by Kay, Sharon
Mathias raised his eyebrows. “We need to think about where we’re going to stay tonight. The nearest safe house is a few miles from here. If we keep moving, we’ll make it there before nightfall.”
“I’m fine,” Brooke repeated.
Kai wasn’t convinced, but he kept his mouth shut. He’d carry her if she got too tired, whether she liked it or not.
CHAPTER 19
“ARE WE STAYING IN A cave again?” Brooke asked, rubbing her temples. After walking for an hour, they stood on a rocky ledge in the fading gray light. Mathias had checked his gem phone and declared they were here, but she saw only a sheer rock wall punctuated by vertical fissures.
“A cave?” Mathias raised an eyebrow and shot Kai a smirk.
Kai glared at the dark-haired male and muttered something about any port in a storm.
“No, Brooke. I think you’ll find this to be a step up from a cave.” Mathias grinned at her, then turned and traced the rocky surface with his fingers. He slipped a hand into one of the fissures and a low rumble emanated from the rock.
The entire length of the crack widened. It opened about two feet–plenty of room for Brooke to enter, and enough for the men if they turned sideways. She frowned, uncertain at the pitch black that lay inside.
“After you,” Mathias said, gesturing for her to enter.
She shook her head. “I don’t want to go first.”
“As you wish. But this is a Lash safe house. There’s nothing to worry about.” Mathias sidled into the dark maw.
She turned to Kai, who gave her a nod of encouragement. His brown eyes twinkled. “He’s right. All our safe houses are warded. This place may as well be a fortress.”
“All? How many are there?”
He shook his head. “Not sure. They’re scattered across Torth, since nighttime gets pretty nasty. We never know how far out we’ll be on a patrol or when we’ll need shelter in a hurry.”
She nodded and walked into the inky opening, keeping a hand on the rough wall. After several feet, she spotted a glow which highlighted a sharp turn to the right. Coming around the corner, she blinked at a passage dotted with softly glowing orbs attached to the wall.
At first she thought they were bare light bulbs. But as she looked closer she saw no base, glass, or even any fixtures. The lights resembled demonfire, the way they bobbed gently, but they were white.
“What are these?” she breathed.
Kai chuckled right behind her. “Our version of basic lighting. We call them fire bulbs. They’re for your benefit.”
“Oh. Um, thanks. I guess it’s nice to be able to see in whatever cave you happen to take shelter in…” She trailed off as she turned to him. Heat rushed through her body at the memories of last night’s cave. Does he feel it too? Her answer came in the soft whiskey glow of his hungry eyes as he leaned over her, one hand resting at her hip. He reached for a lock of her hair, twining it through his fingers, tugging her closer.
A rumble sounded from behind her and she jumped. Kai cleared his throat. “That’d be Mathias closing the front door. Let’s get you into the main quarters.” His hand settled at the small of her back, guiding her forward.
The rocky corridor turned left, and they walked straight into a large living room. Brooke stopped and stared in wonder. Two leather couches flanked one corner near a flat screen television. A coffee table and an end table sat in between them.
Another corner held two computer screens. The walls were stone here as well, but they had been polished smooth and hung with tapestries. More fire bulbs illuminated the walls and even dotted the high ceiling, which had been left rough.
The other end of the room flowed into a modern kitchen equipped with appliances and furnished with dark granite counters. A hallway branched off the living space, continuing deeper into the rock. The fire bulbs bobbing in the hall allowed her to make out three doors.
“Wow,” she murmured. “This is amazing.”
“It’s small, it’s comfortable, and more importantly, it’s safe,” Mathias said. He stood near the computers, which were booting up. “The rooms have showers, and you should find clean clothes there, too. We keep extra stuff around. Never know who we’ll end up tangling with.”
“Extra clothes for you guys, you mean?” she asked. A shower sounded wonderful. And the prospect of clean clothes made her deliriously happy. But what were the odds that they stocked women’s clothing?
“For you, too. We have female warriors.” Mathias shot her a grin, his fingers pausing above the keyboard. “You guys eat. I have to call Arawn.”
Despite the long day, Brooke felt ready to do a jig at the prospect of bathing. How many days had she been wearing this shirt? She smiled and breathed deeply, her muscles relaxing for the first time since she woke up. In Kai’s arms.
“I need a shower before I eat,” she declared. I’m not going to stand around for one extra minute in these clothes. She couldn’t suppress a grin as she started down the hall to the bedrooms. “Be right back!” She ducked into the last door.
Brooke barely registered the bedroom’s décor as she beelined for the bathroom. Pausing to open an armoire, she surveyed neat stacks of T-shirts and pants and found a set that looked like it would fit. As long as it’s clean.
In the bathroom she spotted clean towels, soap, shampoo, and assorted toiletries. All the essentials, check. Peeling off her dirty clothes in a rush, all she could think about was scrubbing the grime from her skin. She jumped into the shower and cleaned up in record time.
When she finished, she donned the fresh clothing, left her hair damp, and headed back to the living area. Mathias sat at the computer. Kai stood near him, hands on his hips.
“He shouldn’t be that hard for you to get a hold of. You’ve got rank and all that shit,” Kai said.
Mathias snorted. “All that shit is right. His assistant said he was in a meeting. Something about the Neshis on Earth.”
Kai turned as she walked into the room, his gaze raking her from wet hair to bare feet. “You smell better.”
She scrunched her nose, and met his eyes, remembering his words from several nights ago. “You don’t. And what about the Neshis on Earth?”
“That’s what Mathias is trying to find out. Right now, we don’t know anything more than we did before.” His tone was serious, but his stare radiated heat. “Let’s get you something to eat.” Prowling to the kitchen, he opened the freezer door and rummaged inside.
She walked around the stone island and stood next to him. He was taller than the fridge and almost as wide, the muscles of his arms flexing as he dug deeper into the icy recesses. All that power, and he was focused on feeding her.
“There’s chicken, pasta, lots of frozen veggies…anything sound good?” he asked.
You. “Um, I’m not really hungry right now.”
He closed the door and turned to her. “You sure?”
She nodded and his lips quirked into a smile. “Well, you can always grab something later if you want. It has been a pretty long day.” He raised his hand to her shoulder and traced a line down her arm, stopping to tangle his fingers with hers. “You had to deal with some things you’ve never seen before.”
“I saw my first witch.”
“And your first elf.”
“Saw the witch make the elf disappear.”
His fingers tightened around hers. “You handled everything really well, Brooke.”
His thumb rubbed slow circles on her wrist, and she gazed up into his chocolate brown eyes. She inched closer to him. The warm, early morning memory of his body wrapped around her filled her head, made her heart pound against her ribs. “Out of all the new experiences I had today, I have a favorite,” she murmured.
His eyebrows rose and his head tilted to one side. “Which one?”
“Waking up with you.”
His lips parted and he sucked in a breath. Her eyes locked with his, watching as they changed from chocolate to dark, glowing amber. A low rumble came from his t
hroat, and without a word he scooped her up. She draped her arms around his neck and rested her head on his shoulder, not caring if Mathias saw them.
Kai left the kitchen and stalked to the last bedroom. In one smooth move, he stepped inside and kicked the door shut. He turned and lowered her to her feet, pressing her against the door with his hips. He grabbed her wrists and lifted them above her head, holding them in place with one hand while the other drifted down her side.
Heat shot through her veins as he lingered at her breast, tracing the side contour with his knuckle before moving down to grasp her hip. Her breath came in ragged gasps and he hadn’t even kissed her yet. She wouldn’t last more than two seconds. She could barely move, except to arch her back and wriggle her hips. He growled and stared at her with hunger in his eyes, like she belonged to him.
The way he held her was dominant, but she didn’t care. An aching feeling uncurled deep in her belly, growing into heat that surged across her skin. She looked at his soft full lips and licked her own.
Without warning, his mouth crashed down on hers. Her head hit the door as his tongue swept inside, stroking her, delving farther in. A moan escaped her lips at the raw eroticism of his velvet thrusts, combined with the delicious pressure of his muscular body. Aligned from chest to hip, she rubbed against him. A purr vibrated in the back of her throat as she felt his massive erection against her belly.
He released her hands and she flung her arms around his neck, trying to bring him even closer. I’ll never get enough of his kisses. His fingers caressed her jaw and teased their way down her neck. He continued to claim her mouth as he traced her collarbone, then brought his fingers oh-so-slowly down the slope of her breast. He pinched her nipple through her T-shirt, making her cry out in pleasure.
He tore his mouth away from hers, and the look in his eyes radiated pure animal lust. He’d said he would do wicked things to her. God, she was ready for whatever he had in mind. Another rumble escaped his mouth as he found the hem of her shirt and lifted it over her head.
Standing half-naked before him, her body trembled with need. His fingers found the waistband of her pants and popped the button, but changed direction to wander up her torso. Liquid heat pooled between her thighs as he caressed the sensitive undersides of her breasts. His hands were so close…her nipples tightened in anticipation. She arched her back, pushing more of her needy flesh toward him.
He continued his leisurely exploration, snaking his thumbs up to tease the skin below her nipples. “Please, Kai,” she groaned.
“Please, what?” he whispered in her ear. He tugged her lobe between his teeth.
“Touch me,” she murmured.
“Where?” He bit down gently, his breath skating hot across her skin.
She grabbed his hands and brought them to her puckered nipples. Her breasts felt heavy, her entire body on fire.
“Fuck, Sprite.” His thumbs flicked across the stiff peaks, bringing her some relief but also unleashing a new ache. When he tugged her nipples between his fingers she couldn’t help but rock her hips, seeking his hardness.
With one knee, he shoved her thighs apart and wedged his leg between hers. He lowered his head to her neck, licking a path down to the tender spot where her shoulder began. He kept his hands at her breasts and scraped her skin with his teeth.
He was working her in all the right places. Her need grew like an inferno, every fiber of her body screaming for more, begging for relief.
“Don’t stop,” she whispered breathlessly.
He growled against her neck and she jerked at the sharp, hard pressure of his teeth. Slivers of pleasure-pain shot down her arm. He bit harder. She couldn’t move her upper body. She gasped, submitting to his masterful hands and mouth.
His tongue lashed her neck, softening the sting of his teeth. Her hips writhed with a rhythm of their own. He held her against the door, his muscular thigh pressing into her jeans right where she needed it. She moved her hands to his biceps and held on, digging her nails into his skin.
The pressure of his mouth was just this side of pain. Her body relinquished all rational thought. She wanted whatever he wanted to do to her. His hands were still tantalizingly gentle with her breasts. The mix of opposing sensations, hard and soft, gentle and rough, flung her into a surging maelstrom. Fire tore through her body. She screamed his name, clutching his shoulders as she convulsed against him.
She panted and shuddered. He eased her down from her peak, caressing her hair and murmuring soft words. Her legs had turned to jelly and she was grateful for his strong arms holding her up. Shimmering swells of bliss cascaded across her muscles as she relaxed against him like a contented cat.
Her feet left the floor as he cradled her to his broad chest and walked farther into the room. He turned sideways to pass through the door to the spacious bathroom. This time, she looked up in wonder at the carved stone surrounding them.
The vertical surfaces were smooth polished rock like the living room, with the ceiling left rough. Here, the gray walls were shot with streaks of pink, and the fire bulbs brought out sparkles in their shiny facade. A huge mirror stretched behind the stone counter, and brushed metal faucets arched gracefully over two sink bowls.
Kai set her down in the middle of the bathroom. “How ‘bout another shower?”
“Only if you join me.”
A devilish grin lit his handsome face. “Hell yeah, I will.” He knelt on the floor in front of her and tugged her pants down. She kicked them aside and stood there, naked except for a pair of blue panties she’d found among the clean clothes.
He placed a kiss above the waistband, his sensual lips making her tremble. “I like these.” His deep voice against her skin unleashed a warm curl of desire in her belly. Kai yanked the panties off and scraped his teeth down her thigh.
She gasped as the cool air hit her damp flesh. He rose and turned her around so her back was against his chest. Both facing the mirror, he put his hands on her hips. “You’re beautiful,” he whispered, his hands moving up to cup her breasts. She stood spellbound by the image before her.
His eyes were hooded as he caressed her naked and sated flesh. Her breath choppy, she couldn’t tear her eyes away from the way his skilled fingers rubbed and teased her nipples. She didn’t know which was more erotic: watching his hands on her body or feeling the sensation of his touch. The combination of both at once was enough to send a fresh burst of warmth from her core.
“You like this?” He nipped her ear.
She dropped her head back, letting his scent of leather wash over her. “Yes.”
“Me, too. Let’s get wet and soapy.” He dropped his hands back to her hips and turned her toward the shower. Then he groaned.
“What is it?”
“Your ass. Christ, it’s perfect.” He nipped her shoulder and gave her bottom a light smack. “I’m coming back to this.”
He reached around her and turned the water on. She stepped in and sighed in bliss as the warm water sluiced over her body. Facing the showerhead, she leaned forward and let the water pound between her shoulder blades.
A subtle shift of air over her skin alerted her to Kai’s approach when he stepped in and closed the shower door. She turned to face him and blinked, captivated by the sight of him.
His body was magnificent. She’d seen him shirtless before, had admired his well-muscled chest and chiseled abs. But she had never seen him nude. Last night in the cave, darkness obscured her view. Now, illuminated by the soft glow of the fire bulbs, with rivulets of water coursing down every sculpted ridge, she let her eyes feast on his male perfection.
His chest was a wedge of muscle topped by monstrous shoulders. Sinewy muscles carved their way around and across his mid-section, tapering to slim hips. His thighs were as big as tree trunks, and she couldn’t wait to get her hands on his butt. But what rendered her speechless was his enormous and fully aroused cock.
She had felt it last night, with her hands and deep in her body, but seeing it in fr
ont of her, straining for her, made her mouth water. It jutted thick and high, reaching his navel. The plump, dark head had been so smooth under her fingers…she nibbled her lower lip and stepped closer.
“Easy there. You’re gonna make me come just from that look in your eyes.” He grabbed a bottle of body wash from a nook at the back of the shower and doused his palm with it. Closing the distance between them, he massaged it into her shoulders and down her arms. “Turn around,” he said, his voice rough.
She complied, shivering in delight as his rock-hard shaft bumped her ass. She leaned into him and reached back to caress his neck.
He growled and spanked her. “Wicked things, Sprite.”
The sting of his touch sent a wave of pleasure rolling up her spine, and she couldn’t hold back a soft moan of encouragement.
Chuckling, he worked his magic on the muscles of her back. He kneaded them until she swayed, loose as a rubber band. His hands slid over her hips and down her legs, gently washing every inch of her from thighs to toes.
His hands returned to her hips and maneuvered her so they switched places. Eyes flaring with dark amber heat, he brushed his hand past her shoulder to grab the body wash. He poured out a liberal amount and created a soft cloud of lather.
“Brooke.” Her name was a sensual promise whispered on his lips and he gave her what she needed, covering her mouth with his.
She moaned. He cradled her breasts, his wet fingers slipping and caressing her curves. When his thumbs found her nipples and slid back and forth, teasing them into tight points, her belly clenched with need. Her hips rocked unconsciously, seeking his heavy arousal. Breathless again, she whispered his name as her fingers thrust into his hair.
He dropped to his knees, the whiskey flare of his eyes dancing along her body. He licked his lips and grasped one of her ankles, placing it on a ledge that ran the length of the shower. He kissed her raised thigh and her body jerked at the warmth of his mouth.
He chuckled, low and devious, and raised his eyes to meet hers. “You like my mouth here?”