by Lori Foster
“Let’s get the rest of these clothes off of you.” He sat up and helped her get her arms out of the tunic, and then stripped the stretchy, trim-fitting pants down and off her long, slim legs.
He thought she’d be modest, but instead, she rushed him, ridding herself of the clothes as fast as she could. As soon as she was bare, she reached for his shirt.
Mallet stilled her hands. “Hold up, baby. One of us has to stay dressed or I’ll forget myself.”
“But I want—”
“Yeah, me, too.” He held her knees and pressed her thighs wide apart.
Automatically she started to close her legs to conceal herself, but Mallet held her open, and she slumped back in shock. “Michael?”
“God, woman, you are beautiful.” He stared at her sex, all soft and pink and now, because she was excited, glistening wet. His heart pounded as he put his fingers on her, stroking a little, feeling her, enjoying the easy glide and the heat.
Mallet lifted his gaze to hers. “Right here, Kayli.” Spreading her moisture, he moved his thumb over her clitoris, and heard her sharp inhalation. He smiled. “Right here is where I’ll kiss you. I’ll suck you into my mouth, tease you with my tongue, and you’ll love it so much, you’ll come for me.”
Her chest rose in frantic tandem with her breaths. She stared at him, face flushed, lips parted. “Okay.”
Damn, but her agreement nearly did him in.
With a groan, Mallet bent and bit her soft belly, left a hickey on her hip bone, put more love bites on her inner thighs, behind her right knee.
She shifted and moaned and lifted her hips to encourage him.
Moving down between her legs, Mallet parted her. She sucked in a breath and went perfectly still, waiting, waiting … He gave her one long, leisurely lick that sent shudders through her body. While she was still reacting to that, he closed his mouth around her.
Sucking gently at her turgid clitoris, he felt her swell, inhaled her tangy scent. He wanted to fuck her so badly, he wasn’t sure he’d be able to stop himself this time.
But for now, for this moment, this intimacy was enough. Her pleasure, her open acceptance of him and the carnality they shared, made him determined to help her feel everything that she could.
Her hips rocked up to meet the rhythm of his tongue. Mallet reached up for her breasts and plied her nipples with just the right touches, alternating the pressure to keep her tight with expectation.
Her moan was long and ragged. Her feet settled on his shoulders and her thighs opened more. Her head tipped back, eyes squeezed shut and jaw clenched. As the pressure built in her, her body bowed, strong in her reach for release.
To keep her still, Mallet flattened one hand to her belly, clamped his other hand on her thigh, and seconds later she climaxed. Her long, shuddering cry sounded raw and real, and it was more exciting than anything he’d ever heard.
Her pleasure demolished his good intentions.
Rising up over her in a rush, Mallet took her mouth hard, startling her, demanding from her.
He pressed a hand between her legs, fingered her slick, swollen lips and, unable to stop, he pushed past her natural resistance.
As she lost the badge of her virginity, she cried out again, this time in a twinge of pain.
“Oh God,” Mallet said against her mouth, feeling her tighten around his finger, feeling the incredible smallness of her, knowing how good she’d feel around his cock. “Did I hurt you?”
“Yes, a little.”
“You’re all mine, Kayli.” Knowing it to be true, he struggled with raging need. She was his, his alone. No other man had touched her.
No other man ever would.
He swallowed down emotion so strong, it overwhelmed him. This wasn’t sex. He didn’t know what the fuck this was—but he liked it. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay.” Her hips twitched again, this time seeking. Sounding awed, she whispered, “You’re … inside me.”
“Not the way I want to be. Not the way I will be after we’re in a union.” What the hell was he saying? He couldn’t wait that long. He’d never outlast her. “Kayli—”
“Okay.”
Her naked breasts were against his chest, her heartbeat thundering, her sex squeezing around his finger … It was understandable that his brain didn’t want to function properly. “What?”
“Okay, I’ll join you in union.” Her arms came around his neck and she pressed her face against his throat. “I don’t think I can wait, though. Can we do it tonight?”
He didn’t want to misunderstand. “It?”
“The ceremony.” She opened her mouth on his skin, licked him, and then returned one of his love bites before whispering, “And have sex.”
Mallet reared up to catch her gaze. His hand was still between her legs, and she was so damn wet.
So ready for him.
He opened his mouth—and Hauk said, “I really do hate to intrude, but there’s an incident that requires your attention.”
Mallet groaned. Although he wasn’t at all sure if a computer could actually see them or not, he disentangled himself from Kayli’s sweet body. Talk about bad fucking timing …
Kayli covered her face, sucked in a couple of deep breaths, and then dropped her arms to her sides. With her head back and her eyes closed in dismay, she asked Hauk, “Whose attention? Michael’s or mine?”
“Not for me to say. But Kayli, after you ordered a reconnaissance of the colony’s perimeter, the men now in training found out. They’re highly insulted that only women were ordered to take part in the current security. They, along with many women from defense, are gathered in the training field, looking for one or both of you to settle the matter.”
Mallet wanted to tell Hauk to go away, but knowing how important Kayli’s responsibilities were to her, he dredged up a pained smile and cupped the side of her face.
“Do you need a minute?”
She opened her eyes and stared at him with raw emotions he didn’t want to identify. “No. But what about you?”
“I’ll survive.” He sat up beside her. “Barely.”
After she scrambled to cover herself, he asked, “So what do you want to do?”
“About?” She got her top on easily enough, but he’d turned her pants inside out when he stripped them away.
“The men. I think they’re ready to help out, but it’s your decision. You’ve been handling things long enough to know what’s best.”
She paused in the middle of dressing herself, and blinked at him. After a moment, she smiled and, making an obvious concession, asked, “I would enjoy your opinion before I decide.”
Mallet knew an olive branch when he saw one. He grinned, too. “Fair enough.” He hauled her to her feet. Without looking away from her golden eyes, he said, “Get lost, Hauk. You can tell the rioting horde that we’ll be there shortly.”
“Understood.” Hauk didn’t say another word.
“He’s gone?”
“Yes.” Her smile went crooked. “I doubt they’re actually rioting.”
“Who cares?” Mallet cupped her face in his hands and put his forehead to hers. “Promise me one thing, honey, okay?”
“What is it?”
“We’ll have that union tonight, no matter what.”
Her small hand briefly moved over the bulge behind his fly. “Tonight. I would insist even if you did not.” Then she took his hand and started them on their way, and Mallet wondered if he’d live through the rest of the day.
THRILLED that Michael had deferred to her, Kayli listened without prejudice to his advice. It made sense to her, and they came to an agreement before they’d reached the training fields.
As she stepped off the aircycle, she asked him, “Do you want to tell them, or should I?”
“Go ahead. I’ll just go with you to back you up.”
Back her up. Yes, that’s what she’d always wanted, and now Michael seemed determined to give it to her. Of course, the real test would be when they
faced the actual threat, but she’d deal with that when she had to.
Hopefully there’d be plenty of time before that eventuality where she could better showcase her skills for him.
Until then, she just wanted to enjoy him. Being with him again in such an intimate way … well, it just heightened everything she felt. Physically, he was a beautiful man, rock solid with muscles and very handsome of face.
He was so big through the chest and shoulders that she couldn’t get her arms all the way around him. Even the smallest movement he made sent muscles rippling and bulging.
And yet, when he touched her, he was so sweet, so incredibly gentle.
How could she possibly stay angry at him?
Michael took her hand as they walked toward the dais where she’d address the disgruntled men and righteous women. Along the way, Kayli spotted her mother. She stood off to the side with Idola, both looking harassed by the circumstances.
It was very uncommon for them to have two gatherings of large, angry crowds in such a short time.
When they reached the platform, Michael let go of her and put his hand at the small of her back. Everyone went silent, watching them.
“Michael and I have discussed the situation, and together, we’ve made a decision.” No one spoke. No one even moved. “Because the women are best trained and most familiar with the duty of protecting the colony, at least half of those patrolling the perimeter will always be established defense members. However, the men are quickly learning what they need to know, so we will alternate the front line with longtime defense members and newly recruited men. That’ll give us better coverage of the area.”
There was some grumbling from the women, both from warriors and nonwarriors. Of the nonwarriors, a few got extra attention from their men as they spoke in their ears, offering comfort and reassurance.
The defense team got ribbed, until a couple of the women tossed the guys, shutting them up.
Kayli hid her grin. “Save the energy for when we start practice. Now, Michael has some things to add to our new strategy.”
She nodded to Michael, indicating it was his turn.
The corner of his sexy mouth tipped up, and he nodded back before addressing the crowd. “So that those on patrol will remain alert, we’ll change shifts every four hours. Kayli will make up the schedule, and you’ll all stick to it. Do not be late when it’s your turn to relieve someone, and don’t balk when it’s your turn to step down. In between shift changes, we’ll continue our training.”
One of the men stepped forward. “What will we work on next?”
Clasping his hands behind his back, Michael said, “Now that you’re all in better fighting shape, I want to work on some defensive moves. The men we’ll go up against are a lot bigger than you. But that won’t matter if you know what to do. Because it’s a certainty that you’ll get knocked down, we’ll start practicing how to get back to your feet fast.”
Kayli watched as Michael took over—again—but this time it didn’t bother her. The ability to lead was one of the qualities that had drawn her to him, and since he was being fair about it, she saw no reason to hold her grudge.
She faded back; when he didn’t notice, she left the platform and joined her mother. She could still hear Michael explaining.
“Once I think you have that down,” he said, “we’ll work on submissions that don’t require brawn as much as speed and technique. Even if you’re knocked to the ground, there are ways to bring your opponent down, too, so that you’ll be in the dominant position.”
Raemay shook her head. “They hang on his every word.”
“He’s a good speaker,” Kayli agreed. “And he knows what he’s talking about.”
Idola stared toward Michael, but spoke to Kayli. “When will you join him in union?” Her lashes fluttered, as if she had mixed feelings on the matter. “Or have you changed your mind about that?”
“Actually,” Kayli said, taking advantage of the opening, “we decided to do the ceremony tonight.”
Raemay stirred. “Tonight?”
“Does that not please you?”
“It should,” Idola said. “You and your man have caused quite a bit of gossip, and many of the women are now anxious to follow your lead.”
Lifting a brow, Kayli asked, “What does that mean?”
Raemay waved a hand. “It’s nothing, really. It’s just that some of the colony members have expressed a hope that your behavior will become acceptable.”
“My behavior?”
“Oh, don’t be coy, Kayli.” Idola smiled, and there wasn’t any real animosity in the amusement. “You and Michael have been most … demonstrative in your affection. It surprises many, me included, because we never saw that side of you. Somehow it makes you much more human.”
Kayli frowned.
“Before Michael, we viewed you as almost superhuman in your dedication. But now … well, if you don’t join in union soon, we could see many couples forgoing the tradition of a formal ceremony.”
“Nonsense.” Raemay grew flustered. “Your sister would never be so improper.”
“Thank you, Mother,” Kayli said, and she almost choked on the gratitude. If they hadn’t been interrupted, she’d be back in her rooms right now, being very improper with Michael.
Idola winked. “Not that I am entirely against such a change. It would be most freeing.”
“Tonight then,” Raemay said in a rush. “Shall I make the arrangements?”
“Yes, please. I would like to stay here and work with Michael and the others.”
“I’ll help Mother,” Idola offered. “And I bet Mesha will want to be involved, too. Do not worry, sister, we’ll organize everything.” She shooed Kayli away. “Go, take care of your duties.”
Because she couldn’t think of any reason not to, Kayli did just that.
Michael had already joined the men on the ground, starting their practice hours earlier than originally planned. Kayli doubted if anyone had had a proper meal yet, but no one complained.
The women vied to outdo the men, and the men wanted to prove themselves worthy of Michael’s trust. The end result was that everyone worked extra hard.
Michael exhibited a move, allowing one of the trainees to throw him to the ground. He rebounded to his feet so fast, it was almost as if he never went down. Kayli watched with interest, but she wasn’t a woman to stand by idly when she could be physically involved.
She stepped forward. “Try it with me.”
And Michael, with a twinkle in his eyes, held out a hand. “Whatever you say, sweet.”
CHAPTER 19
MALLET drew Kayli in close—maybe even a little closer than necessary. “You’ve been watching?”
“Yes.”
“I’m going to toss you, and I want you to—”
She surprised him by tossing him first. He hit the ground hard on his back, shot back to his feet, and grabbed her to swing her in a wide circle while he laughed out loud.
To their audience, he said, “And that, folks, is how it’s done!”
Kayli laughed, too, which made smiles appear on many faces.
Enjoying their new camaraderie, Mallet put her back on her feet. “Sneaky wench. Is it my turn to drop you now?”
“All right.”
He knew better than to temper his strength too much, but there was no way in hell he’d hurt her. He wouldn’t put his all into practice with any woman. He wanted them to learn, and they would, but not by getting bruised.
He put Kayli down, and she got back up faster than he’d expected, but not yet as fast as she’d need to be. After instructing her, he set up teams, men with women to help balance things, and set them all to practicing.
It was pretty hilarious, really, given that the trained women were so much better than the men. But the men, taking his example, laughed at their own shortcomings, and teased the women about their strengths. And they learned. All of them.
He now understood why his friends enjoyed coaching so much
. Both Dean and Simon had left the ring to train other fighters, and they seemed as content doing that as engaging in the actual competitions.
It was a rewarding thing, to see others learn from his instruction.
They broke for a rest, with the agreement that those not on patrol would return in the late afternoon for more lessons. The respite would give everyone a chance for a light meal.
Before Kayli could come to him, Mallet sought out Raemay. “I need assistance.”
She was in conversation with a group of young girls, but at his interruption, she excused herself. “How may I help you, sir?”
“Michael. If we’re going to be family, you can’t call me sir.”
“As you wish.”
“I’m sorry to interrupt, but …” He ran a hand over his head, aware of Kayli watching him from some distance away. How long did he have before she came after him? “Kayli and I will join in union tonight.”
“So she told me. I was just instructing some of our young ones on the occasion. They will help with making announcements and gathering flowers.”
“The thing is … I don’t have a ring for Kayli.”
“A ring?”
“Yeah. You know, a ring to give her. I assume you have places to buy them here, but I’m pretty sure my credit cards have expired.”
She smiled. “It is a lovely thought, Michael, but the tradition of giving the woman a symbolic ring ended a long time ago. If a woman wants jewelry she can purchase it for herself.”
It figured that in even this, he’d be out of the loop. “So call me old-fashioned, but I want to give Kayli something. If not a ring, then what do you suggest?”
Raemay thought for a moment, then nodded. “I do understand. Sometimes a gift is simply a gesture of caring.” She studied him. “And you care for her?”
“Yeah, I do.”
Her smile warmed. “At first, I worried, maybe more than I should have. But I think you will be good for my daughter.”
“Count on it.”
Pulling a ring from her right hand, Raemay said, “This was a very special gift given to me a long time ago. I had thought to one day pass it on to Kayli, but now … I think there will never be a better time.”