Touch of Flame

Chapter 313  Different Energy

Malachi woke up feeling refreshed, finally able to get some sleep knowing Ravina was asleep and safe in his arms. But as he opened his eyes, he found himself alone in bed.

Sleep clouded his thoughts until he sensed the warmth in the room and the steam in the air. Turning around, he discovered a tub filled with steaming water at the center of the room. And just as he wondered where Ravina had gone, she appeared with fresh towels in her hands.

"Good morning," she greeted him with a smile. "I was worried you would wake up late for your bath."

Raising himself on an elbow, Malachi's eyes lit up. "Is it for me?"

Ravina nodded, her eyes sparkling mischievously. "It is. I thought I would assist you and help you relax, wash away the burdens."

A sly grin tugged at Malachi's lips. "A bath can be quite dull... unless you mean to help me."

Her smile widened, and she leaned back against the dresser, her gaze fixed on him. "That is exactly what I intend to do."

Chuckling, Malachi swung his legs over the side of the bed, ready to accept her offer.

He sauntered towards the inviting tub and casually unraveled his garment, feeling the weight of her heated gaze on his skin. Although she had seen him naked before, he noticed a subtle flush tinge her cheeks as her eyes traveled over his naked form. Desire stirred within him, evident in the growing tension and awakening of his body.

As he immersed himself in the steaming water, a wave of contentment washed over him. He closed his eyes, relishing the warmth that enveloped him, and couldn't help but imagine the sensation of Ravina's body wrapped around his. The thought made him stiffen even more, causing a soft groan to escape his lips.

"Do you feel good?" she asked.

"Yes," he breathed, his desire palpable. She would feel good.

He could sense her moving closer, her presence drawing near. "I must admit, I'm not as skilled at giving massages," she confessed.

A grin tugged at his lips. "Just touching me would be enough."

And touching him she did. Her slender fingers gracefully traced the contours of his shoulder, moving with a delicate, not giving him a massage, but rather exploring him, savoring the feel of his muscles beneath her fingertips. Each movement was deliberate, as if she wanted to commit every detail of his physique to memory.

Her hands traveled down his arms, gliding over his skin with a feather-light touch. Then they ascended again, dancing across his chest, causing his heart to quicken in response. He could sense her arousal mingling with the steamy air, intoxicating his senses.

As her fingers reached his throat, her touch became more intimate, tracing a slow, sensuous path downward. Her voice, filled with a hint of mischief, broke through the haze of desire. "How about we escape tonight?" she suggested.

Escape?

"Where?" he asked, his voice strained.

"It has been busy here. I thought we could go to the temple," she explained, her voice carrying a note of longing. "And perhaps you can make some of those tattoos on me again."

His brows lifted at the suggestion, a surge of desire coursing through him. "After the tattoo, it is my lips I want imprinted in your skin," he declared, his voice laced with raw desire.

Her gaze shied away at his bold confession, her eyes momentarily fixating on his lips. Without hesitation, he reached for her face, his hand slipping beneath her hair to cup her cheek. Drawing her closer, he captured her lips in a searing kiss.

Their mouths melded together, their passion igniting like wildfire. His lips explored hers with hunger, savoring the taste of her, the softness of her lips.

"Mhmm..." she moaned against his lips, her fingers gripping his neck with a fervent urgency. However, as their kiss deepened, she suddenly pulled away with a gasp, her eyes wide with surprise.

Concern washed over him. "What is wrong?" he asked.

Her lips parted, but no words escaped. Instead, slowly she leaned in once again, capturing his mouth in another passionate kiss. Her touch was desperate, as if she were fighting against something, clinging to him as if he were her anchor. Then, breathless, she pulled away once more, leaving him craving for more.

Ravina's eyes held many questions as she pulled back slightly, her voice carrying a hint of uncertainty. "It feels different," she confessed, her words lingering in the air between them.

Malachi smiled, "We are mated now. It's natural for things to feel different. Your senses are heightened, and…" Before he could elaborate further, she leaned in again, capturing his lips in a surprising kiss.

Oh… this reaction was unexpected but he didn't mind at all and he smiled against her lips.

He had almost forgotten that mating would enhance intimacy, so it was good they waited. He wanted her first experience to be exceptional.

Ravina moaned softly against his lips, her body ablaze with newfound desire. The energy that pulsed through her felt exhilarating, awakening a hunger within her that she had never experienced before. She marveled at her own strength and the ability to match the intensity of her desires with the physical capacity to fulfill them.

In that moment, she not only felt the pleasure of their kiss but also the essence of Malachi himself. Kissing him was like seeing him, touching him, and hearing him all at once, creating an intoxicating symphony of sensations.

"Come inside," he murmured against her lips, his arm encircling her waist possessively. His strained voice resonated with longing, causing a delightful shiver to run down her spine.

However, Ravina knew that rushing now when they didn't have time and could be disturbed, would only leave them wanting. Sensing their mutual desire, she gently pulled away from his embrace, "I was supposed to help you bathe," she said playfully.

Malachi chuckled. "You always find a way to lead me astray," he remarked, his eyes filled with adoration.

With a widening smile, Ravina picked up a cloth, her fingers gliding effortlessly over his skin as she assisted him with his bath. As she moved around the tub, washing him with care, she couldn't help but marvel at the sight of him, the water cascading over his sculpted body. Her mind wandered to the possibilities that lay ahead, but she reined in her imagination, knowing the scent of her arousal was not lost on him.

ceremony. Your family will be here after all."

Ravina stiffened. She had almost forgotten the strange dynamic of "I've been thinking," Malachi began, "That perhaps it is was for the better we are mated already and won't have to do it during the ceremony. Your family will be here after all."

Ravina stiffened. She had almost forgotten the strange dynamic of the culture she was in. She would definitely not want her father to see a man with his fangs in her neck. That would feel awkward, and he would be uncomfortable. Darcy at least had Ephraim.

"Ah… yes…" she trailed off, now thinking of the clothes she would have to wear as well.

She was fine being dressed like that in front of his people, but with humans… she would be the definition of a loose woman. She would feel naked, and she would especially not want her father to see her clad so scantily.

"Ravina," Malachi called gently, taking her hand as if sensing her worry. "We will make it work for both of us. Do not worry."

She nodded, her shoulders relaxing.

"I was also thinking we could make the ceremony a blend of both our worlds." He added.

"You don't have to do that." She shook her head.

"I should, out of respect for you, your father, who is entrusting you to me and your people."

She smiled, gratitude warming her heart. Her father would appreciate it a lot, knowing she was married through the tradition he knew. She was glad that Malachi thought about it, for she was often indifferent to marriage.

"Thank you. I know my father would feel more at ease."

Malachi nodded. "Of course. Now tell me about those vows since we are already mated."

Vows?

"You want to… take vows?" She was surprised.

"Why not?"

Her heart fluttered when she thought of Malachi saying his vows to her. She never thought the idea of it would ever excite her, but it did.

"Vows," she mused thoughtfully. "Well, they are a way for us to make solemn promises to each other, to solidify our commitment in a meaningful way."

"So we write them ourselves?" He asked.

"Not necessarily. There are many to choose from that are already established."

"But we can still write them?" He wondered.

"Yes. Do you want to?" She asked with a curious smile.

"Yes. Just show me the style of a traditional vow, and I would like to use my own words." He said.

Ravina became curious. "I look forward to what you write." She said. "But does that man I will have to try as well?" She was terrible with … loving words or whatever it was.

"Yes!" He said he was pretending to be stern

Ravina chuckled. Although she was terrible, she looked forward to the task.