Chapter Thirty-one

Rhysand's POV

It's been three days since our kiss and Elara had been shamelessly avoiding me.I couldn't shake the lingering taste of uncertainty,I even found myself replaying that kiss dissecting every nuance.I told her I wanted her but she didn't verbally respond,that thought has been in my head these past few days.What if she didn't really feel the same

Caught in a whirlwind of emotions,I found myself in a riff which led me with no choice than to bring it up with those two

"So you kissed her first?" Alden said and I shook my head "She kissed me first after I told her how I felt"

"Maybe the kiss wasn't good and she doesn't want to let you know"Bran replied

I smirked "I am a great kisser,it's definitely not that"

"Says the man who hasn't kissed in almost a year"Bran snorted "There might be a good reason,don't think too deep into it"

I regret opening up to them; talking to Bran, in particular, seemed utterly pointless. Their well-meant advice only added to the confusion in my mind. Bran's reassurance felt hollow, like a futile attempt to mend something irreparable. Alden's optimism unintentionally fueled my uncertainty. Maybe some emotions are better kept to oneself, lingering silently in one's own thoughts.

"This meeting didn't help one bit—but thank you so much," my voice dripped with sarcasm. The words tumbled out, laced with a tone that betrayed my frustration and the lingering sense of dissatisfaction.

"We could figure out what happened,ask her friends"Alden said and I countered immediately "You will do no such thing,you know what just leave I'll figure it out on my own"

"When have we ever listened to you Rhys"Alden said getting up from where he sat and headed to the door "You should know the reason she's been avoiding you before dinner"

Bran grinned as he followed behind him and shut the door.I had been pacing the room after they left they might make me sound desperate and one thing I am not is desperate but right now....

Elara's POV

"Why have you been avoiding me Elara?" I heard a sultry voice say behind me.I didn't need to turn to know who it was

"Have I?I had no clue" I replied with a small smile on my face as I turned around to see the man who had been invading my thoughts since our kiss.He leaned so calmly against the shelf that a magnetic pull seemed to emanate from him.

"I'm not avoiding you commander,I had just been busy with classes" I continued as I took a book from the library shelf and added it to the ones in my bag

"What did you just call me?Commander?"he sighed heavily

"Did I do something wrong Draconis?"his voice so soft and calm it made my heart flutter.He sounded like he was in pain

"No...No Rhysand,you didn't.I..I felt the kiss was a mistake on my part and was a tad embarrassed by it"I stuttered,he took two big steps and he was right in front of me

"I told you I was going to do it even if you hadn't,you didn't believe me?"his gaze darkened as he tilted my head in an angle that granted him seamless access to my lips.Time seamed to momentarily suspend as i swallowed heavily.I dragged my eyes over the features of his face-from the sharp edge of his jaw to the subtle arch of his brows. It was as if I was committing every feature to memory.I moved to his eyes,those eyes were like a captivating paradox before my gaze settled on his lips

I dragged my eyes to meet his and he stared at me intently "Elara.." he called out my name like they gave him life as he dragged his fingers down the middle of my breasts his eyes never leaving mine. I gasped as he pinched a nipple hard. "I've wanted you for so long,You have no idea how many times I've thought about fucking you."

He continued down to my belly button. He was standing over me now, I could feel his body heat on me. My heart raced and I couldn't breathe, but I was so turned on. He leaned in closer and whispered into my ear "You are so beautiful Elara, you know that?"I closed my eyes tight trying to fight off how my body was reacting to him

"Eyes on me"he ordered but I kept them shut " I promise I won't tell you again"I heard a smile in his voice. I opened my eyes slowly and looked up at him.

He tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ear, the movement gentle, almost tender before his hand skimmed down the side of my neck and curled around the back.

"I watched you these past few days-with Azriel especially.I see he is still taking you Archery classes"he pressed his fingers against my nape,forcing me to look up at him

"What was so funny that he was always saying.You wouldn't mind sharing that right"he asked through gritted teeths

"We talked about a new book to be released soon and he said he already had it and wanted me to come pick it up from his room"I whispered the last part,hoping he didn't hear it

He didn't say anything as he stared at me "I didn't go though"

"And the way he held you during practice?" He asked his voice filled with annoyance

"Rhysand,I can't just tell him not to when he's trying to teach me anything"I started "We both know that if you had marked your territory in the open he wouldn't dare touch me"

II was about to say something else before he cut me off " I didn't make myself clear the other day.You are Mine.Not Azriel's,Not Vaelen,Not anyone else's. I don't give a fuck how handsome they. You're mine, and no one..." he dipped his head, his lips brushing mine with each word. "Touches what's mine.Can I show you the benefits of being Mine?"

"Yes"I breathed,a low satisfied growl rumbled from deep within him

He brought his hands to my lips and ordered "Suck it"

I did as I was told immediately and he grazed his knuckles up my bare thigh, inch by inch, until he hit the hem of my skirt

I grasped his shoulders, my nails digging into his back when he slid my underwear aside and rubbed his thumb over my swollen clit.

My body jerked. Small trembles ran through me as my teeth dug deeper into my lip.

"Do you like being punished Elara?" he kept his thumb on my clit while he slipped a finger inside me. "Do you?"

He slipped a second finger inside me, and he slowly began to move them in and out of me. His other hand was on the back of my neck keeping me standing. My breath quickened and I was getting wetter by the second.

"Please," I whispered as he continued to pump into me. He pulled his fingers out of me and put them in his mouth. "You still haven't answered my question ," he said with a smirk and cleaned the juices off his hands with his tongue

"Please,Rhysand"I said as sweat bedded on my forehead

"Please what Elara?Use your words"

I remained silent but my gaze remained on him

"Answer me"command hardened his voice

"Yes" I whispered "Yes I love being punished"

His lips curled into a sly smile

"Let another man touch you and you'll be responsible for his death"

"Please" I blurted the words out again without a single thought "I'll do whatever you want,but P-p-please I need you in me"

His gaze lingered on me for a moment too long,he thrust three fingers into me and I let out squeal

"Now what did I say Elara"he said as he continued thrusting into me

"I am yours"I panted "What else"

"No man should touch me"I said in a whimper

"Good"he stated "You've been a good girl,you can come for me"

I clutched his shoulders harder, grinding shamelessly against his hand while he increased his pace. My little moans and pants mingled with the slick sounds of his fingers fucking my pussy, and soon, his fingers were soaked with my juices.

The rhythm continued. In and out, faster and deeper, until i finally split apart with a sharp cry.

I came hard, my pussy clenching around his fingers as my orgasm ripped through me. I collapsed back against the shelf, gasping for breath. My eyes fluttered open to find him staring down at me, a small smile on his lips

"You are exquisite love" he breathed before placing a kiss on my lips