“Undress, baby. I have plans that will make us both happy.” He took a step back from her and let his hands fall to his sides.
She felt the loss of his solid warmth and reached for him. He caught her hands in his before she could touch him. He shook his head.
“Get undressed.” He took another step back and started removing his clothing.
She wanted to go after him and push him onto the bed but realized he wouldn’t change his mind. Her gaze trailed over the muscled expanse of his brown chest. She stared at him. Her mind locked on thoughts of stroking and kissing him.
She fumbled with the seal of her shirt while he continued removing his clothes. As she watched the muscles of his chest ripple with his movements, she couldn’t stop thinking about touching and kissing him. She swept her tongue across her lips and tried to hurry. The seal wouldn’t cooperate. She had to look down to undo the fastening and start on her pants. By the time she glanced back up, he’d stepped out of his pants. Completely naked, he climbed onto the bed and sprawled on his back in the center.
The sight of his cock standing hard and ready urged her to move faster. She pulled off her shoes before she began taking off her pants. Finally naked, she crawled onto the bed. Berenger watched her with a smile. The moment she moved to swing her leg over him and take his cock into her pussy, he shook his head. A hand on her thigh stopped her from sliding into position.
“Not that way. Turn around. Let me get my mouth on your pussy.” He gave a wicked smile. “And you know where to put your sweet lips.”
Her gaze wandered down to his cock. A bead of precum glistened at the tip. Oh yes, she wanted to taste him. She longed to see him go wild, but his wonderful mouth on her would more than make up for the loss. She turned around and let him guide her legs until he could easily tease and lick her pussy.
She wrapped her fingers around his dick and dipped until she could taste him. Anticipation brought a grin to her face. She laved the rounded crown before licking the length of his shaft. His salty taste lured her back for more. A long groan rumbled from him.
“You won’t make me crazy before I do the same to you.” His hands clamped on her hips.
He traced over her pussy. She froze and quivered when the heat of his tongue swept so close to where she ached to feel it. Her inner muscles spasmed as lust sizzled through her. The tip flicked over her clit a moment before his mouth settled over the sensitive flesh. Her attention locked on what he did while her mind spun with feverish ideas. He sucked. She gasped and pressed into the contact.
“Suck my cock, baby.” Berenger drew back and swept his hand across her thigh.
She focused on giving him pleasure and took his cock deeper, sucking on him. Intent on her goal, she strove to take his length. While she worked at his dick, he began to lap at her clit again.
It felt so good, but she wouldn’t get lost in the delicious torment alone this time. She’d make him as wild as he did her. He seemed determined to tear away her control. His tongue flicked, and then his teeth grazed over her. She shivered and moaned around his cock.
Her hips rocked against the tantalizing touch. She sucked at him, enjoying the sensations as well as the groans she coaxed from him. Her pussy clamped, desperately aching for the feel of his cock pushing into her. She was close. So close. She had to take him with her.
She firmed her lips. After she bobbed up again, she licked the head. He groaned and eased away from her pussy. She stiffened. No. She voiced the denial only with a small moan. His hands moved from her hips to her waist. He lifted, pulling her away from his hard shaft.
“Damn it, Berenger. I wanted to make you come.” She glared at him when he put her on her back on the bed.
“And I ache for the grip of your pussy around my dick while you take your pleasure, baby.” He moved over her, spreading her thighs as he did.
“Yes.” She brought her knees up around his hips.
He reached between them and guided his cock into her pussy. His hips pushed forward, and his cock slid deep, eased by her slick juices. The full feeling thrilled her, but wonderful sensation wasn’t enough. Sephanie moaned; her thighs squeezed. He remained still for a moment, and his heat surrounded her. Berenger seemed determined to drive her insane. She wrapped her arms around him, holding him close.
“Move. Fuck me.” Her nails dug into his back.
Her channel clamped down while she tried to pull him deep, to somehow urge him to give her more. A low groan rumbled in his chest. His hips lifted, and he began to rock slowly into her. Too slow. She craved more speed and force. His mouth firmed, and his muscles tensed. She could see the strain in him and knew he would try to draw this out as much as he could.
She couldn’t take it any longer. The hunger within demanded a hard, fast fuck. She needed him to be desperate and burning. Her inner muscles rippled around his cock when she lifted against him. A shudder ripped over his body. His hips drove forward hard. She hummed with pleasure as his cock sank deep.
“More, Berenger, more.” She panted while he withdrew.
“So beautiful.” Berenger dropped nipping kisses along her neck and jaw. “Finger your clit, Sephanie. Come with me.”
She wriggled her hand between their bodies. It probably wouldn’t be necessary, but she settled her fingers over her clit. Her body felt stretched, hanging on the edge of bliss. He surged against her. Each stroke caused her fingers to bump into her clit.
She gasped and lifted into him, desperately grasping for pleasure. His mouth moved up her neck to her cheek and across her lips. Her body tightened with the coming release as the sensations grew. His thrusts became faster and harder.
She screamed. Her body shook as release slammed through it. She held on to him, wanting to feel the weight of his body pressing her into the bed. He continued to move against her. His hips thrust hard and then he jerked, but he continued to rock as he rode out the pleasure. He collapsed onto her, and she intensified her grip, enjoying his weight.
She loved having this time to hold him when their bodies were still joined. He eased back, and his cock slipped from her. She tightened her arms. She didn’t want the moment to end.
“Let me roll onto my back, Seph, and then we can cuddle. I don’t want to crush you.” He looked at her with a smile.
She had no problem with his weight, but given free rein to snuggle with him, she could go along without a protest. Suiting action to words, he sprawled on his back and then pulled her across him. His arms curved around her, holding her close. As she nestled her head against his chest, she savored the intimacy. She hoped he craved the connection as much as she did.
“I love having you right here with me, in our home.” Berenger nuzzled her neck.
“I like being here too.” She braced a hand on his chest so she could look at his face.
“You belong here.” He drew his fingers through the hair hanging on the right side of her face.
“We’re not getting into that argument right now. I feel too good and too relaxed.” She frowned at him. The thought of starting that fight again sent a spear of dread through her. She had to wonder whether he’d keep insisting if she resisted for too long. It seriously dampened her feeling of contentment.
“We will get back to it. I am not giving up until you admit you belong in this house and in this bed with Kass, Teague, and me. And not for a few weeks or months. We intend to marry you.” He cupped the side of her face.
“Once I’m ready and sure. And living with you because I’m in danger only makes the situation murkier. Our emotions need to be clear before we make this relationship permanent.” She took a deep breath. The feeling of satisfaction faded, and her muscles tensed.
He rubbed a hand up and down her back. “Relax. We’ll let this drop for now, but just so you know, it’s when, not if.”
She glared at him. Damn man. If she corrected him, it would keep the argument going, and she intended to enjoy the moment. She’d let him have the last word this time.
C
hapter Eighteen
Teague kept an arm around Sephanie while they walked into Ayuda Park. Warm afternoon sun bathed the paths in a soft golden glow. He longed to keep her hidden away at Kassius’s orchard but knew danger could come to them there. She hadn’t left the area around the groves in days.
They needed to protect her, but she had to have some feeling of freedom. The attacks seemed to be planned around her routine. To keep her safe, they decided to take Sephanie to the festival this morning and hadn’t talked about it to anyone. It would be hard for someone to lay a trap for her in those circumstances. He hoped she could have an enjoyable day there.
Brightly colored booths with everything from clothing to food and drinks filled the open fields of the park. The First Festival celebrated the safe arrival of the first colonists on Darmain. It showcased local and regional businesses and food. Everything was produced on Darmain, particularly in or around Cassid. Kassius had a booth and had left early that morning so he could help operate the stand.
Sectioned-off areas for activities and games offered enticement to people of all ages. At one end of the park, musicians played on a large stage. The bands would change at various points during the weeklong festival. It was usually a relaxing way to spend the day. This year, Teague couldn’t relax when he knew nothing about whoever had caused Sephanie’s Duce to crash and what they planned next. Seven days after the last incident and they were no closer to catching the person.
Berenger walked on the other side of Sephanie. They strolled in the direction of the tent where Kassius sold some of his liqueurs. Teague had no idea if they’d go there or let Sephanie explore first. Sephanie had a booth also but, because of the attacks, had decided to err on the side of caution and withdraw her bakery’s participation.
“So what are we going to see?” She studied the goods offered as they entered one of the rows formed by the lines of tents.
He made a show of looking at the booths as he weighed the options. Most of the tents in this section were soft pastel colors. Groups of people strolled from tent to tent, admiring the wares.
With the big area, it might be better to have another set of eyes to help spot trouble. Teague knew Kassius wanted to see her. On top of that, Kassius would know the schedule and best events to watch.
He hadn’t been on the planet during the past three First Festivals. From what he remembered of the last one he’d attended, he’d gone to Kassius’s tent and strolled around, looking for a woman to provide an interesting night. That answer wouldn’t gain him any points.
“We should stop by Kassius’s tent and see if he has time to walk around the festival with us. After that, we can go find one of the activities to watch or something to munch on while we look at the wares.” Berenger took her hand and slanted a look across Sephanie’s head at Teague.
“That’s a good plan.” She seemed completely at ease as she walked between them. “I haven’t heard from him since he left this morning. He said he’d try to keep in touch.”
“What would you do if you were following what you normally do at the festival?” Teague asked.
“Well, I take time off to come with Julie and Cathy. We wander around and eat, but usually start and end the night at a few of the activity areas.” A slow smile curved her lips.
That curve held a bit of mischief, but there was a sensuality that put him on alert. What here could give her that sort of memory?
“What are you thinking about?” Teague tried to catch her eye.
She shrugged. “Where is Kassius’s tent?”
He wouldn’t let her distract him that easily, but maybe allowing her to relax would be better. They’d have a good chance of prying the truth out of her if all three of them worked to get it. On top of that, they’d have privacy at Kassius’s tent to persuade her if they needed it.
“His tent is a row over and near the end. They tend to cluster the tents selling liquor in one area so they can keep children out.” Berenger gave her hand a tug.
They led her through a path between the tents and made their way along it until they reached the deep purple tent Kassius used for this festival. Kassius stood at one of the tables, arranging bottles on display. Two other people worked at the front, serving the drinks.
Berenger and Teague drew her to the side, between the tents. Kassius must have seen the movement, because he turned and looked over at them. He called a greeting before he left the table.
“It’s about time they brought you here.” Kassius stepped out of the tent and hugged her. “I was wondering if they changed their mind about coming.”
“No, they discussed whether I’d be safe. After some back-and-forth, they decided no one could know if I would come to the festival. A short visit shouldn’t cause any harm.” Her gaze swung to Teague.
Teague drew his fingers through her hair. He knew she recognized the need for caution, but he didn’t know how long she’d cooperate with it. She’d begin to feel trapped. Most people would when time had passed, especially if no danger followed. He hoped they caught the person behind the vandalism and sabotage before it came to that.
“You should be safe. Your brother is here, as are his partners. There are also a few other men from the corps wandering around the festival. If anything does occur, there are plenty of people around to protect you.” Kassius eased back and stared at her.
“Are you able to leave your stand for a while? I thought you could walk around with us, and we can talk.” Teague let his gaze drop to Sephanie significantly before he glanced back at Kassius.
Kassius gave him a quizzical look but didn’t say anything about it. Teague was glad. He didn’t want their woman thinking of diversions or lies to placate them, although punishing her for the lies held definite appeal. Considering her fondness for a spanking, an excuse to warm her ass wasn’t necessary.
“Yes, I can spend some time with you and Sephanie.” Kassius stepped away to speak briefly to the other people managing the tent for the festival.
He returned a few moments later. They began walking through the row of tents again. Kassius fell in on one side of her and Berenger the other. Teague usually walked at their side, but sometimes in front of the group. Teague kept them moving in the right direction. When they drew near a group of people, he eased in ahead of them. He planned to discover what she did with her friends at the festival before they reached the contest section.
“Sephanie told us she and her friends start and end their day at the fair with the activities areas.” Teague glanced back at Sephanie with a wide smile.
“Yes, we do.” She nodded, but the narrow-eyed look she gave him showed her annoyance.
“You and your friends come here every year?” Kassius asked.
“We have since we were still in school.” She smiled easily at Kassius.
“If you plan on baiting her, why don’t you walk beside her?” Berenger stepped away from Sephanie. “You won’t be as likely to fall over someone or something.”
Teague wouldn’t refuse the offer to be near Sephanie, but he’d planned to draw the teasing out. He wouldn’t be able to provoke her easily this time.
“Bait her?” Kassius glanced over at him. “What are you doing, and why would you bait her?”
“After we first asked her about coming to the festival, she got this smile when she talked about watching the activities. Slow and sexy. Anyone would be able to tell her thoughts went to the erotic. She wouldn’t tell us what caused it.” Teague would find out what that smile was about if he had to pull it out of her right before she cried out her pleasure.
Kassius looked at her. “That is definitely interesting. What were you thinking about, baby?”
“The past.” She lifted her shoulders in a shrug. “So it doesn’t matter.”
Teague chuckled. All right, she had a point. It was the past. It didn’t matter, but he still needed to know what brought that smile. Perhaps he could use the knowledge to give her that same look at some point.
“Maybe not, but
I will discover the details.” Teague grinned at her.
“Why didn’t you tell us if it doesn’t matter?” Kassius raised an eyebrow.
She shook her head. “Okay, I’m probably saying too much here and it will do what I’m hoping to avoid, but I think telling you about it will limit what I get to see.”
Teague let the words sink in as he thought about why she’d think that. Berenger’s chuckle tugged his mind away from the problem. He looked at Berenger, who shook a finger at Sephanie. She laughed at him.
“Do you think we’ll let you remain in one place, ogling the contestants?” Berenger stopped and waited until they drew close enough that he could lift her chin to look into her eyes.
Ogling the contestants. Suddenly, he realized what she and her friends did. They watched the men who participated in the races, the feats of strength and the wrestling. He took a deep breath to control his initial reaction of “no.” She didn’t need to stand around looking at other men while they were with her.
“It would be something nice you could do for me.” She batted her lashes at Berenger.
“This year, you have three men to watch and ogle. We might stop by those places. We have friends who usually join the competition, but ogling and drooling are out.” Kassius gave her a stern look.
“I never drooled. I admired all the gorgeous muscles on display, as any other woman would do.” She tilted her head. “Aside from that, I don’t think I’ll be there long enough to take in all the beauty on display.”
Teague leaned in until they were nose to nose. “You are begging for a spanking.”
She smiled. “No, just admitting the truth. I like looking at them, but they’re no competition for you.”
“Oh, they aren’t?” Teague wondered if she was trying to appease him.
“They’re something to watch. I don’t know them or if I’d like to know them. You three, I get to touch, kiss, and cuddle with. I know you’ll be there for me, and you hunger for me like I do you.” She put her hand on his chest.
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