Harlequin Kimani Romance June 2017 Box Set

by Arthur, A. C.

  She walked into the smaller gym and found him already there. He was shirtless again, and he stood in the center of the floor, going through a series of stretches. Watching him, she mused about his attire. He’d shown her an image of the traditional Japanese kendo gear. The gear was dark and bulky and appeared very heavy. It even included a cage-like helmet worn over the head, to protect the face and eyes from any potential blows from the opponent’s sword.

  Yet she’d never seen Ken don the gear. Twice now she’d come here and found him topless. She was starting to wonder if he always practiced dressed that way—or if it was because he was with her.

  She stood off to the side and let him finish what he was doing, but she could see him watching her in the mirror. He was aware of her presence, and she offered him a soft smile.

  Finally he walked over to where she stood. He greeted her with a soft kiss on the forehead. “How was your day?”

  “It was okay.” She didn’t really want to dwell on the stress she was facing at work, at least not now. “And yours?”

  “Busy, but good.”

  “Can I ask you something?”

  He draped an arm loosely around her waist. “I thought we were finished with the interview questions.”

  She giggled. “It’s not that. This is just something I want to know that has nothing to do with the story.”

  “What is it?”

  “Do you always spar with no shirt on?”

  “No. I wear some modified gear when I spar. But we’re not sparring. Technically, we’re practicing. And I always do that without a shirt.” He drew her body close to his. “Do you want me to wear a shirt?”

  She felt a certain boldness awaken within her. Lifting her hand, she ran her open palm over the hard muscles of his chest and abdomen. Swinging that bamboo sword certainly does wonders for the upper body. “No, no. I was just curious.”

  A broad grin broke out over his face. “Then come on. Let’s do this.” He released his hold on her and walked across the floor, toward the sword rack.

  She set her bag down on the floor, using her foot to slide it beneath the bench. Then she went to stand by Ken, taking the sword he extended in her direction.

  “You did pretty well the last time. Like I said, I think you have a natural talent for kendo that may stem from your dance abilities.” He held his sword out in front of him, with the blade pointed straight up. “I want to try something different with you, if you don’t mind.”

  Being on a date in a martial arts studio was already well outside the norm for her, so she was game for whatever. “I’m up for it. What do you have in mind?”

  He stood his sword against the wall. “I’m going to lead you through several moves, and if you do well with that, we can try a few combinations that are a bit more complex.”

  She nodded, widening her stance and holding her sword the way he’d held his. “Okay. Where do we start?”

  “Here.” He moved around her until he stood behind her.

  The front of his body came into contact with the back of hers, and he draped his arms over hers, capturing her hands in his own.

  A shock wave of awareness and desire moved through her. She’d never been in such close contact with him before, and every nerve ending in her body was now alive, awake and alert to his presence.

  “This way I can guide your movements more accurately.” His voice was quiet, and she could feel the warmth of his breath on her neck.

  Her hand trembled, and she struggled to hold on to her sword. She wanted to say something but couldn’t seem to form words.

  As if sensing that she was losing her grip, his hand closed around hers, effectively keeping the sword from slipping. “Tighten up, honey. We’re just getting started.”

  She swallowed, nodded.

  With slow precision, he began moving their bodies in tandem. “This is your basic stance.” He spoke softly in her ears as he moved them from one position to the next, letting her know the name and purpose of each stance. By the time they moved into thrusts and swings for the sword, her heart was thumping in her ears like a drum machine.

  Her breath came faster, shallower. She felt their bodies in sync, almost as if they were one, a single entity moving through space. She couldn’t remember ever feeling this kind of connection with someone. It transcended the physical to touch her mentally and emotionally.

  “There.” He eased her hand down, letting the tip of the sword touch the floor. “How do you feel now? More confident?”

  She took a minute to get herself together. It wasn’t easy, since his body was still in contact with hers. “If you’re talking about my confidence with the sword, then yes.”

  “What else would I be talking about?”

  She could hear the teasing in his tone. “Don’t make me throttle you, Ken.”

  “There was never a need to build confidence between us.” He slid his right hand along her inner arm, then let his index finger glide down her side until his hand came to rest on her waist. “What’s happening between us is inevitable, unavoidable and totally natural.”

  She trembled, and since his hand was no longer there to secure it, the sword slipped from her grip and clattered to the floor.

  Paying no attention to the dropped weapon, he turned her to face him.

  As their gazes connected, she could feel the hard evidence of his desire grazing her pelvis.

  “Our lesson is complete, Nona. What’s next?”

  The sensations coursing through her body made her feel brazen, wanton. She was tired of fighting the fire between them. Ready to be consumed by it, she said, “You tell me.”

  “Have you ever seen a traditional Japanese garden? Because I have one behind my house that I’d love to show you.” He traced his fingertips along her jawline.

  She sensed that he had much more to show her than his plants. And because she wanted everything he had in store for her, she nodded. “Let’s go.”

  * * *

  Ken led Nona by the hand through his dining room, toward the sliding glass doors that led to his deck. “This way.”

  “Your house is really beautiful,” she commented as she followed him.

  “I’ll show you more of it later.” And he intended to do that. Right now, though, his mind was firmly set on showing her the garden and, in particular, the large, padded bench that centered it.

  He unlocked the sliding door, pushing it open. A warm breeze wafted by as they stepped out onto his cedar deck. He shut the door behind them.

  She walked over to the railing, taking in the wide-angle view of his garden. She said something, but he didn’t hear her.

  He was too busy admiring her backside. She’d worn a tank top and a pair of black leggings to the dojo. The leggings gripped every curve of her behind, leaving nothing to the imagination. While she’d probably worn them in the name of comfort, Ken couldn’t help but be turned on by them.

  “Wow. This is really impressive, Ken.”

  “Thank you.” He was glad she seemed to like his backyard oasis. He’d taken great care in having his landscaping done to very specific standards. The result was an outdoor space where he could enjoy spending his free time, and it had been well worth the effort and cost.

  She pointed. “Is that a pond down there?”

  He nodded. “Yes. It has a few koi in it.” He tugged her hand gently. “Come on down the stairs and you can see it up close.”

  They walked down the flight of stairs that led them down to the yard. There, he slowed his footsteps, pointing out things to her as they moved through the yard. “There are ten Japanese maples planted back here. Around the perimeter are pine trees, which symbolize longevity. I also have some clumping bamboo, azalea bushes and some water iris in the pond.”

  She nodded, taking in the sights as they walked al
ong. “It’s even more beautiful close up. I’m glad you brought me here.”

  They neared his solid oak bench. It was situated beneath a Japanese maple and in the perfect spot to view the koi swimming around in the pond. He took a seat on the cushion. Patting the seat next to him, he beckoned her to join him. When she did, he draped an arm around her shoulders. As much as he wanted her, he didn’t want her to feel rushed or pressured in any way. So, until she let him know she was ready, he’d be content to sit here with her in the silence, holding her close.

  She continued to look around the garden as she spoke. “Do you have any neighbors close by?”

  He thought the question was a bit odd, but he shook his head. “No. The lots in this neighborhood range between one and a half and three acres. There isn’t another house near mine, at least not for a few miles.”

  Turning his way, she met his eyes. “Then you can make love to me out here, and no one would be able to hear us.”

  His brow hitched in surprise. While he’d wanted her to see the garden, he hadn’t expected her to boldly ask him to make love to her here. “I suppose that’s true.”

  She eased closer to him, wrapping her arms around his waist. “Kiss me.”

  So he did, letting his lips crush hers. Soon their tongues were mating and dancing, and he gathered her closer to him so that he could experience every drop of passion she had to give.

  The kiss ended, and when he pulled back, he could see how breathless she looked. “Are you sure you want to…out here?”

  She nodded, reaching for him. “Yes.”

  Eager to grant her wish, he began stroking her arms. When she lifted them, he dragged the tank up and over her head, then draped it over the back of the bench. She wore a bra that hooked in the front, much to his delight. With his gaze locked with hers, he slowly undid the clasps running down the center of the garment, then spread the open halves.

  Lowering his head, he placed soft kisses on the swell of her breasts before moving on to capture a dark nipple in his mouth. He heard her sharp intake of breath in response to his actions, and he reveled in her enjoyment. He lingered there for as long as he felt necessary, and when he’d thoroughly pleased one nipple, he moved on to the other. By the time he drew away, she’d slumped against the bench’s backrest, her breaths rapid and shallow.

  He wanted her out of her clothes but knew she probably couldn’t stand in her current state. Leaning back, he took in the erotic sight she made, lying on his bench with her bra open. Her breasts were exposed to his eyes and the moonlight. Slowly, he raised her hips and began to tug down her leggings, until he revealed the full length of her long, bronze legs. The leggings joined her tank draped over the back of the bench. Her eyes remained closed.

  He’d never been so grateful for the privacy his home afforded, and he planned to take full advantage of it.

  He stood and then knelt in front of the bench. It took her a moment to realize what he was about to do, but when he grasped her ankles and gently lifted until the soles of her feet rested on the edge of the bench, she suddenly snapped back to awareness.

  She murmured, “Ken, I…”

  “Shh.” He could not resist the lure of her. Would she taste as sweet as he imagined? He knew of only one way to find out. He tapped her inner thighs gently and watched as they fell open. Only a thin strip of black lace stood between him and what he imagined would be the sweetest dessert a man could ever enjoy. He used gentle fingertips to push the lace aside, the fragrance of her arousal enticing him, spurring him on. The last thing he saw before he leaned in was the unmistakable trembling of anticipation that had taken over her thighs.

  His tongue worked over her warm flesh, and she dissolved into soft, whimpering cries. Nothing on earth would have prepared him for her sweetness or her responsiveness. The more she writhed beneath him, the more she cried out, the more he wanted of her. She was a woman made for pleasure, a goddess possessing carnal powers so potent, he couldn’t help falling under her spell. His manhood pulsed, craving the feel of her body surrounding his. He held it at bay, because he wanted to take her to the heights with his mouth first.

  Soon her cries climbed an octave, then another, until she shattered with a strangled scream. Only then, when he was sure she’d been properly prepared, did he pull away from her sweet, honeyed treasure.

  Getting to his feet again was complicated by the throbbing hardness in his trousers, but he managed. He gently rid her of the panties, added them to the pile of her clothes. When he took her, he wanted her nude in his arms so he could store the memory of her body in his mind forever. He wanted to be able to recall every bronze inch of her.

  “Nona.” He called her name.

  She opened her eyes. “Hmm?” Her tone conveyed the ecstasy she’d just experienced.

  “We need to move this to my bedroom. This bench isn’t big enough for everything I have in store for you.” And it wasn’t. In order to make love to her in the way she deserved, he would need the comfort and space afforded by the king-size bed in his master suite.

  She lifted her arms to him.

  He gathered her up as she pressed the wad of her discarded clothing to her chest. With her over his shoulder, he swatted her behind as he began the walk back up to the house.

  She purred, and he knew it was going to be one hell of a night.

  CHAPTER 11

  Nona sighed as Ken laid her atop his bed. It was huge, king-size, she assumed, and covered with the most wonderfully soft comforter that felt like satin against her skin. She couldn’t tell if the bed was really as comfortable as it seemed, or if she just felt that way because of Ken.

  He turned on a lamp. “Make yourself comfortable, honey.”

  She smiled, loving the way he referred to her as “honey.” No man had ever called her that before. Men had called her “baby,” “shorty” and a few other ridiculous nicknames, and usually she hated it. But something about the way Ken said it made it so appealing.

  As she stretched out on the bed, he remained on his feet. She watched him undress, anticipating everything they would soon share. He’d already given her so much ecstasy, she couldn’t wait to see what else he had in store for her.

  After he’d stripped off his tee and sweatpants, he moved to his dresser and opened one of the top drawers. He reappeared next to the bed, and she could see him in the circle of light cast by his lamp. He wore a pair of black bikini briefs, and as her eyes fell on them, she could clearly see the hardness outlined there. She licked her lips. While she observed him, he hooked his fingers in the waistband of the garment and dragged it down. At her first look at him, she inhaled deeply and sucked her teeth. “Damn.”

  He smiled. “So you like what you see?”

  Oh, hell, yes. She nodded, mesmerized by the sight of him rolling on the condom. She couldn’t tear her eyes away from him, nor could she think of anything else.

  He began moving toward her, and she crawled to the center of the bed. By the time he climbed in with her, she was on her back with her thighs parted in invitation.

  He kissed her on the lips. “Ready?”

  He’d made sure of that outside under the stars. “Yes, baby.”

  He crushed his lips to hers while his big hands stroked their way from her shoulders to her hips. Once he was there, he put a firm but gentle grip on her ass. Lifting her, he thrust his pelvis forward to meet hers.

  She uttered an unladylike curse at the sensation of him entering her, filling her. Her body stretched around him, adjusting to him, welcoming him. He pulled back only to thrust forward again, and she moaned low in her throat. Still gripping her, he settled into a slow and steady rhythm, giving her all of him, then easing away only to plunge inside her again. Grabbing hold of his strong shoulders, she held on tight as her body rose to meet his.

  Sparks ignited between her thighs, rising
from the magical friction of his body moving within her. She could hear the sounds she made, though she had no control over them. Since she’d never known pleasure like this, her own voice sounded foreign. But as the sensations rose and built, pushing her closer and closer to another climax, she moaned louder, not caring how she sounded or who might hear. The only things in the world that mattered to her were him, his big hands holding her hips and his glorious hardness moving between her thighs.

  He growled, lifting her hips higher and picking up the pace of his thrusts. She could tell he was getting close, and so was she. She clung to him, her hands beginning to slip as beads of perspiration gathered on his shoulders. The comforter beneath them slid back and forth, rustling in time with his thrusts.

  Her body tingled all over, radiating from her core. The building pleasure finally became too much, and as she clawed at his back and shoulders, she came for the second time, her body pulsing around his.

  Moments later, he roared as he reached his own completion. As it subsided, he slowed his thrusts, then stopped. Releasing his grip on her hips, he let his manhood slip out of her and rolled over to lie next to her.

  She lay in the dim light, trying to catch her breath and regain control of her mind. She could hear his heavy breathing as he lay next to her, and she realized that he’d just treated her to the best lovemaking she’d ever experienced.

  He shifted, draped his arms over her stomach. She snuggled closer to him, loving how safe she felt nestled next to him this way.

  Neither of them spoke, because words were unnecessary. The connection that had been growing between them since the day they first met had now been solidified. She knew it, and she sensed that he knew it as well. She tried not to overthink what was happening, because she didn’t want anything to infringe on the sensual joy of this moment.

  She thought of rolling over to talk to him, but before she could change positions, she heard his soft snores ruffling the silence. Smiling, she closed her own eyes and let the exhaustion brought on by his lovemaking take hold.