ROMANCE: The Surprise That Rocked Me

by Linda Wright

  “Would you go to the marina with me?” she asked as he kissed her neck. Her voice was shaky.

  “I would…” Kiss. “…go anywhere…” Kiss. “…if it meant I could…” Kiss. “…be with you.” Kiss.

  “I’d need you wait for a few hours, then follow me down there. When you get to the gate—”

  “I don’t want to wait.” Kiss. “I want to go everywhere you go.” His hands slid down her back to cup her cheeks. Evidently his mind still remembered touching her body, otherwise he wouldn’t have been so presumptuous.

  “No, you have to listen.” She pressed her palms to his cheeks. “You need to turn up on your own, and beg to see me.”

  “But I have you here.”

  She sighed. “I won’t always be here.”

  “Why not?” His brown eyes searched hers.

  “If the ship sails, I’ll be gone, and I don’t always know where.”

  “Gone?” he was stricken. “You can’t! You have to stay!”

  She pressed her forehead to his. “I know, Paul. I know. But if you come to the marina and ask for me, there’s a better chance we can be together.” If Vane doesn’t wipe both our minds instead.

  “Okay, okay.” He sighed deeply. “When do you want me to go?”

  She thought quickly. “Dawn, tomorrow morning.”

  “Why dawn?”

  Because Vane will want to hide from the sun. I can sway him more easily when he’s nervous. “Will you do it?”

  “If you need me to, of course I will. But what happens between now and dawn?”

  “We keep each other company, of course.” She pressed her open mouth to his and they kissed hungrily. Both sighed as they fell into the head-spinning trance that shaped their earlier tryst. Paul scooped up Estelle’s slight frame and carried her to the sofa, where he laid her along the cushions, then stood up to undress. She watched mutely as he revealed his strong body. His erection was primed, and she reached for it. But he stepped back, then knelt between her legs. The short skirt was loose, and was quickly pushed up. Estelle clung to the hem, holding the skirt out of his way as he alternately kissed each thigh, all the time moving closer to her dark panties. Her hands were shaking, she realized. She was eager for him to take her again, in as many ways as possible. But things were moving too slowly; she was wearing too many clothes.

  “Undress me,” she whispered. “Please?”

  But his lips pressed against the panties, teasing her sensitive flesh with his hot breath. She groaned, anxious to feel his mouth upon her.

  “Please?” she begged again.

  His fingers slid around the elasticated legs, slipping under them. She waited for the expected tug, tensing herself, ready to lift her bottom so he could divest her of the damn things. Only then could she enjoy the touch of his tongue and the softness of his lips where she needed them most. Instead, he pulled the gusset to one side and moved in, kissing the neatly-trimmed strip of dark hair that hovered above her lips.

  “Oh…” The sound was a breathless whisper. She stroked his scalp as he pressed his mouth against her, exploring her early wetness with his tongue. Estelle caught her lower lip between her teeth as she watched him, trying to imagine a life without Paul.

  She couldn’t.

  His tongue spread wide and pressed against her smooth inner flesh. Estelle’s inhaled breath stalled as her throat trembled. Small squeaks escaped her throat as he drew his tongue upward. His adoration of her body was visible as a warm cloud around his head. He was obviously besotted with her, as much as she was with him. She needed him, she realized, and Vane could never make her feel otherwise.

  “I love you.” The words felt right to her. There was no awkwardness in speaking them. They were exactly what she needed to tell him. Without taking his mouth from her, he glanced up, and his eyes crinkled into a genuine smile.

  They had to stay together, Estelle knew.

  There had to be a way.

  ~

  Their lovemaking was slow and gentle, with little of the frantic intensity of their first time. Paul didn’t move from between her legs until his mouth brought her to a gentle, trembling orgasm. Then he rose to his feet and stood beside her as she took him into her mouth, groaning softly as her lips and tongue pleasured him as he’d pleasured her. She gripped the hard shaft as she slid her lips back and forth across the silky-smooth head, pumping him slowly with her fist. Her other hand cupped his soft balls, cradling them with her hot palm. His hips rocked easily back and forth, matching the movements of her mouth.

  She was startled when he orgasmed a few minutes later. He’d given her little warning, and aside from a quiet groan, plus a gentle urging against the back of her head, the only indication was the hot flush of liquid against her cheek and along her tongue. She closed her lips to prevent any of the precious semen escaping, then swallowed it in small, delicious gulps. Heat spread through her chest, thrilling her immortal body as much as his stolen blood.

  “Oh, fuck” he groaned. “That came out of nowhere.”

  “I know exactly where it came from.” Estelle licked her lips and grinned up at him. A moment later, she squealed as he pushed her shoulders, throwing her against the back of the sofa. Her legs rose into the air, and Paul pulled off her skewed and damp panties, then dropped to the floor in front of her, pressing his shoulders against her thighs to keep her legs raised. With her pussy spread in front of his erection, she felt wickedly exposed, although she was feigning helplessness as he shuffled closer to press his cock-head against her slippery lips.

  “Be gentle with me,” she pleaded.

  “Really?”

  “Of course not.” She pinched his cheek hard enough to make him hiss. “Fuck me hard, lover boy. Fuck me like you want to hurt me.”

  He did. The sex was hard, breathless and furious. His body slammed against hers, slapping loudly and filling the room with cries from her, and groans from the protesting sofa. When his energy faded, she kissed him deeply, then sucked on his wrist, invigorating him beyond anything he’d ever felt before.

  Estelle rolled onto her knees, perching on the edge of the cushions so Paul could take her from behind. She squealed as he plunged deep, grabbed her waist, then fucked her as hard as his supercharged muscles would allow. Estelle’s arm’s trembled; her heart thumped against her ribs. Paul fucked her so quickly, her breasts didn’t have time to swing, they simply shivered beneath her.

  She tried her best not to tear chunks out of his cushions, but her hands filled with pieces of foam and ripped fabric which somehow found their way into her hair.

  Paul slowed, and she decided it was time to change pace. She persuaded him to lie on the floor, which was littered with soft debris, then straddled his loins, reaching down to guide him into her. They both groaned as he filled her slippery passage.

  Estelle Johne him gently at first, drawing up his hands to her breasts so he could tease her hardened nipples. Then she lifted one of his wrists to her mouth, sucking insistently until the sweet, dark blood flowed across her tongue. As her saliva trickled into his bloodstream, Paul began to thrust up into her. She rose to allow him more space, then wailed as he hammered upward, slamming against her until another crushing orgasm left her squeaking helplessly. Within a few moments, both lovers were wheezing and limp. Estelle lay along Paul’s body, gasping for breath. In all the years she’d been seducing men, she’d never seen such a positive reaction to her blood-letting. It was as if Paul was a natural trove, a reservoir of blood who reacted in such a way as to delight those who drew from him.

  “We have… to keep you,” she whispered. “I want you… so much. Can’t… get enough.”

  In response, his big arms wrapped around her, pulling tightly. She snuggled against him. He shifted minutely, his erection rubbing her insides and making her cry softly with happiness—and fear that she might lose him.

  Vane had to let her keep him.

  ~

  “Impossible!” he snarled. His eyes were narrowed, which was
never a good sign.

  “Please, Master.” Tears welled in her eyes. “He’s a trove, I’m certain of it.”

  “And how would you know? You are too young to know a real trove when you see one.”

  Through sobs of panic, she described his reactions to her letting, even as Vane turned his back on her. Burns smirked as she pleaded, her trembling hands writhing.

  “You know him so intimately, when I commanded you to remain afar?”

  “I tried, Master. Truly, I did. But the lure of his form overwhelmed me. I could not help it.”

  “Then you have failed, and disobeyed me.”

  “Please, let me explain. I know what he is, in my heart, with my entire being.” She sank to her knees, tears streaming from her eyes. If Vane was to reject her plea, her heart would shrivel to nothing. Paul had become everything to her. He was larger than anything in her life—except perhaps Vane, her master.

  “You would consider him above me?” Vane growled. Too late, she realized he had sensed her thoughts. She looked up to see his black eyes glaring at her.

  “No! Never! Such a thing would be impossible. You know this.” And yet, she’d considered the idea of abandoning Vane to remain with Paul.

  “I would destroy you with no more effort than a single thought.” Vane curled his hand into a wicked fist. Blood trickled from his palm and hissed on the varnished floor.

  “I know, I know!” Estelle wailed. “I would never dream of leaving you.”

  “And yet the thought crossed your mind.” He straightened and spun away, crossing over to Burns. “If she ever leaves this ship without my authority, you are to crush her, understood? And then you are to dismember Paul Siddig, as painfully as possible.”

  “Master, please!” Estelle sobbed.

  Vane turned to look at her as she trembled on her knees. “He is so dear to you?”

  “This is not infatuation, Master.”

  “It bears all the signs.”

  “Please… please. He… he relishes the letting. And he… thrills to the exchange!”

  Vane frowned. “He responds to our fluids?”

  “In such a way that would amaze you!”

  “How so?” Vane demanded. “Elaborate!”

  “He becomes a powerhouse. His strength doubles—triples.”

  “Your mortal gains strength?”

  “And speed. He becomes a warrior… for a short time.”

  Burns frowned. “Such a response is rare.”

  “Hmm,” Vane concurred. “Enervation and compliance are more common reactions.”

  “Not so with Paul,” Estelle insisted. The conversation had turned a corner.

  “I would tempted to observe this,” Vane murmured, stroking his chin.

  “As would I.” Burns’ glare was a warning. Do not attempt to deceive us.

  “Then you should bring him to us, demonstrate this talent before me. If he performs to my satisfaction—”

  “Thank you, Master!”

  “If he pleases me, then I shall consider your request. Now, bring him. I wish to confer with Burns.” Abruptly, Vane turned his back on her. “Be sure to clean up your face before you return. Your tears have spoiled your look.”

  “Yes, Master.”

  ~

  Estelle’s driving bordered on reckless. The supercharged Jaguar did nothing to discourage her eagerness as she raced back to Paul’s. Rather, it encouraged her to press on, sticking to the road with a tenacity that delighted her senses.

  “Estelle!” Paul cried from his apartment door. She lowered the silent electric window, and beckoned to him from the driver’s seat, drumming impatiently on the steering wheel whilst he dressed. When he emerged from the apartment, he practically skipped across the street and clamped the top of the car door with his big hands.

  “Ready to go visit the marina?” she asked.

  “The marina?” he frowned. “What’s there? Do you have a boat?”

  Of course. She’d made him forget. “Yes, a big boat called Demeter. Want to play?”

  “Sure.” He climbed into the passenger seat. “Can we call at a pharmacy on the way? These are itching like crazy.” He rubbed the small scars on his wrists.”

  “I have the very thing for you on board the ship.”

  “You do?”

  “Mm-hmm.” She nodded. “It’ll fix you right up.”

  “Then what are we waiting for?”

  She leaned across and kissed him. “Hold on tight!”

  The Jaguar roared forward.

  ~

  Ten minutes later, they were back at the marina. Estelle watched Paul carefully, looking for any sign of recognition, but he remained blank, although eager.

  “Which one is yours?” he asked.

  She pointed to Demeter. “That one—on the end.”

  “Nice. How can you afford—”

  “Hush. No questions. Just enjoy yourself.” They passed through the turnstile that had blocked him earlier, then she linked arms with him. She kept a wary eye on Gull’s Tones as they passed. Amari’s inspired performance had led them to believe Paul was a bad guy. How would it look if they saw him heading for the place she’d fled to? Would they intercept him, or summon the authorities? Fortunately, none of the crew appeared.

  “It’s even bigger close up,” Paul murmured as they approached Demeter. “Remind me what we’re doing here?”

  A cluster of appropriate answers rose into Estelle’s mind. She was going to show him around, they were here to meet her ‘Uncle Vane,’ Amari was waiting for him, or perhaps the wittier ‘we’re going for a bite’ were all responses she considered. In the end, she opted for the simplest answer.

  “It’s a surprise.” As they reached the ship, the entity deep within Demeter lowered the gang plank.

  “Do you have some kind of sensor rigged up?”

  “It’s complicated. Come on.” She took his hand and led him aboard. He followed without question as she led him onto the deck, then out of the light. Her eyes adjusted instantly, but Paul stumbled.

  “Wow. It’s really dark in here.”

  “Mister Vane likes it that way.”

  “I’m sure there’s a song about him somewhere,” he murmured.

  “Whatever. Here we are.” They entered the lounge, which was still lit by artificial, flickering candles. Paul blinked at the sight of Burns, who was a huge shadow in the corner of the room. Vane stood beside him, arms folded.

  “So this is Doctor Siddig?”

  “I…ah… don’t think we’ve met.”

  “I’m Vane.”

  “I wouldn’t have thought that about you,” Paul said.

  Vane grunted. “Your trove has a sense of humor.”

  “Your what?” Paul side-whispered to Estelle.

  “I’ll explain in a minute.” She lifted his hand to her mouth and kissed his wrist.

  “So, Estelle. Are you ready to demonstrate?”

  Paul tried to tug his wrist from Estelle’s grip. “This is starting to creep me—owww!”

  She sucked gently on the small rupture to his vein. Blood flowed into her mouth; traces of saliva mingled and swirled, warming the puncture. For good measure, Estelle let her mouth water, then she injected Paul’s bloodstream with the potent fluid. His eyes widened; his heart quickened. His fingers seized her chin and he turned her face from his wrist. Their mouths crashed together, their tongues swirling. Estelle groaned as his arms enfolded her body, pulling her hard against him. He was instantly erect, pressing the hot shaft against her belly.

  “I want you,” he said in a low growl. “I need you, Estelle.” Let the others watch, he didn’t care. All he could think about was making love to the wonderful, sexy woman in his arms. Let them try to stop him—if they dared.

  Vane offered a slow hand clap. “Yes, yes. Very alluring, Estelle. But what of his promised abilities?”

  “Let me,” Burns growled. He pushed himself from the wall, and stomped toward Paul. He had to crouch, or risk banging his huge head on
the ceiling. Paul sensed his approach through the decking, which vibrated with every step.

  “No, please!” Estelle cried. She thrust out a hand, commanding Burns to stop, but he continued, a juggernaut with a single intent—that of throwing Paul overboard.

  “Stay back, big guy,” Paul said. Burns was filling his vision, a rumbling behemoth almost twice Paul’s size.

  “Paul, run! Get away from here!”

  But Paul turned, shielding Estelle with his body. A huge hand landed on his shoulder, the meaty fingers closing in to grip him tightly.

  “Noooo!” Demeter shuddered as Burns crashed to the deck, crushing a low table on his way down. Paul’s hand squeezed the big man’s throat. Burns seized Paul’s forearm in a crushing grip, twisting the bones to pull them apart. But Paul lifted Burns, then slammed him back down, winding the big man so badly, he wheezed and cried out. The grip on his throat tightened and he found himself unable to speak.

  Vane gripped the door frame as Demeter rocked heavily. “Astounding!” He met Estelle’s startled gaze. “Release him!”

  “Paul, please!” Estelle cupped Paul’s burning cheeks. His eyes were alight with supernatural anger as he pinned Burns against the deck.

  “I… can’t!” Paul growled. “Something inside me… surging. So angry.”

  Estelle pressed her lips to his. He tried to turn his head aside, but she persisted, gripping his face tightly. Her saliva mixed with his, this time enervating rather than invigorating. After a moment, his body relaxed and the burning retreated from his muscles.

  “I’m gonna kill you!” Burns snarled. Paul’s arm was jolted, shaking Estelle. Somehow, she maintained the soothing kiss.

  “Burns! Withdraw!”

  “Master?”

  “Immediately!”

  “Yes, Master.”

  Estelle felt, rather than saw Burns struggle to his feet. Heavy thumps marked his retreat.

  “Impressive demonstration, was it not?” Vane asked. Burns merely grunted.