Jade pressed her lips together. Egypt was not the only place in the world to live, after all.
“How are you fairing? You seem to have recovered from Lothar’s unwelcome visit.”
“I am.” She nodded, and he placed a kiss on each of her temples. “Tell me, Eli. What is the penalty for going into someone’s tent without permission?”
Eli’s mouth stamped warm lip marks down to her earlobe. “The owner gets to decide if malice was intended.”
His words buzzed in her ear, and she shivered. “And?”
“Different punishments for different situations.” He set tiny kisses beneath her jaw.
“Such as?” She was indeed curious, but her body refused to do anything that remotely resembled a protest of his adoration.
“Do you really want to know?” Eli drew a circle inside the hollow at the base of her throat with his tongue, and then kissed his way up to her other ear.
“It does interest me, somewhat.” Not that I’ll be able to think for much longer if he keeps that up.
“But I can’t talk and use my mouth on your body at the same time.” He breathed into her ear.
Jade gave up the ghost. “Oh, Forget I mentioned it.”
“With pleasure.”
Eli pulled her shirt tails from the waistband of her skirt, and his hands gravitated to her breasts. Jade arched into his hot palms, greedily seeking all sensation he was willing to create.
“I can remove those if you wish,” Jade murmured, referring to her clothes.
He shook his head. “And take the fun out of my treasure hunt?”
A breathless laugh escaped from deep within her chest. “Well, then—by all means, do continue.”
Eli chuckled and rolled her onto her side. He tugged her skirt off, tossed it out of the way and slid down so that his face lay even with her tummy. With a hand on her lower back, he held her against his mouth, kissing, sucking and laving at her skin.
She squirmed with pleasure next to him and tried to bring her hips into contact with his tongue—that amazing trumpet player’s tongue. Jade growled in frustration; he wouldn’t let her move lower.
“I know that which you seek.” He kissed and tongued the hollow of her belly button. “Give me more time, and you shall have it.”
“I can’t wait any longer, Eli!” her voice broke, husky with passion.
“You will wait or I will stop altogether.”
Jade froze and clenched her jaw tight, vowing to endure this sweet torture. But if that tongue of his wasn’t teasing her kitty in about three minutes, she’d go screwy.
He rolled her over again, this time onto her belly. She protested with a groan, but he wouldn’t relent. He shoved her shirt out of the way, and his lips and tongue blazed maddening trails across her lower back, each time ending at the tops of her bum cheeks.
Just when she thought she couldn’t take anymore, he began depositing tiny love bites over her rump. She squealed at the first few bites, but the sensation settled down to a pleasurable pain. No matter how many times he’d move to a different spot, she still felt his teeth marks where he’d begun. Her bottom stung like the dickens, her breasts felt heavy and full as they pressed into the pillows beneath her, and the juncture of her thighs oozed hot honey.
“Please, Eli—”
“Shhh, Zsa-ninah. I’m almost ready.”
“I’m more than ready.” Her voice sounded like a sobbing fool’s.
He repeated the entire pattern of bites, and Jade was positive she would die from three different causes of death at once: the pain, the pleasure, and the anticipation.
Placing his hand on the inside of her thigh, he pushed her knee to a bent position and slid his fingers up her leg. He circled her soaked opening and groaned. Jade raised her bitten bottom a few inches in invitation.
“Oh, yes,” he murmured, and as if she were nothing more than a rag doll, he flipped her onto her back, his fingers delving into every crevasse of her creamy folds. A fluffy pillow beneath her head allowed her to watch him play—no, worship—her body.
“Use your tongue, Eli,” she pleaded just above a whisper.
He positioned himself so that his mouth hovered over her. His excited breath heated her mound, the humidity adding to her moisture. Bracing himself on his elbows, he spread her wide with his thumbs, exposing her flesh to the air. One of his thumbs slowly rubbed back and forth over her sweet spot, and he watched it pop back into place each time.
“You are so stiff and hot,” he said as if it pained him to admit it.
“Eli,” she moaned. “Stop teasing me and get to it.”
He chuckled. “Just a few more kisses?” His lips kissed the tip of her clitoris with just enough pressure that she noticed.
“Eli!” she called out, her voice demanding his attentions. At once his mouth covered her, drawing her swollen skin between his lips, and tonguing her so fast she could have died.
With a primitive cry, she came. Hard.
Chapter Nine
During her recovery from the little death, Eli had rested his cheek on her mound, his hands cradling the sides of her still-stinging bottom. The weight of his head sustained the buzzing between her legs and left her feeling like she’d been stealing sips of brandy—her skin heated, her head fuzzy, and her body randy as spring time.
He hadn’t moved for some time, and she feared he’d fallen asleep. “Eli, you alright or have you left us?”
Eli nuzzled her kitty with his cheek, causing her breath to catch. “I remain.”
Jade laughed. He was so literal sometimes. “Good, because it’s your turn.”
Lifting his head, his languorous gaze met hers, and a wicked grin spread across his lips. “I agree, Zsa-ninah.”
She couldn’t help but smile when he rolled over and drew her to rest upon his chest. Memorizing the sharp angles of his face, she watched him. Would he ask her now? Jade adjusted her position and hoped he didn’t notice that she had inched herself lower on his body. That beautiful cock of his must have been mere inches from the juncture of her thighs. She brought her knees together for a blind assessment.
Eli groaned when she trapped him between her legs, the head kissing her neither lips. His breath hissed inward when she arched her back and applied a bit more pressure, reaching for him, longing to take in his thick length.
Still no question tumbled from his lips as she thought it would. Jade ached for him—ached to hear him ask her for it. His cock twitched, dabbing at her opening, and Jade’s heart beat soared, her breath drawing in and out of her lungs in soft pants. There was no turning back now.
“Are you trying to drive me mad?” Eli’s voice rasped.
She could only pant. Her speaking voice couldn’t be trusted.
He appraised her face with a sweeping gaze, and after a few long, torturous moments of silence, he placed his hands on her hips and held her with a fierce grip.
Jade squeezed her eyes shut and braced herself for the impact that would surely be rapturous, but still he held himself from her. She felt him tremble and peered up at him, first with one eye then both. He watched her, a question coupled with frustration and longing etched lines across his forehead.
“I-I…”
What could she say that he couldn’t already see on her face?
“What, Zsa-ninah?” he said through clenched teeth. “What is your desire?”
Unable to hold back, tears filled her vision. She took a shuttering breath. “I want y-you.” Her voice trembled in sync with her pounding heart.
Eli brought his cock in contact with the warm juncture of her thighs again, his strong hands still gripping her hips tight. She could see the arrogant triumph in his eyes. “What was that? I didn’t hear you.”
Gads, but he was beautiful even when he dominated her like some alpha wolf controlling his mate. Her own wild imagination excited her all the more. “You! I want you!” Her voice shook, but she didn’t care.
He teased her again, sliding his cock over her smooth folds. “You want
only me?”
Jade could say nothing, so she just nodded.
“Say it—say you want only me.”
She groaned and tilted her pelvis toward his, but he pulled her hips away enough so that she couldn’t reach him. “I want you, Eli. Only you.”
Satisfaction flashed in his eyes a heartbeat before he spiked into her.
The sensation was so pure, his aim perfect. Jade’s orgasm rocked her entire body as she reeled above him, calling his name with reckless inhibition.
Stars burst behind Elydian’s eyelids. She was so tight, he could feel every inch of her slick walls as they surrounded and milked him. Her exquisite song rang in his ears—his pride gloried in the fact that he’d provided the subject. He pumped into her as she came, her luscious breasts bouncing upon his chest.
Elydian lost all reason. He had given her an exquisite end, and now he would take his. Releasing a sound that left his throat raw, he gave into the pleasure and found paradise.
He held her there, their clinging bodies misty with sweat, until her ribs expanded and contracted steadily in sleep.
Falk. He’d been so enraptured by Jade that he’d forgotten to use the Bliss Plant membrane for contraception.
He smiled to himself. She’d probably make a pretty baby with him, with her large green eyes, silky brown hair and skin the color of fine, virgin sand. And hadn’t he heard Me-Ma complain several times that she missed having little ones around to coddle?
Elydian shook himself mentally. Children had no place in Jade’s life—let alone that he’d not spoken to her about what her future held. He disentangled himself from the beauty who lay so peacefully upon his chest. She sighed and rolled onto her side. Drawing the thin cover over her body, Elydian snuggled up behind her and settled his head upon a pillow.
“Eli?”
Such a sweet voice—he hadn’t meant to wake her. “Yes?”
“Thank you.”
He slid his hand up her thigh, stopping to rest upon her hip. “I should be thanking you, my Zsa-ninah.”
She giggled. “Welcome to the Mutual Gratitude Society.”
Grinning, he pulled her closer. “Will you attend the feast as my special guest tonight?”
Jade cocked her head sideways. “Are you asking me out on a date, Bub?”
“I don’t know what a datebub is,” he chuckled, “but if you are wondering if courting is involved, then yes.”
After a few agonizing moments of silence, she answered. “Sure, why not.”
Elydian couldn’t be positive if her stated reply conveyed enthusiasm or not, but he’d take what he got. For now. “I’ll send Me-Ma to you. She’ll see that you are properly attired.”
She nodded and murmured her thanks.
He took a deep breath that sounded more like a sigh to his ears and asked himself why he suddenly seemed so discontented with the arrangement between himself and Jade.
Likely because it was only temporary.
* * * *
“What is taking her so long?” Elydian murmured into his water glass from the head of the long table before sloshing back the final sip. The half-moon shaped celebration tent, illuminated with glistening glass shades over dancing flames, was filled with almost every one of Omari Amun’s people. Elydian, proud to bursting, missed the one set of eyes he longed to see enter and claim her seat next to him.
“Whom, Omari, may I ask, are you waiting for?”
Elydian slid his gaze to his the right of the formally set table to one of his oldest friends. “Ageit, I am awaiting the arrival of my new friend, Jade.”
“Ah, so the rumors are true. I’d heard you had been sheltering a new female.”
Ageit-Kabeed, Omari Amun’s one and only scientist and full-fledged eccentric, could not resist an offered slice of gossip—even if it was about himself. “You’ve heard correctly,” and then Elydian added, “for once.” He grinned, teasing the man who was like an uncle to him.
Smiling, Ageit lifted his glass to Elydian. “To fresh faces.”
Seemingly out of nowhere, Havliah appeared to refill Elydian’s drink. She poured a slow stream into his goblet and spoke to him in dulcet tones as if to entice him. “Are you holding that open seat for me, my Omari?”
Elydian had had no intention of interacting with the banished Lambish that night or any other for that matter. He gritted his teeth, his annoyed gaze burrowing into hers. “Did I ask you to be my guest at this feast, Havliah?”
“But I always—”
“The only answer I seek from you is ‘no’. Now, finish serving and remember, I no longer have need of your presence here.” Elydian had taken his stand. He’d said it loud enough so that everyone in the tent could hear. Now she’d have to leave Omari Amun after the feast, or be shunned by all.
Havliah swallowed audibly, spun on her heel, and left the celebration tent. As she went, a hush settled over the table for a few moments and then grew to the normal jovial ambiance of the celebration.
“Did you have to be so harsh, my son?” Ageit murmured so that only Elydian could hear.
“You have no idea what maliciousness that woman is capable of,” he replied in the same quiet tones.
A bushy gray brow rose over an inquisitive yet wise brown eye. “Indeed?”
Elydian’s frown melted into a grin. “And that’s all you’ll get from me on the subject, Ageit.”
“You would deprive an old man of innocent chitchat?”
“Innocent?” Elidain chuckled and shook his head. “I’ll leave you with this: I am glad of Lothar’s nonappearance tonight.”
“That’s not news, he hasn’t returned from what he promised to be a short trip to Anuk-dye yet, and besides, everyone at this table would concur with you.”
Elydian chuckled at his friend’s honesty.
Ageit leaned close to Elydian. “But what I want to know is, do his travels have anything to do with Havliah’s exile?”
“That, my friend, you will have to get from Lothar-Canute’s own mouth”
“I want nothing from that foul beast, especially from his mouth.”
At that moment, Jade slipped through the entrance to the tent. Me-Ma had worked magic in attiring the green-eyed beauty in formal dress—the traditional flowing blue gown of the Feast of Moons which reached to the floor and sported long, ruffle-cuffed sleeves. The best part of the dress, at least for Elydian, was the plunging neckline that dove between her soft, fleshy breasts. He longed to press his face there and lose himself in her scent. Tearing himself from the sensual fantasy, he noticed her hair was different tonight. Most of the dark silk sat atop her head—ringlets fell to frame her face, emphasizing her creamy skin.
Positive his eyes revealed what dwelt within his heart, Elydian came to his feet.
Ageit stood as well, facing the newest arrival.
* * * *
The second Jade’s gaze fell on Eli, his smile shown like a streak of light, and his eyes practically twinkled in reflection. She looked away from his face, unable to stand under his fervent regard. When she focused on the people around the table, they too stared openly at her. Murmurings swirled inside the tent like an invisible breeze. She felt herself shrinking away from the scene when Eli stretched out his hand to her in invitation to join him.
She took a shuttering breath and stepped toward him, concentrating on each step as not to topple over. Is this what it would be like when she received her diploma in June, a stuttering heart and frazzled nerves?
The second his hand closed over hers, she melted into the warmth and smiled up at him. He drew her toward him, closer to the table. The last few hours she’s spent with Me-Ma and Tar-Quinia, the woman who’d tailored her gown, had been agony. She’d missed Eli—missed him as if he’d left for the other side of the world. She stood there now gazing up at him, hoping she didn’t look too cow-eyed—too in love, because damn it all, she was in love with him. She hadn’t meant it to happen of course, but it did; possibly even before she let him make love to her. Her approa
ching graduation was insignificant in comparison to what lay ahead. Just how they’d fit into each other’s lives, she knew, would eventually have to be dealt with. But tonight she wished that time would stand still. She wanted to enjoy every moment with Eli, and she wanted him to be proud to have her by his side.
“Jade, allow me to introduce Ageit-Kabeed, Omari Amun’s most learned scientist and a very old friend of mine.”
Before she had a chance to greet him, Ageit spoke. “You are as refreshing as rain, my dear.”
Feeling her cheeks heat, she nodded her thanks for his kind words. “How do you do, sir?”
“Very fine, and I’m sure Elydian is too, now that you have arrived.”
Eli cleared his throat. “I have a seat for you right here.” He pulled out her chair, and she sat, thankful that all eyes were no longer trained upon her person.
Ageit and Eli took their seats. Eli leaned toward her. “You are…you look…”
Breathless and eager for his praise, Jade encouraged him. “Yes?”
From the entrance of the tent, Me-Ma called out. “Omari, it’s time to introduce the musicians.”
His anticipatory look turned bitter-sweet. “We shall finish our conversation another time, Zsa-ninah.” Eli took her hand from atop the table and kissed the inside of her palm.
“I certainly hope so, mister.” Jade grinned and watched his masculine form exit the tent. She sighed and wished she would have had her wits about her to tell him not to be gone too long. The man stirred her blood like a cauldron of boiling moonshine.
“You will have to forgive him, Jade.” She heard Ageit say. “Our feast is steeped in traditions even the young Omari is wary of breaking.”
She turned to Ageit. “This whole place is about tradition, isn’t it?”
He chuckled. “I suppose you could say that. We have many celebrations we cherish that date back all the way to ancient times, The Feast of Moons, of which you are aware, the Adoration of the Oasis, the Omari-Nah Champion Competition—very important to the hierarchy of the Omari, which, as a matter of fact, I believe will commence three days from now.” A server stepped forward and poured water into Jade’s glass. “So,” Ageit continued and leaned toward her, “the Omari calls you Zsa-ninah.”
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