by S. E. Smith
She sensed something from Zaden and glanced his way. His brow was furrowed, but he said nothing. Jax was studying Zaden with narrowed eyes.
Calla straightened, ready for Jax to say no.
“It’s not a bad idea,” the cyborg said.
She blinked. “Really?”
Jax tapped his fingers on the armrest of his chair. “But it does carry a high risk.”
She glanced at Zaden again. His jaw was tight and he still remained silent. She nodded. “I know, but it’s worth it to find her.”
“We need to plan it all out. Every little detail.” Jax focused on Zaden. “We’ll consider all contingencies.”
Zaden gave a single nod. “I want all our elite cyborgs on this mission. We must ensure Calla’s safety.”
Warmth filled her. He was worried about her. After so long with no one caring, his concern created a huge, swelling sensation in her chest.
“Of course,” Jax agreed. “We’ll keep her safe. We’ll need a good, defensible location.”
Zaden released a breath. “I’ve been thinking it over. The temple ruins in the center of the Old Quarter would work.”
“Where?” Calla asked.
“It’s the ruins of an ancient temple,” Jax said. “It’s in the oldest part of Kor Magna.” He nodded. “It’s a good choice, Zaden. It has good vantage points. I’ll talk with Magnus.”
“Can we do this soon?” Calla couldn’t bear the thought of that girl alone and in danger.
“When we’re ready.” There was a lethal look in Zaden’s eyes.
Then he turned and stalked out without glancing her way.
Jax sighed and Calla bit her lip.
“He’s angry with me.”
“Yep.” Cat jumped up on Jax’s desk and he stroked her between her ears. “Give him some time, Calla. It’s hard to see someone you want to protect put themselves in danger.” A faint smile. “Believe me, I know.”
Yes, Quinn was a formidable fighter who didn’t shy away from a fight.
“He’ll come around,” Jax said.
But Calla’s belly was churning.
“Zaden is loyal…” Jax continued. “But I suspect he’s dealing with emotions that are new to him. When a woman appears in your life and blows it to smithereens, it can be hard to deal with.”
She tilted her head. “You seem to do fine with Quinn.”
Now Jax smiled. “I didn’t at first. I needed her to show me how to love her. I made plenty of missteps. So, don’t give up on Zaden.”
Calla straightened. Zaden was her cyborg. “I won’t.”
Jax nodded. “Good.”
She patted Cat on the head and walked out. She had her marmas to rescue and deliver. Maybe they would help soften Zaden’s anger.
Zaden had lost count of how many chin-ups he’d done. He kept lifting himself up and down on the bar attached to the ceiling in his room. His skin was covered in a sheen of sweat, and he kept hoping exhaustion would help blank his mind.
The unfamiliar emotion in his body was not pleasant.
He blew out several breaths as he kept moving, his muscles straining. Up, down. Up, down.
Then he scented her.
He paused on the down dip for a second, then started the chin-ups again.
Calla stepped in front of him.
“Zaden—”
“It’s late. You should sleep.”
“I want to talk—”
“Not now, Calla.”
“I’m sorry you’re upset.”
“I’m not upset. I don’t feel, remember.”
There was a flicker of something on her face. “Don’t lie to me.”
Silence fell between them, and he pulled his chin up to the bar again.
“Did you feel nothing in the kitchen?” she asked. “When I touched you? When you touched me?”
Zaden released the bar and dropped to his feet.
She looked at him, lifting her chin. He walked forward and she backed up, her eyes widening. She held a small wrapped package in her hands, but it slipped to the floor.
“I feel too much.” The words felt ripped out of him. “The last time that happened, I killed my mother and brother.”
Calla’s lips trembled. “I’m sorry, Zaden. But you aren’t a child anymore.”
He kept moving toward her, and the back of her knees hit his bed. She sat down.
He leaned over her. “You make me feel out of control. You leave me churned up inside.”
“I’m not afraid of you.” She lifted her fingers and touched his cheek.
How could she look at him like that? “You should be.”
“You’ve been my rock, my guard, my shield from the moment I met you. Now, I need you to help me find this girl.”
Zaden shuddered. He heard the plea in her voice, and he was helpless against her. “Calla—”
“Please, Zaden.”
“Drak, I will.”
She cupped his face. “Thank you.”
He dropped his forehead to hers.
“Be with me,” she whispered.
With a groan, he pressed his lips to hers. He kissed her, pouring all his emotions, the ones he could no longer hold back, into it.
Calla kissed him back eagerly, her passion sweet and sincere.
Zaden pushed her back on the bed. “I want to see you.”
She nodded and then he used telekinesis to start removing her clothes.
As the buttons slipped free of their holes, she gasped. Her lips parted, and her shirt flicked open under his command, baring her beautiful breasts to him.
Next, her skirt unfastened and started slithering down her legs. He watched as smooth skin was uncovered.
Then finally, she was naked.
He drank in her flushed skin and pretty curves. “So soft and so pretty, Calla.”
She lifted a hand to her throat. “I’m ordinary—”
Zaden kneeled on the bed, running his hands down her sides. “Don’t say that. I’ve never been tempted by any woman before.”
Her teeth sank into her bottom lip.
“Only you,” he murmured.
He closed his hands over her breasts, and she watched his fingers plumping them. He caressed them, playing with her pretty nipples. She started to move under his touch, making small, husky sounds. He let his fingers drift down her soft belly, and then lower.
“I downloaded some additional information on sex,” he told her.
“Oh?”
He nudged her legs apart and leaned forward to kiss her again. As his tongue danced with hers, he stroked her thighs, and the soft, smooth skin he found there.
“I believe I received some very useful instructions.” He kissed the top of one breast.
“Zaden.” His name turned into a moan.
“I’ll always take care of you, Calla. I wanted to check that the healers gave you a contraceptive implant.”
“Yes.”
He took his time pressing kisses to her belly. Then his mouth moved lower. She smelled so good. Better than her freshly baked treats. Hunger was a fire in his gut and more than anything, he needed to know what she tasted like.
“Men like to lick their lovers here, where they’re sweet and wet.”
She gave a shuddering moan. “Please.”
When he licked her sweet folds, her taste—spicy and rich—exploded in his mouth. She started making sexy sounds, pushing up against his tongue.
“Do you feel how wet I am?” she gasped.
“Yes.” He nipped her thigh.
“You make me like that. So hot and achy.”
He growled and licked her harder.
“Zaden, I’m going to—”
“Not yet.” He slid a finger inside her slick flesh.
She squirmed, her husky cries growing louder. He’d done that, made her feel all this delicious sensation.
He added another finger. She was so tight.
“Oh. Your fingers are so big.”
“My penis is much larger.”
<
br /> She made a choked sound, her body clenching on his fingers. “Cock. Say cock.”
“My cock.” He felt like his gut was on fire. “I want my cock inside you.”
“Yes.”
He kept plunging his fingers inside her, licking at her. “But first, I want you to come. Come just for me, sweet Calla.”
Her hands slid into his hair, tugging hard. A moment later, she cried out, her body going stiff. Then, she started shaking and crying out. The pleasure crossing her face was as intoxicating as her taste.
Zaden straightened and her molten gaze moved to him.
“Take your clothes off,” she demanded in a breathy voice.
He stood and yanked off his clothes. His need was a wild, hungry thing. Hungry for this woman who broke through his shields and made him want things he’d never dreamed could be his.
Chapter Six
Need and desire twisted wildly inside of Calla.
She saw the same emotions reflected in Zaden’s eyes. His molten-silver gaze moved all over her body, leaving her feeling scorched.
She drew him closer and touched his chest. His long cock rose proudly to his hard abs.
Smiling, she reached out and stroked him. He groaned and she watched his cock slide through her fingers. His hands gripped her hips, clenching there.
“You’re so beautiful,” she said.
He made a pained noise. “You’re the beautiful one.”
His cock pulsed in her hands and she saw all the muscles in his body were clenched and bulging.
“That…feels so good.”
“I want to make you feel good.”
She pulled him to sit on the edge of the bed, and his big, strong body trembled. This strong, powerful cyborg trembled for her. Needed her.
It left her breathless. She straddled him.
“Calla—” His hands clamped on her hips.
“I’m right here.” She kissed him again.
His fingers dug into her skin. “My control—”
“You don’t need it with me. Just feel. Enjoy.”
His face didn’t change, but his fingers kneaded her skin.
She licked his ear, nipping at the lobe. “I want you inside me.”
“I want that, too.” His voice was deeper, edging toward guttural.
Calla pressed her hands to his broad shoulders, her fingers stroking the metal at his neck. Then she lifted her hips, reaching between them to line his cock up with where she was wet and needy.
He sucked in a breath.
She shimmied her hips, and the head of his cock rubbed through her folds. Their combined groans filled the air.
“You feel so good.” His tone was harsh.
Their gazes locked, and she slowly sank down on him. As his hard length slid inside her, a rough groan rumbled out of him. Oh, he stretched her.
“Zaden, are you okay?” she asked breathlessly.
“Yes. Better than okay.”
She kept pushing downward, her body stretching to take him.
A harsh cry broke from his lips. His grip tightened and he slammed her down, just as he thrust his hips up.
Calla cried out, suddenly so full of Zaden. She breathed through the pleasure-pain.
He froze. He was lodged deep inside her, his breathing harsh.
“Zaden?” she panted.
“I hurt you.”
“No.” She cupped his face and made him look at her. “I’m fine. I just needed a few seconds to adjust.” She nipped his lips. “You feel so good, dara.”
“Dara? What’s that mean?”
“A Rellan endearment. One you’d use for someone you care about, like a lover.”
“I’m your lover.”
She moved her hips. “Yes, you are.”
“You feel so warm, so tight.” His fingers flexed against her hips.
Calla lifted up, feeling desired, sexy, wanted. She moved down. “You’re so long, Zaden. You fill me up.”
“I…”
She lifted her hips a little, then sank back down. “Do whatever you want, Zaden. I’m yours.”
He groaned and wrapped his arms around her. He drew her up, lowered his head, and he tugged one nipple between his lips.
She cried out, arching back. Heat pooled low in her belly.
“Your abilities?” she asked.
“They’re…quiet.” His hands moved down, sinking into the curves of her ass. “Please, Calla. I need…” He rocked his hips up.
“Oh, by the Goddess.” She was full of him, filled with Zaden. His face looked so intense, his focus solely on her.
“Calla, this makes you mine. I won’t let another man have you.” He took over, following the instincts driving them both.
She loved the possession in his voice. He moved her up and down on his cock until she was blind with the need to come. Desire was pushing her on, the promise of even more pleasure on the horizon.
“Yes, Zaden!”
“You’re mine.”
“Yours.”
He ground his body against hers with each thrust of her hips.
A second later, Calla felt like lightning hit her. Pleasure arrowed through her and she cried out his name. He held her as her body shuddered, her keening cries filling the room.
When she could finally think again, her heart was pounding and pleasure was still like a drug in her veins. She lifted her head and saw Zaden’s strained face. His body was still, his hard cock lodged deep, and he was vibrating with tension.
“You’re all right?” His voice was tight.
“More than all right.” She moved a hand through his silky hair.
He still hadn’t come yet. She wanted to watch him come apart for her. She lifted her hips and started to ride him again. She was so slick and sensitive, and he slid easily inside her.
He gritted his teeth. “Calla.”
“I love you deep inside me, Zaden. Come, my gorgeous cyborg. Come hard.”
His arms tightened around her and, with a roar, his hips bucked up.
Calla couldn’t look away. She watched the pleasure contort his face and felt him spurt inside her. His cock pulsed, his strong body shaking.
Finally, they collapsed against each other. She pressed her face to his neck, and stroked her hands up his back.
Then she looked at the bed and squeaked. She blinked her eyes rapidly. They were hovering just off the bed.
“Zaden.”
“Sorry.” He lowered them until the covers touched his back.
She hugged him tight. “How was that?”
He tipped her face up. “It was everything.”
It was a good answer. Her belly quivered. She was falling so hard and fast for this cyborg.
“I’d better clean up.” She felt the stickiness of their joined release sliding down her thighs.
“Then you’ll return to your room?”
Her belly went hard and suddenly, she felt horribly naked. He wanted her to leave? Hurt was a sharp sting in her chest.
Then she paused, watching his oh-so-blank face. You’re so stupid, Calla. She had to remind herself that he’d never done this before, never been with a woman before.
“No,” she said firmly. “We’re going to sleep together in your bed.”
He considered that for a second. “I’d like that.”
She relaxed and smiled. As she rose on shaky feet, she felt him watching her. That’s when she saw Cat sitting in the middle of the room.
With a gasp, Calla grabbed a throw blanket off the bed and wrapped it around her. Zaden sat up and scowled at the animal.
“When did she come in here?” Calla asked.
“I have no idea. But she’s very good at going places she’s not supposed to.”
Cat lowered her head and Calla saw what the feline was doing. “No, they weren’t for you!”
Calla crouched, trying to keep the blanket covering her naked body. Cat was eating the marmas that Calla had brought for Zaden.
“Those were for Zaden,” Calla said, e
xasperated.
Cat just meowed.
Then Calla heard a low rumble of sound. She straightened and saw that Zaden was laughing. Laughing.
Shaking her head, she shooed Cat out of the room and headed for the bathroom.
“Calla?”
She glanced back. “Yes?”
“Can we have sex again?”
She smiled. “Oh, yes. But what we’re doing isn’t sex, Zaden.”
His brows drew together. “It isn’t?”
“It’s making love.”
He paused. “I’ve never loved anyone. Or been loved.”
She felt like the muscles in her chest were contracting and expanding. “Don’t worry, I’ll show you.”
After she’d cleaned up, she headed back and slid into bed with Zaden. She snuggled into his hard body. Goddess, all of him was firm. She stroked her fingers over his chest, stroking skin and metal.
He mimicked her exploration, his hands cupping her breasts. Then his fingers brushed the flexible, metallic skin in the center of her chest. She stilled.
“It bothers you?” he asked.
“I’m still not used to it. It feels strange to know that my heart is mechanical.”
“You are still you. You think, you feel. And you’re alive.”
She kissed his chest. “True.”
“And, it makes you a little like me.”
She looked up at him. “It means I’m a cyborg.”
His lips quirked. “A very beautiful, soft, sweet-smelling cyborg.”
Laughing, she slithered up his body to kiss him.
Through the long hours of the night, they did a lot of touching and stroking, and discovered what each other liked most. She learned Zaden had a ticklish spot on his side, and he loved it when she put her mouth on his skin.
And he became obsessed with going down on her, seemingly drunk on the taste of her. She’d come so many times, she finally had to ban his mouth from between her legs.
For the time being, anyway.
The morning came far too soon.
Calla woke to find her cyborg leaning over her. He pressed a kiss to her temple.
She smiled sleepily, then realized that he was already dressed. He wore a tight, black shirt with his leather trousers. The shirt was so tight, she could see the ridges of his abs. He looked delicious.
But there was no sign of her laughing lover. Instead, her serious cyborg was back.
She sat up suddenly, her brain finally catching up. “It’s time?”
