When he began to increase his pace, she knew he was close. He reached between them and placed a finger on either side of her clit. Every time his hips surged forward, he stroked her with his movements. When he threw back his head and roared his release, she easily followed him.
For a few seconds, they enjoyed the feeling of being intertwined before he pulled out of her. Grinning like a schoolboy, he stared down at her. Breathing heavily, she flipped him off. Laughing, he headed toward the bathroom and came back with a washcloth.
He cleaned her gently, kissing her belly and using his finger to tickle her opening. When she clutched down involuntarily, she groaned. She would be feeling this tomorrow. He disposed of the washcloth in the bathroom, returned to bed, and pulled her into the curve of his body.
"It's so quiet," he murmured.
"I thought so, too, after visiting your room." She yawned and snuggled into his chest.
"You'll move to my room tomorrow."
"Oh, I will, huh?" She poked at his side, making him laugh.
He pulled back so he could look her in the eye. "Would you do me the honor of moving into my quarters?"
"Yes, my prince." She yawned again and got comfortable. For the first time since meeting him, she fell asleep hopeful of the future.
*****
Amelia woke the next morning to soft kisses on her face. When she opened her eyes, Darian was smiling down at her. "Morning, sleepyhead."
"What time is it?" She sat up and saw that he was already dressed in his black fatigues.
"Not even seven. Breakfast is at eight. I thought you'd like time to get ready." The difference in him was amazing. There was life in his eyes, and he hadn't stopped smiling.
"You look..."
He laughed. "I hardly recognize myself. I woke up this morning and the darkness was nearly gone. I haven't felt this good in years."
"So it's still there?"
He nodded. "Maybe it will always be there, which means you will have to help me keep it at bay." He grinned at her and tugged at the sheet covering her body.
"Darian! Horndog! What have I created?" She jumped from the bed and ran into the bathroom.
"Need help?" he offered.
"No, thank you. If you come in here, I won't get anything done."
His masculine laughter was cut short when she shut the door.
Men!
She replayed the events from the night before. Squeezing her legs together, she shook her head. She turned on the shower and quickly went through the motions of getting ready. She put on her makeup and smiled at her fresh-faced appearance. She loved her job, but didn't feel like doing a complete look every day. Wrapped in her towel, she walked into the room and pulled out her suitcase. Darian watched her get ready.
"What happened to your suitcase?"
"I was in a rush trying to get ready for you last night."
"So your suitcase exploded?"
She nodded. "Pretty much."
She dug her way through her clothes and pulled out her favorite jeans and a cream sweater. She was debating between her green boy-cut panty set and the blue when she heard Darian clear his throat behind her.
"Blue."
She turned. He was staring at the navy blue lace set as if it were the rarest treasure on the planet.
"Blue it is." She stood and let the towel drop, quickly pulled on her bra and panties, and could have sworn she heard her mate whimper. Bending over, she shimmied her breasts into place. She grabbed a pair of socks, put those on, and then slid on her jeans. Finally, she pulled on her sweater.
"Warmth!" She snuggled her face into the neckline.
"Come on, love, I can smell breakfast from here." Darian stood and held out his arm.
She had imagined how life with him would be. He'd never know how happy it made her for him to escort her down to breakfast.
Amelia hummed happily as they walked into the dining room. The men stood, nodded at her, and sat when she did.
"She's alive!" Beth declared with a smile.
Amelia blinked, thinking that Beth was referring to the amazing night she had shared with Darian. Her confusion must have shown because Meryn elaborated.
"You're up before noon." Meryn yawned.
Ryuu was already passing out cups of steaming beverages. He turned to her. "Itoko-sama what would you like before breakfast?"
"Before breakfast?"
Darian chuckled at her side. "We have learned to appease the beast before we start eating." He pointed to a bleary-eyed Meryn who was blowing on her mug.
"The beast, huh?" She turned to Ryuu. "I'll just have a cup of coffee."
Ryuu nodded and picked up a carafe. "Cream? Sugar?" He turned over her cup. As he poured, the rich smell of coffee filled the air. "Yes please, both, and lots of each."