Read Online Born of Stone by Missy Jane - Free Book Online

tell you anything? I promise a man’s body cannot lie in such a way.” When she chewed on her bottom lip, he growled. “I’d be happy to chew on that lip for you.”
    Her mouth popped open in surprise and he couldn’t help but laugh.
    “What’s so funny?” she asked.
    “You look so remarkably scandalized. Even after all we’ve done to each other.”
    A pretty blush filled her cheeks but she smiled and it eased his heart.
    “I suppose that’s true. I never knew such things were possible…or that they would feel so wonderful.”
    She tentatively placed her small palm against his bare chest, all the while eying him warily. He remained still to see just what she intended to do. After a minute of him not reacting, she finally rubbed a spot over his heart, then moved her hand farther out. She smoothed her palm all over his chest, pressing lightly against his nipples. His breathing sped up and his cock hardened fully. She squirmed a bit on his lap but never tried to leave it. Not that he would have let her.
    He was still naked from the night before and her warm thighs against his lap were heaven. Soon she brought her other hand into play and ran them both up to his shoulders.
    “You have such a large, strong body. I could touch you forever.”
    “You don’t find it intimidating?”
    She shook her head but smiled a little. “Not anymore.”
    “Good. I would never hurt you.”
    Her hands froze on his chest and she looked him in the eyes. “I know, Orestes. If I know nothing else, I do know you’re a trustworthy and honorable man.”
    “Does it bother you that I’m not human?”
    She started to shake her head but then stopped and shrugged. “Not really, no.”
    “But?”
    “Well…there are so many things I don’t know or understand about you. But I know it isn’t my place to ask—”
    “Stop.” He placed a finger over her lips. “When it’s just the two of us, and especially here in my room, we are equals in all things. Understand?”
    She shook her head and he frowned at her, dropping his hand from her mouth.
    “Orestes, I could never be your equal in anything.”
    “That’s not true—”
    “Yes. It is.” She looked around his room a moment. “Take your books, for example. You are a very intelligent man. I’m a peasant with barely any understanding of the written word. I know I’m blessed to be here with you now when you could have easily chosen any other woman. I’ll never forget that.”
    He blew out a breath in frustration because he knew he wouldn’t be able to easily convince her of how wrong she was. Before he could respond, she used her small hands to cup his face.
    “I’m not complaining and I don’t mind. I know you are a great protector and I appreciate every second of your attention. I just want you to know I won’t take it for granted. When the day comes that you no longer desire me in your bed I’ll go without a fight. And I’ll take the memory of your touches with me gladly.”
    Then she surprised him by leaning forward to initiate a kiss for the first time. He took the coward’s way out and allowed it. What could he say that wouldn’t be a lie when she had read the situation so clearly? He’d never even had a woman in his bed before. He usually traveled to Keva for his liaisons. Astrid was breaking down barriers she had no clue existed and asking for no promises from him. A greater man than he might have offered them anyway, but he feared giving her false hope when he knew he would be going to battle soon.
    His brothers had granted him two days of rest and play only because he had so recently returned from patrolling the Eastern part of the kingdom. He needed the time to reenergize and be at full strength. No one but he and his brothers, the wizards and the King knew of the energy within the Gargoyle castle. It held an inherent power that fed their strength and quickened their healing processes. They were almost indestructible when within the castle walls. If injured,