Zadal snorted before gliding the tip back and forth over the growing wetness between her thighs. His stare contained a mix of longing and fear. Weary apprehension skittered down her back. “The conversation was over.”
Light headed, she could only stare as he eased in with a firm rocking motion. “We should talk about your high handed habits.”
His grunt defined his feelings on her statement then Lindsey lost all interest in arguing as he gripped her hips and held her steady for his smooth thrusts.
“The time for talk is gone. I want to feel you wrapped around me, sink into your warmth and absorb the tremors of your body as you come for me.”
The deep timbre of his voice left her shivering.
***
Baruk waited what he considered an appropriate amount of time before heading upstairs to check on them. In the hall outside Lindsey’s room, Zadal had her pinned to the wall, pants gaping around his hips and Lindsey’s skirts shoved to her waist.
His mouth took savage possession of hers and Baruk swore he could almost smell the sex pouring from them.
Lindsey arched her neck back and cried out. Zadal’s hips powered forth, his grunts in time with each thrust as he slammed her back against the wall.
“Please, Z,” she moaned, the sound sending Baruk’s staff to full hard on.
“Let me give this to you. Take everything I have right now, Lindsey. Because it’s all I have to offer.”
How wrong his spouse partner was.
Slender thighs climbed Zadal’s waist, Lindsey’s hands clawing at his back. Baruk kept his gaze on the two of them and fisted his aching length. He wouldn’t interrupt but he planned to watch. This was for Zadal. He needed the affirmation that Lindsey was his too. That he deserved her affection and nothing Baruk said would convince him of the fact.
Lindsey head tipped back, exposing her expression. Pure lust. Baruk palmed his stiffening length and stroked, breaths sawing from his lungs in rapid pants.
Zadal cupped her bottom and shifted, all without stopping. Lindsey’s moans rolled non-stop from her throat.
“Fuck. Fuck. You’re so tight. Don’t want to hurt you.”
“It doesn’t hurt. Don’t stop, Z.”
Their movements sped up until Lindsey screamed her release. Zadal groaned, his forehead falling to the wall by her shoulders. He gasped, body shuddering. Baruk tried to muffle his low grunt as he fell back into the wall further down from them and spurt inside his pants.
Both jerked in his direction, Zadal’s arms twisting to hide Lindsey behind his large frame. Zadal’s eyes widened in shock then embarrassment as his cheeks flushed.
Lindsey’s mouth opened and closed then to Baruk’s surprise her rich laughter rang out. “Baruk. Didn’t know you were there. Should we eat lunch now or later?”
Baruk tried to spend a portion of his day with Lindsey and they typically ended up seated across one another for the mid-day meal.
But lingering passion glittered in her soft blue eyes. One leg dangled around Zadal’s hips the other stretched down to the floor, toes barely touching. Food was the last thing on his mind.
“Later. We’ll eat much later,” he answered, taking a step in their direction as his arousal surged forth.
To his amazement he was rock hard again. His gaze met Zadal’s and the other man nodded. Zadal allowed Lindsey to gain her feet and Baruk followed them back into her bedroom. Zadal eased her onto the mattress while pulling her dress over her head and slinging it to the floor. Baruk approached from the bottom and knelt between Lindsey’s parted thighs.
She lifted her head, a teasing smile on her face. His heart clenched. Telling Zadal to admit his feelings was advice he needed to heed as well. The emotions burrowing into his chest swelled with the need to pour free but for some reason, Baruk held back the words.
He fingered Lindsey’s wet center. She jerked, mouth falling open on a moan. Baruk spread her legs wider to get a clear view. Swollen and plump with her recent climax, her folds continued to leak her pleasure. He swiped his thumb through the trail clinging to the short gold curls and Lindsey twisted atop the covers. Zadal fondled her breasts, pinching and plucking her reddened nipples.
Baruk groaned and bowed over the feast displayed in front of him. His mouth covered the protruding nub as he delicately licked at her to test her sensitivity.
Lindsey hissed and her hands came down, grabbing his face to her core. “Yes, lick me. Taste me, Baruk.”
He did much more and soon Lindsey’s chants and pleas rang out. Baruk removed his clothes and returned to the bed. He held her trembling limbs aloft and entered her with a deep groan. Lindsey’s arms came up around his shoulders to pull him close.
Zadal stepped back and undressed. Baruk concentrated on Lindsey, the flush on her cheeks and each panting breath.
“Yes. Take it.” He swiveled his hips and slammed back in. She tightened like a vise and Baruk’s eyes narrowed.
Taking a deep breath, he pulled out and turned until he lay on his back, bringing Lindsey atop him. Her glazed eyes glanced around in confusion. Zadal didn’t hesitate and climbed into the bed, taking up position behind her. Baruk lifted Lindsey and lowered her inch by tantalizing inch onto his throbbing erection.
“Baruk!” she screamed.
“I’ll take care of you,” Baruk promised, keeping his gaze steady on hers as Zadal prepared her from behind.
This was long in coming and he couldn’t wait for the intense pleasure that would ensnare all of them when they were finally joined as one. Baruk knew the moment Lindsey realized what Zadal planned. She stiffened and started to turn her head.
Baruk gripped her waist. “Easy. We want to share this with you. The true way a Garulaxan couple come together.”
Panic flashed briefly in her blue depths and she no longer rocked her hips against him. Baruk worried she wasn’t ready. Perhaps they should wait. He met Zadal’s gaze and the other man kissed Lindsey’s shoulder before speaking.
“Do you trust us?” Zadal asked.
“Of course.”
Baruk sensed the truth of her words as she relaxed in his arms, her nails no longer digging into his shoulders.
“Then relax,” Zadal murmured and to Baruk’s surprise, she did.
Lindsey leaned forward, her gaze on his. “Hold me, Baruk.”
“Always, wife.”
Her lids lowered as she sank lower on his shaft. A frown pinched her brow when Zadal pressed closer but she didn’t look away from Baruk.
“Easy. Nice and slow.” Baruk cupped the heavy weight of her swaying breasts and squeezed, pushing them close and easing back then repeating the motion.
Lindsey’s head tipped back, blonde hair falling about her shoulders. Her core clenched on him and Baruk knew his spouse partner was gentling her with his penetration from behind.
“Zadal,” she moaned.
The pressure on his lower region tightened but Baruk kept teasing Lindsey with gentle caresses and encouraging words until Zadal cursed.
“Tight and good, Lindsey. You feel incredible taking both of us,” Zadal said in a harsh rasp.
Baruk rocked Lindsey between them, in sync with Zadal. Her eyes grew glassy, her moans continuous and soon she cried out begging for relief. Baruk strained to hold back his release.
***
To his disbelief it happened again. Zadal clenched his fist in the sheets and exploded, shooting into Lindsey’s quivering hole as her rear muscles milked him. Baruk’s neck strained, veins popping against the tanned skin and soon he too cried out, hips pumping.
Zadal massaged Lindsey’s plump butt cheeks, waiting for the tight muscles and inner rings to loosen. He trailed kisses over her shoulder, inhaling the lingering scent of her arousal and their combined pleasure.
“That,” she gasped, “was amazing.”
Baruk chuckled. Zadal took a chance and withdrew carefully. Lindsey slumped fully onto Baruk and groaned. Zadal collapsed beside them.
Baruk pulled out immedi
ately, staff glistening and rolled Lindsey to her back to slide his hands between her thighs.
“I can’t. I’m good for one. One and done. That’s me,” she mumbled, not bothering to open her eyes.
Zadal bit his inner cheek, fighting a grin at her punchy comments. Baruk’s fingers continued their merciless torture and Lindsey arched from the bed, torso twisting, legs splayed wide despite her words. She called out their names and came again, the juices flowing from between her thighs and covering Baruk’s hand in the sticky texture.
Running his palms down her back, Zadal murmured, “Now you’re done.”
He vaguely heard Baruk shut off the lights and climb back in the bed on the other side.
“I should go,” Zadal offered. He didn’t want to leave. Holding Lindsey while he slept provided him with some of the best nights sleep ever the few times he allowed himself to forget to return to his room. No worry or fears of not being good enough haunted his dreams. He didn’t want to give that up.
Lindsey turned from Baruk and rolled into him, arms curling over his shoulders. “No,” she mumbled.
“Let her sleep, Zadal,” Baruk said, shifting on his side.
Another moment and the two breathed evenly, deep asleep. Zadal relaxed. Maybe he’d stay a little longer. When he thought no one would notice, he’d ease out to his room down the hall.
Chapter 24
“You’re firing me?” The disbelief in Zumei’s voice came out as outrage.
Zadal considered Lindsey’s admission the impetus he needed to end the vicious cycle between him and Zumei. “I think we both agree this was long overdue.”
Zumei’s eyes narrowed. “I worked for Senate Leader Darvis for years. I’m a valued first assistant.”
True enough. “Yes, but we don’t work well together. You’re talented and I can give you a reference but after what happened with Lindsey I’m not comfortable having you work for me. I can’t trust you to make good decisions.”
Zumei jumped to his feet, glaring. “This is because of her? After all I’ve dealt with.”
“What exactly have you dealt with?” Zadal’s ire began to increase.
“I knew she was trouble. Pretending to be innocent. Senate Leader Baruk should be smarter but you’re both blinded.”
He’d had enough. Zadal rose to his feet. “Gather your things, Zumei. We’re done.”
Zumei turned to leave his office but angled back. He pointed a shaking finger at Zadal. “You’ll regret this Senate Leader. I’ll make sure you and your alien wife pay.”
Fear and anger clashed. “If you harm Lindsey in anyway, you’ll face my wrath.”
Zadal would rely on his roots and crush Zumei if he touched a hair on his wife’s head.
“I’m not afraid of a briot!” Zumei slammed the door on his exit.
Zadal cursed and banged a fist on his desk. He didn’t need to worry about Zumei. His gaze trailed over the work on his desk. Forms awaited his signature, votes needed his review and an assessment he promised to get to High Councilor Jakil was due.
Not the best time to be without an assistant but no way could he let this pass. Zadal took his seat on a heavy exhale and played his first message. Listening, Zadal’s day went from bad to worst.
***
“You’re always out here.”
Lindsey looked up from the sofilia blooms growing in surplus throughout the garden. Baruk’s favorite as evident by the number of blossoms he kept on his desk, replacing them whenever the petals browned. She braced her hands behind her on the bench to see Zadal approaching.
“I like it out here.” The garden Baruk had created was peaceful. Plus, it gave her a chance to feed her growing duck babies without anyone the wiser.
“Do you long for your world?”
She tensed and tried a teasing smile. “Are you asking if I’m home sick, Z?”
He didn’t smile, but stopped directly in front of her, his fingers feathering over her brow. “I wanted to resist you. To avoid growing attached but everything about you is like a drug to an addict.”
That hurt. “Should I apologize?”
Lindsey thought of all the earlier trouble she’d caused, the failed parties, the snobby friends and her inability to fit in.
“No.” He stared into her eyes and heat kindled in her belly. “Don’t apologize for being you.”
To her surprise, Zadal dropped his hand from her face and sat beside her, their hips brushing. She waited for him to speak but he said nothing merely leaned back on the stone bench and closed his eyes. Lindsey sensed the strain emanating from him. She wasn’t sure what was bothering him but Zadal’s closed off manner kept her from encroaching.
They sat in silence until Lindsey couldn’t take the rising tension anymore. She slid across the seat and cuddled into his side.
He stiffened instantly and asked in a gruff voice, “What are you doing?”
“Loving you.”
If possible, his body became as hard as the stone they sat upon. Pain flashed across his dark eyes. “I don’t need love. Save your tender feelings for Baruk.”
They words meant to push her away had Lindsey leaning closer. Vibrations trembled along his torso as he held himself rigid, resisting her affections. Her gaze fell to his lap. Zadal’s large fingers curled on his thighs and his heavy exhales stirred her hair. Taking a leap of faith, Lindsey eased her hips over his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck.
His hands gripped her waist and she worried he’d toss her aside. Instead, Zadal cursed and leaned forward to take her mouth in a rough kiss as sensual as the tongue sliding between her lips and nibbling at her tongue. He made a feast of her mouth and the hungry sounds coming from his throat softened her heart.
Zadal’s actions said louder than words that he did enjoy her attentions. Perhaps more so than Baruk. Her fingers raked the taut muscles extended from his neck, loving the feel of him. His palm shifted to cup her butt and shoved frantically at her dress until he exposed her to the waist.
Lindsey gasped and pulled back. “Z.”
Dark flames of passion gazed at her from the deep caramel depths of his eyes. “You’re not going to stop with that name are you?”
Lindsey bit her inner cheek, not wanting him to guess how pleased his disgruntled tone made her.
He licked her neck in lazy strokes and patterns. Her flesh pebbled and Lindsey shivered.
Controlled and steady, Zadal’s lovemaking had a methodology to it. Lindsey wanted to break through the rigid reign he held on to. If only he would let go like Baruk. Her dark haired husband with his smooth urbane mannerisms acted like a wild animal at an old-fashioned rodeo back on Earth.
Zadal was different. Fire burned beneath his tight lipped control. A fierce rhythm dictated his strokes when they came together. But Lindsey wanted more. His fingers slid beneath the edge of her panties. Back and forth he rubbed, never quite adding enough pressure despite her wiggles.
Her very breath stilled as she waited on the precipice. She hung on the edge of the razor sharp pleasure. The promise of fulfillment gleamed with dark entreaty in his golden brown stare.
“Melted caramel,” she gasped in wonderment.
His finger paused. “What?”
Lindsey squirmed in his lap. “Your eyes. They’re like a treat on Earth. Melted caramel.”
This time his cheeks flagged red. His fingers returned to their teasing as he lowered his voice to a rumbling growl. “Would you like to consume me, Lindsey?”
Lindsey tried to choke out an answer but his talented thumb finally pressed against the sensitive spot.
She came.
Her hips arched away, back bowled as she whimpered and let go of the amassing sensations coiled between her legs. Zadal gave her little time to catch her breath when she came down from the dazed high. Shuddering, Lindsey grasped his shoulders as he put her on her feet.
Light headed, she could only stare as he stretched out on the bench seat and pulled her over him. “I’ve never seen anythin
g as beautiful as you when you come in my arms.”
The deep timber of his voice left her shivering. Lindsey relaxed into him as he locked an arm about her waist. Pleasure had her dozing lightly, his fingers playing in the tangled strands of her hair.
“My mother, Aiella Gatar, was not a pleasant woman.”
Zadal’s words broke the peaceful silence between them. Lindsey strained to keep every muscle from tensing at his shift in conversation.
After a deep breath, he continued. “Today I received news that she died. Drugs played a part and her life as a sex worker didn’t help. And…and I’m not saddened. My life with her was a difficult one made more so by her hatred of me. She should never have had a child.”
Lindsey leaned up to see his face but he stared at the sky, face pensive. “I’m sorry, Zadal.”
He focused on her and she wanted to cry at the pain in his eyes. “Why? I’m not.”
“I’m sorry she wasn’t the parent you needed her to be.” Lindsey rested her head on his chest and held him.
“I don’t deserve you.” She thought he mumbled.
***
Zadal held his wife on his lap as she curled into his arms. Being in her presence went a long way to calming his raging emotions at the news he’d received today. He wanted to think he was stronger than the child Aiella kicked around their small apartment but deep inside a part of that little boy still existed and mourned the woman who’d given birth to him.
Her death snuffed the small kernel of emotion he refused to acknowledge. Hope that she’d change her ways. Acknowledge him. Reveal his parentage. Anything as a sign she cared. But those things would never come to be now.
Chapter 25
After the day in the garden, Zadal worked hard to put distance between himself and Lindsey. Without Zumei to handle the day-to-day tasks, Zadal used the excuse of being busy when she questioned his absences.
Lindsey's Rescue: A World Beyond Book 3 Page 15
