeper. Her lungs fought for air as with every stroke of her hand her body's flames climbed higher. After endless minutes of stroking herself under his watchful eye, she arched her back and keened her release, one hand viciously twisting her nipple as her thighs tried to lock around her hand. As spots flew behind her eyes she heard him grunt, and felt the sticky jet of his cum on her arm. She gasped for breath, willing her heartbeat to resume its normal pace.

He did not allow her time to recover. Reaching over her limp, sweaty body, he grabbed the bell pull and yanked twice. 46

Wardstone: Anger [Seven Sins and Virtue Series]

by Grace Viola

Scooping her off the bed, he made his way into the bathing chamber. He gave her a wicked smile and dropped her into a hot foaming bath. The water flowed over the sides and lapped against his feet. He watched the surface carefully, waiting for her to emerge from the frothy bubbles. She came to the surface with a sputter and a smile. It was the first one that he had seen. He carefully moved her aside and scooted in behind her.

"Do you like this surprise?"

She trailed her hands through the bubbles, and she giggled.

"Yes, very much." She turned, sloshing water over the sides of the sunken tub. "Thank you." Keeping her eyes on his, she moved against him then gave him a sweet kiss. It was not a passionate kiss, but rather one given from the heart. Her lips were soft against his as she gently sucked his lower lip into her mouth, running her tongue over it. With soft sigh, she broke away then snuggled against his chest.

Rhys blinked in surprise—she was progressing faster than he had thought possible. He began to suspect Lia had helped with the rage that had been forced on her by her guardian. He wet a washcloth and began to clean her delicate skin; he frowned at the marks on her back and resolved not to take her against the wall again unless she was wearing something. 47

Wardstone: Anger [Seven Sins and Virtue Series]

by Grace Viola

She was asleep. Her breath came steady and even against his neck.

He bathed them both then sat in the warm water with her cradled against him. She began to squirm as she struggled into the waking world. He ran his hand up and down her back, easing her back to consciousness.

Her midnight eyes blinked open, a sleepy smile crossing her lips. "Hi."

He kissed her forehead gently. "Hi. Did you have a nice nap?"

"Yes. Very. Did you hold me the whole time?" She sat up and floated away from him.

"Yes. Otherwise you would have drowned." He relaxed against the edge of the tub and admired the way her greenand-silver tresses floated on the water. She looked very much like a mermaid he had met once.

"The water is getting cold. Should we get out?"

"If you like. There are towels over there. The maids should have made the bed and tidied up the room by now." He watched her climb the marble steps with lithe elegance, putting on a show she didn't know she was enacting as she dried her shoulders, her breasts and her arms. As if in a dream she bent easily from the waist and began to dry her calves and thighs.

* * * *

The rush of water was the only warning she had as he gripped her hips and held her bent over as he drove into her. The wet sound of their bodies connecting was a heady beat. 48

Wardstone: Anger [Seven Sins and Virtue Series]

by Grace Viola

She had nothing to do but let him take her, so she closed her eyes and enjoyed every thrust of his cock inside her. The flared head spread her wide, and the thick shaft filled her to the core. His balls swung against her and slapped against her clit with every shove of his hips.

She was moaning helplessly; then her voice rose in surprise as one of his thumbs rubbed against the small bud of her ass. It wiggled ever so slightly, and she felt it slip inside. Her body clenched around it, and it triggered her climax. She squealed in pleasure as she spasmed around his invading cock. She clamped down as hard as she could, and heard his answering grunt as he began to move frantically, driving for his own release.

He slammed her hips tight against his, and she felt him pulse and spurt his seed into her once more. He held them joined for a few minutes then detached from her and retrieved another towel, which he dampened in the tub.

* * * *

He cleaned the remains of their mating from her flesh and wrapped her in another, dry towel to carry her into the bedroom. He stopped short at the figure lounging on the bed.

"Devon. What the hell are you doing here?"

"No need to ask what you are doing. You must be the Lady Alethea I have been hearing so much about. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Devon, son of Sirius. Brother to that oaf who is carrying you."

"I repeat ... why are you here?" Rhys detoured to the table and chair and took a seat with her in his arms. Once again, 49

Wardstone: Anger [Seven Sins and Virtue Series]

by Grace Viola

she was on his lap, his erection against the backs of her thighs.

"Your presence is requested at dinner. The council has moved the hearing up to the day after tomorrow. We need to come up with a plan of attack."

"Damn it to the Nine Hells! Sorry, Alethea." Rhys thought for a moment, his face blank. "Are her grandparents here yet?"

"Yes, they arrived hours ago."

"Good. How soon is dinner?"

"Under an hour. If you hadn't come out of the bathing room, I was going to go in."

* * * *

Devon smiled, and she could see why Rhys was not considered the most handsome in the family. But Devon's good looks did not stir her like Rhys's solemn features.

"Is there clothing for me?" She felt it was time to enter the conversation.

"Yes, of course," Rhys told her. "As soon as my brother leaves I will fetch them for you."

"And when do you want me to leave, brother?"

"Now! Get your ass out of here before I take offense to the way you are ogling my bride."

Devon left, laughing madly. They heard it grow faint, then disappear.

Rhys dumped her on the floor then raced for a panel that was almost invisible on the wall. He pressed down, and a wardrobe slid out of the wall. He grabbed at the clothing 50

Wardstone: Anger [Seven Sins and Virtue Series]

by Grace Viola

hanging there and began to sort through the gowns that had been provided for her.

Bemused, she rose slowly to her feet, tightening the towel across her torso. She padded up behind him and said in his ear, "I like the dark-blue one." She giggled as he jumped and began to laugh in earnest when she saw the panicked look in his eyes. "What is it, Rhys?"

"I really wanted a few more days with you. I needed it, before facing the council."

She gripped one of his shoulders and turned him around.

"If you are worried about my choice, I am satisfied with you as my mate. You don't need to keep me naked in a tower to insure my cooperation."

He searched her face, looking for any sign of doubt. He found none. She knew affection was in her gaze. Not love, not yet. It was far too soon.

"You are right, the dark-blue will favor your eyes and make your hair glow against it."

"I am glad we agree, now hand it over. I want to get dressed." She grabbed it out of his hands and pulled it over her head. Just in time.

Outside the window, a dragon with Devon's eyes was hovering and watching her avidly. She grabbed some food off the table and threw it at his head; it made a satisfying splat as it connected.

"Hah! Now stay away from the window, you pervert!" She brushed crumbs and fruit from her fingers then turned to look at Rhys's astonished face.

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Wardstone: Anger [Seven Sins and Virtue Series]

by Grace Viola

"What? He was trying to catch me naked. I defended myself."

He smiled then began to laugh as he picked through the tunics and trousers there for his use. He settled for a black tunic and brown trousers. Black boots completed his outfit.

"Hey! Where are my shoes?"

"Oh, sorry." He dug around in the bottom of the wardrobe and came out with a set of lace-up boots that looked like they would fit.

They did, lacing tightly to her calves and hugging her trim ankles. She dropped the folds of her skirt down around her ankles. It was exactly the right length.

"Do you have a brush or a comb? My hair is going to get a little out of control if you don't."

"Here you go. There is a mirror in the bathing room."

"Yes, I remember. I was watching you watch me dry myself. Then I watched you taking me in the mirror. I remember where it is." She smiled at him and trailed her fingers across his chest as she walked with a hip-swaying gait into the bathing room with the brush in one hand. Long minutes passed while he waited for her. It was only when he had risen to his feet to open the door that she emerge with another mysterious smile on her face. Her hair was a green wave of silk flowing down her back; two tiny braids at each temple kept it off of her face.

"I am ready. Shall we go?" She gestured to the door. Hell, yes, he was ready. He had been since she had drawn her hand across his chest. "Yes, let's go." 52

Wardstone: Anger [Seven Sins and Virtue Series]

by Grace Viola

He opened the door and held his arm out to escort her through the keep. She looked startled at the courtesy, but took it with an uncertain smile. Together, they walked down the spiral stairs, then through the endless corridors to the private dining hall.

When they arrived, Rhys groaned—all of his male siblings were present.

The instant the twins spotted him, the four-year-olds hiked up their skirts and ran to embrace their uncle. A second before they hit, he murmured, "Excuse me." Then the tiny dragonesses were scaling him in an effort to kiss his face and tug at the black silk of his hair.

"Alethea! Please join us. The girls will keep him busy for a few minutes." Lia waved her over and stood to introduce her to the others seated around the table.

"I believe you have met Devon."

"Yes, did you enjoy your pie?"

"It was well-aimed, Lady, thank you."

"This is my husband Marcus."

"Pleased to meet you, Lady."

"And you as well, thank you for your hospitality. Your home is lovely, and you must be very proud of your wife. Not to mention your children."

She smiled—he seemed older than his siblings, much older."More than you could imagine. They are a trial and a delight to me each and every day." 53

Wardstone: Anger [Seven Sins and Virtue Series]

by Grace Viola

"Oh, good answer!" Lia applauded.

"Now I have the pleasure of introducing you to two most special guests. Kesler, Celestyn, this is your granddaughter Alethea. Alethea, these are your mother's parents." With trembling hands and stunned eyes, she surveyed her mother's only living relatives.

"Oh, so that is where the hair comes from. I did wonder." It was all that she could blurt out, even though Rhys had told her as much.

She was gratified to see Kesler smile at her. A thousand words were in his gaze, but all that he said was, "Yes, it is a family trait. I didn't know that you took after me."

"Apparently I do. I never knew." Tears welled at the corner of her eyes and tracked down her face.

"Neither did I." She watched the tracks that his own tears made across his finely chiseled features. They made quite a pair, her grandfather and herself, both silently crying at the loss of years.

"I was told my mother was the image of her mother. I can only hope that she was as beautiful then as you are today, Celestyn." It took every amount of control she had to keep from breaking into sobs. She drew a deep breath and looked to Rhys for help. He had moved closer as she spoke with her family, and was now near enough for her to hear every chattering sentence of the little dragons. He caught her look and made his way to her side, then handed the giggling little girls over to their parents. Celestyn stood and ran to her granddaughter's side. With a sob, she flung herself into her arms. Alethea caught her in 54