The Price of Passion

by Stephanie Morris

  Kaden hadn’t been dishonest when he said this was way more than a quick release of built up testosterone, more than her doing her wifely duty so that he could be more comfortable. Her level of arousal seemed to matter to him. Her satisfaction counted.

  He had been demanding of her, more than she’d thought feasible. She’d never told a man what she wanted, how she wanted it, and what felt good. But Kaden asked those questions, and more, refused to take silence as an answer. Yet, for everything he demanded, he gave equally in return.

  “Okay, food,” he said, as if reminding himself. He released her and reached for the phone on the bedside table. “How about two of the specials on the room service menu?”

  “What? You’re not eating?”

  “Okay then. One of everything on the menu.”

  While he placed the order, she raced to the bathroom, looking for a robe. His low whistle of approval reached her ears. Taking the thick, white terry cloth garment from a hook behind the door, she tied the belt around her waist, then caught sight of herself in the mirror.

  Her hair framed her face in a messy fashion, the curls disheveled. Her cheeks were flushed, and a small burn from his afternoon shadow sat on one side of her neck. Her lips were swollen and reddened. Sparks of green lit her hazel eyes. She looked aberrant, well loved. Tim had never had this effect on her.

  She trembled.

  As frightening as Tim had been, he didn’t begin to stack up with Kaden. Tim never wanted anything from her other than submission. Kaden did—her pleasure, participation, her complete surrender. If the relationship with Tim had concerned her, this petrified her.

  “Are you all right?”

  Kaden came up behind her, wondrously naked and unconcerned over his nudity. He nuzzled her neck.

  Sierra saw them both in the mirror, her body towered over by his formidable six-foot-two frame. His shoulders were twice as broad as hers and when he wrapped his arms around her, she felt both his assurance and the capacity for his anger.

  She couldn’t forget he was a man who’d kicked his first wife out for her indiscretions, and man who’d accept nothing less than complete truthfulness, a man who would never give her his heart.

  “Sierra?” he whispered, kissing the throbbing pulse at her temple.

  “Well, I...” How did she say what she didn’t dare?

  “Yes?”

  She squeezed her eyes shut, closing out his powerful image and hoping that she’d also be able to ignore his influence upon her senses.

  “I’m listening.”

  “I keep wondering if I’m doing the right thing.”

  He placed another kiss, followed by yet one more, then another.

  Having her eyes closed only intensified the sensation. Without her sight, the feel of his lips magnified significantly.

  She reached out, grasping his forearms. Sierra was aware of his masculinity—of brawn and potency—and filled with the knowledge that there was no getting away. He was way more man than she knew how to handle.

  “Do you regret that we made love?”

  “No.”

  “Open your eyes, Sierra, I want to see them.”

  Gradually, she obeyed his command.

  “What’s the matter?”

  “Are you psychic?”

  “Not that I’m aware of, but your expression tells me something is bothering you.”

  One corner of her mouth tilted upward.

  “Tell me what’s on your mind.”

  “I’m wondering what will happen when we have a disagreement.”

  His arms tightened around her, but it felt protective. “We’ll talk through the issue.”

  “And what if I don’t live up to your expectations?”

  Haltingly, he let her go and turned her to face him. Bracketing her face between his hands, he responded, “You’ll never let me down, Sierra, as long as you’re truthful, as long as you put our child first.”

  “I will always do that.”

  “There is no doubt in my mind.”

  He kissed her then, a deep, sensual kiss that banished her worries.

  A knock on the door interrupted them.

  He reached for the matching robe, then went to answer the door. The scent of him lingered behind, enveloping her just as his arms had done.

  She’d thought she was ready for this marriage, their honeymoon. After all, she’d made love to him before. But then she’d had nothing at risk emotionally. She’d concealed herself underneath covers and sheets, been confident in the shadows, then disappeared at sunrise. Now he held her future in his work-roughened hands.

  His vows were of little solace.

  She heard the muted sounds of voices, then the door to the room closed. Sierra splashed water on her face, then walked out of the bathroom. The decent-sized table nearly creaked under the weight of the amount of food he’d ordered.

  “Kaden! I was kidding.”

  “I thought I would save the staff a trip in a few hours. There’s a mini fridge and microwave. Both will come in handy if you are hungry after room service hours.”

  If he hadn’t ordered everything on the menu, he’d come close, from salad, to fresh fruit, sandwiches, soup, and a few decadent desserts.

  Not needing a formal invitation, she tucked her feet beneath her on the chair and allowed him to make a plate for her.

  She’d been smart to try to make a clean break from him. Kaden could enchant her when he wanted to, as he had at Andy and Hillary’s party. She’d have lost herself before she could count to ten—with pleasure. And when she discovered what sort of man he truly was and that he’d always try to control her, she wouldn’t have been destroyed—if she allowed him into her heart.

  It was better it worked out this way, with him being honest about the fact that he would never love her, no false expectations.

  “I know you like sweets so I chose a strawberry cheesecake, apple pie, chocolate cake and lemon meringue pie,” he stated, looking to see which one she wanted.

  “There is no way I can choose.”

  He chuckled. “Try this one first.”

  She accepted the forkful of the lemon meringue pie he offered. Rich, tart lemon with just the right amount of sweetness exploded across her tongue. She emitted a low moan of enjoyment.

  “I really like when you make that sound. I want to hear it again.”

  Indulging her taste buds, she stared at him through her lashes silently.

  “In bed,” he continued. “Which is where we’re headed back to in a little while. So savor this like I plan to do you later.”

  She finally managed to swallow, but when she reached for another bite, he took the fork. “Not until I’ve tasted it, too.”

  Leaning over, he kissed her, long and deep, sugary goodness mixing with his potency and stealing her breath.

  Ending the kiss gradually, he stood. Hands on her shoulders, he helped her to her feet, then commanded, “Undress me.”

  Her eyes widened.

  “I want you to touch me,” Kaden stated, “feel me, discover what you do to me.”

  Her heart skipped several beats. “I’m not sure about what I should do.”

  “I only have on one article of clothing.”

  So did she, and now, with him observing her, she was extremely aware of that and the way the terry cloth material suddenly seemed to chafe her.

  Uncertain, pulse racing, she carefully reached for the belt at his waist and undid the knot. The ends fell from her trembling fingers, then she parted his robe, reaching up to push it from his shoulders.

  Kaden was more than ready for her.

  Her toes curled into the carpet.

  Muscular and sharp angles everywhere, he was all man.

  And he was her husband.

  Barely able to speak, she murmured, “What’s next?”

  “Touch me, learn my body. Discover me as intimately as I already know you.”

  Anxiety, as well as excitement, raced through her. Stiffly, he stood there, staring at h
er. Waiting. Licking her lips, she whispered, “Turn around.”

  After raising a questioning brow, he leisurely did as she asked.

  He’d seen her. Now, she took in her fill of him. Insatiable, she wanted more than the brief chagrined glances she’d snuck when he’d moved around the room.

  Quietness filled the room, and nervousness increased her breathing.

  Trembling, she reached out, trailing the tips of her fingers across his shoulder blades. She examined the firm angles, the feel of his skin. Traveling down the length of his spine, she stopped at the small indentation right above his buttocks.

  Allowing her nerves to get the best of her, she decided not to go any lower, instead running her hands up his back, then caressing his shoulders before untying the leather strap that held his hair back. After placing it on the table, she threaded her fingers through the thick strands of his dark hair.

  His head tilted forward as she outlined, from the back, the shell of his ear.

  Surprisingly, heat spread through her.

  “Turn back around,” she requested, the words a little strained.

  He did, with a smile that sent seismic waves roaring through her. Instead of taking charge, he waited for her next move.

  Looking directly at him was more difficult than she thought it would be. She didn’t allow that to deter her.

  Her thumbs pressed together, she let her hands drag down his chest, exploring the small rise of his nipples. He twitched. Feeling the strength of her own power, she did it again.

  “Do you like that?”

  He answered with a ragged groan.

  Feeling him out, she softly scraped a nail over one nipple, then the other. His reaction was immediate and he thrust out toward her. Fascinated, she reached for him, encircling her hand around his hard shaft. Studying the rapid rise and fall of his chest, she stroked him.

  He grabbed her shoulders. “That’s enough.”

  She didn’t agree. Despite the heat in his eyes, she tightened her grip.

  “Sierra, I’m warning you.”

  She didn’t pay him any attention. Sierra felt the change in him as he became fuller, like her breasts did when he held them. “You told me before that you enjoyed this.”

  “I do.” His head fell forward.

  “Then take what I willingly offer.”

  Kaden lowered his hands to her wrists. “If you don’t stop, this will be over before you want it to.”

  Spurred on by the rugged tone in his voice, the wild beat beneath her hand, she replied, “That’s okay.”

  “No...it’s....not.” He increased the pressure on her until she released him, then drew in an unsteady breath before carrying her to the bed and lowering her in the middle of it.

  “Relish in that, did you?” he inquired.

  She smiled shyly.

  “Then we’ll make love a different way.”

  He lay down next to her, then gripped her hands between his waist and lifted her up on top of him.

  “Uh, Kaden—”

  “Place your knees on either side of my waist.”

  Pushing back her hesitance, she nodded, her hair framing her face.

  He caressed her most sensitive spot and she arched, emitting a soft gasp.

  She wanted him.

  Finding the bravery to follow his lead, she grasped his hardened flesh, then slowly lowered herself onto him. He filled her, stretched her, made her ache and burn. Then he reached for one of her breasts and teased the tip. She squirmed, attempting to avoid the expanding sensations, but it only made it worse.

  She closed her eyes, seeing arcing sparks in the darkness. He lifted his hips and she rode the motion, taking him deeper.

  Together, they found a rhythm as a swirling pleasure made its way through her body. She’d never felt anything like this—so full, and tottering on the edge.

  Reaching up, he palmed her breasts, then, on her downward motion, squeezed her nipples.

  “Kaden!”

  She cried out, her knees no longer able to support her. She sank lower on him, welcoming him against her womb.

  “Come for me, Sierra.”

  He pinched those sensitive tips again, and she fractured.

  A few heartbeats later, his body stiffened. He swelled inside her feminine walls, inhaling sharply before spilling himself deep inside her.

  Snuggled securely up against him, she rested on his chest.

  “Thank you,” he whispered, “for your trust.”

  Silently, she thanked him for showing her she was desirable. There would never be anything more than sex between them, no emotional connection she’d had with her ex-husband.

  It doesn’t matter.

  So why did it, suddenly?

  Trying to taper down the bothersome thought that she might be starting to care for Kaden, she relaxed against him, swallowing hard when he reached for the can of whipped cream and touched the cold can to her shoulder blade.

  “We still need to try number thirty-five.”

  Teasing light sparkled in his eyes, and she’d never seen him look so lighthearted.

  It’d be easy to lose herself in him.

  And that was one thing she dared not do.

  Chapter Ten

  Standing at the patio door, Sierra looked up at the radiance of the full moon and the twinkling stars. The tranquility of the scene should have comforted her. It didn’t. A small piece at a time, control faded away. Above everything else in her life, she relished being in control. She’d struggled for the strength to leave Tim, then she’d battled through the first several months of freedom as she relearned to think for herself and be independent.

  Was Kaden right? she wondered. Was it possible not to lose herself in him? In bed, she’d totally let go—but so had he.

  From her robe pocket, she removed the lucky button he’d given her. It touched her in a way nothing else ever had. A costly gift wouldn’t have meant as much to her as this priceless treasure. She’d keep it close, always, as a reminder that he’d thought enough of her to part with his good luck charm.

  Quietly, Kaden came up behind her and wrapped his arm around her.

  “Can’t sleep?” he asked.

  “No.”

  “I’d ask you to tell me what’s on your mind, but I know you’ll tell me when you’re ready.”

  “You’re right. I’m just still working through a few things.”

  He kissed the side of her neck with the tenderness of a lover, and she melted against him.

  “Do you want to go back to sleep?” he asked.

  She turned around to face him and placed her hands on his chest. “Did you have something better in mind?” Even in the low lighting, she saw his brow arch.

  “Are you trying to seduce me, Sierra?”

  “I just don’t want to be alone right now,” she confessed.

  He thrust his fingers into her hair. “Want to take a dip in the hot tub?”

  She remembered their first night together, the way they’d talked and laughed. A big part of her wanted that again.

  “Yes.”

  “Ever been skinny dipping?”

  “I thought you brought my bathing suit.”

  “I like to look at you, every single inch of you.”

  A hot chill traveled up her spine. “I’m willing to give it a try.”

  He undid the sash holding her robe together, releasing the ends. The material parted, and coolness from the room flowed over her heated skin.

  Kaden lifted the robe from her shoulders, kissing her body as he revealed it. Finally, the thick terry cloth slithered to the floor, leaving her completely naked.

  Sierra opened the sliding glass door. Walking outside, she was conscious of the fact that he stood inside, watching her. The light from the stars and the moon reflected off the pine trees, providing extra lightening along the way.

  She reached the metal railing and the tub’s edge.

  “Hold on a second.”

  Glancing over her shoulder, she gave him
an inquisitive look.

  “I don’t want you to hurt yourself.”

  “I won’t.”

  “I’m not taking any chances with your safety.”

  Exhaling deeply, she waited, dipping her toe in the warm water. He grabbed a couple of glasses, filled them with their special champagne, then walked across the patio deck.

  “I’m not debilitated,” she informed him, trying not to look at his body—flat stomach, narrow waist, lean hips, and muscular thighs.

  “I know.”

  “Then—”

  “Sierra, drop it,” he requested, setting the glass down and descending into the water.

  Because it was easier, she did. He held out his hand and she took it, accepting his guidance as he helped her.

  Disturbed by their movements, the water lapped at her, and she gratefully sank onto one of the steps, covered up to her neck.

  She leaned her head back, closing her eyes and enjoying the wicked pleasure of being nude and aware under the seemingly endless night.

  “It’s quiet out here,” he said, the deep vibration of his voice striking a chord within her. “A man can feel at peace.”

  “Is that something you’re searching for?”

  He didn’t respond for a long time, so long she wondered if he ever would.

  “Didn’t realize it until I was almost twenty-five, but yes.”

  Her heart rate increased. Kaden had just opened a door, giving her a glimpse of the emotions he kept hidden away.

  Would he allow her to see more? Did he trust her enough to allow her to get any closer? “You moved out of town for a few years.” Even though her eyes were closed, she felt the piercing intensity of his gaze.

  “You seem to know a lot about me.”

  She knew he had a heck of a temper when ticked off, that he was extremely possessive and that he was determined to protect what was his—and that included her. She also knew he could be gentle and compassionate, putting her needs before his own.

  “I heard it from a few people in town,” she mumbled.

  “Gossip.”

  She disregarded the gravelly warning in his voice that told her to change the subject. “It is said that you, Andy and Colby are troublemakers when all of you are together.”