Nova laughed. "I think you were hit on the head one too many times." Never had she been called an enchantress by any stretch of the imagination.
"And I think you underestimate yourself." He gave her hand a pointed look. "You'll need to take it easy for the rest of the day."
"We still have a lot of work to do--"
"But not now. It's well past nooning and we've had nothing substantial to eat. I think we should grab something and head down to the beach. A quick swim and sustenance will set us to rights." He loomed over her and offered his hand.
Nova stared at it, his broad palm, the numerous lines crisscrossing it. It was a strong hand. A capable hand. He turned it ever so slightly and the light caught on the iridescent webbing between his fingers. Reverently, she touched the skin between his thumb and forefinger. It was thin and pliable and, when he stretched his fingers apart to allow her a better inspection, the skin sparkled like the surface of an opal. It was beautiful yet alien at the same time. It was also another reason she couldn't lose her heart. They were as different as night and day.
She slid her hand into his and allowed him to help her to her feet. Together they gathered supplies for lunch and packed everything into a basket. Wyn carried it while she followed with one of the blankets. They walked down the path and onto the narrow slice of beach. The sand was warm beneath her feet and he led her to a sheltered area beneath a large tree at the very base of the cliffs.
"I say we swim first." He tucked the basket into a shaded corner near a rock.
She looked out to sea. The sunlight cast thousands of sparkles across the gentle waves. This place held hundreds of memories for her... and they were almost all good ones for a change.
"I say you're on," she said.
Feeling like a child set free, she stripped to a thin chemise and long-legged drawers then ran to the water. Behind her she could hear Wyn close behind. When he drew near, he made a playful grab for her arm and she shied away with a shriek. Racing for the sea, she dove without a backward glance.
The water was warm and embraced her like a second skin. Taking a deep breath, she plunged beneath the surface and into the blue-green depths. Here the world was silent and peaceful--there was no one to bother her, just fish and water.
She rose to the surface only when her lungs felt near to bursting. She'd take in huge gulps of fresh air then return to the watery depths to swim among the fish and rock formations. She marveled at what it must mean to live as Wyn and his people lived. It would be a beautiful uncomplicated world with a slow pace.
She broke the surface near a large multi-leveled boulder in the center of the lagoon. She shook water from her eyes and saw Wyn on top of the rock as nude as the day he was born. His body glinted with water droplets and his sex hung heavy between his spread thighs. He looked relaxed and sexy, and a slow warmth blossomed in her belly. She wanted to lie with him again. The gentle nature he'd shown in the past two days had proved to her that he was a man who could be trusted with her body, if not her heart.
"You swim well for a land dweller," he said.
"My mother and grandmother taught me." She swam closer. "In this very place."
"Really?"
She nodded. "That wreck of a house is where my mother was born, and her mother before her. "
"And that's why you want to live here."
She nodded, her gaze fixed on the house above. "It's the only place I've ever called home. Some of the best memories of my life are of swimming and fishing right here."
"What happened?"
She pulled her gaze away, reluctant to talk about what had happened so many years ago. "It doesn't matter now." She found a foothold and climbed the side of the rock until she stood at his feet. As she touched his knee, he straightened, his gaze sharp, aware.
"You keep telling me that I'm beautiful," she said. "But you're beautiful as well."
He gave her a lazy smile as his fingers encircled her wrist. "Do you think so?'
"Yes."
"Well now, it's a beautiful sunny day. We're here alone on our small island." He indicated the rock they sat on. "What do you think two beautiful people should do together?"
"Mmm." She allowed herself to be pulled into his lap. Against her hip, his cock grew hard. "Make bread? Play Goddess and Dragons? Maybe--" Her words ended in a hiss as he nipped her earlobe.
"Hush, woman."
His mouth covered hers and she dissolved into a warm puddle as their tongues sought each other. Her arms slid around his neck and they suckled each other's mouths. Giving herself to the sensuality he offered, she stroked the warm skin of his upper back and neck. His wet hair covered her hands like warm silk and she tangled her fingers in it.
His hands stroked a lazy path up her back and she moaned as he cupped her breast. His thumb teased her nipple into erect awareness. He broke the kiss and mumbled against her jaw, "I think you're wearing too many clothes again."
Nova's sigh turned to a gasp as he swung her off his lap and onto the rock beside him. He removed her chemise and tossed it into the ocean.
"You know, I don't have very many clothes," she complained.
"Who needs clothes?" he asked.
"I do, for one." She laughed as he nuzzled her neck and hit a particularly sensitive spot. He urged her hips upward and slid her drawers down her legs and tossed them in the sea as well. She gave them a mournful glance. "I think you're hard on my wardrobe."
He sat cross-legged and pulled her into his lap to straddle him. His cock was pressed against the damp apex of her thighs. "No, I think I'm hard for you."
Her laughter turned to a sigh as he moved his hips against her and his cock rubbed against her woman's mound. They kissed again, their bodies as close together as they could get without him actually entering her. Their hands stroked and caressed every inch of flesh they could reach. He cupped her breast and his thumb teased the taut peak with a slow touch.
"You have beautiful breasts."
Nova ran her palms over his flat male nipples and teased them into sharp little points. She was pleased when his breath left him in a hiss as she scraped her nails over them.
He leaned back, his eyes smoky with need. "I want to taste them."
Her eyelids drooped as his tongue flicked over one nipple, then the other. Taking one into his mouth, he sucked hard and wrenched a cry from her. His wicked caresses continued and the dampness between her thighs increased with each teasing action. Beneath her, Wyn moved his hips in a restless manner and she wasn't sure he was even aware he was doing it.
Her fingers tangled in his hair, holding him hostage against her breast though he didn't seem to want to leave anytime soon. Her hips picked up his rhythm and increased the friction against her clitoris. She tipped back her head, need riding low and hard in her abdomen as she bore down on his cock while his tongue continued its magic.
Spasms of heat streaked up her thighs as her body clenched and she screamed his name as she gained release. His hands cupped her hips, steadying her as she lost control. Dimly, she was aware of him speaking in low encouraging tones, but she couldn't focus on his words. Limp, her head sank to rest on his shoulder while pleasurable aftershocks still reverberated through her body.
Once the storm had passed, she roused and raised her head from his shoulder. Her body hummed with satisfaction and his cock still prodded her.
She gave him a sleepy smile. "You look like you could use some help here, my friend."
He looked pained. "Yes, please."
She slid her hand around his cock, luxuriating in the silk and steel of him. As she stroked, his eyes dilated and he gave himself into her seduction. Needing lubrication, she ran her hand between her thighs until her fingers were damp with cream. She smoothed her moisture over his cock, paying careful attention to his broad head. His eyes slid closed and his hips followed her every movement. He strained beneath her and his breathing grew short and heavy. He moaned and his hips jerked as he came, his come shooting up to coat her breasts and belly.
&nbs
p; She released him to rub the essence of their experience into her skin. Into her breasts, her nipples and her stomach. She raised her head to see him watching her erotic play.
She smiled and plumped her breasts with both hands. "Care for a taste?"
* * *
"What do you mean, you lost them?" Evi slammed his fist on the table. "This is unacceptable. Do you have any idea how much money that creature is worth?"
Ber and Dreg shook their heads. They really were a pathetic twosome. Dreg had a large knot on his head while Ber was dressed in something that resembled a window drape embroidered with pink flowers.
Fools.
"He's worth a small ransom to me and I'm paying you handsomely to find him. Now go and don't return until you have something better to report."
The men left the room and Evi sank into his chair. The Countess Pont le Neve was impatiently waiting in the wings to claim the merman. The money she was willing to pay would set Evi up for life. His fist clenched, then relaxed. He couldn't lose out now; he'd been poor far too long to give up.
He picked up a small bell and rang it. Almost immediately the door opened and a half-naked jaJin entered. Slim and blonde with a gold belt holding up a sheer skirt, she carried a tray of fruit and wine. Her gaze was bold and she gave him a wide smile.
"Are you ready to eat, milord?"
CHAPTER SEVEN
Nova was a thing of beauty to behold as she emerged from the sea. Her dark hair was slicked back and water droplets ran down her body. Her breasts and hips swayed with a sensuality he knew she was unaware of and his cock swelled in response. Their gazes met and a warm blush moved over her cheeks before she looked away.
After their interlude on the rock, they'd swum back to the beach and eaten their lunch. Consisting mainly of bread, cheese and wine, they'd taken turns feeding each other small morsels of food until replete. After they'd taken a short nap, Nova had opted for a quick dip to rinse off the sand.
"Shall we get back to work?" She reached for her blouse on the blanket next to him.
"You're a hard taskmaster." He gave a lazy yawn, well aware of the quick glances she'd been giving his cock. "And I have a better idea." He grabbed the hem of her shirt and tugged.
"I need to get dressed--"
She resisted his attempts to take her shirt and he resorted to grabbing her wrist before pulling her down next to him. "I don't know about you, but I'm far too full to go back to work immediately." He rolled with her until she was beneath him.
Her brow arched and a playful smile curved her mouth. "Indeed?" She slid her arms around his shoulders. "What did you have in mind?"
"Mmm, how about spending the rest of the afternoon here?" He slid his knee between her legs and she opened for him. "In only a few hours it will be time to eat again..." He settled his hips between her thighs and his cock rested against her woman's mound. "And I have a few more things I'd like to do with you." He traced the curve of her brow with a fingertip. "For you." He followed the line of her cheek. "And to you." He tickled her lower lip with his nail. Her lips parted and he dipped his finger inside, surprised when she reciprocated by nipping his fingertip.
His eyes narrowed as heat rushed through his loins and he removed his finger. He lowered his head and nibbled her dampened lips. Sucking the lower one between his teeth, he released her after a tender nip. He kissed and sucked his way down her throat while she twisted as if to try and maneuver him in a particular direction.
But he had his own agenda.
Keeping his pace lazy, he seduced each shoulder, stroking and caressing her sun- warmed flesh. She would have to be careful to not get burned, her pale skin was already turning pink from exposure to the sun. He kissed his way between her breasts, enjoying the flavor of sea and woman.
Bracing himself on one arm, he stroked the generous curve of one breast. Already her nipples were semi-hard and begging for his touch. He licked his finger and drew a damp circle around her areola and her nipple tightened. Her breasts were so responsive, he wondered if he could bring her off by touching them alone. He licked his finger again and painted her nipple with his saliva. Her breathing deepened and he took the tight point into his mouth. He suckled deeply, wrenching a cry from her. Her hands tangled in his hair as he seduced her with his mouth.
Smiling at her breathy sounds, he kissed his way down her abdomen stopping only to nuzzle her belly button. Her flesh was warm and soft as silk, her thighs open as he moved down her body. The soft dark hair covering her woman's mound was damp with desire. He opened her to stroke wet flesh as he dipped his head to taste her.
Her hips thrust against him as his tongue sought her clitoris. She cried as his fingers penetrated. Her fists knotted in his hair and her hips arched against his mouth. She moaned and unrestrained desire had aroused him to the point of pain.
"I have to have you," he muttered. He rose above her, his cock full, its tip damp with pre-come. He dipped the head of his cock into her slick flesh, gritting his teeth when he felt how tight she was. Sweat broke across his brow as he pressed forward, his head disappearing into her sweet body.
"Wyn... please..."
She moaned when he thrust forward and buried himself in her body. His teeth came together hard as she flexed. Her hands moved to his hips and she urged him on. He withdrew, then entered again with a slow thrust. He braced his weight on his arms and his head fell back. The sense of rightness was unbelievable. As he sank deep again, the wet suck of her flesh around his cock aroused him more than ever. He increased his pace and began to thrust in deep even strokes.
Together they rode the peak, her body tightening beneath his as she screamed out her satisfaction. His balls constricted, release just seconds away. He moaned and his hips jerked sporadically as wave after wave of sensation tore through his body.
Exhausted and gasping for air, he let his head drop beside hers.
Had sex ever been this powerful with another woman?
* * *
A week later, the sun was setting as Nova guided her horse toward home. The dying light cast a pinkish golden glow over everything and, for once, the thought of home didn't bring the feeling of satisfaction as it once had. Thanks to the Wryven workers she'd hired, the walls were patched and the roof was almost complete. Within a few days she'd be done.
And Wyn would leave...
As if her thoughts had conjured him, he emerged from the house with a wheelbarrow of scrap lumber. For once he had his shirt on but had left it open to expose his chest. He hauled the debris to a large fire and dumped it in. A wild shower of sparks rose high above the flames. He stood, bare-chested and powerful like a pagan god of old. Her toes curled.
He isn't yours to keep...
She frowned. Did she really want a man around all time? Sooner or later he'd expect her to cook for him and wash his clothes, then let him fuck her whenever and wherever he decided. It wouldn't matter if she were ill or busy, he'd expect her to pull up her skirts and let him--
Wyn isn't like that...
True, he hadn't acted like any man she'd ever known. But he was still a man and they weren't to be trusted. She turned her attention to the path and urged the horse onward. Once everything was done, he'd be free to go and she could get on with her life as well.
"You'll never guess what I unearthed while you were gone," he called as she approached.
"What?" She slowed the horse.
"This." He waved toward a jumble of items near the front door.
She handed him a bundle of provisions before she slid off the horse. Lined up beside the threshold were a kitchen table, three chairs and a small lopsided table that her grandmother had used for sewing. She dropped to her knees and ran her hands reverently over the scarred tabletop. She remembered her granny sitting in her rocker beside the small table for many hours, creating the most amazing embroidery. Nova's hand shook as she opened the little drawer in front. She'd kept her floss here, neatly aligned by color and hue, and they'd dazzled a little girl who'd had very l
ittle color in her life until then. Except for a few cobwebs, the drawer was empty.
Much like her life.
She cleared her throat. "Where did you find this?"
"In the shed out back. These are the only salvageable pieces...They can be cleaned and used again."
"That they can be." She shut the drawer. "I'll add that to my list." She grinned at him then walked into the house. The main room was empty and the floors had been swept clean with the broom she'd purchased on her last trip to town. The fireplace had been cleared as well as the areas that had served as the kitchen and bedroom. Last night she'd stashed her wealth in a niche in the fireplace, the very same place her granny had kept her money. It was truly becoming her home.
It seemed strange to be standing here again. When her family had left so many years ago her father had sworn that none of his blood would ever set foot here again.
How wrong he'd been.
She ran her hands over the pockmarked wood of the fireplace mantel. The pattern of sea waves and shells carved into the mantel was as familiar as her own face. The wood had taken a beating, but with time and effort most of it could be salvaged. Her grandfather, a man she'd never known, had carved this for his new bride. She traced the curve of a shell. Here was the history of her family. Here was her past--the part she wanted to remember anyway.
"What is this place to you?"
Wyn's quiet question jolted her out of reverie and she turned her hand to inspect her dusty fingers. She rubbed them together.
"I told you, my mother and grandmother were born here." She offered him a smile and hoped he'd drop the subject.
He shook his head. "It's more than that. The expression on your face tells me you have more than just a familial connection to this place. It's something deeper, more intrinsic to who you are and where you've been."
He saw too much.
Uncomfortable, she turned toward the south window. Through the glassless openings, the sea beckoned and a fresh breeze blew. Her grandmother had had white cotton curtains and windows that opened inward. In warm weather, she'd always kept the windows open to catch the scent of the sea.
PARADOX II Page 16