by Sara K
"Are you calling me fat?" She sounded infuriated as she pulled herself lower.
Michael caught her hips and she winched. Gently he pulled her back but she held on to the ground with both hands. So much for trying to escape him. She should have known. Her neck had started to hurt. Being stuck half in and half out of the window was not pleasant.
Michael caressed her waist with his hands, enjoying the feel of soft skin. His desire heightened as his hands slipped to the waist of her jeans. He felt her intake of breath as he slipped open the top button. He bent his head and ran his lips down her back.
Clara froze "What are you doing."
"You started it. I think the bed would be more comfortable." He wanted her here. Right now. He had waited too long to make her his. His erection grew tremendously and he let out a deep painful breath. He cupped her bottom and massaged the tight cheeks before pressing his fullness against her. As helpless as she was it would not stop him from sinking himself inside of her whilst she dangled out the window like a pile of dirty laundry. She gripped her hands and pulled herself down only to be pulled back by his hands around her waist. "Let me go."
"What am I going to do with you, Clara?" he picked the thought out of her mind. "You are not a pile of dirty laundry." He said. "I would not make love to you like this."
Her arms were aching now. She felt like a cage animal. She grunted. As if reading her mind, he gently pulled her up and when her feet touched the floor she let out a relieved breathe and massaged her shoulders. Clara stretched her sore muscles, took off her shoes and walked towards the bed.
"I want to stay here tonight." She said quietly, rubbing her tired eyes. She had withdrawn into herself again. He could see the way she avoided him, the way she didn’t want to go home with him.
Michael thought of the best approach to use with her. "Sweetheart, I am sure Cassie and Justin won't object to you staying. However I need you home with me."
"I don’t want to fight with you. I'm so tired of arguments and fighting." She climbed on the bed. "I just want to be alone."
"Not anymore. You have me. I promise you an eternity." He sat beside her on the bed.
"Maybe I don’t want eternity.," she muttered.
He lay her tired body on the bed and lay down behind her. One hand across her waist. “With me you will have eternity”. He whispered in her ear.
"Would it be so bad if I let it go." she muttered in her sleep.
The childlike quality and vulnerability he heard squeezed his heart. "Yes." Because he couldn’t live without her. If she gave up so would he. She turned in his arms, her eyes sad and sleepy. Her mouth parted and those green eyes dazzled him. He nuzzled her cheek, pressed kisses down her throat to the collar of her shirt. She was so stunning. He opened few buttons. "Clara."
"I'm scared." she confessed in a whisper.
"Not with me, honey. Never with me." gently he picked her up and carried her out of the house.
"Where are we going?" She asked curiously.
"Trust me."
She did.
Chapter 24: The SWIM
Michael carried her into the underground cave. It was no ordinary cave. Candles burnt in every corner illuminating the dark place. The smell of aroma was in the air. He took her to the large pool where hot, clean water rested and a steam filled the air. It was a second home to him. No one could ever access this place.
"Open your eyes." He instructed putting her down. She did.
"Wow." Clara glanced around. "This is beautiful." She had never seen such a place. This was heavenly. Romantic. She glanced into the hot, steamy water. The candlelight flickered over the water casting shadows on the walls. The cave was lit brightly with different coloured candles and marble, granite flooring. She looked at him warily. What was he up to? "Why are we here?"
He brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. "It is peaceful here. You will enjoy it."
"Does anyone else come here?"
"No. It is hidden beneath the earth."
"Are you saying we're beneath the ground, six feet?" She stared at him in astonishment.
"Do not be alarmed." He assured her. "We are safe here."
"How will we get out?"
He cracked a smile. "I have my ways."
"I'm sure you do." She muttered turning away from him. She felt hot as though the temperature had risen hundred degrees. Her jeans and shirt felt sticky against her skin. She wanted to take them off. Surely in this place you didn’t need clothes. She glanced at Michael who looked completely comfortable whilst sweat trickled down her face. Did nothing affect him? She signed heavily. Turning around she saw him sit on the rock behind her. His gaze met hers and something dark flashed in his eyes. Raw hunger and passion. So intense that fire licked her skin. She shifted uncomfortably.
Michael's eyes swept her from head to toe. "Your muscles are tense, why don’t you take a swim." He suggested. Anything to see her naked before him.
She looked at the pool uneasy. "I don’t know."
"Take your clothes off. Do you not feel the heat?"
She sent him an irritated stare. "Did you yell at Cassie? It's not her fault you know." she shrugged out of her jeans and saw his eyes trail along her legs.
His eyes never wandered from her bare legs. Or from the panties she wore. "Luckily Justin was there in her defence." He said huskily.
She flashed him an angry stare. "I like Cassie. I hope you didn’t upset her. Otherwise Justin will have your head."
His laughter ran softly in the chamber. "I appreciate your concern for me." Michael leaned back and watched Clara carefully as she slid off her panties and climbed into the pool. He hoped her shirt would come off next. The hot water was a relief against her skin. She enjoyed it. She paddled a little, turned around to find Michael sitting on the edge of the pool. His shirt was already gone, revealing his tones muscles. He looked beautiful and handsome. Clara looked down to find several of the buttons of her shirt undone.
Suddenly she remembered that she couldn’t swim. Damn that would spoil the fun.
"Problem." He asked, studying her closely.
"I can't swim." She confessed. A flicker of concern spread across his face.
"You will be fine" he said with a smile.
Clara grumbled under her breath. "Of course you wouldn’t let me drown." She paddled away from him and tried to steady her balance.
Michael watched her eagerly. Taking in her every step. Every expression. She was having too much fun splashing water for him to intervene. He remained on the side watching her as she closed her eyes and lowered her head beneath the pool. She came back up in a gasp and he noticed the light in her eyes and the flushed skin. He hardened, wanting to kiss those rosy cheeks, those sexy lips. He invaded her mind to find her content. He nodded in satisfaction. He would do anything to keep her from remembering her past. He would never forget, neither would she? He would remember every detail every graphic and he would feel the rage within him. Pushing aside the memories he concentrated on Clara in the water. She slipped open the remaining button of her shirt and it parted revealing more skin and half a breast. He had seen her naked body before, countless times. He would never have enough. It was a new pleasure every time.
Clara gasped weakly as the current of the water drew her lower. Like before the water reached about her waist. Now the water reached her chin. She had paddled too far. She couldn’t swim and was sinking lower. She didn’t know how to float above water. She closed her eyes as she went down and down. She had gone through this before. It was so identical. Blurred vision. Water in her mouth, in her nose. She couldn’t breathe… water in her mouth… water in her nose… the suffocation. She was going to die.
Michael had noticed the moment she disappeared beneath the surface. Fear gripped his heart. Not again. He raced to her immediately swam beneath the surface and gripped her waist drawing her to the surface. Clara coughed as she resurfaced and gulped in oxygen into her lungs. Warm, strong arms held her to him. "Michael…" she co
ughed the remaining water. Michael patted her back, bringing her body against his. Flesh against flesh, electricity sparked and fireworks set off. He wondered if she noticed.
He kissed her hair, running his hands over her face and down her neck to make certain she was alright. "You went into the deep end." He told her. She coughed again. "Oh, I'm fine now. You can go back."
There was no way on earth he was going to leave her again. He had separated from her for several minutes and she had nearly drowned whilst he had his eye on her.
His hands slipped under her open shirt to circle her waist. She felt his breath on the back of her neck and she stiffened, but didn’t turn around. His arms slipped around her body, his hands cupping the soft weight of her breasts, thumbs sliding over the aching nipples. His body wet and naked pressed against hers. She recognised the feel of him instantly. She rubbed her bottom back and forth against him. His hand stroked the nape of her neck. His hands stroked and caressed her beasts, whilst his mouth nudged the collar of the shirt aside. She allowed the shirt to slip from her arms, aching into him. Very gently his fingers slipped inside her and at once her muscles clenched and gripped. She couldn’t help pushing back, riding his hand on the edge of control. She wanted him inside her, wanted him deep, thrusting with hard urgent strokes. The longing hit her startlingly.
"Am I hurting you." he asked. He removed his finger. Plunged it inside her again with a grunt of satisfaction. She gripped his arm. His fingers were gentle and wet. She hesitated, tensed immediately. "Relax, sweetheart. I am taking this very slowly." His fingers caressed her sensitive flesh with passion and longing. He buried his face in the valley between her breasts just to inhale her scent. His tongue swirled over her nipples lazily. He nuzzled her breasts, swirled his tongue over her tempting nipples and drew the soft flesh into his mouth, suckling gently. Clara gasped as his mouth closed over her breast. He was so gentle that she ached against him. It was a different experience. And suddenly she wanted more. She moaned against his neck as his hands moved over her body, warm, soft flesh, tempting. His fingertips slid down her neck, over her shoulders to trace the swell of her breasts. Michael monitored her very carefully for any signs of discomfort or fear. He would withdraw if she became frightened and distressed but for now he wanted to pleasure her.
Clara depended on him to hold her whilst she sagged against him. His hands shaped her breasts, this thumb sliding over her taunt nipple sending bolts of lightning through her bloodstream. This was a new experience for her. A new sensation. A new level of pleasure. Michael lifted her head from where it rested against her shoulder and took possession of her mouth. Whilst his mouth devoured hers like a thirsty animal, his fingers slid between her breasts and she shuddered. He cupped the soft weight of her breasts, caressing the soft mounds gently. He wanted to do this lightly not fiercely that caused hidden memories to resurface.
He remembered cruel, sharp teeth tearing at her breast. He bent his head, opened his mouth, licked, and sucked at each breast sweetly.
"Do you like that?" He asked huskily, releasing her breast and kissing her soft, tempting mouth. She nodded to his question but she couldn’t hide the uncertainty and worry that passed across her face. His hands slid down her back to cup her buttocks, he kneaded the soft flesh and pressed her intimate core against him, watching her face pale and her eyes widen. She was shocked at his intensity.
"Tell me what you need." His voice came out strained. He had no self-control. Although it was vital to play this carefully to prevent from damaging her. She placed her hand on his chest and let out a deep sign. "I don't know."
He touched her cheek affectionately and gazed into her misty green eyes. "It is alright. We have plenty of time."
Clara hid her face against his neck. "I'm sorry."
He pulled away from her gently and stroked her face, memorising every feature. His fingertips trailed along her lower lip repeatedly.
"I love you." he whispered against her beating pulse. Her sweet blood summoned him to take a bite. He ignored the impulse and licked his tongue back and forth across her pulse down her neck. She threw her head back and he found himself lowering her body gently across the water until she floated. He stretched out her legs, her body. Her eyes closed. He rested her head on the surface, and placed his hands beneath her head to prevent her from sinking. Clara opened her eyes and stared at him as he floated above her.
"What am I floating on?" She asked sleepily.
"On water." He answered. His hands cushioned her head, his eyes drifted down her naked wet body. She was beautiful. Creamy flesh exposed. Round breasts, curved and slender waist. Michael floated over her, careful as not to let his erection touch her. She was not ready he understood. Forcing her would damage her further.
They stayed in the same position for a long time. She stared into his eyes whilst Michael touched every part of her body with tender care and affection. Sleep almost claimed her and he took her out of the pool and placed her on the ground. Her sleepily eyes were alert now. Waiting.
"Michael." Her whisper became a shocked hiss and then a moan of pleasure when he rewarded her with the hot stroke of his tongue between her thighs. Her eyes widened as he pushed two fingers deep inside her, stretched her, wanting her tight body to accept his easily. A scream ripped its way out of her throat. Her body bucked and convulsed; his tongue was restless, stabbing, probing, and sucking at her body, creating earthquakes and fireworks, shattering her into million pieces.
Amidst the turbulent emotion little cracks of memory resurfaced. Each one more violent than the other. She felt his large erection press into her entrance enough to make her terrified of his desire. He was at the end of blackness. His strong willed control slipped within minutes and all he could think about was penetrating her, claiming her for eternity. He was lost in his never-ending passion and the softness of the woman beneath him. He had to have her. Now. Before he went berserk with longing. Only this woman could satisfy his thirst and craving. Tonight, if she didn’t save his soul he would be lost. It was an inevitable conclusion. He was her guardian, but would she be his salvation?
Chapter 25: The INVITATION
She had distant herself from him again. She was hurting. He always noticed. Nothing escaped him. He was so in tune with her that often he knew what she was feeling and thinking. Michael carried her across the dark sky towards his home, often glancing down at her in his arms. He said nothing. There were no words he could conjure up that would make their situation endurable. It would be easier if she had fallen asleep. He felt her need to sleep but her eyes were open as if daring not to close them.
The thought of what he had nearly done sent bouts of anger through him. He had almost taken her like a wild animal, uncaring of her needs. All the promises he had made her would have meant nothing if he had accomplished his goal before he had heard her cries of protests. She would have hated him and he would have deserved every ounce of her abhorrence towards him. He had used his tongue and hands now he feared if he had hurt her or caused her discomfort in anyway. He wanted to break the silence and ask her for his own peace of mind. Clara pulled the blanket tightly around her upper body and he knew she was nude underneath the material. It caused him too much pain to think about her naked without stripping away her clothes and consuming her.
Her head drifted against his shoulder, strands of hair blew in his face. He asked the suppressed question before she truly slept. "Did I hurt you in anyway?" he coaxed, softening his voice into a soft purr.
She didn’t reply. He asked again desperate for an answer. "I need to now, Clara. Did you feel afraid? Did I cause you any pain?"
"No." she sounded unsure of herself.
Michael didn’t push her further.
"I wanted more." she confessed. A frown appeared on her face. "I liked it but then…" she trailed off and he understood. Memories haunted her. When he had gone too far she remembered old times.
A shrieking cry pierced the night. A bat flew towards him. Michael became quickly
alert as the bat flew through the trees and headed straight into him. He immediately sensed enemy danger. His arms around Kristine tightened and he lowered himself before diving lower to avoid the sharp claws of the bat/vampire. The bat/vampire missed and flew around the perimeter. Michael kept the creature in focus and lowered himself safely on the ground. The vampire sent by Shea had tracked him down in an un-convenient time. He had to put Clara’s safety first. Glancing down he saw her sleeping form. The bat shifted and landed on the ground. Michael did too with Clara in his arms he placed her gently against the tree and tightened the blanket around her.
He turned to face the vampire. "What a pleasant surprise." He said with a mocking smile.
The vampire looked angry. "My princess is not happy with you. You killed another of us."
"I will continue to do so until every last of your kind, including your Princess is destroyed. Anyone who harms what is mine is a fool. "He bellowed.
"I have an invitation for you from my princess." The vampire smiled gleefully revealing yellow teeth. Michael patiently waited for the rest. He had a feeling of what was coming. “She has invited you to her lair. Tonight. Come me and she will spare your woman." The vampire disappeared, taking Michael by surprise. He swirled around only to find the vampire in the same place but with Clara in his arms.
The vampire's laugh was cruel. "Think I wouldn’t notice." his claws ran down Clara’s cheeks. "Such a beautiful thing." he drooled.
Michael's eyes never left Clara who lay lifelessly in the vampire's arms. This was the second time a vampire had her. Michael could take no more. Fear crawled through him. His dark eyes flashed over the vampire making him see his power. "Let her go, vampire. You cannot defeat me."
"Ah but I can kill your woman. Shea has plans for her."
Plans. Revenge more like it. Michael knew Clara would be bait. The sacrifice. If he didn’t end this one of them would die. One of them would be the ultimate sacrifice. Michael stood motionlessly still. "I accept the invitation." He claimed.