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  Taimi began to pant and bucked against him, trying to draw his cock into her sweet body. He clamped his hands on her hips, holding her steady so he could continue to tease her with just the very tip of the thick head. “No fair, Captain.”

  “Captain?”

  “Jaren.” His name turned into a moan, the sexiest sound he’d ever heard. “It’s still not fair.”

  “Oh?”

  “You’re taking advantage…of being bigger than me.” She squirmed in his grasp.

  She was dripping wet, slick with her need. Drowning every good intention he had. She wanted this as much as he did, but he wasn’t going to rush it. If she thought he was taking advantage, he intended to exploit it to the fullest.

  He pushed into her, just the head of his cock disappearing into her pussy. He heard her sharply drawn breath, and she raked her nails into his upper arms.

  Pleasure still dominated her expression, but there was pain too.

  Jaren swore under his breath and quickly withdrew.

  Her natural sensuality made it easy to forget her lack of experience. Her innocence. She might want this, but her body wasn’t ready yet.

  He slid his hands under her bottom, lifting her higher. Turned with her in his arms and shuffled toward the tub.

  The water was still running, the steam from the heat curling around them. There was a distinct scent to the water, similar to the air of Lorus during this time of year. A spicy, musky perfume.

  He lowered her toward the tub. Taimi locked her legs tighter around his waist, as if unwilling to let him go. “Don’t.”

  “I think you might need this,” he told her softly. “The hot water.”

  The steam plastered curls of her hair against her cheeks and her forehead. Heat added a deeper rose undertone to the golden tan of her cheeks, and she flicked her tongue over her lips. “Do I have to ask you again?”

  “Ask me?”

  “To join me in the water.”

  His cock gave another surge, throbbing against her slick entrance, and they both groaned. “Does it feel like I can refuse you?”

  “No.” She unlocked her legs, and he eased her into the tub. Taimi jolted in response to the first contact with the steaming water. “That’s hotter than I expected!” She settled in with a heavy sigh. She reached up and ran one hand along his hard length, giving him that brief, cheeky grin when his cock jumped under her touch. “Just in case you were thinking of changing your mind.”

  No damn way he could do that now. “Give me a moment.” Jaren leaned on the edge of the tub and worked on the laces of his boots, his fingers clumsy. He kicked them aside to land in a heap atop the rest of their clothing and gulped deep breaths of the humid, sultry air, staring at the exquisite vision before him.

  Taimi reached behind her to turn off the water before it overflowed to the tile floor. She settled deeper into the basin, her head resting back against the edge. Every inch of her beautiful body was perfectly visible beneath the clear water, even to the thatch of black curly hair between her legs.

  He lifted one leg to step into the tub, and she held up one hand. “Wait.”

  “Changed your mind?”

  “Not at all.” Her slow smile was distinctly feminine as she surveyed his body, lingering for a long moment on his pulsing, aching cock before looking back at his face. “I’m enjoying the view. I told you I wanted to see you.”

  JAREN’S GORGEOUS HAZEL eyes widened, but he stayed where he was, silently complying with her wishes.

  His acquiescence was arousing and surprising. She sensed he didn’t relinquish even the smallest bit of control easily. Even now, tension fairly vibrated from his powerful frame. He was trembling as he let her look her fill.

  This moment was different. This time, she wasn’t playing the voyeur, the faithful servant whose only role was to fade into the background while another enjoyed his touch. His kiss. His hard body.

  Here and now, he was all hers.

  A muscle twitched in his tense jaw. She let her gaze wander from his handsome face to his equally wonderful body.

  Everything about him was sculpted, reminding her of some of the ancient statues in the gallery room of her former mistress’s estate. Those stone nudes were said to portray the male ideal, but none were any match for the hard, living flesh before her.

  His shoulders were as broad as she remembered, his chest deeper, more powerful. No visible signs of the poisoning remained. He had recovered all the weight the first potions stole from him. Those doses were used to set up a history of illness. Lady Ethlinda’s favorite—the venom of a creature farmed in the sea caves beneath her villa—would have been the final blow.

  A light dusting of nearly black hair covered his muscular chest and arrowed down his flat, defined stomach, before widening above and around his thick, up-thrust cock. His hips were lean and his long legs corded with taut muscles.

  She needed to touch him again.

  Taimi reached out for him. He needed no words. No further encouragement. Sank into the water across from her and drew her into his lap, folding his long, muscular legs on either side of her body.

  She tilted her face up to his. He kissed her briefly, then turned her so her back rested against his chest. His cock pulsed and throbbed against her tender folds, but he seemed to be in no hurry to take her again.

  Jaren brushed her hair away from her neck. Pressed a kiss against her nape and reached for a bottle of liquid bathing soap.

  Taimi closed her eyes and tilted her head to one side. He licked and kissed her throat, running his tongue up along the line of her jaw to her ear. Whispered her name. He cupped his hands around her breasts, and she let out a deep, shuddering sigh. The lather made his hands slide easily over her damp skin. “You like that,” he whispered, his deep voice taking on that special husky note.

  The sound sent a fresh surge of desire racing through her body. Her muscles clenched, her pussy achingly empty without his cock. The tip of him glided against her, teasing her with the slightest feel of his hard flesh, just as he had done when he’d pinned her against the wall.

  His low groan vibrated against her skin.

  He slipped his hand into the heated water, and his slick fingers found her clit. He teased the sensitive nub, flicking lightly over the swollen flesh in light, circular motions. He dipped between the folds of her pussy and thrust one long finger deep inside her.

  Taimi’s body clenched, and her hips bucked. “Jaren, please.”

  He massaged her breast, squeezing and releasing, using his thumb to tease similar circles around her nipple. He slid a second finger into her body. It wasn’t enough.

  She wriggled her hips. The thick length of him slipped and slid against her flesh, evading her attempts to capture it. She tried to reach between them, but he withdrew his fingers to catch her by the wrist. “If you touch me, this will be over in no time.”

  “But—”

  “You’re not ready.”

  “I am!”

  “You’re still tender.” He nuzzled his face into her neck, and she turned to kiss him on the mouth. They tangled tongues, the kiss turning into the ancient, erotic play that mimicked what she wished he would do to her with his cock.

  Taimi drew her mouth away. “I want you inside me.”

  She heard his quick, indrawn breath, and his heartbeat thundered against her back. Jaren pressed a kiss to her forehead, her cheek. “I don’t want to hurt you again.”

  “You won’t.” She squirmed.

  He gently pushed her forward, and she grasped the edge of the tub to support herself. He clamped his big hands on her hips. Began to enter her from behind, his motions slow and deliberate. Letting her feel every inch, every detail of his thick, hard cock.

  It felt different like this. In this position, he seemed to drive in even deeper than before. He paused, buried to the hilt inside her, sliding one hand forward to find her clit.

  Pleasure hit hard and fast, spiking into an overwhelming wave.

  She
screamed as she felt her pussy clenching at his thick, invading cock. He continued to hold still, riding out her orgasm as she shuddered and writhed helplessly in his arms. “That’s it,” he whispered and finally began to move. Punctuated his next words with deliberate thrusts. “Come for me. Just. Like. That.”

  The orgasm slowly subsided, but it wasn’t enough. She wanted to give him pleasure too. “More. Please.”

  “Easy, sweet.” He guided her erratic motions to match his slow, deliberate pace. “This isn’t a race.”

  “Jaren…”

  “Damn, you feel so good. So tight and wet.” He flicked the nub between her legs again, sending a shock of fresh sensation racing through her. Teased the slick flesh stretched around his thickness. “So hot. You’re close again. Aren’t you?”

  “I…I can’t help it. It’s what you do to me.”

  His chuckle was harsh and very male. “I’m flattered.”

  He withdrew.

  “Wait! What are you doing?”

  “Shhh. I’m not going anywhere.” He turned her again, sat back in the tub, and drew her into his lap, facing him. Guided her onto his cock. “I want you to ride me.” A low growl punctuated his words.

  “How?” A new rush of heat hit her face, and not from desire. She bit her lip, wishing she could take back the ridiculous question.

  Jaren kissed her, just a brief brush of his lips against hers. “No need to be embarrassed. Not with me.” He smiled, and there was something tender in his darkened eyes. “I told you to ask questions.”

  “Then…will you show me?”

  He didn’t reply. Not in words. He tightened his hold and lifted her up so she rose along the length of his cock until only the tip of him remained inside her. His grip changed. Exerting just enough pressure so she slid back down his hard, thick length. She ground her pelvis into his, and their pubic hair meshed as if they could blend together into a single body.

  She didn’t wait for his guidance and repeated the maneuver.

  She rose and dropped. Once, twice, then he held her still so she could not move except to rotate against him. Grinding her clit into him with every movement

  This was different too. She’d never imagined there could be such variety in the sensations of sex, elicited by something as simple as a change of position. The pressure and rubbing of her clit caused pleasure to build again, faster than before.

  Another orgasm began to flutter to life. Taimi whimpered deep in her throat. “I’m being selfish.”

  “Not complaining.” The words were forced out past his gritted teeth. He bucked up, hard, and she felt his cock swell thicker, pulsing in fierce counterpoint to her contractions. “Not complaining at all.”

  “But…”

  “Take what you want. I think it’s sexy.”

  His words were more than permission. They gave her the final push over the edge, and she tumbled into another hard, hot climax. His body stiffened. He joined her in release, flooding her insides with the hot rush of his seed.

  She collapsed against his chest.

  Only his body beneath hers kept her from slipping below the water. His chest rose and fell with each harsh, quick breath.

  Water poured over her shoulders and arms, rinsing away the last remnants of the soap he’d used. His cock was still mostly hard, still inside her for a few breathless, wonderful heartbeats before he slipped free from her body.

  He lifted Taimi from the water and stepped out of the tub. Reached for the pile of towels. Jaren wrapped one cloth around her, and she clung to him, her legs still shaking.

  He stroked her with the cloth, starting the flames inside her again with the deceptively simple gestures. Then he lifted her into his arms and carried her out of the room.

  Straight to the bed.

  Chapter Six

  The Apothecary’s open-air market was unusually crowded, despite the early hour. The longest lines led from the chemists’ booths. Mostly household slaves dressed in their master’s livery and a few freeborn customers. Merchant class, from the looks of them.

  Jaren rested his hand on her waist. He’d said it was to keep from losing track of each other in the crowd, but she was glad for the connection, however slight. His touch burned and comforted at the same time, and it took all her willpower to keep from begging him to return to their room at the inn. He nodded at the long lines. “Wonder what they’re selling?”

  “Chemicals and potions. Probably to replace those used during the first night of the festival.” Her face heated. Her home system was particularly notorious for aphrodisiacs and stamina enhancers. Especially during this season.

  “I see.” His eyes darkened, and a wicked grin played at the corners of his mouth. He knew what she wasn’t saying. “I don’t think we have to get into those lines.”

  “No.” Desire certainly wasn’t a problem for her, and Jaren’s stamina was already impressive. If he took one of the enhancers, she doubted she would be able to keep up.

  Their gazes locked. He tightened his grip on her waist, and she felt the deep pulse begin again between her legs, along with a slick wetness. Amazing how he could affect her with just a look or a few choice words.

  No. It was more than that.

  He had always affected her like this. A relentless desire kindled in the first moment she’d seen him.

  He drew her closer and tucked her arm through the crook of his elbow. Covered her hand with his. “I’ve never been to this particular market, Taimi. Show me where we need to go.”

  They continued walking. “Are you sure you wish to buy these things?”

  “Would be pretty foolish of me to hire you as a medic, only to deny you the tools you’re most used to working with.” He shrugged. Took a quick, almost furtive glance at their surroundings. “Buy more than you think you will need, if it can keep its usefulness over time.”

  Why was he looking around?

  Taimi thought she knew. An odd sensation pricked along the back of her neck: the sense of being watched. Perhaps he also felt it.

  She glanced around but saw nothing out of the ordinary. Tried to ignore the feeling. It was probably a holdover from her days serving Lady Ethlinda. The household had been run mainly on fear and suspicion among the servants and slaves.

  That didn’t explain why Jaren seemed to be feeling it too.

  He did another quick survey, turned, and caught her staring at him. A faint smile, barely more than a flicker of motion. “Sorry. Don’t mean to be paranoid. Guess all the accusations are making me jumpy.”

  Should she tell him he wasn’t the only one on edge?

  She didn’t need to. He gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “You’re nervous.”

  “I’m so used to being watched on everything I do.” Taimi forced a laugh. “Anything else takes some getting used to.”

  Jaren gave her a long, considering look but dropped the subject. Yet he continued checking over his shoulder, as did she. The sensation of being watched never waned even as they stopped at several booths to select various dried herbs that would travel well, even in space. Despite his words, she tried to be conservative about what she chose.

  Two hours of walking the market made Taimi’s feet ache and her stomach rumble. They carried no packages, no burdens. The merchants would ensure their purchases reached the hangar in good time, though nothing could be loaded on to the Marama until the government finished their search. The ship remained under tight guard and—due to a bureaucratic delay in the needed paperwork—the inspection had not yet begun. Much to Jaren’s annoyance.

  Jaren expressed some hesitation about eating the local foods, longing for the rations on his ship. It seemed Lady Ethlinda had made some great exaggerations about the distribution of aphrodisiacs in the food and drink during this time of year. Still, Taimi thought she knew a place that might ease his concerns.

  Several street food vendors hawked their wares just outside the Apothecary Market. One in particular made a point of preparing everything in front of the customer f
rom start to finish. No mystery spices or odd marinades.

  Simple food. Servant’s food.

  They slipped into one of the alleys near the booth, using crates and boxes stacked behind a shop as makeshift seats, escaping the worst crush of the crowd.

  As they began eating, she caught him staring at her mouth.

  Taimi blushed.

  She’d never thought something as simple as eating could be erotic, but she couldn’t mistake his look for anything else. It was flattering and a little intimidating all at once.

  Her confusion must have been obvious, because he suddenly grinned. Was he laughing at her again?

  A faint gloss of grease slicked his well-shaped lips. She wanted to taste them. Take the time to lick them clean before moving on to the more delicious tastes of his skin. In particular, she thought about one of the first things they’d done together, when she’d taken his cock in her mouth. The feel of him, so thick and hard.

  The taste of him. The expression of pure pleasure on his handsome face. Under her skirt, she crossed her legs, trying to suppress the pulsing need, but the compression only seemed to intensify the sensation. She was growing wet too.

  If only they were alone.

  Jaren set his straight white teeth into the last bit of meat and pulled it free. Set the empty skewer aside as he chewed and swallowed. “Know what I was just thinking?”

  Taimi swallowed hard. “What?”

  He brushed her hair away from her face. Her breath caught in her throat when his fingers skimmed against the sensitive curve of her ear. Jaren leaned in close. His breath was warm and moist against her skin. “You’ve got a sexy mouth, Taimi. I was thinking about how it felt, wrapped around my cock.”

  “I…I was thinking about the same thing.”

  “I know something better for you to think about.” He stood. Took her by the hand and led her deeper into the alley. Though it was still the middle of the afternoon, little sunlight reached between the closely packed buildings.

  It was a dead end filled with more crates. Jaren pulled her into the deeper shadows behind the stacks.