Chapter 45

"P-Please don't speak of it like that. It's… very important to me."

Riftan's face pulled into a subtle wince. His voice was derisive as he said, "Of all the mountains of jewels I've given you, this grubby coin scrap is what you treasure most?"

"They're all precious to me," Maxi said in a choked whisper, stroking his cheek appeasingly. "But… th-this coin is something you've had with you for a long time. It reminds me of you… whenever I look at it."

Something stirred in his black eyes, making him appear more like a fragile young boy. When Maxi pressed her lips to his, trying to dissolve his pain, he responded with a low moan. He broke out of his tense posture and pulled her into a tight embrace. His fingers trembled with desire as they ran down her sweat-slicked back.

Maxi gently sucked his tongue as he slid it between her swollen lips. With her breasts crushed against his chest, she could feel his heart pounding like a drum.