Dark Illusions (The Warrior Breed), page 14
"My life belongs to you, Your Highness."
As the call ended, everyone turned to look at him.
"Your Highness?" Ethan looked at Carter. "I don't think you told us everything. All you said was that we would be helping someone get out of prison in a foreign country."
"Did I not mention it was the King and Queen we would be rescuing? Or that this is their son who was raised in an orphanage and didn't know anything about them until recently?"
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "No, I believe you left that part out." He grinned. "Damn, I was hoping things were going to get more exciting. I mean, we can break anyone out of prison on any given day. But a King and Queen? This is going to be fun."
And they said he was strange. Ethan was chomping at the bit. But maybe that's exactly what they needed—men ready to right a wrong done to his family.
If they were going in soon, he needed to know more about the lay of the land. He met with Rader, and they began going over his maps. The terrain wouldn't be that rough. There were some hills, but no big mountains to cross. This wasn't bad at all compared to some terrain he'd gone across.
With the monthlong Festival of the Night starting, they wouldn't raise too much suspicion. More people would be crossing at this time of the year than any other. Rufus would be hosting parties and gala events. Wizard was hoping his soldiers would also be celebrating.
By the time he and Lorelei headed back to the hotel, they had a plan in place. They would check out of the hotel when they got the okay to cross and go to the waterfront. There they would catch a boat to Rakartheway. Once they arrived, Zeke's cousins would pick them up and take them back to the family home. They would present the perfect family. No one would suspect them of anything more than what they were pretending to be. At least, he hoped that's what would happen.
They stopped at a restaurant on the way back. He enjoyed showing Lorelei what life had to offer. “How did it go with Samson?” he casually asked after they were seated and had ordered.
"He's sweet."
Both his eyebrows shot up. "Sweet? That's not the first thing I thought about when I saw him."
She laughed. He loved the sound, and he liked seeing her relaxed and happy. Yeah, he was definitely going to take care of Nash when they returned. Nash wouldn't be able to destroy anyone else’s life.
"But he is sweet. Did you know he’s a high school teacher?"
"That's what Carter told me. It's hard to believe, though.
"Not when you're around him for very long. When he speaks about his wife and stepdaughter, everything about him changes. His face relaxes, and he smiles when he talks about them. He loves them very much."
"He's married?" He didn't remember Carter mentioning that fact. It might’ve been helpful if he had.
"Yes, and he's very happy. He doesn't go on missions very often anymore. He prefers to stay in the town where they live. But for Carter, he said he would do anything. When he called, he got a substitute to cover him at school and came immediately. He said not to worry, though. He works out every day and is in great shape."
"And very big. That alone should scare anyone from coming at him."
"He is rather large." She laughed again.
Their food arrived and they began to eat. Lorelei had ordered a glass of wine and he got a beer. They ate and talked. He still couldn't believe how comfortable he felt around her. She was easy to talk to.
"Do you still want to go to Rakartheway with me?" he asked. "We could change our plans and no one would think less of you. I don't want to put you in any danger."
The waitress came over, refilling Lorelei’s glass and his mug. They waited until she left before they picked up their conversation again.
"You don't have to worry. I'll be fine with Zeke's family. They won't let any harm come to me. I want to do this."
She picked up her glass, took a drink, and set it back down. He knew there was more she wanted to discuss, but he didn't think she knew how to broach the subject.
"What do you want that you're afraid to ask about?"
Her forehead puckered. "Can you read minds?"
"Some say I can, but no, I can’t. I just know when somebody wants to ask me something."
"Samson was telling me the history of your homeland. He said the people are quite poor since King Rufus started running the country. I learned that most of the women sew their clothing and knit their blankets. As a gift to them, I would like to take material and sewing supplies, but I don't have any money, and I hate to ask you to buy anything else."
"I should've thought about that sooner," he told her. He wasn’t a people person. He didn’t know about the niceties. "We'll get the supplies tomorrow."
No matter what he spent, seeing the look on her face was worth every penny. They continued to sit at the table long after the meal was finished. It wasn't until they both stood that he realized Lorelei had never drunk this much. Her eyes widened as she weaved just a little, grabbing the back of the chair. She looked across the table at him. "I think I might have had too much to drink."
He laughed. "I think you might have, too.
She smiled. "But I feel happy."
Yes, he figured she was feeling very happy.
Wizard opened her car door, but she turned and looked at him before getting inside. He couldn't move, he couldn't breathe, he damned sure couldn't think when she looked at him like that. Then she ducked inside the car and the spell she cast was broken.
What the hell had just happened? He'd always been in control of his emotions. Never feel too much, and don't let anyone get too close. That was his motto. Somehow, Lorelei had gotten under his skin. He shook off the strange feeling and went around to the driver's side and climbed in.
By the time they arrived back at the hotel, he figured he'd mistaken how she was looking at him. He was seeing things that weren't there. She was just a beautiful woman.
They rode the elevator up to the room and went inside. "We'll go into town tomorrow and get the things you want to take to Zeke's family." He was fumbling for words. He didn't want to leave her, but he couldn't think of any reason why he should stay. "I guess I'll see you in the morning," he finally said and walked to the door separating the two rooms. He stopped and turned when he reached it. "Goodnight."
"Goodnight."
Her soft musical words floated over to him. His gaze roamed over her. She was so damned beautiful. Her dark hair cascaded over her shoulders, and she looked hot in the snug-fitting jeans. Every time she moved today, he caught a glimpse of bare skin where the bottom of her shirt didn't quite reach the waistband of her jeans. He wondered if her skin felt as soft as it looked. It was all he could do to keep from reaching out and brushing his fingers over her.
He snapped out of the daze he was lost in as she slowly began walking toward him, unbuttoning her shirt, one button at a time. Slowly, seductively. He couldn't move, wondering if he was only imagining what she was doing, then she shrugged out of her shirt. Had he actually ordered her that bra? It was white, lacy, and sexy as hell, exposing the rounded fullness of her breasts.
Then it hit him what she was doing. "Whoa, wait a minute. You don't know what you're doing. You had a little too much wine tonight."
"I'm pretty sure I know what I'm doing. I'm not a virgin, Wizard." Her soft words caressed him.
"I know you're grateful and everything. You don't have to do this."
Her forehead puckered. "Don't you see? I want to do this. I'm not feeling grateful, even though I am. You rescued me from a life of living hell. But now, I need you to make love to me. Maybe the wine has given me more courage, but don't think for a minute I haven't wanted this for a while now. The only man I've ever been with is Nash. He saw to his own needs and he made sure mine were never met. Please, make love to me." She reached behind her and unfastened the bra, then shrugged out of it.
For the second time tonight, he couldn't breathe, he couldn't move, and his brain quit functioning. This was wrong. It was the wine making her bold. He told himself to turn and go into the other room. She would be embarrassed tomorrow, but at least she wouldn't do something tonight that she would regret in the morning.
Except his damned legs wouldn't move. Then she stepped closer. Their gazes locked as she began to unbutton his shirt, then her small hands were gliding over his naked chest.
He moaned, knowing he was lost. There would be no turning back now. He wanted her as much as she wanted him. There’d been something between them from the moment they first saw each other. He knew it, and he was pretty sure she did, too.
Why deny themselves any longer? He pulled her into his arms and lowered his mouth to hers. She tasted sweet, hot, and a little like the wine she’d had tonight. He was intoxicated by her kiss, the way her hands explored and caressed.
He inhaled her scent as he touched the softness of her body. His kiss deepened. Their tongues sparred, stroked, and when the kiss ended, they were both gasping for breath. He took a step away, unable to stop staring at her. They both began to remove their jeans at the same time, kicking off their shoes.
He didn't think twice about removing his briefs, but she moved a little slower. He briefly wondered if she was doing it on purpose, but quickly dismissed the idea. No matter what had happened before tonight, she was still innocent.
She slipped her finger into the waistband and tugged downward—one slow inch at a time. He realized he was holding his breath when the room began to spin around him.
Inhale, exhale, he silently told himself.
Then she tugged them down all the way and kicked them away from her. She was beyond beautiful. She was a dark-haired goddess with full breasts, rosy nipples, and a slim waist followed by a gently curving waist and long legs. A dancer's legs.
“Damn, you’re beautiful,” he said.
“So are you.”
He grinned. “I don’t think I’ve ever been called beautiful.”
She stepped nearer, her hands lightly tracing the tattoo. “This is who you are,” she said, then met his gaze before looking at it again. “You’re like the phoenix reborn and rising from the fiery ashes each time life knocks you down, but this time is different because you carry the sacred sword and shield to battle and conquer your enemies.”
He would've smiled, but he saw she was serious. "Do you think that is what will happen?"
In all seriousness, she looked at him. “I do.”
She pressed closer to him, her naked body molding with his. He sucked in a breath as erotic sensations washed over him.
“You’re a warrior.”
“Who told you that?” he asked as he brushed the hair back from her face.
“Cutter. He told me he looked up to you. He said you kept to yourself, but if anyone needed anything, you were there for them. He said once you had risked your life when the team was caught in a crossfire. That you created a diversion so everyone could get away.”
“It wasn’t…”
She brought her fingers to his lips, stopping his next words. “Make love to me. Show me what it’s supposed to be like between two people who care about each other.”
When he picked her up, she wrapped her arms around his neck, holding tight. Before setting her on the bed, he pressed his lips to hers. A shudder rippled over her. For one brief moment, he didn't want to let her go. He wanted to hold her close.
He was so damned afraid of what would happen in the days to come. He’d always felt as if a dark cloud hovered over him. Deep breath. He had to trust that they would get through this just like he always did. It was another mission, that was all.
He laid her on the bed and then joined her. He wanted to make this time special for her. He lay on his side, Lorelei on her back. His hot gaze roamed over her. He cupped her breast, lightly brushing across the tight nipples.
She drew in a sharp breath, arching her back just a little. He moved his hand lower, trailing his fingers back and forth across her abdomen as he awakened the sensations inside her that had been dormant far too long,
Her breaths were becoming shorter, faster as she lost herself in his touch. He ran his hand down one leg, then casually back up. He repeated on the other side, getting close to that secret spot, but not touching. She began to wiggle her bottom just a little.
“Wizard…” she moaned.
"Open for me," he said.
She didn't hesitate as she opened her legs. He moved between them, running his fingers up and then back down her dark curls. She gripped the covers.
"Do you like that?"
She swallowed hard, nodding. "Yes, very much."
He scooted farther down in the bed. He wanted to taste her. He wanted to know every inch of Lorelei. He raked his tongue up her slit, tasting the sweetness that was her essence before he sucked her inside his mouth, teasing.
“Wizard!” She began to pant.
Her body quivered as she reached orgasm. He pressed the palm of his hand against her, watching her face. It was the most beautiful sight he'd ever seen. He'd never watched a woman in the throes of passion until now. He’d never cared to. But this one meant more to him than all the others.
When Lorelei began to relax, he moved beside her again, lightly caressing her breasts.
She turned to her side, pressing against him. It was all he could do not to take her right then, but he wanted to make sure this was what she wanted.
"I've never felt anything like that before. It was wonderful. The most beautiful thing I've ever experienced,” she whispered.
They rested like that for a moment, with him lightly caressing her back. He closed his eyes, savoring each moment her naked body pressed against his.
“I never knew sex could be like that. I never had pleasure until today.” She leaned back and looked at him. “Except you didn't have release. I want to give back to you."
“You don’t have to. It’s enough to know I was able to give you this.”
“No, for the first time in my life, I want to give someone pleasure.” She lightly pushed on his shoulder and he shifted to his back. She moved to her knees and lightly brushed her hair over him.
He started to feel as if he was coming unglued. No one had ever done this to him. It was a very light touch and damned erotic. Then she moved between his legs and ran the backs of her fingernails up them, then across his abdomen. He closed his eyes and let the sensations wash over him. She scraped across his nipples, then lightly ran her fingernails over his chest in a crisscross pattern. A moan escaped past his lips.
She moved to straddle his cock, lightly rubbing up and down, just barely touching him. He grabbed her hips, holding her in place, but she took his hands and put them on her breasts. That worked for him, too. He watched the undulation of her body against his as he massaged her breasts. Lost in the fog of desire surrounding him, he barely realized when she positioned herself so he could slip inside her.
Then she began to move, lost in the throes of her own passion. He watched as long as he could, but then he quickly reversed their position so she was under him. Slow and steady was a great way to build passion, but he needed more now.
As if knowing what he needed, she wrapped her legs around his waist and pulled him in deeper. He groaned, unable to move for a moment. Then he began to slide slowly in, then back out, almost all the way but not quite. He sank deeper as her body closed around him, massaging and caressing his cock with her moist heat.
Damn, she was tight. Her inner muscles clenched and unclenched around him.
He quickly lost himself in the pleasure until even that wasn’t enough. When he looked down into her face, he saw that her breathing was ragged and her eyes had drifted closed. He knew she was ready and began to move faster. She grabbed his shoulders. He watched her face to make sure he wasn't hurting her, but it wasn't pain he saw. No, it was need. He thrust inside her again and again, their ragged breathing filling the room.
And then everything seemed to explode all around him. Her body tightened and she gasped. He might've growled. He wasn't sure. He only knew he'd never experienced anything like this.
Their lovemaking had been intense, and there’d been a connection he’d never felt with anyone else.
No, he wouldn't second guess what they'd just shared. It had been incredible, and that's all he wanted to focus on as he slowly sank into her softness. She sighed deeply. He kissed her on the forehead, then rolled to the side, taking her with him, keeping her tight against him. Never wanting to let her go.
"I've never experienced anything like that," she whispered.
"You and me both," he admitted.
And if he was truthful, it scared the hell out of him.
Chapter Seventeen
Lorelei
Lorelei slowly came awake. Something was different about this morning, but everything was still a little foggy. She stretched and felt the soreness between her legs. A smile touched her lips as it all came back to her in a rush. She and Wizard had made love last night. It had been incredible.
Her body began to tingle just thinking about it. Wizard gave her something she’d never had and it brought tears to her eyes. This was how it should be between a man and a woman. Pure, sweet, magical.
She turned over, but she was alone in the bed. Disappointment filled her. She pushed to a sitting position, the cover falling around her waist, and wondered if he’d returned to the other room.
Before she had too much time to think about it, Wizard quietly opened the door to the adjoining bedroom as he tried not to spill the two coffees he was juggling. He barely kept one from tipping over as he attempted to close the door behind him.
Then he looked up, their gazes meeting. His eyes dropped lower.
He froze in the doorway.
Lorelei realized she was bare to the waist. He'd seen her last night completely naked. Maybe he didn't like her as much in the light of day.
"Is something wrong?"
"You're naked."
"Should I cover up?"
He slowly shook his head. "You look pretty damned good to me."
She smiled. "I was afraid there was something about me that you didn't like."
