Chapter 14
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
ORTHORR
Cedric had no reason to be embarrassed over his reactions.
At least he had an excuse of inexperience.
Meanwhile, I was throbbing and close to release merely from listening to his moans of pleasure.
I planned on taking care of it myself, Cedric looked too blissed out to assist me, but when I stepped onto the bench to lift myself out of the water, his eyes flew open, and he turned to me with a wide eyed expression.
“Where are you going?”
Chuckling, I shook my head. “Nowhere, ravsol. I need to take care of this, and I don’t want to ruin the bath to do it.” I gestured to my cock, which was an angry red and throbbed with need. It wouldn’t take long for me to deal with it.
“But… I wanted to–” He cut himself off with a blush, averting his gaze from where he’d been staring at my cock.
I didn’t want him to feel like he couldn’t state his desires.
I touched his jaw lightly, urging him to look at me, and when he did, I raised my eyebrows gently.
“I do not wish to deny you, ravsol. I only worried you were too sated to reciprocate. I am fine taking care of it on my own so you can rest.”
He pursed his lips, looking disgruntled. “You have a point, I’ve never come that hard before, but I really wanted to do it to you, too. Is there no other way?”
With his inexperience, he didn't know of the many positions we could use together. I only knew some, as Cedric was my first experience with a man, but I knew of at least one that might give us both what we needed.
“You’re sure?”
I didn’t want to overwhelm him.
Nodding his head eagerly, he sucked in a breath when I crawled on top of him, straddling his shoulders. He wouldn’t be able to take as much of me into his mouth at this angle, but that didn’t matter. I didn’t think I would be able to last long anyway.
“Open.”
He did, his hands clutching tightly to my hips.
I would have worried that he was uncertain if he wasn’t pulling me closer.
Putting one hand above his head for balance, I used the other to fist my cock, rubbing it over his tongue.
I groaned when he lapped at the head, lifting in an attempt to take me into his mouth.
I pulled back, shaking my head. I didn’t trust him not to hurt himself in his eagerness.
I would remain in control, even if my body craved what he offered.
With another whimper, he relaxed, giving himself over to me completely. The submission sent another wave of lust through me, and I gave him more of my cock when he opened up for me again.
My body trembled with the need for release, but I refused to rush and accidentally hurt Cedric. I kept my thrusts shallow, not wishing to choke him, and watched his face as his eyes fluttered and he moaned around my length. Taking as much enjoyment out of this as I was.
The thought of sharing this with him pushed me closer to my release, and when he sealed his lips around the head of my cock and sucked, I couldn’t hold back any longer. I came with a shout, jerking away from him so I didn’t thrust deeply into his mouth like my body wanted me to.
When I opened my eyes, I realized in my haste to get away, I came on his face, which neither of us had been expecting.
He looked stunned, staring up at me with wide eyes.
I choked on the groan that threatened to escape at the debauched image, carefully maneuvering myself off him so I could get a cloth to clean him off.
He tried to take it from me, but I pushed his hand away, frowning as I cleaned my release from his skin.
“Don’t you dare apologize,” he chastised before I could speak.
I jerked my head back in surprise, and he pointed a finger at me, eyes narrowed.
“I could see it written all over your face that you wanted to. Don’t.
I loved every second of it. I was just surprised.
Why did you pull away? I… would have swallowed… ”
He blushed brightly admitting it, but didn’t look away. He was getting braver, and I rewarded his honesty by kissing him softly.
“I didn’t want to hurt you,” I admitted. “I worried I would lose control with your mouth on me, and with the position we were in, it would have been harder for you to pull away. It was better for me to move.”
He studied me, eyes still narrowed, but seemed to accept my reasoning. “Fine. I can agree to that. But next time, you will be the one on your back. I want to try everything with you. I don’t want you stealing the experience just to protect me.”
“Just me?” I couldn’t help the words as they slipped past my lips.
We hadn’t truly discussed our future, and after the interaction with the guard that morning, I was feeling insecure.
The guard was much younger than I was and likely could give Cedric more adventurous explorations than I could.
I doubted he was inexperienced. And Cedric was perfect.
He could have any male he wanted. He didn’t have to stay with me just because we’d shared intimacy together.
Rolling to prop himself up on his elbow, he reached for me, putting his palm on the center of my chest, his brows drawn together in a tight frown. “Of course, just you. You’re everything I’ve ever wanted, Orthorr. Why would I want anyone else?”
Dragging him closer, I pulled him back into the water. It was cooler than before, but still heated enough to enjoy it. I distracted myself by soaping up Cedric’s skin, but he was not easily deterred. He cupped my face, thumbs stroking my cheeks, and leveled me with a look.
“Talk to me, Orthorr. Why would you think I wanted anyone else? Did I give you the impression that I would step out on you?”
My brows furrowed, and I gave him a questioning look. I didn’t know that expression. Some common tongue expressions still escaped me, despite knowing the language for years. If they weren’t used by those in my clan, I was unlikely to learn them on my own.
“What does that mean?”
He contemplated his answer for a moment, likely to ensure to explain in terms I could understand. He was thoughtful like that, doing the same thing when discussing the papers with me, ensuring his explanations all made sense to me.
“It means… In the towns, when a couple begins to court, it is understood that they are exclusive to each other. To step out on the courtship, or in some awful cases, on their marriage, would mean seeking companionship from another who isn’t your intended or spouse.”
Understanding swept through me, and I nodded.
“I understand now. That only occurs in my clan after bonding. Before, it is understood that lovers are free to do as they wish. They are only… exclusive?—” I paused to make sure I used the term correctly and continued when Cedric nodded, “—after their bonding. It has led to jealousies before, and I’ve had to step in once or twice to stop fights between brothers, but it doesn’t happen often. ”
Cedric smiled softly, fingers running gently through my beard. “That’s because you barbarians are a bunch of sweethearts. The rumors truly got it wrong with you lot. Why would you think I would want anyone else when I had you?” he prompted again.
With a sigh, I hugged him closer, leaning my forehead against his.
I was loath to admit it, but it had to be said for Cedric to understand.
“I am much older than you. There are many young men out there who would fight for your attention and wouldn’t need assistance with sore muscles like I do.
You aren’t required to choose me, Cedric.
If you wish to see what else is out there–”
He put his fingers over my lips, a deep frown on his face, his voice full of conviction when he said, “I don’t. I only want you. I don’t care about your age, Orthorr. I doubt you’re much older than I am anyway. You can’t be a day over fifty.”
I figured he was just trying to flatter me, but when he gave me an expectant look, I frowned. “I’m fifty seven. I’m not anywhere near the oldest in my clan, but I’m still much older than you, little one.”
His mouth fell open, and he looked me up and down like he didn't quite believe me. “That’s not true! You’re nearly sixty and still look this good? How? The men your age in my town are all wrinkled and have no muscle at all!”
The honest shock on his face made me laugh. He didn’t seem to be saying such things just to placate me. He was legitimately surprised by my age.
“Perhaps it is in our blood,” I offered with a smirk.
“Or maybe it is because we spend our days surrounded by true beauty instead of hiding behind those giant walls and doors.” I ran my knuckles down his cheek, showing him the beauty I spoke of.
I’d seen the sun rise over snow peaked mountains, dazzling me with its sparkle.
I’d seen the winds dance through the plains while feeling the sun beating on my skin.
Recently, I’d seen the sun set over the ocean, feeling the crashing waves in my chest. None of it was as beautiful as the man in my arms. When he smiled at me, it felt as though the world stood still, and I fell a little more for him with each breath.
He flushed, but his smile was pleased, and I could tell my words affected him.
He wrapped his arms around my shoulders, rubbing his forehead against mine, and whispered the words that sealed my fate.
“I don’t want anyone else, Orthorr. If I’d known you were on the other side, I would’ve volunteered as tribute the first chance I got to get to you.
If you’d have me, I’d stay by your side for the rest of my life. ”
It was fast, we’d only known each other a few weeks, but I never questioned fate. Fate brought me my Tessa. It brought me my clan. And it brought me Cedric.
“I’ll always have you, Cedric. You are my other half.”