Fallen Star

by Cyndi Friberg

  “I did most of the talking, but Elias said they’ve figured out that the power spikes they’ve been tracking are caused by teleportation. Unfortunately, they can’t tell if the person is arriving or departing, so it’s not as useful as they’d hoped.”

  “That’s too bad. We can use any advantage at this point.” He switched to her other foot. “I ran into Morgan in the hallway. She really is gorgeous. She’s never been married?”

  “I don’t know. She’s unattached now and seems to prefer it that way. Shall I ask if she’ll be our third?”

  She slapped his leg. “Pervert.”

  He just chuckled and kept on rubbing. “I have a present for you. Would you like it now or shall we wait until tomorrow?”

  “Seriously? You can’t tell me about a present and then expect me to wait for it.”

  He lowered her feet to the floor then stood and offered his hands. “Anticipation can be exhilarating, but that’s a lesson for another night.”

  “Glad to hear it.” She let him pull her to her feet then looped her arms around his neck and whispered, “I think part of the problem is I’m still struggling to believe anyone as amazing as you can be real.”

  He smiled. “I’m real and I’m glad you think I’m amazing.” He brushed his lips over hers, but it was more of a promise than a kiss. “Come on.” He headed straight for her bedroom.

  “Don’t I get my present before we—hold on.” She dug in her heels and halted their progress. “Why do you suddenly know your way around my apartment?” There were three identical doors off the main hallway. How had he known which one led to her bedroom?

  “I stopped by earlier and dropped off your surprise. Now do you want it or not?”

  “Oh I want all sorts of things.”

  He laughed and pushed open her bedroom door.

  She stumbled to a stop just inside the doorway. Spread across her bed was the most beautiful ball gown she’d ever seen. Strapless, with a billowy skirt, the dress was constructed of an extraordinary fabric that looked silver from one angle and smoky gray from another. The bottom half of the skirt had been lavishly embellished with embroidery and beads that shimmered like tiny raindrops.

  “It’s stunning. Where did you get this?”

  Another warm chuckle made her look at him. “I had it delivered.”

  “From?”

  He succumbed to a guilty smile. “I told Aria what I wanted and she did the rest.”

  Pressing her hand over her pounding heart, Jillian stared at her gift in wide-eyed wonder. “This came from Bilarri?” She was almost afraid to touch it.

  “Try it on. We had to guess on your measurements. Let’s see how we did.”

  “I can’t wear this. It looks like something off the red carpet in Hollywood, or…”

  “It’s fit for royalty?” He grinned. “That’s the point. You need to accept who you are and the sort of life you’ll have once this crisis is over.”

  The sort of life she’d have? Was he giving her a soft place to fall as he pulled away?

  In an instant he was there in front of her, his hands framing her face. “You are my mate. All you have to do is accept the fact and I will never leave your side.”

  Her lips trembled as she rapidly blinked back tears. “I want to believe that, but—”

  “Then believe it. If you doubt it, look into my mind, my heart. I want you there, need you there. You’re the one holding back.”

  “I want to try on the dress.” She waited for disappointment to shadow his gaze and then added, “After you make love to me.”

  For a fraction of a second, she thought he’d agree then he solemnly shook his head. “Put it on. You can’t accept the reality of my love until you accept your new reality.”

  She knew he loved her. His devotion was there in every touch, every smile. Still, she’d never heard him say it before. He watched her expectantly, obviously waiting for her to obey his directive. “If it means that much to you.”

  “It does.”

  “Then leave the room. I want to enjoy the big reveal.”

  “Fine,” he muttered. “Call if you need help with the zipper.”

  She waited until he left then quickly undressed. Her bra would have to go, but the skirt was full, so she could keep her panties. After pausing to admire the fabric, she picked up the dress and stepped into the middle of the billowing skirt. She smoothed the stiff bodice into place and smiled as she discovered the discreet side zipper. The dress fit as if it had been made for her, probably because it had.

  Standing well back from the dresser, she could see the entire effect. The bodice was simple, unadorned, designed to showcase the woman who wore it, while the skirt was lavish yet elegant. Was this really a glimpse at the rest of her life? Without wasting time on the question, she smoothed her hair back from her face and left the bedroom.

  Odintar turned as the door opened and a slow smile spread across his lips. “It’s a beautiful dress and you look wonderful in it.”

  She smiled, ridiculously pleased by his praise. She’d danced before hundreds of people and all of their applause hadn’t warmed her as well as Odintar’s smile.

  “Come here.” He held out his hand.

  The skirt dragged a bit as she crossed to him. Apparently the gown had been meant to be worn with heels. He pulled her into his arms, not the passionate bear hug she’d been expecting, but the proper stance for a ballroom dance. The room around her skewed, blurring with the now familiar rush of sensation. A moment of darkness and then she found herself in a massive candlelit ballroom.

  Her feet were suddenly adorned in snug, high-heeled sandals and his appearance had morphed as well. He wore a more elaborate version of Indric’s uniform. The black and gold suited him perfectly. He had never looked more appealing.

  The soft strains of a lilting waltz drifted in on a warm breeze. The candlelight flickered and Odintar began to dance her around the room. He was always light on his feet, but she hadn’t expected his obvious skill.

  “Why did you learn how to dance?”

  He grinned. “I frequently work undercover. It requires a wide range of skills.”

  “Is this room real or entirely of your own making?” With dramatically vaulted ceilings and a highly polished parquet floor, it was hard to believe he’d imagined every detail. Four massive chandeliers bathed the entire room in warm, golden light that perfectly matched the cream-and-gilt walls.

  “This is Indric’s palace, or actually one of them. Hautell is the largest region on Bilarri, but San Adrin is the richest.”

  She stepped back out of his arms. Why was he doing this? “This will never be my home. I’m an American. I live in Las Vegas.”

  He sighed and held out his hand. “I don’t want to argue. That’s not why I showed you this.”

  “Why did you show me this?” She crossed her arms, rubbing her suddenly chilly skin.

  “You’re a professional dancer, a minor celebrity. I know that part of you craves the excitement, the notoriety.”

  She didn’t deny it. Creating art with movements was its own reward, but she was honest enough to admit she enjoyed the attention.

  “On Bilarri you will have that and more.” He closed the space between them and resumed the proper hold. The music swelled as he guided her through several gliding steps. She enjoyed the swaying motion of their bodies and the romantic absurdity of it all. He spun her around then bent close and whispered, “I doubt you’ll miss the stage once you learn to fly.”

  She looked down and gasped. They were three feet off the floor, swirling through the air as if they belonged there. “But you’re doing this. It’s not real.”

  “You’re empowered by Air.” They slowly floated down as he took her face between his hands. “Reality will become whatever you choose to make it.”

  “Twenty years from now,” she grumbled.

  He smiled. “Sorry, I can’t help with that. It will take time and hard work, but Indric sensed immense potential in you.”
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  “I don’t want to think about Indric or Bilarri. Tonight was supposed to be a reprieve from all of that.”

  “You’re right.” He lifted her hands to his lips and kissed her fingers.

  The ballroom blurred and she swayed toward him, not prepared for the sudden rush. “I didn’t want you to shut it down.” Her living room felt tiny and shabby after the grandeur of the ballroom.

  He chuckled. “Do you want to go back?”

  “No.” She’d enjoyed seeing him all dressed up, but what she really wanted was to see him naked. “I want to go into the bedroom and let go of my past and everything else that’s holding me back. Help me embrace the future.”

  “I thought you’d never ask.”

  Taking him by the hand, she led him back into the bedroom. “I want it all tonight. I want to join as we were meant to join.” He swept her into his arms and kissed her passionately. By the time he released her mouth she was breathless and dizzy. “I need to touch you.”

  She tugged his T-shirt off over his head and reached for his jeans, but her hands were trembling too badly to function properly.

  He kissed the tip of her nose then unzipped his pants, leaving them to sag around his lean hips as he dealt with the rest of his clothing. He kicked off his shoes, peeled back his socks, then quickly shed his jeans. After a quick pause, he held his arms out to the side. “Touch me, gennari.” There was a hint of challenge in his tone. “If that’s what you need. Take as long as you like.”

  Her skirt swished as she stepped closer and placed one hand on his chest, the other on his hip. She slid her hands up to his shoulder and then down, exploring the shape and texture of his impressive arms. So strong, so dependable, these arms would protect and support her as they faced each new challenge.

  “I take that back.” Already his voice sounded hoarse and harsh. “Take off the dress and I’ll let you touch me.”

  She should argue that he couldn’t “let” her do anything, but the chauvinistic phrase was doing unexpected things to her insides. He came from a culture where men didn’t worry about seeming overbearing or crass. He was like a medieval knight or a highlander from the historical romances she devoured like candy. Getting naked was a small price to pay for an all-access pass.

  “I’ll indulge you,” she said with a playful smile. “But you have to keep your promise. You’re mine to do with as I will until I’m ready to release you.”

  He laughed. “I think you embellished on my promise, but I threw in a condition, so I guess fair is fair.”

  “I need to hear you say it.” She reached beneath her arm and grasped the zipper, but didn’t lower it. “Promise you’ll let me play until I’m ready to stop.”

  “I promise I will not restrain your movements until you say I can.”

  That wasn’t exactly what she’d asked for, but close enough. She slowly lowered the zipper and felt the front of the dress sag. His gaze followed the descent until her nipples were exposed, then he lost interest in the garment. He licked his lips, obviously anxious to do more than look.

  Power sizzled around her and spiraled through her. She knew men found her attractive, but the huger in Odintar’s eyes went far beyond male appreciation. He made her feel as if she had been specifically crafted for his enjoyment and still exceeded his expectations.

  She undulated her hips as the gown sank lower and lower.

  “You’re trying to kill me, aren’t you?” His hands clenched and released then clenched again.

  Emboldened by his obvious discomfort, she stepped out of the dress then slowly bent over so she could pick it up. As usual, she was wearing a thong so he could see her bare behind. After carefully draping the gown over a nearby chair, she hooked her thumbs through the sides of her panties. “Are you sure you want these off? Seems like a cruel temptation.”

  “Like the rest of you isn’t?”

  His question filled her with warmth and hurried her toward the next phase of their game. “It’s your call. On or off?”

  “Off.”

  She watched his eyes as she pulled the panties down then kicked them aside. Blue rings burned through the black and she heard him inhale deeply. Was he scenting her? The possibility sent an elemental thrill through her entire body. It was so animalistic, so primal. So very Odintar.

  “Touch me now, or I’ll lose control. I don’t want to break my promise.”

  He’d been hard when he took off his pants, but his shaft was so rigid now it curved out away from his body. She ran her hands up his sides, trying to ignore the column of flesh arching toward her. It was impossible. Her core ached and her hand gravitated there of its own volition.

  Curving her fingers around his shaft, she let his needful groan wash over her. He wanted this as badly as she did. The realization only fueled her desire, making it difficult to savor the freedom he’d granted her.

  With one hand absently stroking his shaft, she continued her exploration. His chest was a work of art, strength and discipline evident in every curve. Forcing herself to relinquish her prize, she opened her fingers and slipped around behind him. Maybe if she couldn’t see his cock straining toward her, she’d be able to enjoy the rest of him.

  His back tapered dramatically from broad shoulders to narrow hips. She traced the angle with her hands and then her lips. His skin was warm and faintly salty and she found herself inhaling his scent, needing to imprint his unique smell on her brain. Just like he’d done with her.

  The dragon burned into his flesh was even more impressive up close. Detailed and intricate, it seemed almost alive. She traced the angle of one wing and then kissed a path down the middle of the creature’s back. Odintar grew restless beneath her touch, so she shifted to his spine and repeated the teasing process.

  Unable to resist temptation any longer, she moved back in front of him and knelt.

  “Don’t.” The one word was part warning, part plea.

  She pressed her teeth into her lower lip, tempted to take pity on him. Then feminine power surged, eroding the possibility. She wanted to feel him tremble, to watch him fight for control and know she had been the one to drive him to the brink—and beyond.

  His cock jerked against her palm as she wrapped him in her fingers. “You promised to let me play.” She let her wicked chuckle say the rest. There would be no pity for him tonight.

  Leaning in with slow and obvious intention, she circled his tip with her tongue. His hands shot into her hair and formed loose fists, but he didn’t stop her, didn’t hinder her in any way. Thrilled by his continued cooperation, she closed her lips around him and let his taste spread through her mouth. Earthy, yet somehow fresh, his skin tasted of power and magic.

  “I’ll show you the same mercy you’re showing me.” His voice was barely a whisper, but she heard the warning loud and clear.

  She moved her mouth up and down his length, savoring the slick slide and contrasting textures. Soon he rocked into each rotation, pushing deeper than she’d allowed him to go.

  Heat and incandescent urgency streamed into her mind. His body told her how much he enjoyed this, but actually feeling his desire pushed the intensity even higher. She opened for him, showing him how much she enjoyed pleasing him and how exciting she found his passion.

  He cried out suddenly and tried to pull out of her mouth.

  None of that. She grasped his hips and held on tight. You’re mine tonight.

  Pushing to the back of her mouth, he shuddered and shuddered as release tore through him. His seed slid down her throat as his pleasure saturated her mind. She swirled her tongue and sucked greedily until he released her hair and stumbled back, dragging his cock from between her lips in the process.

  “Are you. Finished. Playing with me?” he asked in between pants.

  “For now.”

  Odintar’s orgasm did little to ease the need raging through his body and mind. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d trusted a female enough to let her command his release. But Jillian wasn’t just a wom
an. She was his mate, the other half of his soul. He’d always thought the concept of soul mates was romantic nonsense, until he experienced it for himself. She was his match, his equal, his opposite. And he treasured every contrast and contradiction. Apart they were incomplete. Together they were unstoppable.

  He scooped her up in his arms and placed her on the bed. Catching the back of her knees he pulled her toward him so suddenly it toppled her backward. She gasped then grinned as he parted her thighs. She resisted for half a second, then spread her legs wide and scooted even closer to the edge of the mattress.

  Her skin was already flushed, her nipples tightly beaded. She’d honestly enjoyed giving him pleasure. He wasn’t sure why it surprised him. He loved watching her come apart as he filled her with his fingers or caressed her with his mouth. He’d only gone down on her once before and she had been so anxious for his cock that he’d let her rush him. Well, there would be no rushing tonight. He intended to explore every inch of her trembling body and bring her to climax again and again before he surrendered to the final joining.

  He brushed her folds with his fingertips, thrilled to feel how wet she was already. Gently parting her with his thumbs, he dragged his tongue tip from her core to her clit. She arched into the caress, tensing as he flicked the sensitive nub. Gods, she was responsive. And her taste was addictive.

  Repeating the leisurely circle, he caressed her from core to clit and back over and over. She pushed up with her heels, trying to guide his tongue back to her clit.

  “Please.” Rather than give her what he knew she wanted, he slowly pushed his middle finger into her core. She whimpered. “That’s just mean.”

  “Is it?” He carefully worked her with his finger while his mouth settled over her clit. He licked and sucked on the tender bud until her inner muscles rippled around his finger.

  Her pleasure poured into his mind, unhindered and unashamed. He added another finger and went right on licking. Her second orgasm took longer to build, but he didn’t mind. Her softness captivated him. Each of her gasps and wiggles sang his praises and communicated her thanks.