by Jane Jamison
He darted one of his eyebrows upward, and contradicting his heated gaze, kept his face passive. “Like I said, you were in bad shape when I found you. I had to get your clothes off so I could clean you up.”
His answer made sense, even if it only served to make the blush crawling up her neck and into her cheeks even hotter. She didn’t want to ask, but she had to. “Did you…do anything else?”
The gleam in his eyes she’d seen earlier intensified. If ever a man wanted a woman, it was him. “Not a damn thing. You can take that to the bank.”
She believed him. As much as her body ached, she knew she’d have been able to tell if he’d done anything more. Strangely, she felt a little disappointed. No, more than a little disappointed.
Didn’t he like what he saw? She sure did.
“Hmm. You act like you’re not happy about that.”
She jerked back. “What? Of course I am.”
His crystal-blue eyes narrowed. “Are you sure? If not, we could always rectify that.” He let his gaze drop then jerked it back to her face. “I’m willing if you’re able.”
“What makes me think you took your time getting the lay of the land? So to speak.”
“Well, I am only a man.” He laughed before she managed to give him a response. “Relax, Lace. I’m just joking around. I didn’t see a thing.”
She frowned, then recognized the playfulness in his expression. “Oh, right. Yeah, you’re a funny man. You strip a woman down and not see a thing. Right.”
“No one’s ever told me that I’m funny.”
It was her turn to chuckle. Now that she believed.
“Good. I’m glad you’re feeling better, but like I said before, let’s give it another try. Can you remember anything else? Maybe where you live? Or a family member’s name?” His gaze darted to her left ringless hand. “A boyfriend’s name or a husband’s?”
She didn’t even try to remember. Too many failures in such a short time didn’t do much for a girl’s ego. Especially when said girl had wanted more of a reaction from the hot man near her. Besides, if anything was going to come back to her, she had to believe that it would happen without trying. “No. Nothing.”
Was that what her life was going to be like from now on? One big, fat, clueless nothing?
“How long have I been here? Wherever here is.”
“Not long. Maybe a couple of hours. Try again. Think. Can you remember anything at all?”
“I told you no.” She shouldn’t throw her frustration at him, but she couldn’t help it.
If he’d thought she’d recall anything, he didn’t let on. “Okay, don’t worry about it for now. I’m going to give you some time to rest. After that, maybe you’ll feel better and something will come to you. We’ll talk again soon.”
Suddenly, it was all too overwhelming and she had to struggle to keep the tears from falling. “Maybe.” Yet there was no conviction behind the word.
His demeanor softened. “It will. You remembered your first name. That’s a good sign.”
That was true, but it didn’t mean much. One piece of information didn’t necessarily lead to another, much less an entire picture. The fear that had lessened threatened to swallow her again. She struggled to calm down.
He pointed to the door to her left. “That’s the bathroom. As long as you feel strong enough, you can take a bath. The warm water will help ease the aches.”
It was ridiculous, foolhardy even, but she couldn’t help herself. The idea of soaking her aching body was too appealing. Maybe once she felt better, she’d remember.
“I’d love to take a bath, but could you please help me?” She could already feel his strong arms around her.
I guess I’m not in too bad a shape if I’m turned on.
He was thrown—whether in a good way or a bad way she couldn’t tell—but he recovered fast enough. “Sure. Let me get it ready for you. I’ll make it warm, but not too hot. How about some bubble bath?”
He was so rugged, such a man’s man. And not the type to have bubble bath. Which meant, more than likely, that he had a woman.
Damn.
“Seriously?” She let her gaze slide over him, uncaring whether her growing desire was prompting the move or not. She had to know. “Since when would a man like you use bubble bath?”
He launched a different eyebrow skyward this time. “I don’t. It’s for guests. Like you.”
She bit back a smile, suddenly happy to know that the bubble bath didn’t belong to a woman. Or at least, not one special woman.
His face clouded. “Look, if you don’t want it, just say so. I don’t give a shit either way.”
His hard tone didn’t put her off. Instead, it turned her on. She’d always had a thing for bad boys, as long as they were good underneath the rough exterior. But she knew not to push him.
Guests? She wanted to ask him what kind of guests he was talking about. Amnesiacs? For some strange reason, she’d rather believe that than the possibility that most, if not all, of his guests were women.
He jerked his head to toward the bathroom. “Do you want to lean on me? Or do you want me to carry you?”
* * * *
He wanted to carry her again. Wanted to carry her over his shoulder with his hands on her butt again. That, however, was out of the question. At least for now.
He’d told himself over and over again since he’d first flopped her over his shoulder that the protective feeling he’d had was because she was in trouble. That was part of it, but he knew himself well enough to know that it wasn’t all of the reason. No matter how much he tried to deny it.
The real question was, why was he trying to deny it?
She was different with an extra something he couldn’t put his finger on. She wasn’t the drop-dead gorgeous type most men longed for like the supermodel he’d dated for a while. Her body wasn’t spectacular, although she had curves that made his mouth burn with the need to kiss every inch of her. She had an inner glow, a regal quality about her that transcended mere physical beauty.
Whatever it was, that something made him want to jump in front of a bus for her. Or take a bullet for her. Or scale the highest mountain to gain her admiration.
And getting her undressed without doing anything more than looking at her luscious curves? That was by far the hardest thing he’d ever done. Military duty included.
She’d taken his breath away once he’d gotten her clothes off. Her body had called to him before he’d undressed her, but without a stitch of material hiding her, she’d had him stepping back to regain his resolve not to ravish her. He’d seen his fair share of women before, some of them touted as great beauties, but not one of them could’ve held a candle to her. She had an indescribable essence that connected with something deep inside him.
Somehow, he’d made it through it. Barely. Gritting his teeth so hard that he was surprised he hadn’t cracked them, he’d stripped her filthy, torn clothes off her then washed her body as thoroughly as he could with a warm, wet hand towel. Yet the fantasies of tying her up with leather strips had racked him, making his cock grow as he’d fought the urge to claim her.
Claim her? That was more than merely enjoying her sex. And yet, that’s where his thoughts had taken him.
In the short time since he’d brought her home, he’d wondered more than once. Could she be the one they’d waited for?
He wasn’t sure he could help her to the bath, touch her again, without giving in to his need. She stared up at him, her kissable mouth parted in that way she had. His gaze locked on that spot, hoping she’d pass her tongue from one side to the other as she’d done earlier.
Oh, yeah. Just like that.
A man would do anything to see that pink tongue.
“Really? You’d carry me?”
He didn’t let his excitement show on his face. He was good at that. Had, in fact, used that particular talent while stationed overseas. Being a skinwalker helped. Animals were good at keeping their emotions hidden even from their ow
n kind, and since he could transform into any animal he wanted, he’d had plenty of practice.
“Unless you don’t want me to.” He couldn’t have told her that he didn’t want to carry her. That would’ve been a lie and he hated lies. But he couldn’t admit it, either.
He could see her thinking it over and almost lost his composure. She wanted him to carry her. Even if she hadn’t been totally aware before she’d conked out, maybe a part of her could recall his carrying her to his car. Either that or she’d come to for a bit when he’d hauled her into his home.
“I guess that would be the wise thing to do.” She darted her gaze away. “I mean, I’m still a little weak and—”
“And we wouldn’t want you to fall.”
Her silence confirmed what he’d said. He reached out for her. “Come on.”
She threw back the comforter, yanked on the flat sheet to keep her body covered, then placed a hand in his. Touching her again sent a shiver through him, but it wasn’t one that had anything to do with the cold outside. No, this shiver was born of heat and lust.
She swung her legs over the side and he pulled her to her feet. “Take it easy.”
“Seems like I’ve heard that before.”
“And it’s just as true now as it was then.”
She was standing up, her breasts pressing against his abdomen when her legs gave out. She let go of the sheet and he grabbed her, pulling her body even closer.
Searing need ripped into him, tearing at his gut while awakening every nerve ending. The beast inside him, the one that could change into any other animal, roared to life, calling for him to put her back on top of the bed, spread her legs and plunge his cock deep inside her pussy. He would tie her hands as was the way of his people and tell her to submit. She might fight him, but it would only be part of the game. If she didn’t want him—and he couldn’t imagine how much that rejection would hurt—he wouldn’t force himself on her.
He had to get her to want to submit to him. Needed her to do as he said during sex. The females of his kind always submitted to their mates. In doing so, it made the woman more powerful than the man.
When she lifted her green eyes to his, he wasn’t sure that his own legs wouldn’t give out. He wanted her more than any woman, hell, more than anything he’d ever wanted. She’d taken hold of him, libido, heart, and mind all in the same moment.
If she’d tried to pull away, he doubted he would’ve let her. If she’d struggled against him, he would’ve had to beg her.
Instead, she leaned closer to him, molding her body to his, her palms flat against his chest. He could smell her breath and hear the pounding of her heart. Amazingly, their hearts beat with the same rhythm. His cock leapt to life, pushing against her stomach.
He took her under the chin and lifted her face to his. Unless his need for her was playing tricks on him, he was sure she wanted him, too. He lowered his head, putting his mouth an inch from hers.
Her breath warmed his lips and made his cock jerk. She had to have felt it. Still, she leaned against him and his body came alive with her touch. His gaze met hers as he waited for her to push away or tell him to stop.
When she didn’t, he pressed his lips to hers.
He knew in that instant that his life would never be the same.
Tenderly, he kissed her, not pushing too hard in case he’d frighten her. He flicked the end of his tongue along the seam of her mouth and heard her mewl. His groan met that sound and mixed with it.
She tasted sweet like she’d just finished eating strawberries. The scent of her, a different kind of sweetness that combined with a subtle sexiness, swept into his nostrils and he drank in the aroma, knowing he’d never forget it even if he lost his memory as she had. Her body heat flowed over him, enveloping him in a cocoon that was filled with comfort and yearning. No, it was relief that he felt. Relief that he’d found the woman he’d longed for.
Her tongue that had teased him by slipping from one side of her mouth to the other tempted the tip of his. He chased after it, playfully following hers back inside her mouth.
If he didn’t have her soon, he’d go crazy. But he wouldn’t take advantage of her. After she recovered, however, he’d move heaven and earth to get her. The strawberry sensation hit him harder and he decided right then and there that strawberries were his favorite food and scent.
She rested her body against his, and if he’d moved away, she would’ve fallen. With that simple movement, she was giving him her trust, showing him that she believed in him.
His beast thundered to the surface, threatening to make him change. If he didn’t choose an animal form to take, the beast would change into a wolf. Once he did, he’d either have to bite her and make her his. Or run like hell as far as he could get from her.
Down. Stay down.
He hadn’t had to force his skinwalker into submission often, but when he did, it took a lot out of him. He hated like hell to stop it, in fact enjoyed morphing into an animal, but he broke the kiss, and dragged in a breath.
“Don’t stop.”
If it weren’t for his sensitive hearing, he doubted he would’ve heard her. The allure of her voice threatened to bring his lips back to hers.
I have no right. She’s too vulnerable.
He had to search for a way to break her spell over him and did the one thing that he knew would work. He brought the image of Willy Witham into his mind. Willy, a fresh-faced boy from Nebraska, had died in his arms after a sniper attack. Willy’s lifeless eyes had stared at the sky above. His boyish face had been slashed with a grimace at the cruel surprise of his death.
If anything could take away his desire, it was the thought of the cold young soldier’s body in his arms.
He let out a shaky breath, then opened his eyes and looked down at her. He was determined to treat her as the queen she was. Come hell or high water.
In one swift move, he snatched up her sheet to cover her again, lifted her into his arms, and turned toward the bathroom. Once inside, he settled her onto the cushioned bench next to the walk-in closet, then straightened up and shifted his attention to the huge tub. His body was stiff, his cock hurting, when he pivoted away from her nude body.
“Zack?”
He made sure his expression showed nothing of the turmoil raging inside him. “You need a bath.”
Surprise registered in her eyes, paining him deep in his gut. He hadn’t meant it as an insult, but she’d taken it that way. And maybe that was for the best. He’d help her into the bath, then get out.
Although the back of the home, the part where the bedrooms were, was located in the front part of the adjoining cave, the bedrooms were modern with running water, heated floors, showers, and larger-than-normal whirlpool tubs. The bedroom where he’d placed Lace was one of the smaller ones. With the back part of the house jutting into the cave, there were no windows in the walls, save for one small one in her bedroom. Instead, skylights dotted the ceiling above them.
Even as he turned on the faucet and adjusted the temperature, he had to wonder why he hadn’t taken her to the master bedroom. Yet it wasn’t too surprising, considering that he and Chan had agreed to save the biggest bedroom for the woman they’d share for the rest of their lives. Letting the tub fill, he took the bottle of bubble bath and dumped a generous portion into the water. White soapy suds multiplied quickly.
He brought Willy’s face to the forefront of his mind. His cock was slowly growing flaccid again. Reminding himself that she wasn’t in any shape for him to take her, he faced her. And once again, he was blindsided by his need for her.
She sat on the edge of the cushion, the sheet covering her from just above her breasts to below her knees. Although the sheet hid most of her body, she was still the sexiest woman alive. His mouth watered and his cock twitched, threatening to come to life again. If he didn’t move fast, she’d notice the emerging tent in his jeans. If she hadn’t already.
He went to her, his nerve steeled, his resolve firm. He’d gone
through hell and back. He could survive her, too.
She wrapped the sheet around her body and stood as he took hold of her arm. The need to have her ripped into him and he gritted his teeth, refusing to give in. Sliding a hand around her waist, he helped her over to the tub. Yet when she lifted her leg over the edge, she wobbled and he was quick to pick her up.
The sheet covered only the front of her, leaving his arms against the back of her bare legs and back. Her flesh burned against his, taunting him with the urge to whip off the sheet and expose the rest of her. Before the touch of her broke down his defenses again, he lowered her into the water until her body was covered with bubbles.
She rested the sheet on the edge of the tub, her green eyes growing darker as she stared up at him. “Thank you.”
Her voice was breathy and sexy as hell. His came out strained. “Sure. No problem.”
If he didn’t get away from her soon, he’d lose it and nothing would be able to stop him. He paused, considered the possibility of giving in, then backed up. “If you think you’re going to be okay, I’ll head downstairs and round up something for you to eat and drink.”
Was that disappointment he saw? Or was it his own lust making him think he’d seen desire where there was none? If she wanted him to stay, she’d tell him.
Yet, even as he hoped she would, she smiled and said, “I’ll be fine. And food would be great. I’m starving. Thanks again.” Her temptress tongue slid from one corner to the other. “For everything.”
He nodded, no longer trusting what he might say. Turning on his booted heel, he strode from the room.
* * * *
Lace leaned against the side of the tub and watched Zack leave. Her emotions were all over the place, whirling around inside and tightening her chest. Fear, hopelessness, confusion spun together, making her unable to focus on any one thought for long. Yet those feelings were understandable.
Lust, however, wasn’t.
Zack was amazing, a man’s man and a woman’s man, too. His body was perfection, cut muscles covered with bronze skin. His face made her think of the rugged heroes of the past as well as the dashing men of the present that graced the big screens.
