She lost her capability to speak. She opened her mouth, but no words came out. Wanted to protest, to say she wasn’t ready for that yet, but her body told another story. His words alone turned her on, and everything inside her screamed for more.
Wind’s touch slowly moved under her pants when she didn’t answer.
Celise was unable to stand still as he kept moving down slowly, torturous inch by torturous inch.
He was testing his bond.
His hand shook, and it didn’t take much for her to realize he was nervous too, but nothing seemed wrong. His bond seemed to behave.
It was bliss. It was torture.
Especially when he finally reached his goal.
“This is fascinating.” His voice shook. “I can touch you. I can actually touch you.”
Celise smiled, glad his bond didn’t object, but when his palm cupped her private area, she gasped. She arched her back against his chest when one of his fingers parted her and reached for her sensitive nub. “Oh my God,” she squeaked.
He pressed his finger against her clit, circling with a gentle pressure, making her body quiver harder. It was becoming difficult to stand.
She’d been with other men, but she’d never had a serious relationship. None of them had ever made her feel like this, either.
Wind’s caress made her world spin, and her need for release was almost painful. If he’d stop, she’d scream.
“You’re ready to fall apart in my arms,” he whispered in her ear.
“Yes, please,” she moaned and licked her lips. Celise wrapped her arms around his neck, leaving her completely exposed to him.
His other hand went for her breast as he added another finger and increased the pressure against her clit.
Celise closed her eyes and allowed her body to take over. Her need for him was so great there was no other way to go. She was lost in the pleasure.
She inhaled when Wind grabbed her nipple and pinched it, making it harden between his fingertips. She jolted and longed for more.
Everything around her faded. All there was was him. He placed gentle kisses on her neck. It made her shiver, awakening goosebumps on her skin.
His breathing seemed to become ragged along with hers. She felt his hot breath against her ear as he increased the pressure on her sensitive nerves. Wind went from being careful, to intense and determined. He knew what he was doing, and when she couldn’t handle more, her body ignited.
Celise’s knees gave out beneath her as she came, but Wind didn’t allow her to fall as he worked her mercilessly. She was unable to hold back her scream.
Wind made her feel so good, and he’d made her come so hard it was impossible to hold back.
When it was over, she collapsed in his arms. A thin coat of sweat had broken out on her skin. There was no strength left in her, but she’d never been happier.
He lifted her up in his arms and carried her to the bed. He laid her on the sheets and gave her a gentle smile, but she didn’t miss the sad look in his eyes.
“Are you all right?” she asked.
He nodded. “Yes, I’m fine. Don’t worry.” He grabbed his shirt and tugged it off.
He had satisfied her, but the sight of his bare skin stirred her desire again. His broad shoulders, muscular chest, and perfect fair complexion made her realize she hadn’t had the chance to really touch him yet, to explore his body.
She met his gaze, studying him. He’d always made her feel like she could turn to him, no matter what. He’d always cherished their friendship, despite her feelings for him. Wind had never turned his back on her, and she’d never seen him angry.
These last two days were the first time she’d seen him frustrated, but it was understandable. He was losing his bound one and was forced to bind himself to another woman to survive.
Celise sat up and grabbed his hand, making him sit on the bed. “I’m so sorry, Wind for all you have to go through. I’ve always had your support, and I promise, you’ll always have mine. No matter what happens, you can always turn to me. I’ll always be there for you.”
He blinked and surprise crossed his face.
“I mean it,” she went on. “I’ll be the bound one you deserve to have.”
Wind smiled then. “Thank you, Celise. I believe you. I know how strong your love for me is. Even if I wasn’t sure at first, I do believe now that you’re the one for me. Only you can replace Diane. No one else.”
His words warmed her heart, but they made it ache, as well. She was still a replacement, but she couldn’t focus on that. She blinked away tears. “You don’t want me to—?”
He hesitated. “I’m not there yet. I enjoyed touching you, but—”
Celise’s heart fell to her stomach. “I understand.” Her cheeks burned from embarrassment, hurt radiated.
“Don’t be ashamed, Celise. It’s not your fault.” He squeezed her hand. “We’ve come further than I ever dared to imagine in just one day. If it continues like this, my eyes will flash soon.” He looked at her lips. “I want to kiss you.”
She winced. “Why?”
Amusement filled his eyes. “Because I feel like it. I’ll pull back if the bond protests.”
Celise prepared herself for the worst as Wind leaned closer.
He stopped just inches from her face. He tensed and seemed to be preparing himself as well. Then he pressed his lips against hers for two seconds and pulled away.
Their gazes met.
“Well?” she asked.
“I didn’t feel any objection from the bond.”
She smiled. “Try again.”
Wind didn’t hesitate this time. He perched over her on all four and pressed his mouth to hers.
She loved the feeling of his warm and gentle lips. If she hadn’t known he wasn’t in love with her, the kiss would’ve fooled her.
Butterflies danced in Celise’s stomach. For the first time ever, she got to experience what it was like to lie beneath him. He wasn’t directly on top of her, but close enough. It became almost impossible to resist the impulse to wrap her arms around him.
His eyes were closed, and Wind rested his hand against her cheek, kissing her slowly without pushing his tongue inside her mouth, but it was enough to get her worked up again. Especially since he seemed to be enjoying himself.
But then Wind jerked away with a groan. He pushed off the bed and grimaced. “Fuck, that hurt.”
Celise flew up, ready to comfort him, but he raised his hand.
“Give me a moment.”
His words hurt. Not because they made her feel rejected, but because the kiss hadn’t worked.
Almost a minute passed before he finally relaxed. “I’m all right now.”
“I don’t understand why this is happening. You should be able to kiss me if you can touch me.”
Wind remained silent for a few seconds. “I think the bond finds the kissing too intimate. It has accepted that I touch you, but it seems like kissing is a completely different thing.”
Celise blinked. “That sounds strange.”
He undressed but left his underwear on.
The sight of him made her almost speechless. She could do nothing but stare. He usually had loose pants on, hiding his long legs, but now, when she was able to see them, she was amazed by how muscular they were.
“Let’s go to sleep.” He encouraged her with a smile.
Her shyness returned as she took off her clothes too. It didn’t matter if he’d had his hands on her or seen her upper body naked. Letting him see the rest of her made her hot all over, even if she’d kept her panties on.
Celise hurried under the linens. It only made Wind chuckle.
He lay behind Celise, spooning her. His body heat instantly surrounded her, and she was in heaven.
She could stay like this forever. It was a dream come true, and the best part was that he didn’t seem to mind being here with her.
Wind held her tightly pressed against his body. “Are you comfortable?”
“Y
es,” she said with a lazy voice. “Are you?”
“Yes, very much so. Sleep now. I’m not going anywhere.”
She closed her eyes and smiled to herself. Sleep slowly swept over her as exhaustion encouraged her to rest. The silence in the room and Wind’s body heat made her drowsy. She felt safe, she even felt loved and cared for. A feeling she hadn’t felt for a long, long time, but as she slipped into the world of dreams, Celise could’ve sworn she’d heard a silent cry coming from afar.
CHAPTER 13
Celise opened her eyes and yawned. She’d slept like a baby. No wonder considering what she’d been through the past day.
It was far from over, but at this very moment, she was happy. She lay on a comfortable bed, covered with white linens, and was surrounded by a pleasant warmth.
The sun was shining outside, spreading a bright light inside the room.
Wind lay beside her, still asleep.
She couldn’t help but smile and admire his handsome face.
Wind breathed slowly. He looked relaxed, and she didn’t miss the gentle smile on his lips. Was he dreaming about something nice?
A lock of his brown hair lay over his forehead. Celise brushed it away and touched his warm skin. It made her heart jump. She wanted nothing more but to move closer and embrace him, but she pulled her hand back instead. She didn’t want to wake him. He needed his sleep, too.
The best part was that Wind really was trying to transfer his bond to her even if it caused him great pain. That meant a lot to her, because his love for Diane was strong, and that would never change.
She hated being the one to take him away. She wanted Diane and Wind to be happy. She wanted her to live, even if it meant she’d never be with him. He preferred Diane, and always would. They were so much more alike.
Celise sighed. This was a complicated situation that gave her a headache. She didn’t want to hurt Diane, but hurt was unavoidable, probably for all three of them.
She remembered the crying she’d heard before falling asleep. At first, she’d thought she’d imagined it, that her fatigue had played tricks on her, but now she knew it had been Diane. Without a doubt.
Celise knew what she had to do. It didn’t matter how much she wanted to stay in bed with Wind, she and Diane needed to talk. They still hadn’t had the chance just the two of them.
She glanced at Wind one final time. He was still asleep and didn’t wake when she climbed out of bed.
Celise put her clothes on and left the room. She headed for the bathroom, took care of her needs, brushed her teeth, and combed her hair. When she was ready, she went looking for Diane. Hopefully, she was awake.
She headed for the room Diane had taken last night and knocked on the door. At first, there was only silence.
“Come in,” Diane finally said.
With a heavy heart, Celise entered the room. It wasn’t big. It had a rectangular shape, with space for a bed and a wardrobe. The interior was bright and appealing, just like the rest of the house. It was a guestroom, and it made her heart clench even more.
Her friend had spent the night alone in her own guestroom.
On the other end of the room were wide open doors leading to a balcony with white metal railings. Diane sat out there on an armchair with her back to Celise.
She swallowed and stepped out on the balcony.
It was warm, but Diane’s legs were covered with a blanket. A small, round table stood by the chair. A hot cup of tea with a tiny slice of lemon in it rested there. Steam rose from the cup.
Celise studied Diane. She didn’t look well at all, with the dark bags under her eyes and uncombed hair. Her skin was paler than usual, and her hands and lips had a bluish hue. She seemed to be freezing.
Maybe their activities last night with Wind had been too much for her.
“Good morning, Celise.” Diane smiled.
Celise swallowed hard. “Good morning.”
“Did you and Wind bond?”
Heat rushed to Celise’s cheeks as she leaned against the railings. “Not yet.”
Concern crossed her friend’s expression. “You weren’t able to have sex?”
Unease swept over Celise. Telling Diane these things didn’t feel right. She was his bound one after all. “He could touch me, but … um … couldn’t kiss me for long, and he wasn’t able to—” Celise looked away.
“I see.” Diane was quiet for a while before she sighed. “I guess we still have things to work on then.”
“Jade said this could take time, but I believe we’ve accomplished a lot for one day.”
“Yes, I agree. He knows you and likes you. That’s probably why.”
Another silence filled the balcony.
“Diane, I—” Celise lost her words.
Diane’s lips twitched. “I know what you’re going to say.”
She winced. “You do?”
“You feel like you’re stealing Wind from me. Am I right?”
Celise held her breath as she nodded.
“I chose this. I proposed this to Wind, and he accepted. You don’t have to feel like that, because I’m glad you’re the one to take over the bond. You’re the best option.” Diane grabbed her arm. “I’m calmer knowing he’ll be safe with you once I’m gone. Seeing him with a stranger would’ve given me a stomach ache.” She smiled. “I’m glad you chose him, too.”
Celise stared at Diane. She had no idea what she should say.
“I’m all right with this. I really am, Celise.”
“But … I heard you cry.”
Her friend’s smile faded. “Well, those things are unavoidable. He means the world to me, and when I heard you last night—” Her gaze turned serious. “Don’t get me wrong. I love Wind with all my heart, but I’ll also do everything in my power to make sure the bond is transferred to you. The last thing I want is him dying with me, or worse, ending up as one of the Fighters.”
Celise agreed. “I don’t want that either.”
“After listening to what Shade and Phoebe had to say about Nightmare and his gang, I can’t stand the thought of my gentle Wind being among them. If my death doesn’t kill him, they would. One way or another.”
She shivered. She’d heard Shade’s and Phoebe’s story as well, and it hadn’t been pretty.
Nightmare had injured Shade by trying to remove his bond to Phoebe. He’d tried to replace it with another signal, to make Shade forget her. The rogue leader had been sure it’d work, but it hadn’t. Shade had almost died. He’d spent days in MedAct’s care after that. Now, Phoebe’s cyborg was in her care. She checked him every other day and reported back to Jade. So far, things seemed all right.
“So, what do we do today?” Celise asked.
“I guess we continue where we ended yesterday. Wind can touch you now, but he can’t kiss you. We must make sure you two have sex as soon as possible.”
They’d always seemed so open about sex, but Celise had a hard time with that. “Do you think you’ll need to—?” The words died in her mouth.
A grin appeared on Diane’s lips. “I don’t know. Maybe. Is that something you’d mind?”
“I .. um … I don’t know …”
Diane studied her. “Have you ever slept with a man? You seem so shy about sex and intimacy.”
“Yes, I have. I’ve had a few relationships, but my work has always been more important to me.”
“So you don’t have much experience?”
She shook her head.
“Well, I guess it’s a good thing Wind and I have plenty of experience.”
Celise almost jerked out of her skin. “What?”
Diane chuckled. “Don’t look so surprised. He and I have experimented a lot over the years. We both have high sex drives, and once the bond is yours, you’ll have all that to yourself. I’m sure Wind will want to teach you all about it.”
Celise couldn’t stop staring at Diane as all kinds of images crossed her mind of Wind in different sexual positions. She’d never believed Wind was int
o sex that much. He didn’t seem the type.
“I don’t mind a threesome, just so you know, Celise. If that’s what has to happen then don’t be afraid to ask me. I’m sure Wind won’t mind either.”
Celise was unable to answer. Her jaw dropped, and the back of her neck went hot, searing into her cheeks.
“I shocked you, didn’t I?”
She closed her mouth and tried not to imagine all three of them in bed, but strangely enough, a tiny hint of interest awakened within her.
“I know I did,” Diane went on with an undying smile.
The door to the room opened, and Celise winced.
Wind entered the room and joined them. He was dressed in black sweatpants and a white shirt. His hair was wet, and his skin almost seemed to glow from freshness.
It made her heart stutter. He was breathtaking with his fit and elegant features, and he looked her right in the eyes. He didn’t seem the slightest ashamed of what they’d done before going to sleep. She, on the other hand, couldn’t escape the embarrassment flushing her.
“Good morning, ladies.” He approached Diane, bent down, and kissed her on the cheek.
Diane caressed his arm. “Good morning, love.”
When he straightened and turned to her, Celise tensed. He approached her slowly, looking her deep into the eyes. Excitement lingered in his. “Celise.” His voice was like the sweetest whisper, teasing her tingling insides.
She swallowed and nodded, unable to say his name.
He cupped her face and gave her a look that made her melt on the inside.
Celise didn’t move. She couldn’t move. His touch almost made her forget to breathe. His masculine and appealing scent hit her senses. He smelled fresh from his shower, like an ocean breeze.
He bent down to kiss her but stopped before his lips touched hers. Wind tilted her head to the side and went for her throat instead.
Celise was unable to hold back a gasp as his lips made contact with her sensitive skin. He made her shiver all over. She closed her eyes as warmth in her body rose, making her head spin.
He nibbled her earlobe as his hands explored her form.
She loved it. She hated it. Diane was watching, and that made it awkward.
Wind pulled back with a wide smile. “The bond wouldn’t let me kiss your lips, but kissing you elsewhere is apparently acceptable.”
Loved Cyborg (Bound by Her Book 2) Page 7
