He sauntered closer, moving in the slow saunter of his that made her hot. She’d have to get over him. He wouldn’t want to marry her, not now with the way she looked. The way she sounded like a croaky duck squawking for breakfast.
Roman perched on the edge of the bed and took her hand in his. His touch seared her flesh, bringing a shiver. His clean, fresh scent of lemons and the outdoors made her weak with longing. She tried to disengage their hands, but he refused to let go.
“What’s this nonsense about me not wanting you?” He placed her hand directly on his groin. “Does this feel as though I’m repelled? I love you, babe. I still want to marry you. I’m sorry you can’t sing anymore. I know how much you enjoyed it, how good you were at entertaining.”
Asia gasped, heat suffusing her cheeks. Was it possible? Her gaze flew to his and she saw the same longing that festered inside her. She saw acceptance, approval.
Asia saw love.
“Are you sure?” she managed. At least she could talk a little now. The healer kept assuring her the raspy note would lessen with time.
“Positive,” Roman said.
Asia struggled upward and slipped from the bed. The sheets fell away, baring most of her scarred body to his gaze. She’d chosen a loose-necked gown that didn’t hug her breasts and irritate her wounds. It also made it easy for the healers to check her injuries. “Last chance to run.”
“Babe. I’m so sorry,” Roman said. He raised his hand and gently traced the puckered wound that curved around the top of her breast.
Asia bit back a gasp at his touch. Arousal. Heck, he made her want him with a mere touch. “Still want me?” She had to be sure.
“In a heartbeat.” He leaned over to brush a kiss on the healing wound at her throat. “Always,” he murmured. “I love you, babe. You’re not getting away that easy.”
The doubt seeped away, replaced by another emotion. Love. “I love you too, Roman.”
“About time,” he murmured, and he lowered his head and kissed her to seal the bargain. Then, with a grin, he went to the door.
At first she thought he intended to leave, but he turned the lock and came back to the bed, unfastening the buttons on his shirt as he advanced.
“What are you doing?” Hesitation shaded her voice.
“I need to touch you so we’re going to cuddle. But before we do that I intend to kiss every one of your wounds.”
“You don’t want to do that,” she croaked.
“Yes, I do.” He brushed a lock of hair off her face. “I want to prove how much I desire you.”
“I’m ugly.”
Roman stripped off the last of his clothes and smiled at her. “Off with the nightgown.”
“I…no.”
“Please, babe. Do it for me.”
Fear hit Asia. The wounds were healing rapidly because of her shapeshifter nature, but they still looked horrid—all red and livid. Despite her love for him, the light of approval in his eyes, she worried about her looks. Why did he want her when there were other more beautiful women available, women without scars? Woman with musical voices. Before she could dredge up more objections, he urged her to lift her body and whisked her nightgown off. Instinctively, Asia closed her eyes, her muscles tensing in fear.
“Open your eyes, babe.” His quiet insistence pushed past her fears, and she slowly opened her eyes.
Approval shone in his face and his mouth curved in a smile. “I love you. I love the person you are inside. Generous. Giving. Courageous.” He leaned over her and kissed her below one breast, right on top of a red scar. Not the slightest bit of distaste showed on his face, and some of the tenseness left her body.
Asia gasped when he traced his fingers along the jagged line. By the time he finished, her body quivered. The lazy stroke of his hands and tongue was driving her crazy.
“Are you too sore to make love?” Once again, he didn’t give her the chance to say no. He lifted her so she could straddle his body and gestured at his erection. “Take me inside you. Please.”
She couldn’t say no. With his touch he’d made her feel special, and the glow in his eyes did the rest. Any man who could touch and kiss a woman like he’d just done to her was one in love. She truly believed he loved her and it wasn’t pity.
Rising up a fraction, she guided his cock to her opening and sank down, impaling herself while he watched her with his keen gaze. She rode him slowly, studying him in return.
“You feel good,” he said. “Tight. Hot. Perfect.” He strummed a finger across her swollen clit while she rocked, driving them both to distraction. She came first with Roman following soon after.
It was perfect, and she’d never felt more loved.
* * * * *
The waves crashed into shore. A gull flew overhead. They walked to the water’s edge, paddling as they ambled down the beach.
“Do you think your tribe will ever accept me?” Asia asked, linking her fingers with his.
“I’ll admit it won’t be easy at first. Some of the tribe will continue to be suspicious of the Transients. Some of your tribe will feel the same way. Our joint rescue effort and the way your mother assisted with the apprehension of the remaining rebels helped our tribes see we can work together.”
“You married me, despite the possible tension and backlash.” Asia couldn’t keep the troubled note from her voice. “I can’t help but worry.”
“I love you and couldn’t help myself,” Roman said smiling and squeezing her fingers gently. “Don’t worry. Our marriage sends a positive statement. It shows our commitment, our belief in closer relations between our tribes. It tells our people that both tribal leaders accept the idea of change. It’s important to show by example.”
“But what about Helena’s brothers? They’re not taking her death well. They’re blaming you, accusing you of her murder.”
“And most think it was probably the shark mercenaries who did the deed because she didn’t pay them. I have witnesses from both tribes who know I didn’t do it because I haven’t been alone since your attack. You know that.”
Asia nodded, despite her lingering concern for Roman. “Our healers say she was covered with wounds similar to mine.”
“And that’s what the records will show once the Resident healers do an autopsy on her. Asia, it will work out. We knew our marriage would create tension initially. All we need is time for everyone to get used to the idea.”
“I’m happy with you,” Asia said. “Very happy.”
“Good. I don’t want to talk about our tribes. Wanna swim?” Roman drawled.
“I have a better idea.” Asia undid the buttons on his shirt, revealing the hard muscle she loved to look at, to touch. She tugged his hand and drew him away from the water. The sand was warm on her bare feet while the faint breeze stirred her hair.
“And what would that be, Mrs. Anderson?”
They’d sneaked away to marry the previous day and it still made her giddy thinking about being his wife in fact. “We’ll make love then we’ll swim.”
Roman shrugged the shirt off, and Asia took a minute to admire the man’s broad shoulders and gorgeous tan. This was a big step for her, and judging by the expression on Roman’s face, he knew it. So far, apart from the first time when he’d barged into her room, they’d kept their lovemaking in the bedroom with darkness shrouding sight. They hadn’t even swum together. Today she wanted to show him she believed in their love.
Asia tugged her T-shirt over her head. She hesitated, allowing the fear to take hold. It grew rapidly, making her want to run. Her scars looked so terrible, especially the one around her neck.
“Show me your beautiful breasts.”
His gaze was on her cleavage, but then he looked up at her. His dark eyes were full of desire. For her. That gave her courage. Her hands went to the front closure of her bra. She flicked it open and allowed her breasts to spill free. Asia stood and before her courage waned, she wriggled out of her denim shorts and silky panties.
“You
are so lovely, babe. I have to keep reminding myself that you’re mine.” He took her hand and tugged her down to his side. “My woman.”
Asia shivered when his hands cupped her breasts. The rough rasp of his fingertips over her flesh made her shiver with anticipation. Between her legs moistened, preparing her for their joining. He rolled a nipple between his fingers. Asia bit back a groan, her desire escalating into a desperate need for more of his touch. So hot. So fast. She needed him now.
“Now,” she implored. “Don’t make me wait.”
Roman smiled, a little wickedly. Her pulse rate hiked at the promise inherent in his eyes, his expression. She rolled over on her back and spread her legs without shame. The sun shone down overhead, warming her skin with tiny kisses. She noticed Roman’s hands shook as he attempted to remove the last of his clothes. The final doubts dissolved. He really didn’t care about her scars and imperfections. All he saw was beauty, someone he loved. Her.
“I love you, Roman. I’d like it even more if you made love to me. Now.” Her voice was husky and full of emotion and longing.
Roman chuckled as he joined her on the blanket they’d spread out on the sand.
He kissed her and trailed kisses across her jaw, down her neck, scoring the tender skin along her throat and ending with another kiss at one end of a scar. Fire whipped through her as she inhaled the scent of soap and hot male. The stroke of his fingers, followed by his tongue across the curve of one breast turned her greedy. She wanted it all, and she wanted it now.
Cupping a breast with her hands, she offered it to him, beaming with pleasure when he accepted her impatient offer. When he sucked a burgeoning nipple into his mouth, she slid her hands down his back, straining upward so he took more of her breast. She luxuriated in the tug of his mouth, the answering pulse between her legs and the juices seeping from her pussy. His touch set her on fire. She admitted it. The sensations cascaded across her like a shower of warm water.
“Roman,” she whispered, shivering when he bit her nipple with a light and exquisite nibble. Pleasure coursed through her body and she shifted on the blanket, ready to beg him to hurry. “Please, Roman. I need you to fill me, to fuck me now. Please.”
“Since you asked so nicely, babe.” He paused to kiss her, stroking his tongue into her mouth in a manner that reminded her of exactly what she wanted from him. “It will be my pleasure. Just as soon as I taste you.”
Lifting his head, he grinned at her pout and kissed her way down her body, taking random love bites that made her giggle. Finally, he delved between her legs and used delicate flickers of his tongue to drive her crazy. He laved and sucked, taking her close but not giving her enough to push her over into orgasm.
“Roman?”
“Soon, babe.” The wet rasp of his tongue punctuated the words, and she quivered, loving the contrast of his soft tongue and the rasp of the dark stubble that lined his jaw.
“Payback is a fine thing,” she warned.
“So I hear. You can pay me back anytime. Any place.” But he lifted his body and buried himself in her hot core with a seamless thrust. Her pussy contracted, clasping him as tightly as her arms wrapped around him. Roman was her mate. She was his. They belonged together.
Roman thrust. Once. Twice. Three times. Sensation soared within Asia, spilling over in incredible pleasure. She shattered with explosive force, felt Roman thrust again and come inside her. Oh yeah, they belonged together. They were a team.
Asia sighed in contentment and pressed a lazy kiss against his sweaty shoulder, thinking of the last frantic month.
Two orcas from opposing tribes. Together they would bring their people together and make the orca shifters a strong race. They’d live on both Auckland Island and keep her apartment in the city. The future looked bright because together they were one. Currents might run deep but they ran true, and sleeping with the enemy was the best move she’d ever made.
About the Author
Shelley lives in Auckland, New Zealand, with her husband and a small, bossy dog named Scotty.
Typical New Zealanders, Shelley and her husband left home for their big OE soon after they married (translation of New Zealand-speak: big overseas experience), a year-long adventure lengthened to six years of roaming the world. Enduring memories include being almost sat on by a mountain gorilla in Rwanda, lazing on white sandy beaches in India, whale watching in Alaska, searching for leprechauns in Ireland and dealing with ghosts in an English pub.
While travel is still a big attraction, these days Shelley is most likely found in front of her computer following another love—that of writing stories of romance and adventure. Other interests include watching rugby and rugby league (strictly for research purposes *grin*), being walked by the dog and curling up with a good book.
Shelley welcomes comments from readers. You can find her website and e-mail address on her author bio page at www.ellorascave.com.
Tell Us What You Think
We appreciate hearing reader opinions about our books. You can e-mail us at [email protected].
Also by Shelley Munro
Best Man
Curse of Brandon Lupinus
Ellora’s Cavemen: Dreams of the Oasis III anthology
Fallen Idol
Fancy Free
Fringe Benefits
Issy’s Infatuation
Last Wish
Lovers At Last
Middlemarch Mates 1: Stray Cat Strut
Middlemarch Mates 2: Peeping Tom
Middlemarch Mates 3: Scarlet Woman
Middlemarch Mates 4: Assassin
Middlemarch Mates 5: Cat and Mouse
Middlemarch Mates 6: Cat Burglar
Middlemarch Mates 7: Leticia’s Lover
Price of Love
Sex Idol
Sex, Spies and Sapphires
Summer in the City of Sails
Talking Dog 1: Talking Dogs, Aliens, and Purple People Eaters
Talking Dog 2: Never Send a Dog To Do a Woman’s Job
Talking Dog 3: Romantic Interlude
Unforgettable
Discover for yourself why readers can’t get enough of the multiple award-winning publisher Ellora’s Cave. Whether you prefer e-books or paperbacks, be sure to visit EC on the web at www.ellorascave.com for an erotic reading experience that will leave you breathless.
www.ellorascave.com
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