He grinned. “You think my ass is perfect.”
Brigit snorted. “Oh, please. You know you’re gorgeous. If your head swelled any bigger, you wouldn’t fit down this hallway.” She waved her hands around to encompass the area.
A look of horror crossed Orion’s face as he reached for his head. He examined it carefully with his fingertips for a few seconds, then dropped his hands away. A moment later, he seemed to relax. “My head is fine.”
She rolled her eyes. Was this guy for real?
“I should come with you. We need to speak,” he said.
“What do you think we’re doing right now?” She taunted. “Besides, we’re finished talking. You’ve done all the damage you could possibly do to me in one night.” Unless you decided to fuck me blind.
Red slashed his cheeks and his jaw tightened. “I have not injured you. Nor would I.”
She blinked, terrified for a moment that he’d read her wayward thoughts. “Oh, forget it.” She swatted the air in front of her face in frustration. “I’ll see you around.”
Brigit turned to leave. Orion’s hand swept out before she could take a single step and grasped her elbow. Heat zinged along her arm, going straight to her sex. Her body came to life under his touch, colors brightened and sounds intensified. One minute she’d simply existed and the next, she became an active participant. She fought an outward tremor as her gaze narrowed on him. The power he held in that simple touch frightened and intrigued her. Yet, the last thing she wanted was for this guy to know. Brigit glanced down at his fingers, which curled possessively around her arm, and then to his face. The message she intended must have gotten through because he immediately dropped his hand.
“That’s more like it,” she said, wanting more than anything for him to touch her again, but lower.
“Please allow me to accompany you to your quarters,” he requested, yet his eyes flashed with what appeared to be…desperation. But that couldn’t be right, what would this guy have to be desperate about?
If he’d been arrogant, she would have told him to go stuff himself. Instead, Brigit felt herself soften. “Okay, but just to my door and no further. I have to warn you that I know karate.” She whipped her hands in front of her, frantically chopping the air. “You try to pull anything funny and you’re toast, got it?”
Orion stepped back, watching her. Amusement had returned, taking shelter on his face, but he carefully kept it in check. “Rest assured I will pull nothing, unless you wish it.”
Brigit refused to read anything into his strange statement. She looked away unable to maintain contact with his jade and aqua eyes. The intensity burning in them was too fierce. At a distance, the man was gorgeous, but up close he was lethal. What she’d thought was a Celtic tattoo on his cheek looked more like a tribal brand of some sort. But that couldn’t be right. He didn’t strike her as the face branding type. What was she saying? She didn’t even know him. He could be one hotdog short of a bun and with a name like Orion, he probably was.
That realization didn’t stop her from making more covert observations. His smooth skin held a strangely clean odor, not soapy or freshly scrubbed, but clean. Almost as if he’d been sanitized. The silver hoops in his ears sparkled as they caught flashes of the muted light from the fluorescent bulbs above. Brigit found herself mesmerized by the sight, longing to swirl her tongue around the circle until she encountered his sweet fleshy lobe. No! No! No! This was definitely not good. Orion grinned, but said nothing. Brigit sniffed and continued on.
This man could charm a Rabbi out of his long winter gatkes.
She made a mental note to keep her underwear secured to her body.
* * * * *
Orion wasn’t sure what exactly he had done to garner the fiery-haired woman’s rage, other than almost killing her, but he knew what he could do to assuage it. Mirroring the behavior of the people at the front desk, his smile widened. Brigit glowered. Her expression did little to deter the rings on his body from quivering in excitement and anticipation.
What was he thinking? No matter what he’d considered only moments ago, he couldn’t in good conscience bed Jac’s and Queen Rachel’s friend. His orders were to deliver a royal message and then leave. That did not require removing his body armor flight suit and exercising his cock.
He watched the sway of Brigit’s hips from beneath her padded covering, hypnotized by the gentle swish from side to side. He longed to see her without the bulky material. She was a small-boned woman, the top of her head barely reaching the piercings dangling from his nipples. Yet, it would matter not, for they would still fit together nicely.
No! The word echoed in his head, even as the rings around his shaft vibrated, hardening him instantly beneath his clothing.
Orion shook his head, sending his hair cascading into his face. He brushed it back in annoyance. He needed to stop thinking about this woman lying beneath him, writhing, his ringed cock sunk deep within her, her nipples feathering his lips, her soft moans filling his ears, feeding his voracious sexual appetite. He blinked to disperse the unsolicited image.
He could get that need taken care of by the two women standing sentry at the portal of this facility. But even as the thought crossed his mind, Orion knew his interest in them had already waned. Something far more tantalizing teased his eager senses…and she had red hair, luminescent skin and a temper hot enough to make a Zaronian slithera cringe.
They reached Brigit’s quarters a short time later. She slipped the entry card into the lock and the door opened with a soft click. She took a step inside, tossed her tail onto the floor then turned, holding her hand out to prevent him from following.
The warmth of her palm resting against his chest burned through the thin material of his spacesuit straight into Orion’s soul. His breath caught in his lungs. The touch wasn’t meant to be sexual, yet it was as effective as stroking his cock. Her innocent caress scalded his insides, igniting a fierce primal need to claim deep within him.
He wanted to possess this woman. That knowledge shook Orion to his antigravity boots. He curled his fingers into fists to keep from touching her and did something he never thought he’d do in front of a woman; he took a defensive step back. Her hand fell away and the instantaneous loss he felt crushed his insides. Something was wrong. There was something unnatural about this moment, this woman. The need was too great, almost overpowering. This was more than a simple urge to join.
“I said you could walk me to my door, but you aren’t coming in,” Brigit said. “I don’t know you and I certainly don’t make a habit of inviting strange men into my room.”
The thrill he felt over her admission shocked Orion. He shouldn’t be so pleased that she didn’t freely welcome men into her body, but he was. He fought to clear his head. He must stop these foolish flights of fancy. He was on a mission. “I am Orion from Zaron,” he repeated like a battle mantra more for himself than for her.
“Yeah, yeah, so you’ve said, but that doesn’t make us friends.” She leaned closer, beckoning him with her finger. “I’ll let you in on a little secret,” she spoke in a low voice. “I’ve never heard of Zaron and neither has anyone else. You may want to try making the name more realistic sounding next time.”
Just because this primitive planet never heard of Zaron, did not mean it didn’t exist. He struggled with his anger. A muscle ticked in his cheek as he spoke through clenched teeth. “We must talk.”
“We can talk here in the doorway.” Her hands went to a silver clip on the front of her covering. It slid down with a hiss. The material surrounding her small frame fell open, exposing a black outfit that hugged her curves like a second skin and caressed her abundant thighs. A citrus scent filled the air. He realized the delicate fragrance emanated from her heated skin.
Orion’s mouth went dry as she stepped out of the material and stood before him with her hands resting at her sides. For a full second he couldn’t think, his mind spun, he couldn’t even breathe as his gaze swept her body. It was as
if the Goddess herself struck him about the head. Perhaps he’d developed space sickness during his journey and didn’t realize it. Could that explain his symptoms? Finally Orion found his voice, “I bear messages from Jac and Queen Rachel.”
Brigit’s mouth dropped open in shock. For a moment she remained speechless. “Why didn’t you say so in the first place? Come inside.” She reached for the front of his spacesuit, sank her finger into the lightweight material and pulled him through the doorway.
Orion didn’t argue. He took the opportunity offered and stepped into her quarters. The room seemed to shrink with the soft click of the door closing behind him. The beige walls pressed in from all sides. He battled the urge to wrench the door open and take a deep breath. His nostrils flared as he inhaled her sweet scent again, the aroma intoxicating, reminiscent of ripe Zaronian fruit.
He watched Brigit bend over and pick up her dragon outfit to lay it on the gold-covered sleep paddock located in the center of the room. Jac and Rachel called it a bed. Pillows fell in disarray, some lying on the richly carpeted floor, while others teetered on the paddock’s ledge. Part of the gold material had been peeled back, exposing twisted white sheets. Had she lain there with another? No! She’d told him none were welcome. Perhaps he’d be the exception. He nearly grinned in anticipation.
Orion’s gaze slid from the bed to Brigit’s tempting backside. She swung around in time to catch him looking, but only arched a brow. It mattered not, he wasn’t trying to hide his interest.
“You said you’ve heard from Jac and Rachel. How? I didn’t think there were phones where they’re at.”
He hit a button on his wrist translator to double-check her meaning. “No phones,” he answered, clearing his throat.
“Then how?” her voice pitched higher. “Were you in the jungle, too? You don’t work for the Professor, do you?”
“I will explain all.” Orion stepped closer. He couldn’t stop himself. He needed to feel her warmth again, the gentle touch of her fingertips. “Your friends are safe,” he said, not answering her questions.
Brigit’s green eyes narrowed. “What do you mean by safe? And how do you know?”
“Because they sent me here to tell you.”
“Sent you here to tell me what? That they’re safe? That doesn’t make sense. They could’ve just come themselves.” She shook her head.
He sighed. “The Queen and Jac are in no condition to travel.”
“Why do you keep calling Rachel a Queen? I’ve known her for years. She’s not royalty. I don’t have time for puzzles, Orion. This is the second to the last day of the convention and the next contest is in thirty minutes give or take. I have to get my costume together. So why don’t you tell me what’s really going on here? And make it quick.”
He paused, unsure of where to begin.
“Listen, if you’re looking for an excuse to hit on me, just say so. I’d be flattered. Really.”
He was horrified at the thought. “Atlantean men never strike women. It would be dishonorable.”
Brigit rolled her eyes. “Ugh!”
This wasn’t as easy as he’d first imagined. Being near Brigit left him feeling ale-headed. Yet strangely, Orion found himself wanting to remain in her company. It made no sense. Instead of explaining why he was here, Orion decided to stall. He needed time to discover what was happening and to get his head clear. Thankfully, Brigit had inadvertently given him the way to do both. He smiled. “I shall assist you with the contest.”
Brigit stopped shaking out the material, her attention riveted to his face. “You’d really help me?” Surprise colored her voice.
“‘Tis the least I can do.” He stepped closer and her pulse jumped in her throat. That small telltale sign of awareness pleased Orion beyond words.
She recovered quickly, hiding her discomfort by becoming bolder. “You’re right about that.” Brigit nodded. “It is the least you can do and snatching my trophy away.” She stared at him for a few seconds, her gaze taking in every inch of his body.
Orion tensed, when he realized she’d “turned the chairs” on him. He fought the urge to reach for her and give her a closer look. If she didn’t stop looking at him like that, he would.
* * * * *
Brigit stared into Orion’s eyes, the blue and green so strikingly cool, yet heating beyond inferno at the same time. There was no mistaking the need she witnessed. The walls practically expanded with each breath he took. It was like being trapped in a human pheromone factory in the middle of a meltdown. She shouldn’t be in a room alone with this man. He did strange things to her. Made her wish for stuff she shouldn’t want. Couldn’t have.
Okay, maybe shouldn’t have.
There was nothing really stopping her from reaching out and taking what he so obviously offered, except for the fact that the last time she’d done something so impulsive she’d ended up with Rocket Man Rick, who’d fancied himself a lothario and cheated on her every chance he got. Orion didn’t really seem anything like Rick. There was true honor in him. It practically oozed from his pores. She sensed a depth in him that her ex would never achieve and even though he banked his emotions behind a carefully crafted façade, she’d glimpsed kindness glowing in Orion’s fierce eyes.
Brigit shook her head in disgust. She was probably reading too much into Orion’s offer anyway. She never could tell when someone was flirting with her or telling the truth. It was like someone scrambled the signals in her brain and left meant right, right meant wrong. In truth, the only thing Orion offered was to help with the costume contest, nothing more. Anything else was wishful thinking on her part.
Crap! Talk about the wrong weekend to forget her vibrator.
Brigit reached into her sewing basket and removed spools of thread along with a measuring tape. It was best if she got this part of her job out of the way first. The less touching the better. She stepped forward and his eyes narrowed.
“What is that?” He reared back.
She cleared her throat. “I need to measure you, so that the cape I’m about to alter fits correctly.” Who was that talking? It couldn’t be her voice. It was too…too…sexy. And she didn’t do sexy. Quirky, yes. Sexy, no.
He glanced to the tape in her hands and back to her face, before punching a button on his wrist. A second later, he smiled. A wholly male, feral grin that had the hair at the nape of Brigit’s neck rising on end. What was he up to? Instead of proceeding, she hesitated.
What had that little thingy on his wrist just told him? And for the first time, Brigit had no doubt he’d received information from it. Was it a computer? She’d give him one thing, Orion certainly took his space captain-cum-dragon slayer part seriously, props and all. She made a mental note to ask him where he bought his accessories. Maybe she could pick up something for herself. Then another thought occurred to her. Maybe English wasn’t his first language. If so, the translator made sense.
“Could you hold your arms out to the side?” she asked, willing her fingers to stop trembling. She’d measured men before, but Brigit had never fitted a man who looked like Orion. She’d also never had anyone stare at her the way that he did.
What was up with that?
She wasn’t exactly in his league, not that he appeared to notice. She wasn’t even his type. Didn’t he realize that? Maybe she should drag him in front of the mirror and remind him. The man practically oozed sex. It would take a gallon of perfume and an extreme makeover to produce the same effect from her. Not that Brigit considered herself chopped liver, but she was a realist. The twenty-five extra pounds she carried firmly resided on her ass and thighs. This man didn’t have an ounce of fat on him.
Why was she worrying about this crap? It wasn’t like he was going to see her naked. No one had seen her naked since Rocket Man, Rick broke her heart.
She took a deep breath and stepped forward, holding out the numbered tape in front of her. Brigit’s arms barely reached the distance between his fingertips and shoulder. She ignored his impressive bicep
s. It was like measuring a basketball player, if they had layers upon layers of muscle covering their lean frames.
Brigit inhaled. Big mistake! She’d thought his skin held no odor, but heaven help her, she’d been wrong. He smelled fresh, like ocean air on a sunny day with a subtle hint of underlying…what was that? Whatever the fragrance was it had to be uniquely Orion. Brigit inhaled again to be sure, then bit her lip to keep from groaning aloud.
Her legs shook as she moved to Orion’s chest next. It was like every naughty fantasy come true. She had to be on Today’s Funniest Videos or whatever that other program was that played pranks on unsuspecting people. There was no way Orion was for real.
She struggled to reach around him, which brought her breasts snug against the rough slab of his abdomen. It was like smashing herself onto hot marble dipped in wax. Her nipples pebbled instantly and her clit twitched. Was he this hard everywhere?
Twitch. Twitch. Twitch. Her damn clit was sending out “fuck me” in Morse code.
Brigit’s cheeks flamed. She took a step back, but forgot about the measuring tape wrapped around him and the close proximity to the bed. Her knees hit the frame and the tape tangled in her grip as she tried to prevent herself from falling. But it was too late, she’d already lost her footing. Brigit fell a second later, pulling Orion down on top of her. She closed her eyes and braced, waiting to feel the crush of his weight, but it never happened.
Her eyes flew open. Brigit glanced into a face she’d hoped not to see this close. Ever. Her heart sped at what she saw there. Orion watched her, his expression pained and beyond desire-filled. He’d managed to catch most of his weight with his hands. They lay tangled in the measuring tape, chest to breast, sex to sex. The urge to kiss him rode her hard. Brigit’s body softened as she felt his shaft grow and thicken against her belly. She gasped in surprise when she felt the rings. He’d inadvertently answered the question she’d pondered earlier about the piercings without even opening his mouth.
Atlantean's Quest Volume 2 Page 19