Steam mixed with the scent of lavender and chamomile wafted into the air and kissed Ronan's face. His hand dipped into the warm bath water and scooped some up to dump onto to Merry's back. His face was painted with regret as he took note of marks and bruises that marred her back, hips, thighs, and neck. He needed to be less rough with her.
Streams of the scented water trickled down her smooth back and Merry made a noise of content. She hated to admit but Ronan's lustful assault on her body had left her sore. She could not deny that it was pleasurable but perhaps for a novice, it was a bit too much. She opened her legs to allow the warmth from the water to soak her aching muscles in her thighs and her intimate area was a bit sore, as well. She took in a sharp breath when the water brushed along her mound.
"Merry?" Ronan asked.
She gave him a reassuring smile. "I'm just a bit sore, Ronan." She looked at him, a flush began to form along her cheeks. "I am not used to such activities."
Nodding, his hand roamed over her back, massaging some of the soreness away. "I need to control myself."
Tilting her head to the side, Merry looked at her husband. "I wanted it too, Ronan." She shifted her nude body in the tub. Ronan was shirtless and he had washed the war paint from his face; under normal circumstances Merry would be glad for the view but not when her husband looked forlorn. She reached out and ran her small hand down his jaw. He moved his face and nuzzled his lips into her palm. "Tell me what ails you."
Closing his eyes he took a deep breath and planted a kiss in the center of her hand. "I feel remorse for the way I acted. I should not have reacted in such a way." His eyes shifted as he looked down at the floor, "I should feel comfortable enough not to react as such when I see you with another." Looking back up to Merry, his eyes flashed, "You are mine and only mine. It is Kree law."
Crossing her arms on the edge of the tub, Merry rested her head on them. "It is okay to be jealous, Ronan." In fact, she was reminded of how Nebula treated her. It made her wonder if anything had transpired between them. "Have you done…" she lifted her eyebrows suggestively, "this with Nebula?"
His lips formed a frown, "Why do you ask that?"
Pushing away from the side of the tub, Merry folded her arms across her chest. "Because she insulted me and she treats me terribly." Casting her gaze down she mindlessly wiggled her toes that stood above water level. "She acts like a jealous former lover."
Ronan sat quietly and skimmed the tops of the water with his fingertips. "There were instances."
"Instances?" Merry questioned.
Huffing loudly, Ronan stood up and walked away from the tub. Merry stood up as well and grabbed the large towel that hung from a nearby rack. Wrapping it around her body, she followed Ronan into their bedroom.
"Ronan, tell me." She begged as she grasped his arm. He swung around and faced her.
"There is not much to tell." He shrugged, "It was over a year ago and our bodies were in need of sexual satisfaction so we fucked."
The blunt words caused a pain in her chest. Merry's eyes grew misty and she willed herself to calm down. She knew that expecting Ronan to be chaste all these years before her was illogical. However, knowing felt like an arrow to the heart. "Was it often?" Merry asked, wanting to know where she stood. Was Nebula a better lover?
Ronan knew that answering such a question would be unwise and he knew it was causing his wife pain. "It was one or twice a week for a year, at the most."
Merry bit the inside of her cheek to stop from crying. She moved swiftly to the closet and threw off her towel. Ronan followed her and his big frame took up the door way. He knew she was upset and it was not the answer she wished to hear. Watching her walk nude around the giant closet, however, was a nice distraction from this terrible conversation.
She reached up to grab a night dress from a hanger. Grabbing the soft gown she turned to face her husband. He was staring at her nudity and she could tell he was admiring her shape. Was he comparing her to Nebula? Was her body more voluptuous, more satisfying, and more nimble? Anger bubbled up insider her with an undercurrent of despair. For years under her parent's roof she was treated as if she were never good enough; that she never mattered. Hurt filled her veins and clenched at her heart. Ronan was supposed to be different.
From the doorway, Ronan saw the emotions that danced across Merry's face. He took a step into the closet and saw her gather the gown up and hold it to her chest. The fabric did a shameful job of covering her up; for most of her torso, hips, and thighs were easily seen. She brought the cloth up to her mouth and her watery eyes met his.
Her look of devastation broke Ronan's heart. Taking a few large strides towards her, he gathered her up in his arms and pressed her against his chest. It was in that moment Ronan was reminded how small, how vulnerable she really was. The top of her head barely reached his diaphragm and as he wrapped his arm around her waist, her delicate skin and bone structure was even more evident. His free hand cupped her chin and he angled her head to look up at him.
Her wide green eyes were sad and framed by thick black lashes that were damp. Streaks of fallen tears marked her perfect, pale face; her full lips were drawn down. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "Do you prefer to love her over me? Her body?" opening her eyes, fresh tears fell from them. "Do you compare me to her?"
Ronan knew that her questions should enrage him; that she doubted his feelings. In the past, great Kree warriors would not take such behavior from their wives, even if they had mistresses. However, Merry's broken expression and the melancholy tone of her voice twisted his heart and made him want to weep.
Burying his hand in her hair, he massaged her scalp while forcing her to keep his eyes. "Merry," he breathed, "I promise, on the grave of my fallen people I have never once looked upon your body and thought of another." A small smile teased the corners of Merry's lips and a light appeared back in her eyes. "I would never carelessly toss you aside. I am not a man akin to your father."
That was the elephant in the room and Ronan knew it. Her past treatment at the hands of her parents will forever follow her. Thrown to the side to further their own cause, even to a race they hated. His father told him that the day since Merry started to blossom, her parents prepped and primed her for marriage; to anyone who could promise power. Over a decade of being locked way only to emerge as a bargaining chip. Merry's only connection to the outside world was her friend, Nika, who was in charge of maintaining Merry's appearance and who taught her the ways of how a wife should act. It was a terrible concoction only made worse by her parent's warped view of intimacy and lovemaking.
Wrapping her arms around Ronan's middle, Merry laid her head on the strong wall of his torso. "I know, Ronan." She placed a small kiss on his skin, "You would never hurt me."
"Apparently, I can." He said sadly as his hands roamed over her marked back. Pulling away from her, he kept her at an arm's length. Once again his eyes roamed over the bruises and bite marks.
Sighing and shaking her head, Merry pulled her nightgown over her head and concealed her body from his eyes. "While I would be lying if I claimed I feel no discomfort, I wish for you to realize it is a nice feeling." She clasped her hands behind her back and she looked shy. "It is nice to be so wanted that you lose control. That I am desirable."
"I do want you." He pointed out, "and no other."
He held out his arm and Merry placed her small hand inside of his larger one. Wrapping his long fingers around her wrist, he gently tugged her closer to him and then swiftly scooped her up in his arms.
"Ronan!" Merry laughed as he carried her to their bed. Laying her down on the satin black sheets, with her head resting on a plush pillow, he moved over her and kissed her. "Ronan," she whispered against his mouth, "I want to but it'll hurt." Her brows were knitted in worry as he peppered kisses along her neck.
"I know but what I wish to do will not involve pain."
He placed a kiss at her clavicle and then moved on to whatever skin was free from the fabric of her night dress. He tugged at the material so the tops of her breasts were bared to him. Nipping at them, he placed numerous kisses along the pale mounds. Pulling the dress down even further, he uncovered a pink nipple and flicked it with his tongue. He heard her squeak of delight and sucked the bud into his mouth. The soft tip hardened against his tongue as he began to suckle her with fervor. His other hand went underneath the skirt to skim the inside of her thighs.
Popping her nipple out if his mouth, he looked back to her face. "Have I told you that you have lovely breasts?" She let out a nervous giggle and a pink blush bloomed on her cheeks. Shifting his gaze back to her bosom; he eyed the hard nipple, wet from his mouth. Catching her eyes again, he wrapped his tongue around it and used the edge of his teeth to bite at the sensitive tip. Under her skirt, his fingers inched towards her center.
Raising her hips in encouragement, Ronan moved his hand down so that it rested between her plush thighs. Warmth radiated from the secrets her creamy skin and gown hid from his view. Releasing her from his mouth, Ronan moved down her body. He settled himself between her legs. Taking a thigh in each of his hands, he spread her. Her night dress still shielded most of her body from his gaze. Locking his eyes with hers, he moved his hand up her skin, taking the fabric along with them. Inch by inch her beautiful pale skin was revealed.
Ronan watched Merry's reaction as he slowly peeled way her clothing. He saw the catch in her breath, her lips parting as she licked them. Her hips rocked up slightly, a sensual invitation. The fabric was bunched up at her full hips and Ronan maneuvered himself so that now his shoulders were betwixt her thighs and his face was a mere breath away from her vulva.
He felt Merry's legs and thighs tense. "Ronan?" There was a note of panic in her voice. He knew she would have no idea about intimate acts, especially nothing like this.
"Be calm, wife." He kissed the inside of her thigh and felt a faint tremor. "I promise you will not be disappointed."
Moving his head, he quickly placed a soft kiss at the top of her cleft. Merry jumped slightly on contact, which caused Ronan's chin to brush against her clit. Hearing her whimper, he moved back and studied the delectable flesh he was about to devour. She was smooth, devoid of pubic hair – something that Ronan was unsure if it was cosmetic or not. Sticking his tongue out, he gave the seam of her pussy lips one long, slow, antagonizing lick.
Merry's thighs clamped around his head and Ronan smiled against her mound. Rearing back, his thumb and index finger separated the sensitive folds of her cunt. Her vagina was flushed a bright pink and thick juices began to coat the inside. Using his forefinger, Ronan spread the honeyed dew along the line of her pussy; dampening the flesh and allowing for easier movements. He reached the top of her womanhood, Ronan swirled his fingertip around the hard nub of flesh.
"Ronan." Merry moaned. Her hands clenched the sheets of the bed.
"You like this, Merry?" he asked as he rubbed her clit.
She nodded and her breathing became haggard. He gave her a Cheshire grin, "I know something you would like even more." Keeping his eyes on her face, Merry watched as she saw his wide, flat tongue push against the folds of her cunt and thrust inside. Closing her eyes, she thrust her hips against his face, pushing for his tongue to delve deeper.
Giving a low chuckle, Ronan swirled his tongue along the silken walls of her sweet cunt. She tasted of the sea; crisp and clean. He moved his hands under her sweet ass and lifted her up closer to his eager lips. Sucking on the swollen lips of her pussy, Ronan's fingers kneaded her buttocks. As he fucked her with his tongue, his nose pressed against her plumped clit.
Merry made sweet noises with each pass of his tongue and moved her hips against his face. Looking down her body, she saw Ronan's blue skin against her own and saw his muscle bulge as he held her up. Her legs were atop his shoulders and his head was nestled between her thighs. Ronan looked up as he licked her and after a minute removed his lips from her center. His mouth was damp from her arousal and he licked at his lips.
Staring back at her, he lowered his mouth back down. This time over her clit. His breath moved across the sensitized nub and it caused a tingle down Merry's body. Ronan's soft lips opened over her clit and closed around it softly. She jerked her reaction and he moved his hands from under ass to anchor her hips. Careful not to squeeze to cause further bruising he ran his thumb along her skin, soothing her. Still holding her gaze, Ronan sucked the bead into his mouth and moved his tongue along her wet clit.
Throwing her head back against the pillow, Merry's lower body raised up slightly. She felt Ronan's hands tenderly grip her hips to hold her still causing a tiny spark of pain. It only heightened her pleasure; adding a darker edge to their love making.
Lifting herself up on her elbows, she once again looked down at her husband. His beautiful face was deep between her legs and his jaw clenched as he sucked her clit harder. Removing one hand from her hips, he ran a finger down the opening of her vagina and slowly thrust it inside. Her tight muscles rippled around his finger. Adding a second, he fucked her gently, a smooth in and out motion; made easier by her juices.
Letting her body fall back fully onto the bed, Merry arched her back and moaned her husband's name. The suction of his mouth was too much, she was going to come too soon; she wanted this feeling to last. She clenched around his large fingers, deep inside her pussy. She missed the overfull feeling of his cock but there was no denying that his fingers worked magic inside her depths. Merry gave a jolt when she felt him slightly hook his fingers, hitting a particular sensitive spot.
She clasped her hands to the back of his head, keeping him where he was as she moved her hips faster against his face. Closing her eyes, she rode his mouth. Crying out when he began finger fucking her harder, deeper; all while sucking and flicking her clit. His tongue moved along the hard jewel and he felt a gush of fluid right as she began to spasm around his fingers.
"Oh, gods." Merry moaned and raised her hips even more. Her orgasm hit her hard and a knot of pleasure was pulled until it exploded, entering every cell of her body. Her whole body began to shake slightly as she rode it out.
Ronan's thrust became shallow but he keep his mouth on his wife's little clit. Sucking her release into his mouth, he licked from the top of her cleft to the opening of her vagina. He removed his mouth and his fingers and placed a chaste kiss against her pubic mound. Untangling her legs form his shoulders, he looked over handy work. Her thighs glistened with her own fluids and her vulva was flushed an even brighter pink. Ronan pulled her night gown down and covered her completely. He moved his body over hers, his strong arms holding his body up.
Merry's eyes were glazed over and she wore a smile upon her face. She knew she should be embarrassed. Nika was the biggest wanton she knew and even then didn't indulge in such acts. Even so, Merry couldn't find it in herself to feel guilty. How could something that felt that good be bad?
Running her hands along his sinewy forearms, she sighed in content. "Ronan, why would a man do this for a woman?"
Cocking his head to the side, he stared down at her. "It is to ensure pleasure without the promise of recuperation. I wished to make you feel good and only you tonight."
She raised a brow. She could feel Ronan's arousal against her; he wanted release. She moved her hips against his and saw him close his eyes and let out a low moan. He stopped her movements with a simple press of his hand on her hip. "As I said, tonight was only for your pleasure." He gave a small half smile, "it'll go away."
"Do men not wish for their women to put their mouths on their…cocks?"
A growl escaped Ronan's lips. Her words were innocent, a simple question, but they lit a fire and his dick twitched. The thought of Merry's pouty mouth along his shaft made him weak and needy. "Oh they do." He couldn't help the masculine purr that resonated out of his tight throat. "But we can save that for another day."
He turned and grabbed the giant blanket that must have fell off the bed at some point and covered them with it. His was still over her body and Merry watched as he shifted his body down so that his head laid on the valley between her breasts. Tucking the blanket around them, he nuzzled his face against her cloth covered chest. Her heartbeat was to be his lullaby this night.
Merry didn't protest the strange sleeping position. She gently stroked his skull and closed her eyes. As she lay there, she heard Ronan's breathing even out and she knew he was asleep. While many other questions danced in her head, she knew that she could always wait another day to ask them. Soon, she let herself drift off to sleep.