She giggled.
His other hand settled on her small waist. The material felt soft under his hand. He tired not to think about the silk dressing gown hiding her bare skin. “I haven’t had a woman laugh at me in a long while.”
Callie licked her lips. “I’m not sorry.”
“Don’t be.” His knees wobbled. “I think its might be good for me.” Dear God how he ached for her. His thumbs twitched coming into contact with the knot of the robe and unwrap it from her body. One little tug and she would be naked. This moment was better than Christmas morning when he was a boy, anticipating the loot he would get that year. She was the best present he’d ever received.
“Kiss me.”
This time he laughed. “Usually you’re telling me no.”
Her finger touched his bottom lip. “Tonight you need me.” Luc kissed the tip of her finger. “Callie, you know where this will lead.”
“I’m not a child.”
Part of him knew he had to stop this no matter how much he might want her. She wasn’t ready for the risk becoming his lover would entail. “Compared to me you are.”
Her face flushed. “What if I tell you I want you to” She stared at his chest. “...make love to me.”
“You can barely say the words.” His heart thrilled at the words, but his mind told him that it was wrong. He would be taking advantage of her. When they crossed this bridge there would be no going back for either one of them. He hooked a finger under her chin and forced her to meet his gaze. “Almost like you’ve never said them before.” He had no doubt she was still a virgin.
She stood on her tip toes. “Maybe I have. Maybe I haven’t.”
He lowered his head until his lips were nearly on hers. “Little girls shouldn’t play with fire. They are likely to get burned.”
“I can start a fire with two rocks and a stick. I’m not afraid risk.” She raised up higher and brushed his mouth with hers.
A sweetness overwhelmed him. How long had he felt that particular emotion when he been with a woman. The touch sent heat through her. This kiss was different than any other they had ever shared. The others seemed born out of desperation, but this kiss was born out of mutual desire. Of a want as old as time itself. This was how the dance between men and women was supposed to be played out. How could he be expected to resist the temptation so close at hand. He was only made of flesh and bone.
“Luc ...”
“Oh God, Callie.” He deepened the kiss. Her lips were soft and yielding under his. He could feel the strength of her passion down to his boots. At this moment it didn’t matter that his father rejected him, or that he was living a lie. He needed Callie. She made everything tolerable. Everything right.
Callie tugged at his shirt. Under her hurried touch he felt the shirt begin to give way to her fingers. Luc had to get her to the bed. He refused to let her first time making love be on the floor. More than anything he wanted to give her the pleasure he knew he would have.
He wanted to take care with her with tenderness that every first time should be. He wanted to be gentle, but the need to consume her completely rage in his head. He couldn’t quite quiet the voice whispering in his head that he was stealing something precious from her. Or that this was wrong. The cool air night air blowing in from the open window hit his bare chest. His nipples hardened as her fingers glazed over their tips. For an innocent, she was a fast learner or a natural seductress. He didn’t care.
Callie opened her mouth under his.
Her tongue slipped inside his mouth dancing with his. Luc could taste her inexperience, and it unnerved him. He couldn’t shake the fear of eternal damnation at ruining an innocent. He pulled his head back breaking contact with her.
Her eyes shined with passion and bewilderment. “Did I do something wrong?”
Cupping her face with both hands, he stared into her eyes. “God no.”
Her lips trembled. “Then why did you stop?”
Luc dropped his hands to his side. If he was going to control himself he had to stop touching her. “You’re a virgin aren’t you?”
Her brown eyes pleaded with him. “I’ve never been with anyone.”
He couldn’t stop a smile from forming on his lips. “I suspected as much.”
Her eyes widened. “Is that bad?”
He palmed her cheek. Her satin skin warmed under his palm. “No.”
“You don’t like virgins?”
“I’ve never been with one.”
“You don’t know what to do?”
In all her innocence he just questioned his prowess. He couldn’t remember a woman who did before. Not even when he was an untired boy. He wasn’t sure if he should be insulted or not. “I know perfectly well what to do with a woman, my sweet. It’s just that ... that... well--”
“You think I won’t be any good at it.”
Laughter rumbled in his chest. How did he explain to her that he knew between them making love would be perfect.
Her brown eyes pleaded with him. “You aren’t saying anything.”
“You are a natural enchantress.”
Callie stiffened. “Is that good?”
“Too good.”
Callie thrust her body against his. “I want you. Please make love to me.”
A shudder of pure desire washed over his body. He could feel her breasts crushed against his chest. Her hand massaged his chest. She slithered against like a cat. He could hear the rustle of silk on skin. This was madness. Luc lost all control at this moment. He grabbed her upper arms and took her mouth with an ungoverned need. She was so willing, so warm, he could no longer resists. His brains screamed for gentleness his body demand wildness. He plundered her soft mouth. His tongue ravaged her mouth. But Callie only matched his ardor. He wanted her to run and hide from him. But she didn’t.
The dye was cast. Nothing between heaven and hell would stop them from making love. A calmness settled over him.
Luc torn his lips from Callie’s. In one swift motion he bent over and picked her up. Her arms went around his neck. She opened her mouth. He shook his head, if she spoke she might ruin the spell that had woven around them.
He took long strides until he came to the master bedroom door. Fumbling for the handle he didn’t want to drop her. That would have put a quick end to the seduction. The door swung open on quiet hinges. He entered the room and headed straight for the bed.
Carefully he lowered her to the soft mattress.
“You are so beautiful.”
A hot flush crept up his neck. He didn’t know how to take her compliment. From her they sounded so sincere, so honest. “Men aren’t beautiful.”
“You are.”
Why she was here was beyond him. In her innocense, he knew she wanted him, but in a way he’d never known. He had left his childhood emotional long before his body did, but part of Callie still lingered in hers. “Thank you.” He smiled. “But I will never match your perfection.”
She lowered her eyes hiding her embarrassment. “Thank you. No one ever told me I was pretty, but you and Esme are.”
Luc walked across the room and put out the lights bordering the door. “I don’t want to talk about my sister at a time like this.”
“Alright, but are you going to turn all the lights out.”
“How can I see you in the dark?”
She scooted further up the bed. “The only person who has seen me with no clothes on is my mother.”
Why she needed to talk about their family was beyond him. He couldn’t think of anything more that would kill a seduction. “I don’t want to talk about your mother either.”
“If you say so.”
He walked over to the bed. Looming over her, he put his hands on his hips. “I do.”
She sat up and started to untie the knot of her dressing gown.
“Stop.”
Her hands dropped to the mattress. “Was I doing something wrong?”
“I would like to undress you.” He held out his hand.
> “Oh.” Slowly she raised her hand and touched his fingers to his. Her skin was warm to his touch, but he couldn’t help but notice her hands shook.
“Are you having second thoughts?”
She stood then shook her head. “No. Are you?”
“I can’t count that high.”
“I want you.”
He squeezed his eyes shut. Her words echoed in his head. How could he be worthy of such trust, when he had lived a deep dark lie for so many years. Luc had no idea her trust in him would effect him. “I need you.”
Callie slipped her arms around his waist and tilted back her head. “Kiss me.”
For a second he could only stare at the perfection of her young face. Candlelight flickered off her smooth skin casting her cinnamon colored face in softness. This was not the same woman who could read a week old trail, shod a horse, or catch a rabbit with her bare hands. No this was a desirable creature who stirred his imagination and gave life to his barren soul. He had no idea how truly bankrupt he was until Callie pushed her way into his existence. “What man couldn’t give into such a demand.” He lowered his head and kissed her. As their lips met. Luc found the knot of her dressing gown and slowly untangled the sash. He heard the rustle of silk over bare skin. Or maybe the sound was the rush of his blood through his veins, he wasn’t sure.
The shirt fell off his shoulders and her hands moved over his skin. Her hands were callused. He never thought the feel of calloused skin would feel so seductive on his skin. Her unschooled touch inflamed him.
Her mouth opened his. She tasted sweet of wine and chocolate. Their tongues entwined and he felt his knees go weak. How could this untired girl bring him such pleasure.
Her skin smelled of vanilla and exotic flowers from the soap he bought her. Her skin was soft like hot satin. He could feel the muscle of her back contract as he caressed her skin. He couldn’t seem to get enough of the feel of her.
She touched his stomach. So potent was the impact, he heard himself moan. Her hands dropped to the opening of his trousers and she began to unfasten them. He wanted to help her but that would mean he would have to take his hands away from her skin, and he was addicted to the supple tone of her body. And he had to admit to himself he liked that she was a desperate to have him as he was to have her. He made his guilt seem less that he was taking advantage of her inexperience.
She broke the kiss. “Help me.”
Luc grabbed her wrists and guided her hands down to her side. He took a moment to notice her. Her small breasts were firm and chocolate tipped. She had a tiny waist that flared into gently rounded hips. How had he mistaken her for a boy was beyond him. This was the body of a goddess woman. Luc reached out and touched the tip of her breast with his finger. Her nipple beaded on contact. He heard her sigh. Luc completely cupped her breast. They both trembled. He raised his other hand and cupped the other breast. The feel of her was sublime. Perfect. “I want to give you pleasure, but the first time for a woman isn’t ...”
“Then the second time will be perfect.”
How could she sound so logical? The child woman who knew nothing about the art of making love was trying to ease his mind. He wanted to laugh at the irony.
“So are you going to talk or are you going to ...” She inclined her head toward the bed.
Luc pushed on her shoulders until she was seated on the bed. Callie scooted over until she was nestled against the snowy white pillows. Luc sat on bed and quickly removed his boots. When he was done he stood and removed the rest of his clothes. He could feel the slow heat well up inside him. He was already hard and ready for her. He had to keep reminding himself that she was a virgin. He couldn’t just leap on her and do his business he needed to take time to make sure she climbed slowly up the ladder to pleasure.
* * *
Callie pushed herself further back on the nest of pillows. She been dreaming of this moment since she first laid eyes on Luc. Only she didn’t know it. Somehow finding out the truth about him only made her love his more.
The mattress sagged beneath his weight and the bed springs creaked. He slipped an arm around her waist and brought her to him. He crushed her to his chest. Every muscle of his chest pressed to her. He stroked her body with his hands leaving trails of excitement all over her. Callie whimpered. The need for him was almost painful.
“So beautiful,” he whispered.
His words thrilled her. “Love me, Luc.”
His head lulled back for a second. The muscles in his throat constricted. He took a harsh breath than lowered his gaze to her meet hers. “After this there is no turning back for you or I. Are you sure you will risk the consequence?”
Looking into his green eyes, Callie nodded. “I think I waited all my life for you.”
The lamp light glowed on his white skin making his features sharper, his shoulder wider. Callie slid her fingers into his silky hair and brought his mouth back down to hers. He rolled slightly on her and their legs entwined She could fell his erection jutting into her belly. A thousand new sensations attacked her all at once. She pressed closer to his body wanting to feel every bit on him next to her.
Luc groaned. “Callie,”
She liked the way he said her name as his lips moved to her neck. He smelled like of smoke and musk. Callie head was light and she couldn’t seem to grab on to a single thought. Her body had taken over and was doing all the thinking for her. She like the sensation.
Luc began to nibble at her earlobe. He gentle nips tickled and she forced herself not to laugh. An ache knotted her stomach. She closed her eyes tight stunned by her powerful reaction. His hands seemed to roam all over her body. His fingertips drew small circles on her hips. She liked the roughness of his palms on her skin.
His mouth slipped down and his lips closed over the tip of her breast.
Callie’s back arched at the moist swirls on her breast. Blood rushed from her head. She felt her fingers push his head down and she sunk her nose into the darkness of his head. She turned her head and rubbed her cheek in the springy softness of his hair. She lifted her head and watched him suckle her. His body was so white against her dark skin. The contrast was perfect as if it was meant to be.
Her hands fell to his broad shoulders. She could feel the strength and vigor just below the skin. He was a powerful man who could be so gentle.
His mouth moved to her other breast.
Callie was in heaven. This is what she always hoped what being in love would feel like. She didn’t want to think of love. Love might ruin her plans for the future. She couldn’t afford to let the that happen.
Luc’s hands grazing the skin of her inner thigh brought her away from her thoughts of love. Callie parted her legs hoping for more of the sweet sensation of his hands on her delicate skin. Callie’s head lulled back against the pillows. This was more than she hoped for.
Luc hand moved over her secret place. He stroked her and she could feel a damp heat deep inside her. Her heart was racing. She was light headed. He buried his fingers in her curls dipping his finger inside her. Shock went through her at his subtle invasion.
“Relax. I want to give you pleasure.”
Did it really get better than this? She didn’t know if she could stand it if her body felt any better than this.
He began stroking the tight bud at her core.
Callie bit her lip to stop from crying out. Her hips arched up as she tried to fight the sensations racing through her body. She was almost ashamed that she could be so easily swayed by his skill.
“Do you like that?”
Callie opened her eyes and stared at Luc. She nodded her head.
“Good.”
His eyes were full of passion and craving it almost made her cry. No man had ever looked at her with such emotion before. He continued his stoking. An increasing pressure built inside her.
Callie wanted to close her legs and trap his hand there. He increased his friction as if he knew that’s exactly what she wanted. Her inside grew tighter and tigh
ter until she thought she would explode. He murmured words she didn’t understand into her ear. French she figured. She didn’t care if she didn’t know the exact words, she knew that he was talking about what they were doing. This only heightened her enjoyment. Her body stiffened. She ascended higher and higher. This what it must be like to be an eagle racing toward the sun. Her body began to twitch. Callie tired to stop her body from acting so strangely, but it seemed to have a mind of its own. Luc didn’t seem to mind. His voice got huskier, deeper more insistent. Finally she could hold back the tide and her body erupted. She heard herself cry out unable to stop herself. She seemed to float on air for endless seconds. Then she went limp.
Luc chuckled in her ear.
Callie drifted back to earth. “What did you do to me?”
He smiled. “That is why men and women make love.”
She had a hard time trying to catch her breath. “Now what do we do?”
He pushed a curl off her forehead. “That was only the beginning.”
“Is it always like that?”
“No.” He kissed her lightly on the mouth. “Sometimes its better.”
“What do I have to do to you?”
“Tonight is just for you.”
“But what about you. I want to make you feel what I did.”
He smiled. “Trust me I will.” He touched her thigh again. Every time I touch you ... I enjoy myself.”
“No one has ever talked to me like you do.”
He bent his head and nipped her breast. “I glad. I’m honored to be your first.”
Callie didn’t know what to say and not ruin the moment, so she remained silent.
Luc shifted her body until she was lying completely on the bed. He positioned himself over and began to rain kisses over her body. Callie giggled as he stuck his tongue in her navel. She grabbed a fistful of his hair and pulled his head up, but he was to strong and she couldn’t make him stop. Not that she really wanted to. His lips moved down her body until they reached the juncture of her thighs. Callie squeezed her legs closes, but he didn’t stop kissing her there.
“Open for me.” He didn’t look up her.
After The Lies Page 20