by Celia Jade
He let out a rough sigh and leaned back in his chair. She said she was open to a casual relationship. Tempting though that was, he couldn't fathom sharing all kinds of intimacy with her on a temporary basis. No need to analyze things too much, instinct told him that he could easily fall for her hard. And then what? Lick his wounds when it was over?
Damn, it had been two days since he'd seen her, and he missed her. Had barely stopped thinking about her. He drummed his fingers impatiently on his desk. She had yet to get back to him about arranging their next meeting. He glanced at his watch, realizing he had to meet with one of his chefs in fifteen minutes. Might as well get going, he thought as he stood. He wasn't getting much work done here.
Ellen did get back to him, and they arranged to meet on Wednesday. They accomplished a lot--with all his furniture ordered, he was set. Ellen had patiently searched through several different shops with him, clearly enjoying the process. She had refined taste. He admired her expertise, and particularly enjoyed testing out the sofas with her, imagining what it would be like to share one of the loveseats in his home. On a few occasions, his leg had accidentally brushed up against hers, shooting hot tension right to his groin. It didn't help that she wore a skirt, revealing long, shapely legs.
He directed his attention back to the color swatches she was holding.
"Well?" she asked as she tilted her head to look at him with those big, beautiful eyes.
He cleared his throat, not caring much for paint color right now. "I like them both."
Her softly expelled breath sent a hot shiver over him.
"All right....I'll choose," she said with a hint of frustration.
She was standing so close he could pick up her delicate scent. His hands clenched as he controlled the urge to drag her into his arms and kiss her senseless. Hell, wasn't she feeling the same thing? The desperate craving that clawed at him from the inside? She seemed so composed, except for the pink glow on her cheeks. He watched as she swept her gaze about the empty dining room once again.
"Let's do red."
"Whatever you like."
She frowned. "Your mind is elsewhere."
He closed the remaining distance between them. "Yes, it is." Her body visibly tensed. "I've been considering your offer."
Her brows pinched together. "What offer?"
"A casual relationship....nothing serious."
She began shaking her head. "I--that's not--"
His hands circled her waist and he dragged in a deep breath, exhaling slowly to control himself. "I want that."
She held up her hands. "But--"
"Ellen, I'd rather experience something brief with you than nothing at all. No buts--don't deny me." He pulled her against him, and groaned as her soft curves pressed into him. God, she felt amazing. He pressed his mouth to her temple. "Does it bother you that I'm a Drakhom?"
"No," she whispered.
As he dipped his mouth to hers, he felt her stifled moan of protest, which made him hesitate, but it quickly turned into a deep sigh. She melted into him. The swatches floated to the floor as her hands curled behind his neck. Desire speared through him and he crushed her to him as he devoured her ripe lips. Her female scent teased him wickedly and the soft curves of her breasts flamed his need. He traced a hand over her buttocks, and squeezed as his tongue drove into the moist warmth of her mouth. They let out a simultaneous moan. She was sweet....so sweet! His cock grew hard against the soft swell of her belly. She wanted him as much as he wanted her. Their desire was fierce. "Ellen....baby...." he growled.
A tiny, weak sound broke from her throat as she pulled away.
He watched her try to catch her breath, blue eyes hazy with desire. Her fingers clutched his shirt. He didn't want to, but it made sense to stop. If they didn't, he'd be taking her on the floor. He silently cursed the lack of furniture, and eased away from her. He raised his hand and let his thumb trace the smooth skin along her jaw. "That's just a sample of what's to come," he murmured thickly.
* * * *
Ellen went on an extreme shopping spree the next day to block thoughts and images of Max. As that failed, she buried herself in work the following two days. He'd penetrated her defenses. When it came to men, she'd been in control of her emotions since her divorce. Max, however, turned her world upside down. That kiss had made her senses go haywire. She'd wanted to surrender to him so much it ached. Thankfully, reason--and perhaps fear--had pierced her fogged mind. Not fear of Max, but fear of her vulnerable state. Any relationship with him would not be purely physical. She'd be exposing her heart to possible pain.
She read the same purchase order a second time, the numbers refusing to sink in. She sighed and leaned back in her chair. If Max were any other guy it wouldn't matter. But he was no ordinary guy. Her instinct told her he was everything she dreamed of. She considered the scenario more carefully. What if he grew too attached? She didn't want to hurt him because she couldn't offer him something more than an affair. And you, Ellen? Do you have the strength to walk away? She already craved him desperately. Yet, not to experience passion with him would likely be just as painful. She let out a small groan and cradled her forehead in her hand.
"I felt the way you look when Tanton began pursuing me two years ago," Kate said, leaning against the doorframe with a sympathetic smile.
Ellen looked up and gave her cousin a wry smile. "And look what that got you."
Kate laughed and crossed to the empty chair. She lowered herself into it and placed her arms on the desk. "I got myself a wonderful husband. Nothing wrong with that."
Ellen frowned. "It's not for me."
"Remember how you used to tell me that my Drakhom taboo was silly? That I was tossing away a chance at finding the right man?"
Ellen nodded. "Yes, and I was right, wasn't I?"
"Well, I could say the same thing about your feelings toward marriage. It's very hard to find a good partner, Ellen, but that shouldn't keep you from trying to." She paused. "And you've always wanted a child. I really believe you should give Max a chance. Don't even think about marriage. Just think about love."
Ellen considered this. Perhaps Kate had a point. Perhaps she was too focused on her fear of marriage and failure. Nevertheless, she slanted a pointed look at her cousin. "This is your fault, you know. You started it."
Kate grinned innocently and stood up. "The man needed a decorator and I naturally thought of you."
"Hmm, yes, naturally."
Bianca poked her head into the doorway, flashing a bright smile. "Couldn't help overhearing--I agree with Kate."
"Ganging up on me, eh?" Ellen replied.
As soon as Kate and Bianca left, the phone rang.
"Ellen?"
The distinctive sound of Max's voice spilled over her like a hot caress. Her pulse instantly jumped. "Hello, Max."
His low laugh rumbled through the line. "Well, at least you recognize my voice." There was a brief pause. "You've been procrastinating....keeping me on an awful edge. When are you going to come to me?"
"I needed space, and time to think," she replied, knowing that it had been a futile effort.
"And?"
She sighed. "I'm scared." There was a moment's silence.
"Are you busy now?"
"Not really. I took care of most of my work this morning."
"Good. Don't move," he said, and the line went dead.
Ellen pulled the phone from her ear and gave it a puzzled look. Three minutes later, Max walked into her office with a smile that melted her insides. He was a devastating devil. Her breath jammed in her throat as she stared at him speechlessly.
He came around the desk and took her hand, pulling her up from the chair. His hot gaze swept over her face. "It can last as long as you like. Days, weeks, months."
He caught her waist and pulled her up against the hard length of his body. His mouth grazed her ear, sending delicious goose bumps over her flesh.
"No strings. No pressure," he whispered, teasing the sensitive sk
in of her ear.
Ellen closed her eyes as a current of excitement sizzled through her. He was impossible to resist and her heart clenched at the sound of raw need in his voice. He was sacrificing his pursuit of marriage just to be with her. Guilt stabbed her. She eased away from him and held his gaze. "Max, have you considered the consequences? I mean....when it's over?"
His jaw clenched as he traced her bottom lip with his thumb. "Yes. I'm a big boy. Now, will you come with me?" he asked huskily.
She nodded slowly. "Yes, I'll come with you. I've lost all reason for sure....but I want you."
A low growl of satisfaction sounded in his throat as he brushed his mouth against hers in a feathery caress that belied the passion he held in check. She took her purse and followed him to a waiting town car.
When Ellen and Max walked into his new condo, her mouth dropped open in surprise. She instantly recognized the new living room set they'd ordered. She tossed her purse onto the sofa and strode quickly into the kitchen, and then the dining room. The smell of fresh paint lingered. She turned to him. "How did you get this done so quickly?"
He grinned. "I can be persuasive."
"So you've moved in completely?"
"Almost....but, I wanted to wait for you. To sleep in my bed for the first time with you."
Her heart skipped a beat while different emotions clogged her throat. She turned to him. "Don't fall in love with me, Max," she cautioned solemnly.
He stood motionless for several heartbeats and something unreadable flashed in his eyes. He took her hand. "Come."
She let him take her to the master bedroom. Everything had been set up perfectly. From the large, dark wood sleigh bed and matching furniture to the velvet, chocolate drapes at the windows. She removed her pumps and sunk her feet into the plush carpet. This was a room to come home to after a day's work. A room for hours of lovemaking. Tension curled in her sex. She felt Max's hand caress her upper back.
"You're a bit tense," he said. "I know just the thing to loosen your muscles. Give me a minute."
He disappeared through the washroom and she heard the force of water splashing against the tub. He was filling the whirlpool. A smile tugged at her mouth. She could use a warm bath. It would help soothe her nerves. Her dilemma over Max had stressed her out, while her longing for him had reached its limit.
Her breath hitched as he came toward her. Pure male, confident, gorgeous. God help me. He pressed a hand to her belly, and slowly moved it up between her breasts. He clasped her throat lightly, brushing a long finger over the erratic pulse. She tilted her head back, and let out a tiny gasp at the flare of desire in his eyes.
"You're beautiful....so beautiful. Having you here, in this room...." His voice trailed off as he shook his head. He lowered his fingers to the top button of her shirt, and worked his way down. His fingers brushed against her hot skin as he pushed the shirt off, letting it fall to the floor.
His gaze moved with obvious appreciation over the mounds of her breasts, which partly spilled over the low cut bra. He sucked in a quick breath, and slid his hands to the back of her skirt, undoing the zipper. He eased it down her legs, and helped her step out of it. Her pulse raced with anticipation and wet heat collected in her sex. She itched to reach out and run her hands over him, but she was enjoying his attention for the moment. He dispensed with her undergarments quickly. With a low growl of eagerness, he lifted her into his arms, and strode into the washroom.
Ellen let out a sigh of pleasure as he lowered her gently into the warm, bubbling water. Her nostrils flared with the soft scent of bath oil. Her body instantly leaned back against the wall of the tub as she watched Max undress. Every inch of skin exposed was lean and smooth. Her eyes devoured the compact muscles of his shoulders and his chest, the tight bands of flesh across his abdomen. A gasp escaped her when his cock came loose, rising high and hard like a thick, silken rod. "Max," she breathed, feeling her sex tighten in response.
Water splashed as he joined her. He found one of her feet and gave it a surprisingly skillful massage before treating the other one to the same pleasure. Any lingering anxiety dissolved like the steam rising from the water. He reached out and caught her hand, pulling her to him.
"I can't stay away from you too long," he said huskily.
She gladly floated into his arms, which tightened about her waist to anchor her against him. The sensation of his skin against hers was wonderful, heightened by the silky water. His erection pressed hot and hard against her mound. He claimed her mouth possessively, exploring with the stab of his tongue and gentle nips of his teeth, while a hand squeezed her buttocks. He kissed her so thoroughly, she was limp by the time he broke the kiss, their ragged breaths mingling. She took the opportunity to insert her finger between his lips to touch his Drakhom teeth. One sharp tip grazed her finger. "Mmm....I love these," she murmured.
His eyes darkened. "Have you ever...."
"Yes, it's my weakness." Most of her lovers had been Drakhoms.
His fingers tightened on her body. "I can be gentle, Ellen, but when I take you today, I'm afraid I'll leave some marks."
Excitement spiraled through her. Involuntarily, she arched against him. "I don't expect anything less."
He cupped her face. "If it becomes too rough, I want you to stop me."
She nodded. "I will, but don't hold back, Max. I want to feel your passion."
A pained groan wrenched itself from him as he hoisted her up higher, his hands moving under her thighs to spread them wider. His mouth latched onto her nipple, and sucked firmly while his fingers swept over the swollen seam of her sex. She gasped at this double assault, and tunneled her fingers through his thick hair in order to press him closer. Like firm brushstrokes, his tongue and fingers teased her, spreading delicious quivers through her body. He located her clit with circular strokes that had her moaning and writhing. He grasped her other breast and shifted his mouth to the taut peak. After a few flicks of his tongue, he pulled it into his mouth, carefully closing down with sharp teeth.
A primal sound tore itself from her throat. The soft sucking of his mouth coupled with the graze of his fangs sent wicked arrows of pleasure over her skin. He penetrated her aching flesh with two fingers. He thrust into her, mimicking the motion she craved from his cock. It was too much to bear. He forced her to the highest pinnacle and she came apart in waves of unrestrained pleasure. "Oh, Max!" she cried, shuddering under the force of her climax. She fell limply against him, whimpering.
His hands caressed her back. "Sweetness...." he murmured into her hair. "I want you more than anything."
Ellen had barely recovered when he grabbed her hips and shifted his body, bringing the round tip of his cock to the apex of her womb. She clasped his broad shoulders as he edged his way between her folds. Halfway in, he paused, and caught her gaze. The raw desire she read in the dark depths transfixed her. It was the most erotic moment of her life. His muscles clenched under her fingertips and he thrust to the hilt. Their sounds of pleasure mingled as he continued thrusting into her, forcing her slick womb to accommodate every inch of him. He filled her completely, driving all reason from her mind. She met his thrusts with a downward motion of her hips that sent frissons of pleasure through her core, right down to her toes.
"Ellen!" he growled as he went over the edge, spilling into her.
Her hazy mind barely registered the fact. Pleasure crashed through her in a fierce wave. As her breathing steadied, she blinked away tears, and sighed in fulfillment. His heart still beat rapidly under her hand. She raised her head from his shoulder, and smiled at him tenderly.
His mouth curved into a lazy smile. "You blew me away, woman."
She lifted an eyebrow. "I blew you away?"
"Totally."
She kissed the sensual shape of his mouth.
Max helped her up and out of the bath. He grabbed a fluffy towel and rubbed her skin until it was almost dry.
"My, you're really pampering me, hmm?" she said.
H
e grinned. "It gives me great pleasure....and there's more to come."
She lifted an eyebrow. "More?" Not that she was complaining!
"Of course. We need to test the bed."
She laughed and watched the ripple of his muscles as he brushed the towel over his skin. When he was done, they returned to the bedroom where he pulled down the bedcover, and sat on the bed. She went to him and ran her hands up his arms. His mouth joined hers in a slow, sensual kiss as he eased her onto the pillow. Her body melted under his solid muscles. When he raised his head to look down at her, his dark eyes twinkled with sinful thoughts that sent a hot shiver over her. Max was virile, his shaft already hard as it pressed into her thigh. She gasped as he tugged on her earlobe, and nibbled his way down the line of her throat to the pulsing hollow at the base. He flicked his tongue over her collarbone, making her tremble. Her body arched encouragingly. He circled over the vein in her throat, applying just the right kind of pressure with his teeth. Her pulse pounded in her ears--the knowledge that those sharp peaks could do damage titillated her nerve endings. They pressed down, not enough to break the delicate skin, but bruise it in a most delicious way. He went lower, his hands claiming her breasts, while his warm mouth traced a path over the mounds. His teeth and tongue had her writhing uncontrollably. One strong thigh pushed her legs apart, and he settled between them.
He lifted his head from her breast and looked at her. "I want to taste you."
Instantly, she felt herself cream. God, yes....
He slid down and dipped his head between her legs, making her cry out in sweet pain when his fangs rubbed the inside of her thighs. He slipped his palms under her buttocks and lifted her to him. His tongue lashed the aching folds of her sex while he spread them with his thumbs. He moaned against her, tasting, feasting. Her hips bucked with the jump of her climax and she bit down on her finger to smother a primal groan. The tips of his teeth ran alongside her outer lips, threatening to tear the soft skin. She reached down and pressed his head closer to her. He responded by sucking her flesh deep into his mouth sharply. This time, she couldn't restrain her cry of pleasure. What he was doing to her....the way she felt--it was raw, exotic, racy. And she loved it. His tongue rolled over the swollen bud of her clit with slow, sensual strokes, before shifting to rapid flicks.
