Brett waved at her in a shooing motion. “Just go.”
Jell-O invaded her trembling legs as she slid over the bench seat and walked with halting steps across the room. A cold breeze slapped her windbreaker against her body when she opened the door and the shivers grew when he motioned with his head and crossed the street to the park where he waited for her under the bright streetlight.
As she drew closer, she noticed this man was taller than Dhavin, but much leaner. The uniform still stretched over his shoulders, but the pants didn’t cling to his thighs in the same way they hugged Dhavin’s and his waist was much smaller in circumference. She almost wanted to run back inside and get him a sandwich. Tragic was the word that stabbed her in the heart as he peered at her with eyes so dark, she wondered if their black color was natural or a byproduct of his internal pain. If she were to ever see him again without the mask, she was certain she’d be able to recognize him. Such melancholy was unforgettable.
“Who are you?”
“Play along,” he murmured, barely moving his lips.
He looked over her shoulder and her gaze followed. All of the diners from the café were pressed against the windows and some spilled onto the sidewalk. Even some of the customers of the nearby stores had joined the gathering crowd.
The rolling of her stomach grew into a tsunami-sized tidal wave. What fresh hell had she stepped into? Thank goodness she hadn’t eaten a lot of that pie.
“Fiona, I was hoping to see you tonight,” the Chameleon said in a booming voice certain to travel all over the neighborhood. He glanced down at his hand and she saw writing scribbled across his big palm. “I can no longer be romantically involved with you.”
“What?”
“Now, now, do not cry. Your tears will not move me,” he continued in a stilted cadence. “I know you have another in your lite. Life? Oh, fuck me. Look…” His posture relaxed but the intensity in his expression remained fierce as he spoke low and for her ears only. “There is a price that comes with wearing this uniform, and I’ve paid it. As long as I’m in your life, you’ll always be in danger. It will be best for everyone if the Chameleon retains his solitary existence.”
His gaze shifted to over her head, and when she looked back, she spotted Dhavin in the gawking crowd. The tension in his stance made him appear like a statue amongst the locals who jostled for a better view. One hand covered his mouth while his free arm banded across his chest as if to hold himself back from interfering.
“He loves you,” the Chameleon said with a wistfulness that brought tears to her eyes. “And you’re terrified.”
“I am not.”
“Liar. I sense you. Here.” He touched his chest. “Believe me, I don’t blame you. To entrust all that you are to another takes a courage I don’t think I’ll ever possess. In fact, I think it’s blessed only upon the insane. But he does love you. That’s why he’s willing to give up the mask. If you were harmed again because someone wanted to lash out at him, he would never recover.”
“But I can’t ask him to give it up.”
“You don’t have to. He does it willingly. Look, woman, I’m the last person to give advice on relationships, but I am an expert on regret. The next step you take is your choice. Do not base your decision on fear.”
“I think that’s easier said than done.”
“And I think you’re stronger than you believe. So, what say you?”
Butterflies beat a frenzy in her stomach as she clenched her teeth and took a deep breath through her nose. The Chameleon had said the one word that made all her doubts fall into place. Regret.
What was that saying? You can try and succeed, or you can do nothing and fail for certain. Relationships were about give and take, and if what this man said was true, then Dhavin had given up a huge part of himself for her. The least she could do was try.
Fiona lifted her chin and shouted, “You know what? I don’t need all this drama. You’re more flash than substance anyway. If you want to break up, fine, so be it. I never want to see you again.”
The corner of his mouth lifted into a tiny grin. “Goodbye, Fiona. It was fun while it lasted.” He turned to leave then stopped short. When he turned back to face her there was a light in his eyes that sent a tingle down her neck. “Before I go, here’s a little something to remember me by.”
In two steps, she was in his arms, his lips pressed to hers. After the flare of surprise faded, she realized the kiss was actually quite pleasant. Was it a perquisite that all who wore the tunic be a good kisser?
She swayed on her feet when he stepped away. The smile on his lips softened the carved lines around his mouth.
“Good luck, little human.”
One second he was standing before her, the next, he was a streak across the square, scaling the side of city hall before disappearing into the light of the moon.
Holy cow, he had powers too.
With the Chameleon gone, Fiona felt the weight of over forty expectant stares boring into her back. A peek over her shoulder confirmed that some of the biggest gossips in town just witnessed her breaking up with a legend. How is one supposed to react?
Brett waved in her direction and pointed to her cheek with a frown. Fiona caught the hint and began to cry, scrunching her face tight to hide her dry eyes. The only man she ever cried over was Dhavin, she didn’t have any experience in this situation.
“Fiona, it will be okay.” Brett jogged to her side and patted her on the back. With a comforting arm across Fiona’s shoulder, she led her back across the street. “Guys like the Chameleon can’t commit. They’re adrenaline junkies.”
Several of the diners nodded their agreement.
“Okay, people, break it up. Nothing to see here,” the sheriff shouted. “Dhavin, why don’t you see Fiona home? She doesn’t need all of us gawking at her humiliation.”
“I’d be happy to.” He held out his hand. “May I escort you home, Fiona?”
She stared at his outstretched palm, knowing there was more to the simple request. Ah, now this was the big test. Did she have the courage to take his hand and take a step toward the future?
Dhavin’s hand trembled the longer she stared. That little tell gave her the strength to take his hand. The warm press of his fingers and the huge sigh he released made real tears cling to her lashes.
He held tight to her hand as they walked in silence down the street to where her car was parked behind her shop. She reached out to open the door, but he stopped her with a soft grunt. His hand shook with a fine tremor as he fingered the scarf around her neck. “May I?”
She nodded and allowed him to untie the fabric. Once removed, he laid his fingers against the burn marks. “Fiona—”
The pain that cracked his voice broke her heart. “Shh. I know. I know, Dhavin.”
His hand traveled up to sweep along her jaw then turned to brush the backs of his fingers over her cheek. Once he began, it was as if he couldn’t stop touching her. From her face down to her hips, his hands told her all the things she saw shining in his eyes, but were trapped behind the tight press of his quivering lips.
As if she was able to communicate any better. Where was she to begin? There was so much to say, so much to discuss. What if she chose the wrong words?
Words. Huh. No, in this case words weren’t enough.
She brushed his hands away from her face and leaned in for a kiss. His arms were around her, pulling her against the warm haven of his body as he slanted his mouth over hers.
Connection. Passion. Need. The rush of blood in her ears. The clutch of his hands on her hips. Fiona wanted Dhavin. Dhavin wanted Fiona. Only action was suitable enough to convey that desire.
When her lungs began to burn she pulled back enough to gasp for breath.
He touched his forehead to hers. “Does this mean I’m forgiven?”
“Yes. Just…don’t lie to me again.”
He smiled, deepening the dimple near his mouth. “I promise. I love you, Fiona.”
“I love you too. Are you really planning on not being the Chameleon anymore? Please don’t stop because of me.”
“I don’t want to quit, but I definitely need to take a hiatus. There’s this girl I’m trying to convince to be mine forever. It will take time to woo her properly.”
“How much time?”
“As long as she needs.”
“Would a sleepover tonight be a good start?”
The joy shining in his eyes lowered to a sinful simmer. “Sounds perfect, but I plan on spending a lot more time, if needed.”
“Good.” She trailed a line of kisses along his jaw. “Who was that man anyway?”
“The last of our kinsmen here on Earth, and until a few minutes ago a friend. That kiss was not part of the plan.” He nipped at her bottom lip. “And you didn’t need to enjoy it so much.”
“I just needed to make sure I was making the right choice. And I did.” She took the keys from her pocket and held them out. “You want to drive?”
“I don’t know how.”
“How to what?”
“Drive.”
A dull throb took residence between her eyes as her brain tried to comprehend his words. “Are you kidding? How is that possible? What about for work?”
His shoulders lifted and fell as if he hadn’t dropped a major bombshell. “I walk or ride as the passenger. You forget I haven’t been here very long. I haven’t learned yet.”
“How did I not know this about you?”
Here it goes again. Just when she was ready to take a leap of faith, something reached out and strapped her feet back to earth.
The pain in her head began to circle, forming a dizzying cyclone of panic as she questioned her sanity about loving someone she knew next to nothing about.
“Fiona. Fiona. Breathe.” He cupped her face. “Would you love me more if I knew how to drive?”
“I—” Well, when he put it that way… Heat seared her checks. “I may need a lot of time.”
“As long as it takes.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “You’re worth it, Fiona.”
The depth of his confidence scared the crap out of her, but also gave her the much needed push to believe in her strength. And his. Dhavin’s love gave her the wings to fly into the unknown. To soar on the current of possibility and have faith he would be there to catch her when she stumbled.
“Take me home. Tonight, I want to make love to you, Dhavin.”
He closed his eyes on a groan. “Your wish is mine, konkattie.”
“Are you ever going to tell me what that means?”
The promise in his chuckle sent a delicious shiver down her back. “Not yet. That’s one secret I want to keep to myself for a while.”
“Careful, Kilsgaard. I have a razor and know how to use it.”
His laughter echoed down the alley. “I’m counting on it, konkattie.”
Epilogue
Soft lantern light and the colorful splash of spring flowers greeted Fiona as she opened the door to the Anderson’s cottage. Dhavin had been in charge of the decorations, and her man had done an excellent job.
The king-sized mattress on the floor covered in satin made her laugh. “No futon? Where’s the bedframe?”
“There is a good possibility of furniture being destroyed. I thought it best to remove them.”
The unspoken promise in his words had her thighs quivering. The night’s events were about more than a romantic evening spent together. This was like a wedding night on steroids and the expectations of what was to come caused a whirlpool to churn in her belly.
Dhavin wrapped his arm around her waist and nuzzled the area under her ear. “Why are you so nervous? Having second thoughts?”
Lying about her emotions was never an option with him, so she didn’t bother to try. “Sort of. I want this to be perfect.”
“You’re with me, so it already is.”
“Will this hurt?”
“I don’t know. I’ve never done it before, but I don’t think so.” He spun her to face him, his hands rubbed up and down her arms. “Ready?”
The certainty in his eyes drove all hesitation from her mind. “Yes.” She bussed his cheek with her lips. “Give me one minute to set up dessert.”
From her bag she withdrew a fondue pot and a Sterno can. “Why don’t you get more comfortable?” She glanced at him from over her shoulder and laughed when she saw he had already stripped down to his boxer-briefs and was laid out on the mattress with his hands behind his head and his pectorals pulsing.
Talk about a feast for the eyes. Dhavin was all dips and valleys of golden skin that had her salivating for a taste. And that smile. Dazzling white and welcoming. He was perfect and all hers.
Here was a man who loved her, faults and all. She laughed again, filled to bursting with so much unadulterated joy, she swore she was high from the rush.
“Ah, Fiona.” He put his hand on the center of his chest. If she had been from his planet, she’d know exactly how he felt, but since she couldn’t sense his emotions, he never hesitated in telling her how much she meant to him. “You bring me to my knees with one look.”
“I plan on doing more than just look. Let me finish. Don’t move.” Admiring him from the corner of her eye, she went back to her task.
“Hurry.” His hand trailed down his body and disappeared under the waistband of his briefs.
“Believe me, I am.”
It took three tries for the flame to ignite and a nice little blaze heated the pot of caramel sauce. She set the pot on the floor near the mattress then kicked off her shoes and peeled away her socks.
“Undress slowly,” he requested, firmly stroking his cock at a languid pace.
She felt her smile stretch to match his anticipatory grin. Thumbing the button of her jeans open, she slid them down her legs with an extra shimmy for good measure. Her blouse was next to float to the floor, followed by her lacy bra. She cupped the heavy weight of her breasts in each hand and pinched her puckered nipples.
“Jesu,” he groaned and sat up on his knees. “You are so sexy. Go faster.”
“Hurry. Slow down. Go faster. Which one is it?”
“Both.” He pulled her down onto the mattress and smoothed his warm hands over her body from neck to thigh. With a firm tug, her panties were ripped and tossed aside.
“Do you always have to tear my clothes?” she murmured against his neck as she traced his pulse with her tongue. “The pretty ones are expensive.”
“If you don’t wear any at all, then it’s not an issue.”
She laughed again and pushed against his chest, encouraging him to lie down. “I’m hungry and you’re my treat.”
“Yes ma’am.” He raised his hands over his head. “Would you like to restrain me?”
“Do I have to?”
“No, I promise to behave.”
“You’d better. Brett lent me the molybendite chain that drains your powers. I’m not afraid to use it.”
“You’d use it too, you little witch. Trust me, you’ll want me at my full strength when I slide inside you.”
He was right, but he didn’t need to know that now.
She hooked her thumbs into the waistband of his shorts and pulled them down his legs, biting back a moan when his pulsating cock sprang free and rested on his belly. The head was purple and his bare sac was already drawn tight against his body.
She pressed a kiss to his balls. “For me?”
“For us. Don’t stop. That feels fantastic.”
“Just wait, baby.” She reached for the basting brush she had laid near the pot then ran the two-inch-wide tip up the inside of his thigh.
His legs twitched and his panting grew louder as she continued to make swirly patterns along his erection. When a drop of pre-cum pooled in the slit, she removed the brush and dipped it into the warm caramel. She straddled his waist and painted a line down the center of his torso then followed the path with the flat of her tongue.
With the edge of the brush she traced the d
ouble-ring tattoo encircling his arm that signified his status as a royal guard of Skandavia.
“Do you miss your home?” she asked.
“You’re my home, Fiona.” He stroked her cheek with the tips of his fingers. “If I was forced to choose between going back and you? No question, with you is where I always want to be.”
The conviction in his voice brought tears to her eyes, which she hid by returning to her work. Over his nipples and down his sides she painted his skin then licked him clean, making sure to capture every drop of sugar.
When his pleading became an unending chant, she brushed a healthy dollop of caramel down the length of his straining cock. Once he was completely painted, she licked an area wide enough for her fingers to encircle the base, then attacked him with her tongue. As she sucked him into her mouth, the heady taste of his pre-cum mixed with hot sugar pooled in her mouth. Her cheeks hollowed as she swallowed, making his hips jerk and pressing his cock deeper down her throat.
His speared his fingers into her hair. “Fiona. Stop. Wait, no. Don’t stop. Arg. Stop. I’m going to come, but I want to come in your pussy.” With a growl, he pulled her off and was across the room before she could draw a breath.
His chest bellowed and a red slash graced each cheek as he stared at her with wild eyes. He reached for his cock and squeezed the base hard, drawing in deep breaths.
“Lie back,” he commanded in a voice do deep, she felt the vibration in her clit.
Once she had reclined, he stalked back to the mattress and knelt between her spread legs. He picked up the brush and tossed it into the air, catching it by the handle. “My turn.”
Oh. My. God.
With one hand he cupped her breasts together and painted a wide swath of caramel across both nipples in a single stroke. A circle was drawn around her navel followed by a line across each hipbone. The roughness of his tongue alternated by the smoothness of the brush made her head swim and her limbs feel like molten chocolate oozed in her veins. By the time he pushed her thighs farther apart she was ready to scream.
“You are so wet.” The awe in his voice was like an electric jolt to her libido.
Hero Unmasked: 3 (Heroes of Saturn) Page 18