After all, RuArk had seen Rhia in a Seeking. He had gone to the High City for her. Was now here in Draema Neine with her. Mated to her.
Perhaps this wasn’t about him at all. The woman had had more than her fair share of dealing with idiots, like that Bryan person he’d enjoyed tossing headlong down Rhia’s stairs. But even with Bryan’s recent return, something in the recesses of his soul told him that whatever this was with Rhia was deeper, something more ingrained in her than just a bad prior relationship. At times she seemed genuinely afraid to mate with him, afraid to accept him, as if he’d try to make her into something other than what she was.
Yet that still brought them right back around to trust.
RuArk didn’t hear Rhia come out onto the terrace, but there was no mistaking the apples-and-spice scent that floated on the evening breeze as she watched him from the glass terrace doors. He went still, knowing she wore the wedding present he’d ordered Lunis to leave on their bed. Turning, he took in the image of his wife. She was beyond lovely in the silken perfection that hung loosely to just above her knees. The deep tone of her skin set off the color of the gown and he willed his body into submission. He hoped he would be able to embrace her and leave it at that, if that was all she wanted.
“RuArk?”
Mouth glued shut, he simply swallowed and drank in her beauty. The silhouette of her shapely body under the sheer gown was more beautiful than he could have ever imagined. Her face was... flushed? She seemed to be doing a lot of that lately. The woman blushed almost as often as he had a raging hard on for her.
He cocked his head to the side and wondered what caused her coffee-and-cream skin to burn. She flushed deeper under his stare, but her eyes held an unmistakable hint of something wholly feminine, seductive, sensual and determined.
He quivered as her gaze took him in slowly, from his feet up to his hips. Her gaze lingered at the top of his breech and became something primal. Deeper. That look sent chills up his spine. His cock responded immediately, and his breech rose up to meet her.
He gulped.
“Do you like it?” he asked, referring to the gown.
“I love it,” she purred, never taking her eyes from his. “Thank you.”
Desire shone in her eyes, and with each word spoken, he could almost taste the spicy, heady flavor as she stepped to him with an oh so not subtle sway to her hips.
Just like in my Seeking that seems so long ago now.
He flexed his thigh muscles and tried to shake off the potent effect that was Rhia. His arousal was heavy and full. Ready. Almost needy. The self-control he’d exercised as they’d traveled together over the past several days was all but spent. Seeing her dressed like this, knowing she was his, and with the huge bed visible behind her was almost too much.
He was dying with need, yet he would wait for her acceptance if it killed him. RuArk forced himself to continue to stand there.
Perhaps they could talk. Yes, talk!
Talk would help get his mind off of his cock.
“You look beautiful, Rhia. I—” That was as far as he got.
Rhia attacked.
He was almost shocked into inaction when she threw herself into his arms and boldly kissed him, but he recovered quickly when she began to take, demand. She thrust her tongue into his mouth, tasting him, not bothering to hide the deep moan of pleasure as she took what she wanted.
“Mmmm, you taste like chocolate and coffee. Gimme.”
He was so astonished he started to take a step back and make sure it was really her, but couldn’t tear himself away from her soft, warm body. He closed his eyes as she stroked his back, then moved her hands down and around to caress his thighs. The muscles jumped at her touch, impatient for her warm fingers to make their way around his hips and slowly massage the pulsing ridge between his legs.
She threw her head back and arched into him, allowing him access to whatever he chose to take from her. Pleasure bloomed in both his body and mind as he realized that she did indeed want him. Right now.
Gods, it was as if the woman pulled his response from the depths of his soul with a need so strong he had to will himself not to take her right there on the terrace. She rolled her head on her shoulders, then said them—the words he’d longed to hear for far too many nights.
“RuArk, I’m sorry.”
“Rhia...”
“No, just hush and listen.” Calloused fingertips, a testament of just how much she worked with her weapons, pressed against his lips. There was no helping it—he opened his mouth just enough to take them inside. With a gentle bite, her words came out in a hiss.
“I... oh.”
RuArk almost smiled, but the smoky haze in her eyes brought him up short and all he could do was stand there, listen and feel.
“I’ve been a total ass today. Thank you for all you’ve done, all the gifts, the joining. Just... everything.”
“Rhia, I do not expect you to try and repay me for...”
“This isn’t about repayment. This is about what I want. I want a mate, a true mate.” Arms wrapped around his neck and pulled him down into a deep kiss. “I want you. Now.”
Time stopped, and he would remember this moment forever. Her scent, the taste of her mouth, the heat of her hands on his bare flesh. The weight of her full, firm breasts, the silken skin covering the toned muscle of her bare arms. The throb of his erection as he pressed against her belly and his fingers drifted in lazy circles along her butt cheeks.
“How much do you want me, Rhia?” The words were ground through clenched teeth.
She didn’t hesitate, but looked him square in the eye. “Desperately.”
◊ ◊ ◊
RuArk carried her inside, walked up the wide steps to their massive bed and tossed her into the center. She felt so sexy as she reached above her head to grab handfuls of the soft bedding, writhing as the softness welcomed the weight of her body. RuArk came over her, kissed her with agonizing care from neck to knees until every nerve sizzled, every pore of her skin tingled and breathing was practically impossible. His mouth sought hers, and his tongue probed hungrily. She savored his unique flavor. Delicious.
He kissed the smooth lines of her neck while his fingers played in her hair, tugging lightly. She gave him what he wanted and tilted her head back. His lips moved along her throat and shoulders. Strong, white teeth released the clasp on her gown and freed her aching breasts from their silk prison.
“Rhia, you are so beautiful,” RuArk whispered harshly as his fingers trailed behind the sheer material, sliding it down around her waist, raising gooseflesh along the way. A shudder worked its way through her body when he finally touched her. Lungs filled on a gasp and released on a sigh as he encircled and tugged the swollen tips of her breasts. When a scorching tongue replaced his hands, Rhia was utterly and happily lost.
He suckled with slow, tortuous circles. Rhia arched frantically off the bed when he drew the entire crown into his mouth. By the time he finally gave his attention to the other breast, she was wild with need.
He’d touched her like this while they’d been traveling to this place, but she knew there would be more. Tonight, he would give her the part of himself she’d only looked at and touched in wonder. Fantasized about. And she couldn’t wait another moment.
She clutched him around the waist, and snatched at his breech. She needed to be closer. To be part of him. But he took his time and she died just a little because of it. Her blood scorched the insides of her veins. Oh god, from head to toe she boiled, but wanted the heat turned up until she exploded. The sheer anticipation had her moaning, aching to be filled. Her body dripped with need. It was torture. Pleasurable, blazing, torture.
“RuArk, please.”
Rhia licked her lips, eyed the deep ridges that defined the muscles of his body. They flexed and bunched as he dipped his head, moved to another angle, licked, sucked at her flesh. Golden and gleaming, his abdomen was like the tide, rolling in waves over his belly without the slightest trace
of fat. She marveled at the fine outline of his thighs and calves. He was large, solid and splendidly lick-able, like someone had poured melted honey over a hardened, steel-corded frame.
He eased back on his knees, gave a sharp tug and let his breech fall free. Her gaze settled on a thick, swollen erection and held. It was beautiful. Pulsing. And it beckoned to her. She was anxious. Wanted to feel his hardness inside of her, the girth sliding into her moist heat. The room swirled and spun as she gave herself up to the urgency in her belly. But RuArk wasn’t moving. Instead, he stroked himself and watched her as she watched him right back.
So he was playing the tease, eh? Fine, two could play that game. Lips almost lifted in a wicked grin as she considered what to do next.
She looked deeply into his eyes while her tongue slid sensually over kiss-swollen lips. She spread her legs wide and slipped a single fingertip into her own scalding heat. Oh, that felt good. She ground her hips in a deep, slow circle, inviting him to come inside.
RuArk looked as if he might just swallow his own tongue when Rhia’s fingers disappeared inside her velvety folds. He dove between her legs and urged her thighs to fall completely open. The little nerves that ran up along her inner thighs caused the flesh to ripple and jerk at his touch. As he rubbed his cheek back and forth against her skin, the air thickened with the sweetness of her arousal. He inhaled deeply and she thought it was the most erotic thing she’d ever seen.
The hair was clipped short on her mound, and shaved silky smooth just below. Rhia almost flew from the bed when she felt the playful touch of his tongue on the folds of her sex. This was something he’d driven her crazy with on those endless nights to Province Springs.
“Oh, shit!” she shrieked, not sure whether she wanted to scramble away or grab his head to press him closer. Had she lost her mind? Blazes, she certainly hoped so. Decision made on the best course of action, she said, “More, please.”
“Whatever you wish, however you wish.” He licked her cleft from top to bottom. “As much as you wish.” A little nip of her outer lips had her growling. “As often as you wish.” Now he delved deeply using his tongue to penetrate her drenched sex.
She was a woman swept away, carried out to sea, drowning in need. Her head thrashed from side to side, nails sank into the downy softness of the bed as she sought an anchor for the madness. Her hips instinctively sought more of the madness caused by his mouth. As he lapped and feasted, he pushed a finger into her clenching heat. Her womb pulled unbearably tight, coiled like a spring.
Suddenly the spring released and she exploded in a burst of rapture. Eyes wide, she came all over his hand with an intensity that caused the room to spin as sparkles ignited behind her lids.
Her scream gave way to incoherent mumbling as he gently laved the folds of her tender blossom, lapped her relentlessly until she lay naturally intoxicated.
Finally, when she was sure she could take no more, he slid up her body and kissed her so she could taste herself on his tongue.
She came up for air just long enough to speak four words.
“RuArk, please. Take me.”
The words came out on a labored breath. Her soft pleading to be filled with him was almost more than he could bear. RuArk looked into Rhia’s half closed, misty eyes. Lips parted in desperation as she lay trembling uncontrollably beneath him.
“Now. I’m aching... please.”
He positioned himself at her slick opening, but still waited. Sweat beaded across his brow, and he clenched his teeth. Every muscle across his upper body bunched and trembled. She may not have a hymen, but he knew she’d never been with a man. A visit to the Society of Physicians to remove a little piece of skin was not the same as having sex, and certainly not sex with a warrior. RuArk was willing to take as long as necessary to make it as painless as possible for her, even if it killed him.
Hard as his cock was, he thought it just might.
“RuArk, I swear I’ll peel your skin off very slowly if you don’t fuck me.”
He guessed he would just have to oblige her.
The engorged tip of his thick cock throbbed against her tight entrance. RuArk held his breath as he probed gently, working himself into her inch by torturous inch. When he was almost seated, he held still a moment, then pushed in until he was there. So there she had to feel full to bursting.
She was slick and primed from the orgasm he’d already given her. Her walls held him so tightly, it was his turn to squeeze his eyes shut. The feeling of her heat closing around him was exquisite and sent him reeling. He grimaced in an attempt to smile, and then began a slow, rhythmic grind that scalded his sac with a barely contained release.
“No, RuArk, don’t go slow. Move.”
RuArk lost himself in her tantalizing body. Her fingers dug into the thick muscles of his thighs and back, and her strong legs squeezed him in the same rhythm that her sweet honeyed passage tightened around his cock. The woman drew him headlong into the sensuous web she’d spun around them both. His name was a gasp on her lips between harsh breaths. She arched against him, and told him how she wanted it, loved it, needed it.
Her words were highly erotic, sizzling. And he was swept up in the tide. The control he’d forced himself to exert... hells, what control?
“Gods, you feel so good.” He sucked hard on the soft skin of her neck, marking her. He growled and pulled almost completely out of her soaked flesh, then plunged deep. Then deeper still. Every delicious stroke brought him to the verge of utter bliss. Each plunge made him hungry for another one as she squeezed him, milked him.
Their sweat soaked bodies entwined as they climbed to the top of passion’s mountain. Caught in a waterfall of pleasure, they fell headlong into deep fulfillment. Rhia screamed, and held onto RuArk’s broad back as her world splintered. RuArk roared to the heavens, blasting his seed against the very entrance to her womb. He loved how fiercely she clung to him, and demanded every drop.
RuArk held her tight as he dragged in lungfuls of breath. His skin tingled from scalp to toes long after the last wave had crashed over them.
He rolled to his side and gently gathered his mate into his arms as she dozed. He watched her slumber a moment while his fingers played absently in her thick, dark hair. The loving had been extraordinary, but there was unfinished business between them. He dipped his head and kissed her softly on her forehead, then kissed her again until she half-opened her eyes and flashed a drunken smile.
She looked up at him as he balanced over her on one elbow. He was completely unguarded, letting her see the concern in his eyes.
Silence stretched between them, but the trickle of awareness was there nonetheless. It was as if a wall between them had cracked beyond repair.
Finally, she said, “RuArk, I’m sorry for getting angry today. I really do appreciate everything you have done to make this day special and to make me happy. I love the house, and your, I mean our family is just wonderful. I can even get over Ansla.” She reached out and traced the outline of his jaw, her light brown gaze falling deeply into his silvery grays. She whispered, “Can we start over?”
He cocked a brow, thinking perhaps they could start anew. Making love with Rhia had been an earth-shattering experience, more than just physical. She was his destiny. He felt the strengthening connection with her as it hummed just beneath the surface of these newfound feelings. There was no use fighting what the Ancestors had decreed. No use resisting what he’d felt since the day he’d walked back into her life.
He dropped a gentle kiss on her check, her nose, her brows. “Absolutely, we can start over, Rhia.”
“Well, can we start over right now?” She slipped her arms around his neck, shimmied against his body and took his lips in a rekindling kiss, sparking the blaze between them yet again.
Chapter Twenty-Four
After the joining ceremonies on that first day, the rest of the township was invited to the remainder of the festivities. Keeping with tradition, they’d feasted, played games, danced and celebr
ated for a full seven days.
Most had come out at one time or another and expressed wonder at witnessing the vibrant and colorful Gaian culture for the first time, and on Draeman land, no less.
Even Ansla hadn’t ruined the fun—a few words with her in the presence of the Elders and her parents took care of any ideas she had of becoming RuArk’s second wife.
The joining of the Fire Storm and the Wind Storm was the most fulfilling bout of hot sweaty sex RuArk had ever enjoyed in his life. Every morning since their joining, RuArk had come awake with Rhia’s long limbs entwined with his. Streams of sunlight filtered through the drapes to cast a golden glow down her back. Her skin looked soft and infused with heat. Hot definitely described every night they’d spent together.
He stretched and Rhia shifted. The scent of sleep-warmed woman wafted up from the covers bunched down around her waist. Even far gone in slumber, she stirred a reaction in him that he had to tamp down, knowing she would be sore from their marathon of loving last night. Brimming with energy, he reluctantly peeled back the blankets, rose, and padded silently down the bed’s wide steps in the early dark of dawn.
With a final look at his woman, RuArk ducked into the bathing room to wash.
His parents and family had departed, so all that was left was to give orders to the warriors headed back across the river this morning. Afterward, he would scout on the other side of the outer wall that separated the province from the Borderlands. In lieu of a bath, a swim at the gateway just near that spot would do. He dressed quickly, snatched a towel from a neat pile of plush, laundered linens and headed out.
With the last of the boats headed safely out of the harbors toward Gaia, RuArk left the piers and passed through the center of town. Not long ago, the streets had been quiet and deserted. The sun had barely risen a standard hour ago and now it was a bustling place. People of all ages, male and female, made their way from one Society, business or school, to another.
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