© Cyndi Friberg, July 2006
All Rights Reserved

Leaning forward, Evan brought his face within inches of Kort’s. “I’ll take care of my woman if you arrange a meeting with Stromn.”

“You take care of your woman, or I’ll show you what women are for.” Turning his head, Kort swept Dro Tar’s body with a lecherous glance.

Evan shoved Kort back and crossed the cabin. Fight. If you suddenly give in, it will seem suspicious. He closed his hand around her upper arm.

She jerked out of his light grasp. “If anyone touches me, I’ll show them what my knife is for.”

Grabbing her with both hands, Evan pulled her against his chest. “Kort’s right. I’ve indulged you long enough.” He bent and shoved his shoulder into her belly, easily lifting her off the floor. She kicked and squirmed, until he banded her legs with his arm. Snatching her knife from the sheath strapped to her thigh, he tossed the weapon to Kort. The Linusian gasped, but managed to catch the weapon. “No more excuses. Contact Stromn.” He stormed from the cabin before Kort could reply.

Dro Tar shoved against Evan’s back. He smacked her on the butt. “This is not going to happen,” she yelled. “I saw you with your hand down Lissa’s pants.”

“Her hand was down my pants and that’s as far as it went. I told you that three weeks ago.”

“Why the hell should I believe you?”

Several crewmembers chuckled as they passed, but Evan entered their cabin before he replied. “Have I ever lied to you?” He slid her down against his body until her feet touched the floor.

“How would I know?” She struggled against his hold, glaring up at him. “I trusted you until I found you with --”

“Nothing happened!” He pushed her back and pinned her against the wall with the weight of his body. His hands framed her face. “I’m tired of aching, nephri. Look me in the eyes and tell me you don’t want me any more.” She’d never heard the strange word, but his tone caressed it, made her certain it was an endearment.

She stared into his smoldering gaze and felt her insides melt. They might not be long time lovers as they were pretending, but attraction had sparked between them from the very start. His confidence appealed to her. His sense of humor kept her from going insane. Pretending she wanted nothing to do with him had been harder than surrendering to desire. Licking her lips, she lowered her gaze to his mouth. Finally, she’d feel the heat of those sensual lips.

“You’re still an arrogant jerk,” she whispered.

He chuckled. “I can work with that.”

His mouth covered hers and he pulled her away from the wall, pressing her tightly against his body. With frantic urgency they touched each other, too impatient to fully undress. He slipped his hand beneath her uniform top and unfastened her undergarment, freeing her breasts for his eager exploration.

She tugged his shirt up and found bare skin, stroking his back and sides with ravenous hunger. She’d dreamed of this, imagined their joining, yet he’d seemed reluctant to touch her.

I knew they’d watch us. I didn’t want to put you through that. Even in her mind his voice sounded breathless and edgy.

I don’t care. I want this; I want you.

He drew her breath into his mouth and traced her lower lip with his tongue. His hand cupped her breast, his thumb teasing her nipple. I don’t want to share this with them. I want --

They can only intrude if we let them. Look at me. Think only of me.

Sweeping her into his arms, he placed her in the middle of the bunk and quickly undressed before joining her. “I’ve missed you,” he whispered as he pulled her uniform top off over her head, then tossed her support garment aside. She sat, exploring his broad chest as he knelt between her legs. His body was masculine perfection -- lean, toned, tightly contained strength. She squeezed his thick upper arms and broad shoulders. Her pulse raced as each touch brought them closer to fulfillment.

He touched her with reverent care, his hands skimming her fevered skin. His patience tormented her, coiling tension between her spread thighs. She trailed her fingers downward, reaching for his thick shaft, anxious to feel his hardness and his heat.

“Not yet.” Grasping her wrists, he guided her hands to the bed behind her, arching her back provocatively. He bent to her breasts, capturing one nipple between his teeth, while he firmly rolled the other.

Each touch, each nibble wound the coil tighter. She squeezed her eyes shut blinded by desire. Her legs trembled and her core pulsed. She needed him there, needed him now! “Please.” The word escaped on a ragged gasp. Weeks of anticipation and the ever present sense of danger sharpened her emotions and fueled the flames.

“Lie back.” The husky command robbed her of strength, made her hot and boneless. He tugged off her boots and unfastened her pants. She raised her hips so he could finish undressing her. “You made me wait. Don’t think this is going to be easy.” She trembled at the tender threat, reminded of their unwanted audience. “Open your eyes. Look at me. Think only of me.” The possessive passion gleaming in his gaze took her breath away. This was more than a mission. The emotions etched in his face were stark, elemental, real. “Raise your arms above your head and leave them there or I’ll bind you.”

She obeyed, her gaze locked on his passion flushed face. He touched her boldly now, building her need to the edge of orgasm only to pause and refuse her release. After lavishing attention on her nipples, he wandered across her quivering abdomen. He scooted down, forcing her legs wide to accommodate his shoulders.

Her lids started to droop as the throbbing became painful. “Look at me.” Their gazes collided and he pushed two fingers into her core. She cried out, arching off the bed.

“Please.”

He flicked his tongue across her clit twice then grinned. “You refused me for weeks. Why should I show mercy?”

“I thought ... I’m sorry. Please stop teasing me.”

Dragging his fingers nearly out of her slick passage, he narrowed his gaze and covered her clit with his thumb. “I like teasing you. I like hearing you beg. Beg some more. Beg me to taste you.”

A hard, needful spasm constricted her inner muscles, while tenderness softened her heart. “Please taste me. Fill me with your tongue.” She’d never wanted anything more, needed anyone so desperately. He parted her folds with his fingers and traced her slit over and over. She bucked and swayed, trying to bring his tongue into contact with her aching clit. He was punishing her for her stubbornness, she understood that, but a certain gleam in his eyes warned her that this was not all for show. Evan intended to devour her, claim her, overwhelm her in ways she had yet to imagine.