by Mel Teshco
It was as close to a proposal as she’d get, at least until things were finalized on Earth in regards to Emily. Just the thought of being Jarred’s wife sent a thrill coursing through her and caused her heart to flutter.
Marriage was little more than a piece of paper to many people, but to Lucinda it was much more than that. It was commitment. It was wanting to be together until death dragged them apart. It was telling the world they belonged together.
“You’ve gone quiet,” he murmured with a frown.
She smiled up at him, realizing he was taking her silence in completely the wrong way. “I’m fantasizing about being your wife.”
He swung around and kicked the door shut. “Then let me add a little something extra to your fantasy,” he said huskily.
She giggled, and heat rushed through her veins and centered at her core. “Please do.”
He carried her to his bed and laid her on the mattress as though she was made of the finest porcelain. They didn’t kiss, didn’t even exchange small talk. Silence throbbed between them, as heavy in the air as their anticipation.
She licked her suddenly dry lips and his eyes flared as he slowly undressed her, reverently kissing each expanse of bared skin. It wasn’t until her underwear finally joined her ‘yellows’ on the floor that Jarred stripped himself.
Her lashes fluttered. God he was … perfection. He was lean but tough, muscled in all the right places. He could have been a fighter in the ring or a champion athlete. Instead, he’d chosen to use the sharpness of his mind over the power of his body.
It only made her want him more.
He stood in front of her, his erection thick and long, his eyes glittering and hot, and his phoenix tattoo coming to life with every ripple of his muscles. Her breath caught as he bent and clasped her foot, pressing kisses along her instep, her ankle, and then partway up her leg, before starting on the other foot.
Her pulse thudded in her ears, her breath catching at every press of his mouth on her flesh. He found erogenous zones she hadn’t even known existed, places that were so sensitive she couldn’t help but mewl a little. She was being stroked in all the right places.
But it was more than that. It was the anticipation of him moving ever so slowly up her legs and between her thighs. The knowledge that he was going to thoroughly pleasure her with his tongue and his mouth, as well as his cock.
When he finally arrived at the mound between her thighs, his eyes gleamed. No doubt he noticed the shine of sweat on her brow and the drumming of her heart in her chest. Somehow his silence only added to her heightened arousal.
She was beyond desperate for him.
Still, she was nowhere near prepared when his mouth latched onto her clit and he suckled hard. She arched her back with a hissed breath before uttering a profanity, her every nerve screaming into life as he plied her with his lips, tongue, and mouth.
The pleasure was intense, a pressurized gratification that built fast and detonated almost immediately. She shattered under his ministrations, and then came again with a hoarse cry as he pushed her thighs wide and suckled harder still, relentless and fierce and all too skilled with his mouth.
Only when Jarred released her did her shudders subside into waves of pleasure that rippled outward until she was no longer soaring high. She sighed and he moved up her body, then leisurely flicked one of her nipples with his tongue.
They already stood at full attention, and were almost painful to the touch, his tongue a wet lash that she never wanted to stop. She arched her back again, wanting more. Needing him to give her everything he had, and then some.
He didn’t disappoint. He licked and sucked, then gently bit the tip of her breast.
She groaned, caught between a flare of pain and wondrous pleasure. His stare glittered and he gave her other breast the same treatment, licking and nipping until she was writhing beneath him, slick with sweat, her pussy wet with her own juices.
He moved further up, his shaft thick and long, throbbing against her belly. “You like a bit of pain, enjoy being dominated?” he murmured in her ear, sending shivers all the way down her spine even as heat flared at her core. “I’m going to enjoy exploring that side of you, pushing you out of your comfort zone until you’re screaming my name and coming harder than you ever have before.”
She was panting and found herself wanting to hear more … desperate to hear more. “You’re into that stuff?” she gasped, torn between perverse fascination and stunned disbelief. It was as though her body was unconditionally attuned to the idea, while her mind had gone into instant turmoil.
“If you mean do I like the idea of restraining you, of pushing the boundaries between pleasure and pain until your whole body is thrumming with want, then yes. I sometimes do enjoy that lifestyle.”
She should have known that from the moment he said he’d find a way to break her if she broke his trust. She’d tiptoed around the idea and then discarded it, foolishly imagining she’d never want to go down that road.
God, not only was she headed down that road, she had the feeling she’d never want to go back.
She cleared her throat. “Is that why you and Emily weren’t compatible?” she asked, needing to know. “She didn’t like this darker side to you?”
He nibbled her earlobe and then bit her, hard enough to take her breath away, pushing a button within that had her moaning for more. He drew back, his stare searching hers. “She shrank from my needs while you … you embrace them.”
She knew he wouldn’t push her, not then. She’d taken the bait and sensed that he’d reel her in at his leisure. Enjoy watching her squirm with suspense, even a little trepidation. And there was no doubt in her mind it would push their lovemaking to a whole new level.
He kissed her slowly then, his tongue slipping into her mouth and ensuring she tasted the musky intimacy of her own flavor. Only when his mouth lefts hers did her eyes narrow, and she smiled a little. “You can’t have it all one way.” At his frown, she added, “It’s my turn to pleasure you. I want to suck you.”
His cock jerked against her belly. “You must have read my mind,” he growled, flipping her over so she was the one on top.
His eyes flared. God, he made her feel so sexy. She was sexy.
She squeezed her breasts together and pulled her nipples. The muscle that jerked into life in his jaw and the heat in his stare told her exactly how much she turned him on.
She bent over him, her breasts mashing against his chest as they shared a slow, luxurious kiss. She wanted to take her time, bring him right to the edge and leave him hanging on precariously before allowing him the rush of freefall.
She broke away and trailed butterfly kisses down his neck, flicking her tongue over his gorgeous phoenix tattoo before pressing a kiss to each of his peaked nipples.
Only when she reached his navel, where his cock lay against his belly, taut and ready for action, did she realize how much she wanted him in her mouth. How much she wanted to taste the glistening drop of pre-cum that oozed from the head of his cock.
She clasped his thick shaft and licked the tip clean. His breath shuddered out even before she took the head of his cock into her mouth and drew him in deep.
Her pussy clenched at his strangled groan. There was something liberating and hot about giving Jarred head. Maybe it was his complete loss of control as she sucked his length up and down, or maybe it was her own desire to pleasure him as he’d pleasured her.
She cupped his heavy balls, feeling them tighten and tuck. He was close, maybe seconds from ejaculating. She released him and dragged in a heavy breath.
Jarred’s voice was raw. “Jesus, Lucinda, are you trying to kill me?”
“Far from it,” she said hoarsely, before she straddled him and reached down to clasp his cock once more, this time guiding it between her pussy lips. “But if I don’t impale myself on your dick right now, I’ll be the one dying.”
His chuckle sounded pained and trailed off the moment she sank down on him. This t
ime she didn’t even give her muscles time to adjust before she began to rock up and down, grinding her clit against him and moaning at the minor gratification.
His hands clamped hold of her breasts and he squeezed hard. She flung her head back on an even deeper moan. He knew how sensitive they were and seemed to know exactly how hard he could fondle, his touch marking her like a brand.
“A perfect handful,” he growled.
“Good thing you have big hands,” she gasped.
He massaged and squeezed while she rode him, until his hands grasped her hips and he urged her to ride him faster, harder, until everything lit up from within as though a starburst flung high and blasted into being.
Jarred’s lips drew back and his hips jerked once as he groaned with ecstasy, his seed gushing warm and deep inside her.
Her pulse thudded loud in her ears as she drooped forward, his cock still embedded deep.
“I love you baby,” he said hoarsely, cupping her face and kissing her tenderly.
“I love you too,” she whispered back, so damn happy and so damn tired, she didn’t know whether to spout poetic nothings into his ear, or fall deep into the arms of sleep.
She was vaguely aware of him moving her to his side and tucking her close. Then she shut her eyes and allowed the darkness to swamp her.
Chapter Ten
Lucinda sighed in appreciation as she shared Jarred’s shower with him once again. She would not think of her work day ahead.
Jarred’s big, deft hands had already shampooed her hair, massaging blissfully. She watched as he squeezed out a blob of conditioner and rubbed it into her hair before the steam washed it all out again. She closed her eyes. Damn she was tired. The shower and Jarred’s scalp massage were only making her more relaxed and sleepy.
Yet she’d slept amazingly well, aside from when Jarred had woken her for another round of lovemaking. He’d flipped her onto her belly and taken her from behind. The next time she’d woken, she was already climaxing, with his mouth on her pussy and his tongue all over her clit.
With an appetite as big as the pilot’s, she had no idea how he’d ever abstained from sex for so long. His needs—even the darker ones—were ingrained, and insatiable.
Jarred kissed the top of her damp head. “Are you okay?”
She looked up, a wry smile pulling at her lips. “If sore and tired doesn’t counteract jubilant and in love, then yes, I’m doing fine.”
Jarred smiled back as the steam abated and hot air pulsed out to dry them. “You do know you’re the only woman for me, right?”
“And you’re the only man for me.” It wasn’t deserving of even a second’s thought. She knew he was it, her one and only.
His eyes flared. “What about women?”
“What about them?” She searched his face. “You’re all I’ll ever need. But if it turns you on to watch me with a woman …?”
He stiffened. “It would kill me to see you getting pleasured by anyone else. I want to be the only one to satisfy you.” His stare darkened. “And to fulfill your every desire.”
She shivered, aware he wasn’t making idle talk. His darker needs had struck an answering chord within her, and he wanted to be the one to explore that side of her. She arched a brow. “What about the two years we’re apart?”
His eyes glittered possessively. “Then we think of each other while we pleasure ourselves.”
She smiled, slipping her arms around his neck before she stood on tiptoe to kiss him. “I guess it’s lucky I’m an expert masturbator, then.”
They chuckled about self-play, debating who’d come faster and harder on their own. All too soon, they were dressed and ready to face the day, Lucinda in her newly washed prison yellows and Jarred in his blue camos and boots. Neither seemed ready to leave the cabin and face the real world—at least, the world that was the Siren.
He sighed. “I’ll walk you to the laundry.”
“Thank you.” She managed a smile, though she knew it was wobbly. “Ever the gentleman, aren’t you?”
He flashed her a smoldering look. “Not always in the bedroom. Sometimes I let the beast come out to play.”
The shiver that went down her spine wasn’t from fear. Not even close. The anticipation of what he’d do to her and how far he’d push her was better than any aphrodisiac. She was certain Jarred sensed exactly how she felt.
Stokes was on guard duty at the laundry, his normal unpleasant self, if somewhat sullen and withdrawn. He saluted stiffly, but no words were exchanged.
Lucinda’s good mood evaporated, although she perceived the guard was no longer a threat to her.
Jarred smiled, evidently reading her body language. “There’s nothing to worry about, my love. I’ll see you soon, okay?”
“Tonight?” she asked, ever hopeful.
The smile lit up Jarred’s eyes. “I’ll have to see the Major about making us a more … permanent arrangement, hmm?”
She nodded, melting against him. She was in love and she wasn’t going to hide it. She wanted to bask in Jarred’s adoration every second of the day.
“That sounds like an excellent plan.” She leaned closer to his ear. “I love you.”
Jarred’s eyes flashed delight. He grinned. “I—”
“Captain Cooper … Sir. Sorry to interrupt.”
Jarred drew back from Lucinda, his stare snapping to the other younger man in blue camos. “Simms.” His eyes narrowed, his entire body tense. “Is there a problem?”
The apprentice pilot in his air crew uniform exchanged a salute with Jarred, and then went on. “I’ve been looking for you. No problem with the Siren. We’re still out of jump mode while maintenance does it work.”
Jarred’s shoulders relaxed. “So what is it then?”
Simms eyes flashed almost guiltily to Lucinda then back to Jarred, causing her stomach to knot. The young man cleared his throat. “While adrift we managed to get communication from Earth. Some of it was static but a good portion of it was clear.”
Jarred rubbed a hand over his taut face. “Spit it out, Simms.”
“Sir … they’ve found your wife.”
*
It took every ounce of Lucinda’s self-control not to completely lose the plot. Not to scream in denial, or sob with despair.
Instead, she held Jarred’s dazed stare and said through clenched teeth, “That’s wonderful news.”
God, when had she gotten to be such a liar?
Hurt flashed across Jarred’s face. “What are you saying? That you’re happy?”
No. I’m saying I need you to tell me I’m the only one you want, and that Emily will understand. To tell me I’ve got nothing to fear, even though the one person I love will be returning to Earth … to his wife.
Instead she choked out, “Your wife is alive. Your best friend. I shouldn’t be anything but happy for you both.”
What a shame jealousy and bleak despair instead strangled her heart, robbing her of breath. No amount of amazing sex could compete with a childhood sweetheart and confidante. A woman he’d killed for.
“Sir … we recorded the message. We’re not sure how long ago it was sent but you’ll probably want to reply while we’re in range.”
Lucinda squeezed her eyes shut against a thunderclap of pain. When she next opened them she could see his indecision. She took his hands in hers. “Just go,” she said, though her heart was surely dying. “You care about her, and I know there must be a lot you want to tell her.”
“God, Lucinda—”
“I’ll be fine. Truly.” She released her grip. “Now go.”
Before I make an utter fool out of myself.
When he pivoted and strode away with Simms, Lucinda wasn’t even sure how she found the strength to stand.
“How the mighty have fallen,” Stokes jeered under his breath.
Funnily enough, the guard was so beneath her concerns right then, he might as well have been a gnat under her shoe.
Making it through the day without fallin
g apart would be a minor miracle. Concealing the pain that threatened to bring her to her knees would be another.
An hour later, the other women in the laundry knew better than to try and talk to Lucinda, or even go near her. She’d given them the silent treatment because being open with her feelings and her fears would see her fall onto the floor, a mess of emotions and frailties.
She’d rather the women’s resentment than their pity.
She tossed a bag of dirty laundry into the clothes cleanser, added a cube of washsud, and closed the lid. Steam poured into the machine and its internal drum clunked round and round while she pulled out a fresh batch of laundered clothes from another cleanser, unconcerned by its heat.
“Lucinda. Talk to me. Please.”
She dropped a pair of pants and turned slowly to face Jarred, the blood draining from her face. She swayed a little. When he stepped towards her, she put up a hand. “Don’t.”
“Christ, Lucinda, I’m not the bad guy here. You’re the woman I want. The woman I love.”
“And your wife?” she whispered, her stomach roiling.
“Will understand I’ve moved on. And from what I read between the lines we’ve both moved on.” He lifted his hands, then dropped them to his sides. “When I get back to Earth I’m betting Emily will be waiting with the divorce papers in hand.”
“Do you … do you want to sign them?”
“God Lucinda, do you even need to ask?” He shook his head. “I don’t love Emily. I love you. Only you.”
She released an unsteady breath, feeling all kinds of lightheaded and foolish. “I know you do … Jarred, I’m sorry. I should have trusted you.”
“Right from the start,” he agreed emphatically.
She bit into her bottom lip. “So now what?”
He took another step, closing the space between them. “I ask that you never doubt me again. I want to be with you. For as long as we both live.”
He’d all but spoken part of a marriage vow.
Lucinda would have to be deaf not to have heard the heartfelt sighs from her fellow workers. Seemed even with everyone’s frayed tempers from being overworked, along with the overcrowding and food shortages, there was still room in people’s hearts for romance.
