DarykCraving

by Denise A. Agnew

  Rain sprinkled against the windows, the clouds darkening the day to unnatural dimness. Thunder rolled as if heralding her next moment. Her exploration.

  His cock was beautiful.

  She never thought she’d believe that of a man’s sex again. Marc changed that. Her earlier assumption about his size proved correct. He was thick and long. Veined and so utterly powerful-looking. A new pulse grew to life in her body. Yearning made her wet, an ache building that reached her womb. She wanted to know him in the deepest, most intimate way possible. He could erase her injuries, and her bad memories would lie like dust. She knew it. She simply knew it.

  First steps first.

  She drew in a breath and touched his thighs. He twitched.

  Good. She liked having this power over him. Not just any man, of course, but him. But more than wanting his submission, she also craved his approval, his acceptance, his love. In return, she would give him her surrender as well, and the power they had over each other would be everything.

  She smoothed her palms over his hair-roughened thighs and down his calves. He sucked in a breath and moaned softly. “Draconus.”

  She laughed softly. “Draconus has nothing to do with this, Marc. Just us. This is all us.”

  He smiled and groaned. “Yes. Never a more beautiful word has been spoken. Us.”

  She returned his smile and proceeded, eager to learn more.

  She encircled his cock with her right hand.

  Draconus, he was so hard.

  He hissed in a breath. His nostrils flared and his lips parted. His chest rose and fell with quick breaths.

  With a slow and smooth stroke, she moved her hand up and down. He grew even harder. Thicker. Longer. His hips began to follow her movement. When she looked up at him again, his eyes showed her everything she needed to know. He not only loved what she was doing, he was losing control.

  She had control.

  It was what she needed.

  His jaw muscles clenched. “By the hells, Aknada.” His voice was raspy, deep with desire. “Put me out of my misery.”

  Triumph and power surged through. “How? How should I do that?”

  “Any way you want.” His voice sounded strangled.

  “I want you to tell me.”

  He threw his head back and closed his eyes. His strong throat worked. His muscles clenched and released as his breathing quickened. “Do it faster.”

  She’d also heard that men liked a woman to suck their cocks. Did she have the bravery for that?

  Leaning forward, she moved her hand down to grip the base of his erection. His eyes were still closed.

  Her mouth enveloped him as far down as she could take him. He tasted clean and the heat of him in her mouth created an unexpected warming in her lower stomach.

  “Ah, god Draconus,” he whispered, his entire body shivering. “Yes.”

  She hummed, pleased with his reaction, but that only made him squirm more. He gasped, he moaned. Instinct took over and she pumped him in time with the up and down movement of her mouth.

  He cursed, words she’d never heard him use before. She didn’t stop, fascinated with his unbridled reaction. His musky taste intrigued her. She’d heard so much about sex all her life—Dragonians savored sex more than food. Their traditions, religious books, all of it was colored with sexual images and instructions. Sexual prowess, especially among Daryk Ones was highly prized.

  She put aside inadequate feelings and closed her eyes. She would feel her way through and concentrate on Marc’s enjoyment. He groaned, the low sound overflowing with pure sensual pleasure.

  “Wait,” he gasped.

  She looked up and stopped. Strain lined his face, his eyes narrowed and his breath came fast.

  “I heard that men like it when a woman lets them spill their essence in her mouth,” she said.

  “You don’t have to do that.” Thick with desire, his voice compelled her to continue.

  “Yes, I want to.”

  The fact she did want to gratify him gave her a new freedom. A delightful and amazing freedom.

  She leaned in and continued, and Marc’s cock hardened even more under her touch. She licked him from base to tip and smoothed her fingers relentlessly over his skin. All her motions, tastes and caresses blended in pure pursuit of his happiness.

  “Draconus.” His gasps turned to moans. “Please.”

  She moved faster, pumping him and sucking. Seconds later his frantic moans turned to a feral, deep growl.

  Hot, male essence filled her mouth. She swallowed it down, wanting part of him inside her. His body quivered as she licked away all traces. She released him and smiled with pleasure. She stood and watched as Marc’s heavy-lidded expression told how much he’d enjoyed what she’d just performed.

  “Aknada.” His voice purred against her ears. “That was…”

  “A gift.”

  His eyes, so filled with passion moments before, cooled. “A gift?”

  Confused by the chill, she tucked her towels closer around her. “Yes.” Self-conscious, she backed up several steps. “I thought you liked it. Consider it payment for all the trouble I’ve caused you.”

  His eyes turned icy, the blue reminding her of cold waters in Imekland. “Payment. You just took something special and trampled on it, Aknada.”

  A hundred conflicting emotions swelled inside her. She covered her face in her hands for a moment. “This is all wrong. I didn’t mean payment. I mean because I’ve given you such trouble. You’ve been kindness itself since I came back into your life.”

  “So you thought sucking my cock was payment for that?” Contempt laced his voice, and his anger bit into her with icy teeth. She’d never heard him use this tone of voice with her before. Before she could speak, he launched in with, “Perhaps you were right to stay away from me all these years, Aknada.”

  Shock slammed her broadside. “What?”

  He stood slowly, his nakedness a bold statement that still drew the breath from her lungs and made her knees weaken. Strong thighs, rippling muscles and big cock—all of it made her weak with a craving so profound she couldn’t articulate it.

  “I thought Daryk Ones married for life,” he said. “If that were so, your connection with Braxis should make our union impossible. You would still mourn your true mate.”

  She swallowed hard around the truth. “I lied to you.”

  His eyes darkened with discontent and stronger emotions she’d never seen on his face before. “About what?”

  She sank to the edge of the bed. “Braxis wasn’t my true mate.”

  Before he could speak to her, she rushed into the bathing room and redressed. She couldn’t help those damn tears again. She’d destroyed a tender moment with her clumsy words, but he’d trampled on her feelings and chose to misunderstand her. Damn him too. Anger rushed inside her like a swollen stream. After she dressed, she hurried from the bathing room.

  Marc had dressed as well. He sat on the bed, his eyes dark and almost blank. Where had all the tenderness gone?

  He glanced up, but before he could say a word, she shook her head. “Perhaps it’s better if I go for now.”

  She left without him managing to say one word.

  Chapter Seven

  Marc stalked the grounds outside the compound two mornings later. By the god, at least the rain had stopped yesterday. Everything, though, was a bloody mess. Mud covered almost everything, and the jungle was as saturated as he’d ever seen it. More than that, his mood was sharp, tangled with murky emotions. He couldn’t seem to control his mouth—he’d snapped at people, treated them far more harshly than they deserved. He couldn’t seem to stop it. All day yesterday he’d avoided Aknada and she’d avoided him. In truth, even if they had wanted to spend time together, they’d spent too much time helping other people who’d come to the compound for shelter. He’d worked himself to the bone until sleeping last night came easy.

  As he watched people leaving the compound, a sense of pride and accomplishment
mixed with his despair. He’d taken care of people. He felt good about that. But the ecstasy of those last few moments with Aknada had been destroyed by what she’d said to him. At least at first. He’d thought about it yesterday. All day yesterday in fact. He hadn’t given her time to explain. Still… What if she did suck his cock just to appease him? To pay him for anything? His stomach tumbled at the thought. Gritting his teeth, he surveyed the area and tried to put aside personal feelings for the moment.

  Vendors hadn’t set up their carts or booths yet. Everyone was still trying to sort out individual situations. Xandra and Aknada helped as many people as they could, giving those who didn’t live in the area as many rations as could be spared for their travels back home. By midday things should have returned to somewhat normal. Before long his muscles eased, his stomach no longer knotted with concern for those left over at the compound. People would find their way. They always did.

  Now he had to bloody well sort out his own life.

  Moments later he heard a clash and clang that stopped his breath.

  The sound of swords crashing together.

  He turned away from the drawbridge and rushed into the compound. There, in the great hall, Aknada stood like a sentry. Her attire of tunic, trousers and boots looked plain and practical. But that was where it ended. The rest of her screamed warrior. A Daryk One ready to defend. She held a sword at the ready, her stance self-assured. She wasn’t the vulnerable, tearful woman he’d seen recently. She was in her element, a strong person ready to defend and protect.

  A huge man stood near a woman who cowered on the floor. Aknada stepped between the man and the other woman. Her expression was fierce with anger. No one else watched the scene. Aknada faced off against the much larger man.

  “Get away from her.” Aknada’s voice was low but strong.

  “She’s my bitch wife. I’ll do what I want with her.” The man’s deep, rumbling voice echoed in the hushed area.

  “Not while I have anything to say about it,” Aknada said.

  “What is going on here?” Marc asked, reaching for the hilt of his sword, ready to jump in if needed.

  The man turned and Marc almost flinched at the brute’s ugly face and shiny bald head. Cruelty was written into every line on the middle-aged man’s face. “This Daryk One freak is standing between me and my wife.”

  Marc pulled his sword out of the scabbard and the sound rang around the large room. “You insult my woman again and I’ll cut you down where you stand.”

  The man laughed. “This woman belongs to you? A Daryk One. What kind of man fucks a woman who doesn’t know her place and is an aberration against nature?”

  Anger seethed inside Marc, but he had to be cautious. One false move and this man could harm Aknada or the other woman. “Aknada is all woman. And she’s all Daryk One. The only place she belongs is where she wants to be. You are a fucking cretin. I’ll stand between the woman and you as well. Get the fuck off my property and never come here again.”

  “I’ll leave with my wife or not at all.”

  “You will not touch this woman again.” Aknada practically hissed the words.

  “Do you want to stay with this man?” Marc asked the cowering, small woman. “You may stay here as long as you like in safety and peace.”

  The small woman on the floor sprang up. “No. Don’t hurt my husband. I’ll go with him.”

  Aknada’s face creased with additional anger. “What?”

  The woman passed Aknada and reached out for the man. “I must do as he bids. He’s my husband and master.”

  The man grabbed his wife’s forearm and tugged her to him. “See. This bitch knows where she belongs.”

  With that, the man marched from the room with the woman in tow.

  Aknada started after them, but Marc’s voice rang out. “Aknada, stop.”

  She halted but swung on him with a vicious glare. “He’s taking her away. He’s going to hurt her.”

  “Probably.”

  “Probably? Probably?” Her eyes practically threw sparks as she marched toward him. She still held her sword, and for one moment he wondered if her anger were so high she’d lash out with her weapon. “Are you mad? Why didn’t you stop him from leaving with her?”

  “Because she has a right to make her own decisions. We have no hold over her. If she chooses to go with him, it is her right. I would not force her to stay here.”

  “You are letting that woman go to her doom. Just like you did me. You let me go.”

  He could not believe she had just said that, and it burned in his gut like acid. “What did you say?”

  She stomped toward him, looking even more beautiful if that were possible. Her hair was mussed, her eyes blazed. Her lips were red and parted, her face harsh with anger. “You said so yourself. You let me go. You did not speak out when you had the chance.”

  His mouth twisted as matching anger boiled in his blood. “So you didn’t forgive me. You lied about that too.”

  “I didn’t lie to you the other night. It was ill worded. I did not say what I really meant and you overreacted.”

  “I know I did. And yet you still left. You aren’t fighting for what we have between us, Aknada. You are letting your past dictate every step.”

  She was close to him now, still clutching her sword and looking ready to give him more hells. “So I am supposed to excuse you for taking my words and meaning and twisting it the other night? I thought you told me that we were a mistake. That what we could have together is a mistake. You cannot have it both ways, Marc. You either want me or you do not. How do I know I can trust you?” Her words were lashing and harsh. “You let that woman go to her death, and you know it.”

  “We cannot save everyone, Aknada, no matter how much you want to.”

  Frustration twisted her mouth. “Why?”

  “It’s not possible. There are too many.” He stuffed one hand through his hair and groaned. “By the god, Aknada, you have always cared too much. You have labored for days now, doing everything you can to help people. At some point you cannot save people from themselves. In the end, the only person you can save is yourself. Leave some bloody happiness for yourself.”

  Though his words came out strong and steady with the intent to calm, it had the opposite effect.

  “Damn you.” She almost hissed the words, and then she moved.

  Her sword came up and he reacted in an instant, holding his sword in front of him. Their blades came within a hair’s breadth of touching.

  They stared at each other, breathing coming fast. Her eyes blazed into his as tension tightened. He knew they’d come to a point that would either break them or save them.

  “Fight me if it will make you feel better,” he said.

  “I should.”

  “If you think it is right and just.”

  Her eyes burned with raw intent, so beautiful they cut his heart. Draconus, if only those eyes would look at him with love, with passion.

  “You have driven me mad since the first moment I laid eyes on you, Marc Gampia.”

  “And you have vexed me until I am at a loss for words. All I know is what I feel. All I know is that I want you and need you more than anything or anyone in my life. If that isn’t enough for you…so be it. You must do whatever you must do. Whatever is in your heart. I cannot demand anything from you.”

  Her expression changed by degrees, as if sunlight first touched her face and created a new dawn. Softness entered her eyes, her lips parting on a sigh. Her sword lowered and slipped from her fingers. It clanged to the floor.

  “I’m sorry,” she said so softly he almost didn’t hear. “I’m so sorry.”

  Hardness melted from his soul. He felt renewed, light, his body relaxing. “So am I.”

  His sword slipped from his fingers and joined hers.

  She burst into motion, throwing herself into his arms. Without hesitation, no longer so afraid he’d scare her away, he tunneled one hand into her unruly hair and held her as if he’d nev
er let her go. She tilted her chin up, her gaze locking on his. Tears swam in her eyes, and it undid him. Still, he hesitated. He wouldn’t kiss her. Wouldn’t frighten her away again. Whatever it took he’d resist her until—

  She cupped the back of his head and brought his mouth down to hers.

  Fire erupted within Aknada as Marc’s mouth met hers. His taste drew her in—clean and cool and sensual as any spice or aphrodisiac. This kiss, oh this kiss was far different than the sweet and swift brushing of lips years ago. His intimate embrace swept her straight into bliss. His fingers clasped the back of her head, his arm bracketing Aknada’s waist. She couldn’t escape him, but best of all found she didn’t wish to leave. Whatever precautions she’d felt before had swiftly dissolved under this force called passion.

  Oh Draconus. Yes.

  His tongue drove deep into her mouth, and the swift taking started a firestorm in her stomach, driving away fear and uncertainty as she met his invasion. She parried and dueled, her tongue taking him as swiftly as he did her. She met him on equal ground, giving as much as he took, receiving everything sweet and exciting he gave her. And by the god, he gave and gave. Her hands plunged into his hair, for the first time feeling the silky strands coiling around her fingers. Marc’s hard chest teased her nipples, his cock aroused against her belly. Oh, the fact he wanted her—it felt good. Right. As it never could have before this moment. Arousal swept her up, a firestorm of need and emotion that had started as a flicker and exploded into a flame. His tongue teased her senses, his single-minded attention to her needs consuming and fueling the firestorm building between them. She’d seen so much pain, felt so much hate and confusion—he took it all away. Here was a man she could trust, who put his trust in her. He’d shown her so much, asked her to step up and understand what he’d experienced the last three years without her.