Chapter 53
Fifty-three
Promises were made to keep secrets, as I emphasized the importance of using discretion.
If Pluto learned his subjects were turning against him…
I shiver at the thought. Brinn and I plan to meet every other cycle for updates and planning.
We may not be as strong as Pluto and the Kosmos, but those who desire change are the most powerful of all.
Towards the end of the second cycle, Orion changes our training style yet again.
Knowing the order only offers the sponsors pieces of information regarding the upcoming challenge, I’m typically very appreciative of the lengths Orion goes to to ensure I’m as prepared as possible. This time? Not so much.
“This feels like a waste of time. I can journal in my free time. Oh, that’s right, I already do, Orion.”
I dangle off my bed with my head towards the ground. When Orion showed up this morning, telling me we weren’t going to the training grounds but staying in to “self-reflect”, I thought he was joking. Yet here I sit with a fresh journal beside me on the bed and frustration building in my veins.
Orion leans forward from the armchair he frequents to tap my nose. “I don’t want you to write about your day, Zi. Think about your strengths and weaknesses. Your deepest desires and secrets. That’s what you need to reflect on.”
“Can’t we go do something fun instead?”
“Zell, will it help if you talk it out with me?” Not a chance.
I sit up, quietly admitting, “Maybe I don’t want to examine the darkest parts of myself.”
Orion sits on the bed beside me, bumping his shoulder into mine. “There is nothing about you that could scare me. I see who you are, Zellie, and admire every part of you. You are nothing short of astonishing.”
I look at him, really look at him. His hazel eyes appear tired, but they radiate kindness and love. “I think you are the best friend I have ever had, Riri.”
Orion’s smile is sad as he creates some distance between us and stands, heading for the door. “Just work on this, okay? This is the only assignment for the entire training period.”
I think about it; I do. But nothing comes to me that day, or the next, or the next.
“Pistachio is not my flavor.” Lenny grimaces and thrusts his cone towards me. “Please, for the love of all things, take this from me.”
I laugh, trading my cup of butter pecan with him eagerly. “You’re just picky.”
“I have a distinguished palate. You, on the other hand, do not.”
We opted to sit on the riverbank after stopping by the Milky Whey following our training session rather than in the parks.
Flarelets glow around us, quietly chirping as the water gently sways with the flowing current.
We’re tucked away underneath the sparkling crystal bridge, and this hidden spot truly makes it feel like the world is the two of ours.
“I like this spot,” he adds. “Thanks for sharing it with me.”
“I only share it with my most trusted friends—don’t go telling everyone about it.”
“Things almost feel normal here.” I hum, knowing exactly what he means. “I spy Sirius.”
My grin widens until my cheeks hurt—I love playing this game with Lenny. Mostly because he always lets me win. Lenny’s brilliant. I have no shame in admitting he’s smarter than me. I look up, spotting the brightest star. He must be going easy on me. “We should make a wish.”
“What would you wish for?”
What do I wish for? “Justice. Peace.”
“Those are two things.”
“They’re one and the same!”
He chuckles, shaking his head as he takes another scoop of the butter pecan.
“What about you, Len?”
Lenny bites his cheek as he contemplates. “For us to stay together, forever.”
My chest grows tight as I pray to not only Sirius but every star above that his wish comes true.
The third cycle creeps up without warning. One afternoon, Leo lets himself into my apartment to find me staring out the window, lost in thought. “Where have you been hiding?”
“Self-reflecting. Or trying to,” I grumble.
Leo pulls me against him, laughing into my hair. “He has you doing that, too, huh?”
“Why is it so difficult?” I lean my head to the side, giving Leo access to my neck as he runs his nose up its length, pressing kisses underneath my ear.
“Because it’s hard to admit the not-so-good parts of who we are. I, for one, have plenty of good things to say about you.”
“Hmm, do share.” His hands rub down my arm with featherlight touches, making me shiver with anticipation.
“You are brave,” he says, kissing the back of my neck.
“Fearsome.” A kiss to the center of my back.
“Compassionate.” Leo pushes me forward, and I brace myself against the window.
He toys with the waistband of my loungewear, tugging my shorts down slightly as he grips each cheek forcefully.
“Cunning.” He slowly slides the shorts down to my ankles and uses his hands to knock my feet wider apart.
“Kind.” I sharply inhale as his tongue finds my center, closing my eyes and losing myself to the feel of him. “So fucking sweet.”
“Mmm, more Leo.” The need for him pulses through my veins.
He grips my waist and spins me to face him as he moves from a kneeling position to lying flat on the floor.
“Now sit on my face so I can tell you what a good fucking girl you are when you listen to me.” His eyes are dark and heady.
My clit throbs as excitement zings through me.
Sweet Leo is incredible, but dirty Leo? I’m instantly wet when he talks to me this way.
I move towards his body, but he stops me. “Shirt off, now.”
I bite my lip, rubbing my thighs together to stop the ache as I swiftly remove my top. “Now fucking crawl to me and put that sweet pussy on my face.”
I do as he says, crawling up his body and positioning myself to hover above his face. Leo grips my hips and tugs me down before devouring me. He pinches my clit as his tongue spears me, both of us moaning in unison.
“Leo,” I rock against his tongue, craving more friction. “I need more, please.”
He responds instantly, taking my clit into his mouth and flicking the nub with his tongue repeatedly.
He thrusts two fingers into me, curling them as he moves them in and out in a quick rhythm.
I feel the telltale signs of my orgasm beginning to build.
“Yes,” I hiss, “don’t stop.” He maintains the pumping and flicking motions as my orgasm rises, cresting over me until I’m falling, crying out Leo’s name.
Leo unbuttons his pants and shoves them down his legs, pumping himself furiously.
I back up, kneeling between his legs before taking him into my mouth.
He thrusts deeply, hitting the back of my throat.
“Relax your throat, baby. I need to fuck this pretty mouth.” I’m at his disposal, taking every command and working to please him.
I lick up the length of him before swirling my tongue around the tip.
“Fuck,” Leo snarls, grabbing the back of my hair and fisting it before pushing my head down as he thrusts upwards.
I gag and breathe through my nose, trying to take all of him.
My fingers find my clit, the need to be touched rising within me once more.
He stops, chuckling to himself more than to me. “It’s too good; I need to come in you.”
Instantly, I position myself, gripping him and sliding down until he bottoms out in me.
I circle my hips and moan as one hand finds my nipples, squeezing my breasts, and the other slowly rubs my clit.
I grind and bounce, using him to find my release.
“That’s it, baby, I can feel you squeezing me.
” My cheeks flushed, and I looked down at Leo through the loose strands of hair that had fallen into my eyes.
He leans up and kisses me passionately, our bodies slick as we rise and fall.
“You look like a queen, taking my dick so well.” I bask in his praise as Leo finds his release, the City of Wonder lit up outside my window.
In this moment, I am a fucking queen.