“Christ on a crutch,” he growled and slid the rest of the way into her, all the way to the hilt–a shiver running up his spine at the wonderful, soft mewling sound that she made as he did. This mortal was definitely going to be the end of him, he thought with a grin, but damn, what a hell of a way to go!
He moved his hips, keeping his eyes locked on hers, absolutely amazed at the play of emotion that he saw there, and it was beyond sexy as hell! She was warm and responsive, and when she sucked her bottom lip into her mouth and bit down–he thought he would surely lose it. That simple gesture had his blood bubbling in his veins.
He took her lips once again as he moved slowly and steadily within her, glorying in the feel of her heated flesh surrounding him. It was the most erotic sensation that he had ever experienced, as if there was nothing else in the world but the feel of their bodies touching, skin to glorious skin.
He ground himself against her, swirling his hips to give her the most pleasure that he could, and her soft cry against his mouth was proof that he was doing it right. He could feel her hands clutch at his back as she met his movements…stroke for stroke.
Marcus felt her body beginning to quake around him and knew that she was close to her release. Increasing his pace, he pushed them both over the edge in a burst of color, a growl rumbling deep in his chest as every damn nerve ending in his body snapped and crackled and exploded around him with the force of a nuclear bomb–shaking him to his core as never before.
Liz clung to Marcus as her orgasm slammed through her body, and she knew that he was right there with her by the way that his body tensed. It was amazing. Never would she have ever thought that she could experience anything like this. How could complete and utter bliss even be possible? There were no words strong enough to describe what she was feeling.
She tightened her legs around his hips as she rode out the wave after wave of the tremors that were assaulting her body. This was just too good to be true. Her past had been rough and abusive, and to experience such complete, mind-blowing release with this amazing man holding her in his arms, was startling. Easy Liz, she silently scolded herself. Don’t go getting yourself in deeper than you already are. This man is very dangerous.
Marcus held her to him tightly as he rode out the shuddering of his release, trying hard to keep his senses about him. This woman literally rocked him to his core.
He finally turned over onto his side, pulled her up against him, and sighed in contentment when she snuggled up against his chest, her warm body pressing against his.
“Are you all right?” he murmured softly, his hand toying with a piece of her hair, fascinated by the glossy strand between his fingers. It was like holding silk.
“Mmm hmm,” she replied on a sigh, an utterly satisfied smile crossing her features, which he found damn near earth shattering. What this woman could do to him with just a look was mind-blowing. “I’m better than all right, in fact.”
Marcus kissed her slowly and, oh so thoroughly as his hands tenderly skimmed across her back, only to glide over the perfect curve of her bottom.
“You are absolutely amazing,” he murmured against her mouth, their breaths deliciously mingling, and she couldn’t help but laugh.
“You aren’t too bad yourself, Ace,” she giggled, and kissed him soundly once again, loving the feel and taste of this man. She felt amazing, and it was as if he had set her free. She was absolutely giddy! He had broken down the walls that she had built around herself in one mighty wave.
“I do aim to please,” he replied with a chuckle and kissed her again. After a moment, he leaned back slightly and looked into her eyes. “Elizabeth, you are beautiful, and sexy, and I just wish that you would realize how completely desirable you truly are.” With that, he grabbed her hand and placed it against his growing erection. Her eyes widened as a small gasp passed her lips.
“Really?” she asked on a giggle, her eyes gleaming playfully, and Marcus noted with a grin that he really liked this relaxed, playful Elizabeth. She was open and charming as hell.
“Really,” he stated with a smile that was completely lecherous as he pulled her astride him. She straddled his hips easily, and with a thrust of his hips, he slid inside her.
Elizabeth looked down at him as she braced her hands on his chest and began to move, loving the feel of him filling her. She couldn’t believe that she wanted him again so soon…but she did. More than she could have ever imagined. His hands cupped and caressed her backside as she moved in a slow steady rhythm, and a moan formed deep in his chest, low and fierce.
“That’s it, Baby,” Marcus husked, and Liz smiled, letting her eyes slide closed as she just enjoyed the feel of being one with him. She had never before experienced such a complete and utter sense of wonderment, or fulfillment, and she was determined to enjoy every single moment of it. This man had her body vibrating as if it were alive and buzzing, and damn if she wouldn’t cherish it forever. No matter where this led, she made herself a promise that she would not sabotage this little taste of Heaven with her fears and insecurities. She would let Marcus see the real Liz. The woman who was fun, and relaxed…and didn’t close herself off from the world. The woman that she was before she met Paul.
Marcus was absolutely certain that he had truly died and gone to Heaven as Elizabeth moved in a slow steady rhythm above him. Christ, his body was on fire! How this mortal could bring such passion and desire out in him was a mystery–but there was no reining it in. He didn’t know what was happening between them, he only knew that he was not going to try to stop it. He couldn’t if he tried. She had knocked down barriers that he had built centuries ago, and damned if it didn’t feel amazing!
His hands slid over her skin, cupping her ample breasts in his grip and kneading, causing the most unbelievable purr to pass her lips, and he felt certain that he would lose it at that very moment, as that small sound seemed to reverberate through his entire being. Jesus, everything about this woman was like a shot of pure adrenaline straight through him. His hands caressed and toyed as he watched her eyes slide closed, her mouth open slightly as she fought for breath. Just when he thought he couldn’t hold back any longer, he felt her body tighten up as his name passed her lips in a gasp, and he let himself go, glorying in the feel of her moist heat as it tightened and pulsed around him before she collapsed against his chest with a satisfied sigh.
Marcus closed his eyes and grinned, basking in the feel of this woman in his arms. He had never felt this way before. And even though the thought of being with a mortal was daunting, it was also amazing and fulfilling, and…right. For reasons that he couldn’t even begin to understand, this woman made him want things he had only ever wanted once before, and even then, it was not nearly as intense as it was with her. Yes, he had loved Josephine, but she had never instilled this passion within him. This need. His smile faded at the thought of Josephine, and a moment of guilt washed over him. No! History would not repeat itself, he silently promised himself. He could not let the mistakes of his past control his possible future. No matter what was going on between the two of them–he was determined to see it through. He had never before cared to be with someone, but with Liz…..he did. More than he was willing to admit. If that bastard were indeed targeting her, he’d be damned sure that he was here to protect her.
He turned her over onto her back and pulled her into his arms, listening as she tried to get her breathing under control. Dear God, this woman was beyond amazing. She had taken him to heights he never thought possible. He shook his head slightly, trying to get a grip on the onslaught of emotions that were creeping up on him. They were hitting him hard and fast…and he was absolutely powerless to stop them.
“Are you hungry?” he asked finally, gently kissing the top of her head and pulling her a little more securely against his side.
“Not really,” she murmured quietly as she snuggled up against him and she fought off the yawn that was threatening to break free. She couldn’t ever remember a time that she had fe
lt so content. So relaxed and sated. It was as if every muscle in her body had turned to jelly.
Marcus chuckled, his chest vibrating against her ear, and she smiled. He had a great laugh, she thought with a sigh, but then again, he had a great everything!
“Get some sleep, beautiful,” he whispered, his lips whispering against her temple, and she couldn’t find the strength to object. She didn’t understand how she could possibly be so sleepy after her nap…but she was. Maybe it was just because she was relaxed and comfortable for the first time in…forever. A smile crossed her lips as her eyes drifted closed, and she let the smooth tone of his voice lull her into a contented slumber.
Liz woke with a start a few hours later. She was curled up into the fetal position, her heart racing from the never-ending nightmares that plagued her. She tried to get her breathing to even out as she fought to push the images away.
“Are you all right?” Marcus’s smooth voice caressed her from the darkness as his hand skimmed across her hip, and he pulled her up against him. “Nightmare?” he asked, softly, his mouth at her ear as he curled his amazing body against hers, and she nodded.
“Do you want to tell me about it?” It was a softly spoken question, yet the compassion in his voice spoke volumes. There was genuine concern there, and it tugged at something deep inside her. A part of her that had needed that so very much. A part of her that had never had that before. No one had ever cared to hear her before.
Liz turned over to face him, gazing up into his face. She could barely make out his masculine features in the darkness, yet she could sense the worry there. It was a palpable thing between them, and she knew that she could tell him anything. That he wouldn’t judge her.
“It’s always the same,” she whispered, her voice shaking slightly.
Marcus pulled her a little closer, wanting nothing more than to take all of her nightmares away.
“I always get stuck reliving that night over and over again.” She snuggled a little closer to him, loving the feel of his strong arms around her. There was peace in his embrace. “I just keep seeing him coming at me with that knife.” She felt a shudder creep along her spine and tried to shake it away. It was over. It was the past.
“Elizabeth, what happened?”
Liz took another shaky breath, trying to decide if she really wanted to go there with him. It was a part of her life that had–and still did–shape her into the person that she was, good and bad, but it was still so very hard to share with anyone. She closed her eyes as her emotions fought a silent battle within her. A battle for what she so desperately wanted to do, and what she had conditioned herself to believe that she needed to do. No matter what they had shared, or what would happen tomorrow, she felt the deep-seated desire to share herself with this man completely, to allow herself to trust him. That was something that didn’t come easy for her–but with him...it did. God help her, it did.
Taking a deep breath, she opened her eyes and gave him a defiant smile. “I grew up in foster care,” she began softly. “My mother was a drug addict that couldn’t take care of me. When I turned eighteen, I was out of the system, with nowhere to go and no money. I got a job waiting tables and saved up to get a small apartment. My life consisted of work, then home.” She hesitated, and Marcus could see her eyes sparkling with tears. He kissed her forehead, not saying a word, waiting for her to continue at her own pace.
“I was working in a pretty nice place, making decent money for someone whose needs were minimal at best. Anyway, I was taking care of a large party and this guy took an interest in me,” she shivered slightly and Marcus rubbed her back soothingly. “He was like no one I had ever met before. He was good looking, educated, and a real smooth talker. He asked me out for coffee after my shift and well…the rest is history. Before I knew it, he moved me in and took over every single aspect of my life.” She shook her head, damning herself as she had a million times for ever agreeing to that first night. “I think he wanted someone that he could mold into the perfect person. Unfortunately, that wasn’t me.”
“Was he always abusive?” Marcus asked quietly, his body shaking slightly with the desire to kill coursing through him once again, and he fought to push it back.
“At first it started off with little things. I didn’t behave right when we went out. I didn’t dress well, wasn’t sophisticated enough. I’m sure you can guess. He was breaking me down before that first explosion.” She shivered again, and Marcus found himself wanting to kill the bastard. “The abuse was worse when he drank, which was quite often, but that night…he…he came home extremely drunk and angry. He started in on me right away, and I guess I was finally coming to the end of my rope, and I basically told him to go to hell, and…well, that was something that you just didn’t do with Paul. He…” she hesitated, choking on the words as she relived it once again.
“It’s all right, Liz,” Marcus whispered, hating this man with every fiber of his being.
Liz nodded and took a deep, shaky breath. “He flew into a rage and the next thing I knew, he had gone into the kitchen and come back with the knife. He was screaming at me that I was nothing more than a low-class whore who owed everything to him…that I was just kidding myself to think that I could survive without him.” With that, her tears broke free, and she buried her face against his neck.
Marcus held her close as her warm tears wet his skin and his heart ached for her. He had no idea what to say, so he just held her tightly.
After what seemed an eternity of her quiet sobs that he was sure would rip his heart in two, she sniffed and laughed shakily.
“I’m sorry,” she husked, her lush, full lips quivering. He could see her fighting so hard to be strong.
“Don’t be,” he reassured her, kissing her lips gently and hating the fact that there was such sadness in her eyes. “What happened to him?” he asked, hoping that the bastard had died a slow, painful death, or at the very least, was rotting in jail.
Liz sighed, another shudder running up her spine. “Nothing.”
Marcus’s entire body stiffened. “What do you mean nothing?”
“He’s a pretty powerful attorney,” she explained softly. “And, he comes from a very wealthy, very prominent family with a whole lot of connections.”
“Good God, Elizabeth. The man almost killed you!” Marcus was furious. To think that that slimy piece of shit could get away with not only abusing her for years, but also almost killing her, made him see red. He felt his fangs descend and tried with everything that he had to keep himself in check, closing his eyes and trying to calm down. This was definitely not the way to tell her what he was.
“Yes, well. His family never thought I was good enough for him to begin with, so it was a pleasure for them to pull a few strings. They told the powers that be that he was only defending himself. That I had gone after him in a fit of anger, and with my history of being in foster care, the authorities weren’t real difficult to convince.” She huffed in disgust. “When I woke up in the hospital and found out that there were not going to be any charges filed against him, and was told that I was lucky that he wasn’t planning on pressing charges against me and I should be grateful that he was willing to forgive me and take me back, I knew that I had to do something…or I was going to die the next time. So, I ran. I had a wonderful nurse at the hospital that knew my situation and put me into contact with a network of people who helped me.” She hesitated a moment, digging deep within herself to continue. She had never been so open about her past with anyone before, especially not a man, but this man holding her so tightly in his embrace gave her the courage that she needed. “So, as soon as I was able to walk–Erin Jacobs left the hospital, and became Elizabeth Chase.”
Marcus was speechless. “Erin Jacobs,” he murmured, in complete shock. To say that his opinion of her skyrocketed would have been a severe understatement. This woman was amazing. She had a strength that was absolutely awe-inspiring.
“Erin doesn’t exist anymore. She disappeared th
at day forever.” She shrugged, a sigh passing her lips. “I can’t say that I miss her,” she whispered on a chuckle. “I like Elizabeth much better. I mean, I have nightmares, and my trust level is pretty much non-existent, and I still spend most of my time looking over my shoulder. Praying that he doesn’t decide to come after me… but I am stronger in some ways than I ever have been before. I have a life of my own now. And…well, I hope the irony of taking the last name of Chase isn’t lost on anyone.”
Marcus hugged her to him, breathing in her scent as if it were much needed air. “I am floored.”
“Why?” she asked, tilting her head and looking at him. “I’m a complete mess. I have panic attacks. I’m terrified of men in general, and I basically lock myself away because I worry every day that he’ll find me…not exactly prime stock here.”
Marcus gazed back at her in nothing less than wonder, completely stunned. “How can you even think that?” He shook his head, amazed that she couldn’t see the strength within herself. “You had the courage to get out.”
Elizabeth leaned up on her elbow, her other hand resting on his wonderful, sculpted chest and gave him a sad smile. “No… I ran.” She laughed sadly, shaking her head. “Call it survival instinct, or whatever but…not courage. Thank God I had the people at the network to help me.” She shrugged again, taking another giant leap of faith. “That’s what I really do. I help other women like myself leave their abusers.” She wanted to be completely honest with him. Why? She really couldn’t say. Maybe it was because she was coming to care for this man more than she was willing to admit. Maybe, because he gave her a sense of peace. Whatever the reason, she decided that she wasn’t going to hide herself from him. He deserved more than that. He deserved to know who she was.
Marcus pressed his lips against hers, soft and tender, and she felt that now familiar warmth creep across her belly. “It’s strength, Elizabeth,” he said, his breath mingling with hers. “And whether you realize it or not, you are an amazing woman.” His tongue slipped through her parted lips and toyed with hers. Teasing and tempting her in a way that she had never experienced before him. It was soft, and tender…and filled with emotion. There was peace in his kiss…salvation.
Marcus' Mortal Embrace (Book 3) (The Supernatural Desire Series) Page 13
