Dear reader, Merry Christmas. I give you the end of your cliffhanger, and the promise of a longer chapter to come next. Gratitude as always for the kind reviews, likes, and follows.
Dismounted, he stood before her, fuming down at her, chest heaving in his leather apron still, fingers black with soot and smoke, clear signs he hurried from the forge just moments ago. Galadriel cocked her chin, not to be deterred. Though her innards trembled at his barely contained rage, her heart steeled over in confidence. Instead of cowering or stooping in intimidation, she busied herself with a small smile, stroking her mare's velvety nose, adjusting the straps of its bridle.
"Galadriel," he drawled her name, both sweetened and enraged somehow on his tongue.
"My lord," she replied, flicking her eyes in his direction once, for a brief second holding that burning gaze before returning her focus back to her horse. And savoring the ripple of provocation that came from his body.
"Did I not order you to return to my rooms?" he rasped, swallowing as a meager attempt to regain control.
"You did, but I thought some air would suffice after what I endured in your smoky, dimly lit forge." She did not even glance up, brushing the dirt that crusted on the soft belly of her ride.
He scoffed loudly, "You thought?" In all but two strides, he closed the distance between them, grabbing her arm and twisting her around. "You thought it wise to defy me, to leave alone into a land you know nothing about, into darkness and flame," his voice chilled as he spoke, waiting for her to look back at him.
"You clearly knew." Finally, she returned his gaze, bright and defiant. "You would not have found me so quickly if you had not somehow sensed it," she sniffed in derision.
That wicked half smile tugged at his lips. "Not until I felt you pull at my magic to unlock the door," he leaned closer to her. "You grow more powerful every moment. I honestly do not know if I should be vexed or proud."
"Perhaps both?" She raised one delicate brow, easing her arm from his hold. But he only tightened it, bringing her flush against his body.
"Believe me, I am both. But," he smirked, brows furrowed as his expression darkened, "I'm not letting you go until I decide what to do with you." His voice growled in his throat, that desirous glint in his eyes and hungry tilt to his leer.
Galadriel thrilled within; she had tapped his magic. She had crossed whatever boundary was thinking between them with her own magic. Her own power. Strengthened in resolve, she pushed him harder, tensing under his grip. "Must you decide anything in return? I was merely out for a ride," she batted her lashes innocently, but her mouth smirked in revolt.
He leaned down upon her. "I have vivisected my own commanders for less defiance than what you have shown me," he snapped his words, a heat beginning to flow from his body to flood her own. "But with you, the only thing I envision doing to your body involves so much more…" His very breath passed between her lips as his kiss hovered above her mouth. "… so much more pleasure."
The ghost of pain sliced through her cut hand at the memory of his last attempt to kiss her, she gasped and twisted her cheek to meet his lips instead. A frustrated grumble purred from his throat, but he loosened his hold on her arms, cupping her face gently instead. "No forgiveness yet, I see," he whispered against her cheek, placing a tender kiss there once more before straightening.
"Are you going to distract me so as to gain a blood sacrifice again?"
"A fair point," he conceded with a breath. "What if I offer you a deal?" He grinned at her, as something childish, almost innocent in its excitement glinted in his eyes.
It was enough to intrigue her. Withdrawing a step, as he let her slip from his touch, she gathered that soft leather bridle again as it hung loose behind her. "What favor would you offer me, my lord, for my kiss again?"
"I do not offer you any favor, I offer you the chance to earn something in return," he arrogantly grabbed his steed's reins as well. "Perhaps a race? Winner gains one kiss anywhere of their own choosing," he softened his voice, velvety and smooth. The timbre sent a shiver down her spine to think of all the places on her body he had already kissed her… and those he had not yet.
Undeterred, she shook the pleasurable shiver away. "If you were truly magnanimous, my lord, you would be inclined to sweeten the deal. One kiss and one question answered?"
That predatory leer smirked down at her. Far more pleased with the notion than what gave Galadriel ease. "Agreed," he chimed in quickly, ensuring she could not go back on her idea. He patted the frightening beast bedside him on the chorded muscles of his mighty neck. "Burzum has never been outrun, so you better prepare yourself for kissing and questioning, Galadriel," his voice lilted, haughty and arrogant as he mounted his saddle.
Suddenly, she wished she had spent the time to grab a saddle too, biting her tongue in frustration she had given him any advantage. But she would win regardless, ignoring the pit of regret that sank inside her thinking of what he might ask of her. Sensing the burn of his gaze on her back, she leapt up in a fluid arc, landing perfectly astride her mare.
Watching as she gripped the horse's bareback with her thighs, Sauron licked his lips. He knew just the spot to take her. To take back her kiss, and more besides.