The next morning, Gabbi woke up tangled in Azreal’s arms. It was fast becoming a routine, this closeness between them.
But this morning felt different. Instead of pulling away as she normally would, Gabbi stayed where she was, nestled against him. The warmth of his body was soothing, his presence oddly comforting despite the still confusing nature of their relationship.
Azreal looked peaceful, almost harmless in his sleep. It was a stark contrast to the fierce, imposing king she had come to know. His face, usually tense and guarded, was now soft and relaxed.
As she studied him, her eyes trailed over his features, the strong line of his jaw, the fullness of his lips, the way his dark hair fell carelessly across his forehead. He looked so human like this, but she knew better.
The Ravenkind could control their appearance, blending their otherworldly traits with a more human form, but the wings remained this time. They were a part of him, no matter how much he tried to hide them from her.
Curiosity got the better of her. She reached out, her fingers brushing against his face first, gently tracing the line of his cheek. Then, without fully realizing what she was doing, she let her hand travel to his wing.
Her fingers stroked the base of the wing, where it connected to his back. It wasn’t as hard as it looked. In fact, it was surprisingly soft, the feathers sleek beneath her touch. She stroked it again, marveling at the sensation.
Azreal shuddered beneath her fingers, a tremor running through his body. Gabbi paused, wondering if she had woken him, but when he didn’t move, she continued, her fingers exploring the strange and beautiful appendage.
The second stroke had a more profound effect. Suddenly, his eyes snapped open, dark and intense, and before Gabbi could react, everything was a blur of movement. In an instant, Azreal had flipped her onto her back, his weight pressing down on her as his lips descended on hers.
His kiss was fierce, urgent, and it stole the breath from her lungs. Gabbi gasped against his mouth, her head spinning as his lips claimed hers again and again. There was nothing gentle about it. His need was raw, and it ignited something deep within her. She responded, her body arching into his, her hands finding his shoulders as she clung to him.
Azreal’s hands were everywhere, roaming her body with an intensity that left her trembling. His fingers found their way between her legs, and Gabbi moaned, her head falling back against the pillows as he stroked her. His touch was relentless, driving her higher and higher until she was lost in the pleasure.
He thrust a finger inside her, his movements skilled, and Gabbi’s body tightened around him as the pressure built. Her breath came in short, sharp gasps, and she could feel herself unraveling, the sensation too much to bear. With a cry, she reached her peak, her body shuddering with the force of her release as his lips slipped from her lips.
"Azrael!"
Azreal groaned deeply, satisfaction rolling through him as he watched Gabbi unravel beneath his touch. Her body responded to him so perfectly, and the sight of her pleasure-filled expression sent a rush of pride through him. It was beautiful. She was beautiful. And the thought of her being all his filled him with a primal satisfaction he hadn’t known he craved.
When he leaned in for another kiss, Gabbi didn’t resist. How could she? After everything that had just passed between them, there was no room left for shyness. His finger was still inside her, gently teasing her, having already brought her to the edge and beyond.
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