"Gaian women don’t have long hair?"
"Some do, but no one I’ve known." Heated fingers lingered on the back of her neck, teasing the skin and she found herself leaning back into them. No man had ever touched her so intimately--no man had ever made her enjoy his touch before.
Unnerved, she moved away from him and his seductive fingers and climbed onto the platform, kicking off her shoes to land on the floor. Scooting back to give him room, she folded her legs beneath her. As she’d been told to do, Sarah flattened her hands on the cushioned surface before her so he could find them in the dark, and waited for him to join her.
The platform shifted as his weight was added to hers and it was a reminder of just how big he was. Her head a mix of emotions, she waited for him to take her hands.
Sarah could feel his presence as he moved closer, his bulk taking the space in front of her. His palms covered the back of her hands and rested there, and the gentle weight soothed her.
Yes, he was big. But he was gentle as well. Every move he made was careful, the way he spoke to her relieved her fears. He seemed to understand her misgivings and wouldn’t force her into more than she was ready for.
A thrill of excitement drove away most of her lingering anxiety and left her hungry for more of this man’s gentle touch. In spite of her nervousness she was beginning to think she was ready for anything.
He lifted her hands and turned them over, planting a kiss into the palm of each. For the first time she felt his lips directly on her skin--the result electrified her senseless. She barely registered when he placed her fingers on his face and guided them to his forehead.
With trembling fingers she traced the lines of his face, felt the smooth skin and straight bulk of his nose, the flat planes of his cheeks. Behind his ears she found a lock of long hair as silky as sateen, a rare and costly fabric. She played with a few strands and wondered what color they were. Dark, dark brown, like that of her dream lover?
He had a firm jaw and the softest lips. His tongue flickered out and dampened her fingers as they passed, and she felt his breathing pick up.
Outwardly he seemed so calm, she could almost believe she was having no effect on him at all. She ran her fingers along his jaw, and felt the muscle clinch. A sigh escaped his lips.
Sarah realized something. This man was controlling himself. She’d known he wasn’t young. His speech showed maturity and there was a sense of strength that came from mastering adversity. But to control his desire to this extent.... It showed more than a strong will.
It showed experience. She rested her hands on his shoulders. "You’ve done this before. Been attached, I mean."
The broad muscles stiffened under her fingers and she heard him catch his breath. He let it out in a long exhale that sounded like resignation. "We aren’t supposed to speak of it."
"It won’t tell me who you are. I don’t know that many Gaians."
"No, but.…" He sighed. "You’re right, you should know."
He pulled one of her hands to his lips, kissed it. "I was married before. She died...during the war."
He had lost someone he cared about like she had, her friend, Karen. But more than a friend, she could hear the pain in his voice. "You loved her."
"We always love our spouses. Yes. I loved her." First anger at her comment, then regret. So much pain in this man. No wonder he was so controlled.
Another thing. If his wife died during the war and Earth was responsible.…
"Are you sure?" she asked. "Are you sure about wanting an Earth wife?"
"Are you asking if I can care for you, knowing your origin? I’ve asked that question myself. If the answer hadn’t been yes, I wouldn’t be here. I’ll be a good husband to you, I promise that."
"And Gaian’s keep their promises, don’t they?"
"They do if they can possibly do so. This one I’ll have no trouble with."
Somehow he’d found her hands and relocated them to his shoulders. "I do want you. Touch me, learn who I am."
Even with the thin fabric of his shirt, she could feel the warmth. She wanted more, though. Sarah tugged on the top of his shirt. "I wonder--could you take this.…"
She didn’t have to finish the sentence. The sound of fabric being pulled over smooth skin was immediate, and then her hands were once again on his shoulders, now bare. "Anything my lady wants," was his breathless, humor-laced response.
She caught her breath at how glorious that bare skin felt. In reverent silence, her hands traced the broad expanse beneath them, traveling slowly to his chest and sought the lightly haired skin that covered his heart.
His heartbeat was steady and strong, and much faster than she’d expected. He sounded calm, this Gaian lover of hers, but he wasn’t. Under her fingers the rapid tattoo of his heart picked up speed and as her hand found a flat nipple and stroked it, his breathing became ragged.
A shaky laugh escaped his lips. "You do affect me, woman. Make no mistake about that."
It was heady, this sense of power. As his caress had made her senses sing, now she could do the same. She explored him, the broad muscles of his back and sides, the rippled flesh over his abdomen. Strong arm muscles bulged under her fingers and she wondered at that. Here was a man who clearly exercised in a world where a push of a button moved the heaviest object.
"Do you like what you feel?"
"I do." Leaning forward she caught the richness of his scent, intensely masculine. It was mixed with some musky fragrance that complimented his natural odor. "I like what I smell, too."
"I did make a point of bathing."
"Good, but I liked your smell before, too."
She hesitated at the top of his pants, wondering at the flesh they hid. Did she dare explore that private part of him?
As she debated the issue, his hand closed around hers. "If you want to wait, that’s fine. I understand."
Relief vied with disappointment as he lifted her hand away. She’d just been working up the nerve when he’d interfered, but she said nothing as his hands followed her arms to her shoulders and upwards to explore her face.
Instead she reveled in how his fingers felt caressing her face, lingering on her nose and mouth, stroking her cheeks, and tracing her jaw.
He caressed her cheek with the back of one hand, a gesture she’d seen other Gaian couples make. Abruptly it made sense.
"It’s so you don’t poke anyone in the eye. That’s why you use the back of the hand."
Delighted laughter answered her. "You are clever, aren’t you!"
He’d finished with her face and placed large warm hands on her shoulders, stroking the fabric of her gown. A finger ran down the scooped neckline to where a press-tight fastener kept the front closed. He played with the skin just above the opening. "Do you believe in fair play, Earth woman?"
Well, she’d got to touch his bare skin. Sarah licked her lips nervously and her fingers trembled as she reached for the closure and pulled the edges apart, allowing the top of the gown to gape open to her waist.
With her implicit permission, he pushed back the fabric at her shoulders and the top of the gown fell down her arms, leaving her bare from the waist up. Even as warm as the room was, goose bumps dotted her skin.
As she had, he started at the shoulders and worked his way down, his fingers stroking her arms and back, exploring the thin bones of her shoulders. She’d thought her dream lover had been thorough, but this man’s large hands covered every inch of her. Her skin tingled under his gentle caress.
He reached her breasts and encompassed them, lifting them as if weighing their mass. "So very soft." His voice was a whisper, as if he didn’t realize he’d spoken aloud. Perhaps he didn’t. She could barely hear his breathing, so quiet it was.
Rogue fingers discovered the pebbled hardness of her nipples and the sensation nearly lifted her to her feet. She covered his hands with hers, amazed at what so little a touch could do.
"Did I hurt you?" Concern spiked his voice and made it hard.
"No, I just didn’t expect it to feel that way. I mean, well, they don’t feel like that when I touch them."
He laughed. "Don’t they?" Under her hands, his fingers stroked gently and the sensation returned, rippling deep within her. Without the surprise, she found his touch stimulatingly pleasant and her hands fell away to give him complete access.
"You weren’t doing it right, then."
She was glad for the darkness and how he couldn’t see her blush. Of all things, she’d picked the one Gaian male with more experience than she had. But if experience meant his touch was this sweet...how wonderful to be with a man who knew what he was doing.
Would he be disappointed when she told him how little time she’d spent learning physical pleasure, or would it make any difference at all?
His hands fell to grasp her waist, and he pulled her closer. She put her arms around his neck as his face came closer. She could feel the heat of his breath on her cheek.
His voice hoarse he whispered into her ear. "I could play like this all day, but we don’t have that much time. I’ve promised to be your husband, Earth woman. Will you accept me?"
She leaned into him, felt the press of chest on her breasts, her nipples flaming from his caresses, her body more aware than at anytime in the past. This man was the lover she’d sought all her life, the one she’d dreamed of.
The time had passed for careful planning and organized thinking. It was time for a leap of faith.
"I accept, Gaian man." She was glad her voice was steadier than her heartbeat.
For a moment she wondered if he’d heard her, then he turned his head and his mouth sought hers. She eagerly met his lips and in the instant was transported to a world of the senses unknown before.
Sarah’s fear of the future, embarrassment over her inexperience, everything disappeared in the face of his kiss. She moaned and he took advantage, plunging his tongue into her mouth. His taste surprised her, warm and musky, similar to his scent. Her tongue joined with his, intent on exploring his taste. She wasn’t sure she’d ever get enough of it.
Finally he pulled back, buried his head in her shoulder. "I wasn’t sure you’d agree, but I’m very glad you have. Thank you."
Sarah pulled the larger band off her arm and placed it into his hand. For a moment she thought he would put it on his arm, but she heard him slip it into his pocket.
"It will be easier to fasten when I can see."
That surprised her. She’d had no trouble fastening hers without looking, but maybe he was being careful. She forgot everything else as he pulled her back into his arms for another round of kissing, leaning her back until they were both prone on the platform. For an instant he was above her, hips pressed into hers. As if of their own volition, her knees fell apart, and she opened to him, legs wide.
This was it. Sarah caught her breath and waited for him to move between her legs, fear warring with anticipation.
To her surprise, he pulled to the side and settled onto the platform next to her, lying on his back. He reached an arm around her shoulders and pulled her into his side. "We have a little while left together. We can talk if you like." He sounded like he was stifling a yawn.
Confused, Sarah toyed with the hair on his chest. This was not how she’d expected him to behave once she agreed to be his wife. "Don’t you want to...." She let her voice trail off, more uncertain now than she had been.
He kissed her forehead. "Don’t I want to make love? You’re my wife and yes I want to make love to you. But there aren’t many minutes left and I’d rather not hurry our first time together."
A cry came from the hallway, barely muffled by the heavy curtains. She felt as much as heard his chuckle. "I’m also not fond of performing for an audience. We’ll have more privacy tomorrow in our quarters." He tickled her cheek with his breath. "In our bed, with the lights on so I can see you respond to me."
She tried to subdue the thrill his suggestion gave her. "I’ll be moving in with you?"
"After the claiming ceremony. Just pack your things tonight and they’ll be moved to my place."
"You have room for me?"
He chuckled. "Fishing for information? Very well. Yes, I have room. I’ve got a handy, little closet you will fit into very nicely," he teased. "I’ve always kept my wife in a closet, it keeps her close at hand and out of the way."
He was impossible. "I would think you’d rather keep your wife in a bed."
"Hmm, a bed." He sounded like he was considering it. "Perhaps you’re right. A bed would be best for at least the first couple of days."
Over their heads a soft chime sounded and Sarah’s new husband stilled. "That’s the warning. We only have a few minutes more."
Rising onto one elbow, he leaned over her and traced her face with his hand. "My wife." All humor had fled his voice and he sounded wistful. "Tomorrow we’ll claim each other, unmasking, and you’ll know my name and face."
"And you’ll know mine. They explained how it happens."
"Good." He took a deep breath. "I want you to know that I am very pleased to have you as my wife. I want you very much and I’ll be the best husband you could ever have."
That sounded like there was a big "but" attached to it. "Is something wrong?"
"There is nothing I can tell you now. But know that I do care for you." He kissed her again and her mind stopped trying to understand him. So long as he kissed her, she’d believe anything he had to say.
"One more thing," he said when she’d managed to regain her senses. "I want a promise from you. When we meet tomorrow, I want you to listen carefully to me and follow my instructions. Things may be a bit confusing at first. Will you promise me that?"
"If you kiss me again, I’ll promise you anything."
Appalled, Sarah realized she’d spoken aloud, but her husband chuckled. "Very well, a kiss for a promise. Do you promise to follow my instructions?"
"I promise," she said dutifully. "Where’s my kiss?"
"Right here." He gathered her to him and took her lips willing prisoners and they were still happy captives when the final chime sounded. Reluctantly she let him set them free.
He pulled away from her and searched for his shirt, finding it, then his shoes and the hooded robe. Sarah did the same, redressing in her gown and robe, making sure the mask was in place.
After hearing his voice in her ears, it sounded muffled when he finally turned to her and took her into his arms. "One more kiss, wife, before they drag us out of here." She felt him pull up her mask and leaned forward to meet his lips once more.
A muffled grunt sounded outside the curtained doorway, and he pulled away, letting the mask drop. "I wish it could be like this forever."
"In the dark? I thought you wanted to see me respond to you."
"I do." He gave her a chaste kiss on the top of her head with his mask in place. She thought there was pain in his voice. "I want that more than you will ever know, Earth woman."
One last chaste kiss and then he released her. "Tomorrow, my wife. And remember your promise."
He slipped through the curtain before she could say anything more.
Chapter Eleven
Garran hovered in the hallway outside the unmarried men’s dining hall, listening to the hubbub within. There was quite a celebration going on, the sounds of music and happy, slightly slurred voices coming through the open doorway. He grinned. Sounded like Symon had authorized wine to be served with dinner tonight.
That was a good idea, provided the men used discretion and didn’t imbibe too much. Tomorrow they’d claim their ladies, and it wouldn’t be smart to do so with a hangover.
It would be a good thing for him to join them, Garran decided. That way he’d be able to help keep things under control. Also, he admitted to himself, that way he wouldn’t have to be alone with his thoughts about Sarah’s soft skin and enticing smell. His hand clenched at the memory of the texture of her skin, so smooth. What he wouldn’t give to be with her now instead of his ever-faithful shadow.
Garran stole a backward glance at Sammul, loitering at his heels and sighed. He really would have to do something to get rid of the man when the time came to claim Sarah and get her alone. Two was company--two plus a bodyguard was clearly a crowd.
He tilted his head at the man-mountain behind him. "Shall we join them?"
Sammul’s lips twitched in amusement. "You probably should be in there with them. It’s a party for the attached men after all."
His eyes dancing in amusement, Garran put two fingers against his mouth, signaling the need for silence. "We won’t mention that though, will we? Let’s just keep them company."
Inside, the men were gathered in groups and at tables, drinking and laughing, their happy, excited faces everywhere, holding up their wrists to show off their bands. Garran fingered Sarah’s band, still in his pocket. He wouldn’t put it on until later, in private.
The banded men were married, part of a couple, the fundamental unit of Gaian society. This would be their last night in the bachelor quarters--tomorrow night they’d share a private room with their lady. Most of them looked like they couldn’t wait to share a marriage bed.
Of course some of the men looked like they’d already found a welcome in their wives arms. Their bright and knowing smiles showed proof of that. It wasn’t at all unusual for a new couple to make love after exchanging bands, and many had no doubt already discovered how wonderful that part of a marriage could be.
Garran’s body tightened in memory at the feel of Sarah in his arms, and once again he wished he’d made love to her. She’d even seemed disappointed in his decision to wait. But it was for the best. If she became as angry as he expected her to be when she learned his identity, their having shared intimate pleasures would just make her more upset.
A few unbanded men kept their buddies company, their smiles sometimes forced, but wanting to be part of the celebration. Garran understood how they felt. Four fruitless marriage meets had given him special insight into how hard it could be to see others attach and claim a wife.
A couple of men near the door turned in his direction and they leapt to attention. They nudged the men next to them, and a flurry of movement and whispers moved through the room. One by one, table by table, the men stood, the conversation ceasing as they became aware of his presence.
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