Make That Man Mine

by Shelley Munro

  “No side effects. Not yet anyway. They gave me some cream in case I have itching. Are you going to take all night?”

  “Just drawing out the anticipation.” And making himself crazy with lust, but it would be worth it. He glanced down at his hand and saw the glint of scales starting to form on the top of his hand. The shadow of claws had formed beneath his fingernails, ready to pop out into webbed talons. He’d run out of time to play with her. “Turn around,” he said. “Put your hands on the wall.”

  She hesitated, looking uncertain.

  “Do it.”

  Slowly, she turned to face the beige-colored wall but cast another doubtful glance over her shoulder.

  “Hands against the wall.”

  Emma sucked in a breath loud enough for Jack to hear. But she placed her hands, one at the time on the wall, her heart pounding and drawing the taniwha closer to the surface.

  Jack ripped at the laces that fastened his shirt at the neck.

  “What are you doing?” Emma half turned.

  “Look at the wall,” he barked. Jack scrambled for an excuse to keep her from seeing him. Iridescent scales shimmered on his chest—pearl gray scales the same color as the inside of a mussel shell. Thank God his chest always changed before his back. If he hurried, the change would recede. “We’re doing a role-play and you’re the submissive. That means you follow orders. For a change.” Please let her follow his directions. Jack eyed her still body with misgiving. He yanked at his belt buckle and peeled the trousers over his swollen cock with care. Seconds later he kicked the trousers out of his way and grabbed a condom. His breathing sounded harsh to his ears, and his hands shook, suddenly clumsy because their dexterity was compromised by the start of his change to taniwha form. He unrolled the condom awkwardly onto his penis, hoping like hell he didn’t put a hole in the rubber with the sharp claws that extended from his fingers. The last thing he needed were baby taniwhas running around.

  “What does a submissive do?” she whispered, still thankfully looking away from him at the wall.

  “Follows orders,” he growled. He didn’t know what he’d do if Emma decided to disobey. Maybe he should introduce a bit of kink. Keep her busy with new experiences. And definitely a blindfold because if he didn’t make haste, it was going to take time for the scales to fade from his body. “A submissive does what they’re told when they’re told. I’m not sure you could manage.”

  “Of course I can,” she snapped.

  Jack grinned at her indignation. A sharp, nagging pain shot through his stomach, making him double over with the pain. Damn, if he didn’t hurry, he was going to be in trouble. Jack cast a belligerent gaze toward the window. The moon was almost full, and he could feel its siren pull with every particle of his body. Another sharp pain shot through him. Fuck, he hoped Emma was as ready for his possession as he thought because he wasn’t going to manage gentle tonight.

  Jack ambled up to Emma and gingerly ran his finger pads over the silky-smooth skin of her back, taking care not to scratch her with his claws.

  “Spread your legs farther apart,” he whispered, hoping she wouldn’t notice the changed timbre of his voice. Generally, his vocal cords changed slowly still allowing him to speak in a growl before he shifted. Once he changed, all he could do was roar.

  Emma widened her stance, drawing his attention to the full cheeks of her ass. He stepped up behind her so the fronts of his thighs brushed the backs of her legs.

  “You feel hot.”

  “I am.” Jack curled his hand around his cock and brushed the tip across the soft flesh of her backside. The resulting jolt ran the length of his body. He changed the direction, massaging his tip down the crevice between her ass cheeks.

  Jack fingered her, skimming his fingers across the sensitive nub nestled in her core.

  “Ohhh,” she whispered, shifting her body weight slightly and pushing her ass outward.

  The soft moan reverberated through the room, and his lips quirked as he leaned closer to nip the sensitive cords of her neck. Emma was so responsive with no pretense. No secrets. Jack’s hands snaked around to cup her breasts in his hands. Guilt rose but he shoved it aside. He had a job to do.

  “I’m wet for you now,” she complained. “You must have noticed. Ohhh! Do that again.”

  A muscle jumped in his jaw and his cock swelled impossibly tight at her sexy sound. Jack kissed her shoulder again then sucked on her flesh. “You ready for me to fuck you?” he growled.

  “Yesss,” Emma hissed with a trace of impatience.

  Jack felt the absurd need to hold himself in check for longer, but he already balanced on the fine line between pleasure and pain. He pumped his cock with one hand then shoved into her tight cunt. Hot pleasure simmered through his veins at the feel of her. Tight. Clinging. Grasping. Enough to send a man mad or keep a taniwha sane. God, she felt so good. Deep shudders shook him as he stroked, hard and fast.

  Thank God the change had slowed. His claws had retracted a fraction. The closeness with Emma and the charged hormones running through his body had pushed the serpent back to its den. Scales still glinted beneath his skin, but he could explain the phenomena away if he needed to.

  “More,” Emma gasped. Although she’d been skeptical about being taken against a wall, he’d made her so hot, so quickly she could barely think. All she could do was feel. Jack slid a hand over her belly then lower, to rub her clit. His cock filled her impossibly full, possessing her and stamping ownership. Frissons of excitement swelled to a heady spill of pleasure. Another pass of his finger pushed her over the edge and she shattered. Her breaths came in harsh pants, echoed by a grunt as Jack pumped into her then held still, his cock expelling semen deep inside her. Emma sighed softly as the ripples of pleasure kept coming, gentler now but still consuming. Already, she wanted another go. The man to die for had her hooked, literally addicted, and she didn’t think she’d ever be able to look at another man again.

  Jack nuzzled her shoulder, his chest pressed against her back. He pulled out of her, removed the condom and led her over to the bed. They stared at each other for a long moment. Jack looked away first, glancing at the mirror above the bar.

  “Interested in trying out some of the toys you’ve won?” he asked.

  “Yes, please,” Emma said, feeling suddenly happier. Sometimes, it seemed as if Jack were making love to her against his will. But if he wanted to play with toys, then it must be her imagination. Emma plucked her box of goodies off the bedside table and handed it to Jack. “What would you like to do first?” She took pleasure in watching him as he studied the contents of the box. His face was in the dark, his hair tousled, making him look mysterious and sexy. She leaned closer, brushing her breasts against his serpent tattoo.

  Jack plucked two items from the box and handed them to her. A glowing thing that looked a little like a penis but had a sort of handle at the end. Emma read the packaging and felt hot all over. A butt plug. She’d liked it when Jack had touched her there before. Excitement rose inside at the thought of trying something new. The other was a jar of chocolate paste. Emma turned the package over to read the instructions. There were several illustrations of breasts decorated with the paste and made to resemble edible items. A snigger emerged. “Which one are we going to try?”

  Jack grinned suddenly, making Emma catch her breath and stare. The man was so sexy when he smiled. “I’ve always liked Christmas pudding,” he murmured, reclaiming the package from her. He opened it, and the deep, rich scent of chocolate filled the air. Emma watched as he dipped his finger into the jar. He raised it to his lips and licked the paste away.

  Desire unfurled in her belly. He pushed her back against the pillows and bent to take a nipple in his mouth. Jack drew hard. And just like that Emma was wet and ready for his possession. Needy. Desperate. Why play with toys when she had the real thing?

  “Jack?”

  He glanced up, his dark eyes glowing strangely. A quirk of the light, she thought. “I need you inside me,�
� Emma said. “We have all night. We can play with toys later.”

  Maintaining her gaze, he set the jar aside and reached for a condom. He covered his erection with calm, confident moves. “Just a little chocolate,” he murmured. “I want to taste it on your skin.”

  Emma shivered at the avid note in his voice. No doubt about it—she was gonna die a happy woman.

  * * * * *

  “You like Thai food too?” Emma paused in the middle of applying suntan lotion, ready to hit the pool straight after breakfast. “There’s a great Thai restaurant near Botany Downs. We should go for dinner when we get back to Auckland.”

  “We’re not a couple.” The flat and final tone of his voice made Emma stare.

  Shock punched her in the lungs, stealing her breath. “I thought—”

  Jack scowled. “It’s nothing personal, Emma. I need sex. You’re handy and willing. It’s as simple as that.”

  Emma’s mouth opened then closed. Her jaw worked but words dammed up in her throat. She swallowed once. Twice. After clearing her throat, she managed to squeeze out a few words. “What you’re saying is that our affair comes to an end once we leave the resort?”

  Jack rolled his eyes toward the ceiling. “By George, I think she’s got it.”

  “You bastard,” Emma hissed. The urge to wrap her hands around his neck and squeeze until he gasped for air was strong. Tempting. But it would be too quick. The man needed to suffer like he was making her suffer. “I have—” She broke off midsentence. No way was she giving him the pleasure of trampling on her feelings any more than he had already. Tears built at the back of her eyes but damned if she’d show the feminine weakness. She straightened her shoulders and forced herself to meet his gaze without flinching. “Fine. At least I know where I stand. I won’t force myself on you again.” Although she tried to keep her voice even, it was colored by the distinct bite of temper.

  Her canvas bag lay beside the bed. Averting her gaze from the ruffled bedcovers and memories of how they’d spent the night, she grabbed it up in her left hand. “I’m going out.”

  “Where?”

  He had no rights where she was concerned. Her hand fisted so hard, the canvas strap of the bag dug into her palm. “I am going down to breakfast. I missed dinner and I’m hungry.”

  “Wait five minutes and I’ll come with you.”

  Emma stared at him incredulously. The man was thick as two planks. Did he want her to draw attention to them by having the mother of all temper tantrums in public? Because that was a dead cert—if he didn’t quit with the big, bad private investigator act. “I don’t think so.” Emma terminated the conversation by leaving their room and shutting the door quietly behind her.

  She stomped down the passageway to the front entrance. Despite telling Jack she was going to breakfast, this morning she’d skip a meal and head straight for the gym to start some subtle questioning.

  The sooner the case was solved, the sooner she could leave and head home to lick her wounds. The thought gave her pause. She’d failed in her mission. Emma glared at the man tending the gardens and stormed down the path to the main part of the resort. Bypassing the restaurant, she carried on to the gym.

  A male a few years younger than she manned the reception desk at the entrance. Highly tanned and muscled, he looked as though he belonged in an ad for a gentleman’s magazine.

  “Morning. Can I help you?”

  Emma cast aside her sudden doubts. “I’ve never been to a gym before,” she said. “I thought this week would be a good time to see if I like it before I fork out money for membership. How do I start?” She’d scope out the territory first before she started to ask questions.

  “How about a tour of the facilities and a description of the different membership options. How does that sound?” The young man—his name badge read Allen—gave her his whole attention, making her feel important and soothing her wounded spirit. Emma shook free of his charismatic spell and nodded. “That sounds perfect.”

  Allen picked up a phone and minutes later another young man who could have been Allen’s twin joined them.

  Emma was introduced to various machines and shown the aerobics area, the weights area, the indoor swimming pool where a vigorous water aerobics session was underway. Once again, the instructor was an Allen clone but with red hair this time.

  “You all look very fit.” Emma batted her eyelashes at her guide. She paused, hoping he’d pick up the conversation batten. If not, she’d play bimbo and ask stupid questions.

  “Most of us are in training. Mahoney Resort enters a triathlon team in the Ironman competitions. I made the team,” he added with modesty.

  “That’s awesome.” Emma fluttered her lashes and peeked through narrowed eyes to judge the effect. Yes, he was lapping up her bimbo act. She let a tiny gurgle escape and flashed a grin. “What’s a triathlon?”

  “It’s a competition. Competitors swim, they do a bike ride and then they have to run. Have you heard of Martin Hamilton? He won a gold medal at the Olympic games for New Zealand.”

  “Awesome,” Emma cooed, closing the small gap between them. “Have you won a medal?”

  “I’m going to one day,” he said with confidence.

  How? How did he know that? Or was he just psyching himself up? Positive thinking and all that? Emma thought rapidly, unsure of how hard to push. “Have you been training hard?” Her voice was breathless as she ran her fingers along his bulging biceps. The man was gorgeous, a real hottie, yet she didn’t feel a thing. He wasn’t Jack. Emma’s mouth firmed at the thought. Jack didn’t deserve her loyalty. And now she understood why he had a procession of babes waltzing through his life. The man didn’t want to commit. He was a coward.

  Her guide’s eyes widened, and Emma realized she was blowing her bimbo act. “Do you?” she prodded.

  “I train each day and…” He paused to look over her shoulder. “I have a special diet.”

  “Ohhh.” Emma rubbed her finger back and forward across his tanned upper arm. “It’s working.” What special diet? she wondered with a trace of frustration. Perhaps if she shook him, she’d rattle the answer loose faster. Flirting wasn’t helping. “I’d like to muscle up. Is there a fast way to do it?”

  “You’d need to train every day for a few hours.” His gaze held clear doubt. “Protein shakes might help. And you’d have to diet.”

  “Diet?” Bloody cheek of the man.

  He shrugged and grinned. “The changing rooms and showers are in there. Ladies to the left and men to the right. And that’s about everything,” he said, coming to stop by a row of stationary bikes facing a large video screen.

  People drifted into the gym in ones and twos. Emma was pleased to see that there weren’t many people in bright-colored spandex, the vision that popped into her head whenever she thought of a gym. Most people wore comfortable shorts and a T-shirt similar to her sleeveless top and stretchy back shorts.

  Emma smiled brightly. “Okay. I’m interested. What do I do next?” She didn’t intend to leave until she had answers.

  “We do a fitness check. Would you like me to see if I can schedule one in for you? I have a personal trainer session in five minutes, otherwise I’d offer to do the check for you.”

  “Okay.” Great. A fitness check. Emma hoped it didn’t involve too much. Her muscles were sore from the sexual gymnastics of the night before.

  They walked over to the receptionist’s desk and Emma scanned the gym. There were five, no, six beefy young men wearing the resort’s uniform. Not a scrawny specimen among them. The two women she saw were also muscled up but it might be a coincidence. Jeesh, how was she going to find out? Perhaps they needed to check out the premises during the middle of the night when no one was around. Maybe the offices and places that were off-limits to guests.

  “Jamie can do a fitness test, but she’ll be another five minutes since she’s with a client.”

  “That’s fine,” Emma said.

  “Come with me, and I’ll show you
where to wait.”

  Emma followed her guide down a narrow corridor she hadn’t noticed earlier. They passed two offices then came to a third room. Her guide opened the door and gestured Emma inside.

  There were charts on the wall with illustrations depicting people doing different warm-up exercises.

  “See if you can follow the diagrams and do a few stretches while you’re waiting for Jamie. She won’t be long.”

  “Thanks for the tour,” Emma said, smiling and fluttering her lashes, keeping up the image of bimbo to the end.

  Her guide left, leaving the door slightly ajar. Emma debated if five minutes would be long enough to explore the offices next door and decided to risk it. She was halfway out the door when she heard several masculine voices in the office closest to the room in which she stood. Bother. Emma dithered, wondering what to do.

  Raucous laughter suddenly filled the air.

  “The couple in room 243?”

  Emma stiffened. Shit, were they under investigation? She edged from the testing room, flattening against the beige walls so she wouldn’t be seen easily.

  “Oh yeah,” a loud voice said. “They go at it like rabbits. All night long.”

  Emma’s mouth dropped. Someone had heard them? How mortifying!

  “What do they look like?”

  “Both tall. The guy looks dangerous. Not the sort to meet in a blind alley on a dark night.”

  “What about his partner?”

  “A bit big for my tastes.”

  “What are you talking about, man? Her ass is fuckable. I’d like to ram one right up her.”

  Emma’s jaw sagged so much it was a wonder it didn’t hit the ground. These men had not only heard them, they’d watched them as well! But how? Why? Emma groped for understanding.