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  Instinctively, he knew she would expect only what he promised. She was used to having so little. He instantly vowed to treat her like a queen for as long as she held his interest, but knew that might not be very long.

  He pushed those thoughts aside even while parting her curls with his fingers. There was her true prize—the soft, glistening flesh of her sex. She opened her legs wider for him and he was again struck by her easy trust. He rewarded it with the most intimate kiss he could give and she screamed his name.

  “Orestes!”

  Her fingers clamped in his hair but he ignored the slight sting to kiss her again. Then he ran his tongue through her moisture before stabbing it into her body. She writhed and he had to grab her thighs to keep her still for his feasting. He rubbed his lips against her and hummed in masculine approval.

  “Oh Goddess…oh, Orestes…”

  She moved her hips off the bed in a weak attempt to fuck his face. He growled and stabbed his tongue in again before finding her sensitive bud with his thumb. One touch was all it took and she was screaming, crying out incoherently while her muscles tightened in climax. Her fingers gripped his hair more viciously before letting go completely. Then a spasm racked her small frame before she fully relaxed. After one final swipe of his tongue he sat up to look her over.

  She was panting, her small hands curled into fists as slight tremors shook her. Her damp skin glistened in the firelight, and he’d never seen anything more beautiful in his bed. Despite his thoughts of mere seconds ago, he knew she wouldn’t be leaving it anytime soon.

  He ran his hands over her lightly, soothing her tremors until her breathing had slowed to a more normal pace. He didn’t want to hurt or frighten her and wasn’t entirely certain of just how much a human could handle. So far she had surprised him, but he didn’t want to push her too far.

  “Are you thirsty?” he asked.

  Her throat moved and her swallow sounded loudly. He was already heading for a flask of wine when she finally nodded. He grabbed the flask and a cup from his desk and returned to the bed. It was strong wine, but for all he knew she was a drinker. That thought made him frown and he poured less than half the cup full before handing it to her. She sat up only enough to sip and immediately started coughing. He grabbed the cup and she cleared her throat.

  “Are you all right?” he asked.

  “Yes. Sorry. I don’t usually drink wine.”

  That made him chuckle and he returned the flask to his desk. He found a second one with water and took it to her.

  “Here, try this.”

  He held it to her lips and she drank tentatively at first. Once she realized what it was, she took a few more gulps before gently pushing it away.

  “Much better. Thank you.”

  He set it on a table beside his bed. “You’re welcome.”

  She relaxed against the pillows again and smiled at him. Then her gaze lowered until she was looking at the still-hard evidence of his arousal. A blush filled her cheeks and she met his gaze again quickly.

  “Oh. Uh…you’re not done?”

  He threw his head back and laughed, partly at her innocence and partly in pure pleasure of her. She was such a refreshing change.

  “No, my little star, not even close.”

  He moved back onto the bed and pushed her legs apart so he could kneel between them. She allowed him to move her easily, an expression of curiosity on her face. He slid his palms over her legs, then up her sides to her breasts. She shuddered and then seemed to calm under his touch. He smiled down at her while he leaned with his weight on his elbows and knees over her. She put her small hands flat on his chest but didn’t push him away.

  “Is this okay?” he asked.

  “Yes. But, um…”

  “Yes?”

  She looked down between their bodies where only a breath of air separated their skin. The hungriest part of him already rubbed against her.

  “I, uh…the men I was with before were a lot smaller than you. I don’t think it’s going to fit.”

  He wanted to laugh but her concerned look killed his amusement. She still blushed and chewed on her lower lip. Did she fear his anger? He vowed to calm her fears and renew her passion, starting with a kiss.

  She moaned into his mouth as he slipped his tongue between her lips. Already she had learned from him and met every action with her own. Within seconds his cooling ardor had reheated until he was hungry for her as ever. She began to move against him and he knew she would soon be ready too. He smoothed a hand to her breast, lightly squeezing the plump flesh before rubbing his thumb over her nipple. It hardened beneath his touch and she wrapped one leg over his thigh.

  When she began to thrust her hips, he knew she was ready. He pushed his thigh against the apex of her legs and allowed her to move against it for a few torturous seconds. Then he grabbed her leg and swung it back around his hip, opening her to him again. He lowered his hand to her sex and slipped a finger inside. She jumped against him, pulling back from his kiss. They both took in much-needed air and he searched her face for discomfort. When he saw only passion he slipped in a second finger.

  “Oh…”

  She thrust her hips against his hand.

  “Yes, Astrid. Fuck my fingers, lovely. Suck them into your beautiful body.”

  She moaned and writhed, and he added a third finger. Her breaths sped up and moisture leaked from the tip of his cock onto her belly. She didn’t seem to notice but he watched it trail across her skin. He pumped his fingers in and out of her slick opening until he was certain she could take him. Then he slowly pulled them out.

  “Orestes?”

  Her breathless query brought his head up and he found her frowning at him. “Fear not,” he said. “You’re ready for me now.”

  He gripped the base of his cock and rubbed his tip against her sex. Her breath hitched but she made no move to stop him. After a few seconds of that sweet torture, he finally fit the head against her opening. She was warm, wet and ready. He felt her pulse where their bodies met and knew this would be the most amazing sex of his life.

  “It might burn a little, my sweet, but I promise to go slowly.”

  “Okay…I’m ready.”

  She bent her knees, opening up as much as her body allowed, and he pushed his cock into her heat. They both moaned and he gripped the sheets beneath her. She gasped and he froze. Remaining still was one of the hardest things he’d ever done in his long life.

  “Astrid?”

  “Just a moment…please…”

  He rested his forehead against hers while she caught her breath. It seemed to take a lifetime for her body to relax beneath his and her feminine walls to ease enough for his entry. He was only halfway buried within her but soon she rested her hands on his ass and pressed.

  “Okay…more.”

  And he gave her all he had. He thrust his hips slowly, easing the rest of his cock into her slender body. Her fingers tightened on his ass but she only urged him on. He pulled back and thrust in again, keeping the motions smooth and easy. There would be time for a rough, fast taking later. First she had to become accustomed to him, accustomed to sex. He would be a patient teacher.

  Normally he was known for his staying power, fucking the Kevan women long into the night or day. But this little human tested every part of him and too soon his balls tightened up. A tingle ran down his spine and he knew he was about to spend. He reached a hand between them and found her clit with his thumb even as his lips latched onto a nipple. Within seconds, she cried out in release. Her muscles squeezed his painfully hard cock and he finally let go. He threw his head back and growled while he came hard within her.

  Chapter Four

  He watched her sleep and his mind and soul were at ease. Never had such peace stolen through him than at that moment. Would it always be this way? He wondered if she had family in the nearby village. Now that he knew of Simon’s abuse, he knew it was very possible she had been taken against her will. That thought sobered him, shatter
ing his peace for the moment. As soon as she woke, he would question her.

  A knock on the door brought his head up and he all but leapt from the bed. He glanced back at Astrid to see she hadn’t stirred, then hurried to the door. He yanked it open to find Wynnston in the hallway.

  “What it is?” he growled quietly.

  His brother’s brows shot up and he crossed his arms over his large chest. “Am I interrupting something?”

  Orestes ran a hand over his face and blew out a breath. “No. She’s sleeping.”

  Wynn’s gaze ran down the length of Orestes’s body and he smirked. “Is she now?”

  “Yes she is. And I’d prefer not to wake her with our voices.”

  “Then step outside so we can talk.”

  Orestes glanced over his shoulder at the slight form on his bed. It was amazingly difficult to leave the room but he did, leaving the door cracked open in case she called out to him.

  “All right,” he said, crossing his arms in imitation of his brother. “What must you say?”

  Wynn shook his head and chuckled. “Good thing we don’t have women roaming these halls.”

  “Afraid they would find me irresistible in my nakedness?”

  “You wish.”

  “I wish you would get to the point of interrupting my rest.”

  Wynn threw up his hands and sighed dramatically before finally giving a short nod. “Fine. We questioned the staff and learned Simon has been beating them through his entire tenure. Unfortunately he learned the practice from his predecessor.”

  “And did that bastard blame it on us as well?”

  “Most likely. He died, remember? No way to know for certain now. Anyway, we gathered every human in the castle and let them know the abuse would not continue. Simon has been fired and sent away. I also discovered he hadn’t been paying them. You wouldn’t believe the way some of them looked.”

  The haunted look in his eyes spoke volumes and Orestes was reminded of his initial assessment of Astrid. She was way too thin.

  “A feast,” he said. “We’ll hold a feast for all who work for us and allow them to indulge for one full day. Then when they go back to work, we will be sure to pay better attention to their care.”

  Wynn nodded. “Not a bad idea. I’ll speak to the others about it.”

  Orestes turned and placed his hands on his doorknob but Wynn gripped his shoulder before he could enter his room. He looked back at his brother with a raised brow.

  “I just want you to know I take full responsibility. As it has always been my duty, I have no excuse for not realizing the state of the staff.”

  Orestes immediately turned his body and his full attention back to his brother. Wynn dropped his hand and the shame in his eyes was unmistakable.

  “You did place your trust in the wrong human, brother, but I don’t blame you for it. All of us are equally responsible. How many times a day do we pass any member of the staff and ignore them? We must all do better.”

  Wynn nodded and his shoulders seemed to ease. “True, but I will be especially wary from this day forward.”

  “Good enough.”

  Wynn grinned then and nodded toward the open door. “Go on back to your human now, brother. I’m glad to see you’ve finally learned the worth of their women.”

  Orestes chuckled and slapped his brother’s shoulder before returning to his room. He shut the door quietly behind him and locked it. His brothers weren’t known for their censure or their respect of privacy. As soon as Wynn told the others about Astrid, they most likely would come looking to see for themselves. A locked door would deter them…possibly.

  He was about to rejoin her on the bed when his stomach growled loudly. With a frown, he glanced at her and was happy to see her still asleep. He didn’t want to get dressed and leave her but he’d never finished dinner. He sighed as he pulled on clothes and headed out the door.

  Astrid was dreaming, and it began as the most glorious dream. All manner of food lined a massive stone table. The Masters stood all around it but there were also humans among them.

  “Eat, eat,” they said, and the humans dug in with greedy hands. Astrid reached for a leg of chicken and Orestes grabbed her wrist.

  “No, my little star, this isn’t for you. Don’t you know your place yet?”

  He seemed amused but she was humiliated. After the intimacy they had shared, he still thought so little of her? Her stomach growled loudly and he laughed long and hard. His brothers joined in and soon the humans did as well. The whole room was laughing at her while she stood hungry and miserable. She ached to run away, but like in many dreams, her feet were rooted to the ground. She wrapped her arms around her aching belly and lowered her head in the hopes no one would see her tears.

  “No, don’t cry, my sweet. There’s no cause for you to cry.”

  Orestes’s deep voice sounded in her ear both the same and different from before. She felt the heat of his palm against her cheek. Her tears continued to fall and she realized her eyes were tightly shut. Slowly she woke from the dream to the sight of Orestes’s worried face above her.

  “Why do you cry in your sleep, my little star?”

  She sniffled and the fresh scent of food invaded her lungs. Was the dream still lingering? Her stomach growled loudly and she slapped a hand over her bare belly. Orestes frowned.

  “Are you so hungry it brings you to tears? Come. I have food for you.”

  He slipped his large arm beneath her shoulders and lifted her into a sitting position. Then he moved away from her to a small table beside the bed. It was laden with dishes, steam rising from more than a few. Her stomach growled again.

  “I was about to eat when I noticed your uneasy sleep. Now we can dine together.”

  She remained mute while he covered a plate in more food than she had eaten in months. When he walked to the bed with it, she thought he meant to eat in front of her. The urge to run from the room was strong but she knew he would catch her. Better to simply struggle through the torture as she had so many others.

  “If there is anything here you don’t like, just leave it.”

  He placed the plate on the bed before her and went back to the table. When he began to fill a second plate she realized the first was for her.

  All of it? All for her alone?

  “Uh…sir, I can’t possibly eat so much.”

  He stopped stacking his plate to glance at her, giving her a grin that weakened her further. Goddess, the man was handsome.

  “Just eat your fill then. And no calling me sir. Orestes. Remember?”

  She looked again at the large plate sitting before her and wondered if she was still dreaming. But the smells were so good and she could feel the steam coming from the meat. With shaking fingers, she finally picked up one small morsel and put it to her lips. She closed her eyes and slipped the meat into her mouth, moaning as soon as the taste burst on her tongue. It was exquisite—the most marvelous thing she had ever eaten. She ate slowly to savor the experience, then quickly snatched up the next piece.

  Orestes was hungry enough that he had begun to impatiently pile food onto his plate without paying much attention to what he grabbed. Then Astrid moaned and his hunger was forgotten. At least, his hunger for food. His head shot up and he watched her eyes slip closed and pure bliss play across her face. She finished a small bit of beef and snatched another as if afraid it would try to run away. He nearly laughed until he noticed the hunger and wonder in her gaze. She really had been starving.

  His own hunger was immediately forgotten and he placed his plate on the table. He approached the bed cautiously, lest he frighten her.

  “Astrid, my dear, don’t eat too quickly. Your body will reject the food if you put in too much or go too fast.” She froze with a bit of chicken halfway to her mouth. “I’m not saying you must stop, but please slow down.”

  A blush colored her face and she lowered her head. He felt like the biggest ass in the kingdom.

  “No, don’t be ashamed.”
He pulled himself onto the bed to sit beside her and wrapped one arm around her slender shoulders. She still held the chicken.

  “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I must look like an animal.”

  “No, not at all.” He took the chicken from her hand and held it to her lips. “Eat, my beauty.”

  She hesitated a moment, but in the end the temptation proved to be too much. She bit into the piece and closed her eyes, relishing the taste with the same fervor as before. His cock stirred at the look of pleasure on her face. And when she finished the piece in her mouth, she took the rest from his fingers. The light touch of her tongue on his skin hardened him fully.

  “Just eat slowly. That’s all I ask and only for your health. I know you haven’t been properly fed in too long and your body won’t be able to handle so much food at once.”

  She nodded and seemed to be at ease, so he left the bed again to get his own plate. He sat beside her and ate. He also took his time to keep her from feeling self-conscious, but too soon she was setting her dish aside. A glance told him she’d barely put a dent in it.

  “I’m already feeling quite full but I don’t want to stop. It’s all so wonderful.”

  “It isn’t going anywhere. Take your ease and then continue once your body is ready.”

  She nodded and settled back against the pillows. He then emptied his plate quickly and took hers back to the table. There were still fruits and vegetables, cakes and a pudding. All of it could sit until morning. Perhaps he would feed her from his hand again. Of course, that was a lesson in patience. Her sensual moans and the look on her face damn near had him shoving the plate out of the way so he could have her again.

  He laughed at himself for the thought, though he knew it was true. By the time he returned to the bed she was fast asleep. He watched her for a moment before pulling off his clothes and climbing in beside her. She looked like an angel—a small, fragile, dark-haired angel. No Kevan woman ever looked so sweet and innocent. Was that Astrid’s draw? Perhaps, but he couldn’t hold it against her. It certainly wasn’t her fault she was human, and so far it hadn’t proven to be a problem. Despite his size, her body had accepted him willingly. He couldn’t wait to have her again but knew she’d need time to rest. Tomorrow couldn’t come fast enough.