by Imogene Nix
Kateri reached across the table and took his hand. “I have learned much of your ways. Your people are very…isolated from each other’s spirits. There is no reverence for natural reproduction. I understand this commitment was not one you wanted. Forgive me for insisting. I will release you. Thank you for allowing me to shelter in your home. Brae has been a gift from the goddess, and I will miss her, but you have been very kind and I will impose no more on you.”
Ric stood so quickly his chair scraped against the finely hewn stones of the kitchen floor. He knelt next to her chair and took both her hands in his. “I’m not a man who should be a husband.”
“But you are mine. I will not hold you to the deal you struck. It is enough you proved your honor by carefully selling the gems. Giving away your soul is too much to ask.”
He gazed up into her earnest and heart-stopping beautiful face.
“I… Damn it,” he cursed as he stood, bringing her into his arms.
He had fallen for her before he’d ever seen her face, but now that he’d seen her, he didn’t want to let her go. She clung to him, but didn’t protest as he took her up the stairs to their room. He wasn’t going to sleep in the guest room.
“Last chance...do you want out of this thing?”
“If by ‘thing’, you mean our marriage, no,” she replied.
Ric pressed his mouth to hers. She kissed him back, and the kiss felt as natural as breathing. He pulled back. Her eyes were half-closed, and her kiss-swollen lips heated his lust. His wife. As he set her down on the bed, he pulled the ties that held the bodice of her dress closed. His index finger traced her collarbone as it peeked out of the gap where he’d opened her garment.
Kateri’s soft, breathy moan was the most wonderful sound he’d ever heard. He reached up and carefully detangled her hair from the pins holding her abused headdress to the top of her head. He smoothed her hair so it lay around her, framing her gorgeous face. Slack with desire, her expression was more erotic than the most risqué of Metrician pornography.
Ric lost himself in undressing her. He’d never realized taking off clothing could be part of foreplay. Hell, he usually went straight to business and didn’t think too much about it. Sex was an itch to scratch. Gazing down at his wife, he realized he might as well be a virgin too. Nervous excitement made his palms slick and his breathing irregular.
She assisted him in helping her out of the top of the dress. Her body was amazing. Kateri’s breasts were lovely globes that fit perfectly into his palms as he cupped and tweaked them. She jerked and moaned. When she bit her lip, he had to close his eyes and take a deep breath to control himself. He’d never wanted a woman as he wanted her.
* * * *
This was better than Kateri had imagined. Ric might not have unveiled her in a ceremonial way, but the truth of his desire put strain in his expression, and his erection pressed roughly against her hip.
“Are you sure about this? It will be harder for me to stop later. For the sake of the gods, please tell me if you’ve changed your mind.” He growled the words out between clenched teeth. His lips were close to her ear, and his breath stirred the hair against her neck to tickle her lightly. His shallow breathing was a melody that made her heart beat faster. Her husband wanted her, after all this time. The startling clarity of the realization made her whole.
He was still fully dressed, but he’d managed to bring her dress down to her waist. She gazed up at him, heat warming her cheeks, and realized she didn’t want him to stop.
“Take my body on the sacred journey where we become one, husband,” she demanded.
Ric moaned, and he leaned down to kiss her throat. The bed dipped with his weight. The sea breeze blew across her skin and she shivered. When his mouth skimmed lightly across the rise of her breast, she arched her back. Sex was a sacrament to her people, and now she understood why. She’d never felt closer to the goddess than she did in Ric’s arms.
He pulled her dress off her and she lay back, wearing nothing but the underskirt and short thigh-length pants the women of her world wore for modesty. He scowled at the white cotton as if it offended him.
He ripped the fabric, and she jerked with shock.
“I’ll replace that thing with the finest silk and lace panties money can buy. Only beauty should touch your skin when I am not caressing you.”
He dropped to his knees and yanked her toward where he knelt at the foot of the bed. She yelped. Excitement and trepidation made her writhe as he caressed her calves and ankles. Ric spread her legs.
Instinct made her squeeze her thighs shut, but Ric gently parted them. Squeezing her eyes shut, she turned her head to the right and held herself stiffly. His breath brushed her most intimate place, and she didn’t know how to react. If only his warm exhale sent tingles through her, what could a physical touch do? She whimpered, unsure of what to expect. His soft moan made her eyes pop open, and she turned her head to gaze down at him.
“Beautiful everywhere,” he muttered.
Heat warmed her cheeks, but didn’t steal the secret joy his words kindled. Her feelings weren’t as much embarrassment as they were expectancy. She wanted to feel the glory evoked in the ancient poems. Then his head dipped down between her thighs.
As his tongue darted out to caress her, she bucked under him. Ric’s hands slid around her to cradle her buttocks as his mouth worked diligently. Kateri closed her eyes and let the sensation wash over her. It was almost violating to have his mouth on such an intimate place...almost. Wonder zinged through her as the building tide of…something, rose. Her body reacted instinctually to his intimate caress.
The bliss reached its zenith and she cried out. Everything before this moment washed away and his soul twined around hers as she let the sounds of primitive pleasure rush from her unhindered. He didn’t stop. Ric pressed her tighter to his mouth as he loved her energetically. Kateri’s wail of joy burst from her and he slowed. When she lay whimpering, he stopped. She turned her head to gaze up at him and he stood over her with a pensive expression. As a slow smile spread across her lips, Ric sagged with relief.
“How can I make you feel like that?” she asked softly.
Ric groaned. “I’m afraid,” he said.
She blinked at him in uncertainty. “Afraid?” she asked so softly the word was almost inaudible.
“That the moment I truly consummate this union I’ll be done and you’ll be left wanting.”
“I am yours, Aydric Julius, come to me fearlessly.”
His eyes were half-open, and the strain of desire gave him an almost dangerous expression. The bed dipped as he hovered over her like Maurdo, the god of vengeance. She licked her lips. Ric’s thumb slipped into her moisture, and she felt him caressing her again, making that wonderful need build back. She spread her legs wider, moaning, and he moved closer to her core. A smaller fire grew. It wasn’t the inferno his tongue built, but she wanted more.
“Are you ready for me?” he whispered.
She was gazing into his face and nodded.
Ric’s cock penetrated her, and the sensation was a pleasant discomfort at first, but then a quick pain exploded and she tried to roll away from him. Ric held her and pressed his forehead against hers, moaning. “Shh, it’ll get better. Let me. Make. It. Better,” he growled. She could see he was struggling.
“I will trust you,” she whispered.
His hand worked between their bodies. He held himself off her enough that he was able to caress the wonderful sensation back. Her body had adjusted to his size and the pain dwindled.
Kateri gripped his strong back. She closed her eyes and let him revive the feelings of pleasure. “Please,” she whined. Her hips bucked and he gasped.
“Damn it,” he swore, but then he was pumping into her.
Kateri cried out as she shattered against him. Heat poured into her, and Ric gave a single triumphant shout as his arms shook and his face scrunched.
He slipped from her and rolled to his side. She lay stiff and uncerta
in until his arms came around her. She put her head on his shoulder and her hand lay on his chest. The mat of wiry hairs fascinated her. A soft breeze cooled her damp skin, and Ric pulled the thick, white comforter up to cover them. They lay in wordless soul-communion. He might not have unveiled her correctly, but the rest of it defied her expectations.
“We are one.”
“What did you say?” Ric asked.
“We are one. Our souls are finally married.”
Being in his head was easier than she’d thought it would be. He’d opened his heart to her so completely during their lovemaking she could now commune with his mind in the ancient way of her people. Ric’s eyes widened as he stared at her.
“You’re using telepathy? Talking into my head?” he asked in an incredulous tone. His expression was a cross between awe and terror.
“Yes, do not the husbands and wives on your world do this?”
“No, we don’t. I don’t know how to do it. I’m not even sure if I’m comfortable with it,” he confessed.
“I am sorry, Ric.”
“There’s nothing to be sorry for. You’re amazing,” he said just before he kissed the top of her head.
She was in his mind and when his resistance became acceptance she wanted to cry from the sheer joy. He didn’t reject her for being different. This was the greatest gift he could have offered.
“How soon can we do that again?” she asked with innocent curiosity.
Ric chuckled. “Not as soon as I’d like, but later tonight if you’re not too sore. Kiss me,” he requested.
She rose up, her hand still on his chest, and pressed her lips to his mouth. The musky taste of her was still on his lips, but she ignored it. Ric’s hand splayed across the back of her head and tangled in her hair as he pressed her closer. His kiss was as consuming as his passion, and she lost herself in the intimacy that grew like a vine to bind their souls.
Her husband.
When Ric let go of her his expression was a mixture of sorrow and wonder. “You’re the best damn thing I’ve ever imported. I’m sorry I’ve been doing this marriage thing wrong.”
Heat warmed her cheeks. She looked down and then back up at him through her lashes. “I am not complaining. Some things are worth the wait. Your body claimed mine at the right time. I did not miss what I did not know, but now that I know I would have you again and again.”
“I’m glad. I don’t think I’d have let you refuse me after knowing how good you taste. I’m glad one of us had the good sense to decide this was a real marriage. I don’t deserve you, Kateri.”
“That is good. My people did speak a proverb of this. ‘If a man stops trying to win his wife’s heart, his wife will not have a husband.’ I would have you always try, Ric.”
He grinned. “I will always try. A long time ago, my people were different, and the men were fierce when it came to their women. I’m feeling a bit old-fashioned right now. You have lost so much. I will protect you and cherish what is yours if you’ll have me. I never proposed in the way of my people. You don’t even wear my ring.”
“That is silly. What good is a ring?”
“A ring will tell the world you belong to me. I’m going to remedy this the next time I go to Air Harbor.”
“I hope that trip will be many weeks away. I am enjoying this new activity.”
Ric chuckled and kissed the tip of her nose. “Well, it is just us and Brae here. I don’t have to be in any hurry to go anywhere. I think I might just live in this bed, as long as you’ll stay in here too.”
“I have dishes to clean. You barely ate. Let me warm your food and bring your supper to you in bed.”
Ric smiled. “As nice as that sounds, I think I’ll get up and help you with the dishes after we’ve both warmed up supper and eaten.”
“Men do not clean dishes,” she replied with a wide-eyed look.
“This man does. Don’t worry, love, my people have a different standard about who does what for work. I’ll warn you, I’m lazy as sin, but after that fine bit of wifeliness you just performed I’m energized enough to help you.”
Kateri shook her head with amusement. “You are a crazy man.”
“I’m crazy about my wife, and I’m crazier I didn’t come home to my wife sooner.”
Her smile slid off her face, and she gazed down at him seriously. “I understood. You are a good man, Ric.” She reached out to cradle his cheek with her palm. Kateri willed him to see the honesty in her words as she gazed intently into his eyes. “You did a good thing for my people. I am not sorry my husband is honorable.”
Ric leaned up on his elbow, and he captured the back of her head and pulled her to his mouth. He kissed her hard and demandingly. Kateri clung to him. She kissed him back as if he was the air and she was suffocating. When Ric pulled away, panting, she felt his hard length pressing against her stomach.
Chapter 4
“Would you like to have me again?” Kateri offered.
Ric ran the pad of his thumb down the curve of her cheek. “I would, but I want to make sure you eat and rest. I think tomorrow is soon enough.”
He brushed the hair out of her face and gazed down at her. Looking up at him, she saw the careful wall he’d built between them was gone. He looked younger and more relaxed than she’d ever seen him. He grinned at her, and her heart shattered. Ric was more than she’d expected and exactly what she needed. For the first time since she’d lost her home world, she didn’t feel like an outsider.
Distant thunder rumbled, and she jerked in surprise. Ric pulled her closer and nuzzled her neck.
“Ric?”
“Hmm?” Ric’s lazy response rumbled out of him, and she heard him inhale sharply as he pressed his nose against her throat and hair.
“Where do you think we go when we die? My gods and yours are not the same.”
His sleepy, content expression fell away and he pulled his head out of the crook of her neck and scowled. A frown tugged his lips down, and he paused for a long second as if he were considering the question.
“I don’t know, but if the gods are just it won’t matter.”
“What if all my people are just gone? What if saying the names is not enough?”
“That’s why it’s called faith. Why are you thinking about this now?” Ric asked.
“I…” Kateri began.
A rumble of thunder shook the mirror on the wall. She wrapped her arms around him tightly and buried her face in his chest.
“Forget your troubles. I’d have a soak with you in the hot springs, but I don’t think the weather would hold long enough,” Ric said. “I’m going to take you there one of these days and make love to you under the sky.”
A crack of thunder announced the rain as the torrent poured from the heavens. The downpour sounded like buckets of water repeatedly dumped on the stone balcony. The room darkened as clouds rolled in from over the open water. Gusts of chilly, salt-scented air rushed into the room, and the curtains waved so wildly Kateri worried the delicate fabric might shred.
Ric got out of bed and shut the doors. A flicker of lightning illuminated the sea below. From the bed Kateri could see the waves crashing violently. Ric pulled on his pants and shirt. Kateri shrugged into her robe—the one he’d sent her for her birthday—and followed him downstairs. The house was dark, so they moved carefully.
“I will never get used to the storms your world produces. They are so terrible. We had heavy rains during the new-life season, but then the weather was warm and balmy. Here it is cold and wet. Being so high up on the cliff makes me nervous when the house shakes,” she confessed.
* * * *
“This house has stood for generations, and may stand a few more, now that I plan to keep it, so don’t worry. I promise this is normal,” Ric assured her, and he hoped she heard his confidence.
She flipped on every light switch they passed. Kateri peered through the darkness, jumping at every sound and moving with zealous caution.
“You were going to
sell Sea Gate?” Kateri’s voice rose with surprise.
“I was, but now I’m not,” he said, unwilling to go into detail. “I’m sorry that I left you here alone. I had no idea the storms would trouble you.”
“I love Sea Gate, but the storms were unexpected and disorienting. Brae never let me feel lonely. Please do not be sorry for bringing me into your home, but I have never endured anything like the weather on Metricia.”
“I’m not sorry you’re here, bringing you to the manor was the smartest thing I’ve ever done. I’m sorry I wasn’t here to hold you close when you were afraid. I had a cargo of jewels and couldn’t see that the most valuable gem stayed behind. I’m sorry I was too foolish to give us a chance sooner.”
He was pleased to see the shy grin turn into a genuine smile as she pondered his words. “That would have been very nice, but I am a grown woman. All things have a time, Aydric Julius, and ours was not until now,” she said, with wisdom far more advanced than someone so young should have.
He hurried ahead, flipping on the lights for her. She wasn’t too far behind him. When he reached the kitchen, he saw her herb pots had fallen from the sill and water pooled on the counters.
“Oh no,” she cried.
He shut the heavy windows quickly, latching them tightly. A lightning strike lit up the yard outside, and Ric squinted against the bright flash. He noticed something dark moving through the rain, but another crash of light showed nothing. Scowling, Ric shook his head and turned away. Kateri hurried to see to her plants as he pushed the image of the dark form out of his mind.
Storms had always played tricks on his eyes since he’d become a pilot and grown accustomed to the dark velvet of the spacescape in his viewer on the ship. It was a common complaint among people in his profession. Something about the motion of the rain coming down was different from the way the stars broke up the darkness of space, and it messed with the brain’s equilibrium after a long flight.
Ric rubbed his eyes and leaned against the counter. Kateri worked feverishly, and he was surprised to see the plants looked like they’d survive after she put them back into the pots. She washed her dirty hands, and he brought their plates over to the warmer. A few seconds later, the food was hot again and she sat down with him at the table.