“You still don’t believe me?” Jerico asked.
Hailey shook her head. Nope. Not one word.
Jerico cleared his throat and placed one hand on her shoulder and the other he pointed toward the volcano. She sighed. The volcano is where this all started. Maybe she was still passed out, and this was some weird dream.
“Do you see the glimmer?” he asked quietly.
Hailey rolled her eyes, but followed the direction of his finger. A sheer light blue… force field—she couldn’t think of anything else to call it, shimmered in the distance. What is that?
“It’s the barrier that keeps Atlantis a secret from the rest of the world. The weather is breaking it apart, which is how you were able to get so close. You practically wandered into our city yourself,” he told her.
Hailey shuddered, enjoying the feel of his warm breath on her ear. His voice was so deep and sexy. But she needed to focus, and even if this man was Godlike, there was something wrong with him. “I don’t know how you expect me to believe this. It’s crazy,” she said exasperated. It was insane. She gasped as a bird waddled up to them from one of the bushes. “Oh my God,” she whispered. She’d done a report on this bird in high school. It was extinct. It had been for centuries, but there it was right in front of her. A dodo bird. How in the world? This wasn’t happening.
The world spun around her and for the second time that day. She gasped as her mind clicked together the pieces of the past few hours. The people here wore strange clothing, the city was unlike anything she’d ever seen on Earth. Then there was the stuff she hadn’t wanted to admit she’d noticed. The temperature. It wasn’t hot here, it was balmy, but comfortable. She had to consider the red eyes and odd shaped ears. Now there was the extinct bird. Dear God, what if she had stumbled upon Atlantis? Her head spun and blackness reached out and swallowed her whole.
Chapter Three
Hailey picked at the food on her plate. It smelled delicious and the prawns and fresh veggies seemed to be cooked to perfection, but she couldn’t eat. Her mind kept drifting to her revelation earlier. Part of her kept waiting to wake up. She’d pinched herself several times, but nothing had happened.
“You should eat,” Delia said quietly as she took a bite of her asparagus.
Hailey nodded and jabbed her fork into a spear. Delia, Jerico’s sister had cooked the delicious meal for her. She’d also given her full access to her wardrobe. The pair had gone out of their way to make her feel at home.
“I’m still in shock,” she told them honestly. “I can’t stop thinking about my parents and brother. Is there anything we can do? Why can’t we take a boat?” There had to be something. Why couldn’t they bring refugees into the city? Surely they couldn’t sit back and watch the human species be evaporated.
Jerico took a sip of his drink and placed a comforting hand over hers. “There is nothing we can do. The tide rises and falls as it sees fit. The barrier that protects our city keeps people from finding us, but it also keeps us here.”
“Will it go down again?” There had to be a way to get back home. She had to rescue her family. Save the world.
Delia shook her head, but it was Jerico who spoke. “Perhaps. We don’t have any control over it. Until a few weeks ago, the ocean protected our lands. It was when the water fell and receded that we knew our time to retake the Earth was close.”
A few weeks ago? That’s when all this started. She sighed and closed her eyes. Everything was related.
“We would love to help save lives. That’s why Jerico and I were out earlier walking the boundaries. We were searching for those worthy of sanctuary here,” Delia began, setting her fork on her plate. “But we only have enough provisions for our community. We could take on a few people. Our prophecy says that anyone who can cross the bridge is to become a member of our society.”
Hailey sighed. Jerico had mentioned that earlier. A thought occurred to her, and she perked up. “If I brought my family here, they could be saved?”
The two siblings looked at each other and she held her breath. There had to be a way. If she couldn’t save her people, she’d like to be able to save her family. Tears burned her eyes. She didn’t want to lose them. Her parents were her idols and her brother her best friend.
“It would be a risk, going back out into the world,” Jerico began. “I suppose that if the tide draws back we could mount a rescue.”
“It’s only going to get hotter. The Earth is not safe, not until after the event,” Delia explained. “Going out there now, could mean your death.”
Hailey swallowed hard. She couldn’t accept that her parents and brother were going to die. She rose from the table. Though she was thankful for the sibling’s hospitality she wanted to be alone. Everyone she loved was going to die, and there was nothing she could do to stop it. No. that was unacceptable. There was a way. There was always a way. There had to be.
“Excuse me,” she whispered, her voice hoarse as emotion tinged it. She hurried to her bedroom and closed the door, resting her back against the cool metal. Slowly she sank to the ground as sobs raked her.
***
Jerico sighed raising his hand to knock on Hailey’s door. Would she want to see him? Or did she prefer to be alone? He hesitated, his arm hanging in the air. She’d been upset earlier. With good reason. He could only imagine how he would feel if he were to lose Delia. His parents had perished several years ago, and the loss still affected him.
It had been the comfort of friends and Delia that had gotten him through the rough times. Hailey had neither of those here. His decision made, he tapped on her door.
Light footsteps padded across the stone floor and moments later the door slid open.
“Would you mind some company?” he asked quietly, wanting to respect her wishes.
Hailey sniffled, her red-rimmed eyes searching his. “Sure.” She opened the door wider for him to enter.
Jerico shut the door and followed her to the balcony. Hailey leaned on the railing and looked out over the city.
“It’s beautiful here,” she breathed.
“It is,” he agreed, glancing up at the moon.
“The city has been hidden here all this time?” she wondered aloud.
“It has. Our species once lived amongst men, but our technology and culture was more advanced. It began to cause problems. Our ancestors retreated from the main lands and hid our city,” he explained.
“I can’t believe that I found this place. Thousands of people have searched for this city to no avail, and I stumble upon it by accident,” she laughed. “Ironic.”
“Perhaps it was fate,” Jerico replied. Did she believe in fate?
“Fate? I don’t know if I believe in that,” she answered honestly.
Jerico nodded. “I do. Last night, I had a dream of a red haired goddess lying on the rocks. The tides receded, and I felt compelled to search the volcano. Delia and I found you this morning,” he admitted.
“You dreamed of me?” she asked curiously.
“Yes.” There was more, but he didn’t want to tell her now. The timing needed to be right. He didn’t want to frighten her, nor did he want to rush into something. Hailey was vulnerable, and she barely knew him.
“Wait. You think I’m a goddess?” she blanched and turned incredulous eyes on him.
“Hailey, you’re beautiful. Surely you must know that. You must have many suitors,” he complimented.
Hailey snorted. “Yeah. I have guys lined up at my door.”
“I assumed so.” He nodded. She most likely had someone back home.
“It was a joke,” she giggled.
Her face lit up with the noise and he smiled, his heart swelling at the fact that he’d brought her a tiny bit of joy.
“I move from city to city studying the climate. Technically, I still live with my parents. Not many guys find that attractive, and I don’t really have the time to date,” she admitted as her cheeks flushed with heat.<
br />
“Then the men near you are fools,” he admonished.
Hailey laughed and shoved him playfully. “Aren’t you a charmer. I bet you get a lot of women here.”
He shook his head. “No.” He hadn’t wanted to explain this to her yet, but the opportunity had presented itself. “We believe in destiny—fate. It is our belief that we have one true soul mate.”
“Romantic.”
He inclined his head. The notion was romantic as she said. “We often are notified when our soul mate is close. Usually with a dream.”
Hailey stiffened next to him, and he paused, letting what he’d said sink in. “What are you saying?” she whispered, her wide eyes meeting his.
“I believe it was fate that brought us together. You were meant to come to that volcano, and I was destined to find and rescue you.”
Chapter Four
Hailey roamed the halls of Jerico’s beautiful mansion. That was the only word she saw fit to describe. She’d been their guest for a week now and she still wasn’t accustomed to the home. It was unique and unlike anything she’d ever seen before.
The ornate silver furniture was breathtaking, and she had a hard time believing that it really existed. It wasn’t a dream. This was her new reality. Jerico and Delia had been wonderfully friendly—Jerico especially.
Her mind still reeled from his revelation about soul mates. She’d thought those didn’t exist. Things like that only happened in fairytales. Ha. Her life was a fairytale now. Her heart sped up at the thought.
Jerico was gorgeous, and he was kind and caring. No man had ever looked at her the way he did. She’d dated off and on over the years, but her work had always taken precedence over her social life. Now, she didn’t have anything to do.
She approached the large stone balcony and leaned on the railing staring off into the city. This was her home now. Jerico had mentioned scientists. Perhaps she could speak with him about obtaining a job here. Would the people here be receptive to her? Jerico and Delia had been very open and friendly, and the people she’d spoken with on her venture into the city the other day had been receptive as well.
She sighed sadly. Thinking of a life here and making plans when her family was still out in the world seemed wrong. They were still alive—for now.
“There you are,” Jerico’s warm voice greeted. “Delia has gone out for the evening, and I was wondering if perhaps you would like to have a picnic on the grounds here?”
“That would be nice,” she admitted with a smile. Her heart flopped in her chest at the prospect of having Jerico all to herself. The attraction to him was growing, and she could tell that he was being respectful and waiting for her to make a move. She hadn’t done that yet, but perhaps this outing would be the opportunity.
“Fantastic. I will prepare us a basket,” Jerico grinned. “Meet me in the foyer in ten minutes?”
She nodded, matching his smile. A tremble of anticipation rocked through her. Picnicking alone with Jerico would be a nice treat. It would give them both a chance to get to know each other better.
***
Hailey sprawled out on the velvety blanket. She plucked a grape from the vine and popped it in her mouth. The night air was beautiful. It was warm enough to be comfortable, but not so hot to make you sweat.
“Thank you for this,” she said with a smile. Dinner had been wonderful and being with Jerico took her mind off things that were out of her control.
“I’m glad that you enjoyed it. Is there anything else I can get you?” Jerico questioned as he lay on his belly next to her.
Hailey took in a deep breath. “I’ve been wondering, you said there were scientists here.” Jerico nodded, and she continued. “Well, is that something I could pursue here? I loved my work. Even if there is nothing I can do for my people, I’d like to help make sure this doesn’t happen again.”
“I would be happy to set something up for you,” Jerico offered.
“Thank you,” she said letting out a long breath. It was nice to know she would be able to have some semblance of her old life. “What do you do?” she wondered aloud.
“My family owns these orchards,” he said, motioning his arm to indicate the bushes surrounding them. “In a few months they will bloom and Delia and I will have our hands full with the harvest.”
“What kind of fruit?” she asked curiously.
“Pineberries.”
She frowned, having never heard of it before. Maybe it was one of the rare things unique to Atlantis.
“They are like what you call strawberries except white.”
“I will have to try them,” she admitted. Atlantis didn’t have boxed and processed food. Everything was fresh. Either caught from the land, ocean, or cultivated from the ground. It was refreshing, but she did miss her Oreos.
“I’m sure you will love them. I don’t know of a single person who doesn’t,” he replied.
Hailey plucked another grape and put it in her mouth, relishing in the ripe juice that squirted between her teeth. “Thank you for everything, Jerico. You’ve made this difficult time so much easier. I truly appreciate it.”
“It’s been my pleasure. I don’t know what you’re feeling, but I have felt the pain of losing my parents. It is a life altering experience,” he admitted.
She reached out and touched his hand giving it a gentle squeeze. Tingles raced through the pads of her fingers, and her heart skipped a beat. He was so warm.
Jerico looked down at their joined hands and placed his free one atop hers. “I hope you know you are our welcome guest indefinitely, Hailey. My home is your home now.”
She smiled. “Thank you. I wouldn’t want to put you out though.”
“It really is no trouble. I enjoy your company. I could not imagine being apart from you, Hailey. Perhaps you do not believe in soul mates, but in this short time together… I find myself enthralled with you more and more each day,” he told her honestly. He reached his hand up, gently stroking her cheek. “I hope you know how much you mean to me, Hailey.”
“You’re beginning to mean a great deal to me too,” she admitted, closing her eyes, and leaning into his touch.
“I was hoping you would say that.” Jerico’s soft lips found hers and she sighed contently, allowing his tongue entrance. Their mouths melded together and their tongues danced alongside each other. He tasted of grapes and she moaned, needing all of him.
His touch felt magnificent. It was right. She ran her hands into his thick blonde hair, allowing herself to be lost in the moment.
Jerico gently lay her back, and laid his broad, muscular torso over top hers. She sighed under his weight as excitement coursed through her. It wasn’t like her to rush into things, but this seemed perfect, and she was making a new start for herself here. Maybe there was such a thing as fate and soul mates.
She gasped as Jerico peppered kisses to her jaw and neck. His hands slowly drug the lacy strap of her dress off her shoulder, baring her breast. His mouth lowered, and he took her tight bud into his mouth. He suckled and licked and then turned his attention to the other side.
She fisted her hands in his hair, thankful for the lack of clothing the Atlantean clothes required. No bra and no panties. Two less pieces of clothes to take off. She shivered with anticipation. What would it be like to feel all of him pressed against her? Her fingers went to the straps on his tunic, carefully untying them.
Jerico pulled back and removed his top, exposing his toned chest. He was even more ripped than she’d imagined. Muscles pulsed across his torso and she reached out, touching him. The pads of her fingers skimmed over him, relishing in the way he felt.
Jerico closed his eyes, and tilted his head back, allowing her to explore. He was magnificent, and he was hers. She trembled at the thought. How had she got so lucky to stumble upon—literally, a man like him?
Her digits traveled lower and released the bindings of his breeches. She licked her lips and her eyes widened as she too
k in the giant bulge in his pants. He was well endowed, but she wouldn’t know how well until she removed the rest of his clothes. They were both way too overdressed for her liking. She slid back, slipping her arms out of the straps of her dress, and rolling the garment down to her waist.
Jerico’s eyes roamed over her hungrily. He leaned forward and captured her lips as both hands found a breast. She groaned into his mouth as he rolled her nipples between his thumb and forefinger. His tongue glided against hers and she boldly trailed her fingers into the seam of his pants and wrapped her hand around his throbbing cock.
He was enormous. The girth was thick and the length… she swallowed wondering if she’d be able to take him all in. She pumped her hand up and down his shaft. The tip of her thumb rolled over the top of his dick and her heart pattered uncontrollably as she repeated the action.
Jerico nudged her back to the ground, his fingers still kneading her breasts as his tongue slicked across her lips.
“I want to taste you my sweet, Hailey,” he murmured against her mouth. His lips left hers traveling down her body as he placed wet kisses along her collarbone, breasts, belly, and hips. Jerico wrapped his fingers around her bunched up dress and dragged it down her body. “You are breathtaking,” he told her as his eyes skimmed over her from head to toe.
Slowly, Jerico took one calf and placed it on his shoulder and then the other. He leaned forward pressing his delectable mouth on her gushing pussy. She squeaked with surprise as his tongue licked her most intimate area.
“And you taste phenomenal,” he complimented. His mouth returned to her core as he pulled her into him.
She thrashed as his tongue slipped between her folds. His hand went to her mound and his thumb circled around her clit. She bucked up at the contact as heat rushed through her. She closed her eyes and grasped onto the blanket, bunching it in her hands.
No one had ever gone down on her before. She didn’t think she’d like it, but she’d been wrong. This was amazing. His mouth was hot and wet. The muscles in her belly coiled, tightening as an orgasm began to build. As if sensing the urgency, Jerico increased the pressure on her clit as he inserted two fingers into her pussy. They slid in effortlessly.
Alien Romance: Hot Alien (Alien Abduction Romance, Science Fiction Romance, Space Romance, Fantasy Romance) (Alien Fantasy Abduction Science Fiction Space Romance) Page 2