Chapter 192

Chapter 192
Lina's POV

When I turned to face him, my smile didn't fade—if anything, it deepened. The pregnancy hormones had intensified my attraction to him beyond reason, and seeing him now sent warmth cascading through my body. I instinctively moved to curtsy, but Augustus closed the distance between us in three swift strides, his hands steadying me before I could complete the gesture.

"No need for formalities," he said, his deep voice carrying restrained tenderness. "Your condition won't allow such exertions."

His gaze lingered on the graceful curve of my neck, exposed as I tilted my head back to meet his eyes. The air between us crackled with unspoken tension.

Augustus inquired gently about my meals, my rest, and the baby's progress. I answered with the soft compliance that had become natural during my pregnancy: "By your grace, all is well."

Rather than continue our conversation, Augustus suddenly swept me into his arms, cradling me against his chest as he strode purposefully toward the chamber. His voice dropped to a husky whisper that sent shivers down my spine: "Tonight, I don't need you to speak. Moaning will suffice."

I gasped in surprise, instinctively wrapping my arms around his neck before realizing the impropriety and attempting to pull away. Augustus's grip tightened possessively. "That's an order," he commanded softly.

"But... the healer said I cannot..." I protested weakly.

He interrupted with a dark chuckle, his breath hot against my ear. "There are many ways to please one's mate. You don't understand them yet, but I'll teach you."

When I tried to struggle, his laughter deepened. "Behave yourself, or I don't mind revisiting old lessons."

Inside the chamber, Augustus placed me gently on the bed draped with ice silk sheets, then moved to light the flame-suppressing incense. The familiar ritual sent anticipation thrumming through my veins. He shed his outer robe, revealing the powerful lines of his torso, before positioning himself beside me on the bed, careful to avoid any pressure on my abdomen. His golden eyes burned with carefully controlled desire.

Augustus began with exquisite tenderness, pressing feather-light kisses to my forehead, eyelids, and the tip of my nose before capturing my lips in a deep, claiming kiss. His tongue swept past my defenses, exploring every inch of my mouth with possessive thoroughness. The pregnancy had made my body incredibly sensitive, and I found myself melting under his ministrations, soft whimpers escaping my throat despite my attempts at restraint.

His kisses trailed downward, finding the peaks of my breasts, which had grown fuller and more sensitive with pregnancy. His tongue circled the hardened buds while his hand slipped beneath my skirts, finding the most intimate part of me. His skilled fingers traced circles around my sensitive core before delving deeper, stroking the responsive walls within until I could no longer contain my responses.

"Relax," he murmured against my ear, his hot breath making me shiver. "Let me hear your voice."

I arched beneath his touch, no longer able to suppress the sounds of pleasure he drew from me. Augustus smiled with satisfaction, increasing the rhythm of his fingers while his thumb pressed against my most sensitive spot. Under the dual stimulation, I quickly reached my peak, my body trembling in his arms as waves of sensation crashed over me.

But Augustus wasn't finished. He withdrew his fingers and unfastened his own clothing, then gently repositioned me on my side—the safest position for my condition—before pressing against my back.

"Use your hand," he commanded softly, guiding my wrist until my fingers encountered his heated arousal. "The way I just touched you."

I tried to pull away in embarrassment, but he held my wrist firmly, teaching me the proper rhythm and pressure. "Just like that, good girl," his voice grew rougher as he continued to pleasure me from behind with his free hand. "Together..."

Under his patient instruction, I learned to please him while he brought me to another crescendo of sensation. Finally, with a low growl, Augustus found his release, his warmth spilling across my skin.

The air filled with the mingled scents of incense and passion as twilight deepened around us.

Afterward, Augustus used silk cloths to clean us both with meticulous care, his touch gentle as if I were made of the most delicate porcelain. He drew me into his arms, positioning my head against his chest where I could hear his heart still racing from our encounter.

I lay boneless in his embrace, my cheeks flushed and tears of overwhelming sensation still clinging to my lashes. Every nerve ending hummed with satisfied exhaustion.

Augustus pressed a kiss to my damp temple, his voice rough with satisfaction. "This is how you'll serve me from now on. Have you learned well?"

I buried my burning face against his chest, managing only a muffled "yes" in response.

He chuckled softly, pulling me closer while his hand came to rest protectively over the slight swell of my abdomen, where our child grew safely within.