LANA’S UMBRELLA was lying on the floor in a puddle where they’d abandoned it, along with Daniel’s overcoat and her coat, scarf, and soaked sneakers. They got back just in time. Outside came the faint rumble of thunder, and the smell of rain drifted in a window.
Daniel put on some music and held out his arms invitingly.
“What sort of music is this?”
“Old pop standards. Julie London. This one is for the two of us.” Daniel started to sing along to “I Bruise Easily.”
Lana came willingly into his arms, and Daniel closed his eyes, pressing his cheek against hers. Not really dancing, they stood pressed together and swayed in time to the meaningful lyrics delivered in a smoky purr.
She was in his arms at last, the one person he’d ever had to work that hard to seduce. Daniel was content to take it slow. He could get sex anywhere, but love made everything so different. He didn’t want to leave a mark on Lana, except on her heart. Holding her with infinite care, he inhaled her warmth and scent. If she changed her mind, he would release her instantly, even though it would kill him. With his palm flat on the small of her back, he stroked his thumb lightly over her sweater and felt her lean into his touch. In response, she pulled Daniel hard against her.
As perfectly as if they’d rehearsed it, they tilted their heads to fit their mouths together. He leaned in closer and nibbled delicately on her lower lip. She made no sound but parted her lips slightly in invitation, and he slid his tongue between them for his first taste of her.
Blood surged in his veins as he worked his hand under Lana’s sweater and slowly untucked her blouse. Daniel inched his hand beneath the fabric to explore the smooth skin of Lana’s back. She broke the kiss and arched against Daniel with a tiny gasp of hunger.
Taking his time, Daniel spread his hand wide across her lower back, deliberately keeping his hand still so she could call a halt at any time. Just a few inches of bare skin and Daniel throbbed with desire.
Sliding his fingertips up the curve of Lana’s spine, Daniel stopped at the band of her bra. His lips against the soft skin of her throat, he muttered, “Still got that pepper spray handy?”
He felt the tremor of Lana’s chuckle. Her voice was husky and low, and the mere sound had him hard as rock.
“I’m taking a leap of faith this time.”
“I don’t want to rush you.”
“I can always say no.”
“I want you to feel safe.”
“I do.” She smiled at him.
Suddenly Daniel was completely disoriented, flying through the air to land flat on his back with a thud. When he caught his breath, he shook his head to clear it and grinned up at Lana. “Okay, I understand why you feel safe. Good thing the rug is so thick.”
Lana grinned back. “I took that into account when I selected a landing pad.”
Daniel raised himself up onto his elbows. “Self-defense course?”
“Small-circle jujitsu. Dom has a black belt and he dragged me along, you know, after….” Lana pressed her lips tightly together.
“Remind me to thank him for that.” Quick as lightning, Daniel struck, sweeping Lana’s feet out from under her and yanking her down into his arms. “Gotcha.”
She laughed up at him. “Only because I wanted you to.”
Daniel loosened his grip to a caress. “I want to make love to you.”
Doubt clouded Lana’s eyes.
“It’ll be all right,” Daniel reassured her. “I know what I’m doing.”
“You’ve done this before… with a boy?” Her body went rigid beneath him as she waited for his answer.
“I’ve had boys and I’ve had girls, but I’ve never made love to anyone before the way I’m going to with you.”
Daniel leaned in until a mere whisper of space separated their lips, and held his breath as he waited for Lana to decide. He touched her face, his heart beating fast. Whatever Lana saw when she looked into his eyes translated through her body. Daniel felt her soften and mold herself against him. She leaned up to press her mouth against his. The kiss that started out soft and lush became more demanding.
They broke apart and he looked at her, flushed and panting for air.
“I want you like I’ve never wanted anyone before,” Daniel whispered. He dropped light kisses all along her jawline. As she raised her chin to give him access, he licked the smooth skin of her Adam’s apple.
When Daniel insinuated his thigh between Lana’s, a soft sigh drifted by his ear. Lana pressed up against him, the friction glorious even through their clothing, her hardness a delicious surprise pressed against his own aching erection. Even though he needed more, Daniel wished the kiss could go on forever. He wanted to drown in it.
Finally Lana broke away and sat up, panting through swollen lips to regain her breath. She laid both hands flat on Daniel’s chest. Hoping he provided whatever reassurance she was looking for, Daniel allowed her to search his eyes and remained quite still other than the breathless rise and fall of his chest. His jeans grew even tighter and in desperation, he reached down to adjust himself.
Her gaze followed the movement of his hand, and then she looked up at him and smiled.
A tremulous smile of mingled fear and courage. He wanted to kiss her again and erase all her doubts. When she stood up, Daniel almost reached for her in a panic, fearing she was leaving him.
But Lana shook her head and pressed him down again.
Lana got to her feet, and standing over him, she pulled the sweater over her head. Her hair fell in wild tangles over her face and shoulders, and her shirt was rucked up, exposing her flat stomach.
Her eyes almost defiant, Lana slowly began to unbutton her shirt. She paused once to stroke the scars on her throat as they were fully revealed. Her finger trembled visibly as she touched the raised skin. She hesitated before pulling the edges of her shirt apart to expose her bra.
Catching his breath at the sight of the flat chest, Daniel licked his lips at the hint of enticing nipples visible through the filmy fabric of her bra. The tension built between them until Daniel felt compelled to break it. “I think the cat is out of the bag now.”
Startled, Lana stared at him and then cracked up. “That’s so not flattering. The bags are supposed to keep them in.”
Relieved he hadn’t offended her, Daniel chuckled. “Do you—” Daniel had to clear his throat. “Do you know how damn desirable you are?”
The smile faded from Lana’s lips and she whispered, “No. Tell me.”
“Watching you unbutton that shirt, the first glimpse of skin, that bra….” He clenched his hands to stop himself from reaching for her.
Determination on her face, Lana unfastened her jeans. They were tight enough she had to shimmy them down her hips, taking her socks with them. She stepped out of the crumpled jeans and then stood with her hands on her hips, as if daring him to reject her now.
Daniel couldn’t stop staring. He had already seen the marks engraved forever on her throat. The creamy, pale skin on the underside of her arms was crisscrossed with scars, no doubt etched into her flesh when she tried to ward off the attack. A crooked line traversed her ribs like a dim trail scribed into a landscape, faded now like a distant memory but still perceptible. The marks on her skin roused an odd combination of tenderness and desire in Daniel, but then the person who stood before him awaiting judgment was an oddly beautiful fusion of masculine and feminine.
Bravery won out over doubt in her eyes, and she stood waiting, her body sleek, bones delicate and fine, offering her vulnerability as a gift. The silky pouch barely contained the evidence of her arousal. The distinct shape of her balls hung heavy at the bottom. Glistening with wetness, the tip of her erection protruded from of the top of her thong.
He wanted to lick the drop off and savor the taste of her. Spread the fluid over the head before sucking the shaft into his mouth. But first Daniel needed to convince Lana of her own magic, because he was assuredly bewitched.
“You are so incredibly and unbelievably beautiful.” He reached up and brushed the backs of his fingers over the bulge, watching her shiver in response. “Where have you been all my life?”
“Hanging around Paris waiting for you to come to your senses.”
“Come being the operative word. Hot damn!”
“Then you’re not disappointed?” A corner of her mouth quirked up.
“I love your parts, but your parts are not why I’m in love with you. I want you more than ever.”
Lana’s face was pale now where she’d been flushed before, but a relieved smile crept over her face. “That was the right answer.”
“It’s okay if you have second thoughts. We don’t have to do anything right now.” Lies! His cock was about to mount an armed coup, but Daniel needed Lana to be sure. Once he had her, he couldn’t bear it if she changed her mind.
“I do want to. I really want to.”
“Then what are you still doing up there?” Daniel reached for his new lover and pulled her down against him. “I can’t resist you. I think I’m already addicted and I’ve barely had a taste.” He kissed along the sculpted line of Lana’s jaw, down her throat, lingering over the raised scars to delicately lick away the echoes of pain, before continuing down the smooth chest until he found one of Lana’s nipples, capturing it with his lips through the bra. He scraped his stubble gently over the nub before sucking it into his mouth.
Closing her eyes, Lana arched up to chase Daniel’s mouth. “Touch me, it’s been so long….” She grabbed the back of Daniel’s head to hold him to her chest.
He came up for air and kissed his way to the other nipple. “For me too.”
Daniel groaned at the pressure of his cock against his jeans. The build of heat and arousal was a familiar sensation, but the person he was doing this with made everything seem brand-new. Distracted by the importance of what was happening, he snapped back to attention when he felt Lana’s hands move. He opened his eyes to see her reach back as if to release her bra. “No, leave it on. You look pretty in it.”
“You like me in this?” Lana looked down at her nipples, prominent and pushing against the lace.
If she needed reassurance, that’s what he would give her. Daniel rubbed both thumbs over Lana’s nipples and felt her tremble under his caress. “The bra is beautiful, but I like what’s in it better.”
“You have an underwear fetish?” Lana’s voice was low and breathless.
“More of a Lana fetish, in or out of the bra.” Daniel reached down to press his hand against his throbbing erection. He chuckled at his own eagerness, although his laugh sounded more desperate than amused. He felt as oversexed as if he was a teenager again. “Let’s move this to the bedroom.”
Lana patted the floor gently. “Yeah, this rug isn’t that thick.”
“Thick enough to toss me on, but not soft enough for the princess?”
“And don’t you forget it, sunshine.” Lana grinned at Daniel.
Daniel rose and extended a hand to her. “I’ve got supplies in the bedroom.”
As soon as he’d pulled Lana to her feet, Daniel caught her in his arms and kissed her again. “Shall we?”
She didn’t answer in words but pressed hard against him, her body language screaming, Yes, please, more.
Lana responded to his kiss with more confidence this time, quiet except for her panting for air at intervals in the kiss.
“Did they teach you kissing at that school?”
Lana shook her head. The corners of her mouth turned up in a smile. “Had to learn that on my own.”
“Naturally talented, then.” Starting in the little hollow between her collarbones, Daniel kissed his way to her shoulder while Lana yanked Daniel’s shirt from his jeans. Then she circled her arms around him, pulling him closer as she worked her fingers under his waistband.
Daniel closed his eyes and panted as her fingers dug into his buttocks. He thrust forward, grinding against her. “Or maybe we won’t make it all the way up the stairs.”
Lana’s pupils were dilated, her huge eyes almost black with desire. “That rug is looking better and better.” Her voice was as hoarse as his.
Daniel picked her up and knelt to set her down on the rug with tender care. “Should have lit a fire.”
“I think you already did.” Lana reached up to pull Daniel down.
On his knees, he bent to kiss her again, still struggling with the buttons of his shirt. Finally he gave up and ripped it open, barely registering the tiny click of escaping buttons as they bounced off the rug onto the hardwood floor.
When he let himself down on top of her, they both let out a gasp. At the first moment of contact when skin touched hot skin, he jerked away as if stung by a static shock. But only for a moment before he was back for more. He pulled her closer for a hard kiss and the energy that sparked between them turned into lightning, crackling with heat and desire.
Lana hooked a leg around the back of Daniel’s thigh to keep him pressed against her, flexing her hips against his.
Daniel almost laughed into the kiss when he felt Lana’s palm pressed hard against the front of his jeans, but he broke away and sat up to take his shirt off.
Lana ran her hands over his chest and stomach with a smile he hadn’t seen from her before. His muscles twitched out of control under her touch.
“I have to—have to—” His brain wasn’t able to come up with the words. Daniel rolled off her and stood up to rip off his jeans and shorts. His cock snapped up and hit his stomach alertly when released from its prison. He sighed in relief.
“Holy Eiffel Tower! You weren’t kidding!” Lana slid her tongue over her lower lip when she saw him for the first time.
Daniel laughed. He was shaky with desire, sweating in the heated air, even though there was no fire in the fireplace and the room was cool.
She reached for him.
Her gasp was loud in his ear when his weight pinned her. He rolled off to the side, wanting their first time to be slow and gentle for her to remember. They moved slowly together, exploring each other’s skin, tangling bare legs freed from the clothing that kept them apart.
His hands trembled with need, but he caressed her carefully. Slowly. Daniel groaned in frustration when Lana, not sharing his restraint, wrapped her fingers around his shaft and pumped it. “Going to last about ten seconds if you keep doing that.”
“Me too.”
In one last gasp of sentience, Daniel lifted his head and grinned. “This time. Next time, watch out—ahh, fuck!” He rolled on top of her, covering her body with his. His mind dissolved as Lana ground against him, pressing their hard cocks together. The thin silk of her thong provided an extra frisson of pleasure.
She gripped his hair, holding his head in place as their tongues danced frantically between their open mouths, mirroring the convulsive thrust of their hips.
As they rocked together in abandon, Daniel knew he was done for. He wrenched his mouth free and let out a groan as he exploded. He felt her cock pulse against his through the thong, and that pushed him over the edge. He came hard, crying out as he did. A moment later he heard the release of her breath as she came and their semen mingled between their bodies.
After a moment frozen in place like a silent statue, Daniel collapsed on the rug, breathing hard. He needed to feel Lana against him. He rolled onto his side and pulled her closer. She slung a leg over his and lay there panting with her eyes closed.
“As controlled as a couple of teenagers,” Daniel muttered.
A faint murmur was the only answer, but he couldn’t make out the words.
Finally Daniel reached up and brushed the hair off Lana’s face. Now that his breathing had returned to near normal, he could hear the gentle sound of rain on the windows. “That was just a warm-up.”
Lana started in on another fit of the giggles. “Oh, I’m warm, believe me.”
“No, you’re insanely and unimaginably hot.”
She yawned widely between giggles. “And somewhat sleepy. Can we risk a short nap?”
Daniel snickered. “Recharge the batteries?”
“Sounds like a plan.”
“I’ll be right back.” Reluctantly, but as a good host does, Daniel climbed the stairs on weak legs to find a washcloth. He cleaned himself off and rinsed it out. Then he took the washcloth downstairs to find that Lana had stripped off her underwear. She was sitting up and blinking sleepily.
Too tired to take time to fully appreciate her, Daniel offered the washcloth. She took it and wiped her stomach before flopping down onto her back.
Daniel retrieved the cloth and dropped it onto the stone hearth. Then he reached for a throw on the back of the couch and put it over her.
Lana lifted the blanket. “Get back here.”
Daniel snuggled up against her, pulling her close. So drained he was no longer able to think or function, Daniel stopped fighting it and succumbed to the need to sleep.
THE AIR was cool on her skin where she wasn’t pressed against something warm and solid. Lana wondered where she was, but even more, whose naked body was pressed against her. Then her eyes popped open and memory came back in a heady rush. She was on her side, and behind her, Daniel was curled around her, one arm reaching around to cross her chest. She had a firm grip on his hand, holding it in place. She moved against him, hungry for the luxury of bare skin touching skin.
She laughed in delight to herself, but at the quiet sound, Daniel’s breathing hitched and his body jerked. “Forget where you were?”
Daniel chuckled. “I’ve never slept on this rug before, not that I ever had such a good reason, but you were right. It’s not thick enough.” He moved her hair to nuzzle the back of her neck. “And we have some unfinished business.”
Lana’s stomach growled. “I think I need to eat first. I didn’t have time for breakfast before Dom dragged me over here.”
Daniel’s arm moved as he checked his watch. “Damn, it’s two o’clock. You must be starving. This is a horrible dilemma, sex or food, but I guess I’d better feed you if I want a willing participant.”
“Oh, I’m willing, I just might not remain conscious if I don’t eat something.” Lana sat up and ran her fingers through her hair, lifting it back over her shoulders. “Shall we dine al fresco?”
“If by that you mean naked, wonderful idea.” Daniel pushed himself up to his feet and stretched.
She watched as he extended his arms over his head and yawned, his cock hanging heavy and halfway hard already. His broad shoulders tapered to a narrow waist and hips, his chest was muscular, and his arms were defined with muscle. “You’re beautiful too.”
Daniel offered his hand. “Glad you like what you see.”
Lana allowed him to bring her to her feet. Then he pulled her against him and wrapped his arms around her. “Mmm, skin.”
“Mmm, food,” she reminded him, although he felt better than any breakfast could taste.
He led her into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator. “Let’s see, milk, coffee beans, some carrots neatly arranged in the crisper, and a large selection of condiments. Unless you can make do with a carrot, pickles, and hot sauce on the side, there’s not much choice. I usually get takeaway.”
She peered over his shoulder to view the empty interior. “I can’t complain. This looks exactly like my refrigerator.”
“Another thing we have in common. Well, there’s always cereal.” He closed the fridge and went to a cupboard to get two bowls. Then he crossed the room and opened a door that turned out to be a pantry. Triumphantly, Daniel displayed a box of American cereal. “At least I have milk.”
They ate standing up at the counter, eyeing each other’s naked body the whole time. Within minutes, they’d polished off their breakfast. Daniel took her bowl and put it into the sink with his.
The first time had started off slow and careful. Daniel had taken care to avoid even the suggestion of coercion.
But now as they stood facing each other in the kitchen, Lana didn’t want careful. She wanted to be swept away by a storm of passion, and by the look in his eye, Daniel did too. Lana had never expected to find someone willing to accept her, much less delight in her, but here he was at last, and standing within easy reach. They slammed together like a wave crashing over a rocky shore.
Lana’s breath huffed out when her back hit the cool plaster wall. Daniel’s weight held her in place as she hauled him closer. His knee nudged insistently, and she spread her legs to make room for it, gasping as their groins came together. Any lingering doubt about how just much he wanted her vanished. Could anyone fake that?
Daniel latched onto her neck, sucking and licking in a flurry of kisses while he slid his hands down her flanks. Heat flared through her body, and she wasn’t positive she could have stayed on her feet without Daniel’s weight holding her up.
His hands were on her buttocks, squeezing each cheek. Lana tilted her head back as Daniel grazed her neck lightly with his teeth, erasing each nip with a swipe of his tongue. Leaning her head against the wall, Lana closed her eyes and strained to pull Daniel in tighter, lifting one leg to wrap it around his waist. Their cocks bumped together, a tease of what was hopefully to come.
Daniel whispered into her ear, his breath coming in rhythmic gasps. “You got the short tour earlier. Want me to show you the bedroom?”
“I can think of many things I’d like you to show me.” She still enjoyed the soft pressure of his lips and the taste of him, but the unyielding hardness of the wall against her shoulder blades ruined the setting. “This wall is even less comfortable than the rug.”
“Sorry, sorry. Just got a little carried away.” He peeled her off the wall and started backing out of the kitchen toward the stairs, staring into her eyes. He chuckled when he stumbled into a chair. “Clearly not the most efficient way to change locations.”
She smiled up at him. “And what would be?”
Lana let out a gasp when Daniel crouched and grabbed an arm and a leg, yanking her down over his shoulder. Then he lifted her off her feet and grunted. “You’re heavier than you look.”
“Because I’m all muscle. Don’t break your back.” Even hanging upside down, Lana had to laugh when he sprinted for the stairs. She braced herself against his back. “Show-off.”
In her wildest fantasy, she’d never pictured this, but apparently Daniel could make her like it, even though his shoulder was digging into her solar plexus.
When they arrived in the bedroom, Daniel gently set Lana on her feet in front of the bed.
“Nice room.” Without a single glance around, she fell back onto the mattress and pulled Daniel down with her. Her hand cupping the back of his neck, Lana hauled him closer for a kiss. With her fingertips, she traced down Daniel’s spine from the nape of his neck to the tailbone and back up to the top again.
Then she gasped and arched into his touch when he pinched a nipple.
“Hot spot?” Daniel touched his forehead to hers.
She closed her eyes and shivered as he did it again, tugging harder this time. “You could… say that.”
“I’d better check if there are any others.”
His lips traced a lazy path down her body. Then a sudden swipe of wet tongue over the head of her cock had Lana writhing and grabbing the sheets as if they alone could keep her from flying away. She bit her lips to keep a moan inside.
Then Daniel ran his hands up and down the sensitive skin of her inner thighs and she spread her legs for more. As she thrust up into empty air, Daniel nuzzled under her cock and sucked in one of her balls, tonguing it thoroughly before moving to the other.
She made a thin sound of protest when he stopped.
“Open your eyes, babe.”
“I can’t,” she whispered, suddenly engulfed by emotion.
Now Daniel’s mouth was on her jaw, her neck, the curve of her shoulder, leaving hot kisses on her skin. “Why not?” His teeth scraped her skin lightly and with infinite care. His tongue followed, painting a hot trail that cooled almost immediately, leaving her to shiver.
“I don’t know.” Lana held him off with a trembling hand and took several deep breaths. Finally she managed to open her eyes.
“It’s all right.” Daniel was looking at her with concern. “We can take a time-out.”
She twined her fingers with his. “I’m sorry, it’s just a bit overwhelming all of a sudden.”
“We don’t have to take this too fast.” His appearance said otherwise. Daniel was breathing hard, and a sheen of sweat shone on his chest. “Why don’t we do this instead?”
He rolled onto his back, his cock standing up hard and proud, and folded his hands behind his head. “Have your way with me.” His eyes twinkled as he spoke, and Lana couldn’t help laughing.
The fact that he was trying to make this as easy as possible gave her the push she needed. Lana sat up and swung her leg over his, straddling his thighs. She wiggled closer to line up their cocks. His balls felt full and firm under hers, like tiny eager pillows bearing her aloft. She circled her hips a bit to rub them together. Although apparently trying to remain still, Daniel failed, grabbing for the sheets. His hips started to flex, compounding the aching heat in her balls.
He stared up at her, but when she reached for his cock, he lifted his head to watch.
Lana swiped her thumb over the head and then stroked down the length of Daniel’s hard shaft.
He bucked his hips up, almost unseating her. “Holy fuck, Lana.”
His cock solid and thick in her hand, Lana slid her thumb and forefinger down his length, her lower lip caught between her teeth.
Without a word, Daniel stretched and reached behind him, yanking open a drawer in the nightstand. She heard the click of the flip-top when he opened the bottle and then offered it to her.
Lana slicked up her hands, and Daniel let out a little yelp when she started at the base with a few light strokes. He grabbed for the sheets when she lined up their cocks, as if he needed an anchor.
If she moved, she would come all over him right now. The sensitive undersides of their cocks rubbed together in the most tantalizing way. Maybe it was the quivering of his muscles beneath her, or possibly it was her own body shaking like an aspen leaf in the wind. Lana tried to remain still. Daniel held his breath but waited for her to make the first move.
After Lana fought down the urge to rut mindlessly against him, she started a slow rhythm with both hands clasped around their cocks. Instantly her hips started to thrust as if no longer under her control, grinding against Daniel in need of more friction, more stimulation.
Daniel groaned and reached for Lana’s hands, letting his ride up and down resting loosely on hers.
Watching Daniel tremble, hearing him moan with every breath, almost gave her greater pleasure than the sensations of their cocks sliding together as she built to a crescendo.
She sped up the action of her hand and Daniel surged up under her. She shifted her weight to hold him down, and then he was coming, spurting come over her hand and shouting out his pleasure without inhibition. “I’m going to….”
Watching him come was more than she could withstand. Lana bit back a moan as her orgasm shook her like an earthquake, sweeping away all conscious thought. Then she collapsed forward on Daniel, tiny aftershocks rolling through her body.
The comforting touch of his hands tracing circles on her back brought Lana back.
“Oh fuck.” Daniel’s words came out on a groan. “That was so hot on so many levels, I can’t even….”
He held on to her and rolled to the side, taking her with him so they were lying face to face. “How do you manage to keep so quiet? I was screaming so loud I thought the neighbors would call the cops.”
“No sign of them yet,” Lana mumbled into his shoulder. She grinned when Daniel laughed.
“Just lucky I guess. Are you going to answer my question, or would you prefer not to talk about it?”
“You’re giving me a choice?” Lana opened her eyes to look at him.
He raised his brows in surprise. “Of course. Why would I ever force the issue? And even more to the point, how?”
“I suppose I’m used to the dwarfs. They tend to put the pressure on.”
“Yeah, I’ve noticed they are just a bit pushy. Particularly when they put me under house arrest today.” An off note in Daniel’s voice told Lana he had not enjoyed that part of the program.
“So does this mean it’s time to exchange our life stories?”
“I admit I’d love to hear yours, but not under duress. If and when you choose to tell me, I’ll be ready and waiting.” Daniel groaned and sat up. “Back in a minute.” He got himself upright in stages and padded across the room to the bathroom and closed the door.
She heard a flush and then water running in the sink.
He opened the door and came out with a washcloth in his hand, but she got up herself, combing her hair out of her face with her fingers. “I have to pee too.”
From the doorway, he tossed the washcloth into the sink. “Be my guest.”
When Lana came out, he had drawn the curtains, turned on a lamp by the bed, and was propped up on pillows against the headboard. The duvet had been turned down, and he’d drawn the sheet up to his waist. When she entered the room, Daniel opened his eyes and patted the mattress beside him. “C’mon over.”
Daniel lifted the sheet and Lana slid under it. He put his arm around her and she leaned into him. He rubbed his cheek on the top of her head. “Don’t know about you, but I’m gonna be asleep in under a minute.”
She closed her eyes. Now that the storm that raged between them was over, the tranquil sound of the rain against the windows pulled her under the waves. “Race you.”
Lana heard him mumble something about next time, but she never found out who won.
WARM LIPS on her forehead woke Lana. She sat up and pushed her hair out of her face, looking around in confusion before she realized where she was.
Daniel was dressed, and droplets of rain glistened on his hair as he sat down on the mattress next to her. “I can offer you dinner in bed or you can come downstairs and dine in style.”
Did he go out for takeaway? Through the rain, for her. “Food,” Lana said thoughtfully. “Sounds like a good plan.”
He nodded. “I don’t want you to starve to death. So which will it be?”
“We wouldn’t want to mess up the bed, would we?”
“We would and we will,” Daniel said, “but not with food, unless it involves me licking it off your naked body or vice versa.”
She laughed and made a face. “Too messy. Besides, then we’d have to change the sheets or wake up smelling like whatever it is you fetched.”
“What makes you think I didn’t prepare a feast for you with my own two hands?” Daniel tried to pout and failed because he was grinning.
“Out of carrots and pickles? It was a pretty safe assumption.” Lana looked around, searching vaguely for something to wear. “You wouldn’t happen to know where my clothes are, would you?”
“They happen to be in the washer right now. But it wouldn’t bother me at all if you chose to dine naked. You’re very decorative and you spruce the place up. The management has no dress code.” Daniel waggled his eyebrows at her.
“Only if you join me.” Lana wrapped her arms around herself and shivered.
“You’re cold.” He stroked her arm. “You’ve got goose bumps. I’ll get you something to put on.” Daniel went to the wardrobe and pulled out a silk dressing gown embroidered with peacocks. “I’ve only worn it a few times. It’s practically new.”
Lana buried her nose in the silk and sighed. “Mmmm, smells like you.” Lana stood up and tied the belt. “I’ll be down as soon as I wash my face.”
“I’ll put the food out.” Daniel bent to kiss her and left the room walking backward, staring as if he couldn’t believe she was really there.
DANIEL HURRIED downstairs to unpack the bags. Considering the solitary life he’d led since arriving in Paris, he had no dining table or chairs. The single stool in the kitchen worked just fine for one man. But now he wanted Lana to relax and eating standing up over the sink didn’t exactly strike a hospitable note.
He’d taken a chance on Chinese, hoping Lana would like it. The scent of the spicy food made his stomach growl. He set out the containers on the coffee table before hurrying to the kitchen for plates.
On Daniel’s return, inspiration struck, and he started a fire to offset the chill in the air. He remembered the window he’d left open and closed it. Listening to the rain outside while sitting by a fire was cozy, even romantic. He was patiently fanning the flames when he caught sight of her coming down the stairs in the brilliant robe much too big for her slender figure. Lana smiled when their eyes met.
“I could eat a horse,” she said.
This unromantic pronouncement made Daniel laugh. “I’m glad I got a lot, then. I didn’t know what you’d like, so I ordered a variety. I hope you like Chinese.”
“I love it.”
Another score for him. The fire finally going, he dusted off his hands. Instead of sitting on the couch, Lana sank to the rug by the low table and crossed her legs. Catching her quick sidelong glance at the portrait on the wall, Daniel sat on the floor opposite her so he could see both the painting and the original who inspired it.
They ate in silence until, hunger at least partially appeased, they came up for air.
“This is all so good. Thank you.” Lana stole another glance at the painting as if embarrassed at getting caught looking at herself.
Purposely, Daniel turned to face the unfinished portrait. “It doesn’t do you justice.”
“You see something in me I’m not sure is really there.”
“Originally I only wanted to paint you. Of course you’re gorgeous, but there was something in your eyes.” Daniel kept his gaze on the painting. “When I saw you on the street, I ran after you, just to ask if you’d sit for me. Had the devil of a time catching up to you too.”
“I saw you on my street one evening.”
He gave a slight nod and bowed his head in remorse. “I was so caught up in finding you, it never occurred to me that I was essentially stalking you until Dom followed me that night. When I realized what I was doing, I decided to come back here and try to paint you from memory.”
“It’s very good, as a painting I mean.”
He grinned thinking about that memorable day. “I threw a brush across the studio in frustration, but I wasn’t so far gone as to toss it out the window. It’s a good brush. I would have missed it.”
Lana laughed. “That would have surprised someone if it fell on them.”
“A good portrait takes time to get to know your model. As a painter, I have to decide how my subject wants to see themselves and find a way to flatter and yet still tell the truth. Particularly when you need the money and you have to please a rich client. Ever hear the saying you get the face you deserve by the time you’re forty?”
Lana nodded.
“Thoughts and emotions have a way of carving their impression on bone and flesh, and if you’re any good, you learn to see through the shield to the essence of people.”
“Sounds like a good skill for a painter.”
Daniel winced at the thought of some of his past models. “Depends on who you’re painting. For me, it was mostly women. A few were genuine, but for the most part, I didn’t like what I saw no matter how beautiful the face, which is awkward when you’re depending on their generosity. After I’d made a name for myself as a portrait artist, I became fashionable. Everyone had a specific request, like make my nose look better or help me lose ten pounds. I painted to please them.”
He pointed at her portrait. “On the other hand, I loved every frustrating minute I spent trying to capture you because I painted that to please me. Now that the model is here in front of me, I can see the line of the bottom lip isn’t quite perfect. And maybe the angle of the jaw. But your eyes are right, the courage and light glowing out of them is absolutely right. After I painted it, I would sit here and stare at you and burn with longing for what I saw in your eyes.”
“And what do you see?” Lana whispered.
“Ironic, considering how you choose to present yourself from the world, but I see you, unmasked. You present the truth of yourself to everyone who has the eyes to see. Whereas I, the clean-cut, all-American blackmailer….” His voice rasped, and he cleared it. “I’m the one who’s wearing the mask. Or I used to until wanting you forced me out from undercover.”
She stretched her hand over the table to take one of his. “I’m glad you took the mask off and let me see the real Daniel.”
He laughed. “And even that isn’t my real name.”
“What is it?”
“Mervin. Mervin Everhard.”
They both burst out laughing.
“I think I’ll stick with Daniel, if you don’t mind,” Lana said.
“I would be grateful. And even more so if you never reveal my name to the dwarfs.”
“I think I can promise that. Although, with that rather interesting last name….”
“I’ll try to live up to it.” Daniel stood up and pulled her to her feet. He leered at her. “At least I have good motivation.”
“I’ll do my best to inspire you.”
“I still want to paint you. A proper portrait. I have a feeling it will take a lifetime to do you justice.”
“Can we take a time-out first for more important business?”
“I think I just cleared my calendar for you, Lana Renault.”
DANIEL LET out a surprised grunt when Lana grabbed the front of his shirt and pushed him against the wall inside his bedroom door. She kissed him hard enough to bruise, and he pulled her closer. Her sudden attack got him hard in seconds. Although slim, Lana was strong enough to hold him still, at least when he was totally weak in the knees. She unbuttoned his shirt to trace her fingers lightly over his chest, still keeping her lips on his.
When she got his jeans open and curled her hand around his erection, Daniel tore his mouth away from hers, gasping for air. His head fell back against the wall with a muffled thud, and he couldn’t keep his eyes open. The beat of his pulse thundered in his ears because hot… wet… tongue….
He was so lost.
“WHERE DID you learn to do that?” he asked weakly when he could remember the existence of words. He must have made it to the bed somehow, because he was flat on his back staring up at the ceiling.
She laughed. “Don’t you remember? I went away to a very exclusive school.”
“Oh right, fighting and fucking.” Daniel opened his eyes to find her looking very pleased with herself, her eyes aglow. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to get so rough with you there.”
“Hey, I took it like a man,” Lana said with a smirk.
The shock of her comment made him laugh. “I can see we’re going to have lots of fun with double entendres.”
“I certainly hope so.”
Recovering some strength, Daniel reached for the robe and yanked it down her arms. Then he pulled her naked body against his and kissed her.
“When I first met you, I said, ‘There is a woman with unplumbed depths.’”
Lana cracked up. “And you wanted to be the one to plumb them.”
“What should we do now?”
Lana squinted to glare at him. “The deal was I do you and then you do me. Pay up, buddy boy.”
“I plead that the contract wasn’t enforceable. I signed under the duress of an urgent need to come.”
“We shook hands,” she pointed out, her hips starting to undulate.
“You’ve got me there. Although this isn’t exactly a hardship.”
Lana pushed his hand away, suddenly looking nervous. “You want to fuck me?”
“I would, after a brief period of recovery. That is, if you go for that kind of thing.”
“I go for that kind of thing.”
“We can take it slow. I can think of a lot of other things I’d like to do to you.” A slight relaxation of rigid muscles told Daniel she needed reassurance. He might not get to fuck her tonight. He might not ever fuck her. Didn’t matter. “Do me a favor. If I ever do anything you don’t like, even if it’s something you asked me to do, stop me. Right then. Don’t worry about breaking the mood.”
“It’s a deal. But so far….” Her slow, wicked smile told him her confidence was back. “I wouldn’t change a thing.”
For most of his life, getting laid had been the goal, even when servicing a client. He didn’t care if they found paradise in his arms or only a good time for an hour or so. He took pride in his sexual prowess, but this was different. Daniel wanted to make Lana feel cared for and cared about. Her silence shook his confidence. “Neither would I. But I think I’m getting a complex. I can’t even get a moan out of you.”
“I loved every minute, Daniel.” In mute apology, Lana reached up to caress his cheek.
“You’re so quiet it’s a little unnerving.”
“You’re used to more applause?”
“Maybe you could help my ego out with a little attaboy every now and then?”
“I’ll try, but I haven’t worn my cheerleader outfit in ages.” Lana giggled. “Remember how that school focused on really important life skills?”
“They had a cheer squad there?”
“Of course not. The staff was such a bunch of old fogies they actually told us we weren’t supposed to either fight or fuck, but fucking was really against the rules, so we had to be silent about it. I guess… I just haven’t let go of that.”
Keep quiet or else. “Maybe one day you’ll feel safe enough to let go with me.”
“I hope that too.” Blinking rapidly, Lana turned her head, but he caught the glint of unshed tears. “I’ve been alone a long time. I’m used to….”
“Keeping secrets?” Secrets that are secrets themselves, maybe even to her.
“I’ve always had to hide the most basic fact about myself.”
“I’m sorry you had to. Unwrapping you is like getting the best present I didn’t know I wanted on Christmas morning, but with all the frolic and abandon of New Year’s Eve rolled in.”
Lana grinned and held up both hands. “Ta da!”
He kissed her shoulder. “Hard to believe that someone wants you as is?”
“Yes. It is.” Lana looked up at the ceiling before shooting him a sidelong glance. “I never thought this was possible.”
“I’m going to take my time and show you how beautiful….” He kissed her forehead. “How amazing….” Daniel nibbled her collarbone. “How very desirable you are.”
Lana shivered but kept her gaze locked with Daniel’s.
This time he wanted to explore. With a fingertip, he traced the dark arch of her brow, the curve of her cheekbone, wide lips that turned up at the corners as if on the brink of a smile. And even after all that had happened to her, she was totally unselfconscious, splayed out naked on his bed with everything on display. For him. The light of the single lamp caressed Lana’s skin, lighting her up like the moon in a dark sky.
He touched his tongue to her throat where he felt the pulse beat rapidly under his tongue. Breathy little sounds escaped her when he touched his lips to the scars on her throat, wishing he could draw out all the bitterness, fear, and pain with his kisses. The planes and angles of her body were beautiful in Daniel’s eyes, all subtle curves and hollows. Tracing the satin skin of Lana’s chest, he moved lower, intent on the way her abdominal muscles rippled under his fingers. He loved how she arched up into his touch like a cat when he feathered tiny kisses over her skin. The curve of her hip fit perfectly into his palm.
Lana stretched sensuously as Daniel started over at her feet. He massaged the arch of one slender foot, biting into it gently before he released it.
She giggled and tried to pull away. “Tickles.”
Daniel stroked up the back of her leg from her calf to the swelling roundness of her buttock. Cupping his palm over the firm globe, he rubbed a slow erotic circle, making her purr in pleasure. The faint lines of her ribs invited his attention, and Daniel slid his hands over her waist. He moved higher to appreciate the strength of her slender arms and elegantly angular shoulders.
Daniel let his tongue linger over a tender pink nipple to hear the little gasps he was sure Lana didn’t realize she was making. The tilt of her hips invited Daniel to roam lower; the sheen of sweat on porcelain skin gleamed like a pearl. The flutter of the sensitive skin in the furrow between her body and thigh under Daniel’s lips, the low hum of pleasure as Lana allowed her legs to fall open.
Lana moaned as Daniel parted warm thighs to kneel between them, kissing a path up the tender inner surface, the skin silky and hot under his mouth. Daniel ran his hands over the muscles of her thighs. So delicate and yet strong.
Daniel blew warm air across her balls before running his tongue over them, eliciting a surprised squeak as his stubble scratched her tender skin.
“I’ve got you,” Daniel whispered. “Tell me if you want me to stop.”
“Please, God, don’t stop….” Her voice broke as she pleaded for more.
The taste and scent of her were intoxicating. The sight of Lana all spread out writhing and moaning in his bed reminded Daniel of his aching cock, hard again already. But, determined to please her rather than himself, he ignored his own need. The bead of fluid gleaming on the tip of her cock tempted him beyond measure, and he bent to slake his thirst.
Lana moaned again and louder this time, her hips starting to set a faint rhythm. When Daniel captured the head of her cock in his mouth, a deep groan arose from her throat, and he echoed it. He pressed his tongue on the engorged vein that ran underneath and then released it to feel it fill again. Daniel licked up and down her shaft, taking the time to explore every beautiful inch.
His mouth full of her, his emotions blazed like fire inside him. Lana jerked her hips when he cupped her balls again. Her fingers tightened in his hair.
Her cock swelled in his mouth, filling him even further. She started to thrust wildly and came with a loud cry, calling out his name. Daniel smiled around her cock and swirled his tongue gently around the head one last time.
When her movement stopped, Daniel reverently allowed her limp cock to slide from between his lips.
After taking a moment to catch his breath, Daniel moved up to drop a gentle kiss on Lana’s parted lips. “Thank you,” he whispered.
He grinned at her faint giggle. Lana opened her eyes. “Isn’t that my line after the ultimate blow job?”
“You gave me something too. Something I needed. I loved hearing you let go.” Daniel settled himself at her side, propping himself up on his elbow.
“Attaboy.”
He sniggered quietly while she rolled into him, burying her face in his neck. “At last. Now I feel vindicated.”
“You didn’t do it all by yourself, you know. What time is it?”
“The clock hasn’t yet struck midnight, my lady. In fact, it’s only nine thirty.”
“Good, because before it does, we should do it again.”
“Again? We just finished.”
“Are you complaining?”
“Have mercy. I need time to refill.” Daniel wrapped his arms around her. He wasn’t ready for these new feelings of tenderness to die away and leave. He hoped they never would.
“Somehow I’m not sleepy this time.”
Daniel shook with laughter. “We’ve passed out twice already. Maybe all we need is a little recovery time.”
“Or a bedtime story.”
“You can tell me the story of your life now if you want.”
“Oh that.”
“Or not, if you don’t.”
“We’ll see,” Lana said.