“Where are we going?” Cash asked her after a few minutes.
“It’s a spot I found,” Lani said. “I don’t know if I’m the only one, but it’s always empty. It’s just up this hill. It’s not far.”
“I don’t mind,” Cash laughed. “This walk is nothing.”
“Well, you do have an advantage over us, humans,” Lani pointed out.
“Sometimes,” Cash nodded. “But I wouldn’t feel too jealous if I were you. This life is not something I would wish on anyone.”
“I’m sorry,” Lani said quickly. “I didn’t mean…”
“No, it’s okay,” Cash interrupted. He squeezed her hand gently. “I just mean that it’s not easy. And none of us chose it.”
“I guess I don’t really know the details of how it all happened,” Lani said. “The news never gave specifics.”
“They wouldn’t have,” Cash shook his head. “The truth doesn’t exactly paint our government in a favorable light. They want everyone to think it was just a natural evolution. That one day, we all just popped up out of the ground. Part human, part bear.”
“I take it that’s not what happened?” Lani asked.
“What did the news say?” Cash asked.
“Well,” Lani began. “It was years ago. It’s hard to remember. I was so young, but it was basically something about genetic mutations. They really stressed how harmless you all are. That much I remember.”
“Of course, they did,” Cash scoffed. “They couldn’t have the human population afraid for their lives.”
“So, what did happen?” Lani asked.
“It’s a long story,” Cash said. “They invented a serum that was supposed to increase the strength of an ordinary human. Super soldiers. They wanted to engineer super-soldiers.”
“Damn…”
“Yeah. It was insane, but it was also exhilarating. I was in the military when it first started. Years ago. When they approached me with the opportunity, I was more than willing.”
“You were?” Lani asked, her voice full of surprise.
“Of course,” Cash laughed. “Who wouldn’t be? I had no idea what the side effects of the serum were. To me, it was just a scientific miracle. I would be stronger. Faster. Everything I wanted to be.”
“But it didn’t work,” Lani said sadly.
“No,” Cash shook his head. “It didn’t.”
Just then, Lani pulled Cash off the path. They ducked under a few trees and made their way through some brush. Cash followed Lani without a word. She got the sense that he was happy to be done with their conversation. It obviously wasn’t something he liked talking about.
When they finally broke through the last of the brush, they stepped into an open field. It was covered in bright pink flowers. Lani led them all the way to the edge of the field where a cliff lay. The cliff looked out over the water. The moon was high in the sky as Lani and Cash took in the view around them.
“It’s beautiful,” Cash breathed. “This place is fantastic.”
“I thought you’d like it,” Lani said. “I found it during my first week here. Exploring was my favorite hobby back then.”
“I can see why” Cash laughed. “The rest of the resort looks nothing like this.”
“I know,” Lani said. “It’s untouched up here. I love it.”
They fell into an easy silence for a few minutes as they watched the waves break beneath them. When they settled on the grass, the picked up their earlier conversation. Lani still could not believe that he had volunteered to be turned into this. However, the more she spoke with Cash about it, the more she understood. Cash was extremely patriotic and loved what America stood for. So, in his mind, when he was able to become a better soldier for the cause he was more than willing to do it. Now because of that decision, he struggled with himself every day. Lani wished deep down there was some way she could ease his pain and frustration. Because Cash did not deserve any of that. He was too incredible of a man to have to suffer like that.
As they continued to talk, Cash told Lani all about his life back in Colorado, and Lani told Cash about her old life in Chicago. She talked about her family and her ex-boyfriends. Lani even surprised herself by telling Cash the real reason she took the job at Bear Ridge Resort. It was easy to talk to Cash. Lani trusted him instantly.
***
“Thank you for being my tour guide tonight,” Cash said. He held Lani’s hand tightly as they rounded the corner toward her room. Butterflies erupted in her stomach as they inched closer to her door.
“Thank you for coming with me,” Lani said. She leaned against Cash and breathed in his scent. He smelled of campfires and trees. It was intoxicating. Lani knew that it was almost four in the morning, but she wasn’t at all tired. The idea of going to bed made Lani’s stomach ache painfully. She wanted more time with Cash.
“I’m sorry I kept you out so late,” Cash laughed. “I’m sure you’re exhausted.”
“I’m not,” Lani said. They stopped in front of her door.
“Is this you?” Cash asked, gesturing to the door behind her.
“Yup,” Lani nodded. “This is where the employees sleep. We each get our own rooms up here, but they aren’t nearly as nice as the guest suites.”
“I’m sure they are,” Cash said. Lani watched his mouth while he spoke. She was trying to control herself, but it was getting hard and harder to be near him. After spending the entire night talking, Lani was finished with conversation.
As if reading her mind, Cash stepped closer to her and wrapped his arms tightly around her waist. She looked up into his eyes and waited.
“I’ve wanted to do this all night,” Cash whispered.
“Why haven’t you?” Lani asked breathlessly. Her heart was pounding in her chest.
“I’m a gentleman,” Cash said directly.
Lani couldn’t take it anymore. She stood on her tiptoes and pressed her lips against his. Cash inhaled sharply. He melted into the kiss, holding onto Lani’s waist even tighter. Lani wrapped her arms around Cash’s neck and tangled her fingers in his hair. She moaned as their kiss deepened.
Without pulling away from him, Lani reached behind her and unlocked her door. She shoved it open and pulled Cash inside with her. They barely made through the door before Cash kicked the door closed. He lifted her off the floor and carried her toward the bed. Lani giggled when he threw her down on the soft mattress.
Cash stood above her, looking down at her with a smile. Lani let him watch her for a few seconds before she sat up. She pulled herself onto her knees and slowly pulled her dress over her head. Cash’s eyes roamed freely over her body. Her black bra hugged her breasts just right and the lace on her panties matched. The way his eyes roamed over her body made her feel like the sexiest woman on earth.
With a growl, Cash grabbed Lani by the hips and pulled her up against him. He stood beside the bed while she was on her knees and kissed her passionately. Lani kissed him back with an urgency she’d never felt before. Her hands frantically unbuttoned his shirt and threw it on the floor. She didn’t stop. She slid her fingertips down his rock-hard chest and his stomach, grabbing roughly at the waistline of his jeans. All she wanted was him to be inside of her.
Lani tore her lips away from Cash’s just long enough to move to his neck. She licked his neck and moved down to his chest. She kissed every inch of his skin that she could reach. When she reached his stomach, she pulled his pants down roughly.
Cash stepped out of his jeans and pushed Lani onto her back. He climbed on top of her and kissed her lips again. His tongue slid into her mouth while her legs wrapped tightly around his waist. Lani could feel his erection pressed against her.
Cash lifted Lani off her back just enough for his to unhook her bra. She slid it off her body and threw it on the floor. In an instant, his mouth was on her. He licked her nipples relentlessly, bringing them gently between his teeth over and over again. Lani’s entire body was on fire with desire. She’d never felt anything so intense.
A fire had started to course through her veins. When she couldn’t take it anymore, she reached down and pushed her panties down. She kicked them off quickly. Cash leaned back, taking in the sight of her naked body. He groaned and kissed her stomach frantically. His fingers clawed at her hips. Lani moaned and held tightly to his hair.
“I can’t take it anymore,” Lani moaned. “I need to feel you.”
Cash didn’t need any more encouragement. He removed his boxers in one swift motion and pulled Lani up. Cash sat up straight and let Lani straddle him. She kissed him slowly while she lowered herself on top of his erection. Cash raked his nails down her back and buried his face in her breasts. Lani shuddered with pleasure the second he was inside of her.
Lani slowly moved up and down, holding tightly to Cash’s shoulder. Their eyes were locked on each other’s while they move. Lani could feel every inch of him. Her eyes rolled back as Cash pulled her hair with pleasure. He kissed her neck and grunted deeply.
Sweat was pouring off their bodies. They moved faster, perfectly in sync with each other’s motions. Lani knew she was close and she wanted to look at Cash when she finished. She held his face between her hands and rode him harder than ever moaning loudly as she moved.
Cash let out a growl and stared deeply into her eyes. Lani watched Cash’s eyes grow hungrier by the second. His desire was even stronger than hers. Lani felt a rush of ecstasy flow through her body. Her hips and legs shook uncontrollably, and she let out an earth-shattering scream.
“Oh, my God,” Cash moaned. He came hard, holding onto Lani’s body for dear life.
They held each other close until the waves of pleasure subsided. When they finally pulled apart, it was so that they could fall against the pillows. Cash pulled Lani into his arms and kissed the top of her head. Lani nuzzled against Cash’s chest. They were both exhausted.
When sleep finally took them, Lani felt more at peace than she’d ever felt before.
Chapter 12
Cash
Sunlight streamed in through Lani’s half open curtains. Cash rolled over, shielding his eyes from the light. As he moved, he wrapped his arms around Lani’s sleeping body. She stirred slightly beside him, but she didn’t wake. Cash held her for a few minutes while his body adjusted to the hour. He woke up slowly, not wanting to let go of the fantastic dream he’d been having. He was just in the middle of reliving the previous night when the sun rudely interrupted. Cash tried to fall back asleep, but it was no use.
He leaned back and yawned softly, his arm still thrown over Lani’s body. He looked at her and smiled. She was lying on her stomach, fast asleep. Her hair was covering most of her face, and her mouth was slightly open. Cash grinned as he watched her sleep. He brushed her hair off her face and pressed his lips lightly to her forehead. She wiggled beneath him, her eyes fluttering. Cash wanted to wake her up, but he felt sorry for disturbing her. He laid his back on his pillow and let her rest.
His mind was racing with memories of the night before. Cash remembered the way Lani felt in his arms. He thought about how easily they fit together. There was no awkward tension or clumsy positions. Everything between them was intense and passionate, natural and erotic. His body tingled just thinking about the way it felt to be inside of her.
Cash shifted uncomfortably and tried to clear his head. If he continued thinking those thoughts he was certain to wake up Lani and have his way with her. He tried to think about the clan and how Kurt was handling things with Cash gone. He imagined the compound was running smoothly now and he thought again about not returning. It made his chest ache to imagine leaving his entire clan behind, but as he laid beside Lani, he couldn’t picture himself going back.
He didn’t yet know if Lani was his true mate, but he felt an undeniable pull to her. She was like his gravity. The second she caught his eye, he couldn’t look away. Now that he knew what it was like to be with her… How could he ever leave her? Besides, would she even consider leaving Bear Ridge to live on a compound in Colorado? Hadn’t she admitted to Cash just last night that she came to Bear Ridge to escape her old life? Cash couldn’t imagine she would be excited about returning to the mainland after only a few short months on the island.
As Cash’s thoughts continued to grow in complexity, Lani rolled over and rested her head on his chest. Her arm slid across his bare stomach, and he could feel her breasts pressed up against him. All thoughts of his clan and the compound flew from his mind. His heart raced as he traced circles on the small of Lani’s back. When she rolled, the sheet fell off her, and her naked body was now fully exposed.
Cash couldn’t take his eyes off her. He looked her up and down, scanning her muscular legs and perfectly shaped butt. His breathing was heavy by the time he glanced down at her breasts. His own body half obscured them, but it didn’t matter. Just feeling her naked skin against his was enough to get him aroused.
Unable to take it anymore, Cash trailed his fingers down Lani’s leg. He pulled her even closer to him and moved her hair off her ear.
“Hey beautiful,” he whispered. “Wake up.”
Lani stirred slightly, her eyes fluttering. Cash continued to rub her leg softly while she began to stir. She wiggled against him, and he groaned deeply. The more she moved, the harder he became. Lani threw her leg over him, allowing Cash to move his hand to her butt. He squeezed her gently, and she moaned into his ear.
“That’s not fair,” he said.
“What’s not?” she asked sleepily.
“You can’t cuddle up to me in your sleep while you’re naked,” he explained. “How am I supposed to resist you?”
“You’re not,” Lani said directly.
In one motion, Lani shifted her position and straddled Cash. She sat up just enough so that she could rest one hand on his chest. While she looked at him with eyes that were clearly meant for seduction, her hips swayed slightly against him. As she moved, her body brushed against his erection. Cash shifted beneath her and exhaled sharply.
“Tease,” he accused with a small laugh.
“I’m nothing of the sort,” Lani argued. “Teases don’t deliver.”
“And you plan to deliver?” Cash asked.
He reached up to hold her hair off her face. Lani grinned and kissed him softly, her hips still moving in that slow, tempting rhythm. Cash held tightly to her hair and pulled her roughly against his lips. He kissed her hard, all his pent-up passion bursting free in that one kiss. Lani returned it without hesitation. She slid her tongue into his mouth and tasted him. As they kissed, Lani broke away just enough to nibble Cash’s bottom lip. Cash growled and flipped her on her back. He brushed her hair over her forehead and looked at her softly.
“Now who’s the tease?” Lani accused with raised eyebrows.
“What?” Cash asked breathlessly.
“You can’t just flip me over like you plan to have your way with me and then stop kissing me,” Lani said. “You’re sending me all kinds of mixed messages.”
“Oh, I am?” Cash teased. “What should I do about that?”
“That flip meant business,” Lani said. “Didn’t it?”
“More than you know,” Cash growled. He kissed her lips softly.
“Then prove it,” Lani challenged.
Cash grinned, and his body came alive with a fire that took Lani’s breath away. He played it safe the night before, letting Lani have full control so he wouldn’t frighten her, but now… He was ready to release the animal within him.
Cash kissed her roughly, grabbing both her hands and pinning them above her head. He moved to her neck, kissing and licking her. Cash grabbed her wrists and pinned them above her head. His kisses moved down from her lips to her neck, and she let out a slight moan. Cash slightly bit her neck as he continued down to her breasts. With her hands still pinned above her head, Lani couldn’t do anything but squirm beneath him.
She giggled and exhaled sharply when he took her nipple in his mouth. He bit her hard, and she moaned loudly. Cash w
rapped both Lani’s wrists in one hand and used the other to massage her other breast. While his mouth moved frantically over her nipple, he teased the other with his fingers. He pinched and flicked and teased her mercilessly.
Lani moaned and squirmed so much that Cash worried he might be hurting her. He softened his grip on her wrists and lifted his head off her breasts.
“No,” Lani complained. “Don’t stop.”
Cash smiled and resumed teasing her. He held her wrists tightly again and kissed her stomach. His free hand slid down and shoved her legs apart. Lani obeyed easily, lifting her hips to give him more access. Cash played in her wetness for a few seconds and enjoyed the feel of her. He groaned as he kissed every inch of her body and slid his finger inside of her.
Lani inhaled loudly and writhed harder than ever. Cash sat up to face her. He leaned forward so he could keep ahold on her wrists while he moved his finger slowly inside her. As he leaned over her Cash stared down at her face. Her eyes were wide with pleasure, and her mouth was open.
“God, you’re sexy,” he said, his voice ragged.
Lani moaned, and Cash moved his finger harder. He added a second finger and worked faster. He held her down and watched her face contort with pleasure while he slammed his fingers inside of her again and again.
“Oh, my God,” Lani screamed. “Don’t stop. Please god, don’t stop.”
Cash obeyed. He used his numb to rub her clit while his fingers continued to thrust in and out. Lani screamed even louder, her hips moving with his hand. Cash lowered his mouth to her breasts and took her nipple between his teeth.
Lani was making noises that Cash had never heard before. His body was shaking with how badly he wanted her. When she came, she jerked violently and let out a moan that sent Cash over the top. He let go of her wrists and took his hand out of her. He kissed her lips passionately.
“Oh, my God,” Lani moaned against him. “It was unbelievable.”
Furever Always (Furever Series) Page 15
