Chapter Nine
What the hell was she thinking? If she slept with Tegan, then it was probable she would become pregnant with his child. However, Rhea had done a lot of thinking. Her body reacted to his touch. Hell, even when he looked at her, it caused her nipples to grow hard and her sex to heat. His kiss did things to her that none other ever had. Then there were the visions. She saw his dreams whether lying next to him or when she had tracked his recent location. All of this had brought her to one conclusion.
He belonged to her.
Tegan was her mate, but was she his? Fate was fickle and there was every possibility she would fall in love with him only to be rejected. Was she willing to risk her heart? This was what she had come searching for. What she had waited so long to find. There was also the chance he would bond with her, and they would raise their son together. She weighed the situation. Odds were fifty-fifty at the moment this could swing either way. However, if she didn’t follow her heart she would never find out. Everything in her gut, in her soul screamed they belonged together.
For now, she would keep the fact that he was her mate to herself. He was beginning to come around, so perhaps he felt something too.
She grabbed the front of his button-down shirt and balled the fabric into her palms then leaned in until their mouths were only inches apart. “Remind me what it’s like to truly be kissed.”
His pupils filled the green pools of his irises, right before his mouth claimed hers.
Tegan pulled her tight to his hard body, and the erection that pressed through his trousers dug into her belly. Her panties became damp at the thought of him filling her with his thick length. She was determined that he understood what he did to her, so she left her mind open.
Their tongues speared each other. Slid across teeth and swiped every inch within reach. He tasted of wind and fire. Heaven and Hell, and her breasts ached with the need of his large hands squeezing them. Instead, he gripped her ass and locked her to him. When he finally broke the kiss, they stared at each other, breathless.
“Rhea.” He swallowed. “I...” He let go of her and took a step back.
No! He was not going to leave her in this state of desire. She needed him more than her next breath. “Don’t run from me.”
He ran his fingers through his hair, leaving it tousled. The man was wicked sexy with his flesh peeking through his shirt where the buttons had come undone. Then... Her gaze lowered. There was the bulge screaming to free itself from the black slacks he still wore.
“I arouse you,” she whispered.
“Fuck. Of course you do. It has been many years since I’ve been with a woman, and you are perfection. I fear I will have no control if I continue with you.”
She understood. “I’m not mortal, Tegan. You can’t hurt me as you might another. Who better to let go with?” Than your mate. Please say I belong to you.
He still looked lost. “You deserve a gentle lover your first time. Not a man who will take you hard and fast.”
She swallowed a gasp. Hard and fast sounded just fine to her right now. Anything to lessen the ache she felt for him. “I’m pretty sure you’re a man who will make up for that.” She took a step closer to him. “Let what will happen between us take its natural course. I’m choosing you to be my first.” Another step. “Fast, slow, hard or sweet and soft, I want to experience it all with you.”
“What of the mate you seek?”
She could not tell him that her mate was standing right here front of her. He’d run for sure. “You know he won’t care if I am no longer pure.”
“But were you not saving yourself for him?”
She gave a shrug. “I was saving myself for the right one to teach me.” She sensed he was on the verge of giving in, so she did the only thing she thought might push him over the edge. Reaching behind her, she tugged at the zipper of her dress, and when it slid to her lower back, she slipped out of it.
The female in front of him was playing dirty when she let her dress slip to the floor. Now, she dared stare at him with shimmering pools of desire while she wore only a black lace thong and a pair of spiked heels.
There was no escape for him. Not this time. Truth be told? He didn’t want to escape. This time he wanted to take everything she had to offer.
Willpower out the window, he unbuttoned his shirt until it fell open and her gaze turned hungry. “Still time to back out.” He held his breath, hoping she wouldn’t say no.
“Not a chance. Finish stripping for me. I want to see all of you.”
Fuck! Could his cock get any harder? He shucked his shirt to the floor. “Do you wish to go upstairs, or shall I take you here in front of the windows for the city to see?”
“Here and there. How about every room in the house?” Her nipples hardened to peaks that had to be painful. His mouth watered to taste them.
“You are a wanton female.” He unzipped his slacks and pushed them to the floor. His erection jutted, reaching for her as he stepped free of the material and kicked it aside. “Come here,” he commanded.
Hips swaying in an erotic dance, she made her way to him. Before he could register what was happening, her fingers curled around his shaft and nearly buckled his knees. He gripped her hips as her hand slid up and down his cock.
“Am I doing this right?” She looked up with innocent eyes tinged with wickedness.
“I would never know I was your first, but if you keep that up I won’t last long.” He swore his eyes rolled into the back of his head. Unable to take anymore of her handiwork, he bent his head to her neck. Licked and nipped his way across her heated flesh, causing her to lose the rhythm she’d started. When he was close to her nipple, she sucked in a breath and held it. Suddenly his own desire was shoved down. He wanted nothing more than to watch her face as she came undone.
Wrapping his lips around her areola, he sucked the hard peak into his mouth.
She gasped, her nails raking across the top of his shoulders. When had she let go of his throbbing cock?
He pulled the nipple through his teeth. Gentle, yet with enough force to let her know who was in charge. He moved to the other breast and lapped at the hardened peak, flicking his tongue over it until she moaned before he pulled it into his mouth.
“Ohh, your mouth is so hot.”
Her arousal scented the air and drove him insane.
Shit.
Maybe he shouldn’t have waited nearly three decades to do this. His body felt like it wanted to explode, but instead of taking her now, he pressed her back to the large window then dropped to his knees. Kissed her belly and licked around her navel. Her fingers entwined in his hair and gave a gentle tug. When he reached the waistband of the flimsy thong, he kissed her skin. Her body shook with anticipation. Did she know what he was about to do to her?
He thumbed her nub through the satin material.
Her head tipped back, eyes closed. “Ohhhh.”
“You like that?”
“Mmm-hmm.”
He couldn’t wait any longer to taste her. Ripping the panties from her body, he tossed them over his back. Spreading the pink flesh between her thighs, he flicked his tongue through her folds. “Spread your legs.”
She managed his command.
“Good girl. Now, I’m gonna make you scream.” He licked then shoved his tongue into her hot core. Her grip on his scalp tightened as she ground her hips against his mouth. He sensed she was already on the verge and wanted to take her over the edge. Moving his attention, he licked her fleshy nub then began to suckle while he inserted two fingers into her core. Stretching her. Readying her for him.
Rhea had never in her life experienced pleasure like she did right now. Her mate was about to bring her to her knees. The only thing holding her up was the fact he had her pressed against the window. His mouth worked her into a frenzy, and she was about to explode.
“D-don’t stop.”
Seconds later, her world shattered. Colored light flashed behind her lids, and she screamed his name. Her body shudd
ered as the orgasm took her and twisted her muscles into knots. Her heart beat so fast, it threatened to bruise itself against her chest. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, she relaxed.
“You are so beautiful when you come,” Tegan whispered.
Rhea managed to pry her eyes open, and the simple act of looking at him still kneeling between her legs sent another heated wave of desire coursing through her. She wanted to feel him sliding in and out of her. Wanted to make him feel as alive as she did right now. Her mouth parted to speak, but nothing came out.
Tegan stood, his erection a thing of beauty. “I’m about to fuck you, Rhea. There will be no mercy this night.”
His words nearly had her coming again. “I need no mercy.”
He gripped her waist, spun her until her breasts were pressed against the glass. He kicked her legs apart and pulled her arms behind her back, holding her wrists with one hand as the other guided the tip of his cock to her entrance. She sensed his struggle to maintain control. He wanted to be gentle with her, but she only wanted him.
“Take me,” she murmured.
It was the encouragement he needed. His tip parted her folds and moisture flooded her, preparing her for his entry. He slid in slightly, his girth stretching her, and she tried to wiggle against him. He must have realized her need and pushed himself to the hilt, stopping to give her a moment before he slid back out, then thrust harder. Each movement of his hips became faster and harder until he was pounding into her. Taking what he needed most from the female who was more the willing to give him everything.
Rhea was on the verge again. Never would she have thought to be taken by an ancient angel in front of an entire city, but it excited her further. She wanted Tegan in every way imaginable and hoped he would one day take her in the sky in the way of angels.
He released her before reaching around to brush his fingers across her nub, sending pulses of heat to the bundle of nerves. She tried to grip the glass, but her fingers couldn’t get purchase as she screamed out his name. Pleasure cascaded over her in waves, taking her to heights she never thought existed. Tegan’s own release followed as he dug his nails into her hips and growled. The crystalline lights outside the window blurred as raindrops splatted the glass and thunder rolled across the sky. Jagged lightning lit up the night.
Tegan breathed behind her, pulling her to his chest, still stiff inside her. “I think we did that.” He referred to the weather outside. Pulling free, he turned her to face him. Their gazes met and his were still dark pools of desire.
“Yes, it was bound to happen with two angels joining.” She rather enjoyed the patter of rain on the windows. It brought a sense of comfort.
“Tell me I didn’t hurt you,” he whispered.
Her body still reeled from his touch. “Not in the least. Please tell me we’re not done yet.”
It was his turn to grin. “Not by a long shot.” He leaned in and kissed her, her taste still on his tongue. Heat rose between them again, and he scooped her off her feet and headed for the stairs.
“I promise to be more gentle this time.”
She nuzzled his neck in response, her thoughts moving to the burning in her soul. The desire that stripped her of her breath and declared she would never be the same again. There was not a single doubt in her mind now.
This man was her mate.
Chapter Ten
Rhea woke late, the morning sun already mid-way in the sky. She and Tegan had made love three more times before they were both spent. Each time he had taken her to new heights, and she lost a little more of herself to him. After the first time, he had taken his time to explore her body. Learn every spot that sent shivers up her spine. In turn, she had tried to do the same, but he had insisted there would be time for her to explore later. Rolling to her side, she found herself alone in the oversized bed. Bolting upright, she flared out her power. Tegan was still here and the scent of coffee wafted through the air. It was enough to pull her from her stupor and remind her of what her father had told her. Placing her palm over her abdomen, she scanned.
Sweet relief. She was not with child. Not that she minded carrying her mate’s son, but she needed time to figure out how best to break the news to him. Did she simply come right out and tell him that he belonged to her? No. It was too early in their relationship.
“Morning, sunshine.” Tegan walked in, wearing only lounging pants. Rhea hardly noticed the tray he carried in front of his glorious abs. “You look deep in thought.”
“Just admiring the scenery.” She offered her sexiest grin. “What’s this you have?”
He set the tray on a table in front of the couch by the window. “Coffee and cinnamon rolls. I went down to the bakery while you slept and picked some up.”
She jumped from bed and threw on a robe. “That’s what smelled so good. They look divine.” She sat next to him on the sofa and inhaled. “My mouth is watering.”
He grinned. “I should warn you, these things are addicting.”
She took a sip of coffee and then a bite of roll. Gooey, warm cinnamon, sweet icing, and butter collided with her taste buds. “Ohhh. These are sooo good!” She licked her lips. “Thank you.”
“It was the least I could do after keeping you up last night.” He flashed a wicked grin that promised more of those to follow. “What’s on your agenda today?”
“I have no plans. What about you?”
“It’s going to be a beautiful day. I was thinking of taking you to Central Park. Maybe we can grab a sandwich and enjoy the day.”
“I like that idea.” She just wished she knew if he was doing this as part of their mission or because he wanted to spend time with her. As if reading her mind...
“I think we should talk about last night before this goes any further.”
She sipped her coffee, dreading the conversation. “Yes, I agree. Tell me what you’re thinking.”
He cleared his throat. “Obviously we are both adults, and I realize you seek your mate. This thing between us...” He stared into his mug, as if the words he was searching for would be there. “I’m grateful to you for helping me get past my...well, past. I realize this is nothing more than two adults letting off steam.”
Probably not a good time to tell him he is my mate. “I’m glad you are finally able to move on, and I could think of no one I would rather be intimate with my first time.”
He gave a nod. “We take this one day at a time, and if at any point either of us decide to end the sexual part then we will let the other know.”
“Agreed. But I must be honest. I’m not looking to stop just yet, unless of course you are,” she added. Please don’t say you are.
For the first time in many years, Tegan was enjoying a female’s company. Rhea was like a breath of fresh air, and he found himself delighted by her reactions to the world. Everything was new to her, and she made him look at things through a different set of eyes. He couldn’t stop grinning as she played with a room full of cats and kittens. She’d had no idea until they pulled up in front of the local shelter what his plan was today. She turned and looked at him, her face radiant with happiness. When his eyes met hers, something drew him in. It was comforting and familiar, and when she smiled at him, feelings surfaced. Feelings he thought had died long ago. He tried to push them aside. Rhea had a mate out there somewhere, and suddenly he was jealous of a man she had yet to meet.
“I can’t decide.”
He laughed. “Well you can only have two, so you’d best decide because we still have to go to the pet store for all their stuff.”
Her eyes reflected her happiness back at him. “This is the best day ever.” Finally, twenty minutes later she deposited two kittens in his lap. “These two.”
One was a female calico, its face split in two by a splash of color. One side black and the other orange, with a pair of hazel eyes that stared up at him. The other was a black male with a white tuft on his chest and matching boots, but this one had the bluest eyes he’d ever seen on a cat.
“Very well then. Do they have names yet?”
She worked her bottom lip, and he had to stifle a groan. “No. I need to think on that one.”
“Well there’s time.” He rose with the kittens, one in each arm, and went to the young girl who had let them into the room. “My wife wants these two. We are going to the pet store to gather the necessary items for them and will be back later to pick them up.”
The girl smiled. “I’ll have them all ready for you, Mr. Ferrow.” She took the kittens from him and showed them out.
“Thank you,” Rhea said as soon as they were outside. She kissed him. “I have also decided that I will be volunteering at the shelter. I don’t understand how humans can abandon their pets. Never have.”
He held the door open for Rhea to enter the car before he went around and slid into the driver’s seat. While Tegan didn’t have need of a car, he had grown fond of them and had pulled out his Bugatti Veyron from storage for their mission. “Next stop, pet store.”
“Are you doing all of this to ease my nerves about tonight?” Rhea inquired.
Was he? He knew the angel beside him was nervous about meeting Ashley. He supposed he had planned this day with that in mind. “I wanted today to be fun and relaxing. I don’t think we are going to get many more of those coming up.”
“No, I suppose not. Thank you again. This day has been amazing, and I appreciate you trying to make it so. I’m actually looking forward to tonight and meeting your daughter.”
Tegan simply nodded then proceeded down the street. Two hours later, they had shopping done, kittens in tow, and were back in the penthouse. While Rhea got her new charges settled, Tegan hopped in the shower then quickly dressed.
“Ashely will be here in an hour,” he reminded Rhea, who sat on the floor with a feather and two kittens with a crazed look in their eyes.
She leapt to her feet. “I need to shower. Will you watch these two, please?”
The panic in her voice distressed him. “Of course. Take a hot shower and calm down.” He didn’t understand why she was so worried about meeting Ashley. It wasn’t like he and Rhea were serious. They couldn’t be unless he ended up being her mate, but that was impossible. He would know if that were the case. Even so, Ashley would approve of any relationship Tegan had at this point.
Tempted By Darkness (Eternally Mated Book 6) Page 7