Guardian's Redemption

by Marie Harte

  Arim couldn’t think. He’d wanted answers, not happy that Lexa clearly avoided an important truth hanging between them. But her close proximity eroded his control. The feel of her mouth under his blew his ability to reason completely apart. Groaning, he let her taste him. Succumbing to the sexual nymph licking his lips and delving into his mouth, Arim let her play as he basked in her touch.

  It had been so long, yet their connection felt as if it had never been broken. The magic tamped inside him reached out and caressed hers. Arim heard her gasp as his Light threaded through her body, and then she pulled him tighter, this Dark Lord, unlike the innocent he had once loved, so very commanding when it came to sex.

  Rubbing himself against her, Arim knew insane lust as he fought the urge to lower his hips and shove hard inside her. After so much time, though, he needed more. A quick fuck wouldn’t suffice. Her taste, the heady scent of Lexa aroused and wanting him, made his head spin and his heart yearn for more.

  Her small hands loosened their grip, caressing his scalp as she petted his dark hair. He cupped her head, angling her for a deeper kiss as his willingness to let her lead slipped. By Tanselm’s grace, the touch of her soft lips, so firm yet silky and ripe with her taste, had him near to exploding. Blue had a way of kissing so deep it felt as if she sucked at his very soul. In the years since their last coming together, that at least, hadn’t changed.

  She melted under him, her small resistance fading as she urged him closer. Pulling himself from her lips, Arim grazed her cheek and throat, sucking hard enough to leave a mark.

  “Arim, more,” Lexa gasped, squirming under him.

  He pulled back enough to glance at her, the sight of her flushed face and passion-stung lips making him long for the carnal pleasures he’d learned in the many years they’d been apart. The thought of putting himself in her mouth would have to wait, because he wanted to touch and feel the sleek skin beneath his body. Shoving the coffee table back and out of the way, he sank to his knees and nudged her thighs wider. Once nestled between her legs, he cupped her breasts. Her lids closed and she arched into his hands, her lips parted on a breathy moan.

  By the Light, she was perfection. A carnal delight that thrilled every cell in his being. She rasped his name as he rolled her nipples in his fingers and watched as they darkened in colour, the blood rushing to the hardening tips. Arim followed his hands with his mouth, taking one firm breast between his lips, sucking hard on her nipple.

  Like fresh iria, her scent aroused, an aphrodisiac making him that much harder. He could feel moisture weeping from his cock, the need to push inside her and release a constant lure. But the waiting would make the pleasure even sweeter.

  Turning to her other breast, he nipped and laved with his tongue, and was rewarded with a spark of energy that shook him straight to his core. He felt Darkness, a complete rush of power crawling though his body.

  It was anything but unpleasant.

  “Lexa,” he groaned around a nipple, unable to keep from thrusting against the couch cushion impeding his flesh. “Fuck.” He let her go and gripped her thighs, holding them wide. Staring down at her, he willed her to look at him. When she opened her eyes, he found himself drowning in the mixture of confusion, desire and anger swirling there.

  Ice blue orbs stared up at him, waiting. “Take me,” she said clearly, her voice husky, her gaze direct.

  He broke from her stare and gazed at her mound, at the thin strip of dark hair shielding her from his touch. Arim wasted no more time and bent lower, his breath a whisper over her curls.

  He smiled, glancing back up at her. “I’m going to devour you, Blue. I’m going to make you beg for it, for me.”

  Challenge lit her gaze, but her stare was anything but cold. Filled with sexual heat, she dared him to try.

  Bringing her to the edge of the cushion, Arim manhandled her into position. He spread her legs and lower lips, staring at the pink perfection of her sex. Glistening with dew, she was ready, her perfume going straight to his head. He blew a breath over her clit and chuckled when she shuddered. And then he took it all.

  Closing his mouth over her flesh, he sucked hard on the bud growing taut under his tongue and teeth. Licking and tasting, he gorged on her passion and her power. Darkness flowed into him, a stronger rush from her core, the very heart of Lexa’s femininity. Like a drug, she pulled him deeper under her spell, addicting him in an instant.

  Hard and aching, Arim couldn’t last much longer. Pulling with his lips, he sucked her flesh between his teeth and tugged. When he inserted a finger inside her, she blew apart.

  Lexa came hard, her orgasm so strong they joined as one before either could stop it. Arim had a glimpse of vast Darkness, of pure power and an echo of something that should have been there. But the absence within her wasn’t enough to stop the tide of desire rushing through him.

  Yanking her from the couch to the floor, Arim quickly covered her and thrust deep. He panted her name over and over as he took her, conquering his Dark Lord while revelling in the shocks of ecstasy spiralling out from her womb.

  Pressure roiled from within, her inner heat in contrast to her cooler skin, the texture of her womanly flesh, her breasts sliding against his chest again and again as he rode her pushing him to his limits. Soft hands dragged at his hips, and he found the edge and crested over, joining Lexa in bliss.

  “Blue,” he cried, shooting into the heart of her womb. His pleasure lasted what felt like forever, linking them together as his Light flooded her, mingling with the Dark that swam between them.

  When he gradually came back to himself, he noticed her soft caresses, her hands stroking his flanks and making him wish he had more to give her. But he needed a respite after such a mind-blowing climax. Staring down, he saw her looking up at him with a dreamy expression on her face…until she noticed his attention. Her eyes frosted over, and she clenched him tighter within her, startling a groan from him.

  “Hell, Lexa, not yet. Let me stay a moment more.”

  She immediately relaxed, but the caution was back on her face, and the sight of it had him missing something he wasn’t sure he’d had to begin with.

  Chapter Six

  Lexa stared up at Arim, her lover, with as much distrust as cautious affection. How he managed to slip beneath her safeguards time and time again after all the hurt he’d caused remained a mystery. A testament to his power, she thought.

  He flexed within her, and she had to bite her lip not to moan at the sheer pleasure of his touch after so many years. Like magic, they flowed together, their passion just one more thing linking them tight.

  Arim felt as if he’d been made just for her. If it were as simple as having great sex to solve her problems, she’d be in the bliss of the Next right now, contemplating an afterlife full of wonders. Instead, she felt her Dark essence begin to withdraw and hoped she hadn’t let anything slip in a weak moment.

  By Dark’s breast, her orgasm had completely shattered her. Her Light Bringer had learned a trick or two since they’d been together… She had to fight the jealousy she had no right to feel.

  Once young lovers eager to experience only each other, they’d loved completely in ignorance of another’s touch. In the time since, Lexa had her share of lovers. He’d certainly not been abstinent, not if his experienced mouth was any indication. Good Night, but what he’d done to her with that tongue…

  With a groan, Arim withdrew and lay down on the couch. In seconds he had her in his arms on top of him. He pressed her head to his chest and settled his chin in her hair. Warmth spread through her, affection that fought the tight constraints of protection she’d spent years perfecting.

  “The Djinn means nothing to you, does he?” he asked with a contented sigh.

  For a minute, Lexa had no idea what he was talking about. Then she recalled his probing questions about Jonas. “Why?” Why ask her that now? What did he hope to gain from the information?

  “Because you were so tight, so hungry for my touch.” />
  The jerk sounded way too arrogant, and Lexa decided to take the offensive, refusing to act the fool. “Oh? And you weren’t hungry for mine?” She slid a hand down his body and centred a cool blast in her palm, surprised when her magic actually worked. Arching the small energy over his shaft, she smiled at his exclamation and the firmness growing there. “Most men like what I can do for them.”

  Arim tensed. “Most men?”

  She shrugged, wishing they could go back to the calm press of their bodies, where the Netharat, ‘Sin Garu and Light versus Dark didn’t exist. But that would harm more than help, especially since just one taste of Arim meant she was losing her perspective.

  “Jonas is particularly handsome, I think. And very Dark, you know.”

  Arim reversed their positions before she could blink, and she found herself flat on her back looking up at him. “But it wasn’t his Darkness you were just clinging to, was it, sweet?” he asked silkily. “It was my mouth tasting you. My cock filling you with Light Bringer seed.”

  She pushed at his arms and he lowered himself, practically crushing her with his weight. Instead of feeling threatened, however, she felt incredibly turned-on. His jealousy pulsed like a warm wind, caressing her, as if readying her for another round of carnal pleasure.

  “You know, Blue, back then we were young. Innocent in the ways of pleasure. Of the games people play.” His eyes flashed with colour as he focused on her. “Seems like we’ve got nothing better to do than reacquaint ourselves. Since we’re both without magic at the moment, it’s my strength against yours.” He grinned, a mean smile that made her ache anew. “Your house, but my rules, my way. I have some questions I want answered. And you’re going to satisfy me.”

  “Right.” She huffed at a hank of hair suddenly in her eyes, disturbed when he caught both her wrists and held them over her head with one hand. With his other, he cupped her breast. Her body hummed with pleasure. Like a switch that had been thrown, she responded to his dominance, wanting more. Which scared her to death, because her heart didn’t seem to understand that sex and love didn’t necessarily go hand-in-hand.

  Panicked at the thought of losing herself again, of going through the pain of rejection, she blurted, “So is this how the great Arim Valens treats women, these days? Forcing them to have sex? Raping them? Maybe you’re not as different from my brother as you like to think.” It was a low blow and totally off the mark. But her comment had the desired effect.

  He released her as if she were toxic and leapt off the couch, immediately putting distance between them. “I am nothing like that curse that infects all it touches.” He scowled at her as if she held the same taint. “I thank you for reminding me just where your loyalties lie. And for the incredible fuck. Apparently, you’re only a frigid bitch when you’re fighting, because that pussy was hot enough to melt ice.” His eyes glittered. “Sure were hungry for it, weren’t you, Blue?”

  Anger burned. Had she been able, she would have scalded him with blue flame and watched the cold sear his flesh from his bones. This was the Arim she’d left behind all those years ago. The same sorcerer she’d been battling all these years. One mind-blowing orgasm and she’d forgotten all that?

  “Yes, I was desperate.” She eyed him up and down, as if she found him lacking. It was all she could do not to dwell on the hungry part of him rising yet again. No man, especially no Light Bringer, should have a body that tempting and a mind that infuriating. “But then, you’d know all about whores, hmm, Arim? The only way those Light Bringer women will touch you is if you pay them. Too much Darkness in you, I’ll bet. Isn’t that a shocker from Tanselm’s legendary Light Bringer sorcerer?”

  His expression blanked, and she smiled, pleased the information she’d learned about him proved correct. In the many years since they’d parted, she’d kept abreast of his conquests. To her surprise, he’d formed no lasting attachments. Only short flings with indiscriminating women, some whores, some not, who demanded nothing more than a favour or two, and Arim’s coveted body. Under an enchantment of truth, the women had admitted that Arim had a habit of bringing Dark energy into the bedroom with him—an energy she now recognised as familiar.

  Funny, but at the time of their initial pairing, Lexa had been too innocent to know how similar she and her lover truly were.

  Arim stepped forward, his anger a palpable force that had the air around him warming. Surprised he could manage that with Sava’s shield in place, Lexa nonetheless stood her ground as he stalked her. Then that part of her that was missing—the piece of her soul caught and held by the demons—cried out from the demon plane. She was reminded again of what she’d sacrificed for this man and realised what a terrible mistake she’d made.

  “Too much Darkness for the ladies of my world, yes,” he hissed, stopping a few feet from her. “But not enough for the Ice Bitch of Malern.” Inwardly, she winced, always hating that name. “‘Sin Garu’s little sister certainly knows how to fuck like the best of them.” He tossed her over his shoulder, leaning down to grab something.

  “What the hell are you doing? Put me down.”

  “You want me to keep my distance?” He laughed, an ugly sound that promised retribution. “Why should I? As you so clearly stated, I’m much more like your brother than I’d thought. Take you by force? Why the hell not?” He carried her into the bedroom.

  For the first time since she’d known him, Lexa felt real, honest fear towards the man she’d once loved with her whole heart. Just moments ago he’d gazed at her with tenderness, and now…this.

  As much as she struggled, she couldn’t free herself from his steely grip. He leaned down again, and she fought like a wildcat when she noticed what he’d picked up. A length of Dark-hide rope to match the one he’d fetched from the living room. Bound, she’d be helpless before him.

  “Arim, stop. Let me—”

  “Shut. Up.” He threw her on the bed and captured her hands, tying them together above her head and to the headboard behind her. Then he grabbed one flying ankle and secured it to the footboard, leaving her other leg free since he’d run out of rope.

  She was breathing hard, fear and excitement battling within her. The fear she understood, the excitement not at all. She’d never had rough sex before, and hadn’t particularly thought to try it. Watching Arim seethe with Darkness brought out her baser instincts. For as much as she wanted to be repelled by his strength, the Dark Lord within her revelled in his power, and in his willingness to use it.

  “Go ahead then, do your worst.” Lexa couldn’t help tensing when he leaned close. She closed her eyes, not wanting to appear weak while he took what she didn’t want to give. Her control. Her self-respect. Her last shreds of affection for memories of the man she’d once treasured.

  Seconds ticked by. A minute passed, and he did nothing. When she opened her eyes again, he was nowhere to be seen.

  Arim sat in a chair and stared at the wall, seeing nothing as he tried to calm his rage. That blue-eyed, black-haired witch was going to be the death of him. For one small, infinitesimally long second, he’d been tempted to take her by force. The thrill that afforded him made him ashamed to take his next breath.

  Seeing her tremble in fear had been almost as bad. Excitement he could handle. He’d seen that in her eyes. But fear?

  Leaving her side had been difficult when the Darkness inside him demanded he take what was his by right. A Darkness that shouldn’t have been there but was. He ran a weary hand over his face, humiliated Lexa knew what dwelled within him. He’d never been able to explain how a Light Bringer sorcerer so filled with Light could have such Dark needs, sexually. Lexa was just as bad, though she’d never admit it. For a Dark Lord, she had an amazing tendency to light up in bed, literally.

  The women he normally sated himself with liked bondage, a mixture of pain and pleasure that gave them that thrill they lacked. For Arim, it was as close a substitute to the pure Darkness he had only ever touched with Lexa. Still, the pain never matched the clarity of h
er blessed Night.

  Such a secret to hold. His family could never know. Ravyn would be appalled. His nephews would think him daft, and the Church of Illumination would order his head on a platter. Their beloved sorcerer, Tanselm’s Guardian of Storm and Killer of Shadow, at one with Darkness? Never.

  He flushed, embarrassed at such a weakness. But he’d always been this way. Tanselm knew who and what he was. The land accepted him. At first he’d wondered if the problems with his magic were her subtle way of finally rejecting him. Then he learned the land itself had a problem, and he felt simultaneously worry and relief.

  Lexa yelled his name, her voice gruff with anger and concern. Arim ignored her. He still didn’t understand how she could get to him. After such complete bliss, feeling their shared connection, he thought they’d actually begun to breech the hurt between them. And then she’d compared him to ‘Sin Garu? Referred to the evil as her brother?

  Something about her reaction didn’t ring true. He paused in thought. It was more than just Lexa’s avoidance about discussing Jonas. More than her odd reference to ‘Sin Garu, a man Arim thought she hated more than anything. She’d been with Arim every step of the way, her actions and sensuality in tune with his. Light’s breath, but a woman didn’t get that wet for a man she didn’t desire. What, then, was she hiding?

  He went over and over it in his mind, stopping when he remembered that odd sensation during orgasm. Lexa had been missing a part of her. In retrospect he’d thought it was her magic. What if that bit of her lacking wasn’t due to Sava’s spell, but to something more? She’d been attacked by demons. The only person alive Arim knew who’d survived a demon attack was Sava, an Aellein king much older and more powerful than many knew. And the man refused to discuss that bleak time in his past.

  His anger gone, Arim realised something else. When he’d lain with Lexa, all had been right with the world. She’d let him touch her, had breathed easily onto his chest. Then he’d blown it asking about Jonas.