Chapter 52
Chapter fifty-two
ILIANA
Here she was, pinned beneath a god who’d just praised her and promised her a future. He wanted her—and instead of basking in it, Iliana blurted out that she’d slept with his friend. She winced, bracing for rejection.
But it didn’t come.
Instead, a wide, knowing grin spread across Anubis’ face, revealing his straight teeth and slightly elongated canines. That smile was dangerous and beautiful—so very Anubis. “I am aware,” he said.
Her eyes widened. “And?”
A chuckle vibrated against her. “And I have no problem with it. Did he satisfy you?”
Iliana’s face heated. “Yes, but—”
He hushed her with a kiss, smoky sweetness intoxicating her.
It was possessive and thorough, swallowing any of her protests before they could escape.
When he finally pulled away, he pressed his lips to the shell of her ear.
“No buts. You can have as many lovers as you want, Neferet.” His palm slid between them, cupping her breast over her sports bra. “But they will treat you right.”
He pinched her nipple lightly, making her breath catch and her head go fuzzy with desire.
“And as long as you are also mine, and I get to make you come as often as I like…” He trailed off, looking smug when she whimpered beneath his touch. “Then I do not have a problem with it.” He lifted slightly, giving her space and watching her.
Iliana swallowed thickly, her chest rising and falling unevenly. She nodded. His certainty soothed the doubt that had plagued her since last night. She didn’t want to lie, not to him. Not when she’d never allowed herself to have anything like this before.
“Understand?” he asked.
“Yes.”
“Now,” he teased, clasping her wrists lightly, securing them above her head, “do you want to learn how to escape from this hold, or—”
She didn’t give him a chance to finish. “I choose the ‘or’ option.” She smiled, wickedly. “Please.”
They looked at each other. God and mortal. Predator and prey. Her thoughts abandoned her, leaving only the sharp throb of need.
“I want this. I want you,” she whispered.
He released her wrists, moving his hands down her body, trailing heat wherever he touched her.
Gripping the neckline of her tank, he tore it straight down the center, the rip of fabric slicing through the quiet training room.
She heard her own gasps as he exposed the smooth plane of her stomach and the tight compression fabric clinging to her breasts.
Iliana gasped, her arms still obediently above her head. She would’ve reached for him, attempted to pull him down to her, but the look on his face rooted her in place. It was breathtaking. Reverent. Hungry.
He lowered himself, warm puffs of air skimming across her bare skin as he hooked his fingers into her waistband. She breathed in sharply, catching his scent—incense, sweat, and arousal. Her muscles clenched in anticipation, and her face blushed. His eyes tracked the reaction.
“Perfect,” he said reverently, strained with need.
Then his calluses dragged across her skin where they were still hooked underneath her clothes, and she whimpered.
His scent surrounded her as he slowly peeled her shorts and panties down her thighs.
When cool air kissed her wet, exposed flesh, she trembled.
She resisted the instinct to close her legs, refusing to hide from him.
Still, this waiting was killing her. She wanted his rough hands on her, not just the phantom touch of his gaze as he looked at her, as if he were memorizing every inch of her body.
“Ani…” she breathed, clenching her hands above her head.
He smirked. In the next instant, he was naked, his powerful body entirely on display, all dark skin, sculpted muscles, and raw strength.
Iliana’s restraint snapped. She reached forward to touch him, to feel—
Anubis’ large hand stopped her, grasping her arm gently, and she gasped. He slowly, deliberately guided her down. His cock rested against her, and her hips jerked toward him. He tightened his grip.
“Naughty girl,” he said, chiding her. He dragged her lower lip between his teeth before closing his mouth over hers.
His hips moved slightly, the head of his cock sliding against her wet entrance. Despite trying to stay still, she reacted, her hips rolling, seeking more. His palm closed over her hip, his long fingers pressing into her. It wasn’t bruising, but he kept her exactly where he wanted her.
She whimpered, enjoying every second of giving in to him, letting him guide and command. Here, with him, she didn’t have to be strong or brave. She could just feel. He drew out the pleasure until she thought she’d go insane.
Anubis must’ve sensed her surrender because his chuckle was low and satisfied. Then he gave her what she wanted.
“Touch me,” he commanded.
Without hesitation, she grasped the back of his neck while her other hand pressed against his chest. His heart thundered under her hand as he placed the head of his cock at her opening. He met her eyes as if making sure this was what she wanted.
Gods, yes. Now.
She nodded, needing him inside her. “Please, Ani.”
He wrapped one of her legs around his waist, his grip unyielding. Then he thrust deep. His groan was low and relieved as he seated himself fully inside her.
Iliana cried out, her hands flexing against him, desperate to pull him closer. She trembled with need, flames sparking through every cell. She was shocked at how quickly her body responded to him. She was already so close.
“Please, Ani. I need…”
He sealed his mouth to hers, cutting off her pleas. He gave her everything—his weight, his intensity, his control. His hand slid between their bodies, his long fingers finding her clit and circling with devastating precision.
Her head fell back in ecstasy, showing her throat to the man dominating her body, and he took the invitation. His mouth sealed over her throat, his lips scorching against her thundering pulse. He kissed, sucked, and bit.
His pace quickened, his hips driving harder, and she keened. Her nails scored down his back, wanting to leave marks on him the same way his claiming bites were.
Her orgasm crashed into her. She screamed, the pleasure white-hot and all-consuming. His touch gentled on her clit, but his hips never slowed, dragging her orgasm out until she thought she might go blind.
When the room came back into focus, she realized she was straddling him.
She pushed her hair out of her face, fighting a strand determined to stick to her forehead.
Looking down at him, she struggled to catch her breath.
She knew she must’ve looked like a mess—sweaty, hair falling from its ponytail.
But with his hungry gaze on her, she felt powerful.
She gave him a lazy, pleased smirk, placing her hands flat on his chest. “I have you trapped,” she said, challenging him and repeating his earlier words. “Escape.”
This she could do. Physical desire made sense in a way vulnerability didn’t. There, with her body, she could be brave. She could take what she wanted without fear of being too much or not enough. All because he looked at her as if she was everything he wanted. Right then, she even believed it.
Anubis smirked. “Maybe I enjoy being trapped by you.”
She rolled her hips, causing him to groan. Sitting up, she did it again. And again. Her hand moved to cup herself, annoyed by the bra in her way. She crossed her arms, grabbed the hem, and yanked it over her head, freeing her sensitive breasts.
He sat up, wrapping an arm around her waist and bending her backward to take one nipple into his mouth.
The sensation traveled straight to her core, which spasmed around his cock from the pleasure.
He licked and sucked her sensitive flesh, all the while rocking into her, the wet slide of skin on skin and the hunger in his touch driving her insane.
“Ani…please…”
She didn’t know what she was asking for. Begging for. She just needed more of him.
Anubis moved away from her breast, licking the perspiration from her throat before finally sealing his lips to hers. She moaned, her pleasure climbing higher as he kissed her as if he were trying to taste her soul.
He released her and lay back down, his hands returning to her hips. Moving her up and down on his cock, he watched her as she rode him. When she cupped her breasts, tweaking her nipples, he bit his lip. As she matched the pace of his thrusts, he groaned, watching her take her own pleasure.
Gods, he felt good. His firm hands, his hungry gaze, his cock touching every spot inside her. Every sensation caused her nerves to light up, as if a fuse had been lit and all she could do was wait for the fireworks.
As the climax threatened to break her into a thousand pieces, she let go, trusting that Anubis would catch her as she fell.
He met her there, burying his face in her neck, breathing her in as he drove into her with unrelenting thrusts.
She bit his shoulder, muffling her cries and tasting his salty skin.
He growled as he came, holding her close through their final shudders.
They collapsed together, their limbs tangling, both boneless, sweaty, and sated. Their breathing slowed, their harsh breaths becoming steady exhales. She felt his heartbeat thundering underneath her.
He pressed a kiss to her temple, breathing in as if he were memorizing her scent.
She melted against his tender touch. Once she regained feeling in her limbs, she traced lazy circles on his skin, loving the sensation of his heartbeat beneath her fingers as his arms held her against him. She didn’t want to move. To break this moment where she felt safe and cherished.
Iliana lifted her head and met his hooded gaze, rolling her eyes when she saw his wide, pleased smile. “You seem very proud of yourself.”
He laughed, and she joined him. The sounds of their joy made her warm and happy. Content.
Then, he tensed. His eyes grew distant, and the muscles in his jaw worked. She recognized that look. He was having a conversation in his mind. She didn’t ask who he was speaking to.
Instead, she sighed, rolling off him. Her muscles, unused in sparring, ached deliciously. She grabbed her discarded clothes and redressed, grimacing at having to put on the sweaty shorts and bra.
“I have to go.”
She tried to hide her disappointment as she asked, “Where?”
“The Duat,” he said. “Osiris needs me.”
“Is everything okay?”
Anubis rose and crossed to her, gently cupping her face. “I am sure it will be. He wants to finish the discussion we had days ago.”
Iliana bit her lip, trying not to show how much she wished he could stay. Before these gods, she would’ve succeeded. She’d smile and pretend that she didn’t care if he left. She would’ve protected herself by not letting him see how much his being there meant to her.
But Anubis noticed. He always saw her. Exposed and vulnerable. Instead of making her feel like a fool for caring, it made her feel safe.
“I will be back before the night is out,” he promised.
Before she responded, he kissed her—deep and lingering—as he held onto her waist as if reluctant to leave. She snuggled into him, wishing they had more time, but she understood. He had responsibilities that weren’t only about staying by her side.
When he pulled away, she smiled. “You sure you don’t need me to…” She dropped her eyes to his growing erection. “Take care of that before you leave?”
Anubis chuckled and pressed his forehead to hers. “I will see you soon, Neferet.”
And then he left.
Iliana stood alone, body sore, and smiling. Maybe later she’d pinch herself to be sure she wasn’t dreaming. She closed her eyes and replayed every word, every touch, every breath.
He was very real, and he’d be back soon.