by Britt Bury
She wouldn’t be able to hold back her tears much longer, and she would be damned if she let this Pookah see her cry. She dropped her pack on the ground and did the only thing she could. She ran.
Every stride she took, a tear fell. The cool air broke over her damp face as she pumped her arms and sprinted as fast as she could. She had to get away from him. She had no clue where she was, nor did she care. She just ran.
Drops of water began to hit her cheeks and shoulders. Just as the tree line thinned and Izel could smell the salty air of the ocean, rain began to fall. Tears streamed freely and she choked on the frantic breaths sticking in her throat. She was crying so hard she could barely see. She replayed the words he’d used against her.
Pitiful. Begging. Pathetic.
She ran faster, cried harder.
What was happening? She knew Kelvin was moody—Christ, he was grouchier than a nasty green puppet living in a trash can. But she had to this point never thought him cruel. She couldn’t really blame him, though, could she? He had, in an unnecessarily snarky tone, only repeated what she had said… had apparently begged for. She burst through the trees and saw the ocean only a few hundred yards away. She heard the waves crash against the rocks—maybe she’d just keep running. Hurling herself off a cliff was preferable to facing the Pookah.
And all I wanted was to feel.
She slowed her pace and staggered onto the open bluff. The rain was falling harder now. She swiped a forearm over her face. She would pull it together. Standing there, even now, after all that had been said, her body ached for Kelvin. God, she was pitiful. But she couldn’t help it. There was something about him that made Izel’s better judgment collapse from a single heated gaze. Because that’s all it had taken. A single gaze.
He was cold, aggressive, savage. But the way he’d looked at her when she was in the Alp’s clutches, the way he’d glared at the shifter in the bar last night before tucking her into him. It was in those moments she’d seen something deeper. What lay beneath all that ferocity? Desperation? Yearning? Admit it or not, Kelvin was fighting something, but she wasn’t sure if she had the strength to find out what it was. Enduring brutal tongue-lashings in hopes of one day uncovering more of that vulnerability she’d caught mere glimpses of might be more than her fragile emotions could stand.
Izel heard twigs break behind her. Kelvin was near. She straightened her shoulders. She could either allow the Pookah to dish out humiliation, or she could refuse to let him wreck her. She crossed her arms over her chest, jutted her chin in the air, and spun around to face him.
His dark, drenched hair hung around his handsome face, and his wet shirt clung to his skin, giving sight to those ridged muscles. She thought Mr. Kerr was a fox dry, but wet? Damn. He stalked toward her, his icy blue eyes glowing like sunlit glaciers. Why was she upset with him again?
Oh yeah, because he humiliated me.
He strode up to her, stopping too close for comfort. The rain pounded down on them. He looked at her, brows drawn.
“I did no’ mean ta be harsh.” Izel tilted her head, pursing her lips together. Apparently “I’m sorry” was too much to hope for.
“Oh, really? That’s funny, because I got the impression that that’s exactly what you were meaning to be.” Again she replayed Kelvin’s painful words in her mind. He had not only sounded like he was purposefully trying to hurt her feelings but trying to make his words sting. She saw his strong jaw clench.
“I did no’ mean it,” he said in the most superior tone she’d ever heard in her life.
That was it! She was so effing done with this Pookah. He had just verbally crushed her, and now he was talking down to her. “Go to hell.”
Her body was shaking, and she didn’t know if it was because of the rain hitting her skin or the deep shame she felt. He had embarrassed her. No, she had embarrassed herself by her own admissions. He had only reiterated her words.
“You’re no’ understanding.” His face visibly tensed. “I did no’ mean it, because… I made it up.”
“Well, I… wait, what?”
“I lied.”
A surge of ice shot through her body. “All the things you told me I said last night”—she swallowed hard—“me begging…”
He shook his head. “You said nothing. Did nothing.”
Relief and anger flooded through her on equal tides. She hadn’t been a begging, pathetic, shameful woman, so why would Kelvin say such things? She glared up at him and hissed. “You really are an asshole.” Rage enveloped her and she clenched her fists at her sides. “You were trying to hurt me on purpose. Is this a game to you? Do you take joy in tearing others down? Or do you just want everyone to be as miserable as you?”
He gripped her shoulders. “I want you.” He gently shook her. “Your wit is astounding, and that smart mouth and heedless arse of yours are going ta get you inta trouble one of these days. For God’s sake, you braved an Alp! You’re human! Yet you traipse around a brutal realm with more courage than some of the men on my front line.”
Any moment he would call her actions stupid and careless… any minute now.
“Don’t you understand?” He hung his head. “You’re no’ like anyone I’ve ever known. And I want you more than I should.”
Izel was motionless, quite possibly in shock. Nothing about this man made any sense. He exhaled loudly, his breath sliding down her cheek. “Look at you, lass. How could I no’ want you?”
Without any warning, he covered her mouth with his.
His thick lips on hers sent shivers down her spine. No! She wouldn’t soften. What he’d said to her was awful. She shoved at him but it did little good; he retaliated by kissing her even harder. She shoved again, struggling and finally gaining enough distance to yank her head away. Holding her fists against his massive chest, she yelled at him. “Get away from me!”
The planes of his face were harsh but expressionless; she couldn’t read him. She had no clue what he was going to do, but she would not give in. She clung to her pride and tried to ignore the hot, wet desire rushing through her.
He slid one hand down her side and hooked his large forearm around her waist. Pressed against him like this, she felt his erection prod her belly. She moved her hips, trying to wriggle around the stronghold he had on her. She barely noticed that he had lifted her off her feet, sliding her up his wet body. It was like being clamped by a vise.
He gripped her ass, coaxing her legs apart around his hips. Her blood pumped hotly. The feel of his soaked body sliding against hers—No! She would not give in. But in her attempts to get free, she ground her sex against his hard shaft.
“Ah…” She shuddered and Kelvin groaned in her ear. Her struggles instantly stopped. Damn her body for responding to him so easily. But then at that moment he did the oddest thing: he eased his hold on her, setting her on her feet.
His gaze held hers, and Izel realized what had just occurred. He was making a point. She wanted him, too. The jerk! He was toying with her again.
He cupped her face in his calloused palms, leaned in, and gently brushed his lips over hers.
So the Pookah wanted to play. Fine. She could play, too. She clamped her mouth shut, holding herself perfectly still. His tongue slid along the seam of her lips, but she pretended calm, not returning his attentions in the least. She felt his grin against her mouth.
“Kiss me back, female. I know you want ta.”
“I do not.”
He trailed his lips over her jaw. “I can scent your arousal.”
Well, frick. Stupid Pookah with his stupid nose. Yes, she was attracted to him and couldn’t hide the physical evidence of her desire, but she still couldn’t get over what he’d done… what he’d said. He wanted her more than he should? What the hell did that mean?
His mouth came back to hers, and once again, she refused his kiss.
Subtly leaning back, he looked her in the eye. “All right, human, your will is strong and your pride notable.” She scowled at him. Real smoo
th, Pookah.
She pushed at his chest again and this time he stumbled. Grasping her forearm, he pulled her on top of him as he fell to the ground. Before she could blink, Kelvin spun her onto her back, wedging himself between her parted thighs. Snatching her wrists in his hands, he held them over her head.
His eyes seemed to soften as he looked over her face. “I am a foolish male who said regrettable things.” His accent was thick, the sound making her toes curl. He stared into her eyes. “Tell me right now that you do no’ want me and I will leave you alone.” The rain came down around him, and the pale gray sky haloed his whole body. Breathtaking.
The patch of grass she rested on tickled her bare arms, and the pressure from the man on top of her was delicious. All her senses were bombarded with stimuli. She did want him. To deny it would be an outright lie. But she didn’t want to give in. She looked him in the eye and did the only thing she could. She pursed her lips and raised her chin. This is me, not giving in.
With a sexy smirk he rasped, “Stubborn lass.” His mouth lingering over hers, she expected him to kiss her again. Instead, he thrust his hips between her legs and she gasped at the powerful surge of heat that spread through her. With her lips parted, Kelvin took the opportunity to delve his tongue inside her mouth, kissing her deeply.
And I’m a goner.
She couldn’t think. The changes over the last few days had built up to a fever pitch. Her heart slammed in her chest, and Izel was surprised to find that it actually ached. Ached for this man in a way she couldn’t describe. He pushed her, goaded her, marveled at her, and yet he thought her brave. She thought him incomparable. Everything she ever wanted to feel, he brought out. Overtaken by lust, by need, she arched her back and met his seeking tongue with her own, kissing him harder.
“Good girl,” he murmured into her mouth, continuing to maneuver his hips over her. Unfamiliar, intense pleasure began to spread beneath her skin. Chills pricked her from the inside, and she knew she was on the brink of something amazing. He released her wrists and she instantly wound her fingers into the hair at his nape, pulling him closer. His strong tongue weaved in and out of her mouth in such a masterful rhythm, she couldn’t help but moan.
A blistering need ignited within her. She had to know what his skin felt like against hers. Had to feel him flesh to flesh. She clawed frantically at his shirt but gained no ground, and Kelvin withdrew just enough to reach behind his neck, grab his collar, and yank the shirt over his head. Before she’d even heard his shirt slosh to the ground, he had already drawn her tank off and was back on top of her.
The feel of his slick, bare chest sliding over hers sent a wet rush of desire between her legs. Her mind snapped and she turned crazed, hungry for him. For what his sinful, rocking body promised.
He seemed to share her feelings. His hands were urgent, palming and slipping along her bare torso. Pulling his mouth from hers, he yanked down her bra, exposing her aching breasts. Cool raindrops hit her heated skin, splattering over her tight nipples. Without warning, he fastened his hot mouth over one pebbled peak. She cried out when he took a deep draw, suckling her hard.
She arched her back even more, pulling tighter on his thick locks. He growled in response, flicking the little bead with his tongue while kneading her other breast. She felt like her chest was about to split in two from the intense pleasure.
Turning his attention to her other nipple, he slid his hand down her stomach and burrowed into her pants, cupping her sex.
“So wet,” he rasped, “like you’re supposed ta be.” She bit her bottom lip and instinctively lifted her hips to his touch. God, she was on fire for this man. And then he pulled away from her again.
Sitting back on his haunches, he tugged open her jeans and pushed them to her knees. His gaze was rapt, staring at the silk-covered flesh between her legs.
“I want ta touch you.” When his gaze lifted to hers, she knew he was asking her permission. Her heart fluttered and she nodded eagerly.
In a flash, he ripped her panties clean away. He came back to her body, licking and latching onto her breast once more. His fingers leisurely circled her navel… then lower.
She parted her legs wider. When his large fingertip covered her swollen clitoris, she jolted upright.
“Shhh. I’ve got you, love.” Raindrops trailed down her thighs, pooling by Kelvin’s seeking hand. He rubbed the water around the sensitive bundle of nerves. The cold liquid felt delicious against her heated flesh. He dipped to her entrance.
“Oh, yes! Kel!” She writhed against him. He stroked her with a perfect amount of pressure. Her muscles tensed, her breaths turned hectic. She was so close to… something. He placed his finger at her opening. Holding himself up on an elbow, he looked her in the eye.
“You ready for this?”
She gave a shaky nod. Kelvin seemed to know what was about to happen to her body. His eyes were blazing, blue fire looking down at her face, as he slipped his hot finger inside her.
She gasped.
He began slowly pumping in and out.
She moaned.
But when he added a second finger, plunging deep, she cried out his name.
She wanted to close her eyes and throw her head back, but Kelvin’s fierce gaze ensnared hers, coaxing her to look at him as if witnessing her expressions were important to him. His thick fingers stirred deeper.
“Kelvin”—she sat up slightly, so she could clutch his hips—“s-something is about t-to happen.” She had no idea what it was, but she was almost certain that she’d never be the same afterward.
He moved within her faster. “Yes.”
Suddenly an explosion of pleasure erupted beneath her skin and she cried out from the force. Sizzling heat coursed through her, and her inner walls clenched and released around his impaling fingers.
“That’s it.”
It went on and on, her entire body spasming. Only when the tremors died down did he begin to inch out of her. A wicked grin spread across his face. Why was he—
He plunged his fingers back inside her.
She screamed. She was so sensitive that it bordered on pain. He thrust hard, over and over, pumping fast. She dug her nails into his hipbone when a second explosion burst through her. “Kelvin!” she cried, flooding his hand with more slick wetness.
Slowing his touch, he finally withdrew completely. She was breathing hard, and all the tension she’d been carrying in her muscles the past few days seemed to disappear. She felt relaxed, yet somehow, unfulfilled desire still simmered. She wanted to touch him.
The rain had let up. Kelvin sat back, physically unable to peel his gaze from her body. Christ, she was beautiful. The way her green eyes went wide when her climax overtook her. He hadn’t planned to push her so far, but he wanted her to remember this moment. And judging by the look on her face, he had succeeded.
He’d also not planned for his reaction to her. The feel of her touch on his skin, her scent, her taste. It sent him into a frenzy. He was desperate for her, maddened in a way he’d never been before. But right now, he needed to calm himself and walk away. He wouldn’t force her hands on him, but his cock was about to go off and he needed to go finish himself.
Just as he was about to rise to leave, Izel lifted herself up, kneeling before him. She hadn’t rushed to cover herself, a fact he was deeply grateful for. She bit her plump bottom lip, her gaze roaming over his chest before locking on his shaft. Did she want to touch him? Kelvin didn’t dare hope.
“Um…” Her eyes looked up at him, then back down. Up, then down.
“Do you want ta see it?” Her cheeks flushed pink as she nodded.
He took a deep breath, trying to calm his pulse. He needed to take this slowly. Based on their conversation last night, he was pretty certain she had never even seen a man naked before. Opening the fly of his jeans, he pushed his pants to rest low on his hips, revealing his hard erection.
Her eyes widened and the heat of her gaze upon his shaft made it jerk in response.
She gasped. Her pink little tongue traced along her top front teeth. The sight made his cock pulse, a drop of semen circling the tip. He was so close to coming, and she hadn’t even handled him yet.
“Do you want ta touch it?” As if transfixed by the sight of him, she absently nodded without breaking her stare. “Go ahead.” His voice was quiet; he was feeling like he was dealing with a cornered kitten. At any moment, she could get spooked and run away.
“I”—she glanced at his face—“I don’t know what to…” He could tell she was getting embarrassed. At this point, he wasn’t certain he’d survive, should she walk away right now.
“Here.” With his hand gently grasping the outside of hers, he placed her palm on the underside of his erection. He bit back a curse at the feel of her cool, soft touch. Slowly he drew his hand away from hers.
She looked up at him, her expression laced with uncertainty. If he wanted her hands to stay on him, Kelvin knew his female needed more than guidance. She needed encouragement.
“It feels so good, lass.”
She glanced up at him, and he could see a hint of a smile.
“Wrap your fingers around it.”
She did.
“Ah, yes, just like that. Now run your fist up and down.”
He couldn’t recall a time that his knees had ever shook so. Yet now, with his mate’s hands on him, he struggled to remain upright. Despite all his denial these past days, the truth was no woman’s touch had ever felt so good… so right.
She gripped him and slid her hand down, then up, then down. He hissed in a breath. Reaching between her legs, he rubbed her swollen clit. She gasped and her fist tightened.
“That’s good, lass. Faster. Harder.” His words broke in his throat as his climax rose.
She clutched him tighter, pumped more quickly. Moving his fingers over her, he watched her head fall back, another orgasm ripping through her. He would never get enough of this sight.
“Ah, lass, you’re gonna make me come so hard.” At the last moment, he turned his hips away from her, his seed shooting to the ground. White-hot pleasure heated him from the inside out as he came harder than he ever had.
