She took a step closer, and then another, until she stood toe to toe with him. His breath caught, and he clenched his hands, forcing them to stay by his side.
Her fingers interlocked at the back of his neck, frigid against his hot skin. She rose on her toes and pressed her lips to his.
He wouldn’t kiss her back. He wouldn’t give into this, or admit she tasted incredibly, and made his pulse race and his cock beg for relief. He wouldn’t—
Fuck it all. He tangled his fingers in her hair, and yanked her head back for a better angle. She whimpered, and ground closer. He dove into the kiss, tongue finding hers, exploring her mouth.
He nudged her back against the wall, and then pressed into her. Her body yielded and molded to his. His body begged to be closer to her. Pleaded with him to rip away irritations like clothes, so he could feel her skin against his.
He wasn’t sure where he found the will, but he managed to grasp the sanity he needed to step away.
She looked up at him, eyes wide, and drew a finger along his cheek, “I knew I wasn’t the only one who felt it.”
Was he going to have to hold an intelligent conversation? The blood had rushed from his head and into his lower extremities, and he wasn’t sure that was an option. “You’re not the only one.”
She licked her bottom lip, holding his attention captive. “And now you’ve eliminated the one thing that was holding me back. I want to know why you resigned, but by hell I want you more.”
Not the only thing keeping them apart. The thought nudged the back of his mind. The cruel, horrible reminder. “Marley, it’s not that—” His words vanished in a groan when she slid against him, hip grinding against his arousal.
Some of the playfulness slid from her face. “Tell me you want me to leave. Say it, instead of dancing around it. Tell me you’re not interested, and I’ve read us completely wrong. Do that, and I’ll go.”
“I can’t.” No, that was the wrong answer. He needed to do exactly what she’d just told him to. Except, instead he said, “Tell me what you want.”
“You.”
“Me too. You have no idea how much.” That wasn’t right. What was he doing? And why couldn’t he take it back?
She traced a line down his chest, until her finger stopped at his waistband. “So what’s stopping you from taking advantage of me?”
Death. Misery. A thousands of years old curse. “Not nearly as much as should be. I’m seconds away from stripping you naked, one piece of clothing at a time. I want to run my hands over every inch of your bare skin, caressing and pinching, and drinking in every moan. And I desperately want to explore every switch you have, until you scream so loudly, the neighbors know how much you’re enjoying yourself.”
She tugged at the button on his jeans, but didn’t undo it. The bravado had vanished from her voice, replaced with breathlessness. “I like the sound of that.”
He couldn’t stop this. His desire was too strong. But he could at least set some boundaries. “You have to promise me something first.”
“I’d probably promise you my soul right now, if that’s what it took.”
That was exactly what he was hoping to avoid. “Nothing that severe.” He nipped at her bottom lip, and his senses flared to life again. “Promise me, whatever happens here tonight is just physical.” He trailed his lips along her jaw and up to her ear, whispering, “Everything else, work, emotion, who we are outside of this moment, gets checked at the door.”
She hesitated, and he swore his pulse ground to a halt.
“I promise.” Her quiet voice barely reached his ears.
*
The promise was harder to force out than Marley thought it would be. She shoved her doubt aside. It wasn’t like she expected—or wanted—more. Sure, the attraction was there, and three years of flirting and getting to know each other both mentally and emotionally had amped up the tension between them, but they’d never been more than friends. Her staring, lusting, all of it, had never been more than physical.
When Eli kissed her again, every inch of her whimpered with need. His mouth glided along her jaw. Each light sensation traveled along her skin, making her nipples ache, and dampness grow between her legs.
He shoved her coat to the floor. Disappointment flooded her when he stepped back, but the heat in his gaze deepened her desire. “Ancestors, you’re gorgeous.” His voice had dropped an octave. “I want to see more of you.”
Was she blushing? How could she not be? Or was that just the pulse of want flowing through her? “Turn on the lights.” She tried to keep her tone playful.
He shook his head, and then intertwined his fingers with hers. “I have a better idea.” He tugged her toward the living room, and the large wall of windows, where the moonlight, reflected off the snow, spilled across the carpet. His breath was hot against her skin, when he stepped in and traced a line along her ear with his lips. “Strip for me. A single piece at a time.”
Her pulse ratcheted up at the idea. “What if someone sees me?” Not that there were any houses nearby, and the road was blocked by trees. Besides, did she really care? The throb below her waist, the slickness the idea caused… She liked the thrill and the risk of doing something so indecent.
He let go of her and put a couple feet between them. “You don’t have to.”
She really might do anything, if he kept his hungry gaze trained on her like that. She kicked aside her shoes and socks first. He raised an eyebrow when she slid her hands down her sides, and then to the middle of her sweater, and undid the buttons one at a time. The knit caressed her hyper sensitive skin, when she slid the top down her arms. She’d never realized something like this could make her so wet. So strung out with need.
“Jeans next.” There was no room for argument in his demand.
She bit her bottom lip, and pushed her pants to the floor. She tossed the discarded clothing aside, hyper aware of how exposed she was in just a bra and panties.
“So sexy.” His words were almost a growl. “Now your bra.”
Seconds later, the lacy lingerie joined the growing pile of clothes. The cool air in the room was a sharp contrast to the flush over every inch of her body, and her already hard nipples stiffened more at the light caress. She wanted his hands on her. Flowing over her bare skin. But this attention was incredible too. “What now?” she managed.
The corner of his mouth tugged up. “Play with your breasts for me. Show me how you like to be touched.”
She glided her hands up her stomach, ignoring the plea from her aching clit that she pay attention to it instead. She cupped her breasts, and pinched the twin nubs. Rolled, caressed, and tugged.
His moan sent tingles rushing over her. “Are you wet?”
She nodded, not sure she could find her voice.
“Check for me,” he said. “Slide your fingers between your folds. Slowly.”
She kept one hand on her breast, while the other moved down. A whimper tore from her, when she brushed her swollen clit. Her fingers were coated the minute they dipped under her panties. She closed her eyes and focused on her surroundings. His voice, her own touch, the attention.
“Keep going.” His voice was closer this time, his breath hot against her neck, but no other part of him touched her.
Her already racing heart spun into turbo mode, when his fingers brushed her hips, and seconds later elastic scraped down her legs. She continued to stroke her aching button. Resisting the urge to go faster. When his lips brushed her thigh, she cried out. His tongue flicked over her wet fingers and sex, and her legs almost gave out from the sensation.
He pulled her hand aside, and wrapped his lips around her clit. Orgasm climbed through her, and she rocked against his face. Her head felt like it was full of helium, and she didn’t have the voice or enough presence of mind to make any sound beyond groans of pleasure. He shoved two fingers inside her, hard and rough. She cried out in response, as the climax crashed over her body.
Her pussy clenched around his fing
ers, and she shuddered with pleasure, as he continued to lick and suck her, pumping in and out. She tried to pull away when his touch became too much. He grabbed her hip with his free hand, drawing the orgasm out, until she didn’t know if she could stay upright on her own.
He finally drew away, and stood. “Look at me.”
She realized she’d had her eyes clenched shut the entire time, and forced them open. He stared back, his gaze intense and holding her captive. She heard the distinct sound of a belt buckle, and realized he was undoing his pants.
“I want you riding my cock. I want to fuck you until you scream. And I want to hear you come again.”
She managed to find her voice. “That’s a big list.”
“I’m sure we’ll manage.”
The confidence in his voice glided over her bare skin. “Do you have a condom?”
He shook his head. “We don’t need one. I promise.”
She’d heard that before. “Because you’re some kind of magical god, and can’t get me pregnant or give me anything?”
He smirked. “Exactly.”
She didn’t know if it was the heat of the moment, or something deeper, that told her he was being far more serious than she was. She was on the pill, so pregnancy wasn’t a concern. He didn’t date enough for her to worry about STD’s, so she would be safe. “You’re lucky I trust you.”
His hands rested on her hips. He spun her away from him, and then pulled her back to his front. The rough cotton of his shirt bit into her skin, and his cock dug into her ass, hard and demanding. “You have no idea how lucky I am.”
He rested his hands on her stomach, and worked them upward. A new wave of lust increased her ebbing arousal, when he cupped her breasts. His rough fingers found her nubs, and sparks of pleasure and pain rolled through her with each squeeze. She rocked against him in time with his ministrations.
She didn’t have time to be disappointed when the attention stopped. He tangled one hand in her hair, and yanked her head back. He kissed and bit along the soft flesh where her shoulder met her neck. With his other palm, he found her spine, then moved it over her ass, and between her legs. “You’re still so wet.” As he spoke, he nudged her forward. Her breasts flattened against the glass. When had they moved so close? The cold glass was another layer of exquisite agony against her tender nipples.
His fingers slid inside her easily. He pumped slowly, cock digging into her ass cheek, teasing.
“I thought you wanted to fuck me.” She liked the way the crude language tasted.
“Hmm… I like the way you say that.” His lips vibrated against her shoulder. “I want to hear it again. Beg me.”
“Fuck me, please?” She wiggled against him, and felt his shaft pulse in return. “Fuck me hard and fast, Eli. I want you inside me. Please?”
Hands on her hips, he guided her back a few steps, and then pushed her forward. Her palms flattened against the window.
The head of his cock nudged her, and then he thrust forward without further warning. Her moan mingled with his, as he stretched her out. The slow teasing was gone. His pounding was fast and frantic. Her breath came in short gasps, as he hit her at just the right angle. “Come again for me Marley. I want to hear you scream.”
She was so close. Her head swam, and every inch of her hovered on the brink. He dug his fingers into her hips, slamming her hard. When he found her still tender clit and massaged it, a scream of pleasure tore from her throat. Somewhere in the midst of it, she heard his grunts grow frantic and fast, and then melt into a long groan as he peaked as well.
The pace slowed, and she knew she couldn’t stand this time. He slid out of her, and seconds later, wrapped his arms around her, keeping her from collapsing. He sank to the floor, helping her down, and pulled her into his lap.
She curled up, and rested her head against his shoulder
He brushed a loose strand of hair off her forehead, and kissed her lightly. His thumb traced tiny circles over her spine. “I’m so glad you came over tonight.” The hunger was gone from his voice, but the commanding power remained.
She smiled, and rested more of her weight against him. “Me too.”
Chapter Eight
The storm had cleared up at some point during the night, leaving the sky black except for the shock of white moon, and the snow untouched in Eli’s back yard. Like the front of his house, two entire walls of the bedroom were floor-to-ceiling windows. All he could see beyond the glass was a blanket of white over the trees that spanned most of his back yard.
Moonlight splashed across the form next to him. She was still wrapped in sheets, but she’d kicked off the blankets sometime during the night.
He’d have to say goodbye soon. He studied the way the cotton draped her naked form, hugging every seductive curve. He wouldn’t let himself admit he was going to miss her. That thought led to others, with more dangerous consequences.
His hand hovered less than an inch from her face, as he followed the line of her cheek without ever touching her. Her dark hair spilled out over the white pillow cases.
“Some people think that’s creepy.” Her mouth curled into a smile, but she didn’t open her eyes.
“Waking up at this unholy hour?” He couldn’t help his smile at the teasing note in her voice. But he wouldn’t lean in and kiss her. He’d gotten that out of his system.
“Watching someone sleep.” She finally looked at him, grin in place.
They’d spent half the night exploring each other. She made the most incredible noises when she was turned on. They were even better when she came. But it should have been enough to get her out of his system. The only reason he hadn’t already sent her home was the roads were dangerous. Or at least, that’s what he tried to tell himself. “I was going to wake you up.”
“Mhm…” She sat up, and the sheets fell away, exposing her bare breasts and perfect skin.
He struggled to keep his attention on her face. “But I know you don’t have work, so I thought I’d let you sleep.”
She ducked her head. “I haven’t slept that well in a long time.”
He wanted to ask her to join him in the shower. To make one last memory. But he’d already pushed the limits of their relationship too far. He needed to stick to the same promises he’d coerced from her. “Can I make you breakfast?”
She shook her head, and scooted to the edge of the bed. “I’m good. Thanks. I should let you have your privacy back.” If she noticed her clothes were folded on the chair next to her instead of still strewn across the living room, she didn’t say anything. He hadn’t been able to sleep, and the few times he’d managed to extract himself from her, he’d paced with no purpose, before crawling back into bed and wrapping himself around her again.
She dressed in silence, not looking at him. Every inch of his instinct begged him to say something. To make the situation better. But he knew this was how it had to be. He had to let her go. He hated to be that asshole. But at least she’d still be alive at the end of the day.
She stood, and impulse snaked through him. He shot his hand out and grabbed her wrist. “Wait.” When she didn’t struggle to break away, he tugged her back to the mattress.
He knelt in front of her and rested his hands on her cheeks, forcing her to look at him. He let the sincerity fall into his voice. “I’m so glad you came over last night. That we have this memory. I will never, ever, forget it. Or you.” He kissed her hard, searing the moment into his thoughts, where he knew it would stay. “I’m sorry that’s all there is. That I can’t give you more.”
She pulled away, and gave him a weak smile. “Yeah. I get it.” She didn’t look back, as she made her way to the front door. The latch clicked. Seconds later, her tires crunched on the frozen snow.
He flopped back against the pillows. Only a selfish fucking prick would have taken that from Marley last night knowing it could never be more. Ancestors, he was an asshole. Then again, so was whoever had cursed him, so at least it ran in the family. He lay there, un
til the light started to creep over the trees and the clouds drifted back in. With any luck, Marley was home by now. He hoped the plows had cleared away enough snow, she’d make it safely before the next storm started.
And he needed her to hate him as much as he hated himself. Then at least she wouldn’t be back. She’d be safe.
Lightning cracked across the sky, drawing his attention to the windows. He frowned at the electrical activity. That wasn’t normal this time of year. Especially as a lead-in to a blizzard.
His phone buzzed, and he reached for it on the nightstand, out of habit. He rolled his eyes when he saw the text message was from Loki.
And then he read it.
You broke your promise.
Eli’s chest almost caved in on itself in fear. Another slash of lightning split the sky, followed by ear shattering thunder. Marley.
He didn’t have time for a car. He pulled on whatever clothes were within reach, and flew out the front door. His feet left the ground as he picked up speed, and he soared at low altitude toward her apartment. At least she liked to take the back roads. He wouldn’t have to worry about anyone seeing him. Not that he cared right now. Maybe the message was just meant to tease him. To see how he’d react. But knowing his brother, Eli couldn’t take that chance.
The snowdrops melted and evaporated before they reached him. He cut a horizontal path through the storm, three thoughts looping in his head.
Please let it be nothing. Let me be overreacting. Let her be all right.
*
Stupid, myopic, narrow-minded, moronic, melodramatic… Marley’s list of insults faded into a mental roar. She wasn’t sure if she was talking about herself or Eli. Elusive, vague, possibly stuck in a fairytale from his childhood. That was Eli.
It had all clicked for her in the last twelve hours. The odd comments he’d make about hoping he never found the woman of his dreams, his insistence there was nothing between them, and the haunted look he’d had when he told her the story on Saturday night. He thought that stupid curse was real. The last thing she needed was that kind of baggage in her life. Especially if it belonged to someone else.
Operation: Santa's Elf: 3 Sweet & Spicy Christmas Novellas (Operation: Holiday Cheer Book 1) Page 5