Waters of Fate

by Jessica Jarman

  “Push him out of your mind, Nee. You time, remember?”

  “I know. It’s just that—“

  “Hello, ladies.” A handsome man—Neiva judged him to be in his mid-20’s—stood next to the table. “I’m Scott and this is my buddy, Nick. We wondered if we could join you.”

  “I don’t—“

  “Sure!” Beth exclaimed and pinned Neiva with a stern glance before grinning at the guys. “I’m Beth and this is Neiva. Nice to meet you.” She shook both men’s hands.

  Neiva followed her example without speaking.

  “Neiva,” Nick repeated. “That’s an interesting name. Very pretty.”

  “Thank you,” she murmured.

  “Be nice,” Beth whispered in her ear. “They’re cute and seem semi-normal.”

  She had to agree with her cousin. They were cute. Nick had sandy brown hair and clear blue eyes. He had a slightly crooked smile, and his eyes crinkled. Scott was blond, his hair cut close to his scalp. His dark brown eyes reminded Neiva of rich chocolate. So, yes, they were cute, but she couldn’t summon up the smallest interest in either of them. However, she’d play nice for Beth.

  “Are you from around here?” Scott asked.

  “Nope. We’re just visiting. Neiva’s parents have a cabin out by—“

  Neiva kicked Beth’s leg. “Sorry,” she said when her cousin glared at her. Turning back to the men, she added, “We’re just visiting for a few weeks.”

  Great Goddess, even she knew not to tell strange men you were staying in a secluded cabin alone. Conversation continued, touching on career—Neiva had to, of course, lie blatantly—music, dancing, tattoos…

  Beth and Scott were head to head, talking body art and piercing now. Neiva shifted uneasily in her seat.

  “So, Neiva, we’re probably going to have to jet in a few. Could I get your number? I think you’re hot…and nice too. Maybe we could hook up sometime? I could show you a real good time.” He wiggled his eyebrows and grinned.

  She kept her hand under the table several moments before answering. “As nice as that sounds, I can’t.”

  “Why? I thought we were hitting it off here.”

  “We were just talking,” she snapped. “I’m sorry. I really can’t. I don’t think my husband would approve.”

  Lifting her left hand, she wiggled her ring finger and made sure the diamond sparkled brightly.

  “Husband? Oh shit!” He glanced around. “He’s not here, is he?”

  “Not yet.” Neiva fought the urge to laugh. She really shouldn’t be enjoying this.

  “Scott, dude, we gotta go.”

  She took a long drink as the two said their goodbyes. Once they were gone, Beth reached over, grasped Neiva’s wrist, and stared pointedly at her now bare finger.

  “Glamour,” she quipped. “Comes in handy sometimes. Did you get his number?”

  “Yeah, but, Nee, what’s the problem? You weren’t having a good time?”

  “He just didn’t interest me, Beth.” She shrugged. “And he was so young—he annoyed me.”

  “Hey, just because you’re into an old guy…” Beth’s eyes widened. “Oh my God. Nee, is that him? It must be him. Damn, he’s intense, just staring at you. Oh, he probably didn’t like the guys sitting with us, paying attention to you...” Beth trailed off and just gaped towards the far wall.

  “Beth, calm down.” She followed her cousin’s gaze. There he stood against the wall, legs braced apart, arms crossed over his chest. Very bodyguard-like.

  “Ignore him. He’s just doing his job. So are you going to see Scott again?”

  “I’m not sure. He seems nice, a little immature but nice. Maybe I’ll…” Beth’s eyes darted in Rhys’ direction.

  “Ignore him,” Neiva repeated, though the task seemed impossible.

  “Uh, he’s making it kinda hard to since he’s coming this way.”

  Neiva’s stomach flipped just as Rhys appeared beside her.

  “Rhys.” His voice escaped her in a rush. “This is my cousin Beth. Beth, this is my… This is Rhys.”

  “Hi,” Beth said brightly.

  He nodded curtly at her and turned back to Neiva. He held his hand out, palm up. “Dance with me.”

  Her hand trembled as she placed it in his. She stood and allowed him to lead her to the dance floor. She glanced back. If she weren’t so jumbled inside, she’d laugh at Beth’s wide eyes and slack jaw.

  Rhys pulled her into his arms and they began to sway.

  “How are you?” he asked.

  She flinched at his cold tone. “I’m well. You?”

  He didn’t answer, but drew her closer until her head rested against his chest. His hands stroked up and down her back and he settled his chin on the top of her head.

  What in the Goddess’ name was this about?

  “Rhys?”

  “Shhhh. Just let me hold you. If only for a few moments.”

  She slid her eyes closed and just focused on him. On his body so near hers. That alone aroused her. His closeness, his scent. All of it wrapped around her, consumed her. She pressed closer and rubbed her body against his. She felt his hard length against her belly and nearly groaned when it jerked. Heat burst through her and her pussy contracted, aching to be filled.

  He lowered his hands to cup her ass and lifted slightly until his cock was nestled in the junction of her thighs. She didn’t know how she was still breathing. Each breath was a concentrated effort.

  “I can feel your heat. You drive me insane.” His voice, a hoarse whisper, pushed her arousal higher.

  She tilted her head back. “I drive you insane? I thought it was the other way around.”

  He chuckled and grasped her hips. He rocked against her over and over, the movement causing such friction on her clit she had to bite her lip to keep from crying out.

  “Wrap your legs around my waist,” he ordered.

  Neiva glanced around at the people around them.

  “They only see what I want them to see. As far as they’re concerned, we’re just dancing. Now, wrap your legs around my waist,” he demanded.

  She obeyed, crying out slightly as the seam of her jeans skimmed over her clit. Rhys slid one hand up and buried it in her hair. He tightened his fingers and pulled her head back, exposing her throat to his mouth. Neiva nearly wept at the feel of his firm lips and wet tongue against her skin. She smoothed her palms over his arms, over his chest. She just had to touch him, be as close as possible to him. Her belly tightened, the delicious pressure building. She was so close, so damned close.

  Rhys trailed his lips along the edge of her shirt. Releasing her hair, he moved his hand to unbutton the garment.

  “Damn humans and all their clothes,” he muttered, his fingers trembling as he sought the front clasp of her bra.

  Neiva moaned as he succeeded, releasing her breasts to his seeking mouth. Pleasure exploded when he pulled a taut nipple into his mouth—sucking first, then pulling between his teeth. The sweet nip of pain shot through her, straight between her legs. Her pussy flooded as he turned his attention to her other breast. She buried her hands in his hair, twisting the strands and holding him tightly. Rocking against him harder, faster, she pressed her clit against his erection.

  Rhys reached between them and flicked the button of her jeans open. He lowered the zipper and slid his hand into the tightness. Neiva cried out as his fingers grazed her clit and found her opening. Her breath caught in her throat when he pushed two fingers inside her. She closed her eyes, her muscles squeezing around him, and just felt the sensations he pulled from her body.

  He brought his lips back to hers, murmuring against them. “Come for me, Princess. Let me know I brought you pleasure. Imagine my cock buried inside you, stretching you.”

  Neiva’s head fell back as he stroked her heat. Rhys pressed his thumb against her throbbing clit, and she bit her lip to keep from screaming. He kissed along her jaw and ran his tongue around her earlobe.

  “Come for me,” he repeated. �
�Honour me with this.”

  His low voice in her ear, his breath sliding along her skin, pushed her over the edge. Her pussy contracted again and again. Neiva clenched Rhys’ arms, nails digging into his flesh as she fell through pleasure. Heat enveloped her and everything around them dimmed. All she knew was him. His touch, his scent, his body. She bit her lip as the Song sounded, softly at first, then growing louder. She fought against the elation that filled her, knowing this wouldn’t end with the words she wanted to hear.

  Neiva dropped her head forward and rested it against Rhys’ chest. His breathing was laboured and every muscle in his body was tensed as if he were in battle.

  “Don’t you understand why this hurts, Rhys?” she whispered.

  “Hmm?” He pulled his hand from her pants, and her clit twitched when he pressed the glistening fingers to his lips and inhaled deeply.

  She unwrapped her legs from his waist and slid down until she stood, but didn’t step out of his embrace. “I feel so wonderful right now, but I can’t really enjoy it, can I?” She tilted her head back and stared in his eyes. “I know you’re going to walk away now, and the ache, the emptiness will be back. I miss you, Rhys. I miss our conversations and just being with you.”

  Fighting tears, Neiva tried to regain control. She turned attention to straightening and fastening her clothes. He smoothed his hand over her curls before cupping her face. She met his gaze, and he frowned. Neiva’s heart stuttered at the pain and regret in his eyes. She thought back to what Beth had said about his suffering as well.

  “Don’t say anything. Please,” she asked. “I’ll just go back to Beth, you go back to your duty. Thank you for this.” She rose on tiptoe and pressed a brief kiss on his lips.

  “Princess…” he said as she turned away.

  “Yes?” She glanced back at him.

  “I’ll be nearby should you have need of me.” His stilted tone made her smile.

  “I know. Good eve, Rhys.”

  It took every ounce of strength to walk away from him, and it was on shaky legs. Beth still sat at their table, but she wasn’t alone. Neiva hesitated a moment, unsure whether to interrupt her cousin’s conversation with the young man, but her unsteadiness made the decision for her. It was either sit or fall over.

  Beth turned. “Hey, how are…” She trailed off with a frown. “Uh, Todd, I’ll catch you later.”

  The man looked startled but stood and walked away.

  “Nee, are you okay? Is something wrong?”

  Neiva shook her head. “I’m fine.”

  “What happened? Last I saw, you and your man were wrapped around each other. Did you argue?”

  “No, no arguing.” She cleared her throat. “Everything’s fine. Promise.”

  “Oookay.” Beth scanned the bar. “Did he leave?”

  “No, he’s here.”

  “Huh, I don’t see him.”

  “He’s cloaked, but I can feel him.” And oh, did she feel him. His presence was a maddening assault on her senses.

  “Are you sure you’re okay? You’re pale and, damn, girl, you’re shaking. Did he hurt you?”

  Neiva laughed at Beth’s fierce expression. “I’m sure. I’m just tired. Is it okay if we head home?”

  “Of course. Let’s go.” She stood and glanced around. “So he’s just hangin’ out here all invisible and shit? That’s just creepy.” She shuddered. “Okay, cuz, let’s get you home and in bed.”

  Neiva rose to her feet and, taking a chance, opened her mind to Rhys. “Good eve, Rhys. Sleep well this night.”

  “Good eve to you, my Princess.”

  Chapter Seven

  Rhys paced outside the cabin. The women had returned some time ago and were probably sleeping soundly. Yet he couldn’t. He kept replaying everything that happened earlier in the evening…every word, every action.

  Since he’d admitted they were meant—to himself and to Neiva in their dream—things had been more difficult. He couldn’t stop thinking of her. The hollow ache from wanting to be with her grew, consuming him. Blessed Goddess, he hadn’t spoken the binding words and he felt like he was falling apart when they were separated. He swore under his breath. He honestly didn’t know what to do. Mating with Kaelen’s daughter felt like a betrayal to his King, but he yearned for it.

  With a thought, he flashed into Neiva’s room. Just to see her. To be near her. He told himself it would ease the ache, but he knew that was a lie.

  He stood next to her bed and simply looked at her—her lush lips slightly parted, her hair spread across the pillow, her arms thrown over her head. Clenching his hands into fists, he fought the urge to touch her, to pull back the blankets and stroke every inch of her softness.

  Neiva shifted, moaning softly. Rhys lifted his gaze to her face. Even in the dark, he could see her eyes were open and on him. He held his breath, waiting for her to speak.

  She didn’t. After a moment, she folded the covers back and held her hand out. Rhys’ cock swelled at the silent invitation. Without a word, he grasped her hand and lay on his side next to her. Her arms went around his neck and she snuggled close.

  “I—”

  “Shh.” She tilted her head and covered his mouth with hers.

  Rhys thought he’d explode as her lips and tongue seduced him. He ran his tongue around hers, a desperate attempt to taste her. He cupped her ass and rolled onto his back, pulling her on top of him. She wasted no time and straddled his hips without breaking the kiss. He groaned into her mouth as she rubbed against him.

  Neiva drew back slightly. “I was dreaming of you,” she whispered.

  “Really?” he murmured, stroking her back.

  “I always dream of you. Drives me insane, but most of the time, I don’t wake up and find you.”

  She sat up and Rhys bit the inside of his cheek as her heat pressed down on his cock. His breath caught in chest when she flashed her clothes off her body. Her beauty never failed to astound him. She was simply perfection, and she was his.

  “You’re overdressed.” Neiva smiled and tugged on his shirt.

  As soon as the garments were gone, he yanked her down to cover him. The feel of her warm skin against his caused his erection to twitch between them. He held her close and rolled atop her. Determined to savour every second, he tasted her, making his way down her body until he was settled between her thighs. Her swollen pussy lips peeked out from beneath the tuft of dark curls. He inhaled and the scent of her arousal invaded his senses.

  Lowering his head, he swiped his tongue up along her folds to her clit. He sucked the tiny nub and was rewarded with a strangled cry and Neiva’s hands burrowing in his hair. He would make her scream his name before he was through.

  The tanginess of her excitement danced on his tongue. He couldn’t get enough. Over and over, he lapped at her pussy, drinking her in. Her hands tightened in his hair, but the sharp pain only encouraged him. He drove his tongue inside her channel and fucked her with his mouth until she squirmed beneath him. Her inner muscles began to spasm and he moved back to her clit, drawing it into his mouth. He slid a hand up and over her flat stomach to cup one of her breasts.

  “Scream for me, love.” Rhys squeezed her taut nipple, hard, just as he caught the tiny bundle of nerves between his teeth.

  “Oh Goddess.” Her voice rose and her hips lifted. “Rhys!”

  Neiva shook from the force of her orgasm. Rhys’ voice in her head pushed her beyond pleasure. She slid through the release, through heated bliss. All thought fled and she simply felt. Felt his mouth and hands on her body. Felt her soul sing at his closeness. This was where she was meant to be. With him, her true mate.

  She untangled her fingers from his hair as he lifted his head and moved up her body. He covered her with his warmth and his cock nudged her entrance, causing her to shudder.

  “Neiva,” he murmured before catching her mouth in a deep kiss.

  Happiness rocketed through her at the sound of her name on his lips. She wrapped her arms and legs aroun
d him and raised her hips.

  “I need you. Inside me. Please.”

  He surged forward and filled her. She felt a slight twinge, then immense satisfaction, as his cock stretched her deliciously. It felt so good, so right. He began moving within her and music softly surrounded them. He released her mouth and buried his face in her neck.

  The tension built again as he pounded into her relentlessly. There was something urgent in his movements, as if he couldn’t get enough. That aroused Neiva to no end—the thought that he wanted her so desperately. Her breath hitched as he quickened his strokes.

  The Song grew louder and wove around them. It hammered at her, making her yearn. Suddenly Rhys stilled. Neiva cupped his head and moved him until she could see his face. He was pale and sweat clung to his skin. His jaw was clenched tightly. His whole body trembled. He was fighting it, still. Even though disappointment surfaced, Neiva couldn’t stand to see him hurting. And it was obvious he was.

  “Rhys. It’s okay.” She stroked his face. “Be with me. Don’t think of anything but me.” She lifted her hips, pulling him farther inside her. “Just me.”

  “I belong to you.” The words were forced through gritted teeth.

  “Shhh.” How could her heart leap and break at the same time? “You don’t have to say it. Just be with me. It’s enough, Rhys, just to be with you this night. Really, it’s enough,” she lied.

  He closed his eyes and dropped his head to rest against hers. His breath was harsh and ragged. Then he moved again. With slow, long strokes, he drove her back up. Neiva cradled his head as her muscles tensed, as her release built. His cock swelled within her and she knew he was close.

  She raised her hips, meeting his thrusts. She gasped as an orgasm gripped her body. Wave after wave, it pummelled her. Her pussy spasmed around his erection, and, with a shout, Rhys came. The force of his cum jetting inside her, coating her womb, sent her flying higher. She tightened her legs around his waist, wanting to keep him deep within her.

  For a long while, they just clung to each other. She closed her eyes and relished his embrace. Again, she wondered at her feelings. Physically, satisfaction filled every cell of her body, but desire for more, for the bonding, tugged at her heart.