by Annie West
Yet he couldn’t do it.
He was the experienced one. He was the one who’d initiated this. It was up to him to act responsibly. To be considerate.
Dispose of the condom. Let her rest. All sensible, but it was difficult to make his body obey his brain.
With one last open-mouthed kiss on her satiny flesh, Alexei sighed and pulled back. He gritted his teeth, for in his semi-aroused state the friction was a powerful inducement to stay where he was. As were Carissa’s limbs around his body.
‘Must you go?’
He opened his eyes to find her watching him with an expression of such disappointment he knew he’d been right. Staying here, luxuriating in her sensuality would be a mistake. It would probably leave her aching. Plus it might convince her this was more than an act of simple physical intimacy. That she should expect more than he was willing to give.
Alexei grabbed her wrists from behind his neck and drew them down between their bodies. Her soft breasts and plum-coloured nipples brushed his hands, diverting him as erotic energy zapped through him.
He was crazy, denying himself. It was clear from her hitched breath and dilated eyes that Carissa wanted more.
But his conscience wouldn’t let him stay. She’d change her mind if he made her chafed and sore.
‘Be honest with me. Did I hurt you?’
She shook her head. ‘No. It felt...odd but not painful.’
‘Odd?’ His brows drew together and she laughed, a rich chuckle that reminded him of melted chocolate and sunshine.
‘Unusual. But good. Very, very good.’ Her smile was two parts sultry seductress and one part carefree woman.
Alexei was intrigued by the latter. It struck him that he wanted to learn about that woman, discover what made her tick. He couldn’t meld her in his mind with a conniving accomplice to theft he’d imagined.
‘Good. That gives us something to aim for next time.’
Her smile lit her face. ‘There’ll be a next time?’
‘Oh, yes.’ Alexei wasn’t strong enough to abstain permanently.
He lifted one of her hands and kissed it, starting on the back of her hand and working his way around her wrist, where her pulse fluttered wildly, to her palm. He licked it slowly, savouring, and watched her shiver.
‘I want it to be soon,’ she whispered. Her eyes were sultry and enticing. Alexei had to force himself to move away.
‘As soon as you’ve rested.’
‘I’m not tired!’
Was that a pout? Heaven help him—that mouth tempted him to forget good intentions.
‘Perhaps I am.’ It was a fabrication but better than telling her he acted for her own good. She hated any hint he had power over her. Except when he’d had her beneath him.
Her gaze shifted down his body and his erection stirred. ‘You don’t look tired.’
Alexei muffled a bark of laughter. She was right. He felt energised.
He should simply get up and leave her to rest, but that was beyond his powers. What he needed was a distraction. ‘How’s your hand?’ He angled it to inspect the bandage.
‘I can’t feel any pain.’
Alexei darted a glance at her. It would probably hurt later when the endorphins faded. It was a nasty gash. But then, he’d realised as he treated her, she’d had a few accidents in the past.
He slid his thumb over the fine skin at the back of her hand, seeing two tiny scars, faded now. And on the palm some rougher patches, as if it had seen work instead of simply lotions and manicures.
Alexei turned her hand over again, considering the supple strength in those slim fingers, the lack of jewellery, the short nails.
Why hadn’t he noticed? This wasn’t the hand of a pampered socialite.
‘What sort of art do you do?’
It was only because he held her that he noticed her flinch. It was momentary, so brief he almost thought he was mistaken. But now her hand was stiff, not relaxed. His curiosity deepened.
‘All sorts of things. Drawing, oils, sculpting, even some pottery.’
His sixth sense stirred. She was being evasive. Why?
‘Surely you specialise in one? Don’t successful artists focus their energies?’
* * *
Mina read the acuteness in Alexei’s gaze and wondered at his instinct for pinpointing vulnerability. It was as if he knew exactly what to ask to uncover the truth. Carissa was a successful graphic artist but Mina’s expertise and passion lay in sculpture.
No wonder he was such a successful businessman with that uncannily accurate instinct. Or was it a fluke? Was she overreacting?
In the distance she heard the furious rush of the storm. It echoed the abrupt warning clamour surging within her.
Mina told herself it was just as well she was no longer crammed up so close against him he might feel her response to his words. Even so she was still desperate for his caresses, for more of the glory they’d shared. That had challenged her preconceptions about him and made her wonder if Alexei was someone more than simply a demanding tycoon, used to getting his way.
Or was that her bias? The virgin fixating on the man who’d introduced her to sex? Because what she’d experienced with Alexei had felt almost transcendental, as if they’d achieved a union that was unique and precious.
Her thoughts were in turmoil, her emotions all over the place. She was in danger of letting feelings cloud her judgement. But, oh, how she wanted to bask in what Alexei made her feel!
‘Carissa?’
‘Sorry. Yes, artists do tend to specialise.’
What harm was there, telling him about her work? Remarkably, this was the man who hadn’t bothered to look at Carissa’s photo before bringing her here. If he wasn’t interested enough to do that, he wouldn’t have checked out her work.
It was a startling reminder that, despite the intimacy of the moment, they were still opponents in a dangerous game. That left a sour tang on Mina’s tongue and an ache in her middle.
It grew harder and harder to reconcile that imperious tycoon with the man lying naked beside her.
‘And your specialty?’
Mina hesitated, then took the plunge. She was finding some success but it wasn’t as if her work was well known. Soon, hopefully. ‘I sculpt.’
‘Now it makes sense.’ His rueful smile made her heart hammer and warmth unfurl inside. It was as if they shared a private joke. Mina realised she wanted more of this. More of Alexei’s warmth and understanding.
‘Saving the sail sculpture? It’s a masterpiece. I couldn’t leave it.’
He nodded. ‘Of course not. I see that now.’ His tone held no rancour, just understanding. Why not? It was obvious the man loved sculpture too. The pieces scattered through his home were superb.
‘I was working in Paris on ideas for something similar, but with stylised birds’ wings that will move, propelled by the wind. It’s far more difficult than you’d imagine.’ If she could bring it off it would be perfect for Jeirut’s first royal art exhibition. Mina had promised Ghizlan she’d contribute something special and she could imagine the piece at the Palace of the Winds.
‘I’d like to see that.’
‘I’ve got drawings...’ Mina closed her mouth over her eager response as doubt welled. What else was in her current sketchbook? Anything that would give away her true identity?
‘I’d be fascinated to see them.’
Slowly Mina nodded. She’d like to show him and hear his thoughts. She suspected his response would be informed but honest.
‘I’ll check to see if I have them with me,’ she said finally. Mina looked away, hating the dishonesty of her situation. She had the strongest desire to strip away the lies. To know him properly and have him know her.
She wanted...more.
Except Carissa relied on her.
Mina swallow
ed, bitterness filling her mouth.
‘Are you sure you’re okay, Carissa?’
She suppressed a shiver. Even being called by her friend’s name felt wrong.
‘Of course.’ Mina darted a glance towards him, but didn’t quite meet his eyes. ‘Maybe you’re right. I think I need a rest after all.’
It was another lie. For Mina felt sparking with life and eager for more of Alexei’s loving. What did that say about her? She’d known the man mere days!
She knew so little about him. Except that he felt deeply. That he abhorred cheats, was impatient yet surprisingly kind, determined, outrageous and used to getting his own way. That when he made love to her she felt as if she could fly and that everything in the world was bright and fresh. When she was with Alexei everything was more intense.
With him she had the strangest feeling she could be more herself than she could with anyone else. And that wasn’t just about sex. The realisation was disquieting.
‘I’ll leave you to rest.’ He rose and Mina had to clench her hands rather than reach out and draw him back.
She missed the warmth of Alexei’s powerful body and the feeling of oneness. She wanted to see that smile in his eyes and bask in that wonderment again.
‘Okay?’ His hand brushed her cheek and delight coursed through her. Such a simple gesture, yet it affected her profoundly.
When had she let anyone close? Mina had spent so long hoarding her emotions to herself, first as self-protection, then because she’d focused on achieving her dream. Only Carissa had suspected Mina’s air of assurance and practicality masked innate loneliness.
Mina looked up into Alexei’s alert green gaze and her chest pinched tight.
‘Yes, I’m okay.’ And she was. Despite the circumstances, despite the lies between them that she so wanted to obliterate. In this, she reminded herself, she had no choice...yet. But soon she’d be free to explain. ‘Just tired.’ And suddenly that too was true. Mina stifled a cracking yawn.
‘Sleep then, lover. I’ll be back later.’
Mina settled her head on the pillow and watched him go, hearing that lover as an echo that refused to die.
Tall, shoulders back, he sauntered towards the bathroom with the grace of an athlete utterly at home in his skin. What exercise did he do to keep so fit?
Her gaze traced the curving sweep of his spine, the tight bunch of his backside, the powerful, well-formed legs.
Mina wanted to sculpt him. Almost as much as she wanted to run her hands over all that warm, muscled flesh.
Her last thought before sleep took her was that she enjoyed being with Alexei Katsaros. Too much.
Alexei checked the house, the generator and the radio. The storm had hit quickly but was even now easing. The forecast predicted it would pass over soon.
Yet all the time he busied himself with what had to be done, his thoughts tracked back to Carissa. How she’d felt in his arms, in his bed, her body yielding and soft yet strong. Her slick heat driving him out of his mind. And those little growls of pleasure she gave. The memory sent a judder of longing through him.
Which was why he spent as much time as he could away from the bedroom. He knew next to nothing about virgins. There hadn’t been many in the rough streets where he’d grown up. But common sense dictated he should let her sleep.
Yet an hour later he was back in his room, staring down at the woman who’d turned his life upside down in a mere couple of days. Unbelievable that it was such a short time. It felt as if she’d been in his world much longer.
He drew a steadying breath and shoved his hands in his pockets as he surveyed her, sprawled across his bed. In the lamplight her glossy, dark hair splayed around her shoulders and her lithe, gold-toned body was a masterpiece, more alluring than any work of art.
Alexei was surprised at the depth of his desire to possess her. Not just possess her body, as he fully intended to when she woke, but to claim this woman as... What? His mistress? Carter’s daughter shouldn’t be for him.
Yet, when he was with her, it wasn’t her father’s wrongdoing that came to mind. It was the tug of something else that drew him inexorably. Desire. Attraction. Curiosity. Appreciation that she gave as good as she got. And for her humour, her unpretentious attitude, the way she’d developed a bond of friendship with Marie and Henri so quickly.
So much about her intrigued.
She mumbled and rolled over. Alexei’s thoughts frayed as he watched those tip-tilted breasts jiggle. The curve from breasts to narrow waist, then out to her hip was so sweet it stole his breath. One slim leg slid over the other, almost hiding that V of dark hair. The memory of their coupling, of her virginal tightness and shocked ecstasy, created a jolt of triumph so strong it flattened his good intentions. She’d been delectable, so charmingly enthusiastic.
Alexei’s resolve disintegrated as a wave of need slammed into him. He’d done his best, he told himself as he reefed his shirt up. He really had, he assured himself as he reached for the box of condoms in the bedside table.
But he was a man, not a saint.
Minutes later he gathered her to him, his chest against her back, his legs curved into hers from behind, the burning heat of his groin hard against the sweet curve of her rump.
‘Alexei?’ She turned her head, her hair falling back against his chest, a sliding silk curtain that tickled and aroused.
‘Yes?’ He slid his hand around to cup her breast. Immediately her nipple puckered, hard against his palm. The tension in his lower body screwed another notch tighter.
‘I’m glad you’re here.’ She sounded breathless.
‘So am I.’ He bumped his groin against her and felt her chuckle resonate through him. Her hand covered his, pressing down as she arched into his touch.
‘Are we going to have sex again now?’
Her words sent a flurry of need rushing through him. ‘If you’re not sore.’ If she was he’d have to be inventive. He was definitely up to that challenge.
‘I’m not.’ She turned, trying to roll towards him but Alexei held her where she was. ‘Don’t you want to be on top?’
The question reminded him how inexperienced she was. That he was the first man she’d been with. This time the surge of erotic excitement was so profound it threatened to blow the back off his skull. Or make him come before he was ready. Her soft, warm flesh against him was almost too good.
‘There are other ways,’ he murmured and bit her neck. She sighed and angled her head to give him better access. Alexei released her breast and arrowed his hand down past her ribs, her belly, to her hidden core. He found her slick and hot, unmistakeably ready. His erection throbbed needily and Carissa pushed back against him.
‘Show me,’ she demanded, fingers stroking along his arm, then back up, sending shivers across his flesh to coalesce at his nape and groin. He liked her bold acceptance of pleasure.
Alexei inserted one knee between hers, opening her legs a little. He nudged between her thighs, positioning himself.
‘You don’t have to do anything but, if you like, in a minute you can push back when I...’
His words died as he thrust forward, slowly at first. But then she wriggled, taking him deeper with a sexy little shimmy of her hips and Alexei found himself bucking hard and strong, as deep as he could go.
Behind his closed lids stars burst. So good. It felt so unbelievably good that it took a second to realise Carissa had gone rigid in his arms.
Was he too much? Had he hurt her? Heart pounding, Alexei began to withdraw, silently cursing. He should have taken more time, pleasured her more.
Her hand clamped the back of his upper thigh like a talon.
‘Don’t!’
‘Carissa?’ He frowned, disorientated by the contradiction of her sharp voice and the clench of her inner muscles that threatened to destroy the last vestiges of thought.
&nb
sp; For answer she drove back against him, impaling herself. ‘That feels...’
‘What?’ For the life of him he couldn’t move away. His hand circled her hip, then crept up to her breast. Her breath caught. ‘How does it feel?’
‘Wonderful,’ she whispered. ‘So wonderful.’
And that, to Alexei’s amazement, was all it took for him to feel the fierce rush of power as a climax tore through him. He barely had time to ease back and surge again, right to the heart of her, and hear her laugh of shocked pleasure. Then the madness was upon him, fire in his blood, a roaring shout of ecstasy and the hard pump of him spilling into her beautiful body.
It took a long time to come down from the high. Aftershocks rocked him, setting off Carissa’s orgasm, which in turned drove him on a desperate, slowly diminishing cycle of delight.
Finally, what seemed a lifetime later, he slumped against her, head in the curve of her neck, arms encircling her as if to prevent her leaving. Dazed, Alexei realised he didn’t have enough energy even to pull away and lie on his back. His body was locked with hers and there it would stay.
‘I think...’ Her words were so faint they were a shadow of sound.
‘Yes?’ Alexei struggled to focus.
‘I think I could get addicted to this.’
His mouth curved against the satiny skin of her neck. He knew the feeling. Sex with Carissa Carter was either the best idea he’d ever had or the worst mistake of his life.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
MINA STRETCHED, BLINKING, and surfaced from one of the deepest sleeps of her life. She felt wonderful, apart from a little tenderness. When she recalled why she was tender, she smiled. So this was what all the fuss was about!
Being with Alexei was unlike anything she’d imagined.
Better. Wonderful. She felt...different.
She rolled over to find the storm shutters open. Beyond the windows was the vivid blaze of green foliage, scarlet flowers and turquoise water. A songbird trilled and the hush of waves on sand proved yesterday’s maelstrom was over.
How long had she slept? Long enough for Alexei to be up and about.
