Page 26 of The Last Aether

Each time he bottomed out, more sparks flew. I couldn’t tell what was light from sensation and what was actual fire. And I couldn’t find it in myself to care. All I wanted was more Phoenix. More of this animalistic need coursing through my veins.

Phoenix pounded harder into me, holding me so tightly I was sure I’d have bruises. I didn’t give a damn. I wanted the things that haunted him exorcised from his being. I wanted my dark warrior here with me and whole in mind as well as body.

My legs shook as my orgasm threatened. My internal flame roared in response to Phoenix. It heated everything inside, sending my blood pounding through my veins and lighting every nerve ending on fire.

Phoenix’s hand slipped around my front and his finger circled my clit. Then he pinched.

I didn’t just see stars. A black hole engulfed me. The tidal wave of sensation cascaded over me, pulling me under and removing any glimmer of light. Any glimmer of anything that wasn’t Phoenix.

He didn’t stop. Phoenix’s thrusts changed direction, wringing more and more out of me. Just when I thought the orgasm would end, another began building. On a shouted yell, Phoenix emptied himself into me and I collapsed against him.

Phoenix caught me around the waist as my legs gave way and the world wavered.

He muttered a curse as he slipped from my body, turning me around. “Hell. I’m sorry, Aura.”

I gave him what I was sure was a doped-up smile. “For what? Death by orgasm?”

No traces of humor lit on his face. “I shouldn’t have taken you that roughly. Are you hurting?”

My muscles ached, sure. But in a way that would turn to a delicious warmth. In a way that meant I still felt Phoenix with me. I’d never regret that.

I pressed a hand to his chest, my fingers ghosting over new flecks of silver where his wounds had been. “I feel amazing.”

“Aura—”

I kissed him again. “I’m not lying. Feel my truth.” I knew my relaxed muscles and comfort in his arms would tell my story.

Phoenix’s lips brushed against my temple. “You’re sure?”

“More than.”

He curled his arms around me, holding me tight. “I’m sorry I lost it.”

“You never have to apologize for something like that.” I was quiet for a moment as we stood under the spray. “Was it bad?”

His arms around me tightened and then relaxed. “Someone tried to lay a trap.”

I gripped his shoulders, straightening. “The Network?”

Phoenix nodded. “They only sent a dozen men though. Next time, it’ll be more.”

Icy claws of dread dug into my heart. A dozen men to two? How in the hell had they survived?

The corner of his mouth kicked up. “Did you forget that we’re badasses, Pip?”

I scowled at him. “This isn’t funny.”

Phoenix cradled me against his chest. “We’re safe. It’ll take The Network some time to regroup.”

“When does this end?”

He was quiet for a moment before he answered. “Honestly?”

“Always.”

“This never ends.”

And when I looked up into the swirling inky-black of Phoenix’s eyes, I knew he had given me exactly what I’d asked for. The truth.