She grabbed my forearms, digging her nails into me.
My finger slid deeper into her, into her center. Her muscles gripped my finger, and I imagined my cock in that tight, warm spot. She was so small that I'd have to ease into her gently. With my thumb I rubbed against her clit while pushing my finger all the way into her and stroking the pleasure spot deep within. She bucked against my hand, clawing at my arms and moaning.
I could have fucked her then and there, but I knew I had to take it slow. I couldn't break any of her rules.
Slowly I stroked, teasing and building up to the release I knew she needed and wanted.
Before we could reach that climax, she pushed off me, pulling my hands off of her and faced me from a few feet away.
"That was… I can't even tell you how amazing that was, but I need to slow down. It's too much, too soon."
My cock ached with need, but I nodded. "Of course. I promised we'd stop whenever you needed to, though I must say you have more self-control than I do."
She looked down at my shorts and smiled. "I have an idea. What if… " She turned scarlet red, but kept talking. "What if we, um, you know, pleasured ourselves, here in the Jacuzzi, in front of each other. No touching, just looking."
I'd never been so turned on in all of my life.
Without a word, I pulled my cock out of my shorts and stroked myself, looking her square in the eyes.
Her lips formed an 'O' but no sound came out. I almost laughed, but I was waiting for her to reciprocate.
She reached behind and untied her bathing suit top. With deliberate movement, she pulled one strap down, then the other, holding the small triangles of fabric to her chest. With a teasing smile, she pulled the bathing suit away, revealing her perfect breasts and rose-colored nipples. I had to force myself to stay still, to not reach over there and tease her with my tongue and teeth.
With one hand she massaged her tits, stroking and pulling at her nipples. I memorized her movements, her speed, the amount of pressure she used, so I could give her the satisfaction she craved when I finally got permission to lavish her with my attention.
With her other hand she slipped off her bathing suit bottoms, and my hand stilled at the site of her naked, the lights and water playing over her skin.
She sat on the seat and spread her legs. Through the water I could see everything. The way her pink skin flowered out to reveal the one place I wanted to bury myself in so bad.
When she fingered herself while rubbing against her clit, I stroked my cock harder, faster, imagining us together, fucking. Making love.
Never had being with a girl felt so sensual, even though I couldn't actually be with her. I wondered if I could really leave this—leave her—when it was time to ride back to my old life. With her, I felt born again, like anything was possible and my life had just begun. Was this what poets called love?
My mind narrowed in, losing its words, as her body trembled with impending climax.
A coil of tension built at the center of my body, tightening with each stroke of my hand. A pressure to let go and give into the need that burned through me.
When the pressure reached its apex, ecstasy filled me, flooding my body with fire and ice.
We reached our climax simultaneously, each moaning in pleasure as we gave in to the fantasy of our coupling.
Spent, satiated, but with an aching need that my own hand could never satisfy, I reached for her and she came willingly, collapsing in my arms as I held her and kissed her head.
Someday soon I would convince her to let me to do to her all the things she had just done to herself and more.
NINETEEN
Love is a Smoke
ROSE
Love is a smoke made with the fume of sighs.
— William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet
Dear Diary,
I laid myself bare before him tonight, in the most intimate way I could without crossing those dangerous lines drawn in blood and flesh. My pulse quickens each time I reflect on the memory of his fingers probing, rubbing, caressing my body. I surprised myself tonight with my boldness, offering him all of me, if only from a distance.
I'm not ashamed, though. We witnessed each other, and isn't that what relationship is about? Bearing witness to one another, witnessing and being witnessed so that our acts of love, passion, kindness, adventure… all the moments that make us human, so that these acts have meaning and memory beyond ourselves?
Whatever else happens, he will forever know me, and I will forever know him.
WRAPPED IN HIS arms, covered by a thick comforter, I'd never felt so safe. We'd reluctantly donned clothes after our Jacuzzi encounter, but neither of us wanted to sleep separately, so we joined each other in the master suit, like newlyweds forbidden their night's pleasure, but holding on to the companionship left to them.
Sleep pulled me into the dark world of dreams after hours of whispering harmless secrets to each other and stealing kisses that could never lead to more. When the sun scared my dreams away and brought me back to him, I found that we hadn't moved much in the night. His arms still wrapped around me, my head cupped in his arm as his chest and body curved around mine, pressing into me.
He kissed my head and mumbled good morning, and against my ass, his cock twitched awake, hard and needy as it poked into me. Feeling more than a little naughty, I pressed myself harder against him, reveling in the feel of that hardness digging into me, desperate to escape his pajama bottoms.
He groaned and brought his lips to my neck, nipping at me. "Don't get me started. I need to use the bathroom, and you have rules, as I recall."
Yes, my damn rules. I wish I could throw them out the window and impale myself on his incredible cock.
Instead, we both got up and did our morning routine, and I took Sandy out for a short walk.
Derek caught up to us at the door. "Can I join you, or do you need some alone time?"
I held out my gloved hand. "Please, come."
He winked at me. "I did. Last night. But I much preferred watching you come."
Despite my scarlet face, spreading my legs and coming for him was the most erotic moment of my life. I couldn't wait to fulfill other fantasies with him, and I had more confidence that I might someday be able to control my powers after last night. Maybe it was the water, or maybe it was me, but I'd caught myself before my power took over, and I'd been able to pull away. I hadn't hurt him, hadn't even come close. True, I hadn't been able to keep touching him after that, but it was more restraint than I'd previously had, and it gave me hope.
Morning dew had turned to ice, leaving the world encased in crystal. A brave squirrel ran up a tree, perhaps looking for his storage of nuts. In the layers beyond sight, the forest teamed with life. Bugs scurrying about their day, small animals looking for shelter, plants and trees stretching their roots deeper into the hard soil. I breathed in the stillness of the morning, only to find myself reflecting on how very much alive it all was, even if I couldn't see it.
Sandy sniffed around, then found a spot to do her business.
Derek pulled me against his chest. "What are you thinking about? It looks serious."
I kissed the cleft in his chin and smiled. "Not really. It's remarkable how much is going on around us that we never see or notice. We think we're at the center of things, but we're oblivious to so much."
"Would you want to be more aware of all that? To hear and see and smell the things humans can't?"
His question felt weighty and important, but I couldn't fathom why. "I really would. Maybe it would be distracting or overwhelming, I don't know, but I'd risk it, to be more connected to life."
My stomach chose that moment to growl, and Derek laughed. "We need to get you back to the cabin for some breakfast. I've been told I make a mean omelet."
Walking hand in hand, Derek told me about his adventures growing up with his sister and brother, and the holiday trips they would take here at Christmas and summer. "We'd build tree forts and play hide an
d seek. Down the trail there's a lake. It would be freezing now, but in the summer we'd swing from a tree and dive into it, seeing who could splash the highest."
"Sounds like you and your siblings are close."
His face darkened. "We are."
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bring up bad thoughts. How's your brother doing?"
"The same. My parents are looking for ways to help him, but the doctors are stumped."
"May I ask what happened?"
He hesitated, and somehow I knew that what he was about to say wouldn't be the whole truth. "He was in an accident while out hiking and is in some kind of coma."
"I'm so sorry." I squeezed his hand. "I hope he recovers quickly."
"So do I. But, enough of that. Let's get some food in you."
I sat at the bar watching him cook. The frying bacon made my mouth water, and my stomach rumbled. "Can't I just eat a small bowl of serial while you finish? I promise it won't ruin my appetite. You have my favorite, Captain Crunch."
He looked up from chopping bell peppers. "I only bought that because you begged me to. I don't know how you can eat that stuff, it's like eating children's toys."
"Eating Captain Crunch is a valid life choice, don't knock it."
The pan on the stove sizzled with butter. "You can bask in that life choice another time. This will only take a few minutes. I don't think you'll starve."
Hopping down from the stool, I joined him in the kitchen. "You never know. At least let me help. It'll keep my hands busy and my mind off my impending starvation."
"I can think of better ways to keep your hands busy." He trailed his finger over my collarbone.
I shivered from the heat between us.
Then he pulled back and handed me a bowl. "You can get the eggs ready."
Our morning progressed in companionable banter. After a delicious breakfast that was well worth the wait, we took Sandy for another walk as he regaled me of stories from his childhood.
Ocean texted, asking how it was going. I gave her a quick run-down of our Jacuzzi escapades, and I could practically hear her screaming in excitment.
That afternoon we cuddled in front of the fire, and Derek read me passages from his favorite books. The cabin had a fully stocked library with all of the classics, books of poetry and many contemporary favorites. His deep voice soothed me as he read bits of Shakespeare and sections from Milan Kundera.
During a particularly long passage, my eyes fluttered closed, and I laid my head on his lap as he stroked my hair while he read.
Time passed in gusts of words, and when I opened my eyes again, the sun had set and the fire had died down. I sat up and stretched. "Did I fall asleep?"
"Yes. I didn't want to wake you. You looked so peaceful."
I shivered. "It got cold."
He stood. "I'll get the fire going again."
When he bent over to add more wood, he stiffened.
"You okay?"
"I'm fine. Just a crick in my neck." He stoked the fire until it burned bright then came to sit next to me.
I reached for his neck and kneaded it with my fingers. "You're tense. Would you like a massage? I've been told I'm pretty good."
He reached for my fingers and kissed them through the gloves. "I'd love one, but only if you're sure."
A chance to touch his body from head to toe? Yeah, I was sure. "Yes. But, for it to be effective, you should probably strip down. And do we have any massage oil or grapeseed oil?"
My voice sounded professional and matter-of-fact, like I did nude massages all the time, but inside I quivered with nerves. I'd be fully clothed and he'd be naked. The thought aroused me.
I found a sheet in one of the pantries and laid it over the thick bearskin rug in front of the fire. "You can lay down here to stay warm."
He handed me a bottle of grapeseed oil, then pulled off his clothes, one piece at a time.
My eyes took in the site of him. Though I'd seen him naked in the water, this was different. His cock had already stiffened and pushed against his ripped stomach when he freed it from his boxers. I sat on my knees in front of him, oil in hand, frozen. It would have been so easy to reach forward with my mouth and lick the tip of his cock, but I did want to give him a massage.
I cleared my throat. "Okay, lay down on your stomach."
He did as told, and I admired his backside, which I hadn't gotten a clear view of the night before. His perfectly muscled body and the curve of his ass begged for skin on skin contact. Since I wouldn't be getting too sexually aroused—I hoped—I pulled off my gloves and dripped the oil into my hands, then rubbed the length of his back.
Following the direction of his muscles, I used different techniques to work out his knots and relax his muscles. When I reached his ass, I worked on his hips, then used my thumbs to massage the pressure points at the base of his back.
Moving lower, I deliberately dipped my hands between his thighs, allowing my fingers to lightly stroke his exposed balls.
A growl started in his chest as I cupped them and massaged them.
Before he could get too distracted, I worked my way down his legs and feet. "Okay, time to turn over so I can do your front."
I knew how I wanted to end this massage, but first I needed to build up the anticipation.
"Close your eyes."
Once they were closed, I rubbed along his forehead, and eyebrows, massaging the pressure points on each, then gently stroking his eyelids with my thumbs. Down his jawline, I moved, using my longer fingers to rub at his neck while I did.
With each part of his body, I gave my complete attention, memorizing the feel of him. I skipped his groin area, but still stared at his growing cock as I massaged the front of his legs and feet, then worked myself back up to his hips.
He'd kept his eyes closed as instructed, and I debated about whether to use my mouth or hand.
Bending down, I flicked my tongue out and licked his tip, tasting his tangy pre-come.
The muscles in his body jerked and tensed as I continued to lick, while I used my nails to tease his balls. Hoping that I wouldn't choke, I guided his cock into my mouth and sucked harder on his tip. His hands reached up and gripped my head, digging his fingers through my hair.
Emboldened, I took him in deeper, using my hand to stroke the base of his cock while I sucked and licked.
I'd been watching him the night before, as he brought himself to climax, and I tried to match the rhythm that had worked for him. Stroking, licking, filling my throat with him, the power of this position delighted me.
I could do anything to him, as he submitted to my touch, my stroke. My senses expanded beyond my own needs to include every twitch, thrust and groan from his body. He became a book to read, a new landscape to study, a map to memorize, and I reveled in that discovery like an explorer on a new continent.
He grew harder, more urgent in his moaning. "Rose, I'm going to come soon, if you don't want to swallow, pull back."
I ignored him and kept sucking, ready to take whatever he could give.
My sex slickened with arousal as I brought him closer and closer to his own climax. I hadn't expected to be so turned on by this, but seeing him respond to me so sensually, it opened up a desire inside myself.
I worked to keep my own passions dampened, resisting the urge to finger myself as I sucked him.
Thick come, salty and tangy, shot into my throat and I licked and sucked, swallowing it down as his body spasmed.
When he finished, he collapsed on the floor and pulled me to his chest, kissing me deeply. "You are one amazing woman."
I'd just given my first blowjob and I'd loved how in control and powerful I felt. A thrill coursed through me to know that I could give so much pleasure, bring him to such great heights of ecstasy. I couldn't wait for the day when he could safely spread my legs and slide his tongue along my pussy, teasing my clit until I came.
But until then, we could do this. We could find ways to be together without breaking my rules, but whil
e still having fun.
And fun we had. For another six days, we ignored the world and explored each other in as many ways as we could. I told him as much about my life as I dared without revealing my secrets, and he shared more stories of his. We went on long walks, cooked meals together, played games by the fire, and found creative ways to explore each other's bodies.
Whether they were love, lust or some combination, I wasn't yet sure, but my feelings for him had grabbed hold of my heart and wouldn't let go. I knew that if I survived the attack on the Druids, I'd find a way to be with him, no matter what. Even if that meant going against my family for good.
On the seventh day, I woke to a snow-covered world. Not wanting to wake Drake, I used the bathroom and took Sandy out for a walk, leaving a note for him on the bed so he'd know where I'd gone.
I loved fresh snow, that pristine look of undisturbed nature. Sandy enjoyed it too, and I let her off-leash to run and play. She barked at squirrels and danced in the snow. Her depression had abated during our time in the cabin with Derek. She'd fallen in love with him and stayed near him wherever he went. It seemed that she needed him in our lives just as much as I did.
So enraptured with the snow and the promise of a new day, I didn't notice when Sandy went stiff until she barked, then howled, then started running back to the cabin in distress.
All I could think as I followed her was that something had happened to Derek, and my heart shattered at the thought.
TWENTY
Violent Ends
BLAKE
These violent delights have violent ends
And in their triumph die, like fire and powder
Which, as they kiss, consume.
— William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet
SNOW FROSTED THE cabin, and I wondered it if would still burn down effectively. I'd waited for six days, watching them kiss, touch and undress for each other as rage took up residence in my heart.
Seduced by Innocence (The Seduced Saga, Book 1 of Rose's Trilogy) Page 11