by V. K. Powell
She talked with Beth a few more minutes, then addressed the group for the final time. “Folks, I hate to leave, but I’ve got lots of paperwork to finish if you’re all to get your commendations. Please stay as long as you like. You have an open tab at the bar.” With that, she headed toward the exit.
Keri watched Alex go and wanted to run after her. How long would she wait? Trying to appear nonchalant, she walked around the table talking and joking with the officers for what seemed an eternity. I can’t bear this any longer. “Guys, I’m afraid I have to go.”
It took every ounce of her patience not to bolt for the door as she accepted handshakes and pats on the back. The ache between her legs grew with each step toward the parking lot until a full-blown hunger gripped her.
Alex stood near their vehicles. She started toward Keri, then stopped just out of reach.
“I want you so much.” Keri reached for her.
“Don’t.” Alex held up her hand. “If you touch me right now, I’ll take you where you stand. Let’s get out of here.”
They practically ran to their respective vehicles and began what seemed an interminable drive to Alex’s house, only two miles away.
Chapter Twenty
Alex unlocked her front door, pushed it open with her foot, and pulled Keri into her arms, surrounding her in a full-body hug. “I thought we’d never get here.”
“Is this really happening?” Keri pressed her tender pelvis against Alex’s and felt her respond in kind. The contact created such excruciating pleasure it forced a long, gushing breath from Keri’s body. “Please make love to me. I can’t wait anymore.”
Alex cupped Keri’s chin and brought their lips together in a delicate kiss. As the softness turned demanding and grew like a fever between them, she led Keri into the bedroom and lowered her onto the down comforter.
Moonlight filtered through the trees outside and cast a flickering, candlelike glow across Keri’s body. Alex stood over her and admired the devastating natural beauty of this woman, who lay ready to give herself over to desire. She prayed for the ability to give Keri what she needed. This time Alex wanted to show her how she felt, not just feast like a hungry animal.
Stretching her body along Keri’s side, she stroked her face as she looked into her lust-hooded eyes. She understood that look, the consuming passion to move beyond the anticipation of love to its physical consummation. “You are so beautiful.” Her lips met Keri’s with the hunger of a woman starved. As her hands slid under the thin red top and teased a puckered nipple, her own breasts and pelvis throbbed.
Keri arched her body. “Please touch me. I ache for you.”
Alex peeled Keri’s top over her head and slowly unzipped the form-fitting silk pants, pushing them aside to allow her trembling fingers to enter. Her mouth captured a breast and tongued it as her hand slid down Keri’s taut stomach into the slick moisture between her legs.
“Oh, my God,” Keri breathed. Alex’s fingers felt laced with fire as they separated the wet folds of flesh and massaged her engorged clit. “Oh, yes…that’s it…” Her entire body shook with sensations beyond all she’d experienced before.
Her appreciative moans inflamed Alex even more. They were the sounds of uncensored vulnerability, totally raw and primal. Alex absorbed them like the elixir of life itself. You are so perfect. She draped her leg over Keri’s and allowed her painful, soaked crotch only the lightest contact. Sparks released another flood and she tilted her pelvis backward. She was so hot. One easy stroke would send her over the edge and she didn’t want to come that way, not this time.
Alex kissed her way down Keri’s body to her navel, circling the rim with her tongue. At the same time, she dipped her middle finger into the warmth of Keri’s body while milking her clit between thumb and forefinger.
“Ahh…” Keri’s hips rose off the bed to deepen Alex’s thrusts, her moans filling the air. “Yes, yes. Oh, it’s so good. Don’t stop.”
She was getting close to the edge. Alex withdrew her fingers.
“Oh, no! Don’t stop…please.”
Disbelieving eyes met hers. Alex just smiled and licked her passion-covered fingers. “I want to feel you come against my lips. I have to see your eyes when it happens.” She worked Keri’s pants down her legs and off the side of the bed.
“Hurry,” Keri pleaded. She’d never imagined wanting anything so much. Alex kissed her slowly, then more deeply before licking a fiery trail down her abdomen into the burning between her legs. When Alex’s tongue flicked against her swollen flesh, every sensory nerve defaulted to that point. Each stroke magnified the current inside her body. It felt as if her insides were melting even as the pressure in her pelvis increased.
“Look at me,” Alex commanded. “I want to watch you come.”
“Now, baby. I’m coming now…” Keri entangled her fingers in Alex’s hair and pulled her closer as the first tremor of orgasm gripped. Gazing into Alex’s eyes, she let her body have its way and just released. “Oh…yes, that’s it. Don’t stop.”
Pleasure consumed her as the series of spasms started low in her belly and continued over and over. She’d never felt like this and never wanted it to end. She felt herself being drained and simultaneously refilled as she watched Alex stroke her spent body.
Alex almost came watching Keri at the moment of release. Her brilliant blue eyes were hooded and cloudy with emotion. Her pleading moans pierced the hot air around them and settled in Alex’s core. She’d been so beautiful in her surrender.
Alex kissed the insides of Keri’s thighs and slid slowly up the length of her body. The fabric of her slacks rubbed painfully against her sensitive flesh, which begged for release. She squirmed to reposition her pulsing clit and minimize contact as she settled next to her lover. Their ragged breaths filled the silence of the room.
After several minutes, Keri tilted her face to Alex’s and kissed her lightly on the lips. “Thank you for that.” She stared, noticing for the first time that Alex wasn’t naked. “You still have clothes on?”
“Guess I got a little carried away.” Alex smiled.
“I’m sorry. I should’ve… It’s just so hard to think when you’re touching me.”
Alex pushed slightly back to look into Keri’s eyes. “God, I love it when you say exactly what’s on your mind. It’s probably one of the biggest turn-ons for me.” She felt a surge of heat between them. “I’m sorry. I’ve embarrassed you.”
“It’s okay, but I need to tell you—”
“Must we talk now? I mean just now?” The pain in Alex’s groin seemed to rise with each word.
“Oh, my God. You feel so good.” Keri slid her hand up Alex’s back and into her hair, almost embarrassed by the level of her need. “I never knew holding anyone could feel this way. My whole body’s aching for you again. Does that sound crazy?”
Each honest declaration was like an aphrodisiac, each touch like liquid fire. Alex felt herself tumbling further under Keri’s spell. She’d never had such an overwhelming desire to sexually devour another woman. Had Keri tapped some base instinct or were her desires too seldom satisfied and her emotions too closely guarded?
“It’s not crazy at all. Now please stop talking.” She brushed her lips over Keri’s, broadcasting her passion. Her legs trembled and she hesitated. She needed to do one more thing before she allowed herself to let go completely. The words swelled in her throat, words she’d chained to her fear of intimacy and trust, words that she had to say and Keri had to hear.
“Keri, I—”
“Please, let me go first,” Keri insisted. “If I don’t say this now, I’m going to explode.” At Alex’s nod, Keri took a deep breath. “I’m in love with you and I want us to be together.” There it was. Short, simple, and so true that her entire body felt lighter.
Alex tried to speak but her words had no sound. Emotion rushed at her like a blast of humid, summer heat. She burned with its intensity while simultaneous moisture seeped from her pores. Halting gasps racked
her chest and tears slid down her face.
Keri took Alex’s hands gently in hers. “Does this mean you love me, too?” She didn’t really need a verbal reply. Alex’s physical responses were enough.
“More than my next breath. I’ve never felt these things before. Without you, it’s like going through the motions of life. I think about you all the time and want you to be safe and happy. And my body craves you.”
Keri touched the silky smoothness of Alex’s face and a surge of excitement charged through her. How deep were these newfound sexual and emotional hungers that suddenly consumed her? She trailed her thumb across Alex’s invitingly full lips and felt a spasmodic jerk deep in her core.
“I love you so much, Keri, but…” A heavy sigh signaled that Alex was about to disturb the serenity of their perfect haven.
“Don’t,” Keri begged.
“Don’t what?”
“Don’t start with that damn list. It’s professionally unethical. I live with my parents. You’re a captain now. Have I left anything out?”
“Actually, you’ve covered it pretty well, but I prefer to call them legitimate reasons.”
“Well, I’ve heard your reasons,” Keri said tenderly. “And they just sound like excuses not to get close. We can work through anything, if we really love each other.”
Her body burned with a painful, all-consuming need for this woman. Thunder and lightning clashed inside her, frightening with its rumbling announcement but illuminating with a piercing display of directed brilliance. What she’d craved in her life had been totally obscure but was now utterly specific and vital to her very existence. It was her love for Alex. Nothing had ever been so right, as perfect as this moment.
“I love you,” Keri said again.
“Oh God, how I love you.” Alex’s breath came in excited gasps. “But we need to talk about this.” She wanted Keri to understand what to expect, but the words tasted bitter in her mouth. She wanted Keri more than life itself.
“I’ve already decided what I want and how I feel about it. We fit. I know you feel it, too.” Keri wedged her leg between Alex’s thighs and lowered herself to bring them together. Alex grabbed her naked butt and forced her to match her own frantic humping. She’d never been this hot and out of control for any woman. Her crotch was soaked and she was only seconds from climax.
Keri pushed herself up on her hands to look at the woman beneath her. “I certainly hope you’re not about to come, Alex Troy. I’ve waited too long for this.”
Alex’s disappointed groan brought a chuckle that was quickly smothered by a plea. “Can I touch you?” Keri blushed as she asked.
“Yes, please.” Alex unbuttoned the confining shirt and discarded it with her bra. She brought Keri’s hand to her breast.
Keri thought how beautiful Alex looked: her lips were deeply colored and swollen from their endless kisses, her nipples puckered and demanding Keri’s touch. Skin so soft and yielding welcomed her. A bolt of excitement shot between her breasts and pelvis as she took a dimpled nipple into her mouth. She sucked the delicate tip and massaged the mound of flesh beneath it with her fingers. Each suck pulled her clitoris tighter as it became more engorged.
She reached for Alex’s trousers. “Can I?”
“You can do anything you want.” Alex edged closer to orgasm with each request. She’d never had a woman ask permission.
Keri slowly peeled the clothing away. Alex’s exposed skin was flushed and glistening. Beads of moisture clung to the chocolate brown triangle between her legs.
Smiling, Keri repositioned herself for easy access. “I had no idea your body could tell me so much. I think you want me.” She ran her index fingers along the juncture of thigh and torso.
“If you don’t touch me,” Alex groaned, “I’m going to die.”
Something Keri had once heard echoed in her mind: It’s emotional, almost like instinct. Every touch feels like an extension of your own body. It’s raw and tender and hot all at the same time. She finally understood what Pat had said to her that day a long time ago. Her already engorged clitoris pounded with each stroke of Alex’s tender flesh as though she herself were being teased. She moved as if from years of experience making love to Alex. She kissed her way across Alex’s abdomen, down the insides of her thighs, and was rewarded with a pleading whimper. Instinctively she knew what Alex wanted and savored her ability to give such pleasure.
Alex clawed Keri’s back. Her body screamed for the release she knew would only take seconds once this beautiful creature touched her. She panted and in a voice choked with desire said, “Please, Keri. I need you.”
She trusts me—and she loves me. Eyes liquid with desire gazed into hers and Keri lowered her mouth to Alex and stroked her with a passion that promised her faith was justified. She’d never felt so vitally needed in her life.
“I know what you need, baby,” Keri replied, infused with the passion and intimacy of the moment, jubilant at the level of trust it required, rejoicing in the arousal that threatened to render her helpless.
She tickled a tormented path between Alex’s legs. Her fingertips dipped into the silky wetness and tentatively inched inside, stroking the velvet lining in time with Alex’s increased upward thrusts.
“How beautiful you are.” Alex’s breathing increased. Her hand covered Keri’s and held her firmly in place. “I need to feel you inside me, part of me, please don’t stop.”
“Trust me.” Keri lowered her head and caressed with tiny tongue strokes. Gradually, teasing with each flick of her tongue, she reached Alex’s center and was rewarded with the salty-sweetness of her desire. “Um…I do love the taste of you.”
The instant Keri’s hot tongue touched her clit Alex arched with raw current. A low whimper increased to a resonant growl deep in her chest and threatened to strip her throat with primordial screams. Knots of repressed energy coiled tighter in her abdomen as tremors signaled her imminent orgasm. “I’m not going to make it much longer.”
“Trust me,” Keri whispered again as she felt a quiver against her tongue.
The muscles in Alex’s thighs tensed and Keri’s own lust spiraled. Making love to Alex was bringing her more pleasure than she’d ever experienced, without even being touched. Her body vibrated as every nerve sparked with arousal. Soon, no matter how tightly she clamped her legs against her tender clit, she wouldn’t be able to control the pending release. How is this possible?
Alex’s panting increased as she tried to reach between Keri’s legs. “I want you to come with me. Let me touch you.” She was desperate for more contact. A sharp nibble on her aching flesh brought her closer to the edge.
“Don’t worry. I’m with you.” Keri felt Alex’s legs tremble against the sides of her face. “Come for me, baby. Right now.”
“Oh my God, Keri, please don’t stop!” Alex pleaded. Her body stiffened. I couldn’t stop if I wanted to.
Keri was unable to speak, concentrating now on the tingling release rising from her toes and burning a path between her legs. She plunged deep into Alex, alternately withdrawing and stroking her frenzied body. “Oh, yes, this is how it’s supposed to feel,” she gasped as she yielded to her own desire.
“Oh, yes…” Alex groaned helplessly with her.
Contractions racked Keri’s body with each spasm of her pulsing flesh. Passion grabbed her by her throat and she wailed in continuous, contented waves. At that moment, Alex pulled her on top and entwined their legs. Their bodies arched and convulsed in orgasm until they collapsed, exhausted, side by side on the bed.
A sense of peace descended on Alex as she lay in Keri’s arms. Her body continued to quiver with mini-spasms, then eventually relaxed. When she finally could, she brushed her fingers lightly across Keri’s sweat-drenched forehead. “Are you all right?”
“I’ve never been better. I’m just amazed. I knew it would be different this time, but nothing like this.” Disbelief echoed inside her flushed body. “How have I lived without you so long? I truly lo
ve you, Alex.”
Alex pulled her closer and kissed the top of her head. “You have no idea how much you mean to me. When you were hurt during the arrest, I was crazed. And I put you in that position. I can’t do that again. It would kill me.”
“But I’m fine and we’re here together—where we belong, by the way. Before you say anything else, I’ve got a gift for you.”
“I thought you just gave me that. You’re a natural, my dear,” Alex replied with a mischievous grin.
“Actually, you’re the one who gave me the gift. I never imagined I could feel this way about anyone. So my gift is small in comparison.”
“You’ve given me back my life. What more could I ask?”
“Permission to enjoy it.” Keri grinned. “Madame Lieutenant, soon to be Captain, you’re looking at the newest member of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Granville Division.”
A look of astonishment covered Alex’s face. “What do you mean? You quit the department?”
“You bet. I applied with DEA after the first time we made love. I’m starting in three weeks. I told you I wanted to be a narc.”
Trying to hide her joy, Alex asked. “But why? You love the job so much and you’d just proven yourself. You could’ve had anything in the department you wanted.”
“Except you. I knew you’d never consider a relationship with me as long as we worked together. And I love you too much not to give it a try.”
“You really are too smart for your own good. But there might be another way.”
“What do you mean?” Keri asked.
“It seems I’m quite wealthy.”
Keri rose on her elbow and looked into Alex’s shining brown eyes. “Wealthy as in you don’t have to work anymore?”
“Wealthy as in neither of us would ever have to work again if we didn’t want to…ever.” Alex smiled at the look of shock on Keri’s face. “But I don’t suppose a life of leisure would interest you, would it, Officer Morgan?”