Reno

by Nini Church

  “It doesn’t sound like its helping you the way we expected, but it’s also not harming you either.” Met paced a few rounds before warning, “Don’t take it off until you’re completely whole again.”

  “So,” Bethany hissed at him. “Do ye mean to take the gem back then?” Her tone caustic, accusing.

  Aili, all big chocolate eyes, swivelled her head between Thany and Met. What on earth was going on here? There was an undercurrent flowing through the room of feelings and emotions between these two and it didn’t make one of them very happy – namely Thany. Didn’t Met know that Thany had an incredibly strong personality? Or that whatever happened in her past with her and Gods was taboo – and she never talked about it except to admit her hatred of all Gods.

  Met didn’t seem dumb to Aili, but maybe with females – he was a typical male and didn’t know shite. Didn’t learn too fast either, in Aili’s estimation, as Thany’s voice was vicious and attacking even. Maybe Met should stay away from Thany for a while? It didn’t look like that’s what he wanted – the vibes coming off him were definitely territorial.

  Both his lips curled into a wide, white smile. “Bethany Mithrail, The Star of Light is yours for the asking – once Aili completes her healing, of course.” He watched her dove gray eyes drop to the front of his black silk shirt, modestly buttoned to mid chest just for her and when those gray doves swept lower, only for the briefest span, his big ‘ole heart flip flopped. Fucking did a two–step as his manhood rose to full attention, shirt flaps hiding the huge bulge.

  He was grateful for that ‘cause he already had absolutely no fucking edge with Bethany – not one ounce of leverage of any kind and that was an epic first, him, having no cred – not even one toehold or opening and if she saw his full on attraction, that, too, could work against him.

  “For now, t’would be best if it stays with Aili.” Thany didn’t reveal how embarrassed she was to be caught ogling him or her deep shock that he so lightly offered her such a magnificent treasure. But, then again, she reminded herself, God's loved to tease and tempt.

  It was easy enough for his kind to create temptation where there should be none, Thany admonished herself. She was such a fool to fall for his tricks.

  Aili realized there was a lot more between Thany and Met than just the thick tension hanging in the room. A feck of a lot more and that was telling. She smiled briefly with her head dipped down so no one saw it. Yet, one thing was really, really clear for Aili – her aunt, Bethany, would surely give Met a good run for it, but he would very likely lose in the end. Thany was the strongest female Aili had ever known.

  In truth, Bethany was the same as her Da, Duke, who always got what he wanted come hell or high water and mean as a snake.

  Two days later

  Aili worked hard every day, keeping her focus in the here and now, refusing to slip back into Nothingness where she still believed she was dead and this was all a dream or her imagination. The password, Strawberry, was said so often Abe’s twins, Daisy and Deos, constantly babbled it, providing Aili a steady, unrelenting stream of reality checks, keeping her grounded in the most wonderful way.

  Privately, Duke and Esme were in awe that Thany decided to remain at the compound until Aili was better. It would be so easy for her to travel home in a blink – she didn’t need to stay – but here was another new day with Thany sitting beside Aili at the kitchen island, both sipping from steaming mugs.

  Late last night after a long love making session, Esme revealed she suspected Metatron had an eye for Thany, who in Esme’s estimation was sucking up Met’s attention with a big, fat straw, even if she denied it. They’d both chuckled loudly, knowing – even Metatron wasn’t up to the task of reining in Thany – God or not.

  Now, the following morning, Duke accepted a cup of coffee and whispered in his mate’s ear as they both watched the two females talking quietly on the far side of the kitchen. “I won’t let that preening bastard anywhere near me sister. But, it sure makes it interesting, doesn’t it.”

  Esme fluttered her eyes in agreement before turning back to spy on Thany. A truly beautiful female, Thany lived an ordered, measured life, extending her skill and gifts wherever they were needed. Thany never judged anyone or the circumstances they found themselves in when needing her help.

  Once crossed though, Thany’s Scottish heritage often would roar to life and it was well known that if she took a real disliking to anyone, like a God, well it was hard to even consider she’d change her mind.

  Duke stared at his beautiful sister as something clicked and he wondered if Thany’s dislike for Met wasn’t a façade to keep him at bay and thereby denying her temptation for the big God. He grinned – t’wouldn’t happen, of course – his sister hated all Gods after what had happened with Tyr. Yet, as Duke well knew, life was just chock full of surprises. Many of them these days.

  Esme nudged him gently and giggled. “Met’s still here. too. Me guess is – he’s not soon leaving either.” She nodded as Met sauntered through the dining room into the kitchen.

  Like a hawk, his mate missed nothing and for once Duke was glad for it. He meant to keep a keen eye on Met when he was around his sister.

  Best by far, their Aili was healing day by day. They had both seen her slip back to the horror of what had happened to her a time or two. It lasted only brief seconds as Reno stayed close to Aili, coaxing her back to reality.

  An hour later, Reno came up from the command centre, nestling his nose in her thick red hair, lips seeking the soft creamy skin of her neck, he licked her before whispering, “Wanna have a picnic?” Not sure she was ready, he waited for her answer, hiding his impatience.

  They hadn’t made love for quite a while as Aili was asleep most nights when he crawled into their bed. That was all changing now that she was almost fully healed.

  Big chocolate eyes swept up to his, the sweetest bit of sparkle shining. “Can we?”

  “Hey now, surely you know we can do anything. Together.” He kissed the top of her head and rested his cheek there.

  Elron cleared his throat loudly to snap the two love birds out of their trance. “Package has been delivered.”

  “Great. You two have fun," Fifi chimed in. "Let’s go El, Magic Mike One and XXL is on.”

  Elron froze and began rapidly blinking, looking around for anyone to save him, but he stood alone, bereft and facing the inconceivable, his mate’s favorite two movies, one and two. He’d already sat through both a dozen times.

  A long low groan rumbled out as Elron realized his foot had to come down by refusing to watch either movie ever again. He’d go to the wall on this one – no way was he backing down. Elron set off in the direction of their rooms on the second floor overlooking the driveway and greenbelt – ready to finally take a stand.

  Reno smiled widely – Fifi and Elron’s relationship was complicated – he knew their history and it wasn’t smooth sailing by far – yet he’d always secretly hoped Elron would stand up to Fifi more. Only now, Reno realized that would never happen since Elron could never hurt Fifi – even if it was over something so minor as watching almost naked men dancing on a stage. For hours on end.

  Aili snickered and kissed Reno’s chest as she pushed away from him. “Want to make a bet that he’ll be watching both movies?”

  “Uh, uh. No way. We both know exactly what Elron is doing tonight.” Reno kissed the back of her hand before releasing it. “Ready for our picnic?”

  “In a big way, mate.”

  “How big?” Reno’s smile was coy, hoping she was thinking the same thing he was.

  Aili didn’t answer, just let her eyes drop to the front of his low riders – below his t–shirt.

  Reno growled softly as his mind exploded with possibilities – what–ifs and why–the–fuck–nots.

  They left the house, walking up the drive, disappearing behind the house. It was cooler tonight with the wind picking up speed as they finally reached their destination. A secret place that everyone knew ab
out now – it was hard to keep it secret when the entire team were constantly booking time slots at their personal retreat.

  Although, she’d help decorate the place, Aili took a walk through. That should have sparked him, but didn’t. Reno wanted, needed and craved this time to be good for them. He was happy to see Aili settling in quickly.

  The secret apartment was nestled on the second floor above what appeared to be an old decrepit building. Security was tight and there were no windows, but with drapes where windows should be it created the illusion. Snug and cozy, the females had decorated it with golds and blues and dashes of soft purple splashed here and there.

  Reno worked the cork open and poured two glasses of wine as Aili slipped his t–shirt up his chest, hands running over him. Rock Hard made his presence known. “Mo leannan, what’s the rush?”

  They both laughed at the same time.

  Firmly, Aili stated, “You’ve got to stop telling me that. I wanna rush, okay?” She dropped her eyes. “Hmmmm. I think…uh, yeah, I…” her hand slipped into the waistband of his low riders, meeting and greeting Rock Hard, pulsing with pleasure.

  No matter how long, he’d never get enough of Aili. Ever. What fucking thrilled him was that she was the same. A grin slipped out as he asked, “What? Tell me what you need. Your wish is mine to command.”

  Aili smiled widely. “I want to make new memories with you, Reno. Of course, I remember our mating night here, but it’s disconnected for me. I can’t quite feel it.”

  “Hell, mo leannan, I’ll dedicate the rest of my days to making new memories with you.” They sat on the couch, took a sip of wine before Reno leaned in, kissing her deeply. Aili had his t–shirt up around his neck before he even grabbed hers, but she pulled back, shaking her head.

  With a capricious grin, Reno let go of her t–shirt, raising both arms as she crawled into his lap and slid his t–shirt sensually up his body. Her gorgeous globes at face level, his mouth watered and his tongue automatically shot out, wetting her t–shirt right around a peaking nipple. His t–shirt broke their contact as Aili pulled it far too slowly over his face and up his arms. Teasing him, he loved it. So unexpected and so like the Aili he knew and loved.

  When he reached for her, she slapped his hands away. “New memories remember and I want my first one with you totally buck naked.” Her fingers flicked open the top button of his low riders as Rock Hard sprang free, weeping for her, the entire head of his engorged cock wet.

  Rock was a bona fide slut for Aili every time.

  Aili pushed him back on the couch and he didn’t resist as she pulled his boots off, then his low riders. When she planted his right foot flat on the floor and lifted his left leg and bent it at the knee against the back of the couch, spreading him wide open, he growled on the edge of a fucking explosive orgasm.

  This was her memory and if she was heading south like he suspected, then it was gonna be a new memory for him too. He wasn’t gonna share that tidbit with her right now. Maybe later, maybe not.

  Jinn’s never allowed females to lick or suck them. Weakest spot on a male’s body was his cock and it was far too dangerous. Any experience he had about getting head was from porn on the net along with Caleb’s substantial vid collection. He was all fucking in for Aili building them both a new memory.

  As her hot wet tongue stroked the tip of his cock, she drew back, tasting him. She reached down to cup both balls in one hand, squeezing them together as a stream of fluid shoot out of his cock, bathing his belly.

  Mesmerized, Aili fisted her left hand around the base of his cock, pumping in smooth easy strokes while her other hand squeezed his balls and her hot sweet mouth cradled his massive erection as her tongue laved him on each in and out stroke. It fucking blew his mind the pleasure she was giving him, the way she watched as his chest lifted off the bed as groans ripped out of him.

  Layer after pleasure layer and his orgasm built – he couldn’t hold it back and Reno reached for Aili to pull her away, but she shrugged him off, increasing the suction, the engorged head of his cock hitting the back of her throat as his hips thrust.

  It was almost better than making love and pleasure exploded as his body vaulted upwards off the bed, hips thrusting out to slam his cock into the back of her mouth. Aili stayed with it, licking him like a lollipop, swirling her tongue around Rock Hard’s sensitive head, fingertips trailing over his balls, sparking more waves of ecstasy to wash over him.

  Slowly, erotically, Aili continued to pump him.

  Naked and splayed out just the way she wanted him while she was still fully dressed – he pictured her exquisite naked breasts, his mouth watered for a big rosy nipple or two where his tongue lathed…he exploded again.

  Reno grabbed either side of her head, holding fast as her fingers played over him and more hot jets shot out. His chest and abs covered in glossy white cream as pleasure bloomed and exploded in his brain. He lay there twitching with decadent pleasure, watching her enjoy every fucking inch of him.

  She lifted her head grinned. “Now, that’s a good memory. I love your gorgeous body and you’re so responsive to my touch. I’d like to do that often if it’s okay with you.”

  Reno let out a long, low growl and held her close. “Mo leannan, wherever, whenever you want, baby.”

  Aili giggled just the way he liked as she snuggled into him deeper, her words muffled against his chest. “What?”

  Satisfied chocolate eyes on him, Aili grinned. “I’m hungry.”

  Incredulous Reno stared. “Again?” He’d be hard pressed to keep up with her after blowing two loads back to back. Regretfully, he needed a short rest in between.

  “No, silly. You were the appetizer. Now, I want food.”

  When he reached for his low riders, Aili tore them out of hand and tossed them towards the front door. “Nuh, uh. I want your naked, gorgeous body in my face.”

  He liked the sound of that! Reno’s grin got so wide he thought his face might split.

  The picnic was delicious, big fat sandwiches and wine to wash it all down with two jam jars full of chocolate mouth watering fluffiness.

  Naked as he was born, Reno pawed through the fresh fruit, thinking about breakfast tomorrow. If he had his way, it would be long past breakfast, maybe even the following day before they made their exit.

  “I love to see you enjoying yourself.” He smiled and took a big bite of his sandwich. The baguette was so fresh it melted in his mouth.

  Aili laughed and without thinking blurted, “It all feels so real!”

  “It is, mo leannan. It is real.” Reno focused on his sandwich, but with hooded eyes watched Aili instead as she continued to eat, moaning with pleasure. Slowly, he put his sandwich down, the food in his stomach turned to stone as he kept a smile plastered on his face – it was tight and awkward.

  Would Aili notice as she stuffed her mouth with too big a bite of sandwich filled with succulent medium rare roast beef and Brie?

  Was she still here – with him? Or gone again?

  It near fucking felled him when Aili looked up, her chocolatey eyes glossy and blank as she mindlessly continued eating. “Strawberry.”

  Aili’s head whipped to the side as she shook her head. The distance and blankness in her chocolate eyes disappearing instantly. “Feck! Was I gone?”

  The lump so big in his throat, Reno could only nod.

  “I’m sorry, when the Nothingness comes, sometimes I don’t even know it’s happening.”

  Reno cleared his throat, taking a moment to get a grip. “How often is it happenin’?”

  Aili ducked her head and put the last bite of her sandwich down. Her stomach heaving now – her worst current fear was Reno finding out how badly realities were blending for her. To say she hadn’t been exactly honest was true and she knew he wouldn’t like that.

  Honesty and honor were the hallmarks of her warrior and she never wanted him to think he couldn’t trust her.

  Aili took a big gulp of wine and let it slowly trail down h
er throat. “Only a couple of times.” Purposely or not, she didn’t add, Today. A lie by omission, but she didn’t want to panic him.

  Just a few days ago, Reno had gone AWOL – not much could be hidden in the compound – everybody knew what was shakin’ and rumors were rife about her male. It was afterwards when Aili woke to find him badly beat up.

  Reno noticed Aili wouldn’t look him in the eye and he felt hollow inside. Gently and slowly, he asked, “Do you remember all of today? What we just did?”

  Aili grinned and slipped from the kitchen stool to wrap her arms around his waist. “It’s the best memory so far and I’m sticking with it.”

  “So you didn’t slip away for too long then. That’s good.” He nodded with authority.

  She added, “And, the code word works like a charm.”

  Reno didn’t smile for show, he didn’t need to as Aili’s face was buried in his chest. In fact, his visage was like stone and he wore a grimace – his heart splintering at the bald truth of what they were dealing with.

  His mate wasn’t healing – she was just trying to survive. “When it comes, you’re not aware of anything around you?”

  “No,” Aili answered in a tinny voice.

  “When was the last time before right now that this happened?”

  “Walking here. I remember leaving the house with you, but nothing after that until I took a look around this secret apartment. I’m sorry, Reno, I should’ve said something, but I wanted this night as much as you do. I’ve missed you so much and I want our sex life back on track, so I didn’t say anything.”

  “Mo leannan, you have nothing to apologize for. What happened to you was horrific and it’s gonna take some time is all. But, you’re gonna have to start sharing. Promise me.”

  Couched in the softest of tones, it was still a direct command. “I promise.”

  Reno could see she was struggling, promising something she maybe couldn’t honor. “Maybe a journal would work.”

  “How?” Aili sipped on her wine, stomach settling now that she’d been mostly honest about what was happening to her. She hadn’t shared how many blank spots were littered throughout her days, times when she tuned out without anyone realizing.