by Dale Mayer
He raised himself higher so he could look down into her blue eyes. “Are you sure?”
Her gaze widened. “I get that you’re trying to think of me. Giving me a chance to change my mind. But…” She arched her back, brushing her breasts sinuously against his chest. “Unless you’ve done away with sex in your time…”
“Lord no.” His voice was filled with desire, and he lowered his head again. This time, he held nothing back. He wanted her and he wanted her to know how much. All the reasons why this wasn’t a good idea no longer mattered.
He wanted to show her how much he cared. Show her how good this could be between them. Instead, it seemed like his fingers were all thumbs and his normal suave skill had taken a hike. He was considered a skilled lover. But today, with her, it mattered too much, and he couldn’t seem to get it right. And she didn’t appear to notice.
He was all heat. Animal passion and raw need.
He couldn’t get enough of her.
Chapter 13
Dani couldn’t think. She didn’t want to try. Sensations rolled through her, lighting nerve endings, sparking a hunger she hadn’t expected. Her body shifted restlessly, rolling from side to side, following his touch. Needing his touch, needing his kisses, needing…everything.
“Dani? Are you sure?”
She stilled. Her eyelids drifted open, the haze of desire parting just enough for a little comprehension to slip in. She stared up into his deep purple eyes. She wanted him. Did it matter that she barely knew him? Not right now. Did it matter the circumstances of how they came together? Not when she already knew him better than she’d known his ancestor.
Levi had shown heart in a tough situation. He came from a position of caring. He’d shelled out a lot of money to help her, and he’d been looking after his incorrigible brother since forever.
She’d enjoy getting to know him better, but she already knew everything that counted.
She felt him pull back, withdrawing. Shit, she’d taken too long.
“Yes,” she whispered, her gaze deepening. “I’m sure.”
He stilled then shifted, searching her eyes. Whatever he saw made his own warm, deepen. He smiled tenderly. “Good.”
And he lowered his head. This time there was nothing hesitant about his touch. He stroked her breasts, cupping them to explore their weight, brushing the hard pebbles with his thumb. As she shivered uncontrollably beneath him, he learned her body with sure strokes, stopping when something fascinated him before carrying on to the next spot. She cried out, wanting the same freedom to touch him, but every time she reached for him, he shifted back or did something else to drive her crazy.
“Just lie back, relax.” he whispered.
“Only if I get my turn later,” she murmured back.
Deep laughter filled the pod as he said, “My pleasure.”
She smiled and stretched out beneath him, her arms above her head, letting him do as he will.
And he took full advantage. He slipped her top over her head to toss on the floor beside them. His breath caught in the back of his throat as he stared down at her breasts.
She gave a cat-like smile and arched upward.
He bent to take one pouting nipple into his mouth and suckled. A deep, pulling sensation started in her lower belly.
Levi stroked down her ribs to rest at her tiny waist, his fingers flaring out to wrap around the swell of her hips. She felt a shudder run through him.
Lifting one foot, she stroked up and down his leg.
“Aren’t you wearing a few too many clothes for this activity?”
A wicked grin crossed his features. He slipped out from under the pod lid and stripped efficiently. She watched as his shirt went flying to the left and his pants and, oh nice…boxers…dropped where he stood. If he had socks on, she didn’t know or care. She was fascinated as he stood proudly in front of her, fully erect.
She pushed the lid of the pod up higher and patted the bed beside her. Instead he leaned over, slipped his fingers under the waistband of her half short half skirt ensemble, and slowly removed everything, even her panties.
She lay under the glowing pod’s healing rays and stretched under his heated gaze. While he stared, she whispered, “Are you planning on just looking,” she asked, her voice husky and deep, “or are you going to join me again?”
He walked to the end of the bed, grabbed her ankles, and gave a tug. She slid, legs open, all the way down until the heart of her was pressed up against him with her legs wrapped around his hips.
She laughed. “Nice.”
He grinned and dropped down on top of her, his elbows taking his weight. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. His lips opened, his tongue wrangling softly with hers.
Swiftly he built up the heat between them, his hands restlessly stroking her body while his tongue drove her crazy. He slipped his hands down to her hips and held her firm.
And plunged deep into her center.
She gasped and arched. Shifting to ease the unexpected fullness, she wrapped her legs around his waist and tightened her inner muscles.
It was his turn to groan. Slowly, he withdrew, paused, only to plunge back in deeper. He ground his hips tightly against her for a long moment, then started to move. His rhythm took over her thoughts and mind as he drove her quickly to the edge. She cried out, “Levi!”
“I’m here. Fly with me.” He grabbed her hands and stretched them above her head. He kissed her hard and plunged inside once more.
His guttural groan sounded above her. Then a kaleidoscope of sensation exploded inside, overwhelming and filling, but still something wouldn’t let her fly free. An edgy nervousness rippled through her.
Levi’s hand slid across her palm to entwine with her fingers. She was no longer alone.
And they flew off the edge together.
*
Levi pulled Dani close to his heart. He could only hope this had been the right thing to do. He didn’t want her to regret this step in their relationship. In fact, he wanted to love her all over again. And wasn’t that a word to scare any single male?
Dani nuzzled against him and gave a happy sigh. He cuddled her closer. “Are you okay?’
“Better than okay. I’m also not sore. Making love in a healing pod – unique concept.”
That startled a laugh out of him. “Thanks. Spur of the moment and all that.”
“Spontaneity is good for the soul,” she murmured sleepily.
“Do you want to stay here and sleep longer?” he asked against her ear.
Her arms squeezed tight. “Only if you stay, too.”
“I will until you fall asleep.” He shifted down slightly, grabbed the remnants of the blanket hanging off the edge, and wrapped it around her. “Just sleep.”
She gave a deep sigh and closed her eyes. She fell asleep almost instantly.
Levi relaxed beside her, a slumberous warmth in his heart. It had been a long time since he’d held a woman like this. Sex, sure, but not the wonderful aftermath that came from making love with someone special.
“Levi,” Milo called through the intercom that piped through their home, interrupting his sated mood. “I think we may have more company coming. They just left the office after serving a warrant there.”
Levi froze. “Friendlies or unfriendlies?”
“Unfriendlies.”
Levi rolled over. “I’m coming. Make sure stealth is on.”
He dressed quickly, his mind twisting with possibilities. “What now?” he whispered into the silence. Dani didn’t need any more trouble – and neither did he. He just wanted time to spend with her. To get to know her without all the stress in their lives. And…time to spend making love with her.
Instead, he had to handle yet another headache. He dressed quickly, his movements controlled and efficient.
“Milo, did we get notification that they were raiding the office?”
“About an hour ago. But…er…” Milo snickered. “You were busy…so you probably d
idn’t get the messages.”
“And you didn’t interrupt me for something as important as a raid?” he asked incredulously.
Milo’s voice dipped in embarrassment. “Yeah, I was a little involved in my VR unit at the same time.”
“Damn it. Not the best timing.” He could hardly blame Milo.
He walked out to the kitchen and opened his scanner. When the pod had first been delivered, he’d placed it into a stealth container so that any scanners from outside the building would not be able to see inside. That would keep the pod and Dani secret. He’d have to bring her out of hiding at some point, but hopefully not until she was ready. His comp jangled. He opened the screen to find the Council henchmen once again at his door. His heart sank.
Levi walked over and opened the door. “Good morning, gentlemen. This is becoming a habit.”
The guard held up a red comp unit. Shit. His nerves tightened. A court order. “I presume that’s for searching the premises?” He reached for the unit, read the details, and sighed heavily. “Of course it is.” He stepped aside while clicking through the screen, checking to see what the orders covered. “You’re looking for the source of a power surge? In my home?”
“That is correct.”
Hard to believe they secured a warrant based only on suspicion. Levi shook his head and leaned back against the door. “Go for it. Although maybe you could explain to me why this supposed power surge is of interest. It’s not like they don’t happen many times a month.”
“The Council is concerned that your brother Milo may be up to his usual tricks.”
As if. Levi snorted. “Only he doesn’t work at home.”
At least he didn’t normally. In fact right now, Milo appeared to be putting on coffee. Good. They were all going to need it when this was done.
“We checked your office building already and couldn’t find the power issue there.” He nodded at the techs doing a quick search of the home. “This is just to follow up.”
“Okay.” Levi waited with casual nonchalance. Deep inside his head was screaming with warnings. Had they found anything at the office? Was there anything to find here? He’d been so careful, but it was easy to slip up on the little things. Damn Milo for missing that transmission. Instantly he kicked himself. He’d been just as absent as Milo. That he couldn’t regret. But seriously, the timing sucked.
After ten minutes, the techs all filed out, shaking their heads. “Are you satisfied?”
The guard nodded. “We will continue searching the other residences.” He motioned to the team. “Johan Strand’s place is next.”
“Wait, what?” Levi asked. “Why would he have something to do with the power surge? And I thought you were searching to see if Milo had something to do with it.”
“We had to eliminate any chance of Milo’s involvement first.” He turned and walked away, presumably to go to Johan’s place. Undecided on his next course of action, Levi realized he should warn his friend but at the same time, the guards could find out he’d done so and that could implicate him again. He couldn’t risk placing Dani in trouble.
He closed the door and reset the security before leaning back against it. “Shit.” He closed his eyes, trying to sort out what had just happened.
“Yeah, more trouble. All brought on by your brother.”
“Whoa.” Levi turned to see Charmin cleaning his paw on the ledge behind him. “That’s not true.”
Charmin looked up, smiled, and said, “Really, which part?”
“It doesn’t matter. I’m not arguing with a cat.” Levi walked past him.
“No, you’d rather mess around with Dani, I suppose.”
Levi froze. Not so much that it was the cat talking, or even the words. No, it was the edge to his voice. Like an older brother looking out for his younger sister. A younger sister Levi had been caught dallying with. He even felt heat crawl up his throat.
“Are you saying Dani isn’t allowed to have a special friend?”
“Is that what you are?” Charmin’s tone of voice was anything but friendly. Levi looked around, hoping for some help, but Dani was sleeping and Milo, per Milo’s usual behavior, had taken off. Probably gone to his bedroom. Cornered, Levi tried to think of a way out of this conversation. Then decided on the truth. “I’d like to think so,” he said quietly.
Charmin stared at him intently, that gaze locked on his, searching as if he could see into the heart of him. Then he dropped his gaze and shot one leg into the air and started to clean it.
“Uhm…” Levi wasn’t sure, but he was going to assume that he’d passed a test of some kind. He backed up quietly. Thankfully, Charmin didn’t appear to notice. Levi checked on Dani, happy to see her sleeping soundly, and made his way into the kitchen. He contacted Johan.
Johan’s face came on screen. Levi could only see gray walls behind his friend but had no idea where he was – except that he was not at home. “Are you okay?” Levi asked. “The guards just left my place. They’re looking for the source of the latest power surge.”
“I’m on the move. I slipped out the back and escaped.” He grinned. “The guards said they were there to confiscate the pod – and anything else they deemed necessary. Or at least they are trying to. I have the pod set to self-destruct…so if you hear an explosion…” Johan walked forward, the scene behind his head shifting with his every step. “They will find some stuff. Although not what they are expecting.”
He laughed, but there was a nasty edge to it.
“Take care of your woman, Levi. I don’t know where she came from, but you need to stop the Council from finding out about her.”
Levi winced. “What do you know?”
“Not much, except from the pod. Also I recognized your visitor this morning from the rooftop cameras when I did a quick check around.” He sighed. “Look, there’s a reason we live like we do. We have secrets. Protect yours. I’m going to take a trip. I’ll be gone awhile.”
As Levi watched, he could see the scenery shift behind his friend. “And a final word to the wise, the tagging, the unregistered pod, anything else you might think you’ve done to protect her, it won’t be enough. You have to give her the protection of your name.” His voice deepened. “Power needs power or you won’t survive.”
And he clicked off with a mock salute.
There was a heavy rumble overhead. That was likely the pod doing its self-destruct thing. Shit. Did it blow up in time or did the Council henchmen get the information they were looking for? And if they had, what recourse was there at this point? His mind flipped to the other shocking point. Johan knew about Dani’s tagging? That wasn’t good. If he knew – who else could find out just as easily?
Levi’s mind raced from one possible problem to another.
What Johan had said was true. He belonged to a long, powerful family line. And that was one thing that the Council couldn’t squash. Although his parents were dead, his uncles had kept them relatively protected for decades. Levi tried to be as independent as possible. Milo had pushed the limit, but in a world where applications had to be made and accepted for children to exist, they were treasured. And families stood strong.
Powerful families stood for and against the government. He’d been trying to keep his brother out of any government involvement and so far that had worked, but Johan was right. The easiest way to protect Dani was to enfold her in the family.
If she lived with anyone but Levi and Milo, she’d barely be of interest and could likely live out the rest of her life without raising any flags, but being here with them…
So the easiest answer was to set her up elsewhere away from him. And that he couldn’t do. Wouldn’t do. Refused to do.
He’d done the best he could with Dani’s fake background, but how would it hold up under close scrutiny?
Therefore, there was only one option left. If he’d had two minutes to think, he’d have realized it himself. He had to marry her.
Chapter 14
Dani woke to the sounds of an
argument. She was deliciously warm and her body limber and relaxed. In fact, she felt pretty darn good. Even her wrist. She lifted it and rotated her hand experimentally. A low level ache set in, but it wasn’t bad. She ran her fingers across the surface and pressed gently. The ache deepened, but considering what surgery had been done, it looked and felt amazing. She rolled over and shrieked.
“Damn it, Charmin, why are you sitting there staring at me like that?”
His whiskers quivered but he stayed quiet. She frowned, reaching up to stroke his back. “Charmin, are you okay?”
“Yes.” He paused. “Are you?”
She frowned. “Yes, I’m feeling much better.” She held out her wrist. “See, I’m chipped now.” She laughed. “Stupid, huh?”
“He’s not Lawrence,” Charmin said, “but how do you know he’s not like Lawrence?”
Heat rose on her cheeks. It was stupid to be embarrassed. Charmin was a cat, what did he know about relationships?
“I know he’s not. I’m not trying to relive a dream,” she said earnestly. “By the time my relationship was over, he wasn’t the same man he’d been in the beginning.”
“Lawrence was always the same. You just finally opened your eyes and saw him.”
Wisdom from a cat. Wow. It was going to take some doing to get used to this.
“You’re right. But Levi is hardly the same type of man.”
“And yet…”
She stiffened. “What’s your problem with me having a relationship with Levi? Cat relationships last all of ten minutes.”
“Except with you.”
She smiled and reached for his chin to give him a good neck scratch. Charmin was as insecure in this new world as she was. A relationship with Levi would put his nose out even more. His eyes crossed in joy. Seconds later, his engine started up. She lay there rubbing Charmin and thinking about her convoluted relationship with Levi.
Milo raced into the pod room. “You have to get dressed. We all have to appear in front of the Council.” And he bolted away.
Fear stabbed her stomach. Oh no. She couldn’t do this. But there was no choice.
