by Tigris Eden
“Speak again, and I will drop your ass off at the nearest rest stop.”
“Fine.”
She was lying against the headrest with her eyes closed. She looked tired. He should pull over at the next exit to find a hotel and get her in a nice bed to sleep. The only way that would happen is if she slept in the next room because if she lay on a bed within sight, he was sure to fuck her. His wolf was trying to take over and control the outcome. He couldn’t allow that to happen. She wouldn’t understand.
Draven shook the thoughts from his head. He was supposed to protect her, not bed her. He hadn’t properly dealt with Melissa either. She deserved a better explanation. His wolf hadn’t marked her. There were no claw marks on her body. He’d been a fool settling for someone that wasn’t meant for him. He’d only continued the relationship to make his father proud, as well as the pack. He’d lied so much to not just her, but himself; so much that he’d even believed she was the right one for him. But when greeted with his past, the future was no longer set in stone. Melissa wasn’t his because his wolf didn’t want to mark her. In the back of his head, he should have realized things were never going to work between them. They wanted different things out of life, were headed in separate directions. He needed to have a conversation with her though, help her understand they were no good for each other.
Draven reached for the radio at the exact same time she did. He’d thought she was asleep. Their fingers tangled in the middle and then quickly separated. This wasn’t some romantic comedy where these types of coincidences happened, this was real life. Her fingers were soft and warm. And just from that simple touch, his lust was taking over. If he didn’t do something about it soon, things were going to get physical, quick.
“Sorry,” Jes said quietly.
“No… go ahead, I’m sorry. Put it on whatever station you want.”
She gave him an easy smile and hit the button to search for a channel. She found an easy listening station, and the sounds of some sultry voice sang words of love and forgiveness through the speakers. She didn’t change the channel, just closed her eyes and rested her head on the headrest and sighed. The curls in her hair still bounced as the car drove over the bumps in the road. He watched her out of the corner of his eye as he continued to their destination. How many times had he wanted to change the outcome of their night together? A hundred? A million? He’d dreamt of her, and in those dreams he’d made other choices, the right choices.
She seemed content, and she’d never looked more amazing than she did at that moment. The soft lids of her eyes were shut; long, thick lashes kissed the plumpness of her cheeks. He wanted to kiss her skin and soak up her warmth. He had to admit, he could stare at her for hours and never tire of the view.
The blare of a horn had him dodging a car, throwing him out of his thoughts. Damn. He’d drifted over into the other lane. She metaphorically twisted his balls and made him stupid for her. Head in the game, Stone. Draven saw an exit up ahead and veered right. They were going to stop, he’d drive faster tomorrow. He really needed a cold shower, and she needed a place to sleep without getting a crook in her neck. He needed her comfortable, and in return, he’d be comforted.
“Now there’s a thought,” Royce droned from the backseat.
# # #
The hotel wasn’t too seedy. It was dimly lit and away from the road, which if he thought about it, was perfect. He pulled into the driveway and got out to pay for their rooms. He got one for him and Royce and another for Jesminda. The rooms were joined, and he told himself that as long as the connecting door remained open, he could keep a sharp eye on her while still keeping his distance. His wolf knew her scent, and he could tell if she were distressed in a moment’s notice.
Draven drove the car to their parking space in front of the two rooms and shut the lights off. The dark swallowed them in its comfort and the moon was a welcoming night-light. Praise be to Luna, Draven thought. She was a beautiful yellow tonight, and her light caressed his skin in a way that soothed his wolf. The gravel under his feet was loud as he walked around to the passenger door to get a sleeping Jesminda out of the car. Royce sat up from the back seat and nodded as he took the keys from Draven.
“Finally, I can sleep in a room.” He checked his surroundings. “Damn, the car is better than this crack house.” He strode toward the door and pushed his way inside, groaning loudly.
A very sleepy Jesminda nuzzled into Draven’s neck as he pulled her into his arms. His entire body stilled. She already trusted him on a subconscious level, and he loved every minute of it. She was sleeping softly as he shouldered his way into the room and walked her to the bed. Royce closed the door, walking over to their adjoining room. The air was stuffy, but all he smelled was her. Her tropical scent overpowered the other smells, crawled its way into his nose, and settled. She stirred and then tightened her arms around his neck.
“Stay,” she murmured sleepily, her voice tickling his neck as she burrowed closer. Draven looked up and saw Royce smirk from the doorway of the adjoining room. He nodded his goodnight and closed the door.
He was in all kinds of trouble. She stirred again when he tried to pry her arms from around his neck to place her on the bed.
“No, please… I’m safe with you and so is our daughter.” Her voice was barely a whisper.
So is our daughter? What the hell was that supposed to mean? She must have been thinking of the child’s real father. It pissed him off that she thought he was someone else, or that Marcus made her feel safe. That wasn’t right at all. She was running from him. But he couldn’t deny the stirrings deep in his chest; to comfort her, make her feel safe. Even if she didn’t realize it was him.
“Shh, I’m not leaving… rest now. Sleep.”
He pulled her into his arms and slowly reclined back on the bed. She was draped across his chest, holding on to him as if her life depended on it, and because he was desperate for any ounce of her affection, he kissed the top of her head and squeezed. He could have lost her tonight when she’d been shot. Her daughter would have been motherless had it not been for Royce. He owed his friend his life for saving her. Who was her daughter’s father? Surely it wasn’t Marcus if she felt safe with whoever it was. Why hadn’t she stayed with the father? Seconds later, light snores drifted up and tickled his cheek. He took a deep breath, his chest rising to match hers. This was how it should have always been, from the beginning. Didn’t matter she was human, she was meant for him. He wouldn’t be able to have pups with her, but he’d have her, and her daughter would be his daughter. He could love her, as well. Jesminda nuzzled deeper, and Draven couldn’t help but stroke her hair with one hand and rub her back gently with the other. This felt so good, so right.
12
The sheets were itchy when they moved over her bare leg. Bare leg? She was dreaming again. She knew it by the hand that rested on her other leg. It was warm and strong. She could feel the calluses of her lover’s fingers as they drew circles on her thigh. Maybe the hand rubbing her leg was attached to someone deep in thought. Her dream lover didn’t seem so attentive. Jes quickly changed the game when she turned and overlapped her thigh with his, taking her hand and caressing the bare chest of her apparition. The skin was scarred, like claw marks were raked down the front of his left pectoral and then wound around to settle low on his back.
The chest beneath her hand rose to meet her touch. His response was a low rumble of a growl. It sent mini vibrations through her hand, which traveled the course of her skin, lulling her to burrow deep into his side. Lazily, she draped her chest over his and sought his mouth. The path across his cheek was soft and prickly, but tasted like heaven as she kissed his jaw. When she finally found his lips, she slowly fused their mouths together in a lazy kiss, enjoying the feel and the texture of their tongues. He resisted for only a second and then took control, overpowering her with his mouth, his lips opening wide to stop her movements. Jes groaned her pleasure and frustration; this was her dream. He plundered the dark recess
es of her mouth with brutal force; as if he were in pain and only her lips could quell the torment that plagued him.
Searching hands settled her body more firmly atop his, aligning her in perfect position with his erection. She should open her eyes, see her dream face-to-face. His cock was hot and heavy, it burned through his jeans, and Jes let out of a hiss of approval when he continued to rub her lower half against it. This dream kept getting better and better. A silent prayer to the Gods of Sleep and Dreams were in order. Normally, she was plagued with nightmares. This was utter ecstasy.
“Damn.” Hot breath fanned over her cheek as another kiss was dragged across her sensitive skin. From the corner of her eye to the corner of her mouth, he covered her with his lips. Wet and warm, they caused her to shiver with excitement.
“Don’t stop, I need this… I need you,” she expelled on a long breath as his hands grabbed her ass, grinding her closer to her goal. She wanted him out of the jeans so she could welcome him into her body where it hurt most. Jes’s fingers stroked the soft, beautiful waves of his hair, the smell masculine and clean. It hung heavy in the air, a tantalizing scent that melted her further. It settled on her skin, seeped into her pores. She took another deep breath to inhale more.
“Not going to stop until you tell me,” her dream whispered. This was the first time in a long time she’d felt anything this strong, not since before Marcus. Last time she’d felt this good had been the fleeting moment with her stranger. The stranger who’d fathered her child. Now it was her turn to be the stranger to a man so familiar with her body she vibrated with the need for release. He anticipated her every need, knew where to touch, where to kiss. His hands caressed her in a way a lover who remembered her swells and curves and wanted a refresher course did.
“No names. After tonight you will never see me again,” Jes said on a long moan. It was only fair. She would seek her revenge through her dreams. At least here in this dream world, she was in charge. This way she wouldn’t feel betrayed or hurt in the morning.
Strong hands stilled and jerked her up. Green eyes clashed with hers, they glistened in a sliver of moonlight. Angry eyes she hadn’t dreamt of in a long time. She smiled down at him and tried to caress his face, but her dream Draven wouldn’t let her. He grabbed both her hands and shook her hard, jarring her bones.
“Stop it,” she laughed. In the real world, this would have frightened her. Made her close down and buckle at the evident anger and strength.
“You were never rough before.” She pushed forward. Trying to hold his arms in her man-made restraints. He tossed her easily aside, and she would have fallen if he hadn’t grabbed her around the waist and adjusted her on the bed. He threw both of his legs over the side of the bed and sat with his back to her.
“Dumbass,” her dream rumbled.
“What?”
“I said dumbass, did I stutter?” He looked at her sideways from over his shoulder. Her dream Draven wasn’t supposed to be a jerk.
“Look, Mister No Name, this is my fucking dream, so shut the fuck up, drop your drawers and give me some.”
Both his eyebrows shot up and he cursed low under his breath. Dream Draven quickly got up and walked into the bathroom. Jes turned over on her back and put both hands behind her head. She would wait. Be ready for him when he came back with the lotion. Her body was tense. Her dream guy knew she needed a rub down. Score one for dream Draven. She didn’t get a chance to take her next breath; cold water soaked her face, waking hundreds of angry nerves. Gasping for air, she scooted back until her head hit the headboard. This did not happen in dreams!
“You awake now!” he roared.
What the hell? She sputtered and gasped as the ice-cold water froze her skin in a painful way. Yup, she was definitely awake now, fully awake. Pissed and still aroused. Damn, why did she have to wake up, why couldn’t he play it off? Any other man would have.
“What did you do that for!” she screamed back.
She wiped her face on the blanket when she noticed she was in her underwear. He was just in his jeans. They were low on his hips and his erection still taunted her. Long and thick, the head peeked above the waistband, shiny and wet from his want. The ropes of muscle on his stomach moved and danced as his chest heaved with each breath. The inverted V-shape of his hips and the trail of hair on his stomach were too much for any woman to take, including her. She should be furious. Not horny, not ready to have hot, sweaty sex. There it was, out in the open; she wanted him, had always wanted him. Even when she knew she couldn’t have him, shouldn’t have him, she still wanted him with a desperation that was scary.
The air in the room crackled with unused sexual energy. This was going down. It was on, and he didn’t even realize it. She still craved satisfaction, and tonight she would get it. She reached for the clasp of her bra, un-clipping the back and allowing it to fall and rest on her lap. His eyes glazed over in wanton lust. Raw hunger etched his face as he took a step forward. She could see the indecision in his eyes. Should he or shouldn’t he? One more step. Draven gave her courage with that look. It had been too long since she was with a man. Jes lifted her hips and pulled her underwear down to her ankles, slowly taking out one foot and then the other. She was naked now, and the ball was in his court. Go hard or go home, she thought to herself.
“Well?”
“Well, what?” His voice sounded strained. He was just as scared as she was. Why did he have to make things hard? Freaking take what you want already, she thought.
Her blood pounded in her ears as he made quick work of his jeans and tossed them to the floor. He was glorious. Hard body, sculpted muscles, and the dizzying effect he had on her body, all worked to raise her need higher. His legs were thick and proportioned to his height and weight. A light dusting of hair covered his thighs and legs. Yeah, she was definitely team Draven. His erection beckoned her with each jerk and sway. It was her compass and it pointed north. Welcome to the land of sex and stunning, where nothing but Draven was on the menu. She wanted to lick every inch of his body, savor his flavor. Jes rose up on her knees and began to crawl closer to the edge of the bed. His hands were fisted at his side and his erection jumped as she crept closer. She was going to taste him this time, and he wasn’t about to stop her. This was still her dream, even if she were fully awake. She’d think about the ramifications of her actions later. When she licked her lips, tucking her bottom lip between her teeth, he let out a groan. So, she did it again until her knees met the edge of the bed and she was face to face with his straining cock.
“I want to taste you.”
“Later, beautiful,” Draven whispered as his hands came up to tangle in her hair. He didn’t tug painfully, instead massaged with deep, sure glides of his fingers. The stress from the day instantly left her and she felt liquid. Her eyes closed and her head tilted to the side before he pulled her closer, now able to take her mouth. As if he wanted to savor every nuance of her taste, he sipped, licked, and sucked her lips until she opened for him. Her arms wrapped around his neck and she pulled him closer for more. This was a drugging kiss, one to get the other addicted, begging for another fix. She was falling deeper and deeper under his spell, and she didn’t care, not right now. She bit his lower lip and tugged it into the warmth of her mouth. He moaned, forcing her knees out from under her as he pushed her back, taking her down to the bed.
He molded her body to the mattress with his weight, and she gladly welcomed it. The heat of skin to skin seemed to fuse them together, making them one. Their closeness wasn’t enough; she needed a deeper connection, she was desperate for it. The kiss seemed to go on forever until he finally let her up for air, his lips trailing from the corner of her mouth to the indent of her shoulder.
“Wow.” There were no other words to describe the way he made her feel.
“I couldn’t live another second without touching you, kissing you,” he said against her skin. Jesminda wrapped her legs and arms around his body and squeezed as she tried to get closer, caging him i
n her embrace. She squirmed beneath him and tried to make contact, but he wouldn’t let her.
“Stay still,” he warned with a nip at her shoulder. “Patience is the key to all things rewarding, petal.” Petal? He’d once called her a flower, back during their time in the jungle, and she found she liked the endearment.
“You go any slower, I’m going to burn up in flames,” she shot back.
He chuckled and continued kissing his way around her body. She arched and bucked, and still, he followed his own path. Her scars were momentarily forgotten; it was dark enough that he wouldn’t see. He kissed her neck and collarbone with slow caressing drags of his lips. He made his way to her breasts, sucking one nipple and then the other. Draven made love to her body with his tongue. Touched her in places she never thought would receive his attention. An elbow, behind her knees, and each finger; no part of her body was left untouched by his lips and hands. She could feel her impending orgasm just from his hot lips and smooth tongue, the ebb and flow of it pulling her under. He mastered her like an instrument, the strings tightening as he played, only to be released and tightened again. He repeated the action over and over until she was gasping for breath. Her release hovered on the edge, just out of her reach.
He went back to her breasts again and her stomach quivered as the invisible string tightened further. His mouth sucked harder, making the tips of her nipples increasingly tender with each pull of his tongue and bite of his teeth. He was trying to kill her. Her hands roamed over his sweat-covered back and his hand shot up, collecting both of hers in one of his. Why couldn’t she touch him?
“Be still, petal. I like you hot for me. I want you burning, aching for me to fill you up.”
Was he daft? She was already going to die from too much stimulation and heated words.
“Yesssss,” she hissed in his ear when he bent to kiss her neck. She wanted that more than anything, to be filled by him.
