by Mary Quast
“Wow, a gift on the first date. Thank you.” The package dwarfed in his large palm. A few scars dotted his rough hands. Opening it with long, strong, masculine fingers, he examined the snowflake ornament.
The glaze reflected bronze and gold, much like his skin in the firelight. The thin, cream-colored satin ribbon wound around his knuckles, reminding her of a silken strap of lingerie being slid from her shoulder. Oh, how she wanted to shower and slip into something more comfortable. Something he could slip off her.
“This is Pewabic pottery. I like it! Pewabic comes from the Chippewa word for copper.” He ran a thumb over the ridges of the pattern. “Did you make this beautiful piece?”
“It’s what I do. I worked for the Pewabic Pottery Education Studio in Detroit, but, starting next fall, I’ll be teaching a sculpture class at Central Michigan University.”
“CMU?” His head snapped up. “That’s practically in my back yard!”
“This is amazing.” She reached out and laid her palm on his leg. “It’s funny how we needed Madame Eve to connect us.”
“No doubt.” He gave her a quick kiss before he stood and riffled through his coat. “I have something for you, too. Well, you actually picked it out.”
He knelt on the floor in front of her and set a box on her lap. Opening it, she recognized the bracelet he’d purchased in the gift shop. He took the jewelry from her and fastened it on her wrist then his large hands held hers and he dipped his head to kiss where the cool silver lay. The contrast of the metal with the heat of his touch provoked her building desire.
“I love it. Thank you.” As he lifted his face to hers, she ran her fingers along his hairline at his nape. “I will think of you every time I look at it.”
“That’s the idea.” A shadow passed across his eyes, and flames reflected in his pupils.
“I asked you earlier if the bracelet was for someone special, and you didn’t really answer me.” She continued to toy with the velvet softness of his short, thick hair. “So...did you give it to someone special?”
Lifting one eyebrow, he smiled. “I hope so.”
She brushed the gray tips and white strands of hair that gave him such untamed nobility. With a finger, she traced his face from his temple to his jaw, across his lips, then scraped her nails along the fine hair under his chin. A man of his enormous size would be capable of great strength, and a gal could easily lose herself in his arms for more than one night. His gaze intensified under her scrutiny.
“What do you see when you look at me?” he asked and lowered his eyes. Sinfully long lashes brushed his cheeks.
She considered him to be the most gorgeous man alive. His eyes mesmerized her. Some would consider the unusual color to be eerie, but she saw a whirlwind of emotions, from pain to hope, drawing her into his soul. Did his unusual appearance cause issues and uncertainty in his life? Despite his intimidating frame, he exhibited control and gentle qualities in the tender way he’d held her when they danced and the way he’d admitted his soft spot for animals. In arms like his, a woman could find paradise in many ways.
She cupped his face and forced him to meet her gaze. “I see a handsome, mystical warrior from another world.”
“Handsome, huh? I think you need your vision checked. I am nothing more than a simple Chippewa from Michigan.” His mouth was inches from hers. “However, I can be magical and take you wherever you want to go.”
“Then dance with me,” she whispered.
In one swift motion, he swept to her feet. Following his lead, they danced across the small room, molding together with each step. In spite of his large size, he moved gracefully and proved to be the best dance partner she’d ever had. Complicated steps, dips, and turns appeared to be second nature to him.
“In a way, I am sorry the blizzard forced us to remain inside the cabin.” He spoke in low tones against her ear. “My original plans were to buy you a fine dinner and go dancing.”
“So you were going to seduce me with extravagance?” She laughed. “I think you’ve outdone yourself with Mafia Mike’s Pizza and a little tango in front of our private fire.”
“Do you mean I’ve already beguiled you with my charm?”
“I’m captivated.”
His appearance, his voice, his personality appealed to her, but something she still couldn’t identify pulled her toward him like a magnet.
“You aren’t upset you didn’t get all fancy with clothes and stuff?”
“Heavens, no.”
Their dance slowed to a simple sway of hips. The easier pace allowed her to slip her arms around his neck and press against him. Muscles under his shirt rippled with each smooth movement. He snaked a hand along her side and cradled her breast through the fabric then dipped his head and caressed her lips, followed by long, unhurried, but hungry, kisses.
His arms locked around her and he placed feathery pecks along her jaw. His hard cock pressed into her belly, but his loose clothing hid his form, she could only guess at his physique. Surely, a man this big and graceful must be fit. Wishing to see him out of his clothes, she pictured him in the shower, his skin covered with slippery suds.
“As much as I’m enjoying dancing with you, an adventurous rumba to the shower could be delightful.” Amanda smiled and raised an eyebrow, hoping he’d get the playful message she sent.
“A shower does sound nice. I’ll clean up the pizza stuff and take care of the fire while you—” He stopped as if a light bulb lit over his head. “Wait…do you mean shower together?”
Pursing her lips, she tried not to laugh, and nodded.
The air between them crackled with sexual electricity. With a low, masculine growl, he cradled her head and ferociously captured her mouth. He nipped at her lips and his breathing increased. Leaving her lips, he continued to nibble and lick along her neck, finding every erogenous zone along the way. Oh, yes, there! If a man could make her come with a kiss, Dyami was well on his way.
Desperate to have contact with his skin, she worked through layers of clothing and was quickly rewarded with enormous, hard back muscles. She reveled in them by kneading each one down to his waist. After failing in an attempt to slide her fingers under the denim of his jeans, she grabbed his ass and he flexed his tight butt cheeks. Drawing a hand across his hips, she scraped over the considerable bulge in front then grasped his belt buckle and tugged it loose.
Raw lust poured through her. In the midst of madness, she craved him, hot, hard, and fast. “I want you.”
“You have me, baby.” He undid her jeans and slid them down.
She toed out of her socks and shimmied out of the pants. Pushing her sweater up, he stroked her breasts from underneath and thumbed her nipples until they rose to attention, peaking against her bra. His lips left a trail of heat down her belly. Skimming her lacy panties down her legs, his hands were rough on her skin.
She brushed her fingers through the silver tips of his hair. He responded to her unspoken request by standing tall and seized her mouth in another scorching display of passion. Clasping her tight with one arm, he slid his fingers into her wetness and strummed until her clitoris vibrated from the strokes and she hummed with pleasure. Undulating against the heel of his palm, she couldn’t take any more and shuddered in orgasm while he held her upright.
“I need to feel you inside me.” Impatience ripped through her. She pawed his jeans in desperation. “Now.”
He gave a chuckle of satisfaction. “You will soon enough.”
A foil wrapper tore and, in seconds, he laid her on the couch. Neither of them had removed their sweaters, but she needed him too much to complain. Digging her nails into his shoulders, she yanked him down. The head of his cock tapped her entrance, and he looked in her eyes for a moment. She expected to see fiery hunger, but instead saw his soul, dark with an emptiness that tugged at her heart. Determined to take the bleak flicker from him, she arched and drew him in.
He slid into her with controlled movements, and they inhaled sharply at the cont
act. Their mouths melded as he rocked against her. She clung to him under his sweater, pawing at his firm back. Sweat beaded down his spine.
“Oh, God.” She panted and squeezed his ass.
He paused, lifting his weight off her. “Am I hurting you?”
“No! Please don’t stop.” Her body begged for release from the overpowering lust threatening her sanity. “More!”
Answering her demand, he took control. Sitting up, he lifted her hips and deepened his thrusts. Every thought centered on the place they joined. After a sweet grind of his hips, he increased his momentum, his balls slapping. Hitting her core harder, he drove her higher. She stiffened and intense pleasure gripped her, tearing the air from her lungs. He thrust one final time, went rigid, and released with a loud groan.
Panting, she drifted back to reality. The only sounds in the room were the crackle of the fire, wind rattling the shutters, and Dyami’s labored breathing while he nuzzled her jawline. Reaching down, she unzipped his sweater and tugged it off. He shifted sideways and fell off the couch with a thud, bumping the coffee table on the way down.
“Fuck!”
“Are you all right?” Peeking over the edge of the couch, she stared at his shocked face.
“Nothing hurt but my pride.” Giving a half-smile, he chuckled. “I’m glad that didn’t happen a minute ago.”
“Me, too.”
He reached up to caress her arm.
She shrieked in surprise when he yanked her on top of him and tickled her. Managing to squirm from his grasp, she straddled his hips and attempted to restrain his hands, but failed. He tugged her ponytail holder free and slid his fingers through her hair, skimming her scalp with his nails, a divine sensation capable of turning her on or soothing her to sleep, depending on who performed the act, or when. But, without a doubt, he found all the right spots and her motor hummed. Sighing in delight, she lowered her gaze and admired the man beneath her.
You are so beautiful,” he whispered.
“So are you.” Taking one of his hands, she rubbed the palm against her cheek then nipped each fingertip.
A moan rumbled its way from his chest and vibrated against her thighs as she gripped his ribcage. His eyes narrowed.
She wiggled her bottom then hopped off. “I like the way you rumba. Would you care to join me in a nice hot shower?”
“I most certainly would.” He stood and tugged on his jeans. “I’ll add some wood to the fire first.”
“Oh, honey, you already did that.” Purposely swaying her bare hips, she sashayed away.
“I don’t want the fire to go out.”
“Don’t worry about that.” She flipped her hair over her shoulder. “It won’t.”
“But it needs more stoking.”
“Oh, I love it when you talk dirty.”
The sound of his hearty burst of laughter followed her into the bathroom.
Chapter Three
What a woman! In a rush, Dyami took care of the fire and all but ran to join Amanda in the shower. The rustic wood-lined room contained a small sink and large rag rug. A curtain draped around the claw-foot tub. Oh, boy. This will be interesting. How would they fit in there without at least one of them falling out?
“Are you coming in, or going to stand there and watch?” her sexy voice rang from behind the screen.
“Hmm...decisions, decisions.” He pretended to contemplate them as he removed his T-shirt and jeans.
The drape flew open. “Get your gorgeous ass in here.”
“Damn!” His jaw dropped. She stood gloriously naked, water dripping from her hair into her face. Blonde strands plastered the skin of her shoulders above high breasts. The areolas were like large cherries begging to be plucked, and he had every intention of exploring each inch of her toned belly to the neatly trimmed fair hair at the junction of her thighs. He wanted her long, lean legs wrapped around his waist while she rode him into tomorrow. Blood drained from his brain and rushed to his cock again, and the need to taste and touch her everywhere forced his feet to move.
“Holy shit.” Her eyes grew wide as she gawked at his naked body. Stepping back, she let him slide under the water.
“Is something wrong?” Pleased with his effect on her, he smirked and placed his hands on his hips.
“I wondered what you looked like under all those clothes, but didn’t expect perfection. Wowza.”
He kept his body in peak physical form and secretly coveted her admiration. Moving her soapy hands over his body, she used the slipperiness to her advantage, setting him on fire. He reached out to pull her close for a kiss, but she moved back to skim over his shoulders, massage his neck then up and down his arms. She splayed her long fingers on his chest and across his abs and ribcage. Continuing her exploration, she outlined the muscles along his waist and hips. When she traced the tattooed feathers on his hip and tried to circle behind him, he held her still. Not ready for her to see the full image on his back, he gave his cock a quick fisting to distract her attention.
Even in the military, he’d never been so thoroughly inspected. His beauty knelt and massaged his thighs and calves. She soaped along his hips then cupped his balls and palmed his hard cock. Intense bliss suffused all parts of his body, especially the one in her grasp. Glancing down, he admired the scattering of freckles over her creamy skin. He almost fell out of the tub at the sight of the smooth curve of her backside. Amanda must have noticed her effect on him because she giggled softly. Continuing to stroke and pet him while she rose, she licked water off his belly and chest.
“You are too good to be real. You can’t be human.” With tiny kisses, she sucked droplets off his chin.
“I am.” Tempted to say more, he only chuckled. “Mostly.”
“I could have wild monkey sex with you all night.” she whispered against his lips and continued to stroke his cock.
“Ikwe, that can be arranged, but I’d like to slow things down.” Closing his eyes, he focused on her touch.
“What did you just call me?” The caressing stopped, and his cock throbbed for more
“Ikwe is Chippewa for woman.” He glared, his mouth millimeters from hers, and seized her hair. “And you, ikwe, are making me crazy. I want to touch every inch of your gorgeous body until you’re writhing with need then I’ll lick you into oblivion.”
“Sounds like fun.” She gave his cock a light squeeze and flashed a wicked smile. “But, first, let me finish what I’ve started.”
Water pounded his back, spraying over his shoulders and flowing in rivulets down his chest. His spirit animal stirred in his soul, the first time it had moved during sexual activity. He contained the creature while he burned with need for more of her fondling. Fisting her wet ringlets, he brought her mouth to his and kissed her hot and deeply, daring her to continue.
Her cheek brushed across his chest and he grasped her hair while she settled on her knees. She nibbled on the sensitive spot of his hip while stroking his shaft. Her tongue darted over and around his tip, teasing him.
He reached out to the wall to steady his weakening body. With a turn of her head, she drew him into her hot mouth, and he slipped into heaven. God have mercy! She parted his butt cheeks and dragged a finger past his anus to grip his sac; pressure built at the base of his spine. The licking, sucking, and kneading pushed the ecstasy to a dangerous level. Before he lost more than his mind, he tried to pull from her grasp, but she grabbed his hip and held him fast, raking her nails over his abs, hip, and down to squeeze his ass.
“I want to taste you, Dyami.” Amanda circled the head of his cock with her tongue. “All of you.”
His name on her lips called to his animal instinct, and it cried out in response. She filled her mouth with him then took him deeper in a smooth, pumping grind. The orgasm built in his lower back and collected in his balls. With one hand still on the wall, he clutched her hair with the other. The force became too great and, with a guttural groan, he exploded. She held him tight and drank, moaning her pleasure.
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nbsp; It took a moment for him to catch his breath, and his chest heaved with his panting. The gorgeous minx slid upward, pressing against him, and took his face in her hands. He tasted his essence on her tongue. Before long, blood returned to his extremities, and he wrapped his arms around her. Her lithe body melted against him, fitting perfectly with his.
Feels so right.
His animal spirit pleaded for more then whimpered when she turned away. She lifted her hair up and out of the way, exposing delicious skin. Trailing small kisses along her neck and shoulder, he noticed a long, faint scar. He traced over the thin, diagonal line across her shoulder blade. The eagle in him jerked. Mine! Confused, he shook the spirit’s outburst from his mind and proceeded to lather the soap into bubbles on her skin.
He reached around to her breasts and ran his palm over the hard nubs, taking his time circling first one then the other. A nipple caught between his fingers received a pinch. A small, primitive raw sound emitted from her lips. He angled his head and took her mouth, teasing her with his tongue.
Squatting, he took some soap into his hands and worked them over her hips, ass, between her thighs and along her legs. In perpetual motion, he stroked until the suds washed away, leaving silky wet skin in their wake. His quick squeeze of her butt cheeks made her jump, so he gave each a small bite. Lapping the water off her belly, he lowered to one knee then caressed up her thigh before making a long, slow, slick glide of a single finger over her clit. Hot juice mingled with cooling water. The second time he stroked, he tasted it and hummed his approval of the sweet flavor. Her legs wobbled, and she clutched the shower curtain.
Rising behind her, he covered her with licks, nips and kisses until his cock settled neatly along the crack of her ass. She released a sigh and leaned against his chest, using him to support her weight.
Spending a lifetime touching her wouldn’t be long enough. “Honey, I think we’ll have to finish this in the other room. The water is getting cold.”
