Therian Prize(43)

“Can we go inside?” She wanted to cover herself and move back to her own seat, but he held her firmly in place and his gaze was beginning to glow with emerald fire.

“Answer the question first.”

“Yes. I know it will take more than sex.” She tried to wiggle away.

He pulled her nearer, pressing her breasts against his chest. “No one can see us. Relax.”

“What about your guards?” His lips pressed against the side of her neck and his hands slid up and down her back.

“They can’t spot a potential threat if they’re watching us. They know better.”

“Someone could have binoculars or a telescope.”

He made a throaty sound but she wasn’t sure if it was a chuckle or a growl. “All they’d see is your back unless you turn around. You’re being paranoid.”

She knew he was right but tension still banded her chest, and her stomach was on the verge of cramping. She couldn’t shake the feeling that they were being watched.

His warm fingers skated down her side and grasped her lacy panties. “You’re stalling. Are you sure this is what you want?”

“Yes,” she stressed. “I just don’t want our first encounter to end up on the internet.”

It was definitely a chuckle this time, but he paused and looked around. “Paparazzi aren’t generally a problem for me. Do you have a horde of screaming fans I don’t know about?”

“You’re right. I’m being paranoid.”

Rather than responding verbally, he grabbed her panties with both hands and ripped the side seam. Then he tugged them down to her knee on the other side. “Lift up.”

No more excuses or delays. Jake was about to become her lover. She shifted her weight so she could lift her knee and he freed the ruined undergarment from her leg. He tossed the scrap of lace aside then cupped one of her breasts, his thumb gently working her nipple.

“Lovely.” He circled her with his thumb until the tip grew high and hard. “And very responsive.”

Bruce had spent half his life taunting her about her “boyish” figure. She was skinny and skittish and any hunter worth a damn would be afraid of breaking her. Female wolves were hardy and obedient. Heather was neither.

Jake paused and lightly stroked her cheek. “Where’d you go? Your eyes turned sad all of a sudden.”

“I was thinking about Bruce.” It was true but it was also avoidance.

“You’re naked in my arms, but you’re thinking about your brother. Should I be insulted of creeped out?”

“Neither.” She lowered her gaze as she said, “He liked to point out my lack of endowments. I was just hoping you aren’t too disappointed.”

“With these?” He pressed his palms against the underside of her breasts, making them appear higher and fuller. “How could anyone be disappointed with perfect, perky breasts?”

“You must admit they’re on the small side of ‘perky’.”

“Hey. I’ve seen what gravity does to big boobs. I’ll take a soft, round handful any day.” He squeezed gently then placed a reverent kiss on each nipple.

Her heart soared. She was ridiculously pleased by his praise. This was just temporary, an alliance born of desperation. She could not allow herself to forget why they were doing this. Jake was a means to an end, a willing partner in her bid for freedom. Once she was safe, they would part ways and she would pick up the pieces of her life.

Why did the thought make her so sad?

He straightened and his gaze bore into hers. “If we’ve silenced all the voices in your head, I’m going to kiss you and touch you and watch you come with the sun shining on your face. We’ll save the main event for inside, where I’m hoping you’ll be less inhibited. Are you good with that?”

A tingling thrill raced through her system and she shivered. “It sounds fine.”

“Fine?” He leaned down and nipped her jaw, making her gasp. “We’ll have to do better than that.” Despite his fierce expression, his tone was playful.

She wiggled, liking the way his strong hands felt as they lightly restrained her naked body. A wicked smile parted his lips and he lowered his mouth to her breast. His lips closed on her nipple and her thoughts scattered. The firm pull of his mouth combined with the sensual slide of his fingers soon had her arching into each caress. He moved from one side to the other, keeping the first nipple tight with his fingers while he awakened the second.

Letting her head fall back, she soaked in the sun’s warmth and savored the sensations he was unleashing within her body. She felt wild and reckless, excited in a way she’d never experienced before. His kiss made her ache for his touch and his touch made her desperate for his fullness. Despite her misgivings, she was suddenly glad he still wore his swim trunks. It would be too easy to grab his erection and guide it to her opening.