Field Rules, page 18
His mouth curved up in a devilish smile. “I’ve got a better idea. Somewhere quiet and romantic. Want to give it a try?”
Now she was intrigued. And more than a little turned on. “Yes, please. Lead the way.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Olivia followed Rick along the road leading through the village square. They’d only walked two blocks when he turned down a street bearing a sign pointing to the Sanctuary of Aphrodite.
They’d visited the site during the first week of field school when the students had toured local monuments in the area. As far as ruins went, the sanctuary wasn’t that impressive. Though it had been important during its heyday when it had served as a temple dedicated to the goddess Aphrodite, all that remained now were a bunch of broken columns, some faded mosaics, and a few rectangular areas marked by low stone walls.
Rick led them past the ticket booth—now closed for the night—to a section of the chain-link fence with an iron gate. To Olivia’s surprise, he pushed it open with little effort.
“Shouldn’t the gate be locked?” she asked.
“It should be, but the caretaker’s not that diligent. Most nights, he’s at Leda Taverna, getting drunk.”
“You’ve…been here before?” Though she had no right to be jealous, she didn’t want to imagine him here with anyone else.
“Nope. This is my first time. Juno told me about it. Apparently, it’s a popular spot for couples.” He gestured to the gate. “Shall we?”
Olivia hesitated. Given that the site wasn’t open to the public after dark, if they went any further, they’d be trespassing. As in, committing a crime.
Wasn’t that precisely what she was trying to avoid?
“What if we get caught?” she asked. “Think how much trouble we got into when we broke the law before.”
He placed his hand on her arm. “We don’t have to go any further. But it’s not like we’re stealing a vehicle. If it makes you feel any better, Juno said the last time a couple was caught here after hours, they had to pay a fifty-euro fine.”
She could handle fifty euros. She was more worried about the potential humiliation if anyone found out.
“Whatever you choose, I’ll respect your decision.” He gave her a roguish smile. “But sometimes the best things happen when you break the rules.”
Was he referring to Clear Lake? Even if the consequences had been disastrous, they’d made some unforgettable memories. Here was a chance to make more of those memories, with a lover who genuinely cared about her. For years, she’d let her fear and anxiety stop her from following her passion. She couldn’t keep living that way.
Besides, how could she pass up the chance for intimacy in an ancient temple dedicated to the goddess of sexual love?
“Let’s go,” she said. “Hopefully, Aphrodite will watch out for us.”
The site was bathed in darkness, the only light coming from a slim, crescent moon. As Olivia made her way around the ruins, she stumbled over a large rock. Rick grabbed her arm and pulled her back.
“Careful. Next time I’ll bring a flashlight.”
Next time? Her pulse raced. Sneaking into the sanctuary for one night was bold enough. But making a habit of it? That was the mark of a true badass.
With no large structures to hide behind, the area around them was fairly exposed. Fortunately, the darkness provided ample cover. But when Rick almost tripped over a broken column, he took out his phone and turned on the flashlight app. Using the faint light, he led them to a rectangular area, walled in on three sides. The low stone walls provided enough of a barrier to shield them from anyone who might walk past the site. Beneath them, the ground was paved with smooth, flat stones.
Rick eased himself onto the stones and pulled Olivia toward him. “Sorry the ground’s so hard. I had no idea we’d end up here, so I wasn’t prepared.”
She sat next to him and rested her head on his shoulder. “We can bring a blanket next time.”
They sat together in the stillness. Even if the site was little more than rubble, it had lasted for centuries, playing host to thousands of steamy encounters. Back in the day, when religious pilgrims had come to worship Aphrodite, the temple priestesses offered up their bodies as part of their duty to the goddess.
Now I’ll be adding to that history. The thought made Olivia shiver with delight.
When Rick whispered her name, she turned to face him. Though she was craving the taste of his lips, she let him take the lead. He started slow, placing feather-soft kisses on her eyelids, her cheeks, and the curve of her chin. His lips grazed the sensitive spot behind her ear and the hollow of her collarbones, sending flickers of desire through her. When his lips caressed her bare shoulders, she quivered with anticipation, wanting so much more.
“Should I keep going?” he asked.
“Yes. Please.” She glanced at the hard ground beneath her. “Though I wish we had that blanket.”
He unbuttoned his shirt, eased it off his shoulders, and passed it to her. “Here. You can lie down on this.”
She took it from him but couldn’t pull away. Now that her eyes had adjusted to the darkness, she could make out his well-defined figure. Reaching toward him, she stroked his chest, letting her hands graze the firm muscles. “How the hell did you get so ripped?”
He chuckled. “Lots of hard work. Digging, swinging a pick, hauling buckets of dirt. I’m glad you approve.”
“I do. Very much so.” She spread out the shirt behind her, then turned to him with a sultry smile. “There. All set.”
With gentle hands, he pushed her back until she was lying flat. Even with his shirt to serve as a blanket, the ground felt cool beneath her. Leaning over her, he lowered the straps of her sundress and pulled it down around her waist. She shimmied her hips, allowing him to remove it completely. He unclasped her bra and tossed it aside, leaving her in nothing but a tiny pair of panties. As he gazed down at her in awe, she flushed with pleasure.
When was the last time anyone had looked at her with such undisguised rapture?
“You’re so beautiful,” he murmured. “Even more beautiful than I remembered.”
He cupped her breasts, rubbing his thumb over one nipple and then the next until they hardened into tight buds. Though she desperately wanted his mouth on them, she wouldn’t beg for it. But when she gave an involuntary whimper—the tiniest hint of submission—he lowered his head and ran his tongue along one of the buds before sucking on it. She groaned and threaded her fingers through his thick hair, wanting him to do more than just tease her. She wanted him to plunder her.
As he sucked on each nipple, she writhed underneath him, the delicious sensations coursing through her. But as sweet and tender as his seduction was, she wanted it a little rougher.
She pulled him up to face her, clasping him tightly until his bare chest was pressed against hers. When she captured his mouth with a demanding kiss, he responded with equal passion. He tasted of brandy, sweet, warm, and delicious. He ground into her, pressing his hard length between her thighs. She ran her fingers along his bare back, kneading strong muscles. Breaking away from his kiss, she nibbled his shoulders and ran her tongue along his neck until he brought his mouth to hers again.
She could do this for hours. Days.
Eager to feel him, she reached between his shorts, but he pulled away and flopped onto his back. “You’re killing me, Olivia.”
She rolled onto her side and ran her fingers along the thatch of soft brown hair covering his chest. “Killing you in a good way, right?”
He turned to face her. “In the best way. I’m so glad you didn’t accept my stupid offer. ‘Just friends.’ What the hell was I thinking?”
She giggled. “It was a noble offer, but it wouldn’t have worked.”
“Agreed. Even so, I want you to know I respect you completely. I’m amazed at how far you’ve come in the field.”
His words filled her with an unexpected pang of longing.
Don’t you dare make me catch feelings. This is just a fling.
She adopted a teasing tone, hoping to defuse the powerful well of emotion building up inside of her. “You don’t have to flatter me. I’m practically naked, lying with you in Aphrodite’s sanctuary. I’m a sure thing.”
He ran his hand along her shoulder. “I’m not flattering you. It’s the truth. You belong out here.”
“Thanks.” Before he could say any more, she scooted closer and placed soft kisses on his chest, inhaling the scent of his spicy aftershave. When she slid her hand under his shorts to stroke him, he pulled it away again.
“None of that, missy. I might explode if we go any further.” He gave a rueful sigh. “In my rush to find you, I didn’t think to stick a condom in my wallet.”
“We can put it on the list for next time—a flashlight, a blanket, some condoms.”
Because there would definitely be a next time. Even if they only had three weeks, she wanted to take advantage of every second.
She undid the button on Rick’s shorts. “Why don’t I take care of this for you? To ease the pressure.” A naughty thrill surged through her. “I seem to remember you enjoying it quite a bit.”
When he didn’t protest, she tugged on his shorts. He pulled them off, and his boxers followed. Naked in the moonlight, he looked like a Greek god come to life. Except bigger than she remembered.
“Oh my,” she whispered.
He gave her a grin that was entirely too smug. “You up for the challenge?”
Hell, yes. She’d have him reduced to putty in no time.
Wanting to have complete control, she pushed him onto his back. After brushing her hair against his chest, she leaned in closer and ran her tongue along his rigid length. She took her sweet time, teasing, licking, tasting, making him want her even more.
When she took him fully into her mouth, he groaned and tangled his fingers in her hair. The feel of his hands tugging on it brought forth a rush of heat that shot straight to her core. She ran her hands along the curve of his butt, cupping it and bringing him deeper. She’d forgotten how much she enjoyed giving pleasure this way.
He groaned. “Olivia, I’m going to come.”
She let him finish, not breaking her hold until he’d emptied himself completely. With a final sigh, he released her hair from his grip. She pulled away and lay back on the stone, feeling immensely pleased with herself.
She expected him to bask in the afterglow, but he sat up and leaned over her with a wicked gleam in his eye. “Your turn.”
“You…you don’t have to.” Even though her whole body ached with need, she didn’t want him to feel like he owed her anything.
“Oh, I want to. It’s only fair.” When he tugged off her panties, she was embarrassed by how drenched they were. But he only grinned. “I can’t wait to taste you.”
Her heartbeat sped up in anticipation. “Rick…”
He pressed one finger inside her, and then another, making her gasp with delight. “You’re so wet. You loved doing that, didn’t you? Naughty girl.”
“Yessss.” Her words dissolved as he bent down and placed soft kisses on her stomach and hip bones, while his fingers sought out her sweet spot, stroking and teasing.
When he parted her legs and laved her with his tongue, she let out a throaty moan. Her body tensed up, so close to release she could hardly stand it. She was vaguely aware that she was begging—pleading—for him to keep going, but she was so far gone she would have said anything to make him continue. As she reached her peak, she cried out as the sensations crested over her in a powerful wave. He didn’t stop until her gasps subsided and her body collapsed in relief.
As he took her in his arms, she melted against him, her muscles loose. Like she could fall asleep this way, despite the hard stone beneath them. A cool breeze wafted over her bare skin, but he sheltered her in the warmth of his embrace.
She was so grateful he’d given her another chance. That he’d made her feel sexy and wanton and beautiful. Even if that was all he could give her, she’d take it.
Right now, she didn’t need any promises.
She’d enjoy the moment, however long it lasted.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
Rick knew he was grinning like a fool, but he couldn’t help himself.
As they walked back to camp, he squeezed Olivia’s hand. Already, he was fantasizing about their next encounter. He’d bring a pack loaded with supplies—condoms, a blanket, a flashlight, and a towel. Maybe a pillow so Olivia’s head wouldn’t have to rest on the hard stone.
Around them, the narrow road was quiet. No one was out, save for the usual stray cats. Naturally, Olivia stopped and petted each one. But he wasn’t in any hurry to get back to camp. He liked having her to himself for a little longer.
“You’re so quiet,” she said. “What are you thinking?”
“About next time.”
She laughed. “Next time? You’re already plotting ahead?”
“Aren’t you?”
“Definitely. Though a bed might be nice.” She sighed. “A king bed with a comfortable mattress and big, fluffy pillows.”
Even if he agreed, he couldn’t resist teasing her. “Aphrodite’s temple didn’t do it for you? She wouldn’t be pleased to hear it.”
“Okay, but if you’re going to be pounding into me next time, I could use a little more cushioning.”
Pounding into her? The words conjured up a steamy image that flooded his brain. Olivia lying underneath him, naked and willing, moaning with pleasure as he thrust himself into her. If he wasn’t careful, he’d end up with another hard-on.
As he tried to get his dick under control, an idea came to him. “After Cyprus, are you flying straight home or stopping along the way?”
“I’m staying in Athens for a week. My graduate adviser got me approved for library access at the American School of Classical Research. Since the residence hall is full, I need to book a room at a student hostel. Which reminds me, I should get on that.”
Yes. He couldn’t have planned a better setup. “Would you be willing to spring for a private hotel room? Preferably one with a king bed? I’d pay for half of it.”
“You’d come to Athens with me?” Her voice rose in excitement. “That would be fantastic.”
“Sure. The Larnaca airport is such a small hub that I need to fly out of Athens anyway, whether I go home or move on to my next job.”
“Have you decided where you’ll be going yet?” Her voice had a slight hitch to it, like she wasn’t sure she should be asking.
Though he wanted to offer her reassurance, he couldn’t comfort her with false promises. “I don’t know. Either way, it wouldn’t be a problem to spend a week in Athens with you.”
“Then I’d love it. But…I will have to do research. Only during the day, though.”
“If you save the nights for me, I’ll be fine.” He’d have no problem occupying his time in a city filled with world-class ruins. Even if he lazed around and read, he’d be happy. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d stayed in a decent place. When he was between jobs, he usually crashed on someone’s couch or found the cheapest hostel available.
“Then yes, please,” she said. “I’ll find a room with a big bed and a decent shower. But I don’t want to wait until then to have sex. Like you said, it is Aphrodite’s temple. She might be disappointed if we don’t follow through.”
“No argument from me.” If she didn’t want to lie on the cold stone, she could be on top. At the thought of her riding him, her gorgeous body illuminated by the moonlight, his dick sprang to life again.
Down, boy. We’re almost at camp.
He’d have to get his libido under control when they worked together. He couldn’t let his steamy fantasies distract him.
She let go of his hand. “If we’re trying to be discreet, I should go on ahead. Is that okay?”
He wished he could parade back into camp with her by his side to show everyone what a lucky bastard he was. But flaunting their status in front of Grant would be like poking a beehive. “No problem. You might want to grab a brush and tackle your hair before you face the others. It’s kind of wild.”
Grinning, she ran her fingers through her curls. “That’s your fault, but I’ll take care of it.” She leaned forward and placed a quick kiss on his lips. “Good night, Rick. Sweet dreams.”
They wouldn’t exactly be sweet. More like extra spicy. “’Night, Olivia.”
He waited for ten minutes, letting his mind wander back to their encounter in the temple, replaying every blissful minute. The feel of her smooth skin beneath his fingers. The taste of her lips. The mind-blowing orgasm she’d given him. The way she’d cried out in pleasure when he’d gone down on her.
Damn. Now he needed a cold shower, but he didn’t want to brave the camp shower this late at night. Plus, it wasn’t exactly private.
He ambled toward camp, listening for the sounds of music and laughter, but didn’t hear anything. As he reached the parking area, he came face-to-face with Grant, who was returning to the field house for the night.
Rather than scowl at his nemesis, Rick gave him a friendly nod. “Hey, Grant. Did you have fun at the party?”
“I’m not one for parties, but I enjoyed meeting with Dr. Bouras from the Department of Antiquities. I’m impressed with how much she’s accomplished in the field.”
Impressed with her accomplishments or her voluptuous figure? Rick hadn’t missed the way Grant had clung to the woman’s side. But he knew better than to bait him.
Grant gestured to the road. “Where were you coming from?”
“Just out for a walk. I needed a little break.”
“I thought you’d want to enjoy the spotlight for as long as possible, given that you were in your glory after finding that site.”
He made Rick sound as though he’d been boasting to anyone who would listen. True, he’d been proud of his find, but he’d given his team plenty of credit. The only one who’d veered into braggadocio was TJ, and everyone expected that of him.
