by Sariah Skye
I gently reached out and touched his arm. “You’re more than your past, Mathias. Look at what you’ve become.”
Mathias tilted his gaze towards me skeptically. “And what have I become, Avalon?”
My heart fluttered at the husky tone of his voice and the gentle way he spoke my name. My real name. “You’re a survivor. You were given a shit start in life—and you survived. All this time. And that is amazing… Septimus.”
Mathias blinked at the sound of his given name. “No woman has called me that in reverence since… my mother.”
A slow grin spread across my lips. “Why’d you change it?”
He chuckled. “Other than the fact that it sounds like an infectious disease? Afraid it just doesn’t fit in with modern times. Mattius was my elder brother. Half brother. He cared for me. My mother was a slave, she was barely allowed to see me even though we were ‘employed’,” he said, dryly sarcastic, “by the same senator. Mattius and I shared the same sire—we thought so anyway. No DNA tests then, obviously but we looked alike. Until I was carted away to fight in the ring, Mattius was all I had.” He smiled at me. “I don’t even think I told Bash or Xander that.”
“No one ever asked why you changed your name?” I asked, as he pulled me by the arm into his hard body. He draped an arm over my shoulders and urged me to rest my head on his chest. I did so reluctantly, only because I knew with him this close the magic inside of me would start screaming.
My breath hitched. My mind hazed at the rush of magic, and surge of arousal. Any spot near Mathias tingled and burned with need.
“They only know there are things I don’t like to talk about; my time as a slave is one of them.” Mathias’ heart thudded against his deep chest. With a crook of his finger, he tilted my chin upwards to face him. “Avie… I can feel the magic. I can feel your desire. If you’re not ready, you’re not ready. But if there’s something I can do to make it easier… please let me do it.”
My hand tensed against his taut stomach. Mathias’ deep brown eyes hooded as he pressed his lips against mine, hesitant at first.
Another surge jolted through me. This time it went straight between my legs; my poor, neglected clit throbbed with need. My head rolled back, and I moaned, involuntarily. “I can’t… resist anymore…”
Those were the only words Mathias needed. With no effort at all, he gathered me in his arms, and stood, clutching my body next to him. I could feel his pulse beat rapidly, thrumming against his ribcage.
He leaned his handsome face near mine, and we breathed laboriously. Ever so softly he brushed his lips over mine, as I wrapped my arms around his neck. I gasped, pressing my hands against him, pushing him closer to me. I gently parted my lips, inviting him in. He let out a low sound from deep within his chest as he kissed my bottom lip.
“That is it.” With a quick adjustment to make his hold on me more secure, he stalked through the living room like a man on a mission.
“What about the pups?” I asked breathlessly, his mouth just mere inches from mine.
“Trystan will return soon. They’re safe for now. They’re mostly sleeping anyway.” I took his word for it. With me in his arms, he bounded up the stairs eagerly to his room.
Chapter Six
Mathias’ didn’t bother with a doorknob as he kicked the ajar door to his bedroom on the third floor. It was exactly what you’d expect of the former gladiator. Or, at least what I expected. The architecture was masculine, with white trim and molding, blue walls, and a large four-post bed in the center, with lush blue bedding. A mantel and electric fireplace sat along the far wall, with a leather chair and dark wooden end table for sitting and maybe reading a book from the bookcase nearby.
I took in a sharp breath, feeling slightly insecure as I was gathered in his arms. I am “voluptuous” as Summer would say, with a little extra “junk in the trunk.” Most of the time I tried to be okay about it; at my most bloated I was no more than a hippy size fourteen. I liked my curves, generally, but times like this my confidence wavered. Would Mathias notice a stomach roll, or the way my boobs sagged a little? Or be intimidated by my slightly muscular arms or thicker thighs? Would he even care? I doubted it; he wasn’t the type. Still, years of brainwashing by fashion and beauty companies took their toll. I especially felt a little nervous as he picked me up. Which was stupid, because the man had superhuman strength.
He smiled at me with genuine affection, as his eyes raked over my body, gathered in his arms. All insecurity I felt fell away with that sexy smile. He held the back of my neck carefully, as his head bowed to mine. A tiny gasp of anticipation slipped past my parted lips, as I waited for what was to come.
Mathias closed his eyes, inhaling deeply. I felt his body tense under me, and the strained expression on his face was troubled.
“What’s wrong?” I asked hesitantly.
After another breath, Mathias composed himself, and opened his eyes. His lids were heavy, and the deep brown irises were outlined in maroon; he was fighting something, but this time it wasn’t aggression. Slowly, he let me down to my feet.
Disappointed, I looked up at him. Literally. He towered over me, I only came to his chest. “I… seriously, what did I do?” Dammit, there was that insecurity again. Knock it off, Avie! I scolded myself in my mind.
Mathias appeared confused for a single moment, before his eyes widened. “Oh, no. You did nothing, Ava. Nothing at all. I’m just trying to relax. I don’t want to force you into anything you don’t want.”
I snorted. “Are you kidding me?” I closed the slight distance between us, winding my arms up his chest. His expression was conflicted. “What makes you think I don’t want this?” I asked, my tone slightly husky. I hoped, anyway.
“Just trying to figure you out,” he said with a smirk. He caught both my hands in his, bringing my fingertips up to his lips. He brushed his lips gently across one of my knuckles before he released, trailing his fingertips softly down my bare arms, leaving tingles and gooseflesh in their wake. I closed my eyes, just enjoying the sensation.
Mathias gripped the sides of my arms, pulling me even tighter into his rock-hard body. I shrieked in surprise, as he trailed his hands up to my shoulders, and braced them under my chin, purposefully tipping my lips upward. “This okay?” He crashed his mouth into mine, just like the night at the Stargazer.
“Just fine,” I replied breathlessly. His kiss was full of determination and longing as he mastered my lips with intensity. I pressed my hands flat against him, fingers searching for the buttons of his shirt, wanting to pry them open. His hands moved up my neck, threading themselves in my hair. I didn’t realize he was untying my hair from its bun until the blonde tresses came cascading down my shoulders.
He broke the kiss momentarily, as his eyes drank me in. “You are so beautiful, Ava.” His cheeks reddened at the declaration.
I didn’t have the words to properly regard him, so I just admired him. The guys were all so attractive, but right now, in this instant, Mathias was the most alluring, sensual man I’d ever seen. Frantically, I began yanking at the buttons of his shirt, flustered that in my sexually-stimulated state, I wasn’t making much progress. One button that was barely hanging on popped open, and the next was just confusing me. I groaned in frustration. “The hell is wrong with me?”
Mathias tilted his head back and let out a low laugh. “Nothing, beautiful girl. I just have to have shirts made with extra-strength thread, because they pop open so often.” He brushed me aside and clutched the buttoned-front of his shirt with both hands. In one swift motion, Mathias ripped it open with a tear of fabric, buttons popping off and flying everywhere. It reminded me of what someone would do in a romance novel.
I lifted a brow, and smirked, gesturing to the nearby bookshelf. “Get that from one of your books? Impatient, are we?”
He shrugged indifferently. “I have many others.”
Mathias wasn’t generally comfortable meagerly-dressed. After many gladiator fights in the arena, wear
ing next to nothing, being constantly ogled and leered upon made him somewhat uncomfortable half naked. He tensed, as I placed my hands on the rigid muscles of his chest and pushed the shirt aside to admire his powerfully built pectorals. He slowly relaxed when I grazed my fingers gently over his golden skin.
To help further ease his anxiety, I stepped back and smirked flirtatiously. I reached for the bottom of my tank, and slowly pulled it over my head. Mathias watched me with predatory interest as I tossed the tank aside onto the floor. “Now, we’re even.”
His eyes widened as they roamed up and down my body. He replaced my missing top with the warmth of his hands on my hips, caressed languidly over midsection, slipping under the purple bra I wore. I grinned playfully as he firmly grasped my full breasts, heavy and sensitive from my arousal. Shivers of anticipation began to wrack my body, my skin igniting by his stimulating touch. My eyes closed, enjoying the way my nipples tingled under his firm hands, and the way he cradled them easily. Long ago in previous relationships, both my exes told me my boobs were “too big.” I’d been horrified. One feminine advantage I had—and they didn’t like it. Assholes.
My expression must have appeared troubled, because Mathias stopped kneading. “Aww,” I protested, disappointed.
“What are you thinking, Avie?” Mathias leaned low, whispering huskily in my ear. I had to purposely tell my legs not to buckle; the sound and tone of his voice so alluring.
I blushed. “Ah, never mind. Please don’t stop…”
“No, what is it?” He prompted. “Now I’m interested.”
I chuckled. “My boyfriends in the past—shut up, don’t say anything,” I said quickly watching his face scowl. “They both told me my boobs were too big.”
Mathias’ forehead puckered in confusion. “Too big?” He squinted at my chest, squeezing and massaging, his masterful fingers toying with the peaked buds between his fingers. My eyes rolled back in my head and I almost forgot what I was saying, feeling my nipples harden in his hands. With a quick swipe of his hand, he yanked down a bra strap, pulling it down my shoulder, fully exposing one of my breasts to the cold. I shivered at the conflicting sensation, but he lowered himself to his knees, and placed his mouth over the taut nipple. I let out a low moan.
“Oh dear god…” I said through hissed teeth, as my head rolled back onto my shoulders, enjoying the tingles emanating from my heavy breast, straight down to the bundle of nerves between my legs. He nibbled gently and sucked harder…until he released.
“Don’t stop,” I objected.
Grinning, he pushed down the other strap, releasing both breasts. His brown eyes clouded with desire; I felt secretly pleased and didn’t even notice the sudden chill.
“Well then,” he said, placing his hand over one, and pinched a nipple sharply as I gasped. “I guess you just needed someone with bigger hands, eh?”
“Guess so.”
Mathias wrapped his arms around my shoulders, pressing me against him. He trailed his hands over my shoulders, the indent of my hips, over my soft stomach, and down over my ass. Firmly grasping, he urged me against him, lifting me off the ground with little effort. I snaked my arms around his neck—now that I could reach—and entwined my legs around his hips. I felt his hardness against me, and I couldn’t resist grinding myself against him.
“That’s it.” Mathias’ eyes turned a deep, dark red with lust; I’d never seen them fully change color like that. He set me on the bed and stood over me as I rose to my knees, one hand clutching at the back of my neck, the other still cupping a breast. He trailed kisses over my shoulder, up my neck and jawline, licking and nipping until he reached my mouth. My lips parted, and he thrust his tongue inside, massaging mine. I moaned lightly as his hand trailed down my stomach, dipping into the waistband of my shorts.
I assisted him in unzipping, and he pushed the denim down to my knees. He continued kissing me passionately, our breaths heavy against each other, as he pushed down the denim to my knees. I lifted myself carefully, so he could pull them all the way off and toss them aside.
My chest heaved as he stood back just briefly, admiring the entire view. “Yes, Ava…you are absolutely beautiful.”
“Mathias…” I whispered pleadingly, scooting backwards on the bed to make room for him. “Please…” Until now I hadn’t felt any magic surges. Or I hadn’t wanted to acknowledge them, my lust impairing my judgment. But now my vision grew fuzzy, mind spinning being this exposed, being this close to him. My heart slammed into my chest, and my skin from head to toe flushed.
It was completely unbearable, and I was desperately craving him. Every nerve was lit like small fuses, and the harder they tingled, the more intense the magic. It thrummed through my body, intensifying my desire, yearning for release. Problem was, I wasn’t sure my magic wouldn’t explode and cause mayhem. But, if anyone could take it, it was probably Mathias. At least, I hoped he could.
Mathias knelt on the bed, shaking off his open-shirt and tossed it to the ground.
I’d never seen Mathias without a shirt, or shorts. His golden tanned skin glistened with perspiration, only making him more delectable. His chest was thick with defined pecs, stomach narrowing with a set of washboard abs, straight to deep definition of his pelvis that disappeared into his slacks. I imagined in my dreams, many times how he must look unclothed. Everything about him oozed power, and sex… and I was not disappointed.
I rose to my knees, reaching out to grip his hip, urging him towards me. I shook with both anticipation and anxiety as I fingered the waistband of his pants. My vision began to cloud and spin even more as I fumbled with eagerly stripping him to his skivvies.
He placed his hands over mine, helping me to find the sliding clasp. With his help, I pushed it to the side, and dipped my hands in, catching his gray boxer briefs along with his pants, and pushing them down.
I bit my lip, as his formidable length was released. His breath hitched, and he groaned as my hands dared ever so close to grip him in my hand.
Mathias smiled smugly, tauntingly, almost daring me to touch him. Teasingly, I brushed my fingers in swirls on his skin nearby, then over a layer of neatly trimmed, black hair (thank god for manscaping!), and slowly slipped my fingers over the base of his shaft.
He inhaled sharply, pressing his hands into my shoulder blades, as I wrapped my hand around him—most of him. As I took a single stroke, Mathias’ moaned, head rolling back, the sound of his pleasure charging my body. Either my body, the magic, or both were really enjoying the effect I was having on him. I felt the dizzying magic blur my vision even more, and pulse quickly throughout my arms and exploded outwards, hitting Mathias directly in the chest.
I gasped, and cried out in terror, as I gazed into Mathias’ astounded face. He gripped and rubbed a spot right over his heart, wincing.
“I knew it…” I pulled away from him, sliding backwards, wanting to cower with the horror at what I had just done.
Chapter Seven
I panted, with both confusion and fear, anticipation and arousal. The combination of enigmatic emotions pricked tears in my eyes and sent cold shivers through my body. I watched as Mathias flinched again, clutching his chest in obvious pain, doubled over the end of the bed.
He’d fought in wars, he’d fought hulking gladiators in the ring, been stabbed, cut, punched, and nearly dismembered. According to the other guys’ he rarely felt—or at least acknowledged—the pain. Here I was, a 5-foot, 4-inch blonde, with crazy ass magic, and I was clearly able to hurt him. That was not okay.
I edged away from him until I hit the wooden headboard, putting as much distance between us as I could. “No…” was all I could utter in a small voice, as the tears began to fall.
“Ava…I’m fine. Just stung a little, that’s all.” Mathias sat up, turning towards me, both arms open. “See?” There was a red mark amidst his golden skin that he didn’t notice. I balked, seeing evidence that I did indeed cause him injury.
“I…” I began to protest, even as
Mathias gave me a flirty smile, trying to show me he was fine. He still rocked a mighty large hard on, but his eyes returned to their normal deep brown. He sidled up to me on the bed and draped an arm over me. Half of me wanted to rub against him, the other wanted to run.
This magic was insane. If I could hurt Mathias with it, and all we were doing was foreplay, that was bad. If we got off together, I might kill him. I didn’t want to even fathom it.
Mathias pulled me under his arm. “Ava…” he said with such concern, it pained my heart. He fingered a tendril of my blonde and lavender hair and stroked it over my breast. “We’ll talk to Bash. He’ll come up with something to quell the magic until we can figure it out. Promise. So you can let go…and feel free.” He crooked a finger under my chin. “Is that why you’ve been hesitating?” He patted himself on the bare chest. “See? I’m totally fine! It just surprised me!”
I started to grin, albeit reluctantly. “I just—what if I really hurt you?”
“We can stop, I’ll be fine,” he insisted, even though the strained expression on his face, and his hard dick betrayed him.
Even wracked with guilt, the desire still tingled my skin. Especially when he reached out, gently trailing a fingertip on my lower leg.
I crossed my legs over each other, trying to will the feeling in my core to subside. “I want to… so bad. But I can’t handle hurting you. I just can’t.”
His eyes widened. “You still want to?”
The tension between my thighs ebbed and pulsed with need. “You have no idea.” I pressed them together, trying to ease it, ignore it…but it didn’t work.
Mathias chuckled deviously. “I can fix that.”
“But—” I began to protest, but he quickly rolled himself over me, smothering my words with a deep kiss. I opened my mouth, drinking him in, moaning against his lips.
His eyes peered up at me, tinged with maroon again, as he gently sucked my bottom lip. He proceeded to kiss down my chin, nipping at the dip between my collarbones and my head relaxed, giving him better access. My arousal increased as fondled and licked both breasts, nibbling and sucking my nipples again. I drew in a deep breath, thrusting my chest forward. He responded by massaging harder, sending a pleasant shiver down my body. He then trailed down my stomach, licking a path of heat as he descended to my undies.