Checkmate

by Kris Norris

  “This watching me while I’m sleeping thing. Should I get accustomed to it?” Dawson opened his eyes, smiling at her.

  “You might want to come to expect it. At least until I can convince myself you’re not a dream.” She reached out and caressed his face.

  “And how long do you think that will take?” he asked, touching his hand to hers.

  “No more than thirty or forty years. Fifty tops.”

  He grinned. “As long as you’re being reasonable.”

  “I’m always reasonable,” she teased, drawing her fingers across his chest. God she loved touching him. “Now I believe you made me a promise?”

  He laughed. “Don’t you think you need to rest?”

  “I can rest later, and it’s been far longer than twenty minutes.”

  “I would have to fall in love with an endurance athlete,” he mused.

  Kendall stilled—fall in love—the words washed over her like a warm summer rain, cleansing her soul, washing away the last remnants of pain Garrick had ever inflicted. She reached up, framing his face in her hands, feeling her love for him surge through her.

  She smiled at him, unable to hide her emotions. “If I remember correctly, I did suggest you pace yourself.”

  “So you did,” he agreed, brushing his hand down her arm, circling her nipple with a single finger. She arched into his caress, her hand reaching up to cover his. A wicked grin curled his lips and she could see his new found desire flicker in his eyes. “But since I was so foolish as to ignore your suggestion, perhaps you could help me along.”

  “What did you have in mind, my love?”

  He chuckled at the way she mimicked his endearment. “Why don’t I show you?” He moved his hand over hers, and brought it to her breast, drawing her fingers around her nipple, pinching it between her fingers. She gasped, halting his movement, uncertainty washing over her.

  “Dawson?” Her voice was thin, a mixture of arousal and fear. She’d never touched herself while a lover watched, and the thought of it was terrifying her. She looked up at him, trying to still the tremors in her hands.

  He smiled, replacing her hand, dropping a kiss across her lips. “Easy, darling.” He touched the nervous twitch of her mouth with his tongue, causing her to ease at the gentle caress. “Kendall.” He kept his voice low and soft, whispering it across her skin like a gentle breeze. “There’s no shame between lovers, darling. No embarrassment if it involves pleasure.” He drew her finger into his mouth, moistening it before placing it back on her nipple, rubbing it around the tip. She felt her face heat and her breathing escalate. She wet her lips, a soft moan catching in her chest as her nipple beaded beneath her touch. She was warming, softening against his will, wilting under his seduction.

  “Dawson, I’ve never…”

  “I know. And that’s what makes this so special. Knowing you trust me enough to allow me this pleasure. To watch you touch yourself, to show me how you like it, to tell me what to do to help you. It’s the most loving gift you could give me.” He kissed her, stroking her tongue with his, soothing the doubts and fears still lingering inside her. “But only if you’re ready, darling. I won’t pressure you. Push you into something you’re not comfortable with. I’d never hurt you like that.”

  Kendall stared into his eyes. God, he wasn’t holding anything back from her. The love he felt was written in his smile, in the gleam of his eyes, in the way he tilted his head as he smiled back at her. Her heart clenched, the need to return his love now paramount, to prove her trust beyond any shadow of a doubt. “Like I said before, I trust you enough.” Her lips quivered as uncertainty flared again. “I’m just not sure I’ll do it right.”

  He chuckled. “Darling, there’s no wrong way.”

  “Will you help me?”

  “As long as you tell me exactly what to do. I don’t want to lead you. I want you to show me…everything.”

  The wanton tone in his voice made her body tremble with anticipation. He was staring at her, his lips parted, his hand poised at her side. His gaze was focused on her finger as it continued to tease her nipple. She knew what he wanted from her, and found the strength to give him the gift he sought.

  “As you desire, my love.”

  Dawson groaned, watching in awed pleasure, as she touched his face before placing her fingers on her stomach, caressing her skin as he’d done hours before. She skimmed the surface, moving her fingers up her torso, along her ribs, and between her breasts, cupping her neck as she traced up to her jaw, moistening two fingers as they brushed across her lips. She was already excited, her breath a harsh whisper. She forced herself to swallow, ease the dryness building in her throat as she smoothed her hand back down her neck, cupping her breast as she rolled her nipple between her fingers, stretching it, tugging on it, until she couldn’t halt the moan that escaped her lips. Her other hand followed suit, attending to her other breast, teasing that nipple, peaking it with her firm tweaks.

  She was rougher than he’d been, applying more pressure, seeking that fine edge between pleasure and pain, an edge she hoped he’d take her to as soon as she’d fulfilled his fantasy. He was watching her, nudging his body closer, lowering his face toward to her chest. She felt the need building, a strong tingling sensation deep inside her. She needed to go faster, to touch the growing moisture between her legs. She hadn’t ventured there yet, but his gaze told her he was more than aware of the warm honey glistening on her bare lips. That he could smell the tangy scent of her arousal mixing with the heavy air surrounding them. She glanced at his groin, smiling as his sac tightened, his erection hardened, pressing against the side of her thigh with burning want.

  “That’s it, darling, nice and easy. Show me how you like me to touch you.”

  Kendall watched his face. Saw the flush cover his cheeks, his tongue swipe a heated path across his lips. His expression was so intense, so fixed on hers she closed her eyes, the sheer pleasure in his eyes overwhelming her.

  “Oh no, Kendall. Don’t close you eyes, my love.” He brushed his fingers over her lids, tilting her face back. “I need to see your pleasure, your trust.” She fluttered her eyelids back open, once again holding his gaze. “Just look at me. See how you excite me with your own pleasure.”

  She moaned, still stroking her nipples.

  She needed more.

  Her hands moved lower, retracing her ribs, her stomach, massaging her straining muscles. He was watching her fingers, following her path, licking his lips in anticipation of the destination she was seeking. She stopped when she reached her soft flesh, the lips soaked with dew.

  “Oh God.”

  She couldn’t stop the plea, her need now outweighing any shyness she still harbored. Her body was humming, riding the sharp ridge above the abyss she knew awaited her. She smiled at him, raising her finger to his lips, arching her eyebrow in question. He groaned, suckling it into his mouth, drawing on it with a soft bobbing movement. She didn’t need the added moisture, but she couldn’t deny the need to have him participate. To see his eyes, so dark with his desire they looked like pieces of polished ebony against his pale skin.

  She pulled her finger free, returning to the top of her slit, pausing just long enough he could see the slight tremble in her hand. Then she reached down her other hand and eased the silken lips apart, unveiling the tight knot of nerves that demanded her attention. She held her breath, sliding her finger through her slick crease, feeling the moisture saturate her skin, as she spread the creamy essence around her clit, feeling the electricity zing through her body, arching her back off the bed.

  “Good God. You’re killing me, darling.”

  She felt his hand ease up her thigh, splaying her legs farther apart, draping the one closest to him over his legs.

  “Easy, baby. I just want to see you. See that hard little bud quiver and shake as you circle it with you fingers.” He released a harsh breath as she did just that. “Have mercy, Kendall.”

  He was panting, one hand clenched on her th
igh as he rested his weight on his elbow. His erection was hard along her side, so thick and tight she wondered how he could stand the pressure of it.

  It pulsed.

  She cried out, feeling the flared head throb into her thigh, nudge her like she knew it’d nudge her womb when he climaxed inside her, filling her with his seed.

  “Dawson!”

  She couldn’t hold back. She plunged her finger inside her female channel, driving hard, trying to soothe the longing burning in her stomach. It wasn’t enough. She tried again, using two fingers, thrusting and stroking, feeling her body gush more fluid around her hand. Damn, she still needed more.

  She needed him.

  “Oh God, Dawson, help me, please. I need you.”

  She grabbed his hand, placing it at the entrance to her weeping flesh, moistening his fingers with her thick cream. She was panting, struggling to hold onto the sliver of control she had left.

  “How do you need me?”

  Damn, was that his voice? It was so strained, so raw, she didn’t recognize it. “I need you inside me. Stroking me, loving me. Please, Dawson. My fingers are a poor substitute for yours.”

  She heard his breath stall in his chest, as she pressed harder against his hand. Dammit, she needed him now!

  He cleared his throat. “One finger…or two?”

  God, he was going to kill her. She was convinced of it. She was perched on the edge, so close to falling into the chasm she could feel the ledge giving way. And all he could do was break the ground around her. One finger or two? Dammit, he could put all ten in there for all she cared just as long as he did something.

  “For God’s sake, just touch me, before I lose my sanity.”

  Dawson plunged two fingers deep inside her, never taking his eyes off her face. She screamed out at his sudden intrusion, arching her hips off the bed as her finger rubbed her clit with blinding speed. She was out of control, she knew she was, but she couldn’t stop.

  He thrust again.

  “Dawson, yes!”

  Her body contorted, her hips bucked against him, her cries of pleasure echoing off the walls as she climaxed around his fingers, drenching them, drawing them so deep and tight she knew he could feel her pulse through the walls of her rippling sex. She was falling, her hand clenched around his, her head pressed into his chest. She needed to anchor herself, use him to cushion her descent. He pulled her close, whispering in her ear as the shudders rioted through her, pushing her farther into the rift. She held on, hoping he wouldn’t let her fall.

  “Easy, darling. I’ve got you. Just ride with it. Don’t fight it.”

  She clenched his hand tighter, not able to stand the thought of him removing his fingers from so deep within her body. She needed them there, possessing her, filling her, raking the sensitive tissue just enough to keep the waves of pleasure washing through her. It was so good, so damn good breathing became an option. She was fading, falling deeper into the darkness.

  He slid his fingers deeper.

  She gasped, the deeper penetration careening her over another plateau, igniting the sensations just starting to ebb. It was never ending, and she felt a surge of fear stake through her when she realized she wasn’t sure if she could hold on.

  “Dawson! Oh, God! No!” She fought against the rush of pleasure. She’d never lost consciousness before, and she didn’t know if she could stop it from happening.

  Dawson tightened his embrace. “It’s okay, Kendall, just let it come. I’ll hold you. There’s nothing to be afraid of. I’ll keep you safe… I promise.”

  Kendall heard his words and knew she was helpless to do anything, but trust him. She gave in, and let the wave take her.

  A few more minutes passed before Dawson felt her ease. Her breathing slowed, her grip loosened. She leaned into him as he stroked her hair, dropping kisses across her forehead. He could feel the tears on his chest, her release so complete she’d been unable to keep them at bay. He loved her. To the bottom of his soul he loved this woman. This stubborn, fiery, innocent creature who’d known more pain and torment than he could bear to admit. He trusted her, with his very life, and he needed to show her how much her trust meant to him. “Oh God, Kendall. You’re so beautiful. So damn beautiful.”

  She sighed against him, her soft curves hugged against his strong, male body. Their time together wasn’t over yet and he couldn’t wait to quench the ache he knew still lingered inside her. She pulled away, smiling up at him, bringing her lips to his in a kiss that would forever bind them together. She allowed him to pull her body over his, her legs straddled around him, his throbbing erection bracketed between their bodies. He was shaking, his need so fierce he couldn’t stem the tremors.

  “Thank you,” he whispered.

  He watched as more tears pooled in her eyes, tracking down her cheeks. She was lying on his chest, her warm body surrounding him, filling him with a warmth he’d never felt. She smiled and pushed up, her hands braced against his shoulders, her groin cradling his rigid cock. She looked determined to give him more, to ease his need.

  “I’m the one who should be thanking you,” she whispered, raising her hips, holding her weight on her knees as she lodged the head of his silken shaft between her legs, coating it with the cream of her release. He shuddered, overwhelmed by the erotic sensation, as she sank onto him, feeling every inch of his cock against her flesh, parting it, becoming one with her. “You gave me far more than I gave you.”

  Dawson growled, not certain he had the ability to speak. She lowered again, taking him so deep he could feel the soft entrance to her womb brush over him. He forced himself to swallow. “You’re wrong. What you gave me, here, tonight, was far more than I’ve ever dreamt of. I’ll never forget it.” He raised his hands to her waist, palming them against her skin. “You’re mine, Kendall. Make no mistake. You’re mine.”

  With that he drove into her, no longer able to bear her slow assault. He felt her hands lock around his shoulders, her hips tilt to deepen the penetration, as he surged back and forth, parting her swollen tissues, fighting to go as deep as she could take him. He wanted to possess all of her, to be the only man she’d ever allow to love her like this. She was chanting his name, her eyes squeezed shut, as her body began to quiver.

  “Dawson. So much… I can’t…”

  She sagged against him, too weak from her previous climax for the fiery pace he was setting. He braced his arms against her shoulders, smiling at the moan that trembled across her lips as he increased his thrusts.

  “Just relax, darling. I’ll hold you up.”

  She cried out as another orgasm rocked her body, sending the walls of her vagina into spasm, milking him into his own release. He could feel her shattering, melting around him, her body clenched so hard, he wasn’t able to come until the first wave of tremors subsided. The sudden convulsing of his cock took him by surprise, wrenching a primal wail from his lips, his hips arched into her, his hands locked around her shoulders. She was limp in his arms, her head bowed toward his chest. He waited just long enough for his vision to clear before pulling her against him, still fighting for breath, as the last of his sperm surged from his swollen crown, pooling at the entrance to her womb.

  She whimpered in his ear, breathing his name with every inhale. It was the most intimate moment he’d ever experienced, and it warmed his soul knowing it was only the beginning. He’d never let her go.

  Not now. Not ever.

  “Dawson.”

  “Shhh,” he whispered, stroking his hands over her skin, lulling her to sleep even before he’d pulled his weakening erection from her slick flesh, the feel of her channel tugging against his shaft, purging the air from his chest. “Sleep, my love. I’ll love you more in the morning.”

  Love her more. That isn’t possible.

  Perhaps not. But dammit if he wasn’t willing to try.

  Chapter Thirty

  Dawson lay in the bed, holding Kendall close to him. It’d been two hours since she’d woken him, but he still
couldn’t sleep. He looked down at her. She’d wrapped one arm around his waist and nestled her leg between his. The covers had slipped down past her hips, revealing the sensual curve of her thigh. He smiled, drawing his finger along her skin. She moaned, snuggling closer to him. She’d been in a deep sleep ever since his lovemaking had taken her to the very threshold of her limits.

  He sighed. Just thinking about how she’d touched herself, begging him to help her, brought his cock to instant attention. He shifted, allowing the weight of her leg to push on it, tempering his desire for now. He was in trouble. There was no other way to describe it. He knew Garrick wouldn’t stop until he had Kendall tied up in his bed, but he also knew Kendall would sacrifice her very soul to save him. She’d proven that, and more.

  That doesn’t fit your plan.

  What was he supposed to do? He couldn’t let the bastard touch her, but if he told her what he was planning, he knew she’d resist. She wouldn’t take any chance that might result in his injury, or death, regardless of the fact he’d die for her. And his plan was full of risks. He closed his eyes, wishing he could find an answer.

  A knock.

  Mitchell cracked the door and peeked inside. “You awake?”

  Dawson sighed. Even though the room was cloaked in shadows, he knew Mitchell could see their pale skin shimmering in the moonlight. But he had no desire to hide what they’d shared, not after all she’d given him. He looked over at the door. “Unfortunately so. Just give me a minute, and I’ll be out.”