He doesn’t speak. Somehow, the absence of words amplifies the charge of sex in the air, heightens the simmering need collecting between my thighs. I can’t stand it anymore, and I whimper around his cock, needing…something.

A reaction.

A crack in the wall he’s constructed around himself.

Those brilliant blue eyes flutter open again, and I pull back the slightest bit, adding more suction, my tongue swirling around the salty crown of him.

He hisses in a breath.

“You want more of this, don’t you?” He follows up the arrogant question with a deeper thrust.

I let out another pleading whimper, and he seats his cock deep, one hand braced on the mattress as he leans over my back. Then he lifts the back of my thong and dips a finger underneath, teasing my anus.

“I want this, Novalee.”

His caress turns into a gentle probe that explores rather than conquers, but I stiffen anyway.

“I could take it now,” he says, going still in my mouth. “Slip right in where it’s so fucking hot and tight.” He applies just enough pressure to make me nervous, despite the touch of that finger shooting rivulets of pleasure to my pussy.

I try to pull back, but his hands spear into my hair again. “Relax.” Holding me in place, he renews the fervor of his pace, and a satisfied grin shapes his mouth as he plunders mine. “You’re not ready for it, but it’ll happen soon.” The promise hangs between us in the space of five deep thrusts. “I made a deal with Vance tonight for your anal virginity. He’s saving it for me.”

My eyes widen, and he laughs. “The chancellor wasn’t happy about that.”

I can imagine Liam’s temper flaring, his lack of control thrown into his face now that he no longer has access to me.

Because Sebastian will never grant it to him.

As he loses himself to the glove of my mouth, his climax only a few noisy thrusts away, I can’t help but wonder if Sebastian wants me because he can’t resist…or am I just a pawn in the rivalry between him and the chancellor?

With a final jerk, he groans, loud and unrestrained as he shoots his seed down my throat. Afterward, still dripping his completion, he yanks me up by the hair until our lips mash together, and the slow lick of his tongue against mine shakes me apart.

I rake my fingers through his hair, my heart pounding from his kiss as my knees weaken on the ottoman.

“The taste of me on your lips…” He groans into my mouth, then breaks away long enough to tug on my lower lip with his teeth. “You have no idea, princess. No fucking clue.”

There’s power in his frustration…if only I knew how to wield it.

“Enlighten me.” I dart my tongue along the seam of his mouth.