He positioned himself, one hand cupping her behind, the other wrapped snuggly around her slight shoulders, and plunged within her deeply. Her body was incredibly tight; it closed in around him, hugging him, clenching his thickness, and he felt a moment's concern when she cried out in shock at his size and the depth at which he plunged, filling her completely.
“Lando, please,” she gasped up at him, grasping his broad shoulders tightly, she pushed at him as if trying to dislodge him.
“Don't be afraid, sweetheart, I will be very gentle,” Lando promised. His forehead rested against hers for the briefest of moments to reassure her he meant what he said, and he began again.
Lando removed himself completely and Christy braced herself as he then plunged his engorged member inside of her once more. He was so big. His entire body was so powerful. She could feel the restraint of his massive thighs, knowing he could have buried her within the ground did he so choose.
Her hands grasped at his arms. Her fingers felt as though she were grasping at hardened steel pipes, so powerful, so hard, rock-like. She swooned for a brief moment. How could she have wanted this? Why had she even asked? Oh God, what was she thinking, doing, with such a man? She shuddered as she accepted him again and again. His long strokes were rhythmical, from beginning to end, until her wanting body could be denied no longer.
Christy had been fearful at first; Lando's lovemaking was different than Chad's. On occasion Chad had hurt her with his desire to possess her so quickly. Lando moved inside her carefully, seeking her response. She tuned to the feel of him.
“Breathe, sweetheart. You're all right, you're fine. Feel me, let yourself feel how good this is,” he whispered, his voice panting.
He felt so right. His voice was soft and encouraging, not harsh and dominating, and he wasn't using his size to intimidate. He moved gently against her, his hard flesh plunging, then retreating, until Christy no longer sought his retreat. She eagerly began responding to him.
Shifting lower slightly, Lando caught her mouth beneath his own in a carnal hunger. He tasted so good. Feeling ravenous, she responded with a release of her inhibitions.
Her legs rose higher, now possessed, her satin feet trailing their way up his thighs to his powerful buttocks, seeking a deeper penetration. She slid her silken calves up the long, hardened, manly length of him, to wrap their way around his muscular waist.
Thinking ceased, as feeling intensified. Her whimpers turned to deep guttural groans of desire. Never before had she felt such heat. Molten lava washing through her veins would be a blessedly cooler release compared to the engulfing fire dancing throughout her entire being. She thrust herself up against him harder and harder until Lando began to thunder deeply between her thighs. Oh God, there! He was there moving within a place she had never known existed for her, a hunger never before satisfied.
Christy cried out her release. In her overwhelming surprise she grasped at him tightly, encouraging him to remain within her, not wanting this feeling to end as the tide of waves washed over her ever more slowly. She had never felt such an engulfing pleasure as her body relaxed with a shudder beneath him.
“Oh, Lando, Lando, please,” she whimpered, full of need and want. She craved him still, not wanting this sensation to end. She tugged at his powerful body, yearning for his weight upon her slight form. She was loath to release him.
Lando remained buried within her. His ragged breathing slowed and he lowered more of his powerful form onto her. She wrapped her arms around his waist, hugging him tightly.
“I don't want to crush you, sweetheart,” he said with concern.
“No, please stay. Don't you see, nothing could ever harm me with you upon my body,” Christy implored, reveling in the safety she so desperately desired.
Lando chuckled softly. “I think you're right in that assumption; I doubt you could even be seen under me.”
He lay quietly pressed against her for a few moments longer, and then rolled to the side with a soft sigh. Christy cuddled up to his chest placing her head on his shoulder. She waited a bit apprehensively for a moment, then relaxed when he did not shift her away from him. After being with Chad, he had never allowed her this small intimacy, claiming exhaustion. He had told her hurtfully he just could not sleep with her touching him.
Christy sighed softly. Lando gently lifted her chin and looked down on her with concern.
“What is it, Christy, are you sorry?”
“No, I'm not sorry, just afraid,” she replied.
“Of me?”
“No...Well yes, but it's not that,” Christy mused.
“Then what?”
“If we do make it out of here alive, what then?” she asked tentatively. She felt sudden hurt at his reluctant, somewhat annoyed look, and realized perhaps he felt it was a commitment question, when all she wanted was the truth.
“I was a hired killer, Christy,” he finally answered. She listened intently, needing to understand right away all of the facts. “When we get back, I need to testify. If I'm still alive afterwards by some miracle, I end up in the Witness Protection Program. New life, new identity. No ties.”
Christy absently stroked the hair on his chest. I will again be abandoned, she thought, but she was grateful in a way. He was telling her the truth and not playing games. And he was right. What kind of future would she have with a man like him? She knew nothing about him. He seemed reluctant to discuss his past with her. A man such as he would not want her near; his life was too volatile.
Sadly, she rolled away from him. It would be best not to get too close. She wouldn't be able to stand the loss of another, perhaps another betrayal.
“Christy, don't deny yourself a chance at a special relationship because of your fear. Doesn't wanting me prove to you that you are, in fact, ready and willing to love again?” Lando asked. He had rolled to secure her body tightly to his own.
“I don't want to be hurt again,” she whispered, though she clutched at his arm.
“Every relationship has its failings,” Lando reasoned and returned her grip.
“This one was doomed from the start,” she moaned.
“I could see how seeking to kill you does have its drawbacks,” Lando said casually.
“You said you used to kill,” she challenged, her voice pained.
“I am what I am. And though I have no intention of hiring myself out ever again, I still live for the moment.”
“I have never just lived for the moment,” Christy said again a bit fretfully. The concept of just here and now with no future seemed so unreal.
“That is all I have ever lived for,” Lando admitted. “With my lifestyle I never knew if tomorrow would ever come for me. The women I've been with are taken with wild passion, wondering if I will hold one again. The food I consume is eaten with enjoyment. Everything I did or have done is as if I were living my last day because it very well might be. Never once have I planned on there being a tomorrow.”
“Have you never wanted a wife or children, your own family?” Christy asked curiously. In her world of charity functions attended with her mother, that's what everyone had sought. The women wanted a rich, successful husband. The men wanted to brag about their wives and how well their children were doing in school or their after school programs. They wanted not only prosperity, but a chance to show it off. What was the point in a gala affair without a beautiful woman on your arm? Or even better, Chad had said, would be to have a pregnant woman. Then everyone would know how virile he was.
“How could I have a wife, Christy? Do you understand what her life would be like? Can you even imagine what fears she would be exposed to? Never knowing if her husband was coming home, never knowing if someone would try and kill her, seeking revenge. Waiting for the police to show up at her door, or worse, barging through her door to pin her down, demanding my whereabouts,” Lando said.
Christy thought about that for a moment. “You must be so lonely,” she finally voiced, saddened for him. Lando lifted his eyes, a
pparently surprised at her compassionate words.
“I've never needed anyone,” he replied gruffly.
“You must have needed someone. At least when you were little,” she questioned.
“I was abandoned as a baby. No one wanted me. The family who took me in did it for the money. I was never shown love, compassion, or kindness. I was on the street alone by the time I was ten. But by then I was more than able to care for myself. I learned at a young age how to fend for myself. I got odd jobs. I did all right,” Lando said, then finished abruptly.
“That's terrible, how awful for you,” Christy cried in outrage. No wonder he was so hard. She was surprised he was even capable of a merciful act. What a horrible childhood he must have suffered through.
“It taught me to be responsible for myself, not to depend on anyone,” Lando snapped.
“Children should never have to be responsible for themselves,” Christy began; she could tell the pity in her voice had touched a nerve. “I can hear your anger and I understand where it stems from. I can feel sorry, and a deep sympathy for the helpless little boy, but you are a grown man and responsible for your own actions now, no matter your childhood and upbringing,” Christy replied.
“As are you,” he challenged. Christy winced at his hurtful intention. She cringed wondering what horrible name he was about to call her. She resisted the urge to cover her ears. Her body tensed. “You can't let another control you with words or actions. Take a stand and stop being a doormat. Do some yelling of your own,” Lando demanded.
“But I don't want to make you angry, I don't want you to hurt me,” Christy said softly, fearfully.
Lando turned her to look deeply within her eyes. “I have been angry. Have I hurt you?” he asked.
“Chad said he wouldn't hurt me.”
“I am not Chad. You may think I possess no honor because of my profession, yet it is Chad who held no honor. He professed to love you, but look at what he did to you. He beat you. You cry out at night at times; you are still so fearful of being beaten again. He took your self-respect and stomped on it. Your body wasn't the only thing he beat was it?” Lando demanded.
“No,” she admitted quietly.
“Damn him to hell for beating your emotions. Damn him to hell for taking away your want of love and affection. Not all men are cruel. I realize I haven't helped with what you are feeling, yet I didn't want to kill you because I'm evil. Because of who and what you are, you could never understand my need to stop suffering in a fashion I am familiar with, the only fashion I am familiar with.” Lando pulled her closely.
She held onto him tightly. He was right, she didn't understand his intentions. She would have sat with him, holding his hand until he died if it had been he who was injured. She never would have even entertained thoughts of causing his demise for any reason. And yet...and yet, on a deeper level she was beginning to understand some of who and what he was. He had given her a glimpse into his frightening world.
“Why were you with that police officer? I mean why will you be put in the Witness Protection Program if they know you kill people?” Christy asked. She didn't understand why the authorities would just let someone like him go free and help him do it.
“A rift formed between some of my people,” Lando said cautiously.
Christy sensed he was being evasive, cutting her off. “I'm sorry. Am I asking too much?” she questioned hesitantly, seriously concerned she had overstepped her bounds.
He sighed softly. “I'm not certain if it would be wise for you to know. When we reach civilization you might be hurt or worse if my people think you know anything or have gotten close to me. Too much information might put you in danger. I won't be able to protect you from them if I'm in police custody.”
“Would you protect me?” Christy asked quietly.
“You may not be able to stay with me, but right now, right here, you are mine,” Lando informed her. He once more became possessive. “As long as you are to be in my care I will protect you from anything, anyone. Sweetheart, you have no idea what happens in my world. I understand the people who are coming for me. You may not comprehend this, but I respect them. They're in a class all their own. Only one who lives it would be able to understand it.”
Christy gazed at him thoughtfully, digesting his words, his passion. She reached up a slender hand and ran it down his rough cheek. The stubble on his face had only grown in to a point that made it still harsh.
“Will you teach me to live for the moment?” Christy asked. Her eyes looked into his imploringly. She wanted him again but she wondered if she would be able to overcome the hurt at another separation. Perhaps with his help...
“I will teach you whatever you want to learn,” Lando replied gruffly. Once again he sensed the invitation. Passionately, he captured her lips. With a deep hunger, his hands roamed her body, wanting to feel all of her at once. His mouth readily sought a dusty rose-colored nipple and he suckled deeply, tugging with enthusiasm. His large fingers pressed within her depth, searching her warmth, seeking her readiness, claiming her as his.
Christy whimpered under him and Lando looked into her skittish eyes. She seemed alarmed and suddenly fearful. His taking of her was different this time, but she had offered and he had explained already he lived for the moment. This time he wanted wild abandon.
“Are you afraid?” his deep rough voice asked curiously.
“I want you. It's just that you seem to want to consume me,” she replied, and he sensed her panic. “No one has ever strove to engulf my entire being.”
“I am the big bad wolf. I do want to consume you. I want to own every inch of you. I want you to forget any man you have ever been with. I want to possess you, every inch is mine. I will possess you. I will make you mine,” Lando declared roughly, his raging desire burned deep within his eyes.
Christy quivered at his intensity. Once again he captured her lips, taking her breath away. His tongue explored her mouth, claiming that as well, while his hand once more settled onto a firm round breast, gripping it.
“Please,” she whimpered.
His lips trailed down her throat hungrily, burning a searing path, while Christy's breath caught and held. His passion became more than consuming, it was overwhelming.
“I have shown you enough mercy. You offered. I am accepting your offer,” Lando told her, rising intimidatingly over her helpless form.
His powerful body enveloped hers. He plunged deeply within her and she cried out. His size once again a shock, his exuberance overtook him while he could hear her attempts to breathe but managed only to gasp for air. He removed himself and plunged again. Christy clasped at his broad shoulders and he could feel her nails raking against his heated flesh. Good God, she felt so small beneath him. He wanted her to feel helpless. His one hand caught her wrists, pulling them high over her head, while his other grasped tightly onto a thigh, dragging her hips higher.
Sensations swarmed within him. He knew she wanted him yet she was afraid of him, of his lovemaking. He was intense, demanding. He wanted only for her to remember he lived for the moment. For him tomorrow might never come. He wanted her to realize tomorrow might not come for her either.
“Feel Christy, just feel, don't think!” He was not purposely trying to frighten her, just make her aware. He wanted her to lose herself in wild abandon and enter into his world; he would keep her safe from harm if she trusted him.
He could tell he had succeeded. Christy began to move beneath him, trying to keep up with his exhausting, frantic pace until they developed a rhythm. She met each of his demanding thrusts eagerly until he knew her mind filled with thoughts of just him, only him.
“Say my name, Christy,” he demanded harshly.
She cried out his name again and again, her body shaking with intense spasms. Lando had wrapped himself around her possessively, wanting her, claiming her body as his own, satisfying his needs as well as her own. His large hand clutched her hair firmly, holding her in place as his huge body drove w
ithin her, seeking his pent up release. He howled out his victory suddenly and plunged one last time. His body heaved as he gasped in great breaths of air. As his heart calmed, he grinned with satisfaction. He had made her his. Christy lay motionless beneath him.
“Christy?” Lando asked, feeling a moment of concern. His nose nuzzled gently at her bruised cheek. No response. She remained still, silent. He blew softly in her ear, hoping to elicit a response. Lando lifted himself slightly to look into her serene face. Engulfed in his wild passion, he had forgotten her bruised ribs, her fear of what had transpired earlier in the day.
He had forgotten how tiny and frail she was compared to him. “Christy?” he again questioned, only now somewhat fearfully. His hand gently clasped her chin, shaking it carefully.
“Please, Lando. I know you have shown me enough mercy, but you wore me out. I beg you, let me sleep,” Christy implored on a quietly expelled breath. Her body sated, she looked indeed beyond exhausted. She gently rolled beneath him, tugging on one powerful arm, enticing him to cuddle with her.
Sighing with relief, Lando pulled her snugly to his side. He would have to be gentler with her in the future or she might be too afraid to let him touch her again. That would be a shame; they would undoubtedly be out here for awhile. She was not like the women he was used to; he could have hurt her. Lando did not want to hurt or frighten her. He could also hear the voice inside his head voicing its anger at his roughness. Lando cringed, suddenly embarrassed. The big bad wolf? Please!
[Back to Table of Contents]
* * *
Chapter Seven
* * * *
Christy watched apprehensively as Lando slung her duffel bag to his shoulder. She had wanted to stay, yet Lando had insisted they must keep moving while the weather held. They could not possibly survive in the wilderness throughout the winter in such a tiny cave with no provisions. Most assuredly the snow would cover over the cave, leaving them trapped and unable to forage for food. Christy understood his reasoning but was loath to give up the security and protection the small cave offered.
Love's Dangerous Territory Page 8
