Gradually, her movements picked up speed and grew more frantic. He settled his hands on her hips to steady her as he thrust upward, deep and hard, and no holding back. For this one instant, she was his, the connection between them powerful and complete. Her voice rang out so damn sweetly when another climax hit her. The pulsing of her inner muscles shoved him straight over the edge with her. After they rode out the last few waves of heated pleasure together, she collapsed in a boneless heap on his chest.
Nuzzling her neck, he whispered, “Pretty damn good for our first time.”
“Yeah, it was.” He felt her smile against his chest. “Can’t wait to see what the second round looks like.”
“If it’s much better than that, I’m not sure I’ll survive it.”
She lifted her gaze to meet his. “Not a problem. As I recall, if it kills you, you won’t stay that way. And once you’re back to breathing again, we can go for round three.”
He never thought he’d find anything about his freaky nature funny, but he was grateful to her for making him laugh about it at least this once. And to show his gratitude, he poured everything he had into round two.
TIME HAD NOmeaning in the dark comfort of Eli’s bed. Safara could’ve lain there next to him for an eternity and never grown tired of being comforted by his powerful body and gentle touches. Unfortunately, the sun would soon rise over the mountain, and their first night together would have to end. Until it did, though, she wasn’t going to waste a single second on sleep.
“You’re thinking too hard. It’s keeping me awake.”
Eli’s deep voice was a grumbly rumble right next to her ear, his breath a warm flutter against her skin. They were lying spooned together, his arm over her waist and holding her flush against his chest. Neither of them had bothered putting on any of their scattered clothing, partially because it would take too much effort to hunt it all down, but mainly they’d just have to take it all off again the next time they made love.
And from the impressive pressure against her backside right now, that time might be any minute now. “Well, maybe I could do something to take the edge off so you can get back to sleep.”
She pressed back against him and wiggled a little to get his attention. “I think this would be round four. Are you up for it?”
“I think the answer to that is pretty obvious.” He caught her hand and pressed it against some pretty hard evidence. Then he laughed and reached for the box on the bedside table. “Besides, who’s counting?”
“Not me.”
Sunrise would come when it would. Until it did, she lost herself in her lover’s kiss.
BREAKFAST WAS Ajoint effort. She made fresh blueberry muffins while Eli cooked the bacon and scrambled a skillet full of eggs. The rain had moved on during the night, leaving the sky overhead clear. They decided to eat out on the porch where the air was fragrant with the damp scent of cedar and firs.
It had seemed like too much food for two people, but they managed to eat most of it. Thanks to last night’s activities, they’d both worked up bigger than normal appetites. When they were done, Eli carried the dishes back inside and returned with a second cup of coffee for each of them. For a short time, they were content to sip the rich brew and enjoy the quiet sounds of the surrounding woods.
Safara didn’t know about Eli, but she was reluctant to break the silence. The last thing she wanted right now was for the outside worlds to intrude on this special time they were sharing. They couldn’t ignore their problems for long, but she’d be grateful for every minute of peace they got.
Unfortunately, Eli’s cell phone started ringing. He stared at it for a few seconds before finally sliding his finger over the screen to accept the call. As he did so, he stood up and turned his back to her. Whoever was calling clearly was cause for alarm. Considering his body language, it wouldn’t hurt to offer him a little privacy. She picked up both coffee cups and headed back into the cabin.
The sound of his voice carried even through the thick cabin walls. Although she couldn’t make out the specific words, the tone was all too clear. He sounded angry or maybe concerned. While she waited for him to finish, she poured another cup of coffee and then started washing the dishes. The door opened just as she set the last one in the drainer. Eli usually let the dishes dry on their own, but she needed something to keep her hands busy. Picking up a towel, she began wiping a plate.
“Is everything okay?”
“Not exactly. We’re about to get company. Two friends of mine, guys I served with in the army.”
She set the dish towel aside and turned to face him. “Do they know what happened? You know, in the helicopter crash?”
Because she could only imagine how those conversations would’ve gone. Then it occurred to her to ask, “Does this mean you’re considered AWOL from the army?”
His expression turned even more grim. “I will be if the powers that be ever figure out that I survived. As far as I know, the official word is that I died in the crash.”
Something was definitely off about what he’d just said, maybe in the way he said it. “And the unofficial word?”
“From what I hear, the jury might be still out on that, which is why I need to explain a few things before my friends get here.” He checked his watch. “Which will be in about fifteen minutes.”
She took a seat at the table. “I’m listening.”
14
Where to start? Not all the way back at the beginning of this mess. She already knew he’d died in the crash, a fact that hadn’t rattled her nearly as much as it had him. Still did, in fact. But then she’d grown up knowing such a thing was possible. He’d never even heard of the Paladins, much less that he might’ve come out of the same gene pool. At least he now had an explanation for his freaky ability to heal.
“I take it you trust these men.”
