Did she mean… “You’re here with me.”
“Yes.” Irritation flashed. Her chin lifted in an imperious manner, her glare full of challenge.
A jolt of heat leapt through him and he literally felt blood crowd into his already hard cock. Her anger and clear exasperation acted like an aphrodisiac, firing his body to unheard of heights of pleasure. His eyes narrowed while he worked to tamp down the impulse to shove his cock inside her tight cunt and fuck her hard. Was she implying her visit to the temple had something to do with him? While his mind circled the information, she tried to wriggle away. Wasn’t gonna happen. He placed his hand on her belly, using his strength to hold her.
“Keep still,” he confirmed his demand with sharp words.
“Why? You’re not doing anything.”
“But I’m going to.”
“Promises, promises,” she snapped.
He chuckled. “You watch too much satellite television.”
“How else am I going to keep up with women’s rights when I’m here in the jungle?” Although her words remained sharp, she ceased her struggles, silently surrendering to his will. Her submission played havoc with his body. An ache sprang up in his balls and beads of pre-cum leaked from his slit, coating the head of his cock. He noticed her scanning his body, her gaze coming to rest at his groin. Her tongue darted out and she lapped across her bottom lip, the innocent flash of pink getting to him.
“Do you want to taste?” Damn, he was going to explode at her first touch.
“Can I?”
He swallowed, tempted beyond reason. Finally in self-preservation, he shook his head. “Later. I promise.” Hell, he’d stick to the basics at the moment, and even then, he wasn’t sure he’d manage to hold his shit together.
Before she could offer an opinion, he ran his tongue down her cleft. Immediately she froze and he grinned against her plump folds. He rasped his tongue across the delicate tissues again, smiling at the quiver of her belly and the tiny whimper. While he licked, he probed her entrance with a single finger. Her tight flesh clung as he dipped and delved. She trembled.
“Kersen.”
He raised his head. “Yes?”
“Don’t you dare stop!”
“I won’t,” he promised, an easy assurance to make since he needed her so bad. The sweet honey taste of her rippled across his tongue while each panting breath and cry she made sounded like music to his ears. More. He needed more right now. The need to go slow warred with the intense ache in his balls. His cock won the fight. Damn, just the thought of sinking into her warmth had him quivering like a green kitten. He withdrew his fingers, ignoring their tremor and guided his cock to her entrance. With one thrust he surged inside, going balls-deep in an easy plunge. The pleasure—it held him in its grip. He panted, enclosed in her sweet cunt, vaguely wondering if she was taking herbs to prevent conception. Not that a child would bother him, but he didn’t want her to feel trapped. Kersen needed to know she came to him of her own free will. “Are you taking something to prevent pregnancy?” he blurted.
“Of course. I don’t take risks. I can feel you throbbing deep inside me,” she purred, dismissing the subject.
“I’m frightened to move,” he said frankly. Pique flitted through his mind, but he knew she was right. Children were a discussion for the future.
Her eyes widened before a smile bloomed on her full lips. “I turn you on that much?”
“You do.” Might as well go for total honesty. Truth seemed to work for Jarita, judging by the delighted smile on her face.
“If you move, I will explode. I promise you.”
The pleasure rippling through Kersen blindsided him. The knowledge that he affected her tightened his chest with emotion. “Then let’s explode together,” Kersen said, taking her lips in a hard kiss while he set up a rhythm of thrust and withdraw. The flecks of gold in her eyes gleamed, and he was almost sorry when her lids closed. Instead he watched her face, her lips, while he pushed deep, her pussy stretching to accommodate his size. He pistoned his hips in time with the tempo drumming in his ears. Hard. Fast. Struggling to hold on until she came. The base of his spine prickled and he groaned at the intense burst of heated tingles. She felt so fuckin’ good beneath his straining body.
“Come now,” he gritted out, his finger squeezing between their bodies to rub over her slippery clit. The hard nub pulsed beneath his fingers, and she moaned, her pussy clamping around his cock. All the air squeezed from his lungs and fire swarmed through him. Jets of semen blasted from his cock and all he was aware of was the acute pleasure and the sting of sharp claws raking his back.
Jarita’s eyes flickered open and she watched him in awe, the way his head was thrown back in release, his teeth clenched with his sharp canines protruding a fraction. She felt the pulse of his cock as it contracted, prolonging the pleasure rippling through her pussy. The male was so beautiful, and at the moment, all hers. Her hands traced over his back, learning the hard, masculine contours of his body. When she glanced at his face, she saw his eyes and the heat in them brought a gasp.
“I don’t even know if you came.” The husky timbre of his voice made her body clench. Everything about the male was sexy.
“I did, but feel free to make me come again.”
He chuckled. “I knew we’d suit.”
Jarita stilled, staring up at him in puzzlement. “What do you mean?”
“Last night I asked your father and brothers for permission to court you.”
“But you’re a tiger.”
“You have a problem with that?”
“No! I agreed and voted accordingly. It’s the only way to progress into the future. It’s just a mixed marriage hasn’t happened yet. Um…what did my father say?”
He scrutinized her intently and her stomach churned. “Yes, as long as I pay the bride price, and of course that you’re agreeable with the offer.”
Happiness zapped through her, but she couldn’t speak past the lump of emotion clogging her throat. She gave a rough cough, her entire body jerking. Kersen hissed. She froze. “Did I hurt you?”
“Hell, no.” He twisted so he lay beneath her and she was draped over his chest. “When you coughed your cunt squeezed me. I’m still hard as a rock.”
Jarita kissed him, her heart full. “Maybe you should swim in the stream. That’s cold enough to deflate you.”
“I can think of a better way.”
Her stomach did a funny little flip. He wanted to court her, mate with her. “What is the bride price?”
“A ruby necklace for you and one to give your family.”
Jarita snorted. “Probably for Garack. My brother has no artistic talent but needs a bride price if he wishes to court Azura.”
“I don’t mind.” He played with a lock of her hair, the intimate action giving her a warm feeling inside.
Jarita squirmed, feeling his hard cock stretching her each time she moved. His breathing was deep but a trifle unsteady and her mouth dried as desire flared inside. She needed him again. Jarita pushed to her knees, changing the angle of their bodies. Immediately she felt fuller, but frenzied shivers of excitement kicked in her stomach and the glow of approval in Kersen’s eyes fed her hunger. She rocked, lifting a fraction and sinking back down. She danced in a seductive rhythm, tightening her inner muscles and glorying in his open pleasure.
“Touch yourself,” he said in a hoarse whisper.
“Where? Tell me where you want me to touch myself.” A new exciting game, and one he liked the sound of, if the glitter in his eyes was anything to judge by.
“Cup your breasts. Show me how you like to be touched.”
She rose and fell on his cock. With great daring she dampened a single finger in her cream then lightly circled one pouting nipple.
“Again.”
Swallowing, Jarita repeated the move, sliding her finger over her clit each time and painting her breast with delicate precision.
“When we’ve finished, I’m going to lick ever
y bit of that off.”
His sultry promise made her shudder and powerful desire kicked in her belly. With a thundering heart she quickened her rocking, no longer in the mood to tease. Her orgasm swelled like a storm, sensation building layer upon layer until she whimpered, raw need filling her in a riptide.
“Faster,” he commanded, his face contorted in a mask of pleasured pain.
She obeyed, her breasts bouncing with the force of her snapping hips. The sound of flesh slapping together echoed in the clearing. Jarita slid her fingers over her swollen nub and suddenly hot pleasure spilled free. The violent spasm took her like a giant wave, her body reacting with a surge of wetness. She slumped against his chest, each breath emerging with a harsh sound.
Kersen rolled her over and plunged into her. Once. Twice. Then he let out a heartfelt groan, stilling as his semen jetted into her cunt, splashing against the mouth of her womb. He clutched her tight, making her feel wanted. Loved. When he kissed her, a gentle brushing of lips, it brought tears to her eyes. She could hardly believe he’d wanted her enough to approach her family.
He separated their bodies and immediately she mourned for the close contact. Kersen bent and scooped her off the ground, surprising a squeak from her.
“Let me wash you.”
Jarita relaxed against his chest, loving the rich scent of him—a hint of musk and something clean and green, not that different from the perfume she favored. The muscles of his chest flexed when he carried her to the stream, each of his steps silent but still disturbing the colorful butterflies flitting across the grasses and wildflowers.
“I can wash myself,” she said.
“Why?” He paused to look down at her. “Why, when I would take such pleasure in cleansing you?”
She shivered as a delicate tickle slithered through her stomach and lower to ripple through her pussy. “Um, okay.” Just the thought of him touching her with his big hands, with any part of his body, made her want to squirm. He stepped into the water, graceful despite his size, with barely a splash and sank low.
“That’s cold.”
“Don’t be a baby,” he murmured before taking the tip of one breast into his mouth. The suction of his mouth and bite of his teeth sent her soaring. She curled her hands into his broad shoulders, forgetting about the cold, her head tilting back to enjoy the sensations racing through her. One big hand slid up her leg, coasting along the sensitive skin of her inner thigh. His fingers traced in ever-increasing circles, moving closer and closer to her drenched core.
“I thought we were cleaning up,” she said on a rush.
“We are, baby, but I enjoy touching you. I promised I’d lick the juices off your breasts.” His eyes fluttered closed for an instant and she watched his pink tongue lap across the curve of one breast. His eyes opened and they stared at each other for a long, heart-stopping moment. “I love the way you respond to me, and I especially like the way you wanted to make an offering at the temple. For me.”
Jarita bolted upright, both angry and embarrassed. The masculine satisfaction was clear. She opened her mouth to contest the claim before shutting it again, her teeth clacking in an audible sound. It was the truth. She could hardly refute reality.
“Mine,” he said, eyes glowing, and before she could disagree or comment, he’d moved her body, his mouth at her pussy. She floated awkwardly while watching him. The rasp of his rough tongue made her groan weakly. Damn, that felt good, even better than his mouth suckling her breast. Slowly he dragged his tongue back the other way, curling it around and over her clit. He massaged the tiny bundle of nerves, tormenting her cruelly until she wanted to beg.
“Kersen.” She could have cried when he lifted his head.
“I love hearing my name on your lips. The way you say it.”
In the distance a troop of monkeys started to shriek, their cries of alarm echoing beneath the jungle canopy. A gun fired and birds flocked to the air, filling the sky with a burst of color and activity.
Kersen let her go and Jarita stood, cocking her head, listening intently. Heavy footsteps thrummed underfoot, a distinct animal smell bringing a snarl from Kersen.
“Elephants, and heavily loaded.”
“Who do you think they are?”
“Probably some of the opium lord’s men,” Kersen said. “They won’t find this clearing. We’re safe here.”
“I’m not scared. I am trained to fight.”
Kersen’s hands clamped on her shoulders and he turned her to face him. “As a last resort. My woman does not need to fight.”
Jarita drew a sharp breath. “I am not your woman.”
“Aren’t you?”
They stared at each other intently, as if danger wasn’t approaching. Her heart beat in three distinct pumps and she nodded, acknowledging the truth. “I’m yours,” she said. “But that doesn’t mean you can boss me around. We’ll be partners.”
“Of course.” The words were smooth and what she wanted to hear, but she bristled. It was obvious he didn’t mean them. Yet. She would show him, turn his mind to her way of thinking. A private smile flitted across her lips. This would be fun, and if he thought his threats of spanking would put her off, he could think again.
Chapter Three
Tension thrummed through Kersen. The elephants were slowly moving closer, and if he concentrated, he could hear the murmur of men’s voices. Since they spoke English, he didn’t think they were part of the opium lord’s team of men. More likely ruby hunters.
“Get dressed, Jarita.” Kersen grabbed his longyi and wound it around his waist as he spoke.
“What are we going to do?”
“I came to mine some rubies for your bride price. That’s what I’ll do. The elephants are probably traveling through to the village to provision. No one knows of the ruby mines here except our people.” Because they dispatched anyone who wandered this area and made it seem dangerous to the curious. Whispered rumors did the rest, scaring away the inquisitive.
“You’ll let me help choose the rubies?”
Kersen couldn’t resist touching, running his hand down her back and letting it come to rest on her ass. His. “Yes. Come.” He bent to right his sandals and thrust his feet into them. “Having you help me choose the stones will add to the value of the bride price.”
She smiled brightly, making him feel like a prince. His body felt loose and relaxed after their lovemaking. His woman showed both strength and love. They would have beautiful children together.
“Shift to leopard,” he said, standing back to give her room. “The entrance to the cave we found is here but we’ll need to enter carefully and take care not to leave signs.” Kersen waited until she’d shifted and pointed to a tree at the far side of the clearing. “Climb the tree but leave room for me to move past.”
Jarita didn’t move, merely blinked at him and waited.
Cursing under his breath at her determination, he smoothly morphed to tiger and led the way to the tree he’d indicated. With a powerful leap, he scaled the branches, walking along a sturdy one until rock lay beneath instead of grasses. He dropped onto the weathered surface and sat on his haunches, waiting for Jarita. She never hesitated at the six-foot jump, landing at his side in relative silence. Proud of her, he rubbed his head along her flanks before swiping his tongue over her face. A contented purr escaped despite the continuing march of the elephants. They sounded closer now, but he knew the path branched off and assumed they’d continue to the village where the security force would track them. They’d deal with them civilly at first, taking stronger measures if necessary. The last thing the shifters wanted was to attract the attention of the military regime who ruled the country.
Kersen padded across the rock, climbing rapidly before leaping down onto a ledge. Once confident that Jarita followed, he prowled along it until he reached a crevice. It was a narrow fit for him but Jarita wouldn’t have a problem. He squeezed through, wriggling and forcing back the slight panic he always felt in the close atmosphere. Once in
side, he paused to let his eyes adjust to the darkness and for Jarita to join him. Kersen sensed rather than felt her at his side. He made a rumbling sound and she rubbed against him in reassurance. His breath eased out in a puff of warm air before he moved off, his steps rapid and confident despite the lack of light. Having Jarita at his side, her calm presence helped him concentrate on the mission instead of the dark pressing in on him.
The sudden echo of a man’s voice froze Kersen in place. The bob of lights piercing the shadows indicated the presence of several men. Jarita moved up alongside him, and he could feel the tension in her body.
“Damn, these rubies are good quality.”
The man was just around the bend of the cave but hadn’t heard them.
“Yeah, the woman from the village really came through for me. Stupid slut. She thinks I’m going to marry her.” The man’s smug tone made Kersen take umbrage. Although the woman was a traitor, she obviously trusted the man enough to confide shifter secrets. None of them shared information about their species without carefully weighing the consequences.
A third man spoke, his voice low and gritty. “She doesn’t know about your wife?”
“No, and I’m not about to tell her. The woman’s cunt is tight and sweet. The fucking is bloody good.”
Jarita bristled beside him, taking half a step forward before Kersen growled in a low warning.
“What was that? Did you hear something?” the first man demanded.
“Huh. You see ghosts where there are none,” the second man said, his tone a sneer full of jeering laughter.
“Didn’t you hear anything?” The first man spoke again.
“No. Let’s get these buckets of gravel outside, ready for the elephants to haul to the sluice.”
Thumping and harsh grinding interspersed with grunts while the men dumped shovel loads of gravel into buckets.
Kersen waited even though every inch of him quivered with the need to attack. He couldn’t take the chance, not if he wanted to keep Jarita safe. No telling what these men would do to her since ruby hunters were a depraved lot. She wasn’t safe in either form.
Price of Love Page 3