The Awakening Read Online Free Page A

undeniably erotic , but she could not seem to separate herself from it all.  She felt free and light, and knew that for the first time in her life she was actually drunk.  The wine she’d had earlier had been sweet and cool, unlike any she’d ever tasted, with no hint of bitterness of fermentation, and so she had gulped it down like water, finding an ill-placed sense of security in having drank wine for most of her life. 
                  But now, she was fast finding that she should have listened to Vardra and Dominic, for her head seemed to swim and her thoughts were quickly becoming entangled and confused.  She could think only of the music, and the heat that was growing deep inside of her, and how desperately she needed to ease the ache that seemed to be demanding something more than an innocent caress.  She was aware of hands on and around her, gentle, inquisitive, seductive and arousing, and she moved against them, desperate to know their secrets. 
                  And then Dominic was there, larger than life.  For a moment she thought him angry, but then he smiled and took her hand in his to pull her gently along behind as he searched for Vardra .  He found her quickly, moving to pull her almost aggressively against him, and Thais stared in wonderment as his lips found hers and the two of them kissed.  It was enchanting , endearing, and arousing, and Thais smiled, sharing their connection and feeling her own heart swell with love for them both.
                  “Come, our Lord has finally decided to make an appearance and prefers we share his company alone for a time tonight.”  Dominic’s voice was warm and thick.  Thais could feel his desire for Vardra , and could also feel the woman’s heated need as her body responded in kind.
                  “You are both so beautiful,” Thais blurted out , her voice laced with awe and wonderment, and they each turned to look down at her where she had been forgotten for a moment.
                  And then Thais hiccupped.
                  Vardra could not help herself at all, and began to giggle as she pulled Thais into her arms to hug her, seeing the younger woman weave and sway from the combined effects of the wine and the celebrations.
                  “I think we’ve already had this discussion,” Vardra teased, and she eased Thais between herself and Dominic as they moved to walk back up the gentle slope of the hill, that they might support her better.   They made their way slowly and carefully through the blankets and bodies scattered among and within one another, laughing softly at Thais’ whispered comments along the way.
                  “There are three of them there,” she exclaimed as she pointed to one blanket where two men and one woman were making love.  She stopped and would have watched, mystified and moved by the genuine emotion that surrounded them all, but Dominic and Vardra gently ushered her along.
                  “It is all just so very - beautiful ,” she breathed as they continued, a word fast becoming her mantra for the evening.  She could not hide her fascination as they moved quickly and quietly like wraiths among so many men and women coupling without fear of curious eyes, lost to themselves and the night.  It was natural and moving to the spirit to feel the purity of it, and it seemed to her that their journey ended all too soon when they at last came to stand before Aramis, who was waiting none too patiently for their return. 
                  He raised an eyebrow when he noticed her current state, and could not help but indulge in a small grin. 
                  “I see she has been sampling our wine,” Aramis said, and the moment he spoke Thais felt the power of him brush against her soul.  She came to an immediate stop so abrupt that Dominic and Vardra both almost tumbled over