by Leia Shaw
“You sure? Tell me to slow down and I will.”
He was almost reaching her pleasure spot already. God, if he moved more forcefully, she’d explode. She ground her hips beneath him impatiently. “I’m fine. Is this what you call rough?”
He laughed again. “You asked for it.” With a sharp bite, he latched onto her nipple and she arched off the bed with a shout. But the sting flew straight to her clit, morphing into pleasure.
Slowly, he moved inside her. She was vaguely aware of the music changing to a different song. Then he pulled out and thrust back in, pushing her up the bed and touching on that sensitive spot inside.
“Ah! Yes. Keep going.” She wrapped her legs around his waist, gripping him tight.
His rough growl echoed through the room, making her even wetter. God, to be wanted so badly! She could get addicted to this.
He moved in and out at a relentless pace, harder and rougher every time. It hit that magic spot over and over until she thought she might combust. Then, faster than she could comprehend, he pulled out and flipped her over onto her hands and knees.
“Wait!” she cried out. She was so close.
She tried to flip back over but he grunted in disapproval and slapped her ass. The bit of pain made her freeze. He positioned her hips from behind.
“Head on the mattress,” he commanded, uncompromising.
Shakily, she lowered her upper body, leaving her ass high in the air. He plunged in to the hilt.
“Ah!” It was even more intense! She couldn’t hold on much longer. “Geo…more…” She panted and gasped as he thrust in and out, grunting behind her. “I’m going to explode.”
“Don’t you dare come.” He reached around her and pinched her nipple.
A long groan escaped her. He commanded her not to come then did that? When they were done, she’d kill him.
“Don’t come until I tell you.”
“I can’t hold back!”
He slowed his pace and she wanted to cry. “You can and you will. For me.”
No! Keep going!
She bit down on her lip to keep from screaming in frustration. But she wanted to please him.
He held himself tight inside her then reached around to find her clit. His fingers stroked her flesh. That plus his cock pressing up against her g-spot had her gasping for air. She wiggled against him, willing him to get moving.
“Please,” she pleaded. She didn’t even care that she was begging.
“Yes,” he whispered then began thrusting again. He worked her clit relentlessly and thrust into her ruthlessly. The pleasure was so intense she squirmed, not sure if she wanted to get away or entice him more.
He looped his arm around her waist to hold her still then pounded even harder. Pleasure built…growing…intensifying. Her groans and cries grew louder. Finally, it reached its peak. She couldn’t hold it anymore, not even for him.
“Geo!” she cried.
“Yes, come.”
And she did. Loudly. Her muscles tensed and every nerve danced as she rode the wave of pleasure…falling, tumbling as she screamed into the blanket.
Geo’s breathing quickened and then she felt him pull out and with a long groan, he spilled his hot seed over her ass and thighs.
She collapsed onto the bed in a heap of limp muscles. Geo rose from the bed and shuffled around the room behind her. She couldn’t focus on what he was doing. Her body was spent, her mind numb. She barely processed that he cleaned her off with a towel and threw a blanket over her body.
The mattress dipped and he pulled her into his warm arms. Her head lay on his chest, his rough hair against her cheek. His scent surrounded her and her eyes drifted shut. He kissed the top of her head.
“Are you okay? Was I too rough?”
She yawned. “Mm. No. That was the best sex I’ve ever had,” she mumbled sleepily. “I’m just tired.” She turned to look up at him. “Was I okay?”
His chest rumbled with a sexy chuckle. “You were perfect, love.”
Love? Or did he say dove?
Unable to consider it any longer, her mind went blank as sleep overtook her.
Chapter 12
Geo woke to the roars of a bloodthirsty crowd. By Hades, do they ever stop?
He looked down at Samantha, her limbs intertwined with his. Her pale skin and soft features were such a contrast to this gritty world. Instinct tore at him, stronger now, to take her away from here.
She should be home safe with her kind.
Last night she’d been a dream – responsive, trusting, sexy as hell. He almost groaned thinking about her willing surrender to his commands. And when she’d come, quivering under his body, open and unashamed, it was the most beautiful thing he’d ever experienced.
He rubbed his bleary eyes. Giving her up would be nearly impossible.
She deserves better.
Better even than the god realm. She deserved the heavens.
A soft moan escaped her lips as she curled into him. Still sleeping, her small hand gripped his arm as if she never wanted to let go.
By the gods, I want to keep her.
He nuzzled his face in her hair, inhaling the intoxicating scent of patchouli and sage. With a sigh of regret, he slid out from under her. Time to procure breakfast for his…what was she? Last night he’d slipped and called her “love.” Was this love?
Samantha stirred on the bed. The outline of her curvy body was visible under the thin blanket. He pulled on his clothes, wincing as he tucked in his erection. He was tempted to climb back in bed and wake her with his tongue between her thighs. But they were fighting today. He couldn’t risk her being tired or sore. And they needed all the time they could get to prepare.
After he dressed, he began the process of arming himself. In the random pouches he tied to his belt loops were objects he could use as weapons in a pinch. Sand, wire, arrowheads, and slate to sharpen his knives. He’d load Samantha up with weapons as well.
“Good morning,” she said sleepily from the bed.
He liked hearing her husky voice first thing in the morning. At home, mornings were filled with militant commands or, if he was lucky, a few hours of solitude in his workshop. The sound of a female voice in his bed and the smell of sex were far better than the buzzing of his tools and the smell of sawdust.
She leaned up on her elbows, keeping the blanket over her breasts. “It’s morning, right? Impossible to tell here.” Her brows drew together. “Are they still fighting?”
A particularly loud groan of pain echoed outside the room. “It’s morning. And yes, the Games go on all hours of day and night.”
She plopped back down with a sigh. “I can’t believe I slept through that.”
He grinned. “I must’ve tired you out.”
Rising from the bed, she wrapped the blanket around her body and glared at him. “You seem quite proud of yourself.”
Shamelessly, he looked her over. “Why are you hiding? I’ve seen it all.”
She raised her chin. “I know. But I have a feeling you won’t be able to keep your hands to yourself if I walk around naked.”
He chuckled. Probably true.
With the blanket tucked under her armpits she walked across the room to retrieve her clothes. When she went by him, he stepped on the blanket – a spur of the moment decision he couldn’t resist.
It fell from her body. “Hey!” she shouted and bent down to retrieve it.
He couldn’t help himself. With that delectable ass right there in front of him…it was too tempting. He gave it a playful slap.
She shot upright, blanket in her hands. “Stop that!”
He bit back a laugh.
She spun around, anger burning in her eyes, her face bright red. “Now listen.” Her hair fell in front of her eyes and she blew it out with an exaggerated breath. “Last night was –”
“Wonderful.”
“A one time deal.” Her expression remained stern. “The wine and…and…I was overtired…” She looked down at the fl
oor, frowning.
Damn. He didn’t want to be a regret. “Samantha.” He stepped toward her, struggling with what to say yet yearning to make her smile. But what could he do? There was nothing he could say about the feelings he had for her. They had no future together. Bedding her during the short time they had then parting ways – that was as good as it could get. A pit of despair grew in his belly. His arms hung limply at his sides.
With a deep sigh she looked up at him. “Last night was fun but…I just can’t…we can’t…”
Her hair fell into her eyes again. This time he swept it back. “Don’t think about it too much. What’s done is done.” He gave her a small smile. “I’m not going to ravish you every time we’re alone. I promise.”
She bit down on her lip and nodded.
“Though gods know you’re tempting enough,” he muttered, rubbing a hand over his horns.
She chuckled. “You weren’t so bad yourself, big guy.” Her eyes twinkled with laughter. “I give you an eight out of ten.”
Eight out of ten? He was tempted to show her just how “bad” he could be right there on the floor. Or maybe up against the wall. “Don’t get sassy, love, or I’ll have to try for a ten.”
Her lips curved in a flirty grin, all awkwardness gone. “Sassy is my middle name.”
“I know. I should’ve made you the Sassy Phoenix.” Her grin widened and it warmed him straight to his soul. He needed to tamp down these irrational feelings or it’d only make things harder for both of them. With a sigh he told her, “Get dressed. We have a lot to do.”
He turned around and picked up the paper with the Underworld Games rules. Quickly, he memorized them while Sam got dressed behind him.
“Why did you pick Phoenix anyway?” she asked.
He shrugged. “Reminded me of your spirit. Always rising up from the ashes.”
It was silent behind him.
His mouth curved in a smile. “Your stubborn spirit.”
“You can turn around.”
He did and his breath hitched in the back of his throat. He’d never get over seeing her in skin-tight leather.
With her hand placed on her hip and her brow quirked in challenge, she said, “So you named me Red Phoenix cause I’m stubborn?”
He swallowed hard. “And cause you’re beautiful. Like a phoenix.”
Her face flushed that lovely pink. It made him want to strip her to see the rest of her flushed skin.
He sighed. “Come on, Sassy Phoenix. Arm yourself. It’s time to go meet our fate.”
***
Inside Samantha was grinning like an idiot. She woke up thinking they’d be awkward after last night. But as always, Geo made her feel comfortable – like they’d known each other for years.
And he’d called her beautiful. Well, stubborn and sassy too, but in an affectionate way. As she walked the corridor to the stairs, she could barely hear the violence around them, lost in her private thoughts about Geo.
Man, he’s sexy. She trailed behind him, enjoying the view of his firm backside. She wanted to smack it, like he did hers. The spot where he’d swatted her still tingled from his palm.
And last night…she shuddered. It was probably a mistake – no, definitely a mistake. Her heart kicked up a notch. The best mistake she ever made. His masterful command of her body, his rumbling voice and sensual promises…mmm....
Maybe she’d just use him for sex while they were stuck here.
Then the world opened up around her – a scream for mercy then the gurgling sound when an opponent showed none and the savage crowd laughing at his misery. She shook her head, hard.
What the hell was she thinking? Lusting after Geo when her sister was in danger? How selfish and irresponsible. She deserved to get her ass kicked in that ring. Maybe that’d be a fucking wake-up call. Get your head in the game!
After they descended the stairs, Geo turned and took her hand. “Let’s get a seat then we’ll go over the rules.”
“Okay. And I’m going to ask around if anyone’s seen my sister.”
“No. Not yet.”
She grunted. “Do you have a better plan?”
“Yes. Survive the first day.”
Halting, she pulled her hand from his grip. “Don’t forget what we came here for! It’s not to win a stupid game.”
“I know it’s not,” he said patiently, motioning to an open seat.
With a close-up view of the large dirt arena, they’d be able to see every little spurt of blood and hear every groan of pain. Oh goody.
Geo slid in next to her and placed his hand on her knee. “But we’re unlikely to escape with her in the next few hours. Between the first and second match we’ll have some time to explore and come up with a plan. Right now, we need to focus. Survival first. Your sister second.”
He had a point, damn him. She glared stubbornly.
He rubbed his hand up and down her thigh as if to soothe her. She wanted to shake him off except she did feel herself start to calm down. Damn him, again.
“You know I’m on your side.” His eyes were full of sincerity. “You must trust me.”
She hated that she was forced to wait. They’d finally made it here in one piece and it felt like she was no closer to finding her sister. But Geo was right. And she did trust him. “Okay.”
“Good.” He took his hand off her knee, leaving her cold and empty. “I’ll get us breakfast.”
Breakfast? Her gaze caught the blood covered dirt in front of them. Her stomach churned and she looked away.
Geo grabbed her chin. “No. You need to watch. It will help you prepare.”
He was right. Again. Hell if she was going to say it though. The man’s head would swell to the size of a beach ball – a big, colorful beach ball with horns. She giggled and Geo gave her a funny look.
That’s it. I’ve gone and lost my mind.
But now was the time to pull up her big girl panties – it’d be nice if she had some – and access the resilient Chapman side of her family tree. She eased back from Geo’s grip and forced her gaze on the ring. An overly large man – a giant? – dragged a broken, bloodied body across the dirt while the champion raised his arms in the air. The crowd clapped and cheered. A man wearing a hunter green jumpsuit wrote a name on a large board to the right under a few other names. Keeping score?
She spotted their names a few rows down.
Geo and The Red Phoenix.
She gulped. This was starting to feel frighteningly real.
“We’re between matches,” Geo said. “Stay here. Don’t talk to anyone.”
She nodded, fully intending to disobey the order. There was a limited amount of time she’d be out from under his watchful eye. And she’d never been good at waiting.
When he was out of sight, she scanned the people around her, looking for a friendly face. A large tan-skinned man with a nasty scowl, wearing only animal furs around his privates and shoulders sat to her right. A long, lanky Asian man with a too thin, gaunt face, gray skin, and dead eyes shifted on his feet behind her.
Maybe she should lower her standards. A friendly-ish face? Someone who didn’t look ready to slit her throat then bathe in her blood.
Two rows in front she spotted a blonde woman dressed in red leather, looking like a dominatrix at a costume party. Well, at least a female was less intimidating. She’d start there.
Samantha leaned forward. “Excuse me. Miss?” Or was it Mistress?
The woman turned around. Oh. Sam leaned away, reflexively. Hello, creepy cat eyes.
“Um. H-have you seen a young girl who kinda looks like me? She’s small with auburn colored hair and brown eyes.”
The blonde shook her head. “No. Sorry,” she answered in a thick accent. Russian?
A dark man a few rows away caught her gaze. He narrowed his eyes, searching her face. She broke eye contact, but she could feel his heated stare. Did he know something about her sister? She wanted to ask but his presence was unnerving. Dressed in all black with a long tren
ch coat, he wore danger like a second skin.
A gong echoed across the arena, giving her a little start. The man in the green jumpsuit yelled something in another language. The guy who’d been staring at her rose from the bench and walked slowly into the ring. For some reason, she found herself curious about him.
On the other side of the dusty circle, a man wearing a tunic and cotton pants strolled into the center, eyeing his opponent. His long black hair was tied back in a ponytail and a trim goatee gave him a sinister appearance – like an evil wizard. He smirked when Trench Coat Guy sauntered toward him like he hadn’t a care in the world.
Evil Wizard Guy didn’t appear to have any weapons, just lots of pouches dangling from his waistband. And in his hand he held what looked like a fabric doll.
What in the world?
The gong rang again and the two contestants stared at each other. Geo appeared beside her and sat down, holding what looked like fresh baked biscuits in a napkin.
“Here.” He handed her one.
Her mind jumped back to the bloody body the giant had dragged away. She looked at the ground in the ring. Guts lay festering in the dirt. Her stomach rolled and she grimaced.
“I can’t eat.” She pushed it away.
Geo got that stern look in his eye. “Samantha.”
“I’ll eat lunch,” she insisted. “I promise. I just need a little while to get used to the…gore.”
He sighed and pursed his lips. “Alright. You’ll eat a full meal before we fight though.”
“Yes. Who’s the Disney villain in there?” She gestured to the wizard who looked like he was chanting a spell over the doll.
“Ah, that’s a shaman. Very rare.”
“And the other guy?” She thought it best not to mention the staring incident.
Geo squinted as if getting a better look. “Don’t know.” Then he bit into a piece of the bread.
She felt a little guilty he’d spent money on food for her and she wasn’t going to eat it. But she’d meant what she said – it would take a little time to get used to the violence. The last thing she needed was to upchuck over the furry guy on the right. She had a feeling he wouldn’t be too pleased about that. Vomit was a bitch to get out of fox fur.