Claiming Magique: 1

by Tina Donahue

  During the last time, he lay sprawled on the mattress, barely conscious from their bed play. His limbs formed a perfect X, as though he were skydiving. In the past, Alexa would have used his fatigue to escape, running across the fields if need be, finding her way to the District.

  Tonight, she’d brought him back to what she required as fast as she could.

  Facing his feet, she’d straddled his body and took his spent cock in her hands. It was a deep scarlet from him having mounted repeatedly, though always missionary style. When she finally suggested another position, the guys surrounding the platform applauded to show their agreement for something different.

  “Knock it off,” Hunt had ordered them, then insisted to her, “I want to look at you.”

  Alexa knew he needed to see her reaction, if she was faking anything. With him, such a notion was ludicrous. Early on, she’d left claw marks on his shoulders and back in her frenzy to get as close to him as she could, to have him as she’d had no other man.

  Thinking of that, she’d cradled his rod in her palm and ran her fingers over his sac. So weighty and masculine, its beauty stole her breath. Alexa licked her forefinger, then ran it across the wrinkled skin.

  Hunt started as much from that as from the wolf whistles of the few guys who hadn’t fallen into their own stupor.

  “You’re awake,” she murmured and glanced over her shoulder at him. “Good.”

  He scrubbed his face with his hands. “What are you doing?”

  Wasn’t it obvious? “Playing with you.” She cupped his testicles and bounced them against her palm.

  He made an odd noise, a combination of chuckling and a lewd moan. “You surprise me.”

  She liked how that sounded. As though she were different, special, one of a kind. “Why’s that?”

  “I didn’t know you liked to play ball.”

  Alexa laughed. “I do. But only if I have the right equipment.”

  Sitting up, Hunt wrapped his arm around her middle, then whispered in her ear, “Do you have the right stuff now?”

  Oh yeah. His cock was blossoming beautifully, the shaft growing rigid, the crown bulky. Alexa was careful as she touched the small opening in the head, guessing it probably stung. “Are you sore?”

  “Yep.” He sounded beyond proud. “You?”

  Wonderfully. “Not at all,” she lied.

  “You’re sure?” He positioned his fingers on her ribs, no doubt ready to tickle her into confessing.

  She giggled and conceded. “Maybe a little—certainly not enough to stop. Unless you need more rest, you poor thing.”

  “Poor what? Take that back.”

  “No. Why should—” She gasped at Hunt tickling her. “Wait. Dammit. Stop!”

  Her shout roused the guys. They went back into escort mode, whistling, applauding.

  “Give it to her good!” Chris shouted.

  Alexa swung her fist in his direction. “Shut up,” she panted, then squealed at Hunt’s continued tickling.

  He paused again. Pressing his mouth to her ear, he murmured, “The guys bothering you?”

  Hell yeah. She wanted them to leave so she could focus solely on Hunt…be alone with him. One on one as he’d proposed. Not that she had the courage to tell him that, much less ponder why anyone else’s presence was suddenly irritating her.

  “They’re making too much noise,” she huffed. “This is between you and me. Tell them they can only watch.”

  “All of you quiet,” Hunt ordered. “So you can listen to Alexa whine.”

  She turned her face to his and frowned. “I’m not whining.”

  “You will.” He tickled her again.

  She gagged out a laugh, then shrieked and begged, “No—please—damn—don’t!”

  He did, running his fingers up and down her torso, not stopping until she was limp.

  Several of the guys whistled. Gasping, Alexa gave them all the finger.

  Hunt wrapped his hand around hers and brought it to his mouth, licking her digit. “You okay?”

  She curled her fingers over his. “I think you broke one of my ribs.”

  “Wow. I’m a real bastard, aren’t I?”

  “You’re a prick,” she corrected.

  “I like you too.” Before she could comment on his declaration or deny her feelings, he nuzzled his cheek against hers. “Take me inside.”

  He didn’t have to order her twice. Once Hunt had scooted them back so he could prop himself against the headboard, Alexa guided his shaft into her opening, her cunt swallowing his cock little by little. Air whooshed from her when their bodies touched.

  “That’s it,” he whispered. “Get as close as you can.”

  She ground her ass into his groin to make certain of it, then tightened her inner muscles, holding him tight.

  Hunt growled in appreciation. He caressed her breasts, his thumbs circling her nipples. Velvety heat coursed through Alexa. On a rough moan, she pushed herself up, releasing his cock just a bit prior to sliding back down.

  The sounds Hunt made said he liked that. He kept his hold on her, fondling her breasts, heightening their sensitivity.

  “Yes,” she murmured, shivering when he flicked her nipples.

  He pinched them next, a light, teasing touch. And then he dropped one hand to her mound, his fingers grazing her clit.

  Alexa halted halfway down his shaft, forgetting to take all of him inside her again. At the powerful sensations whisking through her, she clamped her jaw to keep from crying out.

  Hunt rubbed her nub a bit harder, brisker, clearly not content with her silence. Yielding to his will, she lost all of her breath on a noisy groan that rose above the music and the sounds of the guys shifting positions.

  Obedient to Hunt’s earlier command, the men offered no comments. Alexa was too aroused to speak, even when Hunt stopped rubbing her clit. She grabbed his hand and pushed it lower. Being much stronger, he resisted easily.

  Why?

  And then Alexa knew. She was neglecting him. With her inner muscles tightened, she went down him again, taking his shaft deep within. His belly bumped her back with his sharp intake of air. He returned his hand to her cleft.

  While she rode him, Hunt stroked her nub. They both came within seconds, which was far too fast, yet delaying their climaxes was as impossible as stopping the sun from rising. Spent, she fell over his leg and rolled to her back, still gasping for air.

  Hunt crept the short distance to her side, slid his leg over both of hers and collapsed.

  Approximately ten minutes had passed since that moment.

  Alexa decided to let him snooze for five more before crawling all over him again. Finishing her yawn, she ticked off the seconds. Or rather, she tried, but kept losing count.

  Come on, you can do this. You’ve got a freaking economics degree from…from…

  She was so tired she couldn’t remember the name of the school. Crap. Didn’t matter. She had the stupid degree and could stay awake. She pinched her arms, wincing at the pain until a new yawn cut off the sound.

  Sighing deeply, Alexa fought her weariness and thoughts, refusing to think about the connection that kept pulling her closer to Hunt. She wasn’t going to agonize about that forbidden territory known as the future. The only thing that mattered was the present, him providing her with moments she’d never forget, just as he had at the restaurant when he’d finally spotted her.

  She’d seen his pleased surprise, sensed his desire. His expression had told her more in that instant than any words or gesture ever could. He wanted her, oh god did he ever, proving it with their little tryst in the ladies’ lounge.

  Alexa imagined them doing the same in the District’s finest restaurants, with heads of state and lawmakers no more than a few yards away. How wicked and satisfying that would be. Having him mount her in his office would be nice too, especially if Tim and David were just outside the door, ready to open it, threatening them with exposure, forcing them to go elsewhere.

  She wondered w
hat Hunt’s apartment looked like. His dossier hadn’t gone into that much detail. Did it have a kitchen table big enough for two? If not, they’d have to use the floor for their erotic games. Maybe he’d use one of his ties to secure her wrists to the table’s leg. Once she was his captive again, he’d dribble chocolate sauce over her breasts, licking them clean, suckling her nipples, heading for her—

  The images evaporated just as quickly as they’d come. Alexa awoke with a start, not realizing until now she’d fallen asleep. Shit.

  She stared at the faint light. Not from the candles this time. They’d long since burned out, their wax pooling in formless globs. The sun’s golden glow surrounded the canvas, its beams pouring through a separation in the flaps. It was dawn, the tent empty, the guys gone back to the city.

  Only she and Hunt remained.

  His leg was still over both of hers, his hairy calf seeming so protective as he slept. Once he awakened though… A surge of panic raced through Alexa. She tightened her fists, trying to fight it.

  Hunt must have felt her body stiffen. He smacked his lips as though his mouth was dry and scooted closer, rubbing his face against her neck and hair.

  He felt so freaking good, she couldn’t stop smiling. Turning her face to his, she cradled his cheek.

  He kissed her with great tenderness, his lips lingering on hers. Never had she felt anything as wonderful. This was what being with a man should be about. The quiet moments upon awakening, the two of them holding the world and all of its sorrows at bay.

  A wonderful fantasy. One Alexa had to indulge in for a little while longer. She opened her mouth to his, inviting him to fill her with his tongue. Attuned to her needs, Hunt deepened their kiss, necking with her as he had before, taking his time, his hands exploring her body while she did the same with his. Like the blind, they touched and investigated every plane and curve.

  When it proved insufficient, Hunt rolled Alexa onto her back and eased his rod into her cunt, his actions fluid yet unhurried, arousing her in degrees. Heat built in her groin, belly, chest, flowing to her limbs and the top of her head. She pressed the pads of her fingers into his shoulders, not wanting to mark him further. In addition to the scratches she’d left, there was also a vivid hickey on his throat.

  Alexa couldn’t recall having given it to him. Never had she done anything like that, not even with the guys she’d slept with at her many schools. Without thinking, she grinned.

  Hunt returned her smile and pumped.

  The sensations building within her were unequalled, so precious, Alexa fought to hang onto them.

  “Hey, it’s okay,” Hunt murmured.

  She stared at him, her eyes stinging from tears that came from nowhere. You’re behaving like a fool. This had to stop.

  “It’s okay,” he repeated as he continued to pump, never pulling his attention away, his expression filled with love and respect.

  Everything she’d wanted all of her life from a man, but never received. Now that Hunt seemed to be offering it, Alexa couldn’t shake her dread. Desiring love and actually trusting it were far different things, at least for her. If she gave him her all and he became indifferent, it would destroy what little dignity she’d built and tried so hard to maintain.

  She wasn’t courageous enough to spend another decade putting herself back together. If she allowed herself to want this—and by god, she did—it might not last. What did these days? With him leaving her, she’d be facing the future alone just as she had before meeting Ronnie. Just as she would once her friend was gone. Years and years and years from now, of course. Ronnie just had to stay well.

  “Alexa.”

  Hunt’s gentle tone sent more warning bells off and continued to defeat her resistance. She sank her teeth into her bottom lip and regarded him. His features were tight with his approaching orgasm, but he still didn’t rush, pushing into her slowly.

  “Everything okay?” he panted.

  She lied with a nod, then forced herself to speak. “I’m ready. You?”

  His shoulders shook with his quiet laughter. “Yeah, you might say that.”

  “Then come, please.”

  “Not until I see to you first.” He propped himself on one elbow so he could stroke her clit.

  Alexa’s desire was so acute she came within seconds, digging her nails into him, clenching her jaw so her moans weren’t too loud.

  Hunt wasn’t as reserved. He gasped, then bellowed, repeatedly emptying his lungs. At last, he lowered himself to her, rolling them both over until she was on top. Still panting, he stroked her tangled hair.

  She suckled his shoulder harder than she should, no doubt giving him another hickey, not caring that she did. Within days, the bruising would fade. The memories of their time together would dim too. That might take a little longer than the mark, but it would happen.

  As though the sun concurred with her thoughts, it rose above the trees, the rays pouring through the flaps, further brightening the inside of the tent. Time to go.

  Alexa squeezed her eyes tight, battling the sorrow that overwhelmed her.

  “Whoa, what are you doing?” Hunt asked as she slid off him.

  “I’m too heavy.”

  “Well, yeah, but I don’t mind.”

  Despite her sorrow, she giggled. “Lucky for you I don’t want to break anything.”

  “Yeah, lucky me.” He pulled in a deep breath, releasing it on a sigh. “I can’t keep doing this.”

  He sounded so bummed, Alexa forgot about leaving. She brushed her lips over his cheek, bristly now from his coming beard, and joked, “It’s okay. All guys have to rest after they come. Some only need a few seconds, but hey, they’re remarkable. Legends even. Women talk about them in hushed whispers. Clubs have been formed around their sexual prowess. I’ve heard a national holiday is in the works. Maybe you’ll be hired to lobby the idea to Congress.”

  He laughed. It sounded joyful, then weary.

  She brushed his hair from his forehead, trying to tame the wavy locks.

  “Alexa.”

  “Don’t worry, I won’t mess up your do.”

  “Screw that. Look at me.”

  The entreaty in his request brought her panic back. A few weeks ago, she would have continued to joke while leaving the bed, grabbing her heels and cape, getting dressed. Before he could have managed another word, she would have fled.

  Battling her urge to escape, she regarded him, again seeing love in his expression.

  “I can’t keep doing this,” he repeated. “I have to work, do everyday stuff, but I don’t want to leave you. I need to see you all the time. I want us to date, get to know each other. Do normal junk like shop for groceries. I’ll admit, I suck at it. I never make a list. Who the hell can? How can anyone know at the beginning of the week what they’ll want to eat at the end of it? I keep throwing away food and ordering takeout. It’s stupid, I know. I never said I was perfect, but believe me, I’m not that bad.”

  Oh god. She wanted to gather him into her arms, while still needing to run. “Shut up, I mean it,” she said, so confused she could barely get the words out. “You’re—you’re—”

  “What?”

  She mumbled, “Your mom’s lucky to have you.”

  Hunt’s eyes widened. “My mom?” He frowned. “You know about her?”

  More than he surely wanted. She hedged. “I know you bought her a house in Falls Church and that you support her. Crappy men don’t do that, all right?”

  “No, it’s not.” He ran his hands up her arms and cupped her face. “I don’t want to talk about my mom. I want to talk about you and me.”

  Instinctively, she shrank back.

  Hunt didn’t lower his hands. He spoke on a sigh, “Just give me a moment to make my case, please.”

  Alexa still wanted to run, but didn’t move.

  “I want to fall asleep holding you,” he murmured, “and wake up in each other’s arms. I know there will be times when we’ll get on each other’s nerves and argue, but t
hat’s okay. I’ll hang out with Tim and David to give you space. You can—”

  He stopped and shook his head. “I can’t stand the thought of you being with other men. I want you for my own. I need to be the guy who makes you laugh, who you tell stuff to, like winning that science award when you were nine or performing in that dance thing when you were six.”

  My god, she’d forgotten about that recital until now. She’d been pudgy, clumsy and wore glasses. Neither her father nor her mother had attended the show, sending her nanny instead. “You know about that too?”

  He smiled. “You were so damn adorable.” He studied her face, his expression flooding with wonder. “I want to know more, everything there is, all of your secrets, and if you’ll listen I’ll tell you all that I can about myself. Even how scared I am right now.”

  Tears stung her eyes. “You’re afraid?”

  “Of course. Probably more than you.”

  That wasn’t possible. Her heart couldn’t beat any faster. “This is so hard—too hard. It shouldn’t be.”

  “Says who?”

  All those psychobabble talk shows she’d watched. “What about all the guys I’ve been with? What I’ve been doing? Who I am. Not Alexa, Magique. You said you can’t stand that.”

  “If it were to continue. Look, I wasn’t a monk before I met you. Your past is just that. Yours. No judgment, all right?”

  She didn’t know what to say.

  “We’ll go slow,” he murmured. “We could start with lunch this coming Wednesday at my favorite restaurant. We’ll pretend you’re following me again.”

  A tear slipped down her cheek.

  Hunt thumbed it away, then ran his fingers over her lips. She smiled at how they tingled, then thought better of it and sobered.

  “Please,” he said, “give us a chance. We can—”

  He stopped at the sound of a motor outside. The flap to the tent parted, followed by a young male voice Alexa hadn’t heard before. “Mr. Prescott, the car’s here for Ms. Marsh.”

  “Give us a minute,” Hunt called out, then turned her face back to his. “I need an answer about what happens now with us, whether you’ll meet me on Wednesday. Will you?”