She pushed the rising tide of doubt away and let herself drift in him, in the perfect current of sensation they’d created together.
Finally, he took her to the edge and she cried out as her orgasm ravaged her exhausted body. She trembled like a leaf beneath him, and within her, his erection surged. She clutched her hips and growled as he came, emptying into her with long, hot spurts.
When he’d finished, he lay next to her and drew circles on her skin with his finger, smiling as her flesh pebbled and her nipples hardened again in response.
“You’re beautiful,” he said finally, and the rich timbre of his voice made her shiver. “You know, if you were naked…”
She raised a brow. “I am naked. Didn’t you notice?”
“I mean your skin. If you had no tattoos, I wouldn’t draw on you.”
Rihana shifted to meet his languid gaze. “Why not?”
“Well, maybe a guardian beast, but nothing else. Your skin is perfect. There’s nothing I could do to improve it.”
She ran a hand up to the image above her breast. The creature there seemed as relaxed as she was. “So no more guardians for me?”
“You don’t need another one. This one performed admirably in battle. I believe she’s strong enough to protect you.”
Rihana rolled on her side now to face him completely. “Do you think there are other Gemii here looking for you and Darq?”
“No. Not right now. I have no doubt more will be sent, but they’ll have a hard time finding us.”
“How many worlds are there…I mean that you can get to by crossing your bridges?”
“Thousands.”
“How will you decide where to go?”
“I’ve already decided.”
“Oh?”
Heath sat up. He grabbed the folded quilt from the end of Rihana’s bed and opened it up to spread over them. “There’s really only one choice at this point.”
Rihana didn’t need to ask what he meant. She wanted to retreat under the warmth of the blanket with him and never emerge. If they stayed here, cocooned in her bed, he would never have to leave her. “Verakos. It’s probably long past time you and Darq went home, right?”
He met her gaze, and his eyes narrowed just a bit. “I’ve thought of little else but the day Darq and I would return home. The problem is, thanks to Makena, he’s already there.”
Confused, Rihana clutched the quilt over her and sat up as well. “You mean they left already?”
“No, I mean, Darq refuses to leave. He’s decided to remain here permanently. He and Makena want to begin a new crèche.”
“Raising royal babies in Manhattan?” Rihana almost laughed, but deep down she envied the couple. As new as their love might be, they already knew it would last forever.
“They’ve decided to leave the city and find a place that’s more secluded and more…quaint.”
“You say that like you disapprove.”
“Well, in order to form a proper crèche, I should go with them and find a mate of my own.”
“I see.” She didn’t though. Was he saying he wasn’t leaving the planet, but he’d still be off to some distant land to look for a woman to bear his children?
“I don’t like secluded and quaint.”
“Oh.”
“I like big, bustling, populated places. I like this city.”
“There are cities that are a little more quaint than New York.” Rihana regretted that statement. She didn’t want to help him disappear.
“But this has become my home.” Now he caught her hand and held it up to his face. Rihana shivered at the vision he showed her. The four of them—Darq and Makena, herself and Heath—stood with generations of children surrounding them. A new royal bloodline.
“Are you asking me to stay with you?” Emotion choked her words.
“Or go with me, wherever we decide. I can’t guarantee the Gemii won’t find us one day, but I can promise you what Darq and Makena have. I love you, Rihana. Will you join me?”
She should have thought about it, made careful consideration of the enormity of his request, but the beauty of the vision he’d showed her obliterated all doubt in her mind. Gramma Essie had often told her, when love was right, it required no debate and it brooked no questioning.
She threw her arms around his neck. “Yes, I will. Anywhere.”
“Even if it means leaving this city, this country?”
She nodded. “I haven’t written my resignation letter yet, but I told Nathan I’m done with the psychic program. I was considering joining the police academy and becoming a detective, but that doesn’t have to be here.”
“You’re going to stop using your gift?”
She sighed. That was something she’d given plenty of thought. The guilt would be difficult to overcome, but it was finally time to lay aside her obligation to Gramma Essie and start living for herself. “I need to put it away and move on. I did what I could, and I realize that while my grandmother wanted me to use my gift, everything she did was about protecting me from the dangers that came with it. I think she’ll understand now, if I step back for my own protection. I’m done with the quaking.”
Heath nodded and she sensed his relief. Having seen the netherworld twice, he clearly had no desire to ever go back again. Rihana wondered how she’d had the courage to make as many trips there as she had over the years.
Heath pulled the quilt around them and guided her back to the pillows. He cradled her against his chest and stroked the skin of her shoulder where the hand of God lay across her skin. “So, these quaint cities…tell me about them.”
“Nope.”
“Why not? Would you rather stay here in Manhattan?”
“Not particularly.”
“Then where do you suggest we go to start our new crèche?”
“I’m not saying.” She planted a kiss on his chest then lay her head down over the strong, steady beat of his heart. “If you want any more information out of me, detective, you’ll just have to read my mind.”
About the Author
Drawn to spicy tales of adventure from an early age, Bernadette Gardner made the leap from writing hard science fiction to writing erotic romance in 2005 and has never looked back.
Now multi-published, Bernadette also writes paranormal, fantasy and contemporary titles under the name Jennifer Colgan. When not exploring distant galaxies or alternate universes, Bernadette can be found at home with her husband of fifteen years, two children and one slightly neurotic Dalmatian. She spends her spare time reading, quilting and haunting the local craft stores, and looks forward to bringing steamy stories to her fans for decades to come.
Bernadette welcomes comments from readers. You can find her website and email address on her author bio page at www.ellorascave.com.
Tell Us What You Think
We appreciate hearing reader opinions about our books. You can email us at [email protected].
Also by Bernadette Gardner
Going Deep
Rogue Heart
Rogue Theta
Skin
Discover for yourself why readers can’t get enough of the multiple award-winning publisher Ellora’s Cave. Whether you prefer e-books or paperbacks, be sure to visit EC on the web at www.ellorascave.com for an erotic reading experience that will leave you breathless.
www.ellorascave.com
Slither Page 17
