“Is there a problem, Dr. deCarte?”
Yes, this is a bizarre conversation and to hell with my assignment and my career. “Not at all, Warlord. I came here to apologize for my rudeness. I’m sorry for the intrusion.”
She intended to leave, really she did, but her feet refused to move two short paces to the door and out.
“Warlord is a very inaccurate translation of the Dakokatan word Ktua. Say my name, Myrina.”
Hearing her name on his lips jolted her pulse into a higher gear. The slight accent that inflected some of the English words he used made it sound almost lyrical.
“Say my name,” he urged again when she was ready to shake her head. He was standing so close they almost touched.
She didn’t dare look up at him. “Judan Ringa,” she whispered and he groaned, softly.
“Look at me, Myrina.”
She looked up as high as his shoulder and stopped, fascinated by the slim lock of copper hair that seemed to reach across the narrow space between them. Her heart skidded to a stop. The man was crazy. She was crazy. He’d questioned her integrity, insinuating she’d come here just to save her job, yet she stood here wanting… He stood so close she felt the heat of his breath across her face.
“Are your conversations always this convoluted?” she asked.
“Yes. Myrina, how would you respond if I did this?”
For once Myrina didn’t think, analyze or come up with five other possible responses, she simply lifted her left hand and aligned her palm with his. A flame she barely remembered, let alone recognized, licked at her veins and her entire body jerked in painful, exquisite awareness of the man standing before her. It had been so long, too long, since she’d responded to a man this way.
“Yes,” Judan growled.
Even though only their hands were joined together there was no mistaking the primitive need in his vivid stare. His eyes were like laser beams capable of burning away her clothing and baring her body to his touch. Her nipples were puckered tight against the lace of her bra and the thin material of her T-shirt. On display. For him.
The sudden ripple in the muscles across his bare chest brought a faint smile to her lips. She realized that if she had trouble hiding her reaction from him, his reactions were equally exposed to her. The sense of power was heady and she took advantage. The fingers of her right hand skimmed across his left nipple. It was already hard, a fact confirmed by his sharp intake of breath. Though she wanted to, she didn’t linger. Instead, her fingers sought and traced the two pale lines of scar tissue. Light as her touch was, the faint but steady beat of his heart pounded under her fingertips. Satisfied she held up her right hand and waited.
When his other hand touched hers, she was barely aware of the soft pressure forcing her back one step, then two and she was against the door. All she saw were his eyes. Big and bright and greener than any grass she’d ever seen, they were filled with impossible promises.
Her wrists were pinned securely above her head by one of the Dakokatan’s large hands before she remembered it was better not to believe everything she saw. “Stop.”
He froze, his free hand sliding away from her arm to his side, but he didn’t let her go. And his eyes still blazed with the intense certainty that he’d get what he wanted. And what he wanted was her.
“I can’t do this.” She never moved this fast with a man. With someone she’d barely met and known for less than a day. If this afternoon’s encounter with deMorriss wasn’t reminder enough, she could count the number of people she trusted, cared about, on the fingers of one hand.
He frowned, clearly puzzled by her statement. “I know you feel the bond between us, Myrina.”
A shiver raced through her and it was all she could do to mask the effect of his blunt declaration. He’d felt the attraction between them, therefore he acted. She’d never had the luxury or been stupid enough to let her life be ruled by lust. She’d never lied either, except by omission. “You questioned my integrity.”
The frown deepened, cutting two furrows in his brow and his eyes lost some of their warm glow. “No, I didn’t.”
Remembering what Parker had said about pissed-off green aliens, she tried to free her arms. They wouldn’t budge. Almost imperceptibly he tightened his grip, though not enough to hurt. Her breath hitched when she realized how vulnerable she was. For a moment she fought through an old sense of panic, then reached a state of dead certain calm. Her knee jackknifed up toward his groin. Before it could make contact, his hand shot out and grabbed her leg, shoving it back down. Worse, he didn’t let go. He jammed his other leg between her thighs to block any further attacks.
The damn man had barely exerted himself, yet he’d immobilized her but good, keeping his intentions quite clear. The thick length of his erection pressed forcefully against her stomach. Well, she had no intention of making it that easy for him. In fact she’d be more than happy to show him what a pissed off human looked like.
“Let me go,” she hissed. “Let me go, you—”
“Little green man?”
Well crap. Just like that he knocked the indignation out of her, making her want to laugh out loud. And their full-body contact was initiating so many zings and pings through her system, she’d momentarily forgotten he towered over her by a good eight inches. And, except for his smirk of satisfaction, he hadn’t even sounded pissed.
It had to be the candles, or more specifically, the tekurilite in them that was causing her irrational physical and mental responses to the man. The mineral might be rare and only used in very small quantities, but obviously twelve candles’ worth could wreak a lot of havoc on a body. Her body.
“Very funny,” she muttered. “Now let go.”
“You don’t smell,” he said, before he released her leg and stepped back half a pace. Enough to put a few molecules of space between them, probably so he could maintain his easy grip on her wrists.
“What?” Her head snapped up in amazement. A millimeter of sweat pooled between her breasts and her heart skipped a couple of thuds when she discovered he was studying her again. What is he looking for?
“Sorry, I mean you don’t wear perfumes or scented lotions. I just smell you.”
She wanted to ask what she smelled like in the worst way, but she didn’t. The same way she didn’t ask, again, if he’d let her arms go. His actions didn’t make sense, yet she had no doubt he had his reasons. Besides, now that she had an iota of breathing room, a minuscule amount of common sense actually kicked in. “You were trying to convince me you hadn’t maligned my integrity.”
“Ah yes,” he said and hips lips quirked into a smile. “The convoluted conversation. Dakokatans sometimes have a tendency to…jump all over the place when we talk.” He reached out and ran his index finger along her cheek. “I wasn’t questioning your integrity, but confirming my earlier judgment that you have some.”
“Come again?” she said, well aware he’d dropped his hand before she could move her head away. “Are you telling me your insinuation that I came here tonight because I wanted to save my job was a compliment?”
With an exasperated sigh he shook his head. “I wanted your answers, Myrina. And those answers tell me you are a person of integrity.” His gaze softened and his voice became gruff. “Fiercely so. You did not tell me what you thought I wanted to hear, instead you spoke your truth and I am honored.”
Maybe it wasn’t the candles, after all. Or the glass of water or even his bare chest. These were merely props setting the stage. Maybe it was Judan Ringa himself who’d ensnared her, turning her brain to mush, her insides to jelly and her limbs so boneless it was a good thing he had her pinned to the wall.
For the first time in her life, someone had spoken with pride about her forthrightness instead of labeling it opinionated or worse.
She licked her suddenly parched lips, well aware that he tracked the movement. She shifted, offering just enough resistance that if he’d wanted to he could release her arms. Instead he countered he
r movements, shifting closer and pulling her arms a little higher. Her midriff was now exposed below the hem of her T-shirt. Then he bent his head until his lips brushed her forehead before drawing back. Even that small contact was enough to heat her blood another half degree.
“If you are satisfied with my answer, will you trust me just a little?”
“With what?”
The corners of his eyes crinkled with laugh lines. “With you.”
“Jud—”
“Shhh,” he whispered. The palm of his free hand cupped the side of her face while his thumb settled against her mouth, preventing her protest. “Let me learn how you like to be touched.”
Definitely not the candles. Definitely the man—and his way with her. Ever since she’d stepped into his room she’d been the absolute focus of his attention. She—not the latest test results or lab experiments or even the details of the job he’d “hired” her for. She never liked being so exposed, yet not one of her diversionary tactics had worked.
His had. Every time.
Good thing Judan Ringa wasn’t her enemy because otherwise he’d be an opponent to be reckoned with. Especially as he didn’t ask for permission, he simply began his lesson.
Smooth and light, the tips of his fingers grazed the side of her face. Moving to her ear, he explored the whorls, then set out to discover her eyes and cheeks and nose and mouth. And everything he touched heated on contact. His concentration was so intense, she closed her eyes to at least keep her soul safe from his scrutiny. An instant later his fingertips glided across the delicate surface of her eyelids.
“That’s right,” he whispered. “I want to learn everything.”
He’d simply taken her gesture as one of surrender, a thought that scared her because she hadn’t agreed to that either. Yet his touch felt so good. Another thought that should have her backing away, except she had nowhere to go and he was holding her fast.
His hand slid down to encircle her neck. She swallowed hard, aware that he now experienced every stuttered intake of breath, every rushed exhalation. Is he learning that, too? Underneath his fingers, her pulse-point fluttered as rapidly as an insect’s wings. And she was just as desperate for his touch as a moth was to reach a bright flame. Unsure, she bit her lower lip to stop the whimper threatening to escape.
“Don’t,” he whispered.
Slipping beneath the barrier of her T-shirt he settled his large hand on her bare belly. Instantly, she sucked in her breath as tendrils of fire uncurled inside her.
“That’s right,” he said. “I want to see every reaction your body makes to mine.”
He’s asking too much, her mind screamed. Not enough, her body cried out. He inched higher, grazing her rib cage. Each movement painfully, exquisitely slow. Anticipation was sweet torture and her breasts ached for his touch. Answering the urgent demands of her body, she squirmed, determined to end his teasing.
“Hold still.” His voice cracked and he gulped in a load of air.
“Why?” she asked, though she knew the answer from the fine sheen of sweat that dampened his chest. His professed lesson about her was turning him on.
“I need…” He shook his head. “I want to take my time. I give you my oath, I’ll take care of you.”
What about her taking care of his pleasure? “Then let me touch you, too.”
A hoarse laugh burst from his lips. “You don’t ask for much, do you?”
Inside her shirt his fingers sought and found her nipple hidden within the lacy bra. His thumb and forefinger claimed the prize, pinching and pulling the nub. A lick of fire hit her womb with such sharp intensity she creamed her panties. She wasn’t even aware she cried out until he growled his encouragement.
“Do you see?” he asked. “How did we know you would become so wild when I touched your breasts?”
Startled she looked up. Didn’t he understand? She hadn’t known. This had never happened before.
His thumb rubbed incessant circles over her breast, scraping against the hardened tip before he turned his attention to the other one.
“Beautiful,” he said. Already puckered tight, her nipple stabbed against the palm of his hand when he cupped her breast.
Once again a fierce desire built inside her, shortening her breath and tensing her body in anticipation. Betraying her.
“Teaching me,” he said as if he’d read her thoughts and was giving her a better answer. “I can smell your arousal, Myrina. Would you come if I played with your beautiful breasts some more?”
Half sobbing with need, she shook her head. She didn’t know that answer either. Wasn’t even sure she was thinking properly because, damn it, she wanted to trust him. A haze from the candles or maybe her own desire clouded her vision. All she felt was his hand on her bare flesh and all she saw was a large, muscled expanse of green skin.
“I want to touch you.”
“Insistent little thing, aren’t you,” he said.
She was sure a wealth of affection flooded his voice.
How is that possible, we’ve only just met?
“Yes,” she managed to gasp.
“I know.” Now he sounded regretful. “And I’m sorry, but not this time.”
Protests tumbled over each other vying for ways to prove she was wise to hold back, to keep a little of herself safe. They died the instant his hand moved to her thigh and slid up under the flare of her skirt to her hip. All except one. She struggled a moment to hang on to the single thought and her sanity.
“What do you mean ‘not this time’?”
The frown was back. “Because, woman,” he growled. “I will obviously need more than one time before you truly accept me.”
Isn’t that what she was doing? Accepting him?
He shook his head. “Soon. Look,” he said, running his fingers along the edge of her panties. “You’re already wet for me.”
He brushed the back of his hand against her clit. Once, twice, leaving her panting and undulating her pelvis against his lazy strokes. His grin was one of pure male satisfaction. Pushing aside the fragile lace barrier, he slid two fingers along her slit. Slick and smooth, they glided back and forth, teasing the entrance of her pussy, yet never dipping inside. And all the time, his thumb rubbed against her clit while her hips kept time with his strokes. Her eyes closed as she gave herself up to him.
“That’s right, Myrina. I can smell how close you are.”
Just his words sent another ripple of lust through her limbs and she shuddered. Without a word, he adjusted his grip on her arms until he held her hands instead of her wrists. Boneless, she moaned and curled her fingers tightly around his hand. The small concession wasn’t nearly enough. Him touching her wasn’t nearly enough.
In one desperate move, she hooked one of her legs around his and tugged. Caught unawares, he grunted and toppled against her. At the last second his free hand, the one that had been doing so much damage to her sanity while it explored her skin, shot out and hit the wall to brace his fall.
No. She was not going to allow him any excuse or means to distance himself again. If he wanted to take care of her, he’d better do it right up close and personal so she’d get her share—of him. She hitched her other leg around him and squirmed a little higher for better leverage. In the space of four heartbeats nothing happened. He didn’t move and neither did she.
“I don’t suppose,” he said, his voice so low it barely stirred the air between them, “that I could convince you to let me go.”
Her answer was easy. Lifting her head off the wall, she leaned forward and licked his nipple and then continued up the soft, hairless skin straight to his collarbone.
“Mmm,” she murmured. “Less salinity than human skin.” Delicious though, so she returned for another taste. And another when his breath came in short, desperate gasps and he nuzzled the side of her face.
He muttered some words in Dakokatan and then said, “It’s too late, anyway.”
His hand slid down the wall to grab her skirt and tug
it out of the way. With the barrier gone his erection, still sheathed inside his leggings, nestled firmly between the outer lips of her pussy. She whimpered as his hand took firm hold of her buttock and she rocked against him. Definitely way too late.
“Stop,” he growled in her ear.
Pinned between the wall and his big body, she stilled. His hair enclosed them behind a copper curtain. A few tendrils brushed against her body and several strands entwined around her arms. Their hot breath steamed the air.
“Look at me,” he ordered.
She lifted her head defiantly. She would not apologize for taking what she wanted. She’d learned that lesson very early in life and no aphrodisiac-induced lust was going to make her forget it. Especially when she saw the stern set of Judan Ringa’s face. Yet, despite her determination, deep inside her emotions turned tail and stampeded for the exit.
He simply shook his head, an ancient knowledge mirrored in those vivid emerald eyes of his. “You can’t outrun this, Myrina. There’s nowhere to go, nowhere to hide. You’ll learn that soon enough. Right now I’ll give you what you want. But we’ll do it my way. I can only be pushed so far.”
Before she could think, utter a protest or issue an ultimatum of her own, he lowered his head and his mouth captured hers. The heat and power were like a blast from a fiery furnace, as if she’d been cold instead of very warm only seconds ago. And the taste of him. Rich and oh-so decadent with that hint of sandalwood again teasing her senses.
Trapped and unable to flee, instinctively she fought the invasion. He groaned into her mouth, his tongue sweeping a path across her teeth, daring her to defy him. She couldn’t because she couldn’t lie, even by omission. Not now.
Her tongue tangled with his and he moved against her. One smooth stroke of his rock-hard cock against her pussy unleashed a blaze within her. She bucked against him but his body held her fast against the door. Instead, he hiked up one of her legs and his hand brushed the entrance to her pussy. Adjusting his hold on her, he inserted the tips of two fingers. And all the while he thrust his clothed cock against her, the hard length of him ground against her clit and his fingers allowed her a shallow, teasing ride.
Love Partner Page 4