She fidgeted with the hem of her dress and stole glances at Zanar as the car lurched forward. She lost her balance and fell into his arms, but the smile on his face told her that he didn’t mind.
“Sorry,” she said with a blush.
Zanar helped her back onto her seat, but there was a zap of awareness between them. Celeste felt like her blood was humming in her veins. Every time she glanced his way, she caught him staring, a slight smirk on his lips.
“What?” she asked.
“It’s cute.”
“What’s cute?”
“Watching you pretend not to watch me.” His smile broadened. “You feel the pull, don’t you? We’re like opposing magnets, drawn together.”
“Would it be wrong of me to say that I don’t want to fight it?” she asked. “I’m a mother first and foremost. Wanting you as much as I do makes me feel like I’m a bad parent. Shouldn’t I be more focused on Sophie and less on my needs and desires?”
Zanar’s expression sobered. “Celeste, first and foremost, you’re a woman. Yes, you’re a mother, and I guess a rather great one. I’ve seen the love shining in your eyes when you talk about your daughter. I also know that you’re aware there isn’t anything you can do to bring her home right now, except what you’ve already done -- ask for help.”
“So, I’m not selfish?”
“No,” he said softly. “You’re not selfish. If anyone is selfish, it’s me. I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t wondered about every fifteen seconds since the moment I saw you today just what you’re wearing under that dress.”
Her cheeks warmed.
“But I’m trying to be a gentleman and rein myself in.”
Celeste’s heart pounded against her ribs. She wet her lips and wondered if she was brave enough to ask for what she wanted. Just being near Zanar had her panties damp and her thighs clenching with need. She wanted to be touched by someone who wanted more from her than just the use of her body. She wanted to feel cared about and desired. It might be crazy to want him as much as she did, but she already felt closer to Zanar than she ever felt to Pynder, or to anyone.
“If you want something from me, Celeste, you have to ask.”
“You’ve already given me so much. And what I want might be asking too much of you.”
His lips twitched as he fought a smile. “Ask and see what I say.”
“You know my history with the Vaadens, but what you don’t know is that I’ve never had an orgasm before, not one that I didn’t have by my own hand. I want you to make me come, Zanar, but… I don’t know that I’m ready for sex.”
“Let me make you feel good, and then you can decide if you want to go further. The back of a limo wasn’t exactly my idea of the perfect place for our first time together, but if this is what you need, you’ll have it.”
Her hand clutched the hem of her dress.
“I want you to do everything I say, exactly the way I say it. Understood?” he asked.
Celeste nodded, her body warming already.
“I want you to slowly unbutton the top of your dress.”
Her fingers shook a little as she unfastened the buttons, the material gaping wide over her breasts. She was thankful for the delicate bra and panties her mother had picked up for her. It would have been embarrassing for him to see the sports bra she’d worn the day before.
“Beautiful,” he murmured. “The pink lace is very sexy. Do you know what would be sexier?”
“What?” she asked breathlessly.
“It would be even sexier if you popped the front clasp on that bra and bared your breasts to me. Let me see those pretty pink nipples.”
Her cheeks flushed as she followed his command, freeing her breasts. Her nipples puckered under his scrutiny, and her clit throbbed between her legs. Celeste’s panties were soaked as she waited for the next instruction.
“Do you feel the cool air of the car caressing your breasts?” he asked.
“Yes.”
“Cup your breasts and offer them to me.”
She slipped her hands under the mounds and offered them up to Zanar, her heart racing in anticipation. Just imagining his lips tugging on her nipples had her squirming in her seat. She watched as his eyes darkened and couldn’t help but stare at the bulge in his pants.
“Stroke your nipples, then pinch them.”
Her fingers caressed the hardened peaks before grasping them between her thumb and forefinger, giving them a pinch. She moaned as pleasure zinged through her. Celeste played with her nipples under Zanar’s watchful gaze, her pussy aching to be filled. Not once in her life had she ever felt like this.
“Are you wet for me, Celeste?” he asked.
“Yes. So wet.”
“Prove it. Take off your panties and give them to me.”
Her cheeks flushed as she reached under the skirt of her dress and she tugged the panties down her legs. Her dress kept her covered as she handed the lacy garment to Zanar. His hand closed over them, and he sniffed them, his eyes closing and a groan tumbling from him. His gaze snapped open and focused on her once more.
“Show me that pretty pussy, Celeste. I want to see what I’ll get to enjoy soon enough.”
Her heart pounded as she lifted the hem of her skirt, tugging the garment up around her waist. Her thighs were still clenched together, and she watched as his cock seemed to grow even more.
“Spread your legs,” he said with a growl in his voice.
She opened them a little.
“Wider.”
Celeste spread her legs a little more, and he growled at her.
“Don’t make me open them for you. I want you so much I ache, and I’m not sure I’ll be able to stop if I get my hands on you. I’m trying to respect your wishes.”
She let her legs fall apart as wide as they would go. The hunger in his gaze was nearly her undoing. Just seeing how much he wanted her was almost enough for her to beg him to touch her, to fuck her until she couldn’t stand anymore. Zanar had seemed so laid back and reserved until this moment. She liked this forceful, powerful side of him, and she was curious how far he’d go.
“You’re completely bare.” The words sounded strangled. “Reach down and feel how wet you are.”
She moved her hand down her belly and between her legs. Her fingers slid across the slippery lips of her pussy, the slight contact making her gasp and want more. Zanar shifted across from her and pressed down on his cock. For the first time in her life, she looked forward to seeing a naked male. Even through his clothes, she could tell he was powerfully built, and the bulge tenting his pants was far from small.
“Spread the lips of your pussy and let me see that cute little clit. Is it throbbing? Is it begging for attention?” he asked.
She parted her lips, feeling exposed and turned on at the same time.
“Does it need to be touched, Celeste?”
“Yes. Very much.”
“I want to see everything. Keep holding yourself open and use your other hand. I want you to stroke that little clit and make it stand up more. And I want you to keep stroking until you make yourself come. I want to watch that pussy gush when you find your release.”
She moaned and nearly came from his words alone. The first swipe of her fingers across her clit made her hips buck. It felt so amazing. She’d made herself come plenty of times over the years, but never like this. She teased and stroked her clit until her body was crying out for release. She wanted more.
“It’s not enough.” She panted. “I can’t come.”
“Do you need something to fill that sweet pussy?”
“Yes.”
“Keep stroking your clit and slide your other fingers inside. I want you to pump them just like my cock would pump in and out of you. Can you do that?”
She nodded and slipped her fingers inside her tight channel. Celeste rode her fingers, driving her need higher and higher until she was crying out her release and dripping all over the leather seats. She withdrew her fingers from her pussy
and panted as she tried to get her body back under control. Her thighs remained opened, and she watched as Zanar stared at her, his hands clenched at this sides.
Despite her orgasm, her body still tingled in awareness of his close proximity. Zanar moved closer, and her heart raced. He knelt at her feet; a hand braced on either side of her thighs. The dark purple of his eyes drew her in. There was no doubt that he desired her, wanted her as much as she wanted him. And yet he’d denied himself the pleasure of claiming her body.
He reached out and took her sticky hand, placing her fingers in his mouth. He sucked the juices from her fingers before sealing his lips to hers in a bone-melting kiss. Zanar trailed kisses down her neck and across the slope of her breast before taking a nipple in his mouth. He sucked long and hard on the peak before releasing it and taking the other side. Celeste gasped and arched into him, her fingers delving in his hair to hold him close.
He pulled away, prying her hands loose. “I shouldn’t have done that, but I needed a taste of you.”
“Come back to the hotel with me,” she said impulsively. “You kept your word, but I want more. I want you.”
“I don’t think you understand how much I hunger for you. If I go to your room with you, I won’t stop until you have cum dripping down your thighs, and then I’ll take you again. I won’t take you until you’re sure, Celeste because I don’t want barriers between us. Do you understand?”
“You don’t want to use a condom.”
“No, I don’t, but it’s more than that. I want to fill you with my cum until you’re tied to me in every way possible. I want you as my mate, but I’m willing to wait and give you as much time as you need. You and I both know you can’t give yourself to me completely until Sophie is back in your arms. As tempting as your offer is, I have to say no. I won’t claim you until I can claim both of you as my family.”
Tears misted her eyes.
“You really want both of us?” she asked. “You’ve never even met Sophie.”
“I don’t have to meet her. If she grows up to be half as wonderful as her mother, then she’s going to be spectacular. She’s a part of you, Celeste, and I want all of you. Now, get dressed. I think the limo is returning to the hotel.”
She righted her clothes, but he refused to give her back her panties. Instead, he stuffed them in his pocket and gave her a heated look. There was little doubt in her mind that he’d pull them out when he got home, and he’d take care of the massive cock straining inside of his pants.
Just as she fastened the last button on her dress, the limo pulled to a stop by the front door of the hotel. Zanar got out and helped her out of the car. He brushed a light kiss against her lips before sending her into the hotel as he walked the other way.
Chapter Five
Zanar squinted at the Vid-comm thinking he was seeing things, but no matter how hard he looked, there was definitely a baby clasped in his mother’s arms. And they were not at home, by the looks of things. The child looked so much like Celeste he knew it had to be Sophie. What he couldn’t figure out was how his parents had gotten her so quickly and why he hadn’t heard from them until now. If there had even been a small hope of Sophie coming home, surely they would have contacted him.
“Mother, exactly how long have you had Sophie?” he asked, noting how comfortable the baby seemed with her.
“Your father and I may have flown straight to Vaaden after your call. We located Pynder’s parents rather easily. It didn’t take much to follow the sounds of a screaming baby once we reached their neighborhood, and they practically threw her at us when we explained why we’d come so far.”
“They just gave you the baby?” Zanar asked skeptically.
His mother nodded.
“I don’t understand. They literally snatched Sophie from her mother’s arms, and they just gave her to you?”
“We assured her grandparents that we would take excellent care of her, and we may have implied that we were Sophie’s future grandparents. They thought they wanted to keep her because she was a link to their son, but it seems that Sophie was more of a handful than they were ready for.”
Zanar stared at his family on the Vid-comm, feeling a bit perplexed.
Sophie reached a chubby hand toward him and babbled. It was cute, and he couldn’t help but smile, reaching out toward her in return. He’d learned not to ask too many questions where his parents were concerned. If they wanted everyone to believe that Sophie’s grandparents had just handed her over, then he’d let them. Zanar had a feeling some harsh words, threats, and maybe some money were part of the actual equation. Likely, he would never know just what it had cost his parents to get Sophie back. If he couldn’t convince Celeste to become his mate, his parents were going to be very disappointed. He could see the look in his mother’s eyes and knew she was already attached.
“When will you arrive?”
“Tonight. Does your Celeste have everything she needs for Sophie?”
Hmm. Doubtful. His thoughts must have shown on his face because his father got that look he’d seen all too often.
“Then make sure she does.” His father reached out and grasped Sophie’s hand. “The little girl deserves the best. Don’t let her take no for an answer if she needs help procuring the items. We’ll transfer some money into your account to help with the cost.”
“I’m more than capable of buying items for my hopefully future daughter.”
“Yes, and she’s going to be our future granddaughter. We’re allowed to spoil her.”
Zanar couldn’t really argue that point with his father, and reminding him that Sophie was not yet part of their family wouldn’t make a difference. In his father’s mind, Sophie was as good as theirs. With some luck, Zanar could make it happen. It would just depend on whether or not he could convince Celeste that they made an excellent pair and that he’d be a good father for Sophie. He’d never really been around children, but failing at parenthood wasn’t an option. He’d study every how-to manual they made. They did make those, right?
Zanar signed off with his family and made his way up to Celeste’s room. He’d planned to ask her to breakfast again, but he’d received the message his parents were trying to reach him first. Now that he’d spoken to them, he was glad he’d contacted them prior to seeing Celeste. He knew she would be overjoyed that her daughter was coming home, and probably a little curious as to how it came about. He just hoped she didn’t ask a lot of questions that he couldn’t answer.
When he reached her floor, he walked down to her suite door and knocked three times. There was some rustling on the other side of the door, and a moment later, Celeste opened it, looking delectably disheveled. His gaze scanned her from head to toe, smiling a little at the pink pajama set she was wearing, with a fluffy white sheep pattern. She was adorable.
“Were we meeting this morning?” she asked.
“No. I didn’t mean to get you out of bed, but I had some good news I thought you’d like to hear. I’d be happy to wait downstairs while you get ready. Unless you’d prefer that I come back at a later time?”
Her eyes widened. “Is it Sophie?”
“Yes, it’s about Sophie.”
She reached out, grabbed his arm, and dragged him into the room, letting the door slam shut behind him. Her grip tightened, and he could practically hear her heart racing. This wasn’t how he’d pictured telling her, but he could understand that she’d want to know as soon as possible.
“My parents flew to Vaaden right after I spoke with them, explaining your situation. It wasn’t hard for them to locate Sophie. It seems she was misbehaving horribly for her grandparents and they were happy to hand her over.”
Celeste frowned. “They just gave her to strangers?”
“My parents may have claimed to be her grandparents. They lied a little, but it was for a good cause. I saw her myself when they called this morning.” He smiled. “She’s beautiful, Celeste.”
“They have Sophie?” Tears filled her eyes. “The
y really have her?”
“Yes, they really have her, and they’re bringing her here to you.” He looked around the room. “Although it seems you aren’t quite prepared for her yet.”
“I could put a crib in the bedroom where I sleep. But you’re right; I don’t have anything, and without a job, I have no way to pay for it all. I can’t keep asking your council to cover my bills.” The tears started falling. “How am I supposed to work once Sophie is here? I’ll have to watch her constantly.”
He shouldn’t. He knew he shouldn’t. It was wrong on so many levels, even if it would give him the one thing he wanted most. Preying on her in her weakened state was beneath him, even if it would solve her problem.
She sniffled and looked up at him. “Whatever you’re going to say, just say it. I know I’m a failure as a parent. First, I let them take her from me, and now I don’t have a way to support her.”
Zanar bit his lip. No. He could ask her to marry him, but it would be wrong to take advantage of her. He wanted her as his mate in the worst way, but he wanted to do things right. After being on Earth for several years, he knew their customs, and a woman getting married expected a ring and a nice dinner. When he was ready to ask her to be his mate, he would do it the right way and not as a way to take care of her daughter.
“I could help,” he offered. “If you find a job, maybe I could watch Sophie while you work.”
“But you work all night, when would you sleep?”
He shrugged. “I close the bar in the early hours, and I’m usually home by four or a little sooner. If you could find something that didn’t start until ten or eleven, that would give me enough time to sleep before it was my turn to take care of her.”
“Why would you offer to do that? You barely know me, and you’ve never met Sophie.”
His lips quirked. “Celeste, I’ve seen more of you than I’ve seen of any other woman in months. I think we know each other well enough for me to offer some help when you obviously need it. Besides, I’ve told you that I’m interested in you, and by extension that means I want to get to know Sophie too.”
Celeste and the Alien Bartender Page 6
