Page 90 of Hope Forged
Stars and blinding light swept her away, along with the pleasure lashing at her senses.
“Hands,” he said, forcing her to open her eyes.
She held up her palms, her gaze traversing his body to the partedVof his pants where his hard kok peeked out. What she wanted to dotohim she shared with him: run her tongue along the length of him, lick the tip.
He sucked in a sharp breath, tightening their clasped hands. “Elorach, Ziamee, I do not have control for—”
He released one hand to grip her hip, angling his hips to thrust into her. A groan tore from him, and he stilled, arching his back as if he savored their connection. A few more thrusts had her riding the waves with him. A fulfillment was close, building with intensity, each ledge more exquisite and enthralling.
But he froze, his gaze locking with hers. “With minds entwined, our bodies align. We are one for eternity. Say it, Ziamee.”
Sensing the importance of his words, she said, her voice husky, “With minds entwined, our bodies align. We are one for eternity.”
Releasing her hand and hip, he pressed two fingers to her temple. “Dhutya,” he said.
While keeping his touch in place, he guided her hand to his brow.
She mimicked him, holding her two fingers in place. “Dhutya,” she said.
Agony, spliced with an explosion of joy, drenched her and sent her eyes rolling back into her skull. Not once did Illan pull away. She didn’t either, too mesmerized by her life’s journey blendingwith his: his brother’s face; his dhutya Cyndi; Illan’s time on a Yithian ship; what Quin and Macy meant to him; the endless travels around the galaxy in search of Durn knowledge; peace; then her face as she peered at him through her ruined net.
And with it came a wealth of love.
She gasped, tears forming.He does love me.
Of course I do.
She broke contact then, snatching her hand back.Illan?
Yes, precious.
I can hear you, inside my head.Like Oz had shared with her. Still, the reality of it was mind-altering.
We are dhutya.
When he kissed her, he inhaled through his nose as if he couldn’t get enough of her.
I cannot.He stole another kiss when they were his to take. When he leaned back, he cupped her cheeks and held her gaze. “I love you, Ziamee.”
“I know. You said it…once.”
He chuckled.I wanted to, so desperately. It does not surprise me that I did.
“Well, I love you, too,” she said, overcome by an unexpected shyness.
You would have left me to die if you had not loved me. Now, show me what Oz made you see.
How?She frowned.
He chuckled.I suspected you would take after your father. You, my sweet dhutya, are a nizena.
“A what?”
“Speak the word,” he commanded.
“Nizena,” she said. Images and information flooded her mind. She gaped at what he thought her to be. It sounded…magical.
Now that you understand, do not hide from me. Open your mind.
