Touch of Flame

Chapter 317  Inked in Desire (part 2)

The cool caress of the river water against Ravina's warm skin was a welcome reprieve, soothing the throbbing remnants of pleasure Malachi had stirred within her.

Her limbs were heavy, languid with the aftermath of her climax, a blissful fatigue making her movements sluggish under his hands. His touch was a contrast, heated against the chill of the river, creating a heady mix of sensations that swayed between calming and tantalizing.

As the paint gradually washed away, she could see the intricate design he had created. The black ink had traced a delicate branch of blossoms, beginning just below her chest and trailing all the way down to her thigh. She longed to see the full effect in a mirror, but even from the incomplete reflection in the water, she could tell it was breathtaking.

"You truly have a talent," she murmured, her gaze tracing the strokes of the design with admiration.

The smoldering heat in his eyes suggested he was looking at something far more captivating. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out something, the object hidden within his clenched fist.

"Come," he beckoned.

She moved toward him, the water gently lapping against her as she made her way to the rock where he was seated. Deftly, he reached around her, fastening a silver belly chain around her waist.

The chain was delicate, adorned with tiny diamonds that caught the light and sparkled against her skin, accentuating the feminine curve of her waist.

His gaze found hers again, a tangible heat simmering in their depths. "Tonight, I want you dressed in nothing but my paint and my gift," he declared. The words sent her pulse racing.

With an irresistible pull, he drew her closer, his lips descending on hers in a smoldering kiss. His hands were everywhere - tracing the curve of her back, then sweeping upwards into her hair, anchoring her to him. His bare chest pressed against hers, searing heat against her cooled skin, while the flowing river water kept her legs deliciously chilled.

Their lips parted reluctantly, a final soft brush as he murmured, "Let's go inside" He helped her out of the water, the cool air dancing over her wet skin as he led her through the short distance to their home.

Ravina's heart pounded in her chest, the rhythm growing increasingly frantic as they neared the house. She'd been perfectly composed so far, yet, she could feel the first tendrils of nervousness beginning to creep in.

But as he drew her into his arms and she gazed into his eyes, seeing, maybe even feeling his need for her, she shivered. That need took over her senses, and chased away her nervousness. She knew this man would accept her any way she was, and he wanted her. He wanted her so much, and it made her want him all the more.

Malachi said nothing as if knowing his communication had reached her and that she had relaxed. Was this the bond?

"Are you ready to see the painting?" His deep voice broke the silence.

"Yes," she whispered.

He led her towards the full-length mirror, the reflection capturing both of their forms as he stood behind her. The sight that greeted her stole her breath.

She had thought it was beautiful before, but now... now it was something else entirely. The blossom branch, etched in black ink, appeared to come alive on her skin. It began just beneath her chest, curling and winding its way down her torso. Each petal, each leaf, was meticulously detailed, creating a captivating tableau against the canvas of her skin. It was a marvel to behold, an intimate masterpiece she felt privileged to wear.

"You need to see all of it," he murmured against her skin, the heat of his breath causing a shiver to run down her spine.

His fingers deftly undid the straps of her top at the back, his lips placing warm kisses from her shoulder to her neck, the heat of his mouth offsetting the cool caress of the room's air.

As the fabric of her top slipped off her shoulders, her breasts were exposed to the cool air, her nipples instantly hardening.

His hands traced a sensual path up her stomach, the mirror reflecting the contrasting image of his dark, strong fingers against her fair, supple skin. Her skin tingled in anticipation, the slow ascent causing her breath to hitch.

As his hands found her breasts, they covered her fully. The sensation of his firm palms against her sensitive flesh elicited a throaty moan from her. He held her there for a moment, his touch almost reverent before he began to knead gently, the slow manipulation causing her to arch into his hands.

Each tug, each slow circular movement, sent jolts of pleasure coursing through her body, her senses attuned to his every touch. His fingers expertly played her body like a well-tuned instrument, each stroke eliciting a symphony of soft gasps and whispered sighs.

His lips, feverishly hot, journeyed upwards to the side of her face. She instinctively moved to meet him, but he held her steady. "The skirt," he murmured, his hands already tracing a maddening path down to her hips.

Ravina had never felt more self-conscious. The skirt was the only piece of clothing keeping her from standing utterly bare before him. She hesitated, but then remembered that he had already seen her in her most intimate state, his mouth marking territories that no other had discovered.

With a simple tug, Malachi removed her last piece of armor, leaving it to pool at her feet.

He paused, his hands still resting on her hips. His eyes, darkened with desire, held her captive in the mirror. His gaze slowly roamed over her body, studying every inch of the art he'd painstakingly etched onto her skin, before sweeping over the rest of her with a hunger that set her pulse racing.

Ravina fought the urge to shield herself, her body flushing a vibrant shade of pink under his intense scrutiny. But as she reached to cover herself, he captured her arms, pulling her against the hard planes of his body.

"Don't!" His voice rumbled against her ear, a raw edge to his voice that made her heart pound. "You have nothing to hide, and I want to see you. Bare. Completely. In every way."

Ravina drew in a sharp breath. His declaration and the absolute hunger in his voice caused a rush of heat to flood her core.

If anything should cover you now," he continued, his voice thick with promise, "it should be me."

And oh, what a tantalizing thought that was.

With a swift move, he spun her around and claimed her mouth in a consuming kiss that sent tremors through her. Something about standing there, bare and exposed, surrendering herself to the raw hunger he was exuding, ignited a fire deep within her.

Malachi had her pinned to the bed before he knew it. He could no longer control the dragon in him, but he feared it no more. He felt Ravina understood him now, with the existing bond. She could handle him. She could trust him even in the wild. Maybe she even reacted more to the wild.

The arousal he was smelling was like no other. He would no longer keep her or himself waiting. He pulled back, taking off the remaining of his garment while his eyes took her in, sprawled on his bed, adorned in his art and the chain teasing her waist.

The sight of her was so exquisite that it made him rock hard, almost groaning in pain before he touched her again, kissed her again, nipped, and tasted her.

She writhed and whimpered, just the way he wanted her. But his hand still slipped between her legs to ensure, feeling her readiness, the heat, and the wetness inviting him to sink into her. She arched her back at the simple touch, but tonight it wasn't going to end with that.