Taboo

by Leslie Dicken

  His stare lingered, as if he debated an answer within himself. Then, he seemed to make up his mind as a sexy grin spread across his lips. His heated gaze sent shivers to her toes.

  “Hardly.”

  She held back.

  Andreus saw it in the way she fidgeted, refused to look him in the eye. Sooner or later he would get the truth. For too long his people had been forced to live at the bottom of the Dwelling, living by rules and policies put in place by the Aerotaun. And though many years had gone by without any interaction, he felt the bitterness swelling within his family and friends.

  It was why he built the boat. His brother Darrius yearned to see what lay on the other side of the horizon from the moment he could talk. Once it was clear that their father would not break the rules, Andreus set out accomplish the task.

  He would not let the scientists claim of the inoperable space craft dissuade him from his purpose.

  Andreus watched as Ariana splashed her feet in the lagoon, her joyful smile twirling in his heart. He was meant to have her. Just as he was meant to build the boat. He would bridge the gap between these two cultures and lead a group of pioneers across the sea. Ariana was the key to make it happen.

  But first things first. His fever was gone, his ankle almost normal. And his cock was impatient for her slick heat.

  Andreus rose to his feet. He tested his leg and found he could put weight on it with only a mild tenderness. Good. He wanted no more painful disasters to thwart his chances of being inside her.

  Ariana did not look up as he slid the cloth from his waist. Naked, he walked past her and over to the pyramid of stones. The grass was warm on his feet, the sun sparkled on the water.

  Andreus climbed up to the highest rock and stood at the top. From the corner of his eye, he could see her now watching him. It aroused him, raising his erection higher. But he was not ashamed. Nothing frightened or embarrassed him.

  A breeze swept past, lifting his hair, making him feel as if he could fly. What would it be like to really fly? To soar above the trees, become one with the stars.

  What special gifts the Aerotaun had, a treasure they did not share. He clenched his teeth, remembering his sister Marita watching them fly overhead. She envied their lithe bodies, their graceful movements. She didn’t want to be a fish; she wanted to be a butterfly. But no matter how hard Andreus tried, he could not replicate the wings of the Aerotaun.

  He forced away the hostile thoughts and leapt.

  Diving head first into the lagoon, the air rushed past him in a thrilling ride. With an invigorating splash, he broke the stillness of the water.

  Tranquility seeped under his skin as he swam beneath the surface. Only a minor twinge niggled at his ankle, no aching assaulted his joints. His cock, still hard, throbbed for attention.

  Andreus swam without taking a breath until he saw the moving shadow of Ariana above the water. He grinned and snatched at her feet.

  Rising out of the water, he heard her shriek. But a hint of a smile lurked within her bright eyes as she lay back on the grass. He pulled her farther into the water, until she was submerged up to her knees. Then he leaned across her, trapping her within his arms.

  “You’re dripping on me.” But already her breathing was more rapid.

  Andreus glanced down. Droplets littered her clothing like barnacles on a turtle’s back. “Well then, you might as well get wet.”

  With that he lowered himself on top of her. Her eyes widened, face flushed. Her nipples poked through the fabric.

  “Come with me,” he whispered against her mouth.

  He saw the hesitation flicker but then she wrapped her arms around his neck, arched her back. Heat crackled through his bloodstream.

  Andreus nipped at her lips then plunged his tongue inside when she parted them. She tasted of the dessert, sweet and irresistible. Their tongues danced, battled, fought for domination.

  She wriggled beneath him, rubbing his cock to a dangerous edge. He could take her right here and now and find heaven. But he wanted more, he wanted to touch every part of her first.

  He sat up and pulled her tunic over her head. Small breasts sprang free for his touch. He cupped them, squeezed them, flicked the coral with his fingers. Ariana whimpered, bit her lip.

  But he was only beginning.

  He lowered his mouth to them, savoring the taste of her skin, the bounty under his tongue. The knot strained, tightened. Ariana bucked her hips. She would easily shatter if he put his hand or mouth between her legs. But she would not get off so easily today.

  No, today it was his cock’s turn. It had waited long enough for her silkiness.

  He kissed her stomach, circled her navel with a slick of wetness, then teased the skin at her waist. She grabbed his wet hair. “Oh, Andreus, this is torture…”

  A small tug of male pride curled his lips. He’d have her screaming before it was all over.

  With a quick yank, he removed the last of her clothing. His little bird lay bare beneath him. Except now she looked more like a mermaid, with long silver hair and skin shimmering against the water.

  Andreus stood and pulled her to her feet. She hesitated then took a deep breath and followed him into the water. He stopped before the level reached his erection and faced her.

  Ariana blinked. Licked her lips.

  He let her decide. Now that he had gotten her into the lagoon, she could take the lead on what to do next.

  Without a word she sank to her knees. Water rose up over her breasts to her neck. She smiled, then darted her tongue out, flicking it over the tip of his cock.

  Andreus groaned.

  She opened wider and took him in fully, her sleek mouth swallowing him whole. Shivers sparkled his toes. His hands clenched into fists.

  Andreus stood over her, watching his cock slide in and out of her moist, warm lips. Her teeth gently scraped his shaft until at the tip she licked the gleaming dab of liquid.

  Andreus growled, pulled her to stand. “Enough.”

  He lifted her to his waist and she wrapped her legs around him. His cock rubbed the mound of hair, teasing him mercilessly.

  But he must wait.

  Nerves dancing like the fish at his feet, Andreus carried her close to the waterfall. He sat her atop a boulder and spread her legs.

  Her breath hitched.

  He brushed a nipple. “Pleasure yourself.”

  “W-what?” Her face paled.

  “You’ve seen me do it. Make yourself slick while I find something I need.”

  But her panicked look remained.

  He shook his head. Maybe she just needed a head start. Andreus lowered his mouth to her white thighs. He nibbled his way up to the apex, then swirled her pearl with his tongue. She cried out as he lapped her, the flavor of her cream driving him mad with desire.

  Ariana bucked her hips, reaching for her release. He licked her until she writhed under his mouth then pulled away.

  “No…” She was panting.

  But he grinned and walked to the shore. As he poked through the underbrush, he saw Ariana squirming. She clenched her thighs together, bit her lip, and pouted.

  Even as Andreus found the plant he needed for a lubricant and stripped off the leaves, he waited in the shallows. With enough time…

  And sure enough his passionate angel could not resist. He watched as her fingers made their way from her stomach to her mound. She stroked herself, slowly at first.

  Andreus grit his teeth, his cock pulsing, as she moved her hand faster, then thrust her fingers inside. Her whimpers escalated to moans.

  Dizzy with an agonizing desperation, he scooped out the plant salve and smoothed it on his erection. The touch of his hand nearly had him undone, but he forced the urgency away.

  He returned to Ariana as she crested the swell. Her face was flushed, her lips darkened, her eyes hooded.

  Andreus pulled her hand away and slid her back down to him. She sank into the water and immediately reached for his hard flesh.

  He
groaned, need pulsating hot in his blood. No more delays. Andreus grabbed her ass and lifted her up. She spread her legs and he yanked her onto his waiting cock.

  Finally, heaven! He did not need wings to soar.

  Ariana squealed, her tight sheath convulsing around him in a quick orgasm. But it wasn’t over yet. Not anywhere close.

  He tried to thrust inside but the resistance proved too much. In this area, his beloved water worked against him. And he’d rather fly.

  Still nestled deep inside, Andreus brought them to a shallower corner where several flat boulders lined the shore. He found one the perfect height and sat her on it.

  Her gaze held him, she trusted him, needed him to satisfy her every itch.

  Andreus raised an eyebrow and grinned. He would not disappoint her. He quickly withdrew and flipped her over so that she lay on her stomach. Her legs dangled to the water and tight ass gleamed in the sunlight.

  “Andreus…” He heard the confusion and hunger in her voice.

  “I’ve not left you.”

  With a hard thrust, he sank himself back inside her slick channel. Through glazed eyes he saw Ariana brace herself on the rock. Liquid fire burned as he pumped her. He gripped her hips, pulled her to him, pounded her with an agonizing force he didn’t recognize.

  The sun was hot on his face, the water warm on his legs. But nothing mattered but Ariana and her willing heat.

  He glanced down, arousing himself even further to see his cock slide in and out of her. This was where he belonged. Inside her. With her. He could not bear to spend another lonely night.

  Ariana arched her back. “By the stars…oh, Andreus.”

  Hell, she was close, but not as close as him. The tickle raced from his spine, then blasted into a full-fledged tremor.

  Too soon!

  Andreus yanked her harder, faster, that lovely ass kissing his stomach. His head buzzed, pulse thundered, muscles tightened.

  Like a wave, tension rose.

  Ecstasy crested.

  He drove deep inside her then crashed. Emptying himself into her sweetness, he howled into the still air.

  Chapter Seven

  Lying face down on the warm, hard rock, Ariana felt taut, as if she’d burst any moment.

  Andreus had brought her to climax before, but she’d never had his thick hard flesh inside of her.

  And now he slid it out. “No!”

  She needed more. Release, she must find that agonizing release.

  He chuckled behind her. She was about to turn over but his hand pressed on her back. “Not yet.”

  Before she could protest, his wet tongue slid over her bottom. He circled one cheek and then the other, drawing closer and closer to the aching spot between her legs.

  “Andreus, please…”

  But he continued to kiss her, tease her. His hand slipped under and squeezed her breasts. She arched her back to give him easier access. Soon, oh heavens, she had to peak soon.

  Andreus smoothed his palms down her sides, over her waist and onto her legs. His lips pressed against her skin, edging ever nearer.

  Then his tongue flicked at her swollen bump. Dizzying quivers ricocheted throughout her body, tightening her nipples, curling her toes.

  “Yes,” she whimpered.

  That was all it took. Like a man starved of food, he devoured her, lapping their mingled juices, thrusting his tongue deep inside.

  Ariana squirmed, fighting the tension destroying her every thought. She felt his hands join his mouth, push in her crevices, fill her up as his erection had done. He stroked a finger between her cheeks, the tingling surprise spasming her belly.

  Heartbeat whooshed in her eardrums. Breathing rose to a pant. She wound tighter, reached harder, as the tormenting surge swelled in her bloodstream.

  Now, she needed it now. “More!”

  Andreus obeyed. He slid fingers into her openings, nipped and suckled her sensitive nub.

  The tension burst and Ariana screamed as her womb convulsed, her body shattering into a thousand stars. For a brief second, her sight dimmed, her muscles went limp.

  Andreus pulled away and rested his head on her back, his breathing still harsh. “If I didn’t have the urge to collapse, I’d climb the nearest tree and shout to the clouds.”

  She swallowed, still trying to catch her breath. Hanken had never brought a tingle to her, much less an explosion like that. Which reminded her, she needed to get back.

  Ariana pushed up on her elbows. “I-I need to rinse off.”

  “Of course.” She could hear the smile in his voice as he moved off her.

  She turned to see him dive under the water and swim away. Sinking slowly into the clear lagoon, Ariana watched with awe as Andreus moved gracefully under the surface, not coming up for air until he reached the other side.

  To her the water was soothing now, not frightening as it was before. She wished she could stay and frolic in here all day.

  Andreus swam back to her then rose up like a mighty sea king to stand before her. His hair was slicked back, his face shining and ruddy. Powerful shoulders and a sculpted chest begged for her touch.

  She wanted him again. And yet, it would be a mistake. Each moment she spent with him made it harder for her to return home.

  Andreus threaded his fingers through her hair. “You are so beautiful, my little bird.”

  Warmth spread to her toes but she swallowed it away. Already the sun broke over the line of trees, heading for its descent into the ocean’s horizon. She had to prepare for her return to the Dwelling. Both physically and mentally.

  She moved past him toward the side where their clothing lay. “I’m ready for something to eat, aren’t you?”

  He laughed, hearty and carefree. “But I just ate.”

  “Oh.” Her cheeks burned, but still her lips curved into a smile.

  Ariana climbed out onto the grass and looked around for something to dry herself with.

  “The sun.” Andreus stretched out beside her. “Lay back and let the sun dry you.”

  And so she did. A few minutes later, the singing birds and rushing waterfall faded into a soft whisper.

  When Ariana awoke, the sun was halfway to the sea. Andreus still slept next her, glorious in his nakedness. Oh, how she would miss his well-muscled form. She’d miss his bravery, his caress, his passion for nearly impossible dreams.

  Her lungs tightened as she pulled on her clothing. Perhaps it would be easier to leave this way, while he was asleep. She would not have to endure the good-byes.

  Ariana took a last look at the lagoon, magnificent in all its beauty. From the perfumed scented blossoms to the sparkling water, she would never forget it. Of course, she could never forget what happened here. To her body and quite possibly her heart.

  She snapped on her wings, refusing to look at Andreus’s boat partially hidden in the brush. That she could forget. She must forget.

  “I want to fly in the air.”

  Startled, Ariana swung around to see Andreus up on one elbow. There was a hint of mischief in his eyes and something else. Something she did not want to recognize.

  “These wings won’t work on you. They are calibrated for—”

  “Yes, I know.” He slipped the cloth on then stood. “But I can climb the trees.”

  She blinked. “Can you? Some are many stories tall.”

  He cocked a grin. “There isn’t a challenge I can’t handle.”

  “Very well then.” She led him to the line of trees and found one with the best set of secure limbs. “Are you ready?”

  He nodded and reached for the first branch. The climb did not go as slowly as Ariana expected. His ankle gave him no trouble and his robust upper body made it seem effortless.

  Yet when he finally reached the top, her flying up beside him the whole time, sweat glazed his forehead. He sank on the highest sturdy limb to catch his breath.

  Ariana looked up. Only several feet remained of smaller branches and leaves. But they would not support his weight.<
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  “If I had a machete I could cut those away for you.”

  Andreus wiped his face with the back of his arm and smiled. “I’m already in heaven, so there’s no need.”

  She recoiled. There it was again, that look in his eye. Stomach clenching, Ariana lifted to the top and broke through the canopy.

  The sun warmed her face instantly. Only a few clouds drifted across the azure sky. This was her tranquility, her comfort. She could stay up here for hours, just staring off into the distance.

  “What’s it like up there?” Andreus called.

  “It is more beautiful than words can describe.”

  “Tell me what you see.”

  Slowly, Ariana turned in a circle. “Thin, white clouds move slowly across the brilliant blue sky, like lazy birds floating on a calm sea.

  “And the ocean. I see it stretch for miles, the color deep and eternal.”

  She turned again. “There is the lagoon. My, how the water sparkles from here. It looks so small near to the ocean, like a puddle left from a storm.”

  Andreus sighed down below. “Lovely, Ariana, is there more?”

  She glanced over her shoulder. “Just endless trees for miles…wait.”

  Squinting her eyes, Ariana flew up higher. It was so far she wasn’t sure if it were only an illusion of the heat.

  “What is it?” He sounded merely curious, not alarmed.

  But she was worried. At this altitude she had a better vantage point. And what she saw definitely looked like smoke. And that meant a fire.

  “I see a column of smoke.” Concern laced her words, burrowed into her gut. Fire spelled trouble one way or another. Either it meant destruction of some sort or a death, since all bodies were burned.

  Biting her lip, she flew down to Andreus. He had stretched across the limb on his back, staring upward to the sky.

  “I have to go.”

  His lips flattened. “They can handle whatever it is without you.”

  “It could be a relative. I-I am due back anyway.”

  “Why must you go?” His green eyes locked onto hers.

  She lowered to a branch near him and sat on the rough surface. “I can’t stay, Andreus. You must know that.”