“And I love you,” he whispered in turn, already lowering his head. “Let me show you how much.”
He captured her lips in a feather light kiss.
But, still, it was dangerously potent.
Moaning softly, she edged closer to him, and their bodies were so tightly clenched that nothing could get between them. The sensual heat seared their naked flesh as need demanded its comeuppance.
His tongue surged into her sweet mouth, finding the very thing he sought. Like dueling warriors, their tongues waged war against the other, and as they did, the sweet juices in their mouths mingled.
Their erratic breathing and pleas marred the moonlit silence, revealing the tumultuous feelings that stormed within them. Heat and passion collided at once, leaving their flesh glistening from their passionate assault.
Finally, they broke apart to draw air.
Stunned, lost, their gazes locked.
No words were needed.
For they realized the same truth---they would always be one.
A soft gasp escaped her lips as he lifted her, but they didn’t relinquish their visual holds as he crossed the room. Her eyes were filled with wonder as she clung to him, and his own mirrored the same thing.
He moved past the bed, seeking the dark shadows that fell at the back of the room. Finally, they reached the corner a few paces away from the furnishings. When her back met the cool wall, they both moaned in need. A breathless gasp left her as he lifted her higher up his body, and her only choice was to wrap her legs around his quaking form.
“I love you so fucking much,” he breathed harshly, clenching her soft hips with his hands, and his silver gaze burned with fire. “Please, tell me that I can show you and not hold anything back.”
Her own plea was desperate. “Make love to me,” she whispered breathlessly, kissing the edges of his lips. “Please.”
Their lips met again.
Once more, there was no leniency or signs of mercy.
As his tongue thrust into her mouth, he thrust himself inside of her body.
She cried out in pleasure at both intrusions, and he swallowed the desperate sound in his mouth. Then, he made another powerful thrust and then stilled. “Please, I need you,” she pleaded. “Xander….please…”
He thrust deep inside her again, making full penetration this time. “Nicole,” he breathed raggedly. “Damn you for making me want you this much.”
“We’re both damned together,” she breathed against his lips. “And there’s no other fate that I want.”
At her words, he made another powerful thrust, and it was damaging to both of their resolves. Over and over, he plunged into her wet cave, whispering wicked promises of their destruction. With his every thrust, she met it with her own demands, riding the violent wave into their dangerous passion.
But, the sensual madness rolled in.
Claimed them within its walls…
She sobbed in pleasure as her need became too great, and she called out his name again. His hard body quaked with pulsating need, and she heard her own name called. Clenching each other tight, they embraced the violent spasms that ricocheted through their sweat-glistened bodies.
Crying out, clinging to one another, they shattered the silence.
They were forever.
Chapter 17
The next morning, fresh sunlight filtered into the study, ushering in the birth of a new day. A thin glaze of white clouds blanketed the morning sky, a beautiful additive to the startling blue backdrop. Still, the luscious grounds welcomed the day’s fresh offerings. Already the brightly-hued wildflowers were soaking up the sun’s heat and rays, and the dewed grasses now emitted a high green sheen.
Pulling on the curtain strings firmly, he opened the drapes fully before confiscating the glass of warm brandy from the nearby table. He cradled the glass loosely as he stared out the huge, fog-paned windows. In the far distance, he caught a quick flash of something, and within moments, he’d undoubtedly have company.
Releasing the drapes, he stepped away from the window.
Slowly, he trailed from the window before journeying across the room, and then dropped into the leather-back wingchair. The hot fire crackled within the fireplace and enveloped the room with pleasing warmth. He stared into the burning flames as he sipped the warm brandy, and immediately, his thoughts trailed to the source of his frustration.
Nicole.
Last night, he’d taken her.
Over, over, and over again…
And with each encounter, their needs had intensified.
They’d been insatiable.
At the break of dawn, she’d finally succumbed to sleep.
But, now, here he was alone.
Faced with the consequences of his selfish actions…
There was still an explosive secret between them.
“You deserve to know the truth about everything,” he whispered hoarsely, his hand tightening around the glass. “But, how can I go about telling you that a monster breathes within me? I have no right to ask you to accept that.”
As the uncontrollable rage seized him, he hurled the glass across the room. It crashed against the wall, shattering into tiny crystalline pieces before crumbling to the marbled floor. But, his actions didn’t hinder his frustration, he mulled, getting up from the chair.
In fact, it’d only peaked further.
He left the study.
As he stepped outside the door, he glanced towards the stairwell. Even now, he could feel her.
“Everything that I do is because of you,” he muttered quietly, and then sighed. “What a fucking mess---how am I going to fix this?”
At that thought, he moved for the coat rack before shrugging into his coat. His steps were fast as he passed through the foyer and then exited the house.
The cold, brisk air hit him forcefully as he stepped onto the veranda. His careful gaze swept the surroundings quickly, and at once, he finally spotted Princeton’s lone figure. Impatient, he fled down the veranda’s stairs. The air seemed weightless as he hurried across the yard, and he barely noticed the estate’s naturalistic beauty as he sped ahead.
Princeton came to a standstill, and even from this distance, he sensed his disapproval. The protector inclined his head towards the huge barn, quickly making a detour before venturing inside.
Within seconds, he was upon the massive structure.
The barn door squeaked lightly as he pushed it open. Again, a cold draft greeted him as he ventured further. Moments later, he spied Princeton sitting casually in the corner stable, though he was hardly relaxed.
“I wasn’t sure if I’d see you alive,” Princeton said deadpan. His dark gaze searched his as he dropped down onto the bench facing him. “Vincent Breaux is more formidable than I gave him credit for. It’s not over, Xander, not by a long shot.”
“I know,” he sighed heavily, looking skyward. “It’s only the beginning, and we’ll need more allies to overthrow him. It’s not going to be easy.” An uncomfortable silence stretched between them. “What about Gates? Did anyone find him?”
“No,” Princeton said coldly. “He escaped. But, I do know this much. He’s no longer a part of Breaux’s army. Apparently, Breaux was livid that he hadn’t murdered you yet, and he’s decided that he’s going to take a personal stance. He’s going to kill you himself.”
“Fuck!” he raged, and again, the sick feeling coursed through him. “Is there no end to this? The last thing Nicole needs is to be exposed to more danger!”
“The stakes are higher now,” the protector began. “Not only do you have Gates to deal with, but now Breaux is fixated with a vengeance.” Hesitation filled his tone. “And Nicole, what are you going to do about her? She deserves to know what’s going on, and I know that you don’t even want to contemplate---”
“No,” he said forcefully. “She will not become a pawn in this game…a part of this war. I will do whatever it takes to protect her.” His frustration set seed as he stood, and then, he
released a pent-up sigh. “Fuck, Princeton, I love her.”
“Well, at least you’re finally admitting it,” Princeton said quietly, standing too, and more realization spawned. “But, now, things are much worse. They know that she’s your weakness, and they’ll use her to get to you. You have to bring her in on this. You have to tell her who you really---”
“She can never know the truth about me!” he insisted sharply. “If she knew what I was, she’d hate me, and I can’t bear the thought of that.”
“You can’t leave her in the dark,” Princeton argued back. “She trusts you. And if anything did hurt her, it would be all of your careful omissions. Do you really think that you can have a real relationship with her and withhold the truth?” Disbelief filled his tone. “You know what kind of person she is, and she prides truth and honesty above anything else.”
“You don’t think I know that?” he rasped painfully. “…every time that I look at her, feel her breathe. With her every heartbeat, I die inside and live with the guilt of my betrayal. I hate keeping the truth from her. But, how can I tell her, Princeton? How can I tell her that I’m a monster?” Stark pain filled him as he braced his arms against the railing. “She’ll never look at me the same when she knows what I really am.”
His pained gaze locked with Princeton’s.
“When she looks at me, my soul bleeds for the love that I see in her eyes…that comes from her heart. And while I know I don’t deserve it, I selfishly take it anyway. She fills me completely,” he admitted hoarsely, staring across the open space. “She’s my heart, and I have no place in it for anyone but her. If I ever lost her, I don’t know what I’d do, but I know that I’d be dead inside, and my life would be worthless.”
“She loves you. I don’t think that you’re giving her enough credit. In the little time that I’ve known her, it’s obvious that she’s not superficial. She’s gentle, kind-hearted, understanding…most importantly, she loves you, really loves you. It’s not ordinary love. It’s eternal,” Princeton stated, stopping alongside him. “But, this thing between you and Nicole, it’s no accident. A century ago, it was deemed in the stars that you’d find your soul mate, restore order to your world, and together, you would rule---”
“But, what right do I have?” he asked abruptly. “To ask her to give up the only world that she’s ever known and embrace the uncertainties of our own. I don’t have the right. Nicole belongs here with her music, family, friends…”
“And you?” Princeton quipped. “…the both of you. What about how you feel and what you want? Are you really expected to give her up just because you’re different? Is she supposed to turn her back on you just because you don’t fall within the realms of what humans deem as normalcy?”
“Would you listen to yourself?” he laughed humorlessly. “It’s not just some physical or socioeconomic characteristic separating the two of us. I come from a different world. My bloodlines are convoluted. I’m partly human, dragon, and vampire. How can I expect her to wrap her mind around all of that?” Exasperation filled his tone. “I can’t even wrap my own mind around it.”
“You say you love her, right?” Princeton edged cautiously.
“Of course, I do. How can you even ask that?” he asked, facing him fully.
“Then, tell her,” Princeton said urged him. “She won’t turn away from you, Xander. Trust in her love. Trust in what she feels for you. Believe.”
“If only, I could. If only she could handle---”
“Have I ever lied to you?” Princeton inquired sharply. “Over this century, haven’t my thoughts, instincts, and actions proven that I know the best course for you?”
“Of course,” he said without hesitation, nodding his head. “If it weren’t for your leadership, I wouldn’t be where I am now.”
“Then, trust what I’m saying now,” the protector said, laying a comforting hand on his shoulder. “Go to her. Tell her the truth before she has to find out in the worst way possible.”
A deep silence lingered.
Several minutes later, he reached a life-changing decision.
He wouldn’t hold back.
He’d tell her.
Everything.
***
Yawning, stretching under the crumpled sheets, she gave a satisfied smile. Then, burying her face against the pillow, she giggled before flipping onto her back.
The happiness surged through her.
Everything was perfect!
She’d regained her sight…
And they were finally together…
“He loves me,” she smiled tearfully. “He said that he loved me.”
…and last night…
A warm flush spread along her body.
It’d been incredible.
Turning on her side, she faced where he’d lain.
Slowly, she trailed a finger along the empty space.
He’d been…
…incredible…
…gentle…
…loving…
…passionate…
“Everything that I’ve ever wanted,” she said, fresh tears filling her eyes. “I love you so much.”
She sucked in a deep breath.
Even now, she could smell him…
Feel him…
And his touch, she marveled wondrously, snuggling deeper under the covers.
In her wildest dreams, she couldn’t have envisioned the potency their lovemaking. A deep shiver coursed through her. It was if she’d been lost in a mystical labyrinth, and it was only his touch that signified the epitome of her journey within it.
Shamelessly, she’d lost herself.
A rosy tint colored her cheeks.
And she’d been insatiable.
Over and over, he’d made love to her.
She’d screamed…
…pleaded…
…begged….
And every ecstasy-filled journey they’d taken together…
It’d only strengthened their bond and emotional connection.
Touching her passion-bruised lips, she inhaled sharply.
Even now, she ached for his touch.
Was she completely shameless?
“With love there is no shame,” she said to the silence. “And I give my heart, my love, my soul to you completely.”
And exactly where was he, she frowned, pushing her musses tresses from her face, and sat up in the bed.
Her eyes went to the crackling fireplace.
Obviously, he’d been up for awhile, she mulled quietly, watching as the burning log tumbled from the top and sent a flurry of red embers floating in the air.
Her gaze strayed along the room.
Everything was beautiful.
Everything spoke volumes of him.
She shoved the covers away.
And she was going to find him.
As her bare feet touched the floor, she dragged the sheet along with her before wrapping it around her body, and then, she padded towards the ivory antique dresser. Humming softly under her breath, she rummaged through the drawer’s items after pulling it open. Finally, she settled on the rust-colored Henley top, and on her, it’d probably pass as a dress, she laughed quietly, heading for the bathroom. Several moments later, she escaped the bathroom. Moving to the mirror quickly, she swept her hair up, twisting it into a loose bun. She padded back to the dresser, quickly confiscating a pair of white socks from the middle drawer. Bending over slightly, she pulled them on, and then treaded for the floor-length mirror.
She stared back at her reflection.
In the last five years, she’d definitely changed.
Now, she faced a woman.
…not an insecure young girl…
And finally, she knew what she wanted---who she wanted.
She traced along her cheek.
Why did it seem now that her brown eyes were more startling?
Even before the accident, they hadn’t been so vibrant or shone with so much life.
She twirled a finger arou
nd a loose curl.
Her lips were full and plump.
Her hair---thick and lustrous...
Surprisingly, her skin exuded a warm natural glow.
She smiled at herself.
“Hello, me,” she said softly, fresh tears pooling in her eyes. “For the longest time, I thought that I’d never see you again. But, here we are, and I pray that we never part again.” Sniffling, she wiped the tears away. “But, the time for tears and sadness are over, and finally, I can be happy, really happy.”
Moments later, she departed the room.
Her breath escaped her as she stopped outside the door.
Her gaze swept along the landing.
To say that it was grandeur would be an understatement.
Huge oil paintings lined the opaque walls, certainly rare and costly, which was obvious because of the nature of their subjects and the painting’s age. Her slow steps carried her past the paintings onto the top of the stairs. Again, she was stupefied as she glanced down the long, curving stairwell. Every wide step was glossed in a stark white sheen, gleaming like frosted white ice. Grasping the ivory-coated railing lightly, she treaded down them.
Again, she was impressed as she reached the bottom.
As she trailed across the large space slowly, she glanced down at the highly polished marble floor, and unsurprisingly, her reflection stared back at her. At once, the huge room stretched out, offering a series of closed-off rooms.
She ventured to the closest room. As she flattened a hand against the oak-paneled door, it creaked open, and she peeked in. “Xander?”
At once, the warmth from the fireplace greeted her.
She pushed the door open fully as she entered.
Curiosity filled her as she looked around the spacious room.
He certainly hadn’t mentioned being wealthy, she mulled thoughtfully, trailing towards the window. But, how was it even possible to support such a lavish place on a private detective’s salary?
She shook her head.
Not that it mattered anyway.
She’d loved him if he were penniless.
She braced her hands against the window sill.
“Wow, it’s beautiful,” she said quietly, appreciating the estate’s vivid lusciousness.
Dragon Reign: A Paranormal Love Tale Page 42