In the Flesh Read Free

feet. “They think it. They whisper it.”
    Coming to a halt, Gunther’s gaze darted around as if he was trapped. No doubt he felt as if he was.
    “Gunther?”
    “Do it, then.”
    Her breath caught.
    “Tomorrow, Brenna. Before I change my mind.”
    “Yes, of course.”
    Gunther stared at her for a long moment. Then he shook his head and made his egress.
    To go to her. To Sapphire.
    Brenna fought back the bile that rose in her throat. She had only hours left to wait until the mätress would be gone.
    Then the king would be hers again.
     
    As Sapphire made love to the King of Sari, her mind was firmly on her job. She barely registered the opulence of her surroundings, heeding them only in passing recognition of their enhancement of her duties. Simulated candlelight and smoky incense drifted lazily through the room. White stone arches draped in blue velvet circled the divan where she pleasured the king. Beyond was a shallow bathing pool; the tinkling melody of water pouring from the fountains was masked by the rhythmic sounds of sex.
    She concentrated instead on the king’s body signals—the rapidness of his breathing, the impatient upward drives of his hips, and the glazed look in his blue eyes. Using the powerful muscles of herthighs, Sapphire raised and lowered herself with practiced grace above him, conscious of her appearance because she knew the king liked to watch her. She was rewarded by the masculine satisfaction that curved his lips.
    Soon he was gripping the pillows around him, hoarse cries torn from his throat as she serviced him. The all-powerful King of Sari groaned, sweat breaking out over his handsome features.
    Sapphire arched her back as the king’s orgasm pulsed within her. Her job done to his satisfaction, she closed her eyes and reached her own climax. Her moan of release echoed through her bedchamber along with the king’s.
    Replete, she sank into the king’s embrace with a sigh. He was a tall man with a sinewy strength she admired. The monarch was golden from the top of his blond head down to his manicured toes, and he was kind to her.
    Once she’d dreamed of falling in love with her king, but in the end it was impossible. The King of Sari placed his pleasure paramount to hers. He knew nothing about her and made no effort to learn. After five years, she was still served food she didn’t enjoy. They listened to music he liked and the clothes provided for her were made in colors and materials he chose with no care for her preferences.
    Once a concubine accepted a labor contract, she was bound to her chosen protector until he decided to release her. Sapphire wondered if the king would ever allow her to go. How long would she be asked to remain his concubine? His interest showed no signs of waning.

    Sapphire wanted to find someone who cared for her as she truly was—inside and out. She wanted to make love to a man because she was giving herself to him with her heart, a gift of herself for the man she loved.
    That would never happen if the king never released her.
    Nuzzling against his neck, Sapphire gave a throaty laugh as the evidence of his renewing desire swelled inside her. Her eyes met his.
    “Give me a moment, my king.” Her voice dropped to a throaty purr. “And I will pleasure you again.”
    He gripped her face between his hands, his gaze fierce. “No matter what happens in the future, you must promise me that you’ll always remember you are my karisette. You have been from the moment I first saw you.”
    The intensity of his tone startled her, as did his words. Karisette —“true love.”
    “My king—”
    “Promise me!”
    She caressed his chest soothingly, turning her voice into a gentle croon. “Of course. I promise.”
    He rolled her beneath him and took her again.
     
    Restless and edgy, Brenna paced the length of the throne room. Whenever she felt powerless, she found this location—the seat of her power—to be soothing. It had been dark when she first came here. Now