(Amaia)

Wrapping a towel around myself after the bath I exit the wash area. I have only rinsed my mouth, as I don’t have my toothbrush here.

Maybe, I should keep extra toiletries here. I will be spending more time with them now.

With his arms crossed over his burly chest, Alnitak is waiting for me with a cheeky but slightly sheepish smile. A spark flashes in his gold-infused eyes, seeing me only in a towel.

"Next time you are letting me bathe you," he greedily says and I know I have to make another excuse. Somehow I still can’t show him my curse mark.

"We will see about that," I wink at him and his eyes slither to my wet open hair. Taking a step closer he halts right in front of me.

Finally, he addresses the red streak in it. "I have never seen anything like this before or heard of it." Reaching with his right hand, he delicately but possessively touches the red streak in my hair.

"It’s because you are one of a kind," I proudly tell him and he beams.

Clasping his hands around my face he lifts it up and slowly his warm lips descend on my wet ones. Savouring them, fusing his with mine.

It’s like walking in sunshine from a frosty land, that’s how his kisses feel especially after a bath.

"Ready for the surprise?" He murmurs against my lips; none of us wishes to let go of the other.

"Umm!" He peppers my lips with a few more kisses before moving his hand to my waist and guiding me forward towards the bed.

"I had something made for you." Leaning forward he picks up an ethereal white gown from the bed and holds it up for me to see. It’s an ankle-length gown.

My eyes sparkle with excitement at seeing the breathtaking piece of garb.

This stunning gown, crafted from pure white silk, captures the essence of stars. Its elegant V-neckline is graceful. The entire garment is adorned with intricate, swirling motifs embroidered in silvery-white thread, suggesting celestial constellations. Scattered throughout these patterns are lustrous pearls in varying sizes. They catch the light like distant stars against a pristine, milky sky. The effect is one of breathtaking luminosity.

Finally, I snatch my gaze away from it and towards my awaiting mate.

"Do you like it?’ He asks, curious.

I take a step forward and take it in my hands, feeling the smooth fabric and the pearls.

"It’s the most beautiful gown I have ever seen. I love it, Ali." I hug it to myself, rubbing the soft fabric against my cheek.

"Thank you!"

Alnitak lets out a guffaw of laughter seeing my reaction.

"You are so adorable, my lassie."

I beam, still holding the gown.

"I have another gift for you. I bought it when we went to the bazaar but was holding onto it. Today is the right time to give it to you." Alnitak leans towards the bed and picks up a white rectangular box about 8 inches long. A silver ribbon has been tied on it.

Carefully, I place the gown on the bed and focus on Alnitak.

With a gentle affection, he extends the box towards me. "Open it."

Accepting, I hold the end of the ribbon and pull. It unfurls in my hand. With shaking hands, I open the box and peek inside.

A delicate silver chain with golden and red butterflies lies inside.

Alnitak picks up the delicate piece of jewellery and shows it to me by holding both ends.

The butterflies delicately dangle down from it, created from some kind of resin and gemstones they are beautiful to look at.

"It’s a thigh chain and I want you to wear it today and every time you are with me. Sometimes, only this," he possessively says, making my cheeks flush.

"I have never seen such an intricate piece of jewellery." Truth be told it’s too delicate for someone wild like me, so I will have to be careful.

"May I?" He asks, with a mischievous grin creeping on his supple lips.

I give him a hearty nod.

Keeping his yearning gaze on me, Alnitak kneels in front of me and grabs my left ankle.

Reaching with my hands, I balance my hands on his thick shoulders. He raises my ankle and places my foot on his chest, right above his heart.

The strong beats thud under the skin of my foot.

So sturdy, so erotic.

I swallow the collected saliva—his hands slowly crawl up my bare leg. The little bolts of electric current tingle everywhere this man touches me.

Thankfully it’s the leg without the cursed mark. His warm and calloused hands curl the towel up and expose my thigh to his ravenous eyes.

A hunger descends in his gaze making him bend forward and place a soft but wet kiss on my skin.

The shudder that follows his action is like a seismic tremor of excitement, leading to euphoria.

My hands crawl into his gorgeous tresses and I hold onto him, curling my fingers, using his hair as an anchor.

"Your scent and taste have heightened a thousand times for me." He places another kiss on my thigh. "Sweeter, addicting and absolutely mind-numbing."

"That’s how your scent has been for me from the very first moment I saw you," I tell him, dragging in as much oxygen as I can.

"Mhm!" He mumbles, his hot mouth moves closer to my inner thigh.

An uncontrollable deep tremble rumbles through me, and I fist his hair tighter. My lower body shakes, making my back arch like a taut bow and juices to flush the softness between my legs.

Alnitak’s hands clasp the filigree chain around my thigh, fastening the clip while his needy mouth disappears inside the towel.

The anticipation of his next action makes my blood turn into liquid fire, burning, itching.

His soft lips find my dripping softness and a hefty moan leaves my ajar mouth.

"AHH!"

My head lifts to the ceiling, eyes wide, hands in his hair, while he feeds on me as a man wandering through the desert has just found a mirage.

Nothing could get more euphoric than this feeling to be eaten and worshipped by your mate.