Grounded By Love

by Lily Thomas

  Claira was shocked, when he gripped her hair and pulled her head back for his kiss. She was also surprised when she found herself enjoying his kiss, especially when he deepened it by slipping his tongue into her warm and waiting mouth.

  It crossed her mind that she could bite down on his tongue, but she was enjoying it too much. She could feel the emotion behind the kiss, almost as if he had been waiting to do this, since meeting her.

  The warriors around them gave another cheer, and Kaeldar broke away from her. Claira wanted to yell at the rock giants for ruining such a perfect moment. That is until Kaeldar waved her dagger in front of her.

  Frustration bubbled up inside of her.

  “You rotten...”

  “Uh uh, don't be rude now.” He teased her.

  She felt insulted she’d been so distracted by the kiss that he’d been able to steal her dagger. He fooled her, and she was pissed she’d been that completely stupid.

  “You are such a rat.”

  Kaeldar only shrugged his large shoulders, not seeming bothered by the fact he had tricked her out of her only weapon.

  The rock giants around them roared with laughter and held up cups of their ale, as they applauded the show that had unfolded before them. They knew she’d been no challenge for Kaeldar.

  Claira felt her cheeks heat. He’d just been playing with her. What had she been thinking? Of course, she was going to be no match for him in a fight. She hadn't been trained to be a warrior.

  Kaeldar guided her back to the tent, with a few of the rock giants trailing after them. Even his glares couldn't get them to go away. They were probably hoping for yet another show.

  Kaeldar closed the tent flap, after shoving her inside, and then turned to the men.

  He handed the dagger over to them. “Give that to someone who wants it.” There went his spare dagger, but he didn’t need her stealing it again.

  Claira must have found it in his pack of clothing he’d left in the last tent. She was sneaky, he would give her that. He had to wonder how long it’d been on her person, and he hadn’t suspected a thing.

  Slowly, the rock giants trickled away, as they realized there wouldn't be another show for them to witness. He knew they were disappointed, but they’d get over it.

  He was feeling a bit hot and bothered, after his kiss with Claira, and he didn’t need an audience. He’d been too long without the companionship of a warm female. He was like a randy lad, hard after just one kiss with Claira. She really affected him, and he was tempted to follow her into the tent and continue their moment.

  But he decided he shouldn't. Instead, he walked in the opposite direction. He needed a way to get this excess energy out of his system with some practice fighting.

  After grabbing a sword and trying to find a partner, Kaeldar stopped. Maybe he should distract his body by teaching Claira how to use a dagger. A dagger would be one of the best weapons for her. It was small, and she clearly knew how to hide it on her body.

  With it decided, he made his way back to the tent.

  Claira touched her fingertips to her plump lips. The kiss affected her at an alarming magnitude. She’d wanted him to continue, but instead he ruined it by snatching her dagger.

  Of course, she was sure the kiss meant nothing to him. After he held up her dagger, she knew he only used the kiss to distract her. He’d used her body against her, and she despised him for that.

  Kaeldar pushed through the tent flap surprising her. “Come here.” He demanded.

  “Excuse me?” Claira raised an eyebrow. “I am not at your beck and call.”

  “Would you like to learn how to use a dagger or not?”

  “You would teach me, after I pulled it on you?”

  “I may not be thrilled about it, but this is something you need to know. I can’t be by your side every day.”

  “Promise you won’t use kisses to win?” Claira folded her arms in front of her chest.

  His eyes dipped down to glance at her lips, and then back up at her eyes. “Will it work again?”

  “Dream on.” Claira brushed past him. “So where are we going to practice?”

  “Follow me.” Kaeldar took off, and Claira had to quicken her steps just to keep up.

  While they walked, Claira noticed the swords and daggers he strapped to his body since she last saw him. It made for an intimidating sight, but it gave her confidence in his ability to train her.

  A few rock giants made moves to follow, but with a sharp snarl from Kaeldar they went back to minding their own business. Claira was grateful for it. She already suffered enough embarrassment in front of them for one day.

  “This should be far enough to give us some privacy.” Kaeldar turned to face her.

  Flipping a dagger out of a sheath, Kaeldar grabbed it by the blade, holding the handle out for her to grab. Claira took it and nibbled her lip. This was definitely going to be interesting. In some ways, she felt like Kaeldar had the harder task in front of him, with teaching her.

  “What now?”

  “Now I will teach you to defend yourself.”

  Kaeldar grabbed his own dagger and leapt forward. Claira let out a squeal, and her dagger slipped from her fingers.

  “Claira. You need to keep a hold of your dagger. How do you plan on using it, when you don’t have it?”

  “I never would have guessed.” She shot back. “You just surprised me.”

  “Your enemy won’t announce when he’s going to kill you.” Kaeldar shook his head. “I would never harm you, but even if you fear me, you should use it to your advantage. Don’t let it use you.”

  Going back to his starting spot, Kaeldar asked, “Are you ready to try again?”

  Claira grabbed her dagger. “What if I harm you?”

  “You won’t, so don’t hold anything back. I will be the only one holding back, alright?”

  “If you want to risk it.” Claira shrugged her shoulders, as she got into place.

  “There’s the confidence you need.”

  Kaeldar lunged forward again, and Claira sidestepped out of his way. Claira tried to take a jab at him, but he spun on his heel, reached out, grabbed her dagger’s blade, and yanked the hilt from her grasp.

  Claira’s mouth popped open. “But your hand!” She cried out in alarm.

  Rushing forward she pried the dagger out of his hand to look at his palm.

  “Look, no wound.”

  “I just wanted to make sure.” Claira backed away from him.

  “Now should we give this a couple more tries?”

  Claira nodded.

  After several more attempts, Claira actually improved, to both their shock.

  “Once more then?”

  Claira gave a determined nod.

  Kaeldar lunged. Claira ducked, rolled across the ground, and then leapt up to her feet, but Kaeldar was already behind her. Grabbing her from behind with an arm as he tried to get her dagger. Claira threw her head back and managed to clip him in the chin.

  Growling Kaeldar stumbled back, but didn’t let go.

  Swinging her around her gripped her throat. Before Claira could think, Kaeldar’s lips met hers.

  He had no idea what had come over him, but as her body was struggling against his, he’d felt an overwhelming surge of lust. When he gripped her throat, he pulled her in and kissed her.

  Claira gave a moan, and all thoughts fled his mind.

  The daggers slipped from their fingers, as they wrapped around each other. Her arms came up and clung onto his shoulders, as he slipped his tongue into her mouth.

  She was so sweet, just like honey, and it was intoxicating.

  Claira couldn’t make her mind think correctly. She was draped over the rock giant, and her mind was racing with arousing images. His muscles were right under her eager fingers, and his dizzying mouth was scorching her with every caress.

  When one of his hands came up to fondle her breast, she arched her chest against his grasp.

  What was she doing? She couldn’
t be kissing the rock giant. She didn’t even know him.

  “I’m sorry.” Claira mumbled, as she turned and sprinted back towards the encampment of rock giants, leaving Kaeldar to stare after her.

  Pushing her way into the tent Claira took even breathes to calm her speeding heart. He was making her lose her mind.

  He killed Robert, yet he saved her twice. How did she know he wouldn’t just kill her after he was done with her? It wasn’t like he was about to profess his undying love to her. He was a rock giant commander, and she was a human woman.

  Her emotions were a twisted puzzle. A puzzle she was determined to crack wide open. Kaeldar intrigued her, and she wanted to know him better. Her body wanted him, if the wetness between her legs said anything, but her mind still had some issues with his actions.

  Claira waited for his return to the tent, but after what felt like an hour, she gave up and took a seat on the fur bed.

  When the tent flap shook, she jumped up. She wanted to barrage Kaeldar with her questions, but instead two rock giants entered the tent.

  A squeak escaped from her mouth, as she gaped at them. As they came in, she saw they were carrying a tub filled to the brim with hot water. The steam rolled off the top in welcoming waves.

  They set down the heavy tub, and then left the tent promptly without saying a single word to her.

  She beamed. Kaeldar must’ve ordered them to bring her some hot water for a bath. Then her smile faded or the water was for Kaeldar.

  So she waited, but when he didn't show she started to think it was meant for her. Claira had no idea where the tub came from, and she didn’t care. It was here, and she planned on taking full advantage of it.

  Smiling she peeled her clothing off. She was tired of having worn the same things over and over again, and she was sure she was starting to smell, although she sure hoped she didn't.

  Slowly, she sank into the tub of steaming water. She could feel the water burning away all the dirt and grime on her skin. A content sigh escaped from her, as she sank all the way into the water.

  Ever so slowly, she washed her limbs, and then moved on to the rest of her body. Dunking her head underneath the water she washed any grime out of her hair. Her fingers slid through her hair, massaging her scalp, as the warm water moved through the strands.

  Eventually, the water cooled in temperature to the point where she didn't want to be in it anymore. It had been fantastic, while it lasted.

  After drying off, she eyed her clothing on the ground, and her skin crawled a little bit.

  “I should’ve asked if he had any spare clothing.”

  Only problem was she wasn't sure if there would be any clothing within the camp that would fit her. So for now she was just going to have to settle for her dirty clothing or she would have to go around naked, and there was no way she was doing the latter.

  Claira didn't get dressed right away. It was time to be adventurous. If her body was so attracted to him, then why shouldn’t she explore that option? It was time for her to accept she was in a war, and she was enchanted by a rock giant warrior.

  Right now she was surrounded by rock giants who might kill her at any moment. Why shouldn’t she enjoy any moment she could with Kaeldar? Maybe their attraction for each other would cool, if they slept together.

  She went over to the fur covers and got under them. It was time for her to get some rest, while she waited for Kaeldar to come back.

  Chapter 14

  The rustling of the tent flap woke Claira, but she didn't move. It was inky black in the tent, yet she recognized his outline and movements. She’d taken care of him for days, so she knew his physique like the back of her hand.

  Claira watched, as he shed his shirt. Her eyes zeroed in on his hands, as they went to the buckle of his pants, as she saw the metal glint in the dark.

  She couldn't help the harsh breath she sucked in. After deciding she would be with him under the covers, she couldn't help but fantasize about it. It made her feel warm and gooey inside.

  His head turned in the darkness to glance down at her, as his ears picked up her sharp intake of breath.

  Being bold Claira pulled the fur cover off of her body. Now it was her turn to hear him suck in a sharp breath, and it felt empowering. She had a suspicion his eyesight might be better than hers in the dark.

  Anticipation flowed through her, but she wasn't going to shrink away from this. She made her decision, and she was going to follow through with it.

  Rising from the covers she let him see the outline of her naked body in the dark. Her nipples harden, under the heat of his intense stare. A slow smile spread across her face. She felt sexy, with the way he was staring at her. She wasn't able to see his face, but she felt his gaze raking over her exposed skin.

  Feeling like she might back down if she didn't move forward, Claira took a couple steps closer to him. Ever so slowly, she made her way over to Kaeldar. Her nipples tightened with every step.

  Stopping in front of him she took a deep intake of his masculine scent, horse and sweat. It drew her in, on a primitive level.

  Kaeldar reached a hand out and cupped one of her breasts. He massaged it a little, before pinching her hard nipple between two of his rough padded fingers.

  Heat coursed through her. Claira couldn't believe what just one pinch of a nipple could make her feel. She wanted to ask him to do it again, when his fingers ventured away from her nipple, but also wanted to see what he would do to her.

  Feeling adventurous herself she laid her hands onto Kaeldar's pectoral muscles and smoothed her hands down to his stomach muscles. They were tight with the ropes of muscles he had, and her stomach gave an excited flip.

  Anticipation made her jittery. Her hands seemed to have a mind of their own. Slowly, they slipped down his abs to the laces of his trousers. Her fingers swiftly made easy work of the laces.

  She heard his ragged breathing and loved knowing she was affecting him just like he affected her.

  After she finished untying the laces, Claira pushed the trousers down his legs and out sprang his cock, hard and ready. Claira's eyes widened, as she took her fill. She would never have guessed it would be so large, then again he was a giant and not a human. Maybe he was too large for her, but there was only one way to find out.

  Kaeldar stepped out of his trousers, since Claira couldn't tear her eyes away from his cock. How could she not be fascinated by it? She’d seen plenty of naked men in her healing years and had been with a few men, but they hadn’t looked quite like this. Here was a man she could fantasize about all day and night.

  She let her hands slide down to cup his balls. Kaeldar sucked in a sharp breath, and she smiled. Getting more adventurous Claira kneaded them, and his hitched breathing spurred her on.

  “If you want to pleasure me, I know of a better way.” Kaeldar murmured down to her, his voice gone husky.

  Claira nodded up to him, in the darkness.

  Putting his hand over hers he guided her up to his cock and away from his balls. As she wrapped her tiny fingers around his hot member, he let out a groan. She let her hand give it a good stroke. It thrilled her, when he let out a moan of pleasure, so she stroked him some more.

  She couldn't help the blush that crept up her neck and face. Claira had never done this before, and she couldn't help, but be a little shy about her actions. She’d slept with a man before, but it had always gone straight to sex.

  She stroked him faster, as she heard his breathing increase.

  Both of them were too involved to remember the differences between them. None of that mattered, now, in the dead of night. Now was a time for them to get to know each other in a more personal level, with nothing standing between them.

  Kaeldar’s large hand came down to cover her small one and pulled it away from his cock. Claira looked up at him puzzled.

  “Don't want me to spill my seed now, when there is so much more to do.” Kaeldar informed her.

  She had no idea how much more there was to do,
but she was eager to find out. The butterflies in her stomach wouldn't sit still.

  Taking her hands, he led her over to the fur covers. He laid down, but kept Claira in a kneeling position.

  Their eyes met in the darkness, and she saw his passion filled gaze and knew she was in store for an enlightening night with Kaeldar. She only hoped her curiosity would keep her going so she wouldn't back out at the worst possible moment.

  He was a rock giant not a human man, and she had some doubts flickering in the back of her mind.

  “Claira.” Kaeldar's voice came out of the darkness.

  “Yes?”

  His hand came up to cup and caress her face. “I need to know you want to do this, before we begin.”

  Her heart lurched in her chest. How much sweeter could he get? He confused her, was he a lover or a hardened warrior? This was the side she enjoyed seeing.

  “I want this.” She said, sincerity ringing in her voice.

  He smiled at her. “Good, because I can promise you a good time.”

  Claira gave a giggle. “You seem confident.”

  “Does it bother you?”

  “No. I just think I should be the judge of whether it’s a good time or not.”

  Kaeldar sat up suddenly and flipped her onto her back, as she gave a squeal of surprise and smiled up at him. She hadn’t expected him to do that!

  Moving on top of her he straddled her hips with his hands resting on either side of her head. He bent over her and gave her a light peck on her lips, and then planted a couple on each corner of her mouth.

  She uttered a small giggle of delight.

  Murmuring something to her in his language he scooted down her legs, as he kissed his way from the side of her mouth, down her neck, and over to one of her breasts.

  Leisurely, he slid his tongue around the edge of her rosy nipple. It thrilled her, and the area between her legs tingled with sensation. Then he sucked her tight little nipple into his hot mouth, and her mind went blank. The only thing she was able to think about was what he was doing to her body.