Something primal roared to life inside him. “More than you could know. Let’s go.”
She began walking towards a table. For a brief second he admired her view again, but when he noticed other men doing the same thing, he stepped up beside her and settled his hand on the small of her back. Spikes of power raced through him at the feel of her warm skin against his palm. When he held her chair for her, Deiter couldn’t help but allow himself to inhale deeply. She smelt crisp and clean, nothing but her own natural scent. And he loved it.
Sitting across from her he watched as she fixed her tea. No sweetener, just lemon. He had ordered a shake to go with his burger and fries. While they waited for their food to arrive, he waited for her to stop playing with her tea and look at him.
“Now, tell me about you, Arissa Wright.”
She continued to stir her tea but she nodded. “I live in Chicago, have for”—she frowned and a cute furrow appeared between her eyebrows—“for nine years now. Damn, didn’t realise it had been that long. Yes, for nine years.”
He smiled. “What do you do in Chicago?”
“I work in an emergency room.”
That was impressive. He stared at her for a moment then one side of his mouth lifted. “So this is a well-deserved vacation.”
“Oh yeah. Long overdue.” She smiled as their waiter placed their food down. “Thank you,” she said, prior to returning her attention to him. “And you? What do you do?”
“I’m a translator. Work for the government mostly, but on occasion I teach at colleges or give guest lectures.”
“Interesting. What language?”
“German.”
“Was it hard to learn?”
“No. I grew up speaking German. And also English, but mostly German.”
“Oh, I see.”
“My mother is a linguist so it was understood we would speak the language of our home country as well as the one we now lived in.”
“So you weren’t born in America?”
“Nope. Düsseldorf. But we moved here when I was young and Mom insisted I learn English as well.”
He watched her as she ate some fries, even that was done sensually. Dinner was light-hearted and fun. Afterwards, they took a stroll along one of the decks, allowing the night air to cool the heat growing between them. They didn’t hold hands, just kept pace with one another, the conversation still flowing easily between them.
Deiter escorted her to her door. She had a suite on an upper deck. After unlocking it, he placed his hands on either side of her head and stared deep into her brown eyes. It may have seemed too soon to some but in that instant, Deiter knew he was gazing into the eyes of his soul mate. There was no explanation, just a gut feeling. He didn’t hear any angels sing. Hell, he hadn’t even kissed her yet. But still, just like he understood in order to survive he had to take his next breath, he knew.
Those guileless eyes stared back at him. Lowering his head, he skimmed his thumb along her cheek. Heat flared up in her stare and she blinked once before she licked her lips.
“Thank you for dinner, Deiter.”
“My pleasure, Arissa. Can I see you tomorrow?”
One side of her mouth curved up. “I’d like that. Meet for breakfast?”
I’d rather share it in the room with you, but I’ll take what I can get. “I’ll be here nice and early.”
“Good night.”
Leaning in, Deiter brushed his lips against her face and allowed himself a final inhalation of her clean scent. “Until the morning.” With his fingers, he touched her nose followed by her lips, then span around and strode off before he carried her inside the room and had his way with her.
Chapter Two
Arissa smiled and raised her glass in a silent toast to the man who winked at her from the pool. A low moan rose in her throat as he lifted himself out of the water and moved towards her. The Caribbean sun kissed his skin and the water droplets ran down his body in ways she envied. Not an ounce of fat sat upon him, it was all hardened muscle and mouth-watering physique.
For the past week, all waking moments had been in the company of Deiter Schneider. A wonderful week. Days lounging in the sun and evenings had been spent watching the sunset over the water. Then they had tended to curl up on a chaise together and share kisses, which as the days had passed, had become more and more intense. She’d not slept with him but in her dreams she’d done that and more. Arissa craved him in ways she’d never wanted her ex. Unfortunately, Deiter was a gentleman. Well, not unfortunately, but sometimes a woman wanted more, didn’t want a man who kissed her goodnight at the door and left her there.
“Sure you’re not coming in the water?” he questioned as he reached her side and grabbed a towel off the lounge beside her.
Holding up her book, Arissa shook her head. “Oh no. I’m good here. Reading, you know, it’s good to do.”
Towelling off, Deiter leant down and kissed her lightly. “Another romance. Learning anything?” He rose up and ran the terry cloth down his powerful arms.
Skimming her gaze up his chest to his eyes, she smirked. “Oh…the things this book is teaching me. The Kama Sutra has nothing on it. This author knows how to write some steamy scenes.”
His nostrils flared and a muscle ticked in his jaw. A single droplet of water ran down his temple as he lowered his face back to hers. His eyes were dark and swirled with barely constrained desire. “You are one hell of a temptress, Arissa Wright. Teasing me like this. Perhaps there should be a test, I am a teacher after all.” He winked and that single action sent shivers of longing through her.
“I suppose I could go for a lesson”—she paused—“or two.”
“Be careful I don’t carry you off right now.” Promise laced his tone.
Arissa wrinkled her nose. “Sorry. Time for my Tae-Bo class.” She stood, allowing her body to slide along his wet one. “Enjoy the rest of your swim. See you later.” Lifting her bag, she walked away with an added swish to her hips, knowing full well he was watching.
* * * *
As she walked from the gym to her suite, there was a smile on her face. She felt good and from all indications, tonight would be the night she got to see the part of Deiter she hadn’t been allowed to see yet. Moisture flooded her pussy at the thought of having the chance to experience the tall, strong German.
“Man,” she muttered as she rounded the corner. “I’m bad off.”
“Anything I can help with?” Someone with a deep voice questioned.
Jerking her head up in surprise, a gasp escaped her as the image of the man she’d just been thinking about filled her sight. Deiter Schneider. He stood there, leaning against the door to her room, looking more gorgeous than sin. Everyone said that Lucifer had been the most attractive of angels before he had fallen, and she’d bet anything that Deiter could give him a run for his money.
His legs were hooked at the ankle allowing his jeans to pull tight against his rock-hard thighs. Deiter wore a dark blue sleeveless T-shirt and his well-defined arms were also crossed. She licked her lips and swallowed, trying to get moisture into her extra-dry mouth. His blue-grey eyes were full of mischief and longing as he held her gaze.
“Arissa?”
“It’s not time for supper yet, is it?” she asked reaching for her key card and swiping it. The door unlocked but still Deiter didn’t move, except to place his hand on the handle and keep it cracked open. With no response forthcoming, she glanced up at him only to find his gaze had lost all joviality and now simmered with heat.
“Invite me in,” he murmured.
She slid past him and, once in her room, rested her head against the edge of the door and held his stare. Slowly and with extreme attention to detail Arissa scanned him from the floor up. He still waited for her, his eyes straightforwardly direct. And molten hot.
“Come in?” she questioned on a soft breath.
His gaze dropped and did a slow perusal of her own form before he stepped towards her. Arissa held her ground as he c
losed the distance between them, squeezing past the door. Without taking his eyes off her, Deiter pushed the door shut with his foot as he cupped the side of her face. A shudder overtook her as he placed his other hand on her skin before lowering his face to hers.
A moan slipped out as his lips covered hers. Arissa dropped her bag and latched onto his arms, digging her fingers into his skin. Deiter teased the outline of her mouth with his tongue. Gently he traced her lips, prior to sliding along the seam, seeking entrance. She opened beneath his questing tongue.
Flames erupted deep within her belly as he delved into her mouth. Stroking, sliding and coaxing her tongue out to play, Deiter explored her. The taste of him, which was already embedded in her mind, flared to life as his leisurely search continued. Her toes began to curl against the flat of her sandals. She whimpered as his calloused touch moved down her neck, over her shoulders, and across the plane of her back where his hands drew her in closer.
Arissa wanted to scream in frustration as his kiss ended. He moved back so he could stare into her eyes.
“Make sure this is what you want, Arissa. I’m not going to want to stop if we take it much further.”
Dropping her hands from his arms, Arissa then settled them upon his hips only to pull him in closer. She bit her lower lip as the ridge of his erection brushed against her. Flexing against him, she smiled at the groan which slid past his lips.
“This is what I want, Deiter. So long as you have protection.”
He leaned in close again. “I do. After meeting you, I purchased some.” He shrugged. “I was hopeful and ever since the day I met you on the deck, all I think about is you and the way you feel in my arms. The scent and silkiness of your skin and the press of your lips against mine.”
Her belly clenched with longing and she rubbed against him. “Please, Deiter. Make the ache go away.”
He swept her up in his arms. “That could take a lifetime.”
She closed her eyes and enjoyed the tight comforting feel of his arms around her as he escorted her to the queen-sized bed. When he laid her across the mattress she lifted her lids. His face was inches from hers and he kissed her again. Heat spiralled up from the base of her spine and spread throughout her body.
No words passed between them as he undressed her with care. Only when she lay naked before him did he speak.
“Holy shit, you’re beautiful,” he muttered on a low groan.
She felt it. His gaze branded her as it moved up and down her body. Arissa mewled in the back of her throat as he lowered his head to one breast and drew the nipple into the warmth of his mouth. Her back arched, pressing him closer. Shots of electricity rocketed through her as he suckled on her, his teeth and tongue tormenting the turgid peak until she thrashed upon the bed. He moved to the other one and gave it the same treatment, showing her no quarter.
Arissa shivered as a need for completion poured over her. Writhing on the bed, she held the back of his head tighter against her. “Please,” she murmured. “Deiter, please.” She tugged at the neck of his shirt with her free hand.
He understood and it didn’t take long before he stood before her naked. She licked her lips in want as her focus zeroed in on his groin. His large, thick erection jutted out from a nest of brown hair, a drop of pre-cum on the mushroom head. Her pussy clenched as her breathing increased. She longed to taste him, pull him into her mouth like he was a sucker and enjoy everything he had to offer. A ripping sound dragged her attention away from his cock to his hands, where he was removing a condom from its wrapper.
“Let me,” she said.
He handed her the latex. A low hiss escaped him as she wrapped one hand around him. Shoving down the urge to taste him, she swiped her thumb over the tip, smearing the pre-cum, then unfurled the condom down the length. Then she dragged her hands up his chest, nails scoring the skin before she latched her hands behind his neck and pulled him close enough to kiss.
The carefulness turned to urgent need as he swept through her mouth. He grunted as they fell back onto the mattress. His muscular body held her still as he slipped one hand down her side and across her stomach. She thrust up, fire pouring through her veins at that mere caress from him. Her belly tensed and breathing hitched as his touch trailed over her bellybutton and down towards her needy slit. Arissa nipped at his invading tongue as he let one finger drift lightly between her nether lips.
“Deiter,” she moaned into his mouth.
In the next second her eyes fluttered as a scream of pleasure ripped from the depths of her chest. He sank two fingers inside her and set off one hell of an orgasm. Arissa grabbed onto his shoulders as he pistoned his wrist back and forth. She rode out the unrelenting waves of ecstasy that poured over her.
Deiter almost blew his load when her tight pussy clamped down on his two fingers. It had been hard enough looking at her and not losing control, this…this was damn near impossible, especially when the hairs of her neatly trimmed core teased him.
“Fuck,” he uttered on a groan.
Her muscles gripped hard when he began to withdraw. A moan of frustration reached him.
“Easy, baby. We’re just getting started.”
With a slight readjustment he settled between her thighs and placed the head of his cock against her wet opening.
“Please,” she begged.
Ignoring the primal urge within him, Deiter pushed in slowly. Inch by inch, he filled and stretched her. Even through the condom, he could feel her welcoming heat and he hissed in pleasure. He kissed her as he held still, fully embedded in her, to allow her some time to adjust to his size and permit himself to take better hold over his control.
Just resting there, motionless he could feel the ripple of her internal muscles as they began to milk his cock. Deiter shuddered as his balls tingled and started to tighten in response. He broke the kiss and drew back so he could stare into her eyes as he moved. Her irises were a few shades darker and he could see the need in them.
Back and forth. In and out.
They moved as one, her body reacting to his in perfect tandem. Gazes were locked onto one another and the world shrank to two individuals.
Him and her. Two halves of the same whole.
When she tightened her legs around him, he got the message. Deiter picked up the speed of his thrusts. Arissa kept up easily.
Faster. Deeper. Harder. Her hips undulated against his driving strokes. He noticed her eyes had fallen shut and Arissa had her lower lip anchored between her teeth.
She grunted in time with each forward plunge.
“Shit,” he moaned.
“Deiter…I…wants…need…”
Her pants and mewls filled his ears as he dropped his head to hers. Arissa sank her nails into his skin with biting force while the sounds she emitted grew louder and louder. She held him tighter with each stroke he delivered and he knew she was close.
“Fick mich,” he uttered in German as she came with a rush.
Her cry was muffled when she pressed her mouth into his shoulder. There was no holding back. Deiter ploughed forward like a wild man as her tight pussy worked him. He powered into her five more times before he could no longer hold back. He gave a loud cry as his cock jerked then erupted. He came so hard his body shook with the intensity.
Their sweaty bodies seemed to melt into one as hearts and breathing began to slow.
“Arissa?” he asked in a gravelly voice, trying to move some of his weight off her.
She tightened her arms around him. “Don’t move,” she ordered in a whisper. Her voice just as hoarse as his. “I like how you feel on me.”
Deiter smiled even as he rolled them to the side. “I don’t want to squish you.”
Arissa yawned. “I kinda like being squished by you.” She snuggled closer. “Thank you.”
Deiter pulled completely out of her, removed and disposed of the condom, then cuddled back up to Arissa who had got under the bedding. He held still while she got comfortable against him then wrapped his arm
s around her and anchored them close. Closing his eyes, he could feel their hearts beating at the same pace and he smiled as his lips teased her temple. With a big sigh, he gave himself over to the quest of Morpheus and followed Arissa Wright into the world of dreams.
* * * *
Later that evening, he was still smiling. Arissa was sitting beside him in the casino at a blackjack table. Almost like they were on a playback loop, he couldn’t stop the images or memories of their lovemaking from moving through his mind. Arissa was an explosive yet extremely giving lover. Even in the shower before they’d come here, she’d responded eagerly to his touches.
He watched her take a sip of her drink. She had a Disaronno and cranberry. Deiter couldn’t keep his eyes off her, which was affecting his playing skills. Arissa was cleaning up and he wasn’t. He got to his feet after he’d lost another hand, moved behind her, and placed a kiss on her neck.
“Be right back,” he whispered.
“Okay.” A small smile was all she gave him before her attention once again returned to the game.
Deiter walked around, stretching out his legs. He was hungry but wasn’t going to say anything for he knew after she was done playing they would grab a bite. And later on, the ship was doing a midnight chocolate buffet. He chuckled as he recalled her excitement when she’d remembered that bit of news.
Deiter went outside and leaned on a railing, watching people below him as they played, visited and more. Most of them seemed oblivious to the magnificent sunset occurring at the moment.
“Blackjack not your thing?” Arrisa questioned from his side.
Looking at her, Deiter was met by a pair of brown eyes he’d become extremely fond of this past week. Not to mention the woman they belonged to.
“How’d you make out?” he asked before kissing her lightly.
Deiter caught her wink in the fading light. “How do you say wonderful in German?”
“Wunderbar, I believe would be the word you’re looking for.” Deiter stared at her mouth when she repeated the word to him. The blood headed south as her full lips moved.
The Best Thing Yet Page 2
