by Ivy Barrett
“You are far from inadequate.” He brushed her jaw with the back of his knuckles, not risking a more intimate touch. “How about if we play a game?”
“What sort of game?” She turned her head and looked into his eyes.
“I’ll ask you a question and you can either answer the question or let me touch you.”
“That seems like a rather one-sided game.”
“Okay, we’ll alternate. I’ll ask you a question then you ask me a question. We each get the option of paying a physical forfeit as opposed to providing the answer.”
“Do we get to know what the physical forfeit is before we decide?”
“That only seems fair.”
She drew her legs up in front of her, carefully covering them with her robe. “Who goes first?”
“Ordinarily I’d insist the lady go first, but I am your guest after all.”
She smiled. “What’s your question?”
“Have you ever had an orgasm?”
“You’re moving right to the heart of the matter. And what’s the forfeit?”
“I get to kiss you on the mouth for as long as I want.”
Her gaze focused on his lips and her tongue peeked out, barely touching her lower lip. God, he hoped she let him kiss her.
“Yes, I’ve had an orgasm.”
“Damn. That was a waste.” He laughed at her horrified expression. “Not your orgasm. My question. Let me see if I can do better this time.”
“It’s my turn.”
“So it is.”
“How do you make your living?”
A much better question than his had been. He wasn’t opposed to explaining his unusual line of work, yet he felt compelled to ask, “What’s my forfeit?”
“You lie on your back and untie your soratti. Then I caress your cock and your balls until I’ve appeased my curiosity. I won’t allow you to come, but you have to let me touch you for as long as it pleases me.”
“Have you played this game before?” He couldn’t quite keep the laughter out of his tone. “How about if I answer your question while you explore my body? I would love to have your hands on me.”
“Even if I don’t let you come?”
“Orgasm is the destination, but I’ve always enjoyed the entire journey.”
“All right.” Her crystal-blue gaze caressed its way from his face to his lap and back. “We’ll play a different game. I’ll touch you anywhere you want, for as long as you want as long as you tell me anything I want to know.”
Desire rushed through him in a tingling wave. He was supposed to be seducing her! “It sounds like a one-sided game.”
“Not at all. I want to know more about you, and you want my hands on your body. Why shouldn’t we both get what we want?”
Chapter Four
Serena held her breath as Matt moved across the cottage and sat on the edge of the bed. Many of her people slept in woven hammocks. However, she had always preferred the comfort of a bed. It was a frivolous extravagance, but she was certain the Deity would forgive her. Stuffed with palm fronds and dense firmine fibers, the mattress provided both softness and support.
“Do you sleep here every night?”
“This cottage was assigned for my use as my ascension drew near. The Order wanted to make sure I had plenty of time to meditate and make preparations without the usual distractions. Why do you ask?”
“I’m still trying to comprehend how your people live. It’s fascinating really, but so different from the rest of the coalition. Are you sure you’re descendants of Shardrake?”
The pilgrims had been equally intrigued by the social structure of the Perrlain. It shouldn’t surprise her that Matt was struggling with the concepts. “Do you have a permanent mate?”
“Of course not. I wouldn’t have kissed you if I was bound to another.”
“Were your parents joined only with each other?”
“No.” It was apparent from the resignation in his tone that he had already realized where the conversation was headed. “I can’t think of anyone I know who successfully formed a relationship that lasted a lifetime.”
“Instead of complicating our lives with unrealistic expectations, we allow relationships to ebb and flow. No pressure, no guilt. We focus on creating a loving environment for everyone as opposed to isolating ourselves in family units.” She motioned toward his soratti. “I thought we were going to play a game.”
“If you won’t let me touch you, can I at least look? You are incredibly beautiful.”
She smiled. His desire far more affecting than his flattery. “You first.”
He untied the soratti and dropped it beside the bed before he settled on his back. “I’m entirely at your mercy.”
Which was why she wasn’t afraid.
Slipping out of her robe, she hung it from a hook on the wall of the cottage before joining him on the bed. He raised his arms and folded his hands behind his head. The position showcased the thick muscles in his arms and the dramatic narrowing of his torso. She trailed her fingertip from the base of his throat to his navel, marveling on how far it was between the two.
“Are all the men in your tribe so large?”
He chuckled. “Are we talking height or something else?”
She pinched his nipple, intentionally ignoring his impressive endowments. “Forget I asked. I want you to answer my first question. How do you make your living?”
After a short pause, he said, “I developed toys that assisted people in expressing their sexuality. I’ve made simple dildos, full-service androids and everything in between.”
“People have sex with…machines?”
His abdomen tensed and his expression hardened. He was clearly displeased by her reaction. “It’s as hard for you to understand my world, as it is for me to understand yours. I worked at a place where people went to experience all sorts of pleasure. Technology played a big part in the services we provided.”
“Technology?” She sat back on her heels, her fingers splayed against his hip. “What sort of technology?”
“Have you ever pretended you were somewhere else while you were making love?”
“If that were the case, I would find a more attentive lover.”
He shook his head. “I didn’t mean it like that. A simulator tricks the body into thinking it’s anywhere the person wants to go, a moonlit beach or a mountaintop, or suspended in outer space.”
“How very odd.”
“And the person can be with anyone they choose, a celebrity or a historical figure or their college sweetheart.”
“But they aren’t really with anyone at all. Isn’t that what you’re telling me?”
“Some people are more comfortable… I don’t know how to make you understand. You’re so far removed from all of the complications of my world.”
“My world has its own complications.” He seemed frustrated by her attitude, but she wasn’t sure how to appease him. She certainly didn’t want to spend all night comparing their cultures.
“Have you ever known a woman who enjoys being with two men at the same time?”
Heat crawled up her neck and she nodded. “My sister Orillia enjoys nothing better.”
“It’s a common fantasy, yet few women want the emotional challenge of actually being involved with two men. So, I created a pleasure bot that can provide that sensation…and many others.”
She licked her lips and stroked his chest, unable to meet his gaze. It was obvious he wanted her to see the appeal in such devices, but she refused to be dishonest. “Orillia gave me an artificial cock. She thought if I brought myself to orgasm, I would feel more confident the next time I allowed someone to touch me. The toy felt cold and… How can anyone find pleasure with such a thing?”
He sat and caught her hand as she tried to pull away. “What if it hadn’t been cold? What if it pulsed inside your pussy and vibrated against your clit?”
“V-vibrated?” She pressed her thighs together, feeling restless and unsure.
“I know you can’t imagine it and I have no way to demonstrate.” He wrapped his arm around her waist and guided her onto his lap, one knee on either side of his hips. “Didn’t you ever play make-believe when you were a child?”
“I don’t know what that means.”
He outlined her lips with his fingertip. “I’m not sure if that’s admirable or the saddest thing I’ve ever heard. You’ve never used your imagination to…” He shook away his speculation with a sigh. “You live in paradise. Why would you need to pretend you were somewhere else?”
“No culture is perfect. Our worlds are just different.”
“I guess I hadn’t realized how different.”
She mimicked his touch, her gaze focused on his lips. “Does this mean you no longer want to play my game?”
“You can touch me all you want, but I need to touch you too.” He swept his fingers through her hair and pressed a kiss to each corner of her mouth. “You lead. I’ll follow.”
She wasn’t sure what he meant until she moved her hand to his shoulder. His hand settled on her shoulder as well. She stroked the side of his neck and his hand repeated the caress as if they were connected by an invisible leash.
Intrigued, she scooted back and sat between his thighs, wrapping her legs around his hips. Would he mirror every move she made? She explored his torso, his shoulders and back, mesmerized by his echoing touch. She squeezed his thighs and he squeezed hers. She followed the contour of his pectoral muscles and he traced the upper curve of her breasts.
“Don’t stop now,” he whispered. “Show me how you want to be touched.”
His throaty words made her bold. She brushed her thumb over his nipple, knowing his fingers would be half a heartbeat behind. Did her hands feel this good on him as his did on her? She caught his nipple between her thumb and forefinger and waited for his response. She squeezed then squeezed harder. He obediently mirrored each move.
Excitement curled within her, insidious yet intense. Not wanting to lose the warmth of his hands, she caressed her way around to his back and pressed her breasts against his chest. Her nipples had hardened beneath his touch and his chest hair rasped against the sensitive peaks.
“Why does this feel so good?” she murmured.
“Don’t think about why. Just accept that it’s good.”
Tilting her head, she covered his mouth with hers. She caressed his lips and he nibbled. The sharp little bites sent sparks of pleasure bouncing down her spine. He was technically breaking the rules, but she no longer cared. She parted her lips and he accepted the invitation with a slow, curling sweep of his tongue.
“Touch me,” she whispered into his mouth. “Touch me now.”
His hand slipped between their bodies as the kiss went on and on. She clung to his shoulders yet arched back, offering his hand freer movement. With feathery strokes, he swept from her breasts to her belly and back. Each descent brought him closer to his target. He caressed her mound with the backs of his fingers, his touch teasing and light. She wiggled, trying to bring one of his fingers in direct contact with her clit.
Ever so slowly, he traced her slit, delving between her folds a bit more with each pass. Ruthlessly patient and undeniably skilled, he waited for her anxiety to pass before he moved on to the next level of intimacy.
His questing fingers reached the entrance to her body. Instead of thrusting inward, he turned his wrist and accented her need with the teasing swirl of his fingers. She rotated her hips, following his hand, aching for sweet penetration.
Hot, melting sensations cascaded through her abdomen. She whimpered then gasped as his thumb passed back and forth across her clit. “Please.” She breathed the word into his mouth. He held her open while his long middle finger pushed into her throbbing core. All the while his thumb continued its gentle massage.
A sharp cry sounded from the trees outside the cottage. She tore her mouth from his and looked into the night. “What was that?”
“It sounded like a bird.”
She shuddered, remembering the hawk. Leaves rustled and branches snapped and the angry cry sounded again.
“What’s the matter?” With a barely discernible sigh, he moved his hand to her thigh and waited for her to relax. “You told me yourself there are all kinds of creatures in the jungle.”
“Something doesn’t feel right.”
He turned her face from the window. “Things were feeling pretty perfect a few seconds ago.” She tried to crawl off his lap. He caught her hips, keeping her from retreating completely. “Talk to me, Serena. What happened that night?”
Just the mention of her ascension compounded her fear. All she had to do was close her eyes and it came back in vivid detail. The paralyzing dread, the flash of Wikoli eyes, and the aching isolation as Kapali accepted her sacrifice. Why couldn’t she banish the memories or get beyond this fear?
“Nothing can harm you here,” he said emphatically. “I will keep you safe. Do you believe that?”
“I want to.”
“Am I bigger than any person in this village?”
She smiled just a little. “Bigger and taller.”
“Would it surprise you to learn I’m stronger than most people my size?”
“Anyone who looks at you can tell you’re strong.”
“I’m also familiar with several forms of hand-to-hand combat.”
“Are you trying to replace my guards?” She fidgeted, feeling awkward now that the fleeting moment of passion had ebbed.
“I’m trying to convince you that you’re safe. I’ll protect you from any threat, including insane birds.”
Despite his reassurance, a shudder passed along her spine. “Physical strength can’t protect me from evil, and the entire Order wasn’t powerful enough to keep me safe. I don’t want to talk about this.”
“I think you need to.”
She shook her head. “It won’t help.”
“You either tell me what happened that night or we’re going to try a vastly different strategy.” His voice took on a steely edge she had never heard before.
“What are you talking about?”
“Sometimes people must be forced to face their fears before they can overcome them. I would prefer to guide you through this tenderly. But twice now you have allowed your mind to overwhelm the natural instincts of your body.”
She looked around the cottage, anywhere but at him. He was the epitome of a virile male, strength and unabashed sexuality. How could she not respond to him?
“How will you force me to face my fears?”
“Force was the wrong word in this instance. I will use your body to overwhelm your mind, allowing you to see beyond your fear.”
“It won’t work. Others have tried.”
He swept her beneath him in the blink of an eye, pinning her arms to the mattress above her head. “I will not hurt you, but I will not stop until you surrender to the pleasure.” Shifting both wrists into one large hand, he cupped her chin with his fingers. “Do you trust me?”
“This has nothing to do with trust.”
“It has everything to do with trust.” He brushed her lips with his thumb and stared into her eyes. “I will not hurt you. Do you believe me?”
She nodded.
“I need to hear you say it.”
“I know you won’t hurt me.”
“Then open your mouth.”
His mouth covered hers as she parted her lips. The kiss was dark and demanding, so very different from the ones that had gone before. He tasted her and shared his breath with her as he rubbed his chest against her breasts.
He released her hands for a moment as he shifted her legs over his arms. Before she had any idea what he intended, his hands pushed up along her back then shot out and curved around her upper arms. He pulled her arms down and under her body, crossing her wrists at the small of her back.
She wiggled and twisted, but her own weight restrained her as much as his light hold. The position arched her back, thrusting her
breasts outward and brazenly spreading her legs. He was firmly lodged between her thighs, making it impossible to arrange herself more modestly.
He nibbled a tingling path down one side of her neck.
“You don’t have to hold me down. I won’t fight you.”
“Yes you will.” His lips continued on to the upper swell of one breast. “Relax. Prove me wrong.”
How was she supposed to relax in this absurd position? He closed his lips around her nipple and sucked. She closed her hands into fists, torn between her need to stroke his hair and pound on his back. How hard could it be to surrender to pleasure? She had been so close before.
His lips were warm. He combined firm suction with the velvet rasp of his tongue. She closed her eyes and his mouth released her.
“Keep your eyes open. Watch me, if you can. It’s important that you know who’s touching you.”
He waited for her eyes to open before he returned to her breast. His tongue flicked across her nipple as his gaze bore into hers. Determination was clear in his stare, but she saw possessive passion building as well. He caught the moist tip between his teeth, squeezing until she gasped. The sharp sensation blazed through her uncertainty, focusing her attention entirely on her body and the sensations being created there.
The pressure on her arms increased as he moved lower. She was spread before him, open and accessible. She was helpless against his strength and vulnerable to his driving purpose, yet she felt completely liberated. He nipped his way across her quivering abdomen and along the inside of her thigh. Shifting her hands into one fist, he freed his other for more intimate pursuits.
“Say my name.” His warm breath wafted across her folds as he gave her the directive.
“Matt.”
He parted her outer lips with his finger and thumb then pressed his mouth against her folds. “So soft.” His tongue flicked against her flesh and circled her opening. Her clit throbbed, anxious for attention.
“Oh.” She panted and lifted into his torrid kiss. Tension gathered, curling along her inner muscles and radiating out through her lower body. Her eyes drifted shut as an orgasm neared and blue light ignited behind her lids.