by D McEntire
Bri nodded her agreement and held on a little tighter to his arm as they made their way back to the hotel, partly because of the wind, but partly because of the strong feeling Trevor was close.
They stepped inside the hotel's lobby just in time. The night sky opened up and let loose a pour of rain. Bri looked at Brody and they both laughed at how close they came to getting drenched.
* * * *
While Bri climbed the stairs, Brody approached the desk to obtain the key to his room. Once again, the young boy occupied the desk.
Brody immediately noticed how the boy looked overly anxious. He had a feeling something was wrong, and whatever it was, he wasn't going to like it.
"I'm right sorry, Sir," the young man squeaked. "There ain't no other room. I was wrong afore."
Brody grit his teeth and bit back the curse that lay on the tip of his tongue. Though he'd been looking forward to sleeping in a soft bed, it seemed he would have to settle for sleeping in the Livery with the horses. He could try another hotel, but the thought of being away from Bri didn't sit well. At least the Livery was only a few buildings away, he told himself in an attempt to ease his aggravation.
After accepting the return of the money he'd paid for the second room, he climbed the stairs to tell Bri the news. Knocking softly, he waited until he heard her voice on the other side of the door.
"Yes?"
"It's Brody."
The door opened, and Bri gave him a concerned look. "Is everything alright?"
When Bri stepped aside, he entered the room. "They done sold my room. I jest wanted to tell you I'm a headed for the Livery for the night. The other hotels are farther in town, but I don't feel right 'bout leavin' you up here alone."
He was speaking the truth, more so than he cared to admit. He didn't feel right about leaving her alone, tonight or any other night.
* * * *
A thought flashed through Bri's mind, and she knew if she didn't act upon it quickly she would lose her nerve. Now was her chance to experience true happiness. It was her chance to really live and love.
"Brody?" Bri closed the distance between them and placed her hands upon his chest, feeling the beat of his heart beneath her fingers. Its rhythm called to her like a song. She gazed into his eyes. "I don't want you to go. Please, stay here with me tonight."
Bri noticed Brody's anger at losing his room fade instantly. It turned into something intense. His eyelids drooped, and his gaze dropped to her lips.
Inside, her mind screamed for him to kiss her again, as he had done at the camp. When his mouth slowly descended upon hers, her breath caught in her throat. Wet and Warm. Bri leaned into him, releasing herself into strong arms that encircled her waist and back. Bri felt cocooned in Brody's warmth as he slid his lips over hers. The sensation of his tongue swiping across her lower lip made her gasp, and when she did, he slid his tongue inside.
She found his taste exhilarating, and her mind declared its desire to kiss Brody like this forever. The feelings and emotions going through her head were both exciting and scary. Never had she done this sort of thing. Never had she wanted to. She had occupied her life with knowledge: learning about different cultures and lands. But her knowledge had been merely what she had found in books, not what happened in real life.
When Brody eased his hold on her and pulled back, the expression in his eyes surprised her. Dark and hungry, he stared at her. His chest rose and fell rapidly. "Bri," he said hoarsely. "I need to go or I won't be able to stop myself."
Bri smiled coyly and whispered, "Stay."
* * * *
That one spoken word from Bri's soft lips was all Brody's body needed to hear. He swept her into his arms, kicked the door closed with his boot, and gently laid her on the bed.
Lying alongside her, he lifted himself on one elbow to look down at her face as he ran a finger along her jawline. Brody marveled at how soft her skin felt against his hard hands. "You are so beautiful, Brianna," he breathed.
Brody couldn't believe this to be happening. It had been a long time since he had taken a woman to bed, but this felt different, right. Much more than simply satisfying a need. He wanted to take his time and make it last forever. After another slow, languid kiss, he slid off the bed and pulled her into a sitting position. Easing behind her, he began the task of undoing the buttons down the back of her dress. As he unfastened the first one, he heard her sharp intake of breath.
"What are you doing?" Bri asked in a shaky voice. He noticed her body go ramrod straight.
Brody leaned around so he could see her face. "Removin' your dress. I want to see you. All of you."
He watched her eyes grow wide. Realization set in. "Bri. Have you never been with a man?"
When she slowly shook her head, Brody's heart stopped. He didn't know whether to be glad or terrified he would be her first. Sweet biscuits! The pressure of doing his best to make sure this was something wonderful she would remember always was enough to shrivel a horse.
* * * *
Bri felt Brody release the back of her dress. When he began to slide from the bed, she couldn't stop the panic rising inside. Was it wrong to be inexperienced? Why did that make him stop?
Turning quickly, she placed a hand on Brody's arm. "No, don't stop. I want this. I want you." She stared into his eyes, hoping to change his mind and bring back the hunger she had seen earlier in their green depths. "Please," she leaned in and whispered on his lips. "Give me this night for a memory to cherish -- a memory of you." To continue her attempt to convince Brody to stay, Bri placed her hands on his face. She felt the smoothness of his recently shaved skin and settled her mouth over his, kissing him with all the intensity and passion he had shown her moments before.
Releasing the kiss, she smiled, then turned and gave him access to the back of her dress once again. Relief settled in when she felt the bed move as Brody scooted into position behind her, but anxiety and a little fear of what was about to happen between them remained.
His fingers brushed against the nape of her neck sending shivers down her spine. This is really happening. I am actually going to do this. The thoughts fluttered through her mind as she focused on the feel of his hands working their way down her back, releasing a button from its hook, then another, and another.
The cool air whispered on her skin as he opened the back of the dress and spread the fabric over her shoulders. Warm, wet kisses followed in its wake. Bri felt as though she would melt under his ministrations. As if she was a goddess, he seemed to worship her body with every touch of his hand, every kiss from his lips and every fiery glance from his eyes.
A slight tug on her hair preceded the braid releasing from the combs holding it in place. Bri felt Brody shift to lay them on the table next to the bed before he returned once again to her hair. Slowly, he unwound the braid until the strands of her hair flowed freely over her shoulders and down her back.
From behind her, Bri heard a breathy sigh as Brody sifted her hair through his hands, giving her scalp a gentle message. She closed her eyes to focus on his touch.
* * * *
Brody marveled at the silky feel of Bri's long, black hair, its softness and rich color unlike anything he had ever seen or touched. He couldn't stop himself from leaning in and allowing the strands brush his face as he took in the scent of roses from her soap.
After pushing the fabric of her dress aside, revealing the chemise she wore underneath, he slid his hands over her collar bone to reach the ties. The dress slid from her shoulders and pooled at her waist.
Once he untied the chemise, he pushed it off her shoulders as well. The linen fell away, baring her shoulders and entire back to his eyes. Milky white skin, soft and smooth, greeted him. Brody feathered kisses along her shoulders and down her neck, letting his breath heat the moisture left behind each kiss.
"Beautiful," he whispered into her ear before gently nipping her earlobe then sucking it into his mouth. Her shudder and sharp intake of breath made him smile. Though bare to the wa
ist, Brody wanted to see more of her.
Easing himself away, he stood before her. Bri didn't look at him. Her cheeks pinkened, showing her embarrassment of being naked in front of a man. When she brought up her arms to cover herself, Brody grasped her hands and held them in his.
"No. Let me see you. I've been a yearnin' to touch you since the day I found you in that there cave."
Brody tugged on her hands until she stood, though very slowly, before him. Her eyes met his. The unease and fear he noticed within their depths bothered him.
"Bri, I promise I will not hurt you."
She gave him a tentative smile, though the nervousness still shown on her face.
Brody found himself utterly in awe of her beauty. He inwardly vowed to show her just how lovely he thought her in his eyes and in his heart.
* * * *
Bri stood on wobbly knees before Brody. The top of her dress and chemise undone, both barely hung on her hips. The cool air on her chest had her skin covered in goosebumps, and Brody's caresses and kisses brought her nipples to taut peaks, begging for his touch. She had dreamt of this: being loved so gently, so reverently, by a handsome man. Lately, those dreams had been of Brody. He was that handsome man.
The fire in his eyes as he looked at her stole her breath. Green eyes shone like emeralds, gazing over her body from head to toe before returning to her face.
She wondered what he saw. Would he think her beautiful if he knew the truth? Bri quickly pushed the thought aside. Brody did not know she was a vampire, and she had no reason to tell him. Tonight would be the last she would see him.
Bri allowed him to pull her close. He leaned in and she did as well, meeting his mouth. Brody's kiss was far deeper this time, and it thrilled her. The passion overwhelmed her senses. Want and need radiated off him in waves. Her breasts pressed against his warm chest as one of his arms slid around her waist and the other up her back. His hand gently cradled the nape of her neck.
Through the fabric of her dress Bri felt the hardness of his groin against her stomach. She stepped in closer, pressing herself further into the bulge of his breeches. The growl he made vibrated in his chest and through hers.
* * * *
Brody broke the kiss. On the edge of his control, his erection throbbed, begging to be released from the confines of his pants. He stared into Bri's eyes, finding them glazed with desire. Her face flush, her lips were pink and swollen from kissing, and Brody found himself wanting to see her this way every night for the rest of his days.
Reaching for her dress and chemise, he pulled the material over her hips then released it, letting the fabric fall to the floor at her feet. Without breaking eye contact, he swept her off her feet and laid her on the bed. Standing, he took another long, slow sweep of her naked body lying before him.
Never had he seen something so beautiful in his life. Never had he cared so deeply to feel a woman's soft skin or touch her from her silky hair to her toes.
After removing his colts and placing them on the table beside the bed, his hands went to his belt. He unbuckled it, and allowed the belt to drop to the floor. Yanking the hem of his shirt free from his pants with a hard tug, he pulled the fabric over his head then tossed it on a nearby chair. With shaky fingers, he slid his trousers and drawers over his hips, feeling relieved to have his erection free.
Seeing Bri's eyes go wide, Brody took her expression as a compliment.
Brody settled on the bed and stretched out alongside Bri with his leg lying over hers. He allowed his erection to press into her hip. Knowing this to be new to her, he searched for any sign the position made her uneasy or wary.
He watched the quick rise and fall of her chest a moment before laying a palm over one of her breasts. As he massaged and kneaded the soft mass, he rubbed his thumb over the nipple.
Bri's moan sung to his ears, the sound telling him she enjoyed his touch on this part of her body. Leaning in, he took the other nipple into his mouth. As Bri's hands slid into his hair, they massaged his scalp. Brody kept up his attention to her breast before deciding to move forward to the next step.
Releasing the tease of one breast with his hand and thumb, he slid his hand down her belly and lower to her soft curls while continuing to nip and suckle her other breast.
Bri gasped.
Brody halted his hand and waited. When she made no protest, he continued. Finding the slit of her outer lips, she gasped again and whispered his name, but still did not stop him.
Brody's fingers found moisture and his erection jumped, jutting itself hard into her hip.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Bri thought Brody's touch on her breasts with his hands and mouth was heaven, but when his hand slid between her thighs she lost all thought. His fingers separated the folds of her private area, and one finger slipped inside. The sensation shocked her, and she jerked. The surprise instantly vanished, leaving her caught up in pleasure. His touch moved over sensitive parts, and her body came alive in places she never dreamed had the ability.
"Brody." His name escaped her lips on a sigh. What he did to her maddened her in the most delicious way she could ever imagine. His finger slid inside, then out, and then circled the flesh between her folds before doing it again. The wetness his finger spread on her skin made her want more. The ache between her legs increased.
A drop of moisture from his manhood touched her hip. His hand between her legs, he ground against her side. The hard part of him pressed into her, then released, in a rhythm matching the one his fingers made.
Bri's heart beat faster. She panted, trying to keep up with the demands of her lungs. A wild frenzy built inside of her. Wanting to kiss him again, Bri tugged his hair until he lifted his face. Cupping his chin in both hands, she pulled him to her mouth and kissed him fiercely. All fear of her first coupling lost, raw desire took its place.
The pleasure his touch gave her made her unable to wait to learn of more sensations. She shifted, moving to the side until the hard part of him no longer pressed into her hip and lay between her legs, close to where his fingers threatened to make her cry with joy.
Brody removed his fingers and situated himself over her body. As she stared into his eyes she felt the tip of his manhood against her opening. The solid, extended part of him slowly entered her. Much bigger than his finger and slightly uncomfortable, Bri forced herself to relax, allowing him further inside her body. Bri felt her insides stretch to take him in. Though the fullness felt a little uncomfortable, the ache between her legs and intense want of more pleasure made it bearable.
Holding tightly to his shoulders, she felt his muscles rise and dip beneath her hands. Ever so gently, he moved. Bri felt her heart swell with the care he took with her. She knew he held himself back.
Once, Bri caught a peek at a couple in the alley below her hotel room's window who'd thought themselves hidden within the shadows. Her night vision had allowed her to see everything. The man had pushed forward fast and hard, much faster and harder than Brody did with her right now.
Bri found she wanted the carnal desire she'd seen in the alley that night. She wanted Brody to have what he would have with any other woman.
The idea of him being with another woman made her teeth extend, but she pushed it away and told herself not to think of such things. It would only serve to ruin this time with Brody. Time she wanted to savor every minute of.
* * * *
With all the strength and resolve he had, Brody held on to his control to keep from surging forward and plunging into Bri's wet core. Her warmth gloved him; the feeling threatened to drive him over the edge.
He didn't want to hurt her, and knowing this to be her first time, he wanted it to be special. He wanted to show her the pleasure in the joining of a man and a woman. His male ego puffed out its chest at the knowledge of being her first. It also demanded he be the only man to pleasure her.
Slowly, he slid himself deeper until he felt the barrier. "Bri, you alright? Want me to stop?"
A beautif
ul smile and a shake of her head answered him.
Descending upon her lips for another passionate kiss, he pushed forward, capturing a small noise in his mouth. She tensed beneath him and Brody kept himself perfectly still. When her body relaxed again, he started to move once more, ever so slowly, building a rhythm to bring them both to ecstasy.
* * * *
Bri felt the pain of losing her maidenhead and could smell her own blood. The pain was momentary, and eclipsed by the taste and feel of his lips and tongue sweeping over hers. As he moved to trail nips and kisses on her earlobe, she turned her face into his neck, returning the sensation.
His pulse beat hard against her lips. Bri swiped her tongue over the spot, hearing the pounding loudly in her ears. Her fangs throbbed and elongated once more. Unable to stop herself, she scraped them over the warm flesh.
Her body screamed to sink her teeth into the spot calling to her, but her mind resisted. Though she craved the chance to taste his blood, knowing it would be sweet and intoxicating, she wouldn't; it would ruin everything. He would know what she was and despise her. To keep herself from taking from him, Bri bit down on her lip, tasting her own blood in her mouth.
Brody's movements became faster as he pushed deeper inside. Bri brought up her legs and encircled his back, locking her heels together. Wanting more of him, she opened herself to him for the taking. A feeling like no other started from her toes. It built in intensity as it traveled up through her body. Currents of electricity soared in her veins. Breath rushed in and out of her lungs. Sounds slipped from her throat and mouth that she could not stop.
Suddenly, an incredible wave rushed over her, sweeping her out of her body. Air whooshed out her lungs on a cry that echoed in her ears. The sensations raised her up. When she floated down, she found herself quickly launched into the clouds once more.