She found herself wondering what it would be like to have him touch her that way. Wondered how it might feel to have his weight press down on top of her, the corded muscles of his arms caging her in.
A jarring motion behind her broke the spell. She was overheated, a tingling sensation building inside her, and she had the urge to squeeze her legs together. Gods, what in Aleron had gotten into her? She dared a peek over her shoulder only to be ensnared by vibrant chips of emerald.
Jaren was staring at her as if nothing and no one else existed but the two of them. His nostrils flared, and his eyes seemed to darken as a light rumble in his chest vibrated against her, turning the tingling sensation into a pounding throb. She spun forward again.
She felt pressure against her lower back, but it vanished just as quickly when Jaren shifted away from her. His posture was stiff, and Vera convinced herself he was probably just still irritated. She was just imagining things because there was no way he knew what she was thinking.
Right?
JAREN
He was pissed. There was no way of denying it.
By the time he’d thrown himself up on Darling behind her, his anger was palpable. Seeing how comfortable she was embracing Trey, along with the smile she gave him, had every inch of Jaren craving violence. No Matherin man would ever deserve her affection.
It didn’t help that Jaren’s possessive instinct to snatch her away and saw the guard’s hands off only further increased his anger. She wasn’t his to possess.
He was so caught up in his irrational thoughts, he was in no way prepared for the sudden flare of arousal that hit him. The shock of it almost knocked him clean over. He’d barely tightened his legs and gripped the reins fast enough to keep balance, and it took a moment for his head to catch up with his body.
Yinlanem dupye.
She was aroused. Gazing off into the distance, nestled between his legs, she was fantasizing vividly enough for her scent to be drenched in it. And gods did he hope it had something to do with him.
He sat straighter, fighting the urge to take her right then and there. The desire was so strong, he swore he could see exactly how it would play out.
He’d wrap his hands around her waist, pulling her off the horse, and pinning her to his chest. He’d release her just enough for her body to deliberately slide down his own before ravaging her mouth, hands burrowed in her hair, freeing it to curl around her shoulders. He’d lay her out right there in the road, pressing his body down onto hers, grinding against her core until they lost their minds.
He’d tear her clothes from her body, unable to wait another moment before feeling her, skin to skin. He’d finally see the firm breasts he’d felt and pull a nipple into his mouth before biting down, making her groan and buck beneath him.
He’d fuck her with his tongue like it was his only purpose in life, forcing her to scream his name before he thrust into her. He’d make sure she never forgot it was he who’d had her first. He’d ruin her from ever daring to desire another.
Sensing his stare, or more likely his mind-blowing arousal, she glanced back at him. She looked shy, as if nervous he might know what was on her mind. That look alone was all it took for Jaren to confirm she’d indeed been thinking about him, and his cock strained painfully against his pants.
He couldn’t restrain the responding rumble that crawled up his chest as he imagined sinking his teeth into the delicate neck before him, claiming her as he forced her to swear herself to him and only him. To cover her scent with his own and mark her as his. Because he couldn’t deny it any longer, he wanted her. Every single inch.
Eyes wide, she turned back around, and Jaren found himself having to shift back. If he allowed her warm body to press against his throbbing length, he knew he wouldn’t be able to resist touching her. And he sure wasn’t going to do that with their current company.
Jaren glared daggers at the back of Trey’s head, riding ahead of them. He’d never wanted to throw a dagger at someone as much as he wanted to do it to that damn guard.
But luckily for all of them, his violent thoughts were interrupted by his little star, her voice was hesitant and hoarse. “So, a truth for a truth?”
He shifted again, trying in vain to readjust himself and get more comfortable without rubbing his erection against her back. “?e.”
She tilted her head, thinking. “How old are you? I know your—our people age differently than I’m familiar with.”
“Twenty-five. What’s your real name?”
She shook her head, “Nice try. If I have to answer honestly, I suppose I can’t answer at all. I’m not ready to tell you that.”
“Fine. How much Thyabathi do you speak?”
“I was once fluent, or as fluent as a child can be, but I’m out of practice. Are you a type of soldier?”
“In a way, yes, I am a shuthish. What does Sulian want with you?”
Her hands clenched into fists on her thighs. Jaren knew if he could see her entire face, her delicate brows would be pinched, and she’d be biting that plush bottom lip he so desperately wanted to kiss.
“He wants me to marry Prince Eithan.”
He jerked, accidentally yanking the reins and causing Darling to rear back before he recovered enough to calm her and continue moving. Of everything he’d imagined, that had not been the answer.
“Why the fuck would he want that?”
“He said a marriage between our people had the potential to open communication and be the first step toward an alliance. He desires trade and peace.”
Jaren scoffed. He highly doubted that’s what Sulian’s true goal was, but his plan certainly wouldn’t fail. If King Vesstan discovered Sulian had stolen and forced a zhu to marry his son, he’d open communication alright. It just wouldn’t be peaceful.
“Sulian doesn’t care about fostering peace between our people. He has other plans, I guarantee it.”
“I already figured as much.” Her voice was flat. Resigned.
“So, when’s the big wedding?” Jaren couldn’t control the sarcasm dripping from his voice. The thought of her marrying the Matherin prince had him grinding his teeth.
“I didn’t agree to anything.” Her voice came out with more strength than her last comment, but her shoulders were tensed in a clear indication she either didn’t like talking about it or didn’t like the idea period.
“So—”
“You’ve asked three questions now. It’s my turn.” She twisted around to look at him, and he shrugged. He wanted to demand she tell him more, but he’d wait.
She was silent, roving her eyes over his face and pausing on his lips. “What did you mean when you called me untainted?”
Jaren considered her for a moment. He hadn’t realized he’d uttered that out loud, but he’d been in such shock, it didn’t exactly surprise him. He’d promised the truth, and this truth might be the best way to convince her to stay with him.