Page 33 of Kronos’ Consort

The flickering heat of the fire was a blur as she turned toward it, and staring into the flames, she knew what she had to say even before the words left her lips.

Chapter Sixteen

Kronos

“There’s something I want to ask you, Master.”

She looked exhausted as she glanced his way, and a pang of something akin to remorse echoed in him. He needed to do a better job of looking after her, not only to help her to thrive, but to assuage his guilt. Having revealed his affection for her, though, he supposed he’d need to get used to contemplating such feelings. She was able to affect him in ways no other mortal had achieved.

“Are you sure you want to talk now?” he started, recalling how she hadn’t eaten for hours. “I can muster you some food first, and then we can—”

“Please.” Urgency resounded in her voice as she cut him off. Her eyes widened as she acknowledged what she’d done, her frown growing as she continued. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be rude, but this is important to me.”

“All right.” Impressed with how she’d ceded to his spanking, and content with her apology, he was prepared to overlook her interruption. He’d wager she was weary and disorientated since he’d righted her, and that was to say nothing about the state of her backside. He hadn’t gone easy on her delicious ass and, for the first time, he hadn’t even considered satisfying her as part of the punishment. It had been just that; a penalty through and through. “Ask me.”

She fidgeted on the blanket again, pain gleaming in her eyes as she grappled with finding somewhere comfortable to settle.

“Need me to help?” he inquired, capturing her chin gently and compelling her focus back to his face. “I know your ass hurts. It might be easier if you straddle me.”

She peered at him with doleful eyes. “Please, Master.”

What was he supposed to say to that expression? Between her beauty and her mournful demeanor, Kristina was basically impossible to refuse.

“Here.” He levitated her a few inches over his lap, discarding the blanket before he signaled for her to move. “Swivel this way, and I’ll do the rest.”

Pulling in a shaky breath, she complied. Gripping his shoulders, she twisted her body to face him and settled her slender legs on either side of his hips. Without the added distraction of her sore ass grazing his body, she seemed able to move freely.

“Perfect,” he cooed, lowering her gently so their flesh touched.

She inhaled at the contact, steeling herself as she edged closer.

“So, what’s this important thing you want to ask, little one?” Ignoring his cock’s insistent throb at the intimate contact, he realized he was intrigued by her interjection. It wasn’t like Kristina to interrupt him. She knew his consequences too well.

“Us.” Her voice rasped. “This.” Her eyes darted around the room. “And how we might make it work.”

His lips twitched at the idea that there was any possibility of the dynamic not working. As he recalled, she was there at his behest and, given his growing feelings, there was no chance of him allowing that to change. Still, whatever idea she’d conceived seemed significant to her, and for that reason alone, he wanted to hear it.

“Go on,” he prompted. “What’s on your mind, beautiful?”

“I’m so thankful to you, Master.” Her delicate hand slipped to the back of his neck. “For saving me, and listening to me, and giving me so much pleasure.” Her lips curled. “Especially for the pleasure.”

He laughed at how she’d made that sound, as though the hedonism was worth more than her life. “The pleasure has been mutual, little one, but thank you for saying so.”

He’d hoped she appreciated his intervention in her life, and at times, he’d seen glimpses of her gratitude, but hearing her appreciation filled his empty voids, fulfilling him in ways he hadn’t even known he’d been lacking.

“Being here has taught me so much already.” She shifted over him, her knees taking the pressure as her tempting sex grazed over his groin. His organ swelled at the provocation, threatening to make him lose focus altogether.

“I’m glad.” His hand rose to her face and smoothed back her wayward tresses. He’d been so consumed with keeping her alive and ensuring his rules were reiterated that he’d somehow almost forgotten just how magnificent she was. Face to face with her, again, though, that wonder flooded his senses. Petite features aligned with her high cheekbones and large blue eyes to make her easily the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. “I don’t have to be cruel, Kristina. I’d like to be nurturing.”

And to cherish you.

He held back that final line, but it was there on the tip of his tongue, teasing him with its power. He yearned to keep her, not only to possess her body and spirit, but to be able to treasure and look after her. She was a prize he could never get enough of.

“I’d like for you to be satisfied here as my consort.” He paused at his choice of words, surprised at the term he’d chosen.

‘Concubine’ was the word he’d expected; a woman who would please him while he sought to satisfy her too. A ‘consort’, however, was used to describe a partner, or perhaps even a spouse. It represented a significant upgrade from the paramour he’d had in mind, but staring into the oceans of her eyes, he realized his choice had been accurate.

Kristina already meant more to him than anyone who’d come before her. He’d enjoyed those other women, but none had ever enthralled him, convincing him that the idea of parting was unthinkable.