How to Tame a Beast in Seven Days (The Embraced #1)

“I want to make you scream again. Ah, do you hear that?” He waggled his fingers inside her. “The sound of more juice.”


She moaned. The aching need was coming back stronger than ever.

He removed his fingers and licked them. Just the sight of that made more moisture seep from her.

“Leo…”

“Yes?” He wrapped her legs around his waist.

“Don’t stop.”

A corner of his mouth curled up. “My favorite words.” He nuzzled his cock against her and pushed slowly in.

She pressed her heels against his back, her muscles tensing as he eased inside. When a twinge of pain made her cry out, he stopped.

“By the Light.” He closed his eyes briefly as he breathed heavily. His grip on her hips tightened.

“Is something wrong?”

He opened his eyes. “You’re a virgin.”

She huffed. “Did ye think I wouldn’t—” Her breath caught. Oh, dear goddesses, no. Was he taking this as proof that she wasn’t Tatiana? She hadn’t realized a man could detect something like virginity. Would he reject her now for her deception?

He leaned over her, his gaze burning into hers. “There is only one thing I need to know. And I will have the truth, understand?”

Tears welled in her eyes as she nodded.

“Do you want me as your husband?”

Relief rocked through her, for that was so easy to answer. “Yes. Yes, I do.”

“Good.” He grasped her hips and plunged inside her.

She cried out.

“It’ll be all right.” He kissed her cheek as her tears overflowed. “It won’t hurt again.”

She shook her head. “It’s not just the pain. It’s … regret. I should have told you before.”

“No regrets.” He held her face with his hands and wiped her tears with his thumbs. “Don’t you see? You’re the only one I can touch. We’re supposed to be together.”

She touched his hair as another tear escaped. Red and black. And the two will become one. Even the Telling Stones had said they were destined for each other. “I love ye so much, Leo.”

“I love you, too.” He slowly pulled out, then pushed back in. “Are you all right?”

“Yes.” She clutched his shoulders as he slid out and in once more. The pain was quickly subsiding, and a wonderful feeling of friction and fullness was taking its place. “Faster.”

He quickened his pace, and soon she was caught in a whirlwind of sensation. Hot and glorious.

“Don’t stop!” Her fingers dug into his back. She lifted her hips to meet each thrust. She needed him deeper. Hotter. He was part of her now, emblazoned on her heart, and she was burning from the inside out.

With a shout, he pumped into her. She moaned, so close to exploding with him. He reached between her legs, pressing against her special spot, then giving it a tug.

She cried out as all her senses burst. He pulled her into his arms, holding her tight as the throbbing slowly subsided.

“Holy Light, Ana.” He rubbed her back. “I’ll never get enough of you.”

She wrapped her arms around his neck. “I didn’t know it could be like that. But is it normally done on a table?”

With a grin, he released her. “Stay put.” He strode into the dressing room.

As if she had the energy to move. Besides, the view of his buttocks as he walked away was quite mesmerizing.

He returned, carrying a damp washcloth in his hand.

“I—” She blinked. “What happened to your lightning rod?”

He snorted. “It’s finally at peace. After seven days of blue balls.”

She tilted her head, studying his male part. It seemed more pink than blue. Still rather long, but much friendlier looking.

“I appreciate your sudden fascination with my cock, but if you keep staring, I’ll be wanting more.”

She gave him an incredulous look. “There’s more?”

“Yes, but you’ll be too sore for some things.” He stepped closer. “Spread your legs.”

She did a little, but he pushed them wider apart and wiped her thighs with the washcloth. “What are you doing?”

“Cleaning off the blood. Your virgin blood.”

She swallowed hard. “I-I can explain.”

“I’ve been waiting for the truth.” He folded the washcloth and pressed a clean side against her vagina.

She sucked in a breath at the coolness against her heated skin.

“I’ve been waiting for you to trust me.” He rubbed ever so slowly and gently. “Luciana.”





Chapter Thirty-one

Leo watched as one emotion after another flitted across her face—shock, fear, worry, shame, regret. How had she ever hoped to succeed with this deception when her face gave everything away?

Alarm skittered through his chest. It had taken him less than a week to figure out she was not Lady Tatiana. If her lies were exposed at the royal court, the king would have the perfect excuse for executing her. “I need to know everything, so I can protect you.”

She winced. “Aren’t you angry with me?”

“Well, let me think. I have a brave, beautiful, formerly virginal wife who can somehow miraculously touch me and make love to me, but she’s not very good at lying.” His mouth twitched as he continued to stroke her with the washcloth. “Do you think I should be angry?”

“I—” She moaned. “I can’t think at all when you do that.”

His hand stilled. “Tell me everything, so I can figure out what to do with you.”

She blinked. “What does that mean?”

“It means I’m not sure what to do. I’d like to tease you until you climax again, but should I use my hands or my mouth?” He heaved a sigh. “Tough decision.”

Her mouth fell open.

His gaze shifted to her mouth. “Or maybe I should enjoy the sweetness of your lips.”

“You mean more kissing?”

“Not exactly.” He glanced down at his cock, then back to her mouth.

She looked down, then back up, her eyes widening. “Ar—are you serious?”

He nodded.

She glanced down once again. Her head tilted as she bit her lip.

“Luciana?”

“Yes.”

“So you admit that’s your true name?”

“Oh.” She sat up. “Shame on you. I was distracted by your…”