Degrees of Passion

by Michelle M. Pillow

  Not exactly romantic conversation, she thought. Aztec culture wasn’t exactly the thing romance was made from. Who could be seductive talking about the darker side of the culture?

  ‘Correct, but try not to use words like icky and disgusting when talking to Prichard. He’s fascinated by the fertility goddesses.’ Kevin still looked at his list and she continued to stare at him. Damn, but he was handsome. Aztec sacrifices were the last thing she wanted to be talking about with him. Even if she could respect the facts from an intellectual point of view, it was really doing nothing for her desire to seduce him. ‘All twelve zillion of them.’

  ‘That’s because he’ll never get laid.’ The wine had relaxed her and Sasha’s body draped against the chair in complete comfort. The plate of strudel was empty and she really hoped she hadn’t eaten the whole lot of them on her own – though she hadn’t been paying attention. The fresh pastries were just too good to resist.

  ‘He is married, so it stands to reason someone can stand him.’

  ‘I know.’ Sasha let her mischief enter her expression. ‘Do you think he has her dress up in Aztec clothing? Or worse, do you think he dresses up like the king and makes her lie on an altar he has stashed in his basement?’

  ‘You’re bored, aren’t you?’ He chuckled. Sasha really liked the deep richness to his laugh. ‘I can’t think of any other reason why you’d want to discuss Prichard’s love life.’

  ‘These are all starting to sound the same to me. You said it yourself. The Aztecs had about a zillion gods and goddesses. I think if he asks who was goddess of what, I’ll just guess either agriculture or fertility.’ She arched a challenging brow. ‘Come on, you know you want to make fun of him. He’ll never know unless you go tell him.’

  ‘I am not Prichard’s pet,’ he defended, stiffening.

  ‘Oh, yeah?’ Sasha pushed up and leaned as far forwards as she could in her chair. Whenever she drank, she became a little impish. ‘Prove it. Say something completely wicked about him.’

  He met her challenging gaze with his own. ‘I think some of his theories regarding how Aztec men feared their women, and so dominated them to keep them under control, are unsubstantiated nonsense – at least the way he presents it.’

  Sasha couldn’t help it. She tossed back her head, laughing hard. ‘Even your insults sound smart.’ She slid off her seat, finally having the courage to join him on the couch. Keeping distance between them so as to not be too obvious, she grabbed the list from his hands. ‘OK, Mr Smart Man, let’s see how you do.’

  ‘All right,’ he agreed, shifting his weight to better face her. He lifted his wineglass to his lips and she couldn’t help but follow the red liquid flowing towards his mouth as he drank. The urge to crawl onto his lap and lick the wine from his lips washed over her, but she resisted.

  Inside, her body was alive, like a strong current energized every pore. Her scalp tingled. Her breasts ached. A small shiver ran up and down her spine. She tugged at her sleeve, pulling the black cardigan off her arm. As she worked her way out of the lightweight jacket, she found herself peering at Kevin’s attractive face.

  ‘Are you going to ask me one?’ He glanced down at the paper in her lap.

  Sasha blinked, realizing she’d gone from merely looking to staring. She swallowed nervously, trying not to think about his lips slowly taking in the dark red of the wine as he drank, tried not to recall the small purse they made around the edge of the glass. ‘Omelet?’

  Kevin quirked a brow. ‘Excuse me?’

  ‘Oh, sorry, I meant Ometeotl.’ Her hands shook as she looked at the paper. ‘I read the word and always think omelet for some reason. Or oatmeal.’

  His lips curled and she wished she knew what he was thinking. Between looks of amusement and intellect, it was impossible to tell what was going on behind those light-brown eyes. Not for the first time that evening, she wondered what he thought of her. Did he think her stupid? Silly? Attractive? Sasha wasn’t used to feeling so insecure, especially when it came to her intelligence. She’d always been the intellectual one amongst peers and here was Kevin with a mind that would rival a super genius.

  ‘Too easy. The he-she name of the supreme creator.’ Kevin smiled and the look caused her to inch closer to him. The action wasn’t subtle and he cleared his throat, before adding, ‘Er, being both parts, um, both male and female he, ah, represents duality and . . .’

  Sasha closed the distance between them a little more. Even with her insecurities, the wine swimming in her veins gave her a courage she didn’t possess completely sober. ‘And?’

  ‘They, he, she, um, Ometeotl gave birth to four . . .’ He visibly swallowed as their legs bumped.

  ‘Four?’ she prompted.

  ‘I can’t remember what I was saying,’ he admitted after a long pause.

  ‘You were talking about male and female parts,’ Sasha said, surprised the bold innuendo made it from her brain to her lips. She braced her hand on the back of the couch, lifting up so her body loomed slightly over his. All night she’d been thinking of this moment, a moment when they threw the books aside and acted on some ancient instincts of their own. ‘And I think you were about to say how they fit together.’

  ‘That has to be the worst line in the history of lines,’ he said softly. Lashes lowered over his gaze. It pulled her to him like a magnet. ‘But I’m glad you said it.’

  ‘Think you got something better?’ Her tongue slowly ran across her bottom lip. A thrill washed through her.

  ‘I really hope you’re leaning over me for a reason because my cock is rock hard right now from my being able to look down your T-shirt.’

  Sasha giggled, saying wryly, ‘Oh, that’s classy.’

  A hand gripped her side, drawing her to him. He wet his lips before pressing them close, so when he spoke the firm texture lightly rubbed hers. ‘I’m glad you think so.’

  His lips drove her to distraction with their teasing, airy caresses. Her heart pounded, loud in her ears as desire took hold inside her. Sasha groaned, immediately surging forth into a profoundly ardent kiss. His lips tasted of wine, delicious against her tongue. It felt like fire coursed through her blood. There was no other way to explain the sudden need to tear the clothes from her overheating body. She maneuvered over him, straddling his thighs.

  He took advantage of her new position and tugged at her T-shirt. They broke the kiss long enough for him to pull the material over her head. Kevin’s hands ran over her back, pausing at the hooks holding her white lace bra in place. She liked the way his fingers fumbled, not overly practiced like a man who had a new woman in his bed every night. Even after he freed her breasts, he didn’t pull the straps from her shoulders.

  Sasha needed air. She rolled her head back, gasping for breath. Her hands moved as if they had minds of their own, exploring his chest. She tugged his shirt, jerking it over his head. The tight cords of his neck lead to the broadness of his chest. She loved touching his skin, the heat and texture of it, smooth and hard.

  Kevin’s mouth moved to her throat, his breath feathering their tickling sensations across her flesh. She couldn’t think beyond the man beneath her. Every sense focused on him – the brush of flesh and the rough texture of his shirt, the smell of cologne, the taste of liquor, the glimpse of his closed eyes, the sound of his effortless moans and deeply drawn breaths.

  She arched her back, bringing her breasts to his mouth. He kissed her through the bra, wetting the material over her nipple. Her pulse raced out of control. Her nipples stood in two erect peaks, eager for his mouth. He didn’t disappoint. The moist heat of his lips sucked deeply and he bit down causing a jolt of pleasurable awareness shot like an arrow towards her dampening pussy. He cupped her breasts, stripping them completely by working the straps off her shoulders. Finally lips directly touched flesh, continuing the nipping torture he’d started.

  Sasha let out a moan. His hands seemed to be everywhere at once, sliding over her body in exploration. When he cupped her ass, hindered by
the denim of her jeans, she groaned in frustration. She slithered off his body, urgently wiggling out of the rest of her clothing. Her eyes hungrily took in Kevin as he did the same.

  Gloriously naked, he stayed on the couch, moving over so she could easily resume her place on his lap. Even though this wasn’t their first time together, she liked exploring his body – each divot and bend of his tight frame familiar and new at the same time. His smile broadened. She went to him, her hand glancing over the tattoo on his hip before she climbed over him, clasping his legs with hers. The need inside her was unbearable.

  Kevin grabbed her wrist, pulling her tattooed flesh to his mouth. He placed a wet kiss over it, opening his mouth wide as if to devour her skin. The tip of his tongue swept over the pattern and his enthusiastic eyes met hers.

  Sasha wanted to feel more of him. She ran her fingers into his hair, taking fistfuls of the silky locks to control the movements of his head, silently demanding he kiss her. Her knees hit the back of the couch as she tried to lift herself up. She let go of his hair, reaching between their bodies to fist the smooth heat of his arousal. His thick cock felt good in her palm and she remembered how good it felt inside her.

  ‘I want you,’ she groaned.

  His hand slipped between her thighs, skating between the folds of her sex. As his fingers parted her, they circled on the sensitive bud of her clit. She squirmed, wiggling until his fingers pressed deep inside. Beyond thought, she lunged forwards. Her fingernails bit into his shoulders and she scratched a trail down his arms.

  Kevin made a loud noise of passion and withdrew his hand. Every subtle brush of his cock against her sex made her want to scream. The last days in his presence had been a sweet torment building to this moment. He was beneath her, warm, naked, perfect. Her body was ready for him and she couldn’t force herself to slow.

  Sasha took him in hand, guiding the hard shaft to her eager sex. Her knees hit the back of the seat, making their joining awkward. Sighing, she managed to join their bodies in tormentingly shallow thrusts. ‘Move your hips down. I can’t . . .’

  ‘Argh,’ he growled, forcefully taking hold of her hips. He flipped her around, sliding her down the seat until she lay flat. The firm cushions molded to her back. His mouth found a soft breast and he sucked deeply, his lips moving hungrily against her skin as he moaned in delight.

  Sasha’s legs clamped around his waist and her body tightened in anticipation of that first full thrust. He pressed his cock tightly against her moist slit. Sliding in her cream, he wet himself without entering. She gasped, trembling violently with each pass.

  ‘Ah, Kevin,’ she panted, her breath rasping incoherently. ‘Mm, oh, ah.’

  Finally, he put an end to her torment as he thrust inside. Warmth filled her and she closed her eyes. He kept his weight braced on his arms and she liked the way his muscles shifted and moved beneath his tight flesh. Her legs moved restlessly against his sides, tightening and releasing their hold.

  ‘Oh, you feel so good,’ he groaned.

  The smell of him surrounded her. He reached between them to rub her clit in slow circles. Kevin thrust, deep and sure, seating himself to the brink. She moaned, stiffening beneath him. Her hands explored his arms and chest, touching every inch she could reach.

  Sasha’s body began to shake. She grabbed her breasts, rubbing hard. Sweet tension built between her thighs. She couldn’t hold back. Stiffening, she came. The tremors racked her entire form, jerking her hips against him. Kevin grunted, pulling himself from her seconds before he came to spill his seed against her thigh. His loud groan surrounded her, punctuating her raspy breathing.

  Sasha’s legs fell to the side, too numb in the aftermath of release to move. Kevin brushed his mouth to the corner of her lips before pushing off her. Falling back, he leaned against the opposite arm of the couch to catch his breath.

  Sasha was too spent to think. She knew she wanted to be right where she was. Clearly, he felt desire for her. That was something. But she still didn’t know where they stood. Reality and logic tried to crash in around her. She fought it, not wanting this moment to end.

  ‘It’s late,’ Kevin said, pushing up to look at her.

  ‘Oh, ah . . .’ Sasha could take a hint. If he wanted her gone, she’d leave. ‘OK, so I’ll, ah . . .’

  ‘Stay the night.’

  His words surprised her and she couldn’t answer.

  ‘We both have to be at the same place in the morning. We can share a cab,’ he offered. ‘Or if you have somewhere you have to be, I understand. I can call you a cab now.’

  ‘I don’t have to be anywhere,’ she answered, her voice quiet. ‘I’d like to stay, but I don’t have anything to wear to bed.’

  Kevin grinned, standing beside the couch. Winking, he said, ‘No need to be formal for my sake. What you have on is fine.’

  Chapter Seven

  ‘Did you hear that? Is someone shouting?’ Kevin frowned, tilting his head to the side.

  Sasha glanced up from her broken piece of pottery and met his questioning gaze. She loved the charcoal-colored, basket-weave v-neck sweater he had on. The shirttails of the lighter-gray linen shirt showed at the waistline, giving a sloppy elegance to his appearance. The dark-blue jeans moulded to his legs, making her hands ache to touch his muscular thighs.

  Sasha had avoided looking at him most of the day, pretending to focus on the tedious task before them. She’d spent the night at his house, sleeping naked in his bed, curled next to the warmth of his virile flesh. When she awoke, she’d held his stiff cock in her hand and he’d been kissing her neck. She still didn’t know who’d initiated it, but the sleepy lovemaking had been achingly sweet.

  Even though she’d showered that morning, she still smelled him when she moved, the lingering scent of his cologne seemingly burned into her body. The accursed wetness gathered once more between her thighs, convincing her treacherous nerve-endings to tingle, which in turn lit her entire body on fire. It took all her willpower not to grab the front of his pants and drag him to the nearest empty room. She wore a fresh T-shirt she’d stashed in her bag and the same black sweater and jeans. At least they were clean as she’d put them on before going to his house to study.

  ‘I said my name is Katarina Richmond, as in the Richmond family, as in that big check you received for funding last month.’

  The insistent words interrupted her sexual thoughts, dragging Sasha back to an unwelcome reality. Oh, no. What was Kat doing there?

  ‘My family donates to all the museum’s projects, some more than others.’ Kat’s voice held a condescending quality Sasha didn’t normally associate with her easygoing sister. ‘And I’m here to pick my sister up for lunch.’

  Sasha grimaced. Kat was going to cause a very dramatic, Kat-like scene. Thrusting the brush at Kevin, she wasn’t sure exactly what she mumbled as she rushed to the door. She hoped to salvage her internship before Prichard became so insulted he decided to ruin her permanent record with his letters of reprimand and warning.

  ‘Your sister?’ Prichard was saying as Sasha rushed down the hall.

  ‘Sasha Matthews,’ Kat answered in exasperation. ‘She told my in-laws about your Project Aztec and they’re interested in holding a charity event. They want my sister to come to lunch to discuss the possibility. So, if you wouldn’t mind getting her for me, we’ll be on our way.’

  ‘I’m lead on the project, I’d be happy to—’ Prichard began.

  ‘They want Sasha and that partner of hers . . . what’s his name?’ Kat came into view. She was waving her hand in the air to dismiss the fidgeting Prichard. ‘They know her, they requested her and they sent me to retrieve her. The other guy they want because Mimi heard he’s cute. He is cute, isn’t he?’

  ‘Ah,’ Prichard stammered unintelligibly.

  ‘Kat,’ Sasha interrupted, doing her best not to gnash her teeth through the forced smile. ‘What are you doing here?’

  ‘Ah, there you are, darling.’ Kat lifted her hands, walking tow
ards her sister with her arms outstretched. Her slicked-back hair, expensive designer pantsuit and faux-fur coat carried an air of money and society. All were very unlike her sister. Kat hated wearing all white – unless it was some sort of photographic statement while she was working. ‘I can’t believe you didn’t tell Mr Prichard—’

  ‘Doctor,’ Prichard corrected.

  ‘Hm, yes –’ Kat eyed him up and down before ignoring him once more, continuing ‘– about our conversation.’

  ‘I wasn’t sure they’d be interested,’ Sasha lied, doing her best to keep up with her sister’s nonsense. There really was nothing she could do but go along with the insanity. ‘I didn’t want to speak too soon and ruin the surprise.’

  Kat smirked so Prichard couldn’t see. Amusement filled her eyes and she looked on the verge of crying out in laughter. ‘Oh, we’re very much interested.’

  Sasha stiffened. The look in her sister’s eye told her everything she needed to know. Namely, Sasha was going to hate what was coming. And, whatever it was, her sister was dragging Kevin into it.

  ‘I’ll just get my coat,’ Sasha said.

  ‘Get Mr Merchant as well,’ Prichard ordered, in what looked like an attempt to regain control. ‘I want you two to take as much time as you need this afternoon. I believe today could be a very good lesson to you on the reality of projects like ours.’

  ‘Then it’s settled!’ Kat announced. ‘Do hurry. You know Mimi hates it when we’re late. I’ll be out in the limo waiting for you.’ She strolled out of the place like she owned every museum in New York.

  ‘Miss Matthews,’ Prichard said in the stern tone she’d learned to dread.