Chapter 32
ELARA’S POV
“Sorry,” I muttered, trying to slip past Marceline, but she deliberately blocked my way. I met her gaze, her eyes sharp and hostile. “Is something wrong?”
“No,” she sneered, brushing past me with a dismissive, “Excuse me.” I took a step forward, then paused, turning to face her.
“You know,” I said, voice laced with defiance, “being so spiteful isn’t doing you any favors.”
“What?” she hissed, spinning around, her eyes blazing. “What did you just say?”
I scoffed, folding my arms. “Don’t you ever get exhausted?” I raised an eyebrow. “All this bitterness—it’s not helping you. Why not just let it go?”
“Just because Ronan chose you doesn’t mean—”
I raised a hand, cutting her off. “Chose?” I laughed, the sound dripping with mockery. “Sweetheart, this was destined.” I turned and walked away, her shouts echoing behind me, but I couldn’t care less. Maybe I was being petty, maybe I was out of line, but I was done letting her rile me up without consequence. Ronan had made his feelings for me clear, and I had embraced mine. That was enough.
My eyes fluttered open to the soft press of a kiss on my forehead. Ronan sat beside me, his face lit with a warm grin.
“Hey,” I murmured, my voice heavy with sleep.
“Hey,” he chuckled, his eyes lingering on me. “You’re still stunning, even when you’re half-asleep.”
A flush crept up my cheeks, but I pushed it down. I hated how easily he could stir such a reaction, yet part of me craved the effortless power he held over me.
“You okay?” he asked, his finger tracing gently along my jaw.
“I’m fine,” I whispered, leaning into his touch. “You?”
“Not important,” he said with a dismissive wave, his eyes fixed on my lips with a hungry glint. “If I may, where were we before Theorn so rudely interrupted?”
I giggled and leaned forward, claiming his lips in a fierce, urgent kiss. A low groan rumbled from him, sparking heat within me. I pulled him closer, my fingers tangling in his hair as the kiss deepened. His hands gripped my waist, lifting me effortlessly until I straddled his lap. I pressed my hands to his chest, gently pushing him down onto the bed. As our kiss intensified, he suddenly pulled back.
“You sure about this?” he asked, his voice a rough whisper.
I bit my lip, nodding. “Yes,” I said, my eyes reflecting the desire in his. “Absolutely.”
He groaned, crashing his lips against mine, the kiss messy and full of need. One hand claimed my thigh possessively, the other slid down my back. My body burned with want—I’d never craved anything so intensely. He paused, his hands moving from my thigh to my face, then down my neck. Tugging my hair gently, he tilted my head back, kissing and sucking at the base of my neck before working his way up.
My tongue danced with his, and he responded by nipping my lower lip.
I wanted more.
I was ready.
He pressed a hand firmly against my back, flipping us so he was on top. His hand trailed to my neck, gripping it lightly—not enough to choke, but firm enough to send heat coursing through me. His thumb brushed my skin, and my pulse raced under his touch. I leaned back into the bed, eyes closed, as he held my neck, squeezing gently.
Finally, he let go, his hands moving to my shirt, tugging at it before pausing to meet my gaze. “You ready?”
“If you ask me that again, Ronan—” I snapped, my impatience flaring. He chuckled, then pulled my shirt off, his eyes widening as they fell on my bare chest. I hadn’t worn anything underneath.
He swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing. My cheeks warmed, but his gaze held no judgment—only awe.
The air between us sparked with intensity. His amber eyes swirled with desire, tenderness, and a flicker of vulnerability. His fingertips grazed my skin, tracing my collarbone. I tilted my head back, inviting him closer. He understood, leaning down to kiss a fiery path along my neck. I moaned softly, lost in the sensation.
His hands continued their exploration, tracing the curve of my hips, slipping beneath the waistband of my shorts. I gasped. He paused, searching my eyes for confirmation.
I nodded, words failing me. With slow, deliberate movements, he pulled the shorts off. The cool air hit my skin, quickly replaced by heat as his hands returned, gripping my hips and pulling me close until I felt his arousal pressed against me. I swallowed, bracing for what was to come.
He kissed me deeply, positioning himself at my entrance, gently spreading my knees. “Oh, and—” he murmured, placing a hand over my mouth with a playful wink. “Just in case.”
“In case wha—” A sharp hiss escaped me as he entered. Despite my readiness, the pain was sharp, burning. I dug my nails into his back, breathing deeply to ease the discomfort. Slowly, the pain shifted, blending into pleasure.
Thank the Moon Goddess for his hand over my mouth, or the entire palace would’ve heard me. His movements were careful at first, controlled, but his expression told me he was barely holding back. As I suspected, his pace quickened, each thrust harder, leaving me breathless.
Tension coiled in my core, my muscles tightening. “Oh—” My eyes rolled back. He looked lost in his own world, consumed by the moment.
As if synchronized, we reached our peak together, his final thrust filling me with warmth.
“That was…” I panted, searching for words. “Incredible.”
“Yes,” he murmured, kissing the tip of my nose. “But I’m not done yet.”
My eyes widened as his words sank in. “What?”