Chapter 08 - Lilly Winterbrook

Before I could second-guess myself, I shifted, rolling us over so that I was hovering above her. And then, I lowered my head, not to her lips, not to her breasts, but lower… much lower. I flicked out with my tongue, tasting the salty sweetness of her skin, right there, between her thighs. I heard her gasp, a sharp intake of breath that was more surprise than protest.

"Sam…?" she whispered, her voice a little shaky. But she didn't push me away.

"Just… trust me," I murmured, my voice muffled against her flesh. And then, I started to really kiss her, to lick, to taste, to explore. Gods, she's delicious.

I worked my way up, slowly, deliberately, leaving a trail of wet kisses in my wake. Her thighs, the soft curve of her hip, the delicate skin of her belly. Each touch, each taste, was a revelation. This was what I wanted. This closeness, this intimacy, this… her. I reached her breasts, soft and full, the nipples already hard and peaked, begging for my attention. I took one into my mouth, suckling gently, then not so gently, and she moaned, her fingers digging into my hair.

Finally, I reached her mouth, kissing her deeply, possessively, a kiss that was meant to say everything I couldn't put into words. I want you. All of you. I felt her respond, her tongue meeting mine, her body arching up to meet me. I wanted to push inside her, to feel her tight and wet around me, to lose myself in her completely. But…

"Not… yet," she whispered, a surprising strength in her voice, and before I could protest, she pushed against my chest, rolling us over again so that she was on top.

She straddled my hips, her hair a wild, tangled curtain around us, her eyes blazing with a desire that matched my own. And then, she slid down, taking the head of my cock in her mouth.
"Oh. My. Gods." I managed to choke out.

My hands automatically went to her head, my fingers tangling in her hair, not to guide her, not to control her, but simply to… hold on. Because I was pretty sure I was about to fly apart. Every lick, every kiss, every gentle suckle sent waves of pleasure through me, building, intensifying, until I was gripping the sheets, my body bucking involuntarily, a desperate plea for release.

She lifted her head, a mischievous glint in her eyes, and licked her lips, slowly, deliberately. "So," she whispered, her voice husky. "Is this your little rogue, then, Samuel? He's certainly... eager." She gave a small, knowing smile. "Let's see if he's as skilled as you claim." And then, she went back to work, with renewed enthusiasm.

It felt like forever, and not nearly long enough.

And then… thump-thump-thump. The wall. Followed by a muffled moan.
I almost lost it then, but I bit my lip as a wave of relaxation came crashing on me. Oh, for fuck's sake.

I opened my eyes, met Lily's gaze above me, and we both burst out laughing. The absurdity of the situation, the sheer raunchiness of it all, was just too much.

"Seriously?" I managed to gasp between breaths, still laughing. "They're still going?"

Lily just grinned, a wicked, playful glint in her eyes, and slid off my cock, the sudden absence a sharp pang of disappointment. She climbed up, straddling my hips again, her weight a welcome pressure, her heat a tantalizing promise. This time, she took me in hand, guiding me to her entrance, and then, with a slow, deliberate movement, she sank down, taking me all the way inside her. Balls deep.

"Oh, gods," I groaned, my head falling back against the pillows. "Lily…"

She started to move, a slow, rhythmic rocking that sent shivers through me. And the competition began.

Each thrust, each moan, each thump against the wall from next door was a challenge, a gauntlet thrown down. Lily met it head-on, her movements growing wilder, more frantic, her breath coming in short, sharp gasps. I gripped her hips, trying to match her pace, trying to keep up, trying to… well, trying to survive.

After a while, sweaty and out of breath, and more than a little intimidated by Lily's stamina, I flipped us over, a surge of primal possessiveness taking over. "My turn," I growled, and before she could protest, I was inside her, moving, driving, claiming her as my own.

I leaned over her, grabbing both her hands in mine, pulling them above her head, a move that was both dominant and strangely intimate. And then I started to kiss her, deep, hungry kisses that stole her breath away, as I thrust into her, once, twice, three times, each stroke deeper, harder, faster. The headboard slammed against the wall, keeping rhythm with our neighbors, a percussive accompaniment to our increasingly frantic lovemaking.

I wanted her to shout, to scream, to lose control completely. I wanted to make her lose control. I wanted to mark her, to claim her, to make her forget everyone and everything except me. But she was holding on, her body tight and responsive, her moans muffled against my mouth, her inner muscles clenching around me, milking me, driving me closer and closer to the edge.

Lily was so hot, so tight, I couldn't believe it. I kept going, pushing, thrusting, feeling her body respond, feeling the tension build, the pleasure coiling tighter and tighter. This girl, this amazing, infuriating, surprising girl… she was everything. Ashara's mission, the training, the rivalry with Felix… it all faded into insignificance compared to this, to her.

And then, with a final, desperate thrust, I came, my body convulsing, my vision whiting out, a roar tearing from my throat. I felt her follow, her body shaking, her inner muscles clenching around me, a silent climax that was no less powerful for its lack of sound.

We collapsed, a tangle of limbs and sweat-slicked skin, gasping for breath, our bodies still humming with the aftershocks of pleasure. The neighbors? Still going at it, though even they seemed to be slowing down. Finally.

*

I woke to the gentle caress of morning light filtering through the thin curtains, casting a warm glow across the room. For a moment, I was disoriented, my mind foggy with sleep. Then I felt her. The soft, warm weight pressed against my side, the tickle of hair against my chest, the gentle rhythm of breath against my skin.

Lily.

She was curled against me, one arm draped possessively across my chest, her face peaceful in sleep, her blonde hair a tangled mess that somehow still managed to look beautiful. I watched her for a moment, taking in the curve of her cheek, the slight part of her lips, the flutter of her eyelashes against her skin. Something warm and unfamiliar bloomed in my chest, a feeling I hadn't experienced since... well, since Maya had crushed my heart beneath her heel.

This was different, though. With Maya, I'd been desperate, clingy, always trying to prove myself worthy of her attention. With Lily, it felt... easier. More natural. Like I could just be myself, flaws and all.

I shifted slightly, trying not to wake her, but her eyes fluttered open anyway, those striking blue eyes focusing on me with sleepy confusion before recognition dawned.

"Morning," she murmured, her voice husky with sleep. She stretched against me, her body a warm, sinuous line against mine, and I felt a stirring of desire despite our exertions the night before.

"Morning," I replied, my voice equally rough. "Sleep well?"

She smiled, a slow, lazy curl of her lips that made my heart skip a beat. "Better than I have in ages." She propped herself up on one elbow, looking down at me with an expression I couldn't quite read. "You're full of surprises, Samuel Thornwood."

I grinned, feeling a flush of pride. "Good surprises, I hope."

"Very good," she confirmed, leaning down to press a soft kiss to my lips. It was different from our kisses last night. This was gentler, more tender, but no less intoxicating. When she pulled back, her eyes were sparkling with mischief. "Though I'm not sure if I should be flattered or offended that you were sent to seduce me as a test."

I winced, the reminder of Ashara's mission bringing reality crashing back. "I'm sorry about that. It was... I shouldn't have—"

She silenced me with another kiss, this one firmer, more insistent. "I'm teasing, Sam. Besides," she added with a wicked grin, "I think I passed the test with flying colors, don't you?"

I laughed, relief washing over me. "If anyone passed a test last night, it was definitely me. You were... incredible."

She preened a little at the compliment, sitting up fully now, the sheet falling away to reveal her firm and perky breasts. The morning light played across her skin, highlighting the curves and valleys of her body in a way that made my mouth go dry. She was beautiful... not in the intimidating, untouchable way that Ashara was, but in a warm, real, touchable way that made my heart ache.

"I should probably get going," she said, though she made no move to leave. Instead, she shifted, throwing one leg over me so that she was straddling my hips, the sheet now completely discarded. "I have a stall to open, flowers to sell..."

I placed my hands on her hips, holding her in place. "Stay," I said, surprising myself with the intensity in my voice. "Just a little longer."

Her expression softened, and she leaned down, her hair falling around us like a curtain, creating a private world just for the two of us. "Well," she murmured, her lips brushing against mine, "since you asked so nicely..."

I felt her hand slip between us, guiding me to her entrance, already slick and ready. She sank down on me with a soft sigh, taking me deep inside her, and I groaned at the sensation. This was slower than last night, more deliberate, a gentle exploration rather than a frantic race. Her movements were languid, a slow roll of her hips that built the pleasure gradually, like waves lapping at the shore.

I watched her face as she moved, the way her eyes fluttered closed, the flush that spread across her cheeks, the soft parting of her lips as she gasped. She was so open, so unguarded in her pleasure, and it was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen.

My hands roamed her body, tracing the curve of her waist, the swell of her breasts, the line of her throat. I wanted to memorize every inch of her, to burn this moment into my memory so that I could revisit it in the lonely nights to come.

The pleasure built slowly, inexorably, a warm tide rising within me. I could feel her tightening around me, her movements becoming more erratic, her breath coming in short, sharp gasps. I reached between us, finding that sensitive bundle of nerves, and circled it with my thumb, watching as her eyes flew open, her lips forming a perfect 'O' of surprise and pleasure.

"Sam," she gasped, her voice breaking on my name. "I'm—I'm going to—"

"Yes," I urged, increasing the pressure, the speed of my thumb. "Come for me, Lily. Let me see you."

She shattered above me, her body arching, her inner muscles clenching around me in rhythmic pulses. The sight of her, lost in pleasure, was enough to send me over the edge, and I followed her into that blissful oblivion, my release washing over me in warm waves.

She collapsed on top of me, her body boneless and spent, her breath hot against my neck. I wrapped my arms around her, holding her close, feeling the rapid beat of her heart against my chest.

"That," she murmured after a moment, "was a much better way to start the day than selling flowers."

I laughed, the sound rumbling in my chest. "Glad to be of service."

She propped herself up again, looking down at me with a soft smile. "You know, for a rogue-wanna-be, you're not half bad."

I feigned offense, but couldn't keep the smile from my face. "I'll have you know I'm a real rogue. Just... in training."

"Mmm-hmm," she hummed, clearly unconvinced. "Well, whatever you are, I like it." She pressed a quick kiss to my lips before rolling off me and sitting up. "But now I really do need to go. Those flowers won't sell themselves."

I watched as she gathered her clothes, admiring the graceful movements of her body, the way the light played across her skin. There was something so natural, so unself-conscious about her that it made my chest ache with a feeling I wasn't ready to name.

"Will I see you again?" I asked, hating the hint of vulnerability in my voice.

She paused in the act of pulling on her dress, looking at me with a mixture of surprise and pleasure. "I'd like that," she said softly. "I'm at the market most days. Or you could come by my place sometime. It's not much, but it's home."

Relief washed over me. "I'd like that too."

She finished dressing, then came back to the bed, leaning down for one last kiss. "Until next time, Samuel Thornwood," she whispered against my lips.

I watched her go, feeling a strange mixture of contentment and longing. It had been a long time since I'd felt this way. Not since Maya, and even then, it had been different. This felt... real. Honest.

I lay there for a while, savoring the lingering scent of her on the sheets, the pleasant ache in my muscles, the warm glow of satisfaction. But eventually, the rumble of my stomach reminded me that there was a world beyond this bed, and I reluctantly got up to face it.

*

The common room of the Crooked Nail was already bustling when I made my way downstairs, the air thick with the smell of fresh bread, sizzling bacon, and strong coffee. Morning light streamed through the windows, catching dust motes that danced in the air like tiny stars.

Maple spotted me from behind the bar and waved me over, her golden eyes twinkling with knowing amusement. "Well, well," she purred as I approached, "look who finally decided to join the land of the living." She leaned in, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Your little flower girl left with quite the glow about her, sweetness. I take it you had a... productive evening?"

I felt a flush creep up my neck, but couldn't suppress the grin that spread across my face. "You could say that."

Maple laughed, a warm, rich sound that seemed to vibrate in her chest. "I thought so. The walls in this place aren't exactly thick, dear." She winked, then gestured to an empty table in the corner. "Go on and sit. I'll bring you something to eat. You must be famished after all that... exertion."

I made my way to the table, feeling the eyes of several patrons following me. Word traveled fast in a place like the Crooked Nail, and I had no doubt that my nighttime activities were already the subject of gossip. I couldn't bring myself to care, though.

Maple appeared a few minutes later, setting down a plate piled high with eggs, bacon, and fresh bread, along with a steaming mug of coffee. "Get that down you," she said, patting my shoulder. "You'll need your strength."

I was halfway through the meal when a familiar voice cut through the ambient chatter of the tavern. "Well, if it isn't the conquering hero."

I looked up to see Felix standing beside my table, a smirk playing on his lips. He was dressed in his usual black attire, the fabric clinging to his slender frame in a way that was both elegant and provocative. His violet eyes sparkled with mischief as he slid into the seat across from me without waiting for an invitation.

"Felix," I acknowledged, taking a sip of my coffee. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

He leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand. "Just thought I'd come see how our resident rogue-in-training is faring after his... eventful night." His gaze flicked over me, assessing. "You look well-rested, considering the racket you were making. That flower girl must be quite something."

I felt a flare of possessiveness at his casual mention of Lily, but kept my expression neutral. "She is," I said simply.

Felix's smirk widened. "So I gathered. Though I must say, I'm a little hurt you didn't invite me to join in the fun." He reached across the table, his fingers brushing against mine in a touch that was both casual and deliberate. "Next time, perhaps?"

Before I could respond, Maple appeared at our table again, setting down a plate in front of Felix. "Behave yourself, Felix," she chided, though there was no real heat in her words. "Let the poor boy eat his breakfast in peace."

Felix leaned back, a picture of innocence. "I'm always on my best behavior, Maple dear."

She snorted, her tail flicking in amusement. "That's what worries me." She turned to me, her expression softening. "Your flower girl seems sweet, Sam. Don't let this one scare her off." She jerked her thumb at Felix, who clutched his chest in mock offense.

"I wouldn't dream of it," Felix protested. "I'm simply offering my... services, should they be required."

Maple rolled her eyes and walked away, leaving us alone again. Felix turned his attention to his food, cutting into his eggs with precise movements that somehow managed to be both delicate and suggestive.

"So," he said grinning, "did you complete your mission for our dear mistress?"

"I passed the test," I replied, trying to keep my face blank.

"Good," Felix said, standing up.

With that, he was gone, slipping through the crowded tavern with the same fluid grace that marked all his movements. I watched him go, a mixture of irritation and curiosity churning in my gut.

For the first time since arriving in Ashbourne, I felt a sense of peace, of belonging. Not just because of Lily, though she was certainly part of it, but because of this place—the Crooked Nail, with its creaky floors and thin walls; Maple, with her knowing smiles and gentle teasing; even Felix, with his provocative comments and mysterious alliances.

It wasn't perfect, and it certainly wasn't what I'd expected when I'd set out from Willowbrook, but it was starting to feel like something I could call my own. Something real.

I finished my breakfast, paid Maple with a smile and a promise to be quieter next time (which made her laugh and swat at me with a dish towel), and headed out into the crisp morning air. I had training with Ashara later, and I knew it would be brutal, but for now, I allowed myself to bask in the simple pleasure of a good meal, a warm bed, and the memory of Lily's smile.

For the first time in a long time, I felt like maybe, just maybe, I was exactly where I was supposed to be.