Last Kiss

by Dominique Adair

  She was vaguely aware of Alexei as he rose from the floor. She heard the sound of a drawer sliding then he stalked around the bed. He opened and shut another drawer, muttering under his breath as he did so.

  Feeling as if she were drugged with pleasure, she forced her eyes open to see him standing at the foot of the bed, a frustrated expression on his face.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “No condoms.”

  She gaped at him. “You don’t have any in your room?”

  “No, I checked earlier.”

  She blinked, then began to laugh.

  “I don’t think it’s very funny,” he growled.

  “I don’t either.” She bit her lip until her merriment was contained before she continued. “I was thinking that I have an entire drawer of sexual hardware in the bathroom and not one condom to be found. Talk about lack of planning.” She burst into laughter.

  He moved around the bed to stand between her spread thighs. “This lack of planning will kill me.”

  “So you keep saying.”

  She sat up and grabbed his pants, her fingers dipping into the waistband mere inches from his thrusting erection. She pulled him down, fully clothed, to cover her, raising her legs to cradle him. He moaned and gave an involuntary thrust, his cock grinding against her sensitized core.

  “Not the optimum answer, but it will do in a pinch,” she panted.

  He caught her mouth in a searing kiss as her fingers captured his hips, guiding him into the perfect rhythm. She twined her legs around his hips, giving herself up to the sensations he aroused in her.

  She came again, hard. Fast.

  He paused only long enough for her to catch her breath before he started again, his thrusts hard and short. Urgency raced along her skin and, within seconds, she peaked for a third time, her cry thin and high. Her eyes closed as a myriad of sensations poured through her body.

  “Can you take more?” His strained voice sounded harsh in her ear.

  She blinked, seeing his face, only a shadow, so close to hers. His tone told her he was in agony. She’d been multi-orgasmic for as long as she could remember, she usually outlasted her male partners every time. But she’d never seen a man last as long as Alexei did.

  She released her grip on him and snaked her hands between their bodies. The front of his pants were damp from her arousal and she unzipped them, eliciting a strangled groan from him as he angled up, allowing her to free him.

  His breath hissed through his teeth as she stroked his impressive erection from root to tip. Silk over steel, she marveled over the size she felt but couldn’t see. He thrust against her hands, gentle involuntary movements she knew he couldn’t prevent.

  She cupped the head, running her fingers along the sensitive underside of his cock, glorying in the mix of ecstasy and pain that sounded in his groans. Was she hurting him? Was he so sensitive she was causing him pain? She repeated her movement and he growled deep in his throat as he thrust against her hands, harder this time.

  “Alexei,” she whispered. “Do you like this?” She cupped his balls with one hand, her other tracing a ring around his tender tip.

  “Yes,” he panted.

  “Alexei. Come for me.”

  His breathing grew ragged as her fingers curled around his shaft. A sound of near-pain escaped his mouth and she reluctantly released him. He lowered himself against her lower belly, sealing his steel between them as he began thrusting.

  Once...

  Twice…

  A cry dragged from his soul as he came. Warmth gushed over her skin where their bellies pressed together. Glorying in the sensation of his release, she slid her arms around his shoulders as he sank against her, his breath hot against her neck as he trembled with the force of his release. The scent of warm male and shared sex perfumed the air and she released a lusty sigh. She was replete.

  “I’ll supply the condoms tomorrow.” He pressed a lazy kiss to her neck.

  “Mmm, today. It’s already tomorrow.”

  “Okay, today.”

  “A big box,” she prompted.

  He gave a half-hearted nip at her throat. “A huge box.”

  She grinned as a thrill of possession ran through her. Relaxed, she stretched her legs out, stifling a laugh when she realized they hadn’t taken time to remove her stockings or her bra.

  Next time…

  Chapter 4

  She was wearing his gift.

  Alexei watched Elaine as she chatted with two tall blonde women, twins he suspected, each dressed as lusty barmaids, exposing more skin than was covered by their clothing. Elaine had a glass of champagne in one hand and a huge smile on her face, her green eyes sparkling from behind her burgundy half mask.

  The rich wine-colored silk of her full skirt licked the top of her black leather button-up boots. As she turned to wave at Dirk, Alexei caught a glimpse of her white, lace-trimmed petticoats. The black velvet corset made her waist look impossibly tiny while pushing her normally adequate cleavage into bountiful proportions.

  He licked his lips as he took her in shoulders, clad in fine white linen. She’d added the shirt under the corset to cover some of her exposed skin, no doubt. He wasn’t disappointed. If anything, her modesty only added to her allure. A narrow band of onyx stones encircled her throat and she’d tossed a brightly colored scarf over her arms to cross the middle of her back

  With this gift of the clothing, she looked like the beautiful Russian gypsy he remembered. He closed his eyes and entertained an image of Elaine dancing under a full moon, her feet bare, her hair tangled with wildflowers.

  Tonight was the night to find out for sure if she was the one, and to do this he had to strip the outfit off her body. He opened his eyes, his gaze fastening on her. It was a tough job, but he was just the man to do it.

  * * * * *

  Elaine’s breath caught in her throat as she saw Alexei make his way toward her. Tight black leather pants clung to every inch of his legs, accentuating his muscles as he moved. A long-sleeved, oversized royal blue shirt fluttered as he moved, the chest open, leaving his rippled stomach in view. Around his slim waist, he’d tied a burgundy silk scarf that matched her skirt. Tucked into that was a jeweled dagger.

  He looked dangerous, and he was all hers.

  She tightened her thighs as a spurt of warmth sprang to life. Tonight was the night…

  “Oh my, I just have to sample that one…” With a swish of her tan skirts, Sabrina, one of twins walked toward Alexei, an exaggerated swing to her walk. She shifted her shoulder, allowing her blouse to slide off, revealing pale skin. “Well, hello there.”

  Alexei gave her an abbreviated nod and stepped around the predatory blonde. Elaine’s breath left in a rush as he curled an arm around her waist and hauled her into his arms. His mouth descended and he took her in a kiss that was powerful and earthy at the same time.

  She leaned into him, sliding her arms around his shoulders as he insinuated a strong thigh between hers, pressing against the damp apex of her thighs. She squirmed to get closer, anything to appease the ache of need he alone kindled.

  “I missed you,” he growled.

  A laugh bubbled in her throat. “And I, you.”

  “Come.” He glanced around the outdoor party before meeting her gaze. “Let us find someplace quiet.”

  She nodded and, together, they turned and arm in arm, walked toward the doors and the gardens outside.

  “Did you see that?” Sabrina said in a mock-stage whisper.

  “I most certainly did,” her twin Serena said, the laughter evidence in her voice. “You, my dear, were just kicked to the curb.”

  Elaine’s grip tightened on Alexei’s waist. He’d claimed her in front of the entire assemblage. She considered herself a liberated, modern woman, but there was something to be said for caveman tactics and she couldn’t deny the thrill that possessed her as he kissed her.

  The sounds of the party faded as they entered the formal gardens. Tiki torches were positioned
at regular intervals along the path, lighting the way through the darkness. The scent of night blooming jasmine and lavender swirled about her head as he led her toward the small gazebo in the center of the garden.

  Her heart thudded painfully in her chest as he drew her into the shadowed interior and into his arms. His mouth was soft, warm as he kissed her. His touch tender, worshipful. Gone was the man staking a public claim. Here was Alexei, simply a man.

  Her hands stole about his waist as he kissed her, seduced her senses and sent her mind twirling into oblivion. He nibbled her mouth as he removed her shawl to stroke her shoulders through the linen.

  He broke the kiss and leaned his forehead against hers. “I want you,” he breathed.

  “You can have me.” She pressed a kiss on his chin, noting that he’d shaved recently.

  A shudder ran through him and he kissed the edge of her jaw before leaning down to nibble on her neck. Nimble fingers ran along the edge of her exposed bosom. “You look lovely,” he mumbled against her flesh.

  “I think it’s false advertising.”

  He gave a startled laugh, then gave her a hug. “There is nothing false about you, my dear.”

  Oh, I wouldn’t be so sure about that…

  Elaine pushed the intrusive thought away as she curled her fingers in his shirtfront to pull him into a kiss that was sensual. He was fully aroused, his erection strained against her belly. She was hungry for him, aching and empty. A gush of warm wetness between her thighs had her straining upward so that she could cradle his hardness where she needed him so badly. Her breasts grew taut, her nipples hard, her skin slick with need.

  Alexei backed her against one of the gazebo supports, pinning her against the column with his big body. He broke the kiss, his breathing harsh as he leaned into her. Catching her thigh, he lifted her leg, hooking it over his hip. Her breath left her in a rush as he thrust against her mons, sending a rush of heat straight to her toes.

  “I can smell your arousal,” he breathed.

  She moaned as he dipped his fingers into her corset, teasing her nipples with his fingernails. His scent swirled about her head, hot and musky, blending with the perfumes from the garden blooms.

  “And I can smell yours.” She nipped his jaw.

  He growled, thwarted from touching her by her tight-fitting corset. “I need this off.”

  She gave a throaty chuckle. “That may take a while.”

  “No, it won’t.” He withdrew the knife from his waistband.

  She tensed, relaxing only when he examined the laces of the corset. “You’ll ruin it.”

  “I’ll buy you a dozen more just like it.”

  Elaine was amazed at the speed with which he handled the knife. Within a few seconds, he’d cut the laces in the back and the corset fell away, her once-mountainous bosom resuming its former position. Already she missed her abundant cleavage.

  Stripping the linen aside, he cupped his hands over her breasts as she sighed with delight. He wrapped an arm around her backside and lifted her higher, his mouth hungry on her exposed skin. He sucked at her flesh, her fingers curling in his hair, holding him tightly to her as wave after wave of sensation rocketed through her.

  Abruptly, he released her and set her on her feet. She leaned against the column, barely able to stand, her senses in turmoil. She watched with drugged eyes as he tore his pants open and released his turgid staff. In the dimness of the gazebo, she couldn’t see him well. He was but a shade among the shadows. But she knew his proportions well as she’d dreamed of him while sleeping. She heard the tear of foil and the soft snap of latex, then he reached for her again, twining her skirt in his fist.

  He tore her panties from her unresisting body before he picked her up, resuming their former position. She arched her hips, his fingers moving over her damp flesh until he found her opening, then he sank one finger deep. She moaned, her hips moving against his invasion. She shuddered, her fingers digging into his hair as he stroked, preparing her for his entry. When he could stand no more, he removed his hand and replaced it with the broad head of his erection.

  She moaned as he pushed into her, stretching her heated flesh with his. With slow, stroking motions, he entered her, each motion taking him deeper than the last. She moaned, pressing against him, wanting him deeper, yet fearing she wouldn’t be able to take him. To her amazement, he sank deep, his breathing harsh in her ear.

  His grip tightened on her hips, arching her to take his thrust as he began to move. She was open, vulnerable as he pressed into her. The inexorable rush of desire swept over her, her body straining against his as a low cry built with the tension in her body.

  Then a shudder swept her body as her orgasm burst through her. It was so strong that reality faded away and there was only Alexei and herself. On and on she spasmed until she triggered his release as well. Head thrown back, a cry burst from his mouth, his grip punishing on her hips as they traveled to the heavens together.

  * * * * *

  “We’re missing the party.”

  Alexei watched as his woman took a bite from a slice of fresh peach. A single drop of juice glistened on her lip and he fought the urge to lick the sweetness from her skin. Instead, he propped his head on his hand, comfortable in her spacious bed.

  “Are you sorry you’re missing it?”

  Elaine licked her lips and shook her head. “Not a bit.” She selected a ripe strawberry from the bowl of fruit. “Are you?”

  “Not in the slightest.” He smiled. “I’d much rather be here with you.”

  A soft blush stole across her cheeks as she chewed. They’d removed their masks hours ago and he couldn’t stop staring at her. The golden glow of candles scattered around the room made her skin appear golden. Her hair was unbound, the thick sable locks below her shoulders in waves of silk. Her deep green eyes were dark and surrounded by thick lashes. Her mouth was full, her lower lip soft from his kisses.

  She wore a silk robe while he remained bare to her gaze. He’d been sorry she’d elected to don the garment but he didn’t want to push her. Soon enough, she’d feel comfortable to remain nude with him and he was a patient man.

  “You’re staring again,” she said.

  “I can’t help it, you’re beautiful.”

  She dipped another berry into a bowl of whipped cream. “No, I’m not.” She licked the white blob with tiny cat-like motions.

  His groin tightened as he thought about her licking him the same way. “Why do women always say that?”

  She dipped her berry in the cream once more. “I don’t know why other woman say it.” She shrugged. “I am what I am. I can’t take responsibility for genetics.”

  “Is your mother beautiful?”

  “Was. She was very beautiful.” Elaine licked the berry clean before taking a small bite. “She was a singer and she met my father on Broadway. Oh, the scandal of it all…” Her eyes gleamed with amusement

  “Do tell.” He wanted to know everything about her. Her past, her lovers, her family, her dreams as a child, her favorite color and what delights her future held.

  “My mother was Rachel White and her stage name was Rachel Martin. She was a chorus girl in New York in the late fifties. She worked hard and was finally awarded a part in Fiddler on the Roof. It was during this stage production that she met my father.” She tossed the stem on the tray, her nose crinkling in his direction. “Are you sure I won’t bore you with this?”

  He shook his head. “Please, continue.”

  “My father was the heir to a bread fortune or a fortune in bread, depending upon how you want to look at it. You’ve heard of Downing Mills?”

  He hadn’t, but he nodded in agreement anyway.

  “He was born with the proverbial silver spoon in his mouth. He and some college friends escaped from their dorm rooms and came into the city. He took one look at Rachel and that was it. He fell madly in love and set out to possess her.” She selected another berry. “He sent her flowers, gifts, came to see her every weeken
d and they called each other every other day. They were married eight months after meeting.”

  “Were they happy?”

  She turned the fruit over in her hands, her expression thoughtful. “What’s happy? They had one child—me. They lived a life of wealth and privilege, but my mother never forgot where she came from. My father’s family looked down on her for being an actress and I think that bothered her a lot.” She shrugged. “She loved my father and she loved me. But I always had the impression she felt she was missing something in her life. Maybe she should have continued with her acting? She talked about doing some small roles, but never got the chance. She was killed when I was thirteen.”

  He brushed his fingers over her knee. “I’m sorry.”

  She tossed the berry onto the tray untouched. “It seems like a lifetime ago.”

  “Doesn’t lessen the pain any. What happened to your father?”

  “He remarried and has a new family. Three girls and a boy.”

  He stroked the tender skin of her inner knee as he spoke. “Do you see them?”

  “Several times a year. Father moved them to California, said he couldn’t stay in New York any longer. There were too many memories on every corner.”

  “What happened to little Elaine?”

  The smile she gave him threatened to curl his toes. “Little Elaine grew up to become devastatingly beautiful.” She rose to her knees and moved closer. ”She became a legend with scads of handsome lovers…” She rolled him onto his back and slipped her leg over his, seating herself across his thighs. “All of whom she cast—” She dipped her head and pressed kisses to his chest as she spoke “—aside, one by one.”

  He chuckled and laid his hands over her knees. “Is that so?”

  She raised her head and gave him a devilish grin. “Mmm, until now, at least.”