Pursued(64)

“Rhythm? What are you talking about?”

He sighed. “You have to get a rhythm going. Have to fall into the groove and work at it—it’s almost like a dance.”

“Maybe it’s that way for guys but—”

“It’s that way for everyone,” he interrupted. “Doesn’t matter which kind of equipment you’ve got, you have to work it right.”

“Is that so?” Feeling embarrassed and irritated, Elise put a hand on her hip. “If you know so much, why don’t you just show me how it’s done?”

“Show you?” His eyebrows raised above the blindfold. “You want me to touch you? Want me to make you come, baby?”

The idea sent her heart skittering in her chest. “No, I don’t want you to show me on me,” she said rather breathlessly. “Show me on yourself. Since…since you said it’s all the same.”

A look of amusement crossed his face. “Well, sure, if you want. I don’t usually perform for an audience but I don’t mind if you want to watch.”

“Yes. Yes, I do.” Elise envied him his easy sexuality. How nice it must be not to have to hide that part of yourself away! To actually be able to enjoy it. Her own sex drive was like a monster in the closet—something she was afraid to let out. Or had been afraid to let out until now, anyway. And she still wasn’t sure how well it was going. “Well?” she said to Merrick.

He cocked his head to one side. “Well what? I’m pretty fucking talented in the sexual arena but not even I can jerk off with my hands behind my back.”

“Oh! Oh, of course.” Elise felt like a fool. Of course he couldn’t do anything before she released him from the cuffs. She went around behind him and inserted the small magnetic key. She was about to turn it when Merrick said,

“Stop.”

“What is it?” She looked at him uncertainly.

“Take off the blindfold. Let me look at you.”

She did as he asked and found herself looking into his startlingly strange and beautiful eyes. “What is it?” she asked, feeling slightly inhibited now that she was absolutely sure he could see her. She fought the urge to cross her arms over her breasts and won—just barely.

“I want to make sure you’re comfortable with this. With me being unbound.” He looked at her meaningfully. “I don’t want to scare you, baby. Don’t want to lose any of the ground we’ve gained.”

Elise was touched by his concern. She took a moment to think—really think about what he was asking her. Yes, he was still huge and male and yes, they were both naked but somehow the time they’d spent working slowly up to this point had made her feel comfortable with that. Or, if not exactly comfortable, at least not frightened any more.

“You know I would never hurt you,” Merrick said softly. “Never.”

“I know.” Elise felt a lump in her throat. God, why did he have to be so sweet and kind? Why couldn’t the bond between them be real? But there was no use wishing for things she couldn’t have. “I’m okay,” she said, daring to stroke his rough cheek with her fingertips. “I…I’m not so afraid anymore. As long as you don’t, you know, try to get on top of me or anything…”

“Of course not.” He gave her a half grin that exposed his fangs. “Wouldn’t want to ‘squish’ you.”

Elise laughed and felt a tight little knot in the center of her chest loosen a bit. Everything was going to be okay—at least she hoped. “I’m going to let you go now,” she said softly and turned the key.

Merrick slipped out of the cuffs and sat up, rubbing his wrists. “That’s better.” He looked at Elise. “You all right, baby?”

“Fine.” She fought the urge to shrink away now that he was up and free. Images of the dark male shadow standing at the door of her room and Buck growling protectively on her bed tried to rise in her mind but she pushed them back down. Remember how safe you felt in his arms until you started remembering, she told herself. Until the vault started leaking…

“Hey…” Merrick reached out slowly, obviously trying not to startle her, and cupped her cheek. “Are you really okay? Or are you just saying that?”

“I’m all right.” Elise nuzzled against his large, warm palm. “Really I am. Let’s just, uh, get on with the demonstration. Okay?”

“You got it.” He leaned back against the headboard, just as she’d done, with his thighs spread in a relaxed stance. He cupped his shaft in one large hand, fisting it loosely and looked at Elise. “Sure you want me to do this?”