24. Chapter Twenty Four Rhowyn
Chapter Twenty Four: Rhowyn
Baer and I walked back to our suite, joking and teasing each other the whole way and not once did his body leave mine. In one way or another, he maintained contact with me, either draping an arm around my shoulders or grabbing my arm, hip, or fingers with his hand. By the time we made it back, I felt like I was on a cloud of happiness. Never had I experienced the simple joy and comfort he was giving me, and I savored it.
Even after showering and dressing in my pajamas, I couldn't shake the smile on my face. I brushed my hair out knowing dinner would be ready soon, but I kept losing myself in my thoughts, which wound their way back to that kiss.
I was experienced in more ways than I ever wanted in my life, but I had never been kissed like Baer had kissed me earlier. For the first time, I had gotten a glimpse of what it felt like to be cherished. I felt silly even thinking it, but his kiss had been magical, and I wanted to do it again and again .
My fingers touched my lips at the memory of his mouth on mine, gentle yet firm, his hold strong and steady, making me feel safe to fall. I never did relationships, but now I was surprisingly considering what one would be like with him. However, a fairly large part of me was still afraid to let him in. I'd always been let down by everyone else in my life, so I didn't dare hope that this would be any different. But, I could still enjoy myself and him while I was here. I just had to make sure that neither of us got too attached in the meantime.
A knock on the door sounded, drawing my attention. “Come in.”
The door opened to reveal Arryn in the doorway. Instead of coming in, he leaned against the frame. “Dinner's ready if you would like to join us?”
“Sure. I'm starving.” I walked over to him, but he didn't move away. For me to pass him, I would have to turn sideways and rub against him. Despite how tempting that sounded, my better judgment kicked in, and I stopped in front of him, still close enough to touch.
“I heard you had a good training session.” He said it as if it was a question.
Immediately, I felt my cheeks flame, wondering if he was talking about the ending instead of the beginning. “Uh, yeah. It was good to train again. I certainly feel better. Not quite so antsy.” I decided to play dumb as a tactic. If he had questions or concerns, he could ask them outright. He gave nothing away, though, so I had no idea where he was going with this.
“Baer mentioned that I should place my money on you in your competition with Lennox in the morning.” He smirked at me, again causing me to blush, but for a different reason.
I'd never been one to enjoy the accolades, preferring to train hard and judge my successes against my prior performances. “That would be your decision, but my money is on me.”
“Well, your confidence is inspiring. I' ll have to make sure I place my bet on you as well.”
“It's your money,” I said, starting to wonder what his real reason was for this conversation.
He rubbed a hand on the back of his neck. “I know Baer stayed with you last night after your break in, but I wanted to make sure that having me stay tonight would be okay?” He shifted slightly, his nerves at the question evident to me even though they were subtle. He was usually calmer and more confident.
I smiled, trying to ease his obvious discomfort. “Yeah, that's fine. While I'd prefer to be alone, I also realize that it's not necessarily the safest decision. I'm independent, not stupid.”
“Okay. I figured you'd be ready to go to bed after dinner. It’s been a long day for all of us, and we have many more long days to come,” he stated, his confidence returning now that he was back in planning mode.
“That sounds great. I'm pretty tuckered out, so sleep sounds like heaven right about now.” I winked at him before continuing, “The only thing that sounds better is food. I didn't eat much at lunch.”
Taking my hint, he stood up straight and turned, offering me his elbow. “Well, then please allow me to escort the beautiful lady to her meal.”
I took his arm and let him lead me to the table. My thoughts pulled to the muscles I could feel under his sleeve and the way they flexed as he walked. I wasn't sure what was up with me. I had never been attracted to so many men at once, never been the boy-crazy type growing up. So, now that I was surrounded by all these guys that each called to me in some way, I couldn't quite come to terms with the conflicting emotions.
While I wanted to kiss Baer again, I also wanted to know what Arryn's kiss would be like, what kind of lover he would be. And Lennox, I somehow knew our passionate arguments would also consume us in bed, even if my brain was telling me that I shouldn't reward his asshole behavior. I couldn't deny the attraction, though. Even Callum called to me, so stoic and withdrawn.
I wondered if he would stay so detached or come alive with a kiss. Would he be dominant or prefer me to take control? I was okay with either, but something told me that he would be a dominant and demanding lover. That I could trust him enough to surrender myself completely.
Since meeting them, I had been drawn into a world I could never have dreamed of, a world of firsts for me, but also a world that was starting to feel like I was coming home, where I could be wholly and completely myself. I saw a world full of possibilities and couldn't deny the attraction I felt toward them and the vague future they represented.
I knew this couldn't last, though. Eventually, I would return to Earth to resume my obligations to the family I had made there, but I had a strong feeling I would not be the same upon my return. That the girl I was when I left wouldn't be the same one to go back.
The guys carried the conversation at dinner, my fatigue catching up to me as I filled my belly. I listened as mainly Baer and Arryn spoke with the occasional input from Lennox, Callum remaining silent as ever.
He was such a mystery. None of the others had filled me in on him or his background. I couldn't blame them since we had been so busy today. I wondered if he would fit in with us and open up eventually or if he would always be like this. Hopefully, he would let those walls down soon.
I finished my delicious meal, the food foreign to me, but amazingly flavorful. I had yet to come across anything I didn't like, everything prepared as if we were at a five-star restaurant. So beyond anything I 'd had on Earth, and I was enjoying the convenience of it all.
Yawning, I covered my mouth with my hand, not wanting to leave the table yet. I enjoyed the calm and companionship, never having had family meals like this before, and was pleased to find out that the movies had gotten this part right, at least.
Ever vigilant, Arryn noticed. “Let's call it a night. We've got a full day of training and research tomorrow.”
“Yeah, yeah,” I said with a smile, standing from the table with everyone else.
Baer leaned over and kissed my cheek while holding my arm, purely platonic, but my body didn't agree. Heat shot straight to my core, but before I could move in closer and claim a real kiss, he pulled back.
He held my gaze. “Goodnight, Killer. I need my beauty sleep, and you need to wake up ready to kick some ass in the morning. My money's on you.” He stated all this loud enough for everyone to hear but whispered to me through the laughter, “And maybe tomorrow night you can throw me around.”
The innuendo had me clenching my thighs at the mental picture of him in my bed again, but for a less chivalrous reason. “If you're only so lucky,” I whispered back in challenge.
His eyes flashed with heat, and he laughed, turning away to head to his room. Arryn approached, and we walked to my room together. I was already in sleep shorts and a T-shirt, ready for bed. As I climbed under the blankets, I told him, “Feel free to use the bathroom to change. You can have the side closest to the balcony.”
He seemed surprised by this, saying, “I was planning on just sleeping in a chair. I don't want you to think I'm trying to take advantage of you.”
“Always so honorable. I honestly don't mind. The last thing I want is to be an inconvenience or for anyone to lose sleep. So, please, I don't mind sharing. Really.”
“It's not an inconvenience. Anyone would be honored to be a consort with the privilege of protecting their Chosen,” he replied, seeming a little uncomfortable, but he went to the opposite side of the bed anyway. “But if you insist, I wouldn't argue about sleeping in a bed instead.”
I smiled in triumph, but it froze on my face as he went to pull his shirt off, revealing a truly drool-worthy set of abs with the Adonis belt and everything. The world could be falling apart, and I wouldn't have been able to pull my eyes from his body.
He was muscular but lean, with broad shoulders and a narrow waist. I traced all the hard lines of his chest and stomach until his hands went to the waistband of his pants. And when he pulled his pants down, I felt myself getting wet. He was truly a specimen standing there in just his underwear, which sadly disappeared under the blankets too soon.
I pulled my eyes away, barely stopping myself from checking for drool. When my eyes met his face, he wore a knowing look. It wasn't cocky or mocking but told me he was feeling the attraction as well. Which made it even harder for me to keep my hands to myself and not crawl over to explore that magnificent body further.
I cleared my throat, trying to speak, but my voice caught. “Ehem. Well, goodnight, Arryn.”
I didn't wait for his reply as I leaned over to turn off the light. When darkness fell, he said, “Goodnight, my Chosen.”
Not sure how to respond, I decided not to. I rolled over in bed, facing away from him, my body all riled up after both he and Baer had so thoroughly turned me on with words and pretty pictures. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to sleep or not. Usually, I would just take care of myself, but I was sure that would be awkward with Arryn in my bed with me.
Although, he could help... Nope. No. I'm not going there . If I did, I would, without a doubt, be the one making a move, and my brain told me that wasn't wise after kissing Baer earlier. I was certain he wouldn't appreciate me doing anything with Arryn.
Ugh! Why did they all have to be so tempting? I didn't want to decide between any of them. I wanted my cake and to eat it, too, but that wasn't how the real world worked. But picturing Arryn and Baer as cakes for me to enjoy didn't help me either. I huffed out a breath in frustration, deciding to count sheep, but unable to focus in my current horny state. I had never been this wound up and wasn't sure I liked it.
“What's wrong?” Arryn's voice asked huskily in the dark.
Damn. Even his voice was turning me on, all deep and smooth like honey. Deciding to play dumb again, I asked, “What makes you think something's wrong?”
He chuckled softly, and I rolled over to face him in the dark, even though I couldn't see anything. “Considering you've rolled over ten times in as many minutes, I'm thinking that something's on your mind. Maybe talking about it might help?”
Gah! Why'd he have to be so sweet too! “Nope. No. I'm fine. Nothing on my mind at all,” I rushed out, decidedly not wanting to discuss my horny pussy with him.
He chuckled. “Now, why don't I believe you?”
“Sounds like a you problem since everything's so good on my end,” I retorted, my sarcasm on full blast. Anything to divert his attention.
He huffed another laugh, and I could have sworn I saw him smiling at me through the dark. Even if I couldn't really see it, I could imagine it, and just the thought of it put me at ease.
“Are you sure you don't want to talk about it?” he continued to insist, and I knew I had to give him something at least.
I sighed, capitulating to some degree, but I still wasn't going to discuss all my desires with him. Not tonight anyway. “Anyone ever tell you you're annoyingly persistent?” I asked.
“Not in so nice a way. More like being called a stubborn ass. But if you're referring to how I usually get my way, then you would be correct in that assumption.”
I laughed at him. “Fine. If you must know, I'm worried about the trials. What are they like? Are they dangerous?”
It was his turn to sigh. “To be honest, no one really knows what to expect from the trials since they're different every time. I mean, sure, you'll find plenty of people who think they know and will tell you they have some method or another to determine what awaits the Chosen, but they really have nothing more than guesses.
“You see, the land creates the trials dependent on those Chosen who’ve been selected. The trials are its way of determining the true character of those who wish to be queen and possess its magic since the final Chosen will be the one to enter a direct relationship to the land and ensure that balance remains.
“As for what Chosen have faced in the past, it’s ranged from the purely physical with combat and magic trials to the mental and character revelations. And any variation of those. So, you see, there's really no way to know what we'll face.
“My policy has always been to train for the worst-case scenario, and if it isn't, then you'll both be pleasantly surprised and suitably prepared.”
“Ah, the good ol' prepare for the worst and hope for the best tactic. It's an oldie but a goody,” I teased him, even though the trials now felt more daunting than before when I had assumed that they'd be able to fully prepare me. Now that I knew that wouldn't be the case, my concern grew, but a part of me was pleased that he’d agreed with one of my personal mottos.
“How can you guys even hope to have me ready in time? You all sound so confident, but I'm starting to think you've tied yourselves to a lost cause,” I admitted to him. Then, realizing what I’d said, I rushed out, “Not that I want to win or become queen, but I just want to survive all this.” My voice whispered the last part, something about the dark and his calm presence allowing me to put a voice to all my concerns.
I felt his warm, large hand on my arm, the soothing rhythm he rubbed along it easing some of my worry. “I won't lie to you, the trials have been dangerous, risky, and even deadly in the past. And you will have more to overcome than most of the other Chosen who may be out to sabotage you.
“Especially after last night's...” He paused to find the right word, “event. I would assume that there may be those who hope to keep you out of the competition by any means necessary.
“All that said, though, I can promise that as your consorts and friends, we will be there to help you every step of the way. Between all of us, I feel confident that we can prepare you better and more quickly than anyone else. Besides, I have a strong feeling that you’re no stranger to hardships or surviving, and you’ve shown that you’re quite capable of caring for yourself. Of that, I have no doubt and my gut is never wrong.”
I smiled softly at his words, still worried but eased and calm after learning more. Knowledge was power, after all. I placed my hand on his while the other one still stroked my arm so gently and with such care, my heart warming because of all of it. I laced my fingers with his. “For some reason, I believe you when you say those things, even though I have no evidence to prove it. Usually, I'm not swayed by others' assurances of caring since so very few people in my life have ever meant them, but with you, I feel differently. So, thank you,” I told him honestly.
“Well, if you believe nothing else, believe this. I'm a man of my word. I deal with truth and honesty, and I feel that false platitudes will get no one anywhere. So, when I tell you that I'm here for you, for whatever you need, whenever you need it, believe that I don't say that lightly,” he vowed to me, squeezing my hand as he said it.
Now, I wanted to kiss him for an entirely different reason, my eyes watering at the conviction I felt coming from him. It was funny how the darkness had a way of revealing things far better than the light ever could.
Not overthinking it, I reached out with my free hand to the vague outline of his face that I could see, caressing his jaw and cheek with affection. I leaned across the space between us and kissed his cheek, my lips lingering for a moment, his stubble roughing up my lips in such contrast to the soft skin of his face.
His hand released mine, drifting down my arm and finding my hip, where he squeezed firmly. His thumb found its way under my shirt hem, which had drifted up during all my tossing and turning, to caress my bare skin just above my panties.
My core clenched at his touch, and my heart picked up speed. How easy it would be to close the distance between us. And believe me, there was nothing more that I wanted in this moment, my thoughts firmly on what his body would feel like over and inside mine.
“Arryn,” I whispered on an exhalation. I could hear the need in my voice, and I knew he could as well because his hand squeezed me tighter. My face was still inches from his, and I could feel his breath caressing my face, my hand now on his shoulder. I didn't know when I’d reached for him, but I could feel his heart racing under my fingers.
“Rhowyn? May I kiss you?” he asked hesitantly.
I knew I should probably deny him. It had only been a few hours ago that I had made out with Baer, but I found that in this moment, here and now, I couldn't deny him, so, I nodded, unable to speak and holding my breath in anticipation .
He must have either felt the movement from my head nod, or he could see me better than I could see him. Either way, he moved slowly toward me, as if giving me the chance to refuse him. When I didn't, he finally, finally pressed his lips to mine, and it was world-shaking even though he hadn't done much at this point. I kissed him back, opening to him and deepening the kiss, my tongue dancing with his, our breaths mingling.
His hand moved up my side, following the curve of my waist under my shirt, caressing me so slowly. Goosebumps rose on my skin, tingling where he touched me and causing me to shiver with need. His hand stopped on my rib cage, his thumb now just below my breast where he rubbed it back and forth, causing me to moan into his mouth.
He held me tighter, a low groan escaping him as well before he slowly ended the kiss and pulled back. He moved his other hand to my cheek and neck, holding my head still so he could press his forehead to mine, our breaths rushing in and out. “You have no idea how tempting it is to continue, to show you just how alluring you are, but we need sleep in order to train tomorrow. If I don't stop now, I'll keep you up all night trying to discover all the ways I can make you moan like that over and over again.”
His voice was huskier and deeper, his need riding him hard, and it made me feel beautiful and powerful. Far more so than magic could ever do. Unable to speak, I nodded as he withdrew to his side completely, my desire so strong right now that I couldn't trust my voice. I had to fight the urge to follow him.
After a minute, my head started to clear enough, and I cleared my throat. “Soon, Arryn, I will hold you to that promise.”
He laughed. “I hope you do, beautiful. Now, go to sleep so you can kick Lennox's ass in the morning.”
I laughed, too, relaxing back into my pillows where sleep found me more quickly than I thought it would.