a Pleasure Rites, #1 by Ines Johnson (top ten books of all time TXT) 📗

"Maternal Goddess, I seek your presence as I align myself with one of your sacred daughters.

I offer my body as a vessel of your will and your grace.

The desire of my heart is pure and known to you.

I wish to please your daughter and garner your favor.

The miracle that pleases a woman and creates life is of your design, Divine Goddess.

With great anticipation, I align all of the energy systems of my body, my soul, and my mind with you.

I give thanks in advance for your blessings of this experience, and know that I walk in the light of your sun, and the fertility of your earth.

Ashe."

The monk remained motionless for a moment, still holding her hands lightly. Chanyn felt energy humming between them.

She ceased to breathe while Jian recited his prayer. When he opened his eyes, she said. "I've never heard a prayer like that. Do you believe all of it?"

"Every word." Jian helped her rise to her feet. "Would you lie back please, Lady Chanyn."

Chanyn stiffened. Though she found this soft-spoken monk easy on the eyes and a delight to the ears, she wasn't quite ready to open her body to him. "What are you going to do to me?"

His still-water eyes pooled. "What I just promised the Goddess. I will please you."

Heat coursed through Chanyn's body. She glanced down at the bed and then back to Jian. He let go of her hands and took a seat on the bed, waiting patiently for her to follow suit. She sat down slowly, her heart racing. A throb arrowing between her legs.

"First I'll undress you," Jian reached his hand towards her.

Chanyn caught him by the wrist.

His eyes widened in surprise.

"I'm sorry," she said letting him go. "I'm just very nervous."

"You're also very strong." He smiled as he rubbed his wrist.

"I've never been naked in front of a man. I've never been naked in front of anyone. My mother did not approve of nudity."

Now that she’d found her voice, she couldn't stop talking.

"I have seen naked pictures before." Chanyn's face immediately heated.

Jian regarded her with those quiet eyes. There was no judgment there.

"I grew up in a library. I was surrounded by books. I know it sounds absurd."

Jian shook his head, apprising her anew. "No, it sounds like heaven. Books are my weakness. I began reading at the age of four."

"I began at three."

"What's your favorite book?"

Chanyn scrunched her nose. "I should say a classic or a religious text to try and impress you."

Jian smiled again, still no judgment in those deep eyes. "You need not bother to impress me. I'm here to serve you."

Chanyn shook her head, relaxing back against the headboard. "I'm not used to that: being served. I served my mother all my life. Now everyone is concerned about my happiness. Except Khial. I don't think he likes me."

"I've never met Lord Khial," Jian said. "But I can tell you that most men are frightened of women. Other men they understand. But women are a different species to them. Touching one of your sex is akin to touching the Goddess herself."

Now Chanyn regarded him. "Were you frightened the first time you touched a woman?"

Jian's mouth tilted in surprise. He leaned in conspiratorially. "I was terrified. I couldn't perform."

Chanyn laughed at this admission. A low chuckle rumbled out of Jian, a soft wave of sound as gentle as his speaking voice. And just like that, she relaxed.

"But that was very long ago, Lady Chanyn."

"Will you just call me Chanyn please? Lady is so formal and we're about to be... not so formal."

Jian bowed his head in acquiescence, "Chanyn."

It sounded different on his tongue without the Lady. Chanyn liked it.

"I will not harm you," Jian said. "If you feel uncomfortable at any moment, you need only say so and I will cease immediately."

She toed off her slippers and swung her feet onto the bed. Lying back onto the mattress, with shaky fingers, she began undoing the ties to her gown.

"My favorite book," she said pulling lose the tie at her collarbone, "is an ancient romance novel called Flowers from the Storm." She reached the second tie below her breasts and pulled. "It’s about a high born man and a religiously devout girl." The final tie rested just above her pubic bone. With trembling fingers that belied her steady voice, Chanyn pulled. "Against all the odds, the two fall in love and live happily ever after."

Chanyn laid her hands on the bed at her sides and glanced up. Jian was not looking at her body. He looked straight into her eyes. His jaw was tight, his expression unreadable. But in an instant his face transformed once more to the serene smile, his eyes guarded.

"May I touch you, Chanyn?"

Chanyn nodded.

Jian placed both hands at the sides of her face. With a featherlight touch, he raked his fingers over her eyes.

"Close your eyes, Chanyn."

She did, smiling as he continued using her name.

Jian touched her lightly, running his hands over her chin, her neck, down to her collarbone. He spread the gown wider. Chanyn felt a flush as she knew he was looking at her nude body. The flush held no hint of shame and her body arched into his roaming hands.

"You are very responsive, Chanyn."

Chanyn's eyes flew open. "Is that a bad thing?"

Jian tore his eyes from her breasts. "No," he smiled. "It makes my job that much easier."

Chanyn felt pleased at this. Jian went back to his manipulative perusal. Instead of closing her eyes, Chanyn watched his long fingers glance over her nipples. She saw her belly quaking at his touch. Her legs pressed together seeking friction. She heard herself panting.

Jian's fingers grazed her brown nipples once more. Chanyn arched of the bed. He placed a calming hand over her collarbone and stared down at her, waiting while her breathing calmed.

"I'm sorry." She gulped down lungful’s of air. "I haven't been touched much in my life."

Jian smiled that nonjudgmental smile again. Then he stood.

Chanyn sat