Fangs flashed. “Are you sure you know what you’re doing?”
This was about Cellie. His Security Chief had done the math and come up with the right answer. “It’s complicated.”
Jax couldn’t make it any more clear, since he needed to understand himself. Aran frowned. “I didn’t realize you were serious about her. You’ve always been…”
“Private,” Jax filled in, heading toward the door to leave. “But there’s been no one else since Cellie and I started hooking up.”
Neither of them mentioned exclusivity when they began sleeping together but for Jax it slowly progressed that way. He frowned, muscles going tense as uncertainty plagued him. It better be that way with Cellie.
Aran’s gaze sharpened. “I trust you know what you’re getting into and wish you luck.”
The door to the other room opened and Ellie poked her head out. “Everything good?”
Aran gave Jax a shove into the hall. “Fine.”
Then Aran turned toward the stunning redhead and slammed the door in Jax’s face.
***
Despite the talking and camaraderie, Cellie couldn’t break her gaze away from Jax’s departing figure. She wanted to run after him and demand he apologize for changing things. Unfortunately she knew he had no intentions of doing such, and the next move rested with her since she’d torn herself from his arms after the simulator training and ignored him later in the station cafeteria when he’d waved her over to join his table.
“You were great, Senior Guard.”
Cellie yanked her attention back and gave Efan an absent smile. “Thank you.”
“They said Chief T’Kar doesn’t spar because he’s so good and it’s not worth his time, but he accepted your challenge right away.”
Cellie buckled her blaster back around her hip and puzzled the matter. She’d met Aran T’Kar a few times with Jax on Zephil and knew the men to be close. Truthfully, when she spotted him watching the others fight and fool around, she hadn’t expected him to agree. But he’d studied her with those mysterious green eyes when she approached him and smiled slowly before saying yes.
The next thing Cellie knew, they’d drawn a crowd, and she hadn’t realized Jax had joined them. She wondered what he thought of the match and if he had any critiques to offer. Her heart dropped as she realized that in the past it would have been nothing to ask Jax for his opinion. Now she worried about his reaction to her rejection.
“See you for evening shift, Senior Guard Manx.”
Cellie waved at Cranz and left. Right now, avoidance seemed like the best option. Cellie knew a way to distract herself and went to find Cordelia.
The Queen tossed a grin in her direction as soon as Cellie showed up. “Thank the stars. Get in here.”
Cellie allowed herself to be yanked inside the suite assigned to Cordie. Talire stood on one side, mouth scrunched, and the two guards on duty met Cellie’s gaze with a wince.
“What’s going on, Cordie?”
Her friend’s brow arched in feigned innocence. “What makes you think something’s going on?”
Cellie rolled her eyes and allowed herself to be led to a chair at the center of the room. “I can’t imagine.”
Cordie rubbed her hands together, fiendish delight glowing from her red stare. “Leave us,” she ordered the others, who scrambled to get away. As soon as the door closed on Talire, she faced Cellie. “You’re not leaving until you tell me every detail about you and Commander Brom.”
Cellie leaped to her feet, but Cordie pressed a hand to her shoulder and pushed her back into the chair.
“Don’t try it, Cellimina.” Cordie dragged a chair over, sitting close enough their knees brushed. “This has been the trip from a demon’s nightmare.” Cordie raised a brow. “And I’d know. Talking about your love life may help in my husband quest.”
Cellie slumped back, accepting defeat in the face of the Queen’s determination. “What do you want to know?”
A bright smile lit Cordie’s face. “Well, you’ve already bragged about your sexual prowess, so tell me how is the Commander?”
Cellie glared and folded her arms over her chest. “Next.”
“Cellimina!” Then the Queen became serious and leaned closer. She lowered her voice to ask, “Honestly, I want to know if he’s as hot as he looks.”
Cellie tipped her head back on a groan. “Hotter, Cordie and that’s all I’m going to say.”
“Fine.”
The Queen huffed, drawing Cellie’s attention. She sat up and faced her friend. “How serious are you about this husband hunt?”
Cordie didn’t attempt to dodge. “Very. I don’t want to be alone as I rule. I’m just not sure there’s a man around willing to deal with what I would bring to the marriage.”
They shared a moment of silence. The Queen of Zephil was more than anyone could imagine. Her secrets required someone who’d understand and accept all that came with ruling at her side. So far she didn’t have any lovers that Cellie knew of, and no boyfriend since a Prince she’d publicly broken up with two years ago.
Cellie stared into red eyes that, after many years, no longer unnerved her. “You have a lot to offer. Wait for someone who accepts you. All of you, the good and the bad.”
“That sounds like advice you should take, my friend.” Cordie tipped her head to the side, suddenly serious. “How long have you and Commander Brom been together?”
“We’re not together,” Cellie instantly denied.
Cordie’s lips pressed tight and her lids lowered to slits. “Celli-min-a.”
Cellie rolled her eyes and mumbled. “Three years.”
“Exactly,” Cordie announced in triumph. “And in that time have you even thought about starting something with another man?”
Cellie couldn’t sit still. She rose to her feet and paced. “You know the answer to that.”
“Exactly,” Cordie repeated, coming to her feet as well. She closed the distance between them and grasped Cellie’s hand. “I’m probably not the one to give advice, but as your Queen, I will.”
Cellie groaned.
“Jaxon is a good man. He cares for you deeply.”
Cellie knew exactly how Jax felt about her. He’d blared it in her face. “He says he loves me.”
Cordie’s gaze darkened with envy as she pushed a length of black hair over her shoulder. “And do I need to guess what your response was?”
Put on the spot, Cellie’s cheeks heated. She hadn’t been gracious in the least.
At her silence, Cordie sighed and dropped her hand to her side. “Listen to your heart. What’s it telling you?”
“To run,” Cellie blurted.
Cordie chuckled. “Aside from that.”
“I need to talk to him.” At the least she’d get a better grasp on the bubbly sensation in her stomach. Heaving out a sigh, Cellie turned to leave. “I’m grabbing a quick shower. Stay with your guards and I’ll return later.”
Cordie shrugged. “I’m not going anywhere anytime soon.”
Putting off the inevitable after washing away the grime of the day, Cellie ended up back in the gym area. She listened to the light banter and joined in occasionally when a joke or question was tossed in her direction. Overall, the delay only served to increase her tension until she found herself listening less and less. Eventually the hour grew late and the room thinned out to a few stragglers.
Without conscious thought Cellie left and headed toward Jax’s room. Cordie was right. Maybe talking to him was the simple and easiest answer.
When she reached his room, Cellie hesitated. The thin barrier stood between her and a measure of peace. Or a bit of annoyance. She knocked after blowing out a nervous breath.
“Come in.”
His deep voice warmed her middle.
Chapter 13
The last person Jax expected to see in his doorway was Cellie. He stayed seated as she entered. “Cellimina.”
She snapped the door closed behind her and stalked across t
he room, nose crinkled in disgust. “Don’t call me that.”
Jax lowered the solar map he’d been studying and leaned back in his chair, legs outstretched. She’d showered and changed from her fight with Aran earlier. Standing rigid in a white tank and black pants, she looked uptight and petrified. It wasn’t a look he was used to seeing on her, creating an immediate need to soothe. Instead Jax clasped his hands over his middle. “To what do I owe the honor of this visit?”
Whatever was on her mind was important because Cellie didn’t let his mood deter her. Cheeks flaming red, she walked right up to his booted feet and crossed her arms over her chest. The move shoved her breasts together, increasing the abundance of cleavage revealed. His gaze dropped from the storm clouds on her face to enjoy the view. When he remained silent, she kicked his foot.
Jax tipped his head to the side, battling his humor. Pissed look good on her. Better than the fear. “Am I supposed to guess?”
“We can talk about…these feelings you have.” She sounded like she’d swallowed a mouth full of rocks, but Jax admired her bravery.
Cellie’s courage equaled the level of her stubbornness. Part of him wanted to yank her in his arms and pull her down onto his lap in order to ravish her frowning mouth, but the sensible part of him above the waist needed to hear her out.
“I’m not taking it back and I’m not pretending what I said isn’t true.” Jax needed to make that very clear.
“I know.” She sighed and tossed her head back, staring at the ceiling for a second before meeting his gaze. “I’m not asking you to deny your…your—l-lo-”
“Love,” he said over her stuttering. Amusement won out over annoyance.
Cellie glared. “Shut it. I can say it.”
Jax waved a negligent hand. “By all means, continue.”
“So glad I amuse you,” she sniped, a spurt of hurt appearing in her brown eyes for the first time since entering.
All pretense dropped, Jax sat up and braced his elbows on his thighs. “Whatever you need, whatever you want, Cellie, it’s yours for the asking. Always has been.”
Her throat moved up and down as she swallowed convulsively. Jax waited.
She shifted her gaze to the side of him, staring at the floor. Jax waited until he realized she might not say anything. Putting truth to the thought, Cellie sighed and turned to leave.
Coming to his feet in an explosive gesture, Jax grabbed her from behind and tugged her back into his chest. His heart beat fiercely in a staccato rhythm. Her addicting scent filled his nostrils. Something light but not flowery. The alluring fragrance had him inhaling deeply. She went still, like an animal sensing danger.
There was only one thing that would send her running. Jax lowered his head to kiss the fine hairs at her nape. “Cellie, just say it.”
“I may have been a bit hesitant to accept your…love.”
Jax grunted. She’d all but thrown it in his face. He nipped her tender exposed skin in subtle retaliation, and the area reddened with his mark.
“But I’m not completely stupid.” She spun in his arms, gaze troubled.
Jax lifted a brow, prepared to interrupt what seemed to be hard for her. It didn’t matter if she never said the words. In his heart, Jax knew Cellie loved him almost as much as he loved her. They’d get through it as long as she didn’t push him away.
“Icaredeeplyaboutyoutoo,” she said in a rush then wrapped her arms about his neck and buried her face in the crook.
Jax held on a moment in frozen silence, unable to comprehend what he thought he heard. “What?”
She yanked on his hair. “Don’t think you can make me say it again.”
He burst out laughing and lifted her in his arms, happiness filling him. “There’s the woman I love.”
“Stop saying it!” She screeched, causing Jax to laugh harder.
“How about I just show you?” He knocked the map and papers off the table and sat Cellie’s hips on the edge.
Pushing forward, he stepped between her splayed thighs as she leaned back on her elbows.
“Demonstration was always my favorite part of your class.” She kept her hands looped loosely about his neck, but nothing could disguise the pleasure and relief on her face.
“Mmm and you were one of my favorite students.” Jax leaned forward and bit her neck, loving the unlikely feminine squeal which followed.
Cellie twirled her fingers around the ends of his hair, the slow smile blooming on her face leaving him relieved they were past what he had expected to be a major hurdle. Maybe he wouldn’t overwhelm her right away with the verbal I love yous. It would take time for her to get used to this new angle in their relationship. He’d ease her into it slowly.
“What happened to your face?” Cellie brushed a hand over the cut on his brow.
“Fight.” Jax trailed kissed across her cheek, her temple, ending back at her lips as they parted to ask another question.
He foiled whatever she’d planned to say and kissed her. His lips crushed hers beneath his and he thrust his tongue forward on a hungry groan. Cellie hiked her legs high around his waist, her boots scraping his back as she locked her ankles together. The hands in his hair became claws as she yanked and pulled.
Jax broke off the kiss on a muffled laugh. Pure pleasure and contentment filled his chest at her attempts to keep him close. “I’m not going anywhere.”
“Damn right,” she declared and winked.
His dick shot straight up and bumped against her center. Cellie’s eyes glazed over as she rocked against the firm pressure. Jax grunted and shoved her shirt up, and above her head. Her hands fell from his neck only to help snatch the shirt off and toss it to the floor somewhere.
“Mine.” Jax cupped her bountiful breasts as they spilled over the edge of her pale pink bra. His thumbs brushed the budding peaks of her nipples and Cellie’s sharp gasp pulled his gaze upward from the entrancing sight.
With his eyes on hers, he did it again this time, pressing his thumbs and forefingers together to give them a slight pinch. She arched up from the table and her hips thrust wildly against him.
“Jax!”
He released her warm globes to unbuckle his pants, ignoring how they sagged about his hips. All Jax knew was that loosening his clothes released the tightness in his loins. His throbbing length pulsed between the gaping flap. With a tug, he removed Cellie’s pants and underwear all in one move until he reached her thighs.
She needed to unwrap her legs from him to get them completely off. There was a teasing glint in her eyes and a sassy tilt to her lips. Jax’s mouth curled up as he ran a hand up her smooth thigh. “Let go.”
Her legs dropped and the pants slid down further. Cellie kicked out and the clothes crumpled to the floor, then she laid back on the table, arms stretched above her head. The smile on her face screamed wicked, and the sinful gleam in her eyes warned Jax.
“I’m ready,” she practically purred.
“Hmm.” Jax could only stare at her body spread out for him. Hard pink nipples, lean torso, the dip of her tight abs and the glistening treasure of her bare folds called to him.
Cellie clasped her breasts in her palms and squeezed. Her eyes drifted close as she tipped her head back, blonde swirls sifting about her head. Jax almost came on the spot and spilled in his pants.
Using utmost restraint, he leaned forward and licked between her dancing fingers, the tip of his tongue flicking her nipple. Cellie’s fingers clenched. Jax continued running his tongue over every inch he could reach. Nudging her knees, he opened her legs wider, creating enough room to get good and comfortable as he lay over top of Cellie.
She wrapped her slender limbs back around him, body quivering. Jax nudged her entrance and her swollen lips parted, accepting the tip of his shaft. Her fingers closed on the material of his shirt.
“Jax.” His name was a sweet sigh from her lips.
Jax rubbed along her moist entrance with a hard thrust. Heat seared his flesh as he sank in to the base. �
��Fuck, yeah.”
His. All his. Jax leaned back, palms braced on the table by her head. A red flush tinted Cellie’s skin. Her lids lowered, revealing brown slits glazed with desire. Jax choked back his groan and pumped into her heated depths. Slick and creamy, her passage hugged him tighter with each stroke. He shifted his balance to his knees and crowded her as his fingertips traced the curves of her swollen breasts.
Another groan escaped his puckered lips as she arched into his touch. Jax lowered his head to suck on one of the tight buds.
“Please. Don’t stop. Don’t you dare stop.” Cellie’s fingers speared his hair. Her nails scraped his scalp.
Jax lifted his head enough to reassure. “I’m not going to stop. You taste better than a ramduran berry.”
***
He was using her desire against her, battering her senses with the sensual onslaught. Cellie moaned and braced her weight as Jax placed a knee beside her hip and tunneled deep.
“Is this enough?” He growled against her ear when his length filled her.
“Yes, Jax,” Cellie panted. “Yes.”
“Good, ‘cause I’m not letting you go.” He dragged his tongue across her throat and sucked as he slammed into her hot entrance again and again.
Cellie screamed and tightened her legs about his hips as sheer pleasure cascaded through her.
He stopped instantly. “Ah, ah. Quiet now.”
“I’m going to kick your ass, Jax.” Cellie raked her nails down his chest and had the benefit of catching his wince. “Move.”
Instead of following through on her order, the bastard leaned up on his forearms to gaze down at her. “Now we both know you can get loud when you’re enjoying yourself, but let’s see if you can be a good girl and stay quiet while I fuck you into this table.”
Cellie shivered and thumped a fist on his chest, though his words left her wet. “Everything’s a game with you.”
“Not a game, Cellie mine. A challenge.” Ignoring her glare, his arms came up around her waist and he stood, carrying her in his arms. “You prefer the bed?”
Love Like No Other Page 8
