by V. K. Powell
Sara lay still, her heart pounding wildly against her chest. Zak’s reverent gaze touched her like a caress. “Are you okay, Zak?” Several excruciating minutes had passed since Zak undressed her. Neither of them spoke. Zak stared at her like a cartographer plotting newly discovered terrain. No lover had ever spent so much time just looking at her. The vulnerability so nakedly displayed on Zak’s face was breathtaking. She never knew that physical desire could be so visually apparent. The attention was flattering yet unnerving.
“I’m just enjoying the real you. My dreams didn’t come close.”
Sara grabbed Zak’s shoulders and pulled her down on top of her. “Kiss me.” Zak’s mouth was soft and gentle as she complied. Sara pressed harder against the full lips, wanting more contact, more fire, but Zak controlled the pace, easing back and licking her lips with a teasing stroke. “Zak, come on,” she urged.
“I need to savor you.”
“Savor me later. I need you now. I’ve waited my whole life for you.”
Zak raised up on her elbows and looked into Sara’s eyes. “Please. I know I’m asking a lot, but I need to show you something first. Will you let me?” The pleading look in Zak’s eyes expanded Sara’s sexual appetite into a loving hunger. The pulsation between her legs spread to her heart and the two-pronged aches pounded in unison. Zak stared at her like she was the most desirable woman in the world. Her eyes were dark with desire and an intensity Sara had never seen. She had no idea what Zak needed from her, but whatever it was, she wanted to give it. Denying her anything, ever, was not an option.
“Do whatever you want, darling.” Zak unbuttoned her shirt and slid it off her shoulders. When the raised red scars on her sides became visible, Sara stifled her anger. The two sights should not occur side by side in nature: Zak’s beautifully sculpted alabaster skin marred by the devastating gouges of a wild animal. But that was her lover, a façade of diffidence and control coupled with an underlying layer of feral instincts and exotic desires.
Zak tossed her jeans onto the floor with her shirt and sat astride Sara, naked and needy. She had never tried to control her baser instincts. “My wounds don’t hurt anymore, so don’t worry.” She let the cool evening air wash across her skin and moderate the desire to ravage Sara immediately. The woman she loved lay beneath her, offering herself totally and completely. This was the time for Zak to prove she deserved her.
She stretched alongside Sara and scissored her leg between Sara’s thighs. The slick wetness that covered her quadriceps signaled her lover’s readiness. Zak contracted the muscles of her lower abdomen to stave off her own flood of desire. Lowering herself, she moistened Sara’s lips with the tip of her tongue and teased her way inside her mouth. Sara sucked her in eagerly and the sensation tugged at the base of Zak’s clit. She lifted her lower body slightly to relieve the direct contact between Sara’s thigh and her pubic mound.
“Don’t pull away from me, Zak, please.” Sara’s breathing was already rapid and labored with need. Her nails dug into Zak’s butt.
Zak resisted, deepening their kiss and filling Sara with her love. She tenderly stroked her forehead, her eyelids, and the light sprinkle of freckles across her nose. Sara circled her hips against Zak’s leg and moaned her encouragement. Zak feathered her fingers down to Sara’s breasts, tickling and dancing away before the temptation to devour became too great. The movement against her thigh became more urgent.
“I want you so much, Zak. Soon?” Sara’s eyes were filled with the same urgency her body displayed, but her gaze never strayed from Zak’s.
“Very.” Zak delicately traced the curves of Sara’s body from her breasts to her knees, the touch never lingering in one spot long enough to sate. Her own lust would not be denied much longer, no matter how gallant her intentions. It coiled inside her like a crouching predator, ready to strike and consume the object she craved.
Zak licked the base of a breast and almost came immediately. She took the soft mound of flesh into her mouth, and the puckering nipple tantalized her tongue. Pulses of current shot to her aching clit and she tried to close her legs, but Sara wedged her thigh harder against her. Sara moaned and her hips thrust forward, demanding more attention.
“What do you want, Sara? Tell me.”
“Make me come, Zak. I need you now.”
Sliding her hand down the curve of Sara’s hip, Zak followed the natural line to the apex of her thighs. An explosion of heat rose to meet her hand as she cupped Sara’s sex. She rubbed against Sara’s clit with the heel of her palm and flicked her tongue back and forth across the erect nipple simultaneously. Fire sparked in Sara’s brown eyes and begged to be quenched. Zak focused on Sara, watching the subtle changes of her face as her body rushed toward orgasm. Her pupils were dilated behind heavily hooded lids, barely open enough to maintain eye contact. She frequently licked her lips, which were dry from deep, panting breaths, and the pulse along the side of her neck raced. The freckles across the bridge of her nose darkened as her face flushed. Her lips mouthed unspoken words that Zak longed to hear but feared would send her too quickly to orgasm. The beauty of Sara so close to release began to unravel Zak’s control. Sara’s thrusts were more vigorous, her moans shriller and more exacting. “Zak, please go inside me.”
Zak scooted down between Sara’s legs, one hand still fondling a breast, the other exposing Sara’s clit for her tongue. She circled Sara’s opening with the tip of her middle finger, dipping slightly into her slick heat and then withdrawing.
“God, don’t make me wait any longer. Do it now,” Sara pleaded.
Zak entered her, burying her finger deep inside. Sara arched to meet her hand and kept returning as Zak established a steady rhythm between her breast, clit, and vagina.
“Yes, that’s it, Zak. Harder.”
The tempo was making it difficult for Zak to concentrate on pleasing Sara without losing it. But the expression on Sara’s face told her it wouldn’t be long. Sara’s fingernails dug into the top of Zak’s shoulders and her eyes closed.
“Look at me, Sara. I want you to see me when you come.”
Sara complied and with a final plunge of her hand, Zak watched the emotional release play out in her eyes. The single-minded concentration melted into surprise, then shifted to relief, followed by pleasure, and finally settled into a warm, contented look of love.
Only when Sara was in the clutches of orgasm did Zak allow herself to let go. The love in Sara’s eyes opened her heart and her body followed. She concentrated on the location of her hands on Sara’s body and on how connected she felt to her at that moment. The physical closeness and emotional intimacy she craved was finally hers, and it sent shudders of arousal through her. With Sara’s moans still filling the cool Parisian night air, Zak’s climax ripped through her so quickly that only a vapor trail seemed to remain.
When Sara’s tremors subsided, she urged Zak up beside her and pulled the corner of the duvet across their drenched bodies. She had never been as sexually satisfied yet ravenous. Zak, thoughtful and gentle, made love to her like she was the only woman she’d ever been with. “Thank you.”
“For what?” Zak asked.
“For letting me see the tender, loving side of you. It was amazing. Your eyes are so expressive. Don’t ever try to hide anything from me again because it won’t work. I’ve seen into your soul.” Sara stroked the side of her face and kissed her, never wanting to stop. When she could no longer breathe easily, she pulled back.
“And that’s what I wanted you to see, my heart and soul, so you’d know how much I love you.”
“But don’t think you’re getting off that easy, GI Jane.” Zak’s look of surprise told Sara she had no idea what was coming. “We have details to discuss. I have no intention of letting you get away from me.”
Zak rolled over on top of Sara and stared into her eyes. “And I have no intention of trying, so discuss away, my love.”
Sara was reluctant to break the mood but she had to know. “What about your work?�
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Without hesitation, Zak answered, “Over.”
“Could you be more specific, please?”
“They lied to me about my father’s death and Wachira’s part in it, to keep me blind, loyal, and stupid. When I figured that out, I knew I couldn’t work for them anymore. Estelle and I confronted Stewart with the evidence when I got back to Paris. And with the help of your campaign, he didn’t object much about letting me out of my existing five-year contract—with full pay.”
Sara searched Zak’s face for signs of uncertainty or hesitation but found none. “And you’re okay with all that?”
“Perfectly, because now I get to have a real life, complete with unemployment, family, and girlfriend issues. I can’t wait to get started.”
“Don’t take this the wrong way, but I might be able to help with the first part, if you’re not too proud to accept help.”
“I’ve got a feeling I’ll be needing a lot of help from you in a lot of ways, so let’s hear it.”
“Imani is interviewing teachers for the school in Kenya. She’s agreed to stay on as head mistress slash nurse, quite an asset. But after the settling-in period, and a few months of teaching just because I love it, I’ll be moving on to other projects. I’ve been considering hiring a scout, so to speak, to research and do reconnaissance on future sites. Would you be interested?”
Zak slid back down beside Sara. “This isn’t just something you made up, is it? I couldn’t take a pity position, especially not from you.”
“No, my darling. If you don’t believe me, check with Randall. He’s been accepting applications since I left for Africa. You’d be perfect for the position since you’ve probably been everywhere in the world at least once.”
“Not quite, but I’ll consider it, on one condition.”
“Name it.”
“Let me donate my time to the foundation. I don’t really need a salary. Besides, it would be worthwhile just to do something positive and meaningful for a change.”
“Salary is negotiable. Can we save the details for later? I have another item that is nonnegotiable.”
“I’m at your service.”
“I really enjoyed how you made love to me earlier. It was the perfect start to the rest of our lives. But right now I need my African warrior to make love to me. Bring it on, and don’t worry about hurting me. I know you never would. And—” Zak started to claim her, and the fire in her eyes stopped Sara. “I’m doing it again, aren’t I, babbling?”
“Yes,” Zak answered, “but I know how to handle that—food.” Sara’s objection was muffled as Zak lowered herself on top of her and covered her lips with a searing kiss.
About the Author
VK Powell is a thirty-year veteran of a midsized police department. She was a police officer by necessity (it paid the bills) and a writer by desire (it didn’t). Her career spanned numerous positions including beat officer, homicide detective, field sergeant, vice / narcotics lieutenant, district captain, and assistant chief of police. Now retired, she lives in central North Carolina and devotes her time to writing, traveling, and serving.
VK is a member of the Golden Crown Literary Society and Romance Writers of America. She is the author of three erotic short stories and one romantic short story published in Bold Strokes Books anthologies. Her novels are To Protect and Serve and Suspect Passions. Justifiable Risk, VK’s fourth book, is currently under way.
Books Available From Bold Strokes Books
Fever by VK Powell. Hired gun Zakaria Chambers is hired to provide a simple escort service to philanthropist Sara Ambrosini, but nothing is as simple as it seems, especially love. (978-1-60282-135-4)
High Risk by JLee Meyer. Can actress Kate Hoffman really risk all she’s worked for to take a chance on love? Or is it already too late? (978-1-60282-136-1)
Missing Lynx by Kim Baldwin and Xenia Alexiou. On the trail of a notorious serial killer, Elite Operative Lynx’s growing attraction to a mysterious mercenary could be her path to love—or to death. (978-1- 60282-137-8)
Spanking New by Clifford Henderson. A poignant, hilarious, unforgettable look at life, love, gender, and the essence of what makes us who we are. (978-1-60282-138-5)
Magic of the Heart by C.J. Harte. CEO Susan Hettinger and wild, impulsive rock star M.J. Carson couldn’t be more different if they tried—but opposites attract in ways neither woman can resist. (978-1- 60282-131-6)
Ambereye by Gill McKnight. Jolie Garoul is falling in love with her assistant. The big problem is, Jolie is a werewolf. (978-1-60282-132-3)
Collision Course by C.P. Rowlands. Tragedy leaves Brie O’Malley and Jordan Carter fearful and alone. Can they find the courage to take a second chance on love? (978-1-60282-133-0)
Mephisto Aria by Justine Saracen. Opera singer Katherina Marov’s destiny may be to repeat the mistakes of her father when she becomes involved in a dangerous love affair. (978-1-60282-134-7
Battle Scars by Meghan O’Brien. Returning Iraq war veteran Ray McKenna struggles with the battle scars that can only be healed by love. (978-1-60282-129-3)
Chaps by Jove Belle. Eden Metcalf wants nothing more than to flee from her troubled past and travel the open road—until she runs into rancher Brandi Cornwell. (978-1-60282-127-9)
Lightbearer by John Caruso. Lucifer dares to question the premise of creation itself and reveals that sin may be all that stands between us and living hell. (978-1-60282-130-9)
The Seeker by Ronica Black. FBI profiler Kennedy Scott battles ghosts from her past, deadly obsession, and the evil that haunts her. (978-1- 60282-128-6)
Power Play by Julie Cannon. Businesswomen Tate Monroe and Victoria Sosa are at odds in the boardroom, but not in the bedroom. (978-1-60282-125-5)
The Remarkable Journey of Miss Tranby Quirke by Elizabeth Ridley. When love enters Tranby’s life in the form of a beautiful nineteen-year-old student, Lysette McDonald, she embarks on the most remarkable journey of all. (978-1-60282-126-2)
Returning Tides by Radclyffe. Insurance investigator Ashley Walker faces more than a dangerous opponent when she returns to the town, and the woman, she left behind. (978-1-60282-123-1)
Veritas by Anne Laughlin. When the hallowed halls of academia become the stage for murder, newly appointed Dean Beth Ellis’s search for the truth leads her to unexpected discoveries about her own heart. (978-1-60282-124-8)
The Pleasure Planner by Larkin Rose. Pleasure purveyor Bree Hendricks treats love like a commodity until Logan Delaney makes Bree the client in her own game. (978-1-60282-121-7)
everafter by Nell Stark and Trinity Tam. Valentine Darrow is bitten by a vampire on her way to propose to her lover Alexa Newland, and their lives and love are placed in mortal jeopardy. (978-1-60282-119-4)
Summer Winds by Andrews & Austin. When Maggie Turner hires a ranch hand to help work her thousand acres, she never expects to be attracted to the very young, very female Cash Tate. (978-1-60282- 120-0)
Beggar of Love by Lee Lynch. Jefferson is the lover every woman wants to be—or to have. A revealing saga of lesbian sexuality. (978-1- 60282-122-4)
The Seduction of Moxie by Colette Moody. When 1930s Broadway actress Violet London meets speakeasy singer Moxie Valette, she is instantly attracted and her Hollywood trip takes an unexpected turn.(978-1-60282-114-9)
Goldenseal by Gill McKnight. When Amy Fortune returns to her childhood home, she discovers something sinister in the air—but is former lover Leone Garoul stalking her or protecting her? (978-1-60282-115-6)
Romantic Interludes 2: Secrets edited by Radclyffe and Stacia Seaman. An anthology of sensual lesbian love stories: passion, surprises, and secret desires. (978-1-60282-116-3)
Femme Noir by Clara Nipper. Nora Delaney meets her match in Max Abbott, a sex-crazed dame who may or may not have the information Nora needs to solve a murder—but can she contain her lust for Max long enough to find out? (978-1-60282-117-0)
The Reluctant Daughter by Lesléa Newman. Heartwarming, heartbreaking, and ultimately triumphant�
�the story every daughter recognizes of the lifelong struggle for our mothers to really see us. (978-1-60282-118-7)
Erosistible by Gill McKnight. When Win Martin arrives at a luxurious Greek hotel for a much-anticipated week of sun and sex with her new girlfriend, she is stunned to find her ex-girlfriend, Benny, is the proprietor. Aeros Ebook. (978-1-60282-134-7)
Looking Glass Lives by Felice Picano. Cousins Roger and Alistair become lifelong friends and discover their sexuality amidst the backdrop of twentieth-century gay culture. (978-1-60282-089-0)
Breaking the Ice by Kim Baldwin. Nothing is easy about life above the Arctic Circle—except, perhaps, falling in love. At least that’s what pilot Bryson Faulkner hopes when she meets Karla Edwards. (978-1-60282-087-6)
It Should Be a Crime by Carsen Taite. Two women fulfill their mutual desire with a night of passion, neither expecting more until law professor Morgan Bradley and student Parker Casey meet again…in the classroom. (978-1-60282-086-9)
Rough Trade edited by Todd Gregory. Top male erotica writers pen their own hot, sexy versions of the term “rough trade,” producing some of the hottest, nastiest, and most dangerous fiction ever published. (978-1-60282-092-0)