Fear would not decide for him.
He couldn’t live without this woman. He wouldn’t.
Bane wasn’t halfway in love with her. He was totally, completely, madly, passionately, fully in love. He wanted everything.
And he would not stop until he had it.
* * *
NOLA HOVERED ON at the brink of madness. Once again, something had changed for Bane. Since his arrival, he’d peered at her with awe, touched her as if she were a priceless treasure and whispered the sweetest somethings in her ears.
The thought of sucking on his shaft, of drinking him down, excited her to the extreme. An action she’d sometimes wondered about in the dark of night. “I’ve never done this,” she said, her body fixed between his strong, strapping thighs. “If I mess up...deal. I’ll get better with practice.”
His eyes crinkled at the edges. Fighting a grin? “I’ve never had this,” he admitted. “But I want it from you.”
Not even Meredith had gotten to enjoy this experience with him? A sense of possessiveness unfurled, winding through every inch of her. “You’ve waited long enough, baby. And so have I.”
Leaning down, Nola started at his knee and kissed along his thigh, slowly closing in on the object of her desire. Through the shield of her lashes, she watched his face. His features tightened; he looked like a man on the edge, the tendons on either side of his neck bulging, the veins in his biceps distended. Wet, his hair appeared darker than usual. He had yet to shave, a layer of golden stubble dusting his jaw.
His gaze remained glued to her face, as if he couldn’t force himself to glance away. He shook. Well, well. Sweet little Nola Lee had made this incredibly powerful male tremble, and the knowledge went straight to her head. Like a drug.
“Ready?” she purred.
Had he tensed? “Beyond,” he rasped.
Trembling with excitement, she licked the crown of his shaft, tasting a hint of salt. His body jerked, a ragged groan leaving him. The taste...that groan...perfection. Her lids turned heavy, her thoughts dimming. More.
“Nola,” he croaked, his fingers in her hair. “Don’t stop. Please, don’t stop.”
Now he begs me. Precious alien. “Never stop.” She sucked on the head for a bit, drawing ragged growls. Then she opened wide and devoured as much of his length as possible. The tip hit the back of her throat, and he jerked once again, white-knuckling the sides of the bench, as if he was afraid he would get too rough with her.
Nola wanted rough.
She gobbled him up, a little clumsily at first, but he reveled in everything she did, hoarse sounds spilling from him. Sounds that grew louder as she quickened her pace, working her mouth up and down, up and down.
“This is... Never knew... Need...every day...” The harshness of his voice only made her hunger worse.
Nola wanted him out of his mind with arousal. As I am. Her core ached, and her blood simmered. Did she detect his heartbeat along their bond, racing and pounding?
When she cupped his testicles—they’d drawn up so tight—he released his hoarsest growl yet.
“More,” he pleaded.
Up, down. Faster.
“Ah, dove, you make me... I need to come. If you don’t want—”
She sucked harder. Mine! She’d earned every drop, and she would settle for nothing less.
As she tugged on his balls, he threw back his head and bellowed his satisfaction, hot jets of pleasure lashing her throat. She swallowed, and oh, yes, yes, yes. Better than a cocktail of drugs. Instant high, her arousal soaring off the charts.
Nola relinquished his shaft with an audible pop. “Bane,” she said, his name a supplication. The act had been everything she’d hoped and more. Better. Lips tingling, she rocked back on her haunches. Tremors plagued her. Need overwhelmed her.
Expression infinitely tender, he gently stroked two fingers along her jawline. “You couldn’t be more precious, dove. Thank you.”
“Bane,” she repeated. What she wished to say, she didn’t know how to articulate. She’d never wanted, needed, desire, craved anyone or anything the way she wanted, needed, desired, craved Bane. “Please.”
His shaft hardened right before her eyes. Stroking himself, he said, “You require your man.”
She nodded, yes, yes, and he slipped his hands under her arms, forcing her to stand. He lowered his grip to her hips and spun her, then stood and placed her palms against the tiles.
“You will have me. All of me,” he said, and kicked her legs apart. “Do not move from this position.”
Cool air kissed her most intimate place, tremors rocking her sensitized body. “Wh-what will you do?”
“Anything I wish.” He squeezed her breasts, pinched her nipples and traced his hands down her sides before teasing her clitoris. “You’ve never been so wet. You loved sucking me off, didn’t you?”
“I did.” Why play coy? “I’m ready for more.”
Bane settled his shaft at her opening. “You are the forge, and I am the sword. I make you stronger, you make me better. Together, we can accomplish anything.”
Everything inside her softened for this man. “Oh, Bane.”
He placed a tender kiss at the corner of her eye, on her cheek. Then...
He plunged inside of her.
The combination of his tender and ferocious ministrations shoved her over the edge. Another climax hit so fast and hard, she could only throw back her head and scream.
Pleasure. Bliss. Rapture. He filled her up, stretching her. He owned her...just as she owned him?
But the jerk ceased moving. Why had he ceased moving? “Bane! I’m not done. Want more!”
“I’ll never be done.” He pulled out, almost all the way, and she whimpered. Then he stirred his hips and plunged once again. And again. And again. Yes! Yes! Harder. Faster. He was merciless, ruthless—perfect. She arched her back, meeting his every inward thrust. “As your climax rages, your inner walls squeeze my cock. You are killing me with pleasure...”
“Please!”
He rammed into her with bruising force, and she loved it, needed it. Ram, ram. Harder, faster. Faster still. Skin slapped together. She moaned and groaned and panted every labored breath, her heart thundering, desire like lightning. She knew his heart thundered, too, their reactions synced.
One man, one woman, two halves of a whole. A fanciful thought, yes, but also reality. This...he...made life worth living.
He threaded his fingers through her hair and angled her head to bare neck. Dipping down, he bit the cord of her neck, sending shock waves coursing through her—
“Bane!” Another explosive climax ripped through her, her body singing.
With a final, rampaging thrust, he followed her over the edge, roaring, coming in hot lashes.
Nola’s mind momentarily blanked. By the time the lights flickered on, she and Bane were both panting, his chest resting against her back. Her muscles were lax, her limbs boneless. Any minute, she would collapse, sinking into a coma of satisfaction.
He kissed her temple, then returned to the bench, dragging her with him. As she curled into a ball on his lap, she tried not to worry about his reaction to their lovemaking.
And that was what they’d done, right? Made love.
If he tensed up and went all guilty again...
“I have endless questions for you,” he said, kissing her temple. “I’d like to know you better and eagerly await every detail about your life.”
Truly? She ran her hands up his chest. Soft skin, hard muscles. Not sinking her nails into his skin, holding him in place lest he decide to bolt, required every ounce of her willpower. She was sated and quivering, genuinely content for the first time in...ever. Such a wild, wonderous feeling! Of course, with her luck, it wouldn’t last.
A buzz of foreboding drew her notice, and she nearly yelled in frustration. Not he
re, not now.
Too bad, so sad.
Thoughts came, and they carried pitchforks and torches. At some point, Bane would recall Nola had the ability to retrieve his wife from the past and grant him the life he’d always dreamed of having. Would resentment flare like a disease? Would he default to contempt?
Why not remind him and get the process started and over with?
“You hate queens,” she said, kicking things off.
“Do I?” With a teasing tone, he replied, “I don’t find you so objectionable right now.”
“Oh la la. I’m not objectionable.” She rolled her eyes, saying, “Stop, before your praise goes to my head.”
He nipped her earlobe. “I see the orgasms failed to improve your mood.”
She lifted her head, shocked to find him completely at ease, with no hint of stress. The teasing light had even migrated to his eyes, brightening his golden irises. “Have you forgotten what I can do? Who I can save?”
“I have everything I desire.”
“But—”
The jerk began to tickle her. Nola laughed hysterically while trying to beg for mercy. But the more she laughed, the more his expression veered into wonder, until she never wanted it to end.
“Tell me your favorite anything, and why,” he said. “Only then will the torment stop.”
Has to end before I pee myself! “Okay, okay.” This playful side of her ultraserious warrior was doing strange, fluttery things to her insides. “My favorite things. Let’s see. Color—gold.”
“Like me.”
“Like jewelry.”
He pouted, and she laughed.
“Season,” she said, picking up where she left off. “Winter. When I was bedbound and it snowed, Vale’s school would close, and she’d get to stay with me, watching movies. Food—donuts. Delicious! In fact, Vale and I once planned to open a donut shop together. What about you? What are your favorites?”
“Wait. You planned to sell sweet treats?”
“Yep.”
His lips quirked, making all the fluttering worse. “Anytime you wish to sell donuts, I’m willing to buy. Kisses are my currency.”
“You heard the part about liking jewelry, right? I only accept precious gems and gold.”
The grin widened. “Orgasms are more valuable, and I have an endless supply to give.”
“Then Nola’s Tricks For Treats Shop is open for business.”
A laugh burst from him, and she almost swooned like a Victorian maiden.
“I owe you my favorites,” he said. “Color? Blue. Season? Dark and stormy, no matter the time of year. We have no alternating seasons in Adwaeweth. The dome controls the weather. Food? You.” He nipped at her chin. “Because...delicious.”
She smiled. She melted. When this guy decided to show a girl romance, he freaking showed a girl romance. “Someone is crushing on me hard, huh?”
“My apologies.” He lifted and resettled her, letting her wrap her legs around his waist. “Better?”
Amused and delighted, she laughed. He’d tickled and teased the troubles right out of her. “Crushing on someone is a figure of speech. It means you’re into me. Digging my vibe. Gaga for Nola-puffs.”
“Can you blame me? The brilliant wit...bright smile...seductive heat...and addictive scent. This exquisite face...pert breasts...mmm, the honeyed portal to paradise.” Every place he mentioned, he touched, making her moan. “I never stood a chance. No one does. It’s not even fair.”
Those compliments...messing with my head. A swell of affection crashed over her. “Like you aren’t packing a ton of heat yourself, bad boy. That incredible intensity...killer grin...dry wit. This gorgeous face...those soft lips...these hard muscles...your mouthwatering musk, your devastating smile and mating call of a laugh. Your incomparable touch.” Following his example, she touched the body parts she mentioned. “This jumbotron of an erection.”
His jaw slackened. He gulped. “Tell me your favorite memory.”
“Right this second.” Brushing the tip of her nose against his, she said, “And you?”
“Right this second,” he echoed with a nod. “I have a feeling this day will be branded in my memory and resurrected, each and every time I climax solo.”
She offered him the sauciest grin she could manage. “I’m your spank bank fodder? Aw. I’m honored.” This man is as good as mine. Nola Lee had herself a genuine boyfriend! “Okay, I don’t mean to ruin our afterglow or anything, but I’m too curious. What happened with Micah after I left?” This change in him...
“I simply realized you were never the unworthy one. I was. I didn’t—don’t—deserve you, but I want and need you.” He cupped her cheeks, meeting her gaze with all the intensity she’d praised. “You are—”
A light tap, tap sounded at the door. “Judging by the moans and groans I heard, I’m guessing Bane has returned,” Zion called. “Now that you’ve got your reunion out of the way, come out and see the gift I have for you.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
The romantic getaway is over. Now what?
DAMN ZION’S POOR TIMING.
Heart like a freight train, riding his ribs like rails, Bane untangled from Nola and stood. Though he’d experienced complete satisfaction mere moments ago, his nerves were raw and exposed, the rest of him knocked off-kilter. He wanted her back in his arms. She was the center of the storm. His calm. But she was also the storm itself.
To resist primal temptation, he had to draw from a reservoir of strength he’d reserved for emergencies. Didn’t help that the beast wanted her back in his arms, too, and battered his skull in protest. Never had the fiend reacted this way to another. Hungry for a specific female, possessive of her and vulnerable to her. Totally out of control. Wild and fearful.
If anything were to happen to her...
Nothing will happen. I will protect her life with my own.
She stood and rested her head against his shoulder, as if she couldn’t bear to part from him. Pang. When he held her like this, he couldn’t regret the hardships that had brought them together.
To experience this time with her, he would gladly suffer anything.
“I hoped to cuddle you right this time,” he said, bending to kiss her nape. At the site of contact, goose bumps broke out.
“Okay,” she said. “What happened to my stoic grumble bear?”
Grumble bear? “He met you.” He cupped her beautiful face and brushed the tip of his nose against hers, then pressed a tender kiss to her puffy, well-loved lips. “I’m keeping you, Nola. Do you understand what that means?”
Her eyes widened. “I think I do. Maybe.” Water droplets clung to her lashes, and a flush stained her cheeks. “I mean, you’re looking at me like I’m your next meal, and you currently don’t want me going back for Meredith.”
“Currently?” She thinks I will change my mind?
Heat descended over his spine, quickly spreading to his limbs. “I will never want you going back.” Forgive me, Meredith.
When his wife needed him most, Bane had failed her. He wished she had lived, but even if she’d materialized right here, right now, he suspected things would be different between them.
The admission gutted him. The years apart had changed him. He wasn’t the man Meredith had loved, and she wasn’t the woman he...needed.
He could be a prisoner of his past no longer. He’d made mistakes, yes, and had earned punishments, but an eternal sentence wasn’t necessary.
The time had come to pardon himself. To let go and say goodbye to his wife at long last. Only then could he truly embrace a future with Nola. And he yearned for a future with her. Before she entered his life, he’d had nothing but a heart brimming with hate.
Knowing Zion waited outside the door, but unwilling to part with his queen, Bane said, “I have a confession. Several, in fact. After we deal with Zio
n, I will eat my dessert. But we won’t deal with Zion until I’ve told you that you’ve already changed the past. When you revisited the memory of your parents’ death, Aveline noticed you. She compared you to Jayne, a former queen able to manipulate memories and change the past. In order to do so, however, she had to perform a human sacrifice. I think you must do the same, because I believe you come from Jayne’s line.”
Nola blanched. “Are you saying I can time-travel in corporal form if I murder someone?”
He held her gaze and nodded.
She sputtered for a bit before grating, “Who? Why? How?”
“Who—anyone. Why—blood is life, life is power. How—any way you wish.”
She stumbled back. “Now I really don’t understand. A single measly murder, and you can have your wife back. Like, I can think of a ton of people who deserve to serve as a sacrifice.”
Measly murder? “When I said I wanted you, only you, I meant it.”
Confusion drew a crease between her brows. “But why?”
Had he insulted her so many times, in so many ways, his compliments hadn’t registered? The guilt... “Dove, you are the most beautiful female I’ve ever beheld. The strongest, the bravest. The sweetest, and the wittiest. I could pluck you from a crowd of millions.”
Eyes wide again, pupils expanding, she stared up at him. Steam enveloped her in a dreamy haze, and Bane edged closer.
“But,” he added, “Meredith wouldn’t want a murder committed in cold-blood to bring her back. She believed in battle, honor and consequences.”
“Who said anything about cold-blooded? I could do it during the heat of battle, just the way she prefers. Heck, I could even use Aveline when she shows up.”
The whole time she spoke, he shook his head with savage determination and yes, growing fury. He’d made a decision, and he wouldn’t reverse it. Why did Nola continue to insist on this?
Ready to be rid of me?
Could he blame her if so? No. But he grappled with his temper, anyway.
Before he left this bathroom, he would cement their relationship.
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