Page 24 of Kronos’ Consort

That realization must have cemented her situation.

There was no getting away from Kronos.

She couldn’t have left him, even if she wanted to.

“And realizing who I really am,” he continued, wanting to let her know that he comprehended, “has meant you think there’s now no chance of returning to your studies.”

“I suppose so.” She shrugged, half of her illuminated by the amber glow of the fire. “It’s a big change for me, Master.”

“Yes,” he agreed.

There was no point in downplaying her loss. In the past, he’d subdued thoughts of the mortal’s sacrifice with the knowledge that they would get to return to that human life. Maybe he had brought them back six months after he’d taken them. Sometimes, it had been years, but he had always intended for them to return.

With Kristina, though, things increasingly felt different. He could technically have brought her back to that moment on the street whenever he liked, but running his thumb over the loose strands of her hair, he struggled to envision a day when he would ever choose to.

He’d never known an intensity like the one the two of them shared. Why, in the name of any god, would he want to give that up? There could be no ‘advancement’ for a mortal he was so utterly besotted with. She would have to learn serenity at his side.

“I understand,” he consoled, “and I hope that, once your recent wrongs have been righted, I can inspire a life so pleasurable for you that you have fewer regrets in this regard.”

“Yes, Master.” Her lips twitched at that, the melancholy in her gaze fleetingly replaced by more wicked thoughts. “I know how pleasurable time with you can be.”

“I am certain I can escalate that gratification.” He lowered to brush his lips over hers. “It may not be scientific, but it will be sensual and erotic.”

“Master.” The word morphed into a moan as his lips skimmed to her nape.

“Let me show you, little one.”

He didn’t know why he felt the need to validate himself. She knew well enough how high he could propel her, and equally, what the sting of his hand could be like when he was displeased. Somehow, though, he was compelled to illustrate his powers, just as he’d demonstrated them by taking her to meet Erebos. He needed to show her what she meant to him. He had to make her feel it.

Her feet left the rug as he silently willed the deed, her body elevating so that he didn’t have to stoop to capture her mouth, and by the time he claimed her tempting lips, his hands had moved to steady her. One splayed at her back while the other grabbed her wonderful backside, her body enveloped by him as she ceded to his caress.

Acknowledging her surrender, his tongue snaked into her wet warmth, imitating the deed his shaft was desperate to enact. The organ hardened at the connection, the guttural noise that fled her throat amplifying its need.

“More of this,” he whispered when he finally withdrew. “Much more.”

“I can’t say no to you, Master.”

The incredulity in her eyes was softer than before. Her desire was clear, though, evident in her labored breaths, dilating pupils, and the way she clung to him.

“Good,” he purred, encouraging her long, slender legs to wrap around his middle. “You are but a mere mortal, little one. You should not be refusing your master.”

“You’re right,” she rasped. “Because nobody says no to Kronos, do they?”

Her tone was impish and invited yet more consequence, but he approved of the devilish glint in her gorgeous gaze. He wanted to see more of that look.

“Nobody,” he confirmed, easing her body up with his hands and positioning her sex over his eager dick. “Especially beautiful mortals who already have a date over my lap.”

He hadn’t explicitly decided what her fate would be, but watching the way she nibbled her lip, he realized the decision was made. Apparently, she feared the prospect of another spanking almost as much as she yearned for it, and after the long list of errors she’d made, he was more than happy to contend with both of those needs.

“I wouldn’t dare say no, Master.”

Her gaze lowered between them, acknowledging that she was only an inch from being impaled, her beading nipples and throaty tone already telling him what he needed to know.

She craved him the same way he longed for her, and their recent exploits meant it had been too long since he’d last shown her just how much.

Gripping her ass cheeks, he lowered her over his crown, the motion unhurried as he eased her from him again. Her lips parted at the intrusion, her gaze able to easily lock with his from her elevated vantage. Suspending her in place, he slammed into her harder, relishing the tightening of her fingers around his neck.

“Master.” Her head fell at the sensation, her hips starting to rock as far as her position allowed.