by Bekki Lynn
Elan gripped her chin, bringing her face out where he could see it. “We do this for closer.”
Cassandra’s breathing stopped. He didn’t need to remind her he wanted no woman in his life. She laid her fingers against his lips. “No words.”
He lifted her into his arms and took her up the stairs to his bed as she nuzzled his neck, spreading kisses, nipping the flesh to help ease the fiery need in her belly. Sassy stood, stretched and moved to the headboard. Smart of her, since her interest was the man lying at her side. His fingers found their way under her sweater, caressing her side as he watched her. He pushed it up in search of her breast and molded the soft, firm flesh. She trembled, letting her eyes close. His fingers were so warm, so… “Oh, god!” she moaned as spasms swarmed through her. Wetness and throbbing hunger had her reaching down to run her fingers over the bulge his hard cock caused behind the zipper. She swallowed hard.
He took her nipple in his mouth, rolling his tongue over the hard tip. Her nails bit into the fabric of his jeans and he pulled her hand away. She needed to do something with her hands and tangled them in his hair as he moved to her other breast. Her hips rose and fell. He ran his tongue up her cleavage and rose up, watching her under lowered lashes. With quickness, he had her sweater off and plunged into her mouth as he moved over her body. She sucked on his tongue and he pulled it away, licking her chin, kissing her neck, stopping to lick her beating pulse before moving downward.
Her fingers found the bedding and balled it into her hands as he hungrily devoured her sensitized flesh in his quest down her body. He ran his tongue over her belly and under the waistband of her jeans. She shook with need. He straddled her legs and yanked the snap open, causing the zipper to rip open. Without hurry, he pushed the denim from her hips, down her thighs and off over her feet. She lay naked before him, watching with still breath as his eyes gazed over her, seducing, leaving her needing touched. She writhed and her breath hissed out when he reached her face. Watching him watch her, she saw he’d lowered his veil, allowing her to see into him. Her breasts heaved with knowing how much he wanted her. Fingers slipped into her and air caught on a deep moan. He thrust and she rode with him. “More,” she whispered. “Join with me.” He hit her magic spot and sent her reeling. Spasms rocked her and she couldn’t keep her eyes open as she rode out the quick orgasm.
She felt him move and then his tongue washed over her swollen, wet lips. He delved in beside his fingers and she opened wider, wanting him deeper. He pulled his fingers out and pushed her thighs up, burying his face, sucking her inner folds. Her breathing came fast and hard. Her body slithered as sensations swam through her. “Feels so good,” she mumbled.
She closed her eyes as nothing else mattered, but what he was doing to her. His tongue swirled and her breath hitched. All she could do was moan and move into him. His tongue held magic, did magic to her. He licked, and tapped her clit with his tongue. She arched her back, held her breath and fell. “Wow!” She clawed at the bedding, the air and found the headboard. Gripping it, she pushed into him and he backed away. “No…don’t stop.”
She opened her eyes and saw him pushing his jeans down. His cock stood proud with veins full and popping. Her mouth watered, but her throbbing pussy begged for it. Elan moved off the end of the bed, kicked the last barrier from his body, and grabbed her ankles. Pulling her down to him, he rested her feet on his shoulders and plunged into her. “Oh, yes.” Her pussy gripped him.
He pumped into her and when she stiffened, trying to stave off the orgasm, he lowered her legs and planted his hands next to her body. With her heels on the edge of the bed, she grabbed onto his upper arms. He slipped an arm under her and scooted her up on the bed, covering her body with his as he moved over her mouth with an urgent hunger. She ran her hands across his sweat slick back and stopped on his waist as fluttering wings swirled in her midsection.
When he lifted his face, she fixed on his eyes as he drew out to the edge of her tunnel and eased back in. Again and again, until she wrapped her legs around him and his lashes fluttered upon reentry. She knew he was on the edge, knew the dam was going to burst for both of them. The realization sent her over. Shudders rocked her as they escalated into heated convulsions. He gave a few more hard thrusts and unloaded, filling her as she rode out the orgasm.
With tears in her eyes, she let euphoria overcome her. Nothing mattered, but what he did to her. Fireworks shot through every nerve ending of her being. She wound her arms around his neck and held onto him until her body went limp.
Elan moved to her side and pulled her close. “Sleep now.”
Chapter 16
Elan stood inside the Jones’ living room. The room held elderly people talking in small groups. He searched for Cassandra, saw her kneeling near an old woman, and hung back. It seemed she was doing more consoling then receiving it.
He learned long ago his views; his people’s views on death were different from theirs. It didn’t bother him. He paid his respects and went on his way. Today, no respects were necessary. He was here for her.
Photographs arranged on a side table caught his attention. Most were black and white set in old pewter frames. He reached for a small scrolled, silver frame and held it up. There was no mistaking who the small blond child was. The bright smile still beamed on her face, except today.
After setting the photo down, he shoved his hands in his pockets. He turned to the room and watched her speak with the elderly woman.
They hadn’t spoken since he’d left her sleeping. All he’d found when he’d returned home was the funeral information. He’d told himself to let her go. Reminded himself she didn’t belong in his life, but he thought of her much of the time. His sense of smell picked up her scent everywhere. She was there when he closed his eyes. He reached for her when he woke. Hurt when all he found was cold, empty space.
Sassy had copped an attitude, too. She glared at him from the headboard, hissed at him in the living room and dumped her food bowl when he filled it. She knew what he hadn’t wanted to admit. Cassandra was the woman to complete him.
Elan stared at the photo he’d given her grandfather. There was a confidence behind the shyness in the photos. An honest heart came through her eyes. He didn’t need to know all the secrets of her life to love her. He knew her soul and heart. She lived to love, to survive and he’d come to realize much of what they’d spoken was destiny bringing them to knowledge of its truth.
He turned around and saw her disappear through a doorway. As he moved to follow, a hand reached out and touched his arm. “He’s all she had. Give her time.” Elan looked down into the blue-gray eyes of an elderly woman. He patted her hand and moved on. When he went through the doorway, he looked around the kitchen and found it empty. Voices drew him toward one of the three doors he saw. The pain in Cassandra’s voice had him yanking the left one open.
“Leave, Rick,” she said.
“This is a private conversation.” Rick told him when he stepped out onto the top step.
“Cassandra, go inside.”
“He’s leaving, Elan. The last thing he needs is a harassment charge added to the assault.”
Elan folded his arms as he stood, watching. Rick looked from him to Cassandra, stared at her as if he wanted to say something, but turned his gaze back to him, his left eye twitching.
“She can’t suck dick,” Rick spit out then turned on his heels and stomped out of the garage.
Cassandra faced him, her face white. For a second, he thought she was going to keel over, but instead she laughed. “You couldn’t be more intimidating if you had your shirt off and war paint on your face.”
He wasn’t amused. Elan stepped down and tipped her chin higher. The laughter didn’t mask the sadness in the depths of her soul. “Go inside,” he said, stepping out of the path.
She sobered. “I didn’t mean—”
“You have guests.” She didn’t need a reminder, but he wanted distance between her and the sleaze. He watched her, waiting
for her to comply. When she’d gone inside, he stood in the open door of the garage.
The man stared at his car, rubbed his neck and for a second he thought he’d return. It would be a mistake. He’d learn the hard way he wasn’t to mess with his woman. Instead, he climbed in his car and gunned the engine to life.
Once the taillights of the sedan were out of view, he went inside the house. He entered the living room and it seemed people were about to leave. Good. Cassandra walked with an old man toward the front door and he retreated into the kitchen to give her time to say her goodbyes.
Elan opened the refrigerator in search of wine. A glass would help relax her and maybe she’d rest. She did look as if she hadn’t slept. He saw the top of a bottle he recognized back behind several dishes. A glass of Riesling would be perfect. He pulled out a stack of covered dishes to get to it. It looked like people were making sure she had plenty to eat. A custom he’d come to learn was the norm when someone left this world.
He set the bottle on the counter, put things back, and went in search of a wine glass.
“Next cupboard, middle shelf,” she said.
He found them, poured her a glass, and walked over to where she stood in the doorway, rubbing her arms.
“Are you hungry?” she asked.
“No.” He handed her the glass. “Let’s go sit.” She took it, turned and walked over to the couch.
Cassandra kicked her flats off and sat against the upholstered arm with her knees drawn up. “I didn’t expect you to come.”
He sat near the other arm, trying to avoid how the long skirt of her dress fell, but still revealed enough of her bare ankles to cause his cock to twitch. “My grandfather wished to come, but he asked I represent him. He’s saddened, but looking forward to their spirits rejoining.”
“I understand he’s never been off the reservation.” She sipped from the glass as she released the clip holding her hair up off her neck. It fell framing her face in such a way, he wished he had his camera. Even tired and pale, she was a vision.
“He’s never desired to,” he said, realizing he felt less cynical about it.
Laying her head back, she sighed. “I faxed in my resignation. I’m going to take over my grandfather’s pawnshop,” she told him.
He watched her eyes close and tried to take the glass from her hand, but she pulled it back.
“I’m not going to fall asleep. I can’t. I need to clean up and…and…” Tears trickled down the side of her face. “I guess I don’t need to start dinner.”
He took her empty hand to pull her into his arms, but she pulled it back.
“I’m ok. It’s going to take time to get used to it being only me now.”
He didn’t know what to say. When his parents died, he was in a land without communication. He didn’t dwell on it when he did learn of it. It wasn’t his way, wasn’t his people’s way. His grandfather handled the ceremony. But, Cassandra wasn’t Apache.
“Something’s different.”
He lifted an eyebrow, waiting for her to go on.
“You appeared before Rick today. Does this mean another change is coming?”
“Not understanding.”
“The other day, I told you when I have a run-in with him, I end up having unbelievable sex with you.” Her breasts rose and fell. “Today, you appeared before he did. Is this progress?”
His heart pounded at the description of their lovemaking. He ached for her, to have her move under him, with him, sigh as their bodies became one, and hear the heightened sounds of hunger as they strove to reach the plateau where spirits lived. “Signs of change. Yes.”
“I’ve wanted to ask about the photos. You haven’t done anything with them, have you? You had mentioned a magazine—”
“Without your approval, no.” He’d thought about showing her off to a few editors, but he’d refrained.
“Are they with you or at the studio? I’ve been uncomfortable with the thought someone might see them.”
He looked at her, disbelieving she’d think he’d share them. “Private photos are never available to anyone besides myself and the recipient. I do think it’s time we view them, then I’ll leave them with you.”
“And the negatives of the stills?”
“In my safe at home.”
She took a long sip from the glass and set it down on the coffee table. “I’m sorry if I sound as if you can’t be trusted. I just thought the matter is one we haven’t closed out and we should get it all out of the way. We can’t be totally free of each other until all the doors have been closed.”
Ice couldn’t have shrunk his erection any faster. The realization she didn’t reciprocate his feelings, or would be unwilling to give him a chance had never entered his mind. He stood and left the house.
* * * *
Cassandra laid her cheek against the back of the couch as a new ache formed in her mid-section. It was never supposed to be like this. A simple means to thwart two old men’s fancy ideas was the deal. They’d never counted on what they’d learned, what was in the works pre-conception.
She never counted on falling in love with the real Elan Takoda, a man she didn’t know in the proper sense.
What she’d unconventionally learned was enough. He was caring, gentle and through his reserve, she saw he could love and accept it. However, love wasn’t what he wanted to give or receive.
Now, knowing she’d have one last night with him hurt every bit as losing her grandfather. After that…well, she’d have her grandfather’s belongings to sort through. It would keep her occupied for a time, as would the shop. Time would have to take care of the rest.
She heard the front door and knew he’d returned. Elan came into the room as silently as he left and sat down. “Would you like something to drink?”
“I’m fine.” He handed her a pouch and she took it, slipping the photos out.
She flipped through a couple of the anklet shots. “Wow! You captured the brilliance of the gem.” It did look good on her. I’ll have to ask Randy to keep an eye out for affordable anklet for me.
“The model doesn’t do it a disservice. Your skin tone and bone structure have a lot to do with it. The photos would bring great interest.”
“What are you going to do with the set?” Her heart slowed, waiting for his answer. She hoped he wouldn’t tell her he planned on selling it or something. When he studied her, she had to look away.
Cassandra didn’t want to think of another woman wearing the set, or any parts of it, so she forced her attention on the photos. Several photos later, after she passed through similar shots she’d seen on his computer, she stopped. The twinkling curve around her cheek from earring to bracelet and ending with the necklace would have been the sole focus if the expression on her face hadn’t caught her off guard. She’d never seen herself like this—a timid kind of flirtiness was the only way to describe the way she looked. It was the effect of the fantasy and his real-life touch. Her heart ached for a second loss she had to face and she closed her eyes to let it pass. Elan took the pictures from her and she felt her nerves shudder when his fingers brushed hers.
“Go upstairs and rest,” he urged.
She shook her head. “Which ones did you and Randy choose for the ad?”
His eyes narrowed, but he flipped through the pictures, and pulled out photos. Along with the one off the top, he handed them to her. “The layout is in design, but I gather the peridot will be the lead-in to the gem section. A full page displaying the set with a thumbnail of your headshot is what Randy mentioned.”
“So, are you’re selling the set?” she asked again.
He took the photos and returned the stack to the envelope. “The set will remain in the family.”
The vise grip on her heart loosened. It didn’t help ease the envy of the day when he let himself love enough to let a woman in his life and she’d wear the set. She reached for the wine, took a long drink, and set it down.
Elan handed her another set of photos and she
found herself staring at the garden scene. With each photo, she found herself reliving the emotions, the anticipation and her breathing hitched when she saw the reflection of herself in the pane of the French doors. “You’re good at picking up what a person doesn’t want seen,” she whispered. The raw desire left no doubt she’d been aroused. She moved the photo to the bottom of the stack.
Frowning, she wiped her hand over the next photo. “Did something happen to the negatives?”
“No.”
She handed him the photo. “What are the blurs?”
He exhaled. “Spirits.”
“What?” He ran his fingers through his hair almost distracting her. She loved his hair, the soft silkiness. Her body quivered at the thought of it grazing her flesh as he moved down it with his lips and teased with his tongue. She swallowed the moan rising in her throat. “It looks like it could be smudges.”
“I’ve seen them with you since then.”
She bit her lip unsure how to react and continued to go through the photos. The forms stayed with her even when she had turned back to the room and reentered. It was eerie. There was nothing she’d forgotten about their first night. More, still, that she did understand.
“They were with you in front of the fire the other night,” he told her.
Without a word, she set the photos in her lap, reached for the wine and sat back. “You saw them?” she asked, looking over at him.
“At the fireplace,” he said as he took the photos and put them away.
“I…I don’t know what to think. It’s as if the spell wasn’t enough, they had to come and be sure their will was done.” Right now, this was just too much.