by ML Guida
“Got it.” He poured the red liquor into the glasses and slid one toward her.
He sat on his bar stool. “Can I help with anything?”
“You can slice up tomatoes and lettuce.” She slapped the meat into patties then put them on wax paper. “Do you want cheese on yours?”
“Sure.” He lifted his eyebrow. He opened her double-door refrigerator and pulled out a tomato and a head of lettuce. He sliced the tomato and lettuce on the cutting board. Her kitchen was so small that his arms brushed against hers. “How many of those are you making?”
Ignoring the tingles rushing up her arm and the spike in her body temperature, she smacked the meat harder. “A bunch.” She shrugged. “I like to freeze them.”
“Where’s your grill?”
“In the cupboard next to the stove.”
When he knelt down to get it, she inhaled the masculine scent that made her heartbeat quicken. If she wasn’t careful, the hamburgers would be forgotten, and she’d be lost in his arms.
She concentrated on finishing making the patties, then cut the wax paper into squares. She made a stack of them to put in the freezer except for three. Seth was a tiger-shifter and one patty definitely wouldn’t be enough.
“I’ll cook the burgers,” he said, as he plugged in the grill. He opened up the refrigerator again and brought out a hunk of cheddar cheese.
“Thanks.” She put away the rest of the burgers and washed her hands. She had to maneuver around Seth to get the fruit. Every time she brushed up against him, she had to remind herself why she didn’t want to have sex with him.
Remember Caterina. Remember Caterina. Remember Caterina.
Fruit salad wouldn’t be enough for a shifter, so she pulled out a bag of chips and a can of olives. She quickly set them on the dining room table.
The hamburgers crackled and splattered on the grill, but their aroma didn’t block out Seth’s scent that seemed to be calling to her, tempting her to kiss him, reminding her of how his mouth and hands brought her to the greatest orgasms she’d ever had. She drained her wine, trying to ignore the desire brewing inside her and ignoring his questionable look.
Concentrate.
Dinner was ready in a manner of minutes. Cora had set the table and refilled both their glasses.
“Looks delicious,” he said. But he wasn’t looking at the food. He was looking at her. His heated gaze made her freeze where she was.
He slipped his hand around her neck and gently pulled her to him. She should break away, push on his chest, but instead, she parted her lips, eager to taste him again.
He brushed his lips over hers, slow and tender at first, but when she molded herself against him, the kissed turned hard and possessive. She gave in to her temptation and threaded her fingers through his silky hair.
He gazed down at her with hooded eyes. “If I start this, I’m not liable to stop.”
“I know.”
“Is this what you want?”
She pressed her hands on his chest and could feel his fast beating heart that matched the pace of her own. His arousal pushed against her thigh. “You mean if I asked you to stop, you would?”
He tilted his head back. “It would kill me, but I would.”
When she’d been with Miles, it was always about him. He’d never asked her what she wanted. It was always about him. Always.
According to Caterina, nothing had changed. It didn’t matter if Caterina was tired, sick, or uninterested. If he wanted to fuck, she’d better be ready, but Seth was asking her – something she didn’t think a tiger would do.
She smiled. “I wouldn’t want to kill you.” She licked the stubble on his cheek and he shuddered.
“Are you sure?”
Her hands glided underneath his shirt. “Better here than behind the Arvada library.”
He sucked in a deep breath. “Damn straight.” He lifted her into his arms and carried her across the floor to her bedroom. He set her on the bed.
“This time, I want to be on top.” She pushed him gently on to the bed.
“Anything you desire, sweetheart.” The gold of his eyes turned dark enough to cause the fine hairs of along her forearms to stand on end.
She stretched out on top of him and softly nipped his lip. “Can I tie you up?”
His eyes widened and his heart beat as wildly as hers. “Seriously?”
She laughed. “Yes.”
He licked his lips. “If that’s what you want, baby.”
She rolled off him and then off the bed. “Then strip.”
The sound of rustling clothes made her shake. What was she doing? She’d never done anything like this before, but she wanted to see if he’d let her be in control, let her take the lead. She turned her back and headed toward her closet to yank out two belts. She wasn’t a fool, and knew Seth could break out of the restraints, but if he wanted her to believe that he wasn’t like Miles, then he had to prove it.
When she turned around, Seth was lying naked on his back. His cock was fully aroused.
“You didn’t waste any time, did you?”
“I’m yours to command.”
She walked over. “Spread your arms wide.”
“Yes, Mistress.”
She didn’t answer him, but liked the sound of him being submissive, even if it was a lie. Her hands shaking, she strapped one wrist to her bedpost then quickly did the other. He watched her every move like a tiger biding his time.
She ran the tips of her fingers down one arm and he tensed.
He gritted his teeth. “Aren’t you going to get naked?”
She pinched his nipple. “I’m in control. You’re not.”
He gasped and pulled on the restraints, but didn’t break them. She was playing with fire, but she didn’t care.
Heat fanned through her body, just by teasing him made her hot. She glided her fingers down his torso, marveling at the muscle and how he shook beneath her touch. He was giving her the power, power that she definitely needed.
He could take her any time and do what he wanted to her. They both knew it.
She turned away from his hungry gaze and focused on his cock. She skimmed her fingers down his bellybutton to the narrow blond hairs.
“God, you’re killing me.”
“I haven’t even started yet.” She gently clasped her fingers around his cock, while her other hand cupped his balls.
He arched his back off the bed. “Cora.”
She glided her hand up down his shaft slowly, torturing him, her thumb brushing over the top as his cum sleeked out.
He released a groan and pulled on the restraints, but didn’t break free. She wasn’t done making him plead for release. She kissed the tip of his cock and licked the cum off her lips.
“Jaysus.”
She laughed, but then turned serious. She licked his shaft, twirling her tongue around him, marveling at how large he was.
He panted. “Suck me. Please suck.”
“Begging, are you?”
“Yes, damn it. Yes.”
“Not yet.” She laved his cock and squeezed it, tapering off his orgasm.
He was a mess, panting and trembling. She released him and put her mouth over his cock, plunging up and down as far as she could. He filled her mouth. His hips rocked up and down faster and faster. Her fingers played with his balls.
“Cora,” he screamed. He came in her mouth, hard and swift.
She swept her tongue over her lips. She pulled off her shirt and tossed it onto the floor.
“I want to please you.”
His husky voice tempted her to cut loose his restraints, but she wasn’t ready… Not yet.
She tossed off her bra and ran her palms over her budded nipples. He watched her eagerly. She liked how he looked at her as if she were his next meal. She skimmed her palms down her hot skin and gently pushed her underwear and sweats down her trembling thighs, her calves, and off her feet.
Her inner thighs were already wet. She cupped her pussy. “Do you w
ant this?”
“Yes.”
She climbed onto the bed and straddled herself over his cock. She inserted one finger into her pussy, her thumb pushing against her clit. She jerked her head back.
“I like watching you pleasure yourself.”
“It’s not enough.” She slowly speared herself onto his erect cock. “You seem to always have a hard-on.” Her core spread apart taking him until he filled her.
“That’s the way it is with mates.”
She rode him, moving her hips around in a circle that turned into a feverish torment of one pleasure after another. He matched her rhythm, echoing her every spasm. He allowed her to control the pace, never breaking his bonds.
She massaged her breasts and tilted her head back. Skin flapped against skin and the rollercoaster reached a pinnacle peak. Her orgasm sent her flying down the hill in a bliss of ecstasy.
Seth was bathed in sweat, and he licked his lips.
She stretched over him and kissed him. “Thank you.”
He breathed heavily. “For what?”
“For letting me to take control.”
“You’re welcome. I’ll do anything to please you.” He still pulsed inside her.
“I’ll free you now.”
She fumbled untying the belts.
“I’ll do it.” In one easy flick, he freed both wrists and she found herself on her back.
He could have escaped anytime, but he hadn’t. She smiled and stretched her arms over her head. “Do what you like,” she purred.
“Don’t worry. I will.” He clasped his mouth on one nipple and sucked hard, igniting more pleasure inside her. He licked, laved, and sucked every inch of her slick body. His hands discovered where to caress, pluck, and pinch, driving her into a hot orgasm.
He collapsed on top of her. His breath was warm against her throat, his body damp against hers, and his cock wedged between her sleek muscles. She lightly moved her fingernails over his back, drawing little circles. This was bliss.
He nuzzled her neck. “Be my mate.”
She held her breath, gulping down air to stay quiet. The bliss edged away and reality slammed into her. She bit her lip, not knowing what to say.
“Cora?” He lifted his head. “Trust me. I’d never hurt you.”
“We should eat. I’m starving, aren’t you?”
He shook his head, but didn’t press the matter. He kissed the top of her forehead. “Fine. Let’s eat.” He pulled out of her and rolled off.
Cold brushed over her body where warmth had been. The passion in the room died, but she couldn’t bring herself to say she would be his mate. One time of allowing her to take control in the bedroom didn’t mean he wouldn’t be a domineering tiger like Miles was to Caterina.
Her freedom meant more to her than the best sex in the world. Sex she could have anytime she wanted, but once lost, she’d never reclaim her independence.
Chapter 9
Seth woke to soft snores and his arm wrapped around Cora. Her body was warm and soft. She smelled of musk and sex. Her naked bottom pressed against his cock, which was ready to claim her again. He nuzzled her ear and she groaned.
“I’m so tired.”
He stopped. Could he blame her? They’d made love twice last night after dinner.
When he’d asked her to be his mate, she’d seemed distant. At least she hadn’t shimmied out of bed and left him. He wanted to make love to her again, but he remembered what Gerri had told him. He had to do something to make Cora happy.
Ignoring his protesting tiger, he sighed and left her warm side. She’d made him a nice meal last night. Now, it was his turn. He grabbed his jeans and pulled them on. He ran his hand through his hair. He wasn’t sure if he was making progress convincing her to be his mate or if he was making a giant mess of things again.
He pulled the covers over her shoulders, then lightly kissed her forehead. “Sleep darling.”
He walked softly out of her room and closed the door. Patience wasn’t his virtue. Both his older brother and his past had taught him this.
Cora had a fully stocked kitchen and a kitchen aide mixer. His mother’s delicious blueberry waffles popped in his mind. He soon had flour, eggs, vegetable oil, sugar, and vanilla spinning in the mixer. Bacon was frying in a pan and coffee was brewing.
He reached into the refrigerator to pull out a box of fresh blueberries when a tired voice asked, “What are you doing?”
He closed the door. “Making you my mother’s famous blueberry waffles.” God, she looked so damn sexy with her hair tousled and wearing a fluffy white bathrobe. He’d bet a hundred bucks she was naked underneath. His cock turned hard, but he refused to seduce her.
She pushed her hair behind her delicate ears. “Really? Can I help?”
“No. I’ve got everything under control.” Not exactly true. His cock was rock hard and he was sweating like a horny teenager.
She yawned and slipped onto a barstool.
“Would you like some coffee?”
She nodded. “Please. There’s creamer in the refrigerator.”
He snatched the creamer and poured it into a steamy hot coffee. “Here.”
“Thank you.” She tilted her head back. “Can I have a good morning kiss?”
“Absolutely.”
He slipped his arm around her waist and brushed his lips over hers. He wanted so much more, but reluctantly pulled away.
“Are you sure I can’t help?”
He kissed her forehead. “I’ve got this.”
She sighed and sipped her coffee. “I love the smell of bacon in the morning.” Her robe loosened and he caught a glimpse of a mound of her breast.
Concentrate.
He hurried over to the crackling bacon and turned pieces over. The last thing he wanted to do was burn it and stink up her beautiful kitchen. He turned off the mixer then added the blueberries. He poured the mixture into the heated waffle iron and turned the iron over.
“Here.”
Cora handed him a cup of coffee, molding her body to his. “I didn’t know if you wanted cream…”
“Thanks, I like it black.” His voice was husky. Blood pooled straight to his cock and he turned away, afraid he’d take her in the kitchen, not caring if the bacon or waffles burned.
“I’ll set the table.” She moved over to the cabinets and pulled out two plates. He caught a glimpse of her bottom. She had on lacy blue underwear, which was sexier than if she were butt naked.
The waffle iron beeped, drawing his attention back to cooking. He ignored her as he finished making the bacon and waffles. He was one step away from satisfying his own lust, but he refused to give in to his needs.
He placed the waffles on the table along with the bacon. Syrup and butter was already on the table.
“Wow, this looks and smells delicious.”
“Thank you, but wait until you taste it.”
She spread butter on the waffle and then poured syrup on it. She took a bite. Her eyes widened. “This is so yummy. So, your mom made these for you and your brothers?”
“Every Saturday morning.” Those were happier days.
“How’s your mom now?”
He took a bite of bacon. “She’s fine. After Dad passed, she moved down to Florida to be by her sister. She said it was too hard to be up here without my dad.”
“They were really in love?”
“Yeah, they were. Sometimes they’d fight like everyone else, but they loved each other.”
“Was your mother a shifter?”
“No, she was human, but she turned after she was mated.”
“How are your brothers doing?” She took a bite of her waffle and licked the syrup off her lip.
He squirmed in his seat. Not just from her sexy manner, but not knowing how to answer. “Fine.”
“Are they mated?”
“No. They haven’t met theirs yet.”
She raised her eyebrow. “Meaning you have?” Her sharp voice meant he’d stepped over the bounds agai
n.
He scooted the chair back. “Sorry.”
She swirled her fork in the syrup. “Caterina never told me, but what is the process when you become mated?”
His heart quickened and his hands shook. He cleared his throat. “Does this mean you’re thinking about becoming my mate?” He held his breath, waiting for her answer.
“I’m not committing to anything. I just want to know what happens. Is it a ceremony?”
“You mean like a wedding?”
“Yes.”
“No. It’s sex. I would take you from the front and then from behind.”
“You mean anal sex?”
“I have to satisfy both the man and beast.”
She scowled. “You don’t turn into a tiger, do you?”
He laughed. “There’s no beastiality if that’s what you’re worrying about.”
Her smile wavered. She pulled in and slowly released a deep breath. She looked down then took a sip of coffee.
“Is something wrong?”
She shrugged. “I just thought there would be more to it. I always wanted a big wedding like my parents did––not something so animalistic.”
He stiffened. “I’m a shifter.”
“I know. I’m sorry.” She put her cup down. “Breakfast was great, but I’m going to take a shower.”
His stomach clenched. He glanced at her food. “You barely ate any of it.”
She picked up a piece of bacon, then left without another word.
He wanted to ask her if he could join her, but by her tense reaction, that wasn’t happening. Shit, every time he tried to do something right, he screwed it up. Maybe he should split. His tiger growled. No, that would be the coward’s way out. He was many things, but he wasn’t a coward.
Chapter 10
Cora quickly showered and washed her hair. She half-expected Seth to join her, but he didn’t. The mating ritual blew her mind. Anal sex? Her pulse quickened and her mouth ran dry. God, she’d never had anal sex before. He was so big. He could rip her apart. She snagged the towel and dried herself off. Why was she disappointed? Did she actually want to mate?
Her stomach fluttered and her heart swelled. The sex with Seth was incredible, but she wanted so much more. Wedding and love. Her body was chafed where he’d kissed and licked her last night. She couldn’t deny it. Her feelings for him were growing deeper, like they had with Miles.