The Warrior

Chapter five

         Chapter five

         “I thought he’d never leave, the food is probably cold by now.” Kay looked around the tent and realized there was no place to sit and eat. Normally he ate with the soldiers, or simply sitting on the bed. He would have to make a few changes, some improvements. He was used to keeping things simple, but his little vixen was probably accustomed to more luxury. He put the plates down on the big chest, and turned toward Marissa.
         He drank in the sight of her, appreciating the way her dress clung to her body, showing off her generous curves. She was not very tall, but with a voluptuous figure that tempted him to touch her. His mouth watered at the sight, and his hunger for food was replaced by a stronger, more urgent desire.
         “Come here.” His voice was low and husky, the words a demand impossible to resist. She rose slowly from the bed and walked toward him. Her hips swung with each step, an unconscious invitation he fully intended to accept. Her eyes were wide open in anxious anticipation, her lips slightly parted and her breathing rapid. She wanted him. She was innocent and didn’t understand her body’s demands, but she was not fighting him. Even after his previous clumsiness, she was still willing to explore the chemistry between them. He closed his eyes and sent a brief thanks to Ignar for her courage, before focusing his attention completely on the woman in front of him.
         “Don’t move.” Again, his voice brooked no opposition. This was his chance to correct his earlier mistake and further claim her, and he would not let the opportunity slip by without making the most of it. His eyes never wavered as he slowly circled around her, until he faced her back. He stood close, allowing her to feel the heat from his body through her dress. The pryd peeked out between the gap in the fabric, teasing him with a glimpse of warm, soft skin.
         “I like your hair like this.” It was pulled back and tied loosely together, leaving her neck exposed. The sight was like a magnet to his lips, and he couldn’t resist leaning in to place a soft kiss in the juncture between her neck and shoulder. He felt her shiver at his touch but it was more likely nervousness than excitement. His hand rose to gently touch the clasp that held her dress together in the neck. Her quick intake of breath confirmed his suspicion. She was nervous. Yet she did not move away from him, she gave no indication that she didn’t want this. Closely monitoring her reaction, he unfastened the clasp and let it fall to the ground behind him. She exhaled and her head fell forward, but there was still no sign of reluctance, so he relaxed and allowed himself to fully appreciate the sight of the dress falling away, revealing an intricate patterned pryd that ran from her neck and down along her spine to the lower back. He couldn’t resist tracing the pattern with light, gentle strokes of his fingertips.
         Her skin was smooth and soft under his touch. He kneeled behind her, and let his lips and tongue follow the path of his fingers. She was delicious; he would never tire of the taste of her. His deep growl of pleasure and appreciation accompanied her soft moans as she stepped back, closer to him. He grabbed her waist to hold her still while he feasted on her flesh.
         His euphoria ended abruptly as he reached her lower back, where the dress prevented further exploration. He almost tore it off her, but took several steadying breaths and calmed down enough to go slow. He reminded himself that this was first and foremost for her pleasure. He was so hard it hurt, but she needed time to forget the pain from their last encounter. Rising to stand behind her once more, he pushed the dress open, while covering her shoulders in sweet kisses.
         The dress fell to the floor, and she quickly covered her breasts. He reached around her, and covered her hands with his own, tangling their fingers together. It was a moment of sweetness in the storm of desire, and for a while they stood still, his arms embracing her. She relaxed in his arms and leaned back against him, causing him to groan as she came into contact with his still rock hard flesh. She froze, uncertain of how to react, and he quickly took the lead.
         Gently, but unyielding, he moved his hands over hers, creating a delicious friction against her breasts. She gasped and pulled her hands away, leaving her skin unprotected from his seductive assault. Her nipples hardened under his fingers, and his hips moved against her behind as if by their own accord. He trailed a hand down her stomach and delved between her legs. The evidence of her arousal wet his fingers, and he knew he couldn’t wait any longer.
         “Kneel.” He growled the word against her neck, and bent his knees, causing her legs to buckle beneath her. He followed her down, never releasing his tight hold on her, until he kneeled on the ground with her straddling his lap. He took a second to unfasten his breeches and pull them down and out of the way, and positioned himself against her. Keenly aware of her every reaction, he slowly entered her, pushing gently as inch by inch he sheathed himself in her wet flesh. His body demanded that he push harder, faster, he wanted desperately to plunge forward and hammer into her until he came, but he clenched his teeth and prayed that he would not explode before he could even enter her fully. The torture seemed to go on forever, yet finally he was in, surrounded by her welcoming warmth. Her walls clenched around him, and the pleasure was indescribable. He wrapped his arms around her and breathed deeply, savoring the feel of her, breathing in her scent. For a moment he almost thought he would be able to love her gently, but then she moved against him. It was a quick, searching twitch of her hips, and the small movement shattered the tattered remains of his control.
         With a growl he pulled out and pushed her forward. He grabbed her hands and pulled them above her head, forcing her to brace herself against the bed. The ground was rough against her bare knees, so he grabbed two pillows and lifted one leg at the time, placing them under her and positioning her at the same time with her legs spread wide. He took a moment to admire the sight in front of him; she was so beautiful, kneeling with the evidence of her lust glistening between her legs. She was breathing heavily and arched her back, raising her bottom high in anticipation.
         He knew the answer, but needed to hear her say it. “Do you want this?”
         “Yes. Please…” Her voice was breathless but the meaning clear. He grabbed her hips and surged forward, burying himself to the hilt. Her cry of pleasure drowned out his moan as he began thrusting, slow and deep. She moved against him, circling her hips, hesitantly at first, but soon with more confidence. He would not last long, so he leaned forward, covering her back with his chest. His hand traveled between her legs, and his fingers explored her slick folds, flicking over the tight nub hidden there until she screamed, and her muscles convulsed around him. Her pleasure spurred his own, and he could feel the heat curling in his stomach before it exploded through his body. His mouth found her neck again, and he bit down on the flesh there, while his thumb once again found her center of pleasure and pressed down firmly. Once again she came apart in his arms, and as she clenched him tightly, he finally let go and came in a fiery burst of pleasure.


         They collapsed on the ground, side by side, spent and exhausted. Kay still clutched Marissa to his chest, reluctant to let go of her warmth. For several minutes they lay there in comfortable silence, before Kay realized that Marissa was naked, and the pillows he had laid down for her earlier provided next to no protection against the hard ground. With a sigh of regret, he pulled away. He rose and lifted her with him, placing her on the bed.
         The water in the barrel was cold, but he wet a piece of cloth anyway, and moved to help her clean. She tried to move away, but he would not let her. It was too late for modesty and no point in embarrassment. She stayed stiff but still as he gently cleaned her, and then covered her in a blanket.
         “Is it always like this?” Her voice was hesitant, and she had pulled the blanket up under her chin, shielding herself from his eyes.
         “Like what?” She was nervous again, but at least she was talking.
         “So overwhelming and strong, only to be replaced by this uncertainty? I feel very… exposed.” She blushed, clearly uncomfortable talking, but pushed bravely on.
         “This is the most intimate act there is, yet we are strangers to each other. It is natural to feel vulnerable. It will get easier as you come to know me better.”
         “You are very sure of yourself, aren’t you?”
         “Yes, I am.” He saw no reason to hide his confidence. He was a warrior; he knew his own abilities. He also knew that the chemistry between them was too strong to be ignored. Even without the threat of punishment to her for using his tunic, and the expectations set by that act, they would still have come together. “I am a warrior, Marissa. I have seen more death and violence than you can possibly imagine. When you live your life in darkness, you learn to recognize light when you see it. And you learn not to let it get away. This thing between you and me, I will not pretend to understand it, but it is strong and it is good. And I do not intend to let you get away.”



         Marissa heard the hidden threat in his words. If she tried to run, he would follow, if she tried to get away he would prevent it. By any means necessary. He sat down on the bed, looming over her. The man was a giant! He sat watching her, completely still like a predator waiting to pounce on its prey. It was unnerving, yet exiting to hold someone’s attention so completely. His eyes were focused on a spot on her neck, and she startled when he suddenly touched the spot, gently caressing it with his fingertips, before leaning down and kissing it. His lips barely grazed her skin, a butterfly light touch that sent shivers down her spine. How easily he could lure a response from her body.
         “I think I am addicted to your neck.” His voice was muffled as he spoke against her skin, the vibrations created by his voice tickling her nerve-endings.
         “Oh?” Not the most eloquent reply, but her brain was locked in the sensory recollection of his lovemaking, and refused to cooperate.
         “Whenever I’m around you, I find my head buried against just this spot.” His teeth nibbled the spot as if to emphasize his point, and she couldn’t stop a moan from escaping. She bit her lip hard to prevent any other treacherous sounds from emerging. He looked at her, his eyes capturing hers until she felt she would drown in his gaze. His thumb tugged her lower lip free from the grips of her teeth, and while keeping his eyes locked in hers he leaned down and soothed the lip with his tongue. The feeling was indescribable, and she was just about to grab him and kiss him senseless when he pulled away with a sigh of regret.
         “I should stop this before it’s too late.  We have many things to talk about, and then there is the food I promised you. It is definitely cold by now.”
         “Stop? You can’t stop! Wait, food?” Her stomach chose that moment to let out a hungry growl, and she blushed as Kay let out a bark of laughter. He tussled her hair, and rose from the bed. It felt empty without him.
         “I’ll be right back.” He flashed her a smile, before leaving the tent. She loved the way he moved, so graceful and elegant, every motion a study in unhurried efficiency. It was like watching a dancer, or an animal. She had thought of him as a predator before, and the description suited him. Even the way he made love… The thought of it made her blush. How could she have allowed him to do those things, especially after the last time? Yet this had been completely different. Both times he had been demanding and dominating, yet this time he had also been gentle and considerate. So which time reflected the real man? Her instinct told her he was a good man, one she could trust, and she had done so from the very beginning, before she even knew who he was.
         She put the thoughts aside for the moment, rose from the bed and stretched languidly. Her body felt heavy and sore, but without the sting of pain from earlier. There had been no pain this time, only pleasure. She was beginning to regain her spirit, and laughed softly at the thought of the cause.
         “What is so funny?”
         She let out a squeak of surprise, spun about and smacked Kay in the chest. “Don’t sneak up on me like that, make some noise will you?” He grinned, but didn’t reply. Instead he nodded toward his hands, and she noticed the bowls he was holding. She grabbed one and sat down on the bed, too hungry to worry about clothes.
         The bowl was topped with bread, functioning as a lid and keeping the stew inside warm. She tore off a piece of bread, and used it to scoop up some stew. It was hot and surprisingly good, with a hint of wine and thyme. The bread was sprinkled with sea salt, and she ate with relish, and the occasional satisfied moan.


         Kay sat down on the large chest, eating but not really tasting the food. He took a great deal more pleasure from watching Marissa enjoying her meal. His little vixen had a ferocious appetite. He added the knowledge to the growing list of things he knew about her. She was a sight, naked on his bed, digging into her food with alacrity. Already he was hard for her again, yet he was satisfied just sharing the moment with her. Having only known her a day, he was surprised to find that he didn’t just want her; he also liked her. He enjoyed watching her, gouging her reactions and interpreting her thoughts. It made their current situation easier, but it was surprising non-the less. Having never really thought he would marry, he had not spent much time wondering what kind of relationship he would have with his wife. His wife, Marissa. He liked the thought. Now he just had to convince her she liked it too.
         He knew she was living from moment to moment at the moment. The complete consequences of their situation had not yet dawned on her. She still thought she could find a solution, and go off to become a Priestess, but he knew better. Their hands were tied, and they would be lucky if marriage was the only consequence they had to face. King Richard would not insist on punishment for Marissa, but others might, as a way to get revenge on him, or on her father. He had many enemies who resented his friendship with the King, and one did not become as rich and powerful as Lord Weyland without accumulating enemies along the way. He sent a silent prayer to Ignar, that Marissa would not end up having to pay for his past actions. Marissa had finished eating, and placed her bowl on the ground before slumping back on the bed. Her actions were so impulsive, almost childlike, yet she was very much a woman. He would hate to see her innocence stripped from her, and he vowed to protect her from such a fate with his life, if necessary.
         “Kay?” Her voice was soft and husky. She was half asleep already.
         “Yes?”
         “What time is it?”
         He noticed that the light in the tent had faded quickly while they ate. The only light seeping in from outside, came from the torches placed all around the tent.
         “It’s late. You should get some sleep, we have an early start tomorrow.”
         “You too, you need sleep too.” She was only murmuring now, yet her concern warmed him.
         “Yes, Marissa, I will sleep too.” He placed his bowl next to hers on the ground, then crawled into bed and lay down beside her. Immediately she turned to face him and snuggled up to his warmth. He pulled her close, and she let out a contented sight before falling instantly asleep. He watched her peaceful face for a long time before he followed her example.



** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only **