“Did you know Brother Rick instructed the women in the shop to price every item at a dollar?”
His dark brows shot toward his hairline. “You’re kidding. Even I know the products you make are worth more than a dollar.”
She made a scoffing sound deep in her throat. It emerged as a frustrated growl. “They have sales on Wednesdays and sell everything for fifty cents.”
“Hell. What did you do?”
“I told Sister Allison Marigold they weren’t covering the costs of my raw ingredients and suggested prices more in line with reality.”
“Good for you.”
“I can’t believe it never occurred to me to check before. Normally, I unload and head back to the compound without entering the front of the shop. Brother Rick will hear and punish me.”
“You mean making you work every hour of the day and night and restricting your meals isn’t enough.”
She drew patterns on the ground with her sandal.
“I’m a soldier. I notice everything.”
He spoke the truth. No one else noticed she wasn’t making the most of her looks. “Has anyone ever told you you’re a smartass?”
“Nikolai and Louie, usually when I’m flirting with their wives.” The corners of his eyes crinkled again. “Come here.”
She allowed him to draw her closer, and that was when nerves ran roughshod through her. Every sound around her amplified—the bubble of the water, the singing of a thrush over in a tree to their right, the harshness of her breaths.
“It’s okay to feel apprehensive. We don’t have to do this.”
Sorrel sent him a sharp look. He meant it. He’d stop if she wanted him to go no further. It was this knowledge that settled her apprehension, made her realize she wanted this with both her head and her heart. “It’s true I’m a bit nervous, but I want this. You make me feel safe.”
“Would it help if I undressed first? We could even have a swim. It’s warm enough today.”
“A swim?”
“Yeah, you know. You get in the water and splash around.”
“I can’t swim.”
“Do you want me to give you a lesson?”
She found herself nodding, intrigued by the idea. Brother Rick had left the compound. He wouldn’t notice if she was late back. Besides, with the two of them working on making products, she had extra stuff ready to load into the handcarts.
“Strip. Last one in is a rotten egg.” He kicked off his sandals and flung off his robe and removed a knife from around his thigh in a frenzy of movement. In the sunlight, his chest was broad and tanned, the hair on his chest sparse but masculine. He peeled off tight white boxer-briefs. She caught a quick glance of a partial erection before he whirled away, running for the swimming hole. He plunged into the water, laughing in the manner of a gleeful child.
“But he doesn’t look like a child,” she whispered, unable to tear her gaze off him. A few days of good food made him appear healthier, and he was tanned all over. He bore scars on his back, although they didn’t make him less in her eyes.
“Rotten egg,” he taunted.
“I-you’re beautiful.”
“Do you realize I have a front row seat now? I can watch you disrobe at my leisure.” There was a distinct dare in his voice.
“I’m not scared.”
“You haven’t seen my best leer yet.”
Sorrel removed her sandals and set them together in a precise manner. She angled her back to him and felt the weight of his attention in the middle of her shoulder blades. Self-protection tempted her to flee, but that was the old Sorrel, the one everyone called Bitter. She was better than that, more than the colorless woman everyone taunted.
With her back remaining to him, she lifted the robe over her head. She folded it to give herself longer to gather courage. Shedding her layers of protection was much harder than she’d thought it would be. She sucked in a hoarse breath and unwound the binding that kept her breasts flat against her chest. Then went the padding she used to fill out her robe and make her appear plump.
Her breasts prickled at both the cooler air and the lack of restraint. Her next breath came more easily and was a sugar rush to her head. She expected freedom tasted much the same—unfettered joy.
Clad in her panties, she hesitated before whisking them down to leave her naked in more ways than one. Swallowing twice, she turned to gauge Jake’s reaction. He stood, wading to the edge of the river to meet her. His gaze skimmed her from head to foot and back again.
“God, Sorrel. You’re gorgeous. You have a body made for a bikini.”
“I don’t have one of those either.” Some of her uncertainty faded.
“You will,” he promised. “Come on in. The water’s fine.” He extended his hand, and she took it.
His inner strength helped to bolster her bravery. She stepped into the water and froze, the water lapping against her thighs. “It’s cold.”
“Only at first. The best way is to jump in. I’ll give you a kiss as a reward,” he added, his gaze tracking across her again.
If it was any other man looking at her, she would’ve faltered, but not with Jake. He made her feel good about herself. Steeling herself, she plunged deeper, the chill a wake-up tonic to her skin. She tingled from head to foot, her nakedness feeling natural instead of something she needed to hide in order to stay safe.
“The water is freezing.”
“Come here,” he said roughly. He wrapped his arms around her, drawing her against his chest. His lips came down on hers. Hard. Consuming, leaving her in little doubt of his mindset.
She kissed him back, releasing the last of her reserve. His beard tickled her chin and cheeks while his lips were soft and warm. He pulled back a fraction, resting his forehead against hers.
“How long have you been wearing your disguise?” His fingers trailed across her cheek and down her neck. His hand came to rest on her shoulder, leaving a fiery trail of sensation everywhere he touched. “Sorrel?”
“Since my early teens. My mother told me I was too young to deal with male attention.”
“Their loss, my gain. What about the guy who took your virginity?”
She snorted. “He was so excited he never noticed my padding. We lifted our robes and a few seconds later it was over.”
Jake cursed softly and brushed a flyaway hair from her cheek.
“Do I look all right?” She bit down on her bottom lip, wanting to recall the words as soon as she spoke them. “Don’t answer that.”
“I’ll show you how much I like you.”
A trace of shyness crept into her. “Okay.”
Instead of taking her into his arms again, he took two steps back. A mischievous expression darted onto his face as he scooped up a handful of water and splashed her.
The cool water hit her in the chest, startling a scream of surprise from her. His rumble of laughter jolted her from her shock. Right.
“This is war.” She splashed him in return, throwing herself at him at the same time. A chuckle burst from her, foreign yet it warmed her inside. She splashed and kicked, limbs wet and slippery. Laughter spilled from both of them as Jake flicked handfuls of water in return, grabbing her arms and legs and holding her captive. Each touch sent longing through her. Need.
“Enough,” he growled, yanking her against him. His erection was full and hard and dug into her belly. He pressed a quick kiss on her lips, grasped one hand and led her from the water.
“We’re wet. How are we going to dry ourselves?”
“We’ll air dry,” he said, as if it was unimportant. “Lie on the blanket for me. Let me look at you properly.”
She basked in the attention even though shyness struck her too. He seemed so big, looming over her.
“God, you’re sexy. All smooth skin and curves.” His face was serious, yet she could see the banked emotion in him. He sprawled beside her, so close she could feel his body heat.
Sorrel couldn’t take her eyes off him. Without his robe, he was mor
e masculine, more everything, and the expression in his eyes… He was looking at her as if he found her beautiful.
She reached out, wanting to touch him, to test his flesh beneath her fingers. She inhaled his scent, the green tang of the grasses and trees around them. The fresh, almost crisp scent of the river water and the underlying herbal fragrance of the soap she’d made for him.
The skin of his biceps was smooth, a little chilled from their dip in the river. He had a tattoo, one she hadn’t noticed before because his robe covered it. She traced it now with her fingers, following the curls and straight lines of the Maori pattern.
“Do you like it?” His gaze followed the track of her finger. When the path of her finger came to a halt, she lifted her gaze. A heated message winged between them, hot and heady and full of promise. Oh yes. This was what she wanted and the man she needed.
“Yes.” The whisper expressed much more, and judging by the flare of his eyes, he knew it too.
He rolled over her, his move so quick, a squeak of alarm escaped her.
“Easy,” he soothed. “I grow impatient, and unfortunately, we’re short of time. I’m sorry for that, sweetheart. I’ll make it up to you. I promise.”
She nodded, even as she wondered how. If everything went according to plan, soon she’d leave the compound. Once he completed his investigation he’d depart too. They had no future together if he intended to return to his soldiering and she… Well, her life wasn’t exactly predictable either. She just knew her future would be away from here.
That exciting flash of emotion shot across his face again, stealing her breath and making tension tighten in her belly.
He kissed her lips, a fleeting touch before he trailed small kisses down her neck. His warm hand settled over one breast, shaping the mound and testing the weight. Her nipple brushed his palm, the delicate friction better than she’d ever imagined.
He paused. “I understand the padding, but why do you bind your breasts?”
“My mother told me it was best if I diverted attention from myself.”
“Why would she say that? Didn’t she come to Children of Nature of her free will?”
“Yes, but I think she came to regret it. Before she died, she mentioned leaving, but I think Brother Samuel changed her mind. She loved him.”
“Did she say why she wanted to leave?”
“She wouldn’t tell me. I asked her several times, but she kept saying it was better if I remained ignorant of the facts.”
“We’ll talk later. On the way back to the compound.”
His hands wandered to caress her breasts before he added a completely different sensation with his mouth. She drew a sharp breath as his tongue teased her nipple, then tugged and sucked on it. Every draw reverberated between her legs, bringing longing and restlessness. Her hand ran up and down his back, her fingers pressing into hard muscles, silently urging him on. She’d never guessed, never imagined touching a man could feel so good.
Her entire body sang a joyous tune of celebration, and distinct moisture pooled between her legs.
She grew more daring with her touches, kissing his throat, his shoulder and even licking along the whorls of his tribal tattoo. He tilted his head, catching her lips. He wasted no time in deepening the contact, pressing his tongue against the seam of her mouth, silently requesting she allow him entrance. The instant he did, his tongue pushed deep. In and out. An ache nipped her breasts, and she stirred, her entire being craving closeness.
She pulled away from him, breathing hard. “Jake.”
“Do you want me to stop?” His voice was sharp. His body shifted, and his erection dug against her leg.
“No.” She gripped his shoulders in panic, fearing he’d halt when it was the last thing she wanted.
“I’m not intending to leave you hanging.” He moved, one of his hands coming to rest on her upper thigh. “Part your legs for me.”
She followed his instruction, mentally pushing away the spurt of vulnerability. He wouldn’t hurt her. The instinct to trust him was strong and unwavering.
“Perfect,” he said.
His lips moved against hers, an unhurried kiss, before he moved his attentions farther down her body. Her neck, her collarbone, the upper curves of her breasts. He licked a rapid path around one nipple, his warm breath as he blew on it a surprising contrast.
Shyness threatened to overwhelm her, the exposure so new, yet his physical contact and the way he looked at her with such longing brought a blip of excitement. Her heart raced, thumping against the wall of her chest in anxious beats.
“Don’t be afraid.”
“I’m not. It’s…I mean I know the mechanics, but it’s different if I’m the one experiencing the act.”
“I haven’t had sex with a woman for a long time.” His voice was hoarse, and she noticed the faint tremor of his hand as he stroked her belly.
“Why?”
“Circumstances,” he said. “I’m going to put my mouth on you, and make sure you come before I enter you.”
“Oh. Okay.” What else could she say? She wasn’t the one with experience.
A burst of laughter came from him. “I’m going to start now.”
Before she could answer, his fingers stroked over the hair at her groin and lower.
“You’re blonde. I bet your hair is pretty.”
“I can hardly remember the color,” she confessed with a frown. Then the thought faded because he was running his fingers down her folds. Streaks of sensation, sharp jolts of pleasure ran down her legs and up her torso. Her breath caught, an ache gathering inside her. It resembled a spring, a compressed one ready to explode and fly apart.
His finger ran back and forth, stirring the desire inside her into something bigger and superior. One finger moved lower and pushed inside her. Even as she was cataloging the feelings, he lowered his head and licked her. She froze, the warm lap of his tongue different from the caress of his fingers.
He stroked his finger in and out of her while his lips and tongue tasted and stroked her. The pleasure grew and grew, taking on a hard, almost painful edge. It swelled, and she squeezed her eyes shut to concentrate on the shining ball of sensations. Suddenly, it was too much. It felt as if she were flying from her body, the explosion of enjoyment sweeping her up like a rogue wave then smacking her down. She fell apart in a violent shudder, a moan escaping her tightly held mouth.
So this was sex with a man, she thought hazily. Wow, and double wow. No wonder people enjoyed the act.
When she came back to her senses she realized Jake had moved, and he no longer touched her. She missed the physical contact immediately. “Where are you going?”
“Condom,” he said.
Her eyes widened. Children of Nature abhorred birth control. They thought of children as a gift and considered contraception a weapon designed to kill a possible life.
“Do you have a problem with birth control?”
She thought for a few seconds longer and gave a curt shake of her head. But it was difficult shaking off an idea that had been reinforced since she was old enough to understand. But she had to admit to curiosity, and she wondered what this terrible device looked like because she’d never seen one. They were never mentioned unless the compound organized a demonstration in front of Fancy Free.
She watched the way he ripped open the foil wrapping and pulled out the contents. It was a pale violet color and much prettier than she’d imagined. Of course it could have a devil face painted on it for all she knew.
“It looks like a balloon.”
Humor lurked in his gaze when he glanced at her. “It does.”
“I haven’t touched you.” Regret shadowed her words because she wanted to explore his body with much attention to detail.
“Plenty of time for that. Tonight you can touch as much as you want. I like the idea of your hands on my cock. Your mouth.”
Color flooded her cheeks at his suggestion, but she nodded, wanting to experience everything with him. She wat
ched the casual way he rolled the condom up his shaft. He pulled a face.
“What’s wrong?”
“I think Alice Bates is laughing her arse off at me. She’s given me a variety pack. My dick looks as if it has measles.”
Sorrel grinned. “Not my problem.”
He turned back to her with a glint in his eyes. “Probably not.” He lowered his head to kiss her again, an unhurried meeting of lips and tangle of tongues. Her pulse rate did a jump before settling into a quick-step of excitement. The jolt of exhilaration soared down her body, stirring pleasure in her pussy. She swallowed.
“Ready?” His brows rose.
“Yes.” Not a scrap of hesitation.
He ran his cock up and down her folds, teasing them both before lining up at her entrance. “This might hurt because it’s been so long.”
He pushed inside and she felt growing pressure. A quick nip of pain entered the equation, and she attempted to move away.
Jake kissed her again, splitting her concentration, all the while pushing deeper. She groaned, but the pressure gave way to mere discomfort. He growled, withdrew a fraction before surging inside her. Once he was embedded, he paused.
“I’m sorry, sweetheart. I don’t enjoy hurting you.”
She realized the sting was fleeting, and it wasn’t unbearable.
He pulled back and the sense of fullness faded. “Wrap your arms around my neck.”
She did as he requested, trying not to wince as he surged into her again. She bit her bottom lip, hot tears stinging her eyes. This was it? It was nice being held and she’d enjoyed it when he’d used his mouth and tongue on her, but this part she could take or leave.
“God,” he muttered. “I’m sorry I’m hurrying things. It will get better. I promise.”
She nodded. At least it wasn’t hurting anymore.
He kept thrusting and retreating, his breath harsh against her ear. For some reason, he changed the angle of his strokes. Her breath caught halfway up her throat. That was better. Much better.
“That’s it.” The tendons in his neck strained. He went faster, his mouth sucking at the base of her neck. The faint play of his teeth should have brought pain. It didn’t. Instead pleasure flared to life again, an ember catching a draft. She clutched his shoulders, hanging on, instinctively matching his movements with her own. Like a dance, she decided before the thought waltzed away and she concentrated on the good feelings.
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