Sorry for the slight delay in posting! It's been a hectic weekend.
Warning: NSFW towards the end….featuring the infamous desk scene. But with a twist ;)
There is a lot of detail that goes into the scene. It's such a build up to this chapter that it needed some attention. This is a side of Cullen I think is truly reserved. He trusts Lara and wouldn't be like this otherwise.
Hope you all enjoy this one! Please let me know your thoughts x
—-
Chapter 21:
"Hey Boss!" Iron Bull called to her as he slouched in his chair, holding his drink.
"Bull," Lara walked over, smiling at him.
"I have a favor to ask on behalf of the Chargers," He continued.
"And I have a question to ask," Lara smirked as she sat next to him.
"Go for it."
"So…Dorian?" She looked at him to see how he would react.
"Yup!" He replied excited, letting out a laugh, thinking it was amusing. Suddenly he cleared his throat, "I mean, yes, we have been spending time together."
"You don't have to be professional for my sake," Lara smiled.
"True…I know you and Cullen have been busy," He winked at her, or so she thought.
How the hell does he know? Lara immediately went red and cleared her throat.
"It's one way to improve relations between Tevinter and the Qunari," Lara commented.
The bartender walked over bringing her a glass of wine. The order was correct which made Lara wonder if she should be concerned about her drinking.
"You know me Boss, I'm a peacemaker. Whatever differences Dorian and I have, this is a way for us to come together. You get it…cause, yeah," Bull emphasized the last word.
Lara choked on her drink mid sip at Bull's comment as she realized what he meant. This guy really did not have a filter, whereas Dorian hid as much as he could.
"Dorian's a sweet guy," He continued, ignoring her reaction. "He cares under all that bluster. I'm hoping we're good for each other."
"If you're happy and Dorian's happy, then I'm happy. I did not expect it, but I love you two together," Lara offered her blessing even if he didn't ask. Lara didn't even think he cared for it.
Bull chuckled and took a gulp. "Thanks Boss. I've never done it with a mage before. One time, he got so excited he set the curtains on fire!" Bull laughed and slammed down his drink.
Lara choked on her drink again, her cheeks turning red. This was perhaps more than she wanted to know about Dorian and he might just murder her on the spot for knowing all this.
"Right…you had a favor to ask?" Lara changed the subject immediately.
"Oh yeah. My boys heard about Cullen and his men heading to Haven to see what they can recover. They wanted to join, make themselves useful, especially after they helped out with Adamant. Since you're in Cullen's bed, I thought you might be best to persuade him," Bull winked again.
Lara turned bright red, looking away from him.
"I am not…" Lara hid her head in her hands, gaining a laugh from Bull. "Yes, I can ask him."
"You're as locked up as Dorian," He commented while taking another sip.
Lara gulped the rest of her wine, and left Bull to his drink, needing an out from this conversation.
—-
Cullen agreed without hesitation at her request. It warmed Lara's heart but she didn't dare tell him. She watched him leave with his men and the Chargers to recover any artifacts they could from Haven that the townspeople may have left behind. She barely got to say goodbye to him, confusing her even more about where they stood together. She was walking through the Great Hall to see Dorian when a voice interrupted her.
"My Lady Inquisitor, if I can have a moment of your time?" Mother Giselle called to her.
"Of course," She responded, walking over to her.
"It is regarding one of your companions…the Tevinter," She started.
Lara arched an eyebrow. "His name is Dorian," She responded, already not liking this conversation.
"Yes. I have been in contact with his family: House Pavus. Are you familiar with them?" She asked.
"I've never met his family if that's what you're suggesting," Lara answered.
"I am suggesting nothing. I'm only curious whether you know of his…situation. The family have sent me a letter regarding the estrangement of their son and are pleading for my aid. They've asked to arrange a meeting without his knowing. They fear it is the only way he will come. Since you are on good terms with him, I thought…"
"Who gave you permission to reach out to his family? You should've notified me about this," Lara was turning angry now.
"They have written to me for help. I cannot say no. They just want to talk to him to see why he felt he had to come here. They want him to come home," She replied.
"And why would they contact you?"
"Because they do not know you, Inquisitor. I sense that they fear you. I am not part of the Imperial Chantry, but they know what I represent. This is a chance for reconciliation."
"If you think I'm going to trick him into meeting his family…" Lara started, her voice raising.
"I feared you might say that. The family will send a retainer to meet him in Redcliffe Tavern to take him onward. If he refuses, the matter ends there," She finished.
Mother Giselle placed the letter in her hands and walked away. Lara stood there, angrily reading the letter. It now tore her internally on what to do. Dorian would be mad at her either way. She was meddling too much in his affairs at this point and she knew he appreciated discretion. She just hoped he wouldn't hate her enough to end the friendship. This was his decision to make so she needed to let him have it.
—-
"Pray, do tell, why you brought me to Redcliffe? If you're trying to woo me, this is not the place, my dear," Dorian commented as he looked around Redcliffe village.
Lara hated that Dorian's father wanted to meet here. This place held eternal hell for them both thanks to Alexius. However, it was still where they first met and she was grateful they crossed paths. Now she feared she was going to fuck this up. Should she have told him about the letter? What if he didn't refuse?
"Let's get a drink," Lara said nervously as she headed towards the tavern, ushering Dorian with her.
They walked into the deserted tavern. Lara hoped to the Maker that this was not a trap set by Venatori. The fear that they were walking into danger played on her mind the whole time. If it was a trap, it would have been for nothing.
"How odd. The place is deserted. Is this normal?" Dorian asked while looking around.
"Dorian," A deep voice called. Lara turned and she could see the resemblance immediately. It wasn't a trap. His father was here. What happened to the family retainer?
"Father?" Dorian asked in disbelief.
He turned to her. "You knew about this? Is this why you brought me here?" He was angry.
"Surprise?" Lara shrugged, uncomfortably, then let out a sigh. "He wasn't supposed to be here. Just listen to what he has to say first and then you can decide if you want to leave."
"She didn't know I would be here. I apologize for the deception, Inquisitor. I never intended for you to be involved," His father spoke.
"Of course not. Magister Pavus couldn't come to Skyhold and be seen with the dread Inquisitor. What would people think? What exactly is this, Father? An ambush? Kidnapping? A warm family reunion?" He spat angrily.
His father let out a heavy sigh. "This is how it has always been between us."
"You went through these lengths to get him here. Your son is here now. Talk to him," Lara intervened.
"Yes Father. Talk to me! Let me hear about how mystified you are by my anger," Dorian said sarcastically.
"This display is uncalled for," His father responded, annoyed.
"No, it is called for. You called for it by luring me here," Dorian glared.
"This is not what I wanted."
"I'm never what you wanted, Father, or had you forgotten?"
"He might be here to reach out, Dorian. You could give him a chance. You can still always walk away," Lara stood next to him, daring to place a hand on his shoulder. He didn't shrug her away.
"Dorian, please, if you'll only listen to me," His father pleaded.
"Why! So you can spout more convenient lies? He taught me to hate blood magic. 'The resort of the weak mind'. Those are his words. But what was the first thing you did when your precious heir wouldn't play pretend for the rest of his life? You tried to change me," Dorian's voice broke at the last sentence.
"I only wanted what was best for you," His father replied.
"Don't lie! It was the best for you! For your fucking legacy! Anything for that!" Dorian shouted.
"Don't leave it like this Dorian," Lara spoke to him softly.
"Once I had a son who trusted me. A trust I betrayed," His father spoke as Dorian turned to walk away.
"I only wanted to talk to him. To hear his voice. To ask him to forgive me," He continued.
Dorian looked at her, with tears in his eyes. Lara smiled and nodded.
"I will be outside if you need me," She gave him a quick hug as she made her way outside.
That didn't go as terrible as she thought it would.
—-
They spoke for hours which Lara hoped it meant they were resolving something between them. She didn't expect Dorian to forgive his father, but this was a start. When it was finished, Dorian requested to travel back to Skyhold alone for he had much to think about. Lara respected his wishes, knowing she had already overstepped.
She was grateful to be back in Skyhold again. Cullen and his men were back from Haven, but she had other priorities at the moment. She needed to make sure Dorian was okay. That they were okay.
"You could've told me. Maybe I would have gone. Maybe I wouldn't have. How will I ever know? Why didn't you let me decide?" Dorian asked her. He wasn't mad, but very upset.
"I was scared you would say no. Your pride wouldn't have let you get some closure with him. I am sorry Dorian. Truly," Lara spoke sincerely.
Dorian sighed. "As am I. That you had to witness any of it. The more I think about it, the more you might be right. I hate it when you're right."
A smile erupted on her face at his admission. Relief surged through her. They were alright. Before she could stop herself, she lunged at him, hugging him tightly.
"Never do that again, my dear," He whispered to her as he hugged her.
"It helped though, right?" She whispered back.
"You sound like Cole. It's a start. I hope you didn't expect me to patch things up and go home," He replied.
Lara broke the hug and gave him a look. "I have no intention of letting you go. You're stuck here with me. I'll fight him on it if I have to."
"That is a sight I would love to see. Now I think it's time to drink myself into a stupor. I'd ask you to join but I believe your dashing Commander awaits," Dorian smirked at her.
Lara flushed, and hid her face on his shoulder.
—-
Preparations for Emprise Du Lion were underway since they now had access to Orlais thanks to Lara's victory in the Winter Palace. From the note they found, red lyrium was being mined there and stopping it was a priority. Lara stopped by her quarters first to freshen up. She wore the sleeveless top that Dorian picked out for her that had a similar corset fit but without the suffocation or the feel of her ribs cracking in half from the pressure. She paired it with her tight trousers and boots. Her shoulders, decolletage, and the sliver of skin that showed from the hem of her top to the hem of her trousers was enough skin to entice the Commander, or so Dorian said. Lara was sure this was his subtle way of punishing her by making her uncomfortable.
She made her way to his office, knowing he had already requested to see her. The door was left ajar and she could hear voices. Mainly his voice. His Commander voice. Butterflies erupted in her stomach. She slipped in quietly, watching him hunched over the desk giving out commands to the men that swarmed his office. She leaned against the wall behind the door, trying to remain hidden. One arm crossed against her chest, the other playing with her bottom lip as she watched him in his element. She secretly loved this authoritative side of him. The one in control. The one who ordered, who knew what he wanted.
Do you like ordering me around? She had once asked him. He tensed at that. Was there something she didn't know? She was curious to find out, but also nervous.
"Rylen's men will monitor the situation," He ordered.
"Yes, sir. We'll begin preparations at once," A soldier responded.
Another soldier handed Cullen a clipboard. He studied it intensely.
"In the meantime, we'll send soldiers to…" He looked up at her instantly as he passed the clipboard back, "...assist with the relief effort," His eyes remained locked on her.
"That will be all," He finished.
The soldiers saluted him and made their way out of the office. Lara couldn't help the smirk that appeared on her face when he stared at her. She bowed her head as the soldiers exited, Cullen eagerly shutting the door behind them and locking it.
"There's always something more, isn't there?" He spoke, his hands still on the door.
"Wishing we were somewhere else? Maybe back on the dock again?" Lara looked at him.
He let out a laugh. "I was lucky to be able to spare the time. Now I can barely get away."
He pushed himself off the door and made his way to the other doors, locking them as well. He walked towards his desk once the third door was locked. The air suddenly was heavy with so much possibility.
"This war won't last forever. When it started, I hadn't considered much beyond our survival. But things are different now," He turned to look back at her.
"What do you mean?" Lara asked as she pushed herself off the wall, taking steps towards him.
"I find myself wondering what will happen after. When this is over, I won't want to move on…not from you," He spoke as he closed the distance between them, his hand cupping her face.
Lara froze as he confessed to her. He was speaking of a future with her. No, he was thinking of a future with her. She hadn't much thought of a future outside of the Inquisition. This was home to her. These people were her friends. Dare she even say family. The idea of a future after this haunted her. She had nowhere to go. No place to call home besides Skyhold.
"A future with me? Cullen, I'm a mage and you're a templar in case you've forgotten. I would only weigh you down. The amount of disapproval you would receive. They would claim I tempted you, that you were under my spell," She answered, doubt seeding its way in.
"Ex-templar," He corrected. "Lara, I gave up that life before I even knew you existed. Now that I know you, now that I have you, I'd give up so much more. Good thing I don't care much for what others think. Your opinion is the only one that matters," He finished, hand still cupping her face.
The air wooshed out of her lungs at his confession. She closed her eyes, sinking herself into his touch, letting his scent lull her to safety while her heart beat wildly in her chest. The idea of someone desiring her, even loving her was so foreign to her. She hoped his confession was genuine and not just a lure to his bed. Her heart wouldn't be able to take it, not when she left it out there in the open for him. She opened her eyes once she steadied herself.
"I need to believe you. I'm not just a mage fantasy for you to have in bed," The words were out before she could stop them.
Cullen looked at her shocked, but quickly readjusted his expression. He knew what she meant. It was often a score amongst templars to see how many mages they can take to bed in secret to indulge in their mage fantasies. A forbidden fuck. Sometimes, even a forbidden romance usually leading to tragedy. It wasn't unheard of for mages to sleep with a templar to earn favoritism, to be able to bend the rules. Lara made it a point to never indulge their fantasies with her even though some had hinted. She'd be damned if a templar took her…yet only to end up here. The irony was not lost on her.
"I don't only want you in my bed. I want you by my side, I want you in my future. As time passes, it is no longer a want, but a need. Do you trust me, Lara? Do you trust me to show you I will still be there in the morning after I've taken you to my bed?" He gripped her closer to him, his warmth radiating off him, his expression pleading.
Everything in her screamed no, to run out of his office and not give him the chance to break her. Her damned heart had slowly won the battle over her mind, almost as if it waited for someone like Cullen to break down her barrier and set it free. Her heart couldn't resist him any longer.
"I trust you to show me. I'm not above using magic on you again if you hurt me. Dorian is a necromancer in case you had forgotten. I don't even need to remind you what Solas can unleash from the Fade," She warned him.
Her threat earned him a chuckle as he leaned in closer, guiding her until the back of her legs hit his desk. He grabbed her gently and lifted her effortlessly, sitting her on the desk. He stood between her legs, still holding onto her closely, like she might leave at any moment.
"I wouldn't dare cross you. You already showed me once what happens when I step out of line," He whispered, his breath sending tingles down her spine. The proximity clouding her mind, she needed some space.
She leaned back too far trying to create some distance between them that she knocked over a bottle, causing it to smash. Lara let out a gasp, looked at the floor and then back to Cullen. He shook his head, smiling at her. In an instant, he swept his arm across his desk sending everything flying across his office. Another gasp escaped her as he grabbed her waist and lifted her up, laying her down on his now empty desk. His body climbed on top of her, never leaving her as he held her. Her heart hammered in her chest, desire edging in her body, the longing intensifying. His lips crashed onto hers as he kissed her intensely, his hands clinging on to her body as they roamed.
This was the side of Cullen that Lara desired. The confident, sure side of him. The side of him she dreamed of. The part that made her melt and immediately filled her with longing, with a need for him that she never experienced before. She was out of her depth here, Cullen clearly showing more experience. The sensations that ran rampant through her body were overwhelming.
I have taken no such vows.
That was very obvious to her now as his hands roamed, now cupping her breast as his tongue danced with hers. A moan escaped her at the contact, sending a jolt of pleasure between her legs. A flush hit her cheeks at hearing herself moan. He continued massaging her breast, fingers expertly finding her nipple and squeezing it gently through the fabric. Lara arched her back in response at the unexpected touch. She suddenly lost control of her body.
"So responsive," Cullen smiled during the kiss.
Gently he sat her up breaking the kiss, eyes burning with desire as they locked with hers. As he stared in her eyes, he began unbuckling his armor slowly. A realization suddenly hit her. This man never took his armor off unless it was training with his men. The only place where he felt safe. Him removing his armor just for her was his vulnerability. It's what protected him, kept him safe. Taking it off meant bringing his walls down, letting his guard down so to speak, especially in front of a mage. Her heart pounded at the realization. She didn't deserve it.
The clash of his armor on the floor woke Lara from her thoughts. He lifted his tunic and discarded it alongside his armor. Her eyes immediately were drawn to his chest and torso. He was well-built from his years of training as a Templar. Lara had an urge to trace his muscles with her fingers, to brush her fingers through the golden hair trailing down his stomach, to trace the scars that decorated his body, each one holding a story to his past. Maybe even trace it with her tongue. She flushed instantly and looked away, embarrassed by her own thoughts. What had gotten into her?
"What are you thinking about?" He asked, his voice raspy as he leaned into her.
Before she could answer, his hand traveled to her back, finding the laces that held her top together, slowly undoing them. Panic rose in her body but her voice disappeared, betraying her. She wanted to stop him but couldn't. Her eyes widened as she stared into his but she did nothing to stop him. He would see her semi-naked, it was too vulnerable for her. She felt the material loosen and her grip tightened on the desk. It was the only movement her body would perform in protest. She said she trusted him, this was it. The material skidded down her body exposing her to him as he discarded it on the floor beside his clothing.
"You're perfect," He said as his eyes devoured her. Goosebumps formed on her skin, her nipples hardening as she sat there in front of him.
He leaned her back down gently, the cold wood of the desk cooling off the heat radiating from her body. He hovered on top of her body as he palmed one of her breasts again, and took the other hard nipple into his mouth. A loud gasp escaped her and she arched her back at the sensations. She could have sworn she heard a dark chuckle from him at her response. His teeth grazed her nipple sending another jolt straight to her core causing her to moan. Heat pooled in her lower half as he sucked and she could feel her wetness seeping through her undergarments. This is what it was like to be with a man…
Cullen switched his attention to her other breast while he fondled the one that had just been in his mouth, twirling the hard peak between his fingers. Lara dared a look at him as he worked her breasts and the sight took her breath away. He was beautiful. Why had she resisted him this long? Why did she fight it? Her mind was still trying to hold on to that last brick in her wall, desperately holding onto it. The reason why was lost on her at this point. She couldn't resist him, even though he was her Commander. Surely, this wasn't allowed.
He trailed gentle kisses down her stomach till he reached the elastic of her trousers. His steady hands undid the buttons and slid them down her legs. Her heart raced as she realized he was undressing her, becoming closer to seeing her fully naked. The mage she had almost slept with hadn't even bothered to undress her. This was all new to her but she couldn't find her voice to tell him so. The fabric trailed down her legs, past her ankles and was discarded. He stood at the end of the desk, and pulled her down so her bottom rested on the edge. He grabbed her upper thighs, spreading them apart, the cool rush of air causing her to gasp and look up at him. His fingers stroked her through her undergarments, her arousal betraying her.
"Is all this mess for me?" His raspy voice sent the butterflies in her stomach wild.
Fuck…
Lara put her head back down, draping an arm over her eyes, nodding her head. He chuckled at her embarrassment. Another rush of cool air hit her as he slid her undergarments down the same way her trousers went. She was now fully naked, laid there out for him, exposed. A rush of air left her body at the realization that he was the first man to ever see her like this. She suddenly felt scared, uncomfortable, like she needed protection. Oddly enough, the protection she sought was the same man who devoured her naked body in front of him. She wanted nothing more than to crawl into him and have him hold her like he did that night in her tent.
"Yes," Lara managed to find her voice as she closed one leg.
Cullen grabbed her leg and spread it wide again. "Don't get shy on me now. Legs wide open for me, Lara. I'm starving," He demanded.
Another jolt shot to her core at his words. Holy fuck…he has a dirty mouth…
He trailed kisses on her inner thighs, gentle yet teasing. He gave a nip here and there, his stubble teasing her, adding to the sensations. Lara felt his tongue glide along her folds, tasting her, savoring her. She moaned louder than she intended to at the contact, her back arching off the desk. His hand splayed out on her stomach, holding her down in place as he tasted her.
"You taste even more divine than I imagined," He whispered against her core, his breath tickling her before he continued devouring her.
Stars clouded her vision at the sensations that took hold on her body. His tongue, the suction, the delicate graze of his teeth, the longing in his movements, the desire as he held her body close to him like she might leave. A moan escaped her as she felt his finger entering her, followed by another, stretching her. The stretching feeling was both foreign yet intoxicating to her. His mouth now focused on her clit, his suctions matching the rhythm of his fingers as he pumped in and out of her.
"Oh…fuck…" Lara gasped, gripping onto the edge of the desk unable to cope with what was going on with her body. This was definitely an out of body experience.
With each suck, each pump, he was building her up, taking her higher and higher. A pressure was beginning to build behind her hips, pulling her in. She was losing control of her body again; it had a mind of its own as it responded to Cullen. He was the Commander of her body at this moment and Lara was completely at his mercy. There was no other place she wanted to be. No other person she wanted as her first. She was going to crumble beneath him soon…
Suddenly he stopped, and stood up undoing his trousers. Lara watched him in disbelief, panting as she was so close to what she was sure was her release. Her brows furrowed, gaining a chuckle out of Cullen.
"Greedy girl," He commented as he slid his trousers off, followed by his undergarments.
Lara's eyes widened as she took in his naked body, her own body clenching in fear. He was indeed well-equipped, even physically. She had felt him hard against her before, knowing he had size, but not like this. An intense heat crept up to her neck and cheeks at the sight.
Maker's Balls…he's big…no way that's going to fit.
Figures, the first guy she decides to sleep with is big. And thick. She gulped hard at the thought of how much pain she was going to be in. She was going to pay for this tomorrow and she had Emprise du Lion approaching in a few days. The heat increased as he fisted himself a few times, a glisten of precum appearing on the tip. It was too much, like she was intruding by watching him. She looked away trying to regain her composure. Cullen spread her legs again, lining his length with her core. She could feel his wet tip pressing against her folds and panic erupted in her. She was not ready for this. What if she bled all over him?
No, no…I can't do this!
"Wait, stop!" Lara cried out as she sat herself up, scooting backwards, hugging her knees to her chest as if to protect herself.
Cullen's eyes widened in alarm. "What's wrong? Are you hurt? Have you changed your mind?" He didn't go after her, he kept his distance.
"No…yes…I don't know," Lara couldn't look at him. She hated herself for ruining an amazing moment.
"Lara, that's not an answer," He warned.
She shut her eyes tight, wanting the world to disappear. Wanting herself to disappear. She really had a knack for fucking things up. Vulnerability. This was a time when she needed to be. To tell him she had never been with a man before. That she needed him to be delicate with her, to protect her. She felt exposed from the inside out and it was too scary for her to be in this position. She needed someone to love her but she believed no one was capable of doing so.
"I'll take your silence as you've changed your mind. We can stop there then," He answered, almost sounding defeated. He grabbed his trousers from the floor.
Wait no…just tell him Lara, you idiot!
"It's not that…" She finally spoke.
"Then what? Speak to me, please," Cullen pleaded.
"I've never…done," She let out a long sigh as she stared out the small window of his office, still curled into a ball on his desk.
"Never done what?" He asked gently.
"This…" Was all she could say.
She could feel Cullen's eyes on her. His silence was overwhelming. He was waiting for her to finish, making her say what she needed to say and he wasn't going to budge. She swallowed hard and closed her eyes, bracing herself to admit her secret to him.
"I've never been with a man before…" She finally uttered the words. It was a whisper but it was loud enough for him to hear.
When she finally lifted her head, he was staring at her, eyes wide, fear written all over his face. As if he knew this would've hurt her. As if causing her pain killed him.
"Maker…Lara, I could've hurt you! I would've never forgiven myself. Why didn't you tell me?" He ran a hand through his tousled curly hair.
Lara glared at him. "My virginity is not a topic of normal conversation, in case you were wondering."
"No, of course not. Forgive me," He walked over to her, wrapping his arms around her tightly, resting his head on hers.
Lara sank into his hold, welcoming his strong arms around her, protecting her. She would never tire of it. She could feel his lips turn into a smile in her hair as if he had an idea.
"Climb on my back," He spoke, giving her his back.
"Why?" Lara arched an eyebrow, confused at his request.
"We're going up the ladder to my bed," He replied, head turned towards her.
"What's wrong with your desk?" Lara asked.
"You really want your first time to be on my desk? There will be plenty of time to grace it, don't worry. I still plan on taking you on my desk." His eyes darkened at his admission.
The same heat creeped up onto Lara's cheeks again. She lowered her eyes and climbed onto Cullen's back, wrapping her legs around his waist tightly. He grabbed onto her legs, rubbing circles with his thumbs. Lara melted at the gesture, resting her head on his shoulder, nuzzling into his neck, soaking in his elderflower and oakmoss scent. They ascended the ladder with Cullen showing no signs of struggle carrying her.
Lara looked around at his room. It was small but cozy. A big double bed was prominent with rugs, a wardrobe, a bookshelf in the corner, a bathtub, and…a hole in the roof.
"You have a hole in your roof!" She exclaimed. "Why has that not been fixed?"
"I don't want it to," Cullen looked almost embarrassed. "I don't like being closed in. It gives me some space," He admitted.
Maker, from when he was imprisoned and tortured? Surely not…
Lara decided against bringing heavy topics up for now. She let out a squeal as he playfully grabbed her and threw her down on his bed. Cullen let out a laugh as he climbed on top of her. Carefree Cullen was here. This man had many sides to him, and she was eager to discover all of them.
"I'm going to take my time with you, Lara. I'm going to worship you, show you what you've been missing," He whispered to her as he trailed hot kisses down her body, indeed worshiping her.
Andraste preserve me…
