Last Kiss Part 3

He managed to open his eyes as she sank to his chest with a sigh. Wrapping his arms around her, he rubbed her spine in a long slow sweep, complete for the first time in half a century.

Chapter 5.

Silently cursing, Alexei reluctantly slipped from her bed. The sky outside her window ripened with the coming morning and he had to remove himself to his lair within minutes or face the painful consequences.

Nude, he gathered his scattered clothing, tossing it carelessly over his arm as he moved about the room. His fingertips brushed the stiff velvet corset and he picked it up. Her scent rose from the fabric as a stab of desire shot to his loins. His fist knotted around the hard plastic stays. He raised the corset to his nose, inhaling her perfume, the scent of her skin. A soft shudder ran through him and his arm dropped as if his muscles were suddenly unable to support even the slight weight of the garment.

Head always been weak where she was concerned. With each incarnation, his desire for her grew and each time he lost her, head been devastated. No matter how hard head tried, head never succeeded in saving her life. With each loss, head lost another piece of himself until he often wondered if anything remained of the human head once been.

He dropped the corset on the back of a chair and looked at his lover. Elaine lay on her stomach, the covers twisted about her long legs, her back exposed. Her hair was tangled from his fingers as theyad made love, her lips swollen from his kisses. Rosy with life, her skin glowed with contentment.

His lips tightened. She was his, for now and forever and, this time, he was determined to never lose her.

The low throbbing in her head took her from sleep to full wakefulness in seconds. Elaine opened her eyes, her heart constricting at the dimness in the room. A cry locked in her throat as she sat up in her nest of silken sheets and her hand moved to her forehead where the grinding pain was centered.

aNoaa Her knees collapsed as she tried to get to her feet and she slid to a heap on the floor by the bed. Her hands shook uncontrollably as tears of desperation filled her eyes.

Not now, not yet.

Threatened tears spilled over and she covered her eyes with her fists, trying to stop the tide. Alexeias scent swirled about her, filling her with a sense of yearning so powerful that she nearly crumpled beneath the onslaught. For a split second, she failed to breathe, her heart thudding so hard she thought it might explode from her chest. What she wouldnat give to have his arms around her for five more minutes more. A bitter laugh escaped her. Who was she kidding? Five years in his arms would never be enough.

He must never knowa She sank into the carpeting as helpless sobs ripped through her. She barely knew him, but she had the strange sense that theyad known each other forever. Never had she met a man whom shead felt immediately comfortable with, whom shead felt she could tell almost anything and he wouldnat bat an eye. Alexei seemed to understand her better than she did herself. What a cruel twist of fate it was to meet The One just as her life was ebbing.

She stifled her sobs with her hands, crying until she could cry no more. Her throat ached and her headache had intensified though it wasnat unbearable for her to reach for the pain pills she carried with her everywhere.

Not yet.

Dr. Peach had told her this would probably be the way shead die. The tumor that was slowly destroying her brain would take first her sight, her consciousness, and her life in short order. There was nothing she could do, the tumor was inoperable and, this time, it would kill her.

The last time shead dealt with this demon was almost four years ago. After a long and painful round of radiation, chemotherapy then finally surgery, Dr. Peach had declared her cancer free. But she hadnat made it to that magical, five-year mark, had she?

So close and yet so far.

She bit her lip, hard. Shead come to Dirkas house to have one last fling with a handsome man. At the time of her diagnosis three months earlier, she hadnat been dating anyone and, after the diagnosis, she hadnat felt it fair to become involved with a man knowing head only lose her. No one knew how long she had left to live.

This time it really was it.

She rubbed her eye with the heel of her left hand. She couldnat complaina Well, she could, but whoad listen? With the first diagnosis, her chances had been less than fifty-fifty and shead defied the odds and survived four years. It had been a wonderfula no, make that magical four years and shead relished every moment of it.

Shead been lucky to have the financial resources to live as she wished thanks to a trust from her paternal grandmother. Shead traveled, seen almost everything shead wanted to see, spent time with friends, volunteered for various charities, and now she was writing the final chapter to a wonderful life.

What would you give for one more day?

Anything, anything at all.

She sniffed, tears threatening again at the thought of Alexei. No, it was better that she left now, before he knew she was ill. For a while head wonder what happened to her, why shead left without a word, but this was for the best. She never wanted him to know she was sick. She wanted him to remember her as shead been last night, hale and hearty, laughing in his arms.

She braced her hands against the carpet and pushed upright. Keeping her eyes closed, she leaned back against the bed, needing a moment of darkness to steady herself. As long as she kept her eyes closed, she could fool herself into being normal for a few seconds longer. Whenever shead closed her eyes, it was always dark, right? But it was when she opened them that her world was forever altereda She blinked, her heart in her throat.

The room was lighter.

She blinked again, barely daring to believe her eyes. Outside the window, a gray rain was falling and the sun was struggling to break through the dissipating clouds. Stunned, she struggled to her knees and crawled across the ocean of carpeting in pursuit of the faded patch of sunlight streaming through the windows. She was barely aware of the faint whimpers escaping her throat as she reached the door, her palms pressed against the cool gla.s.s as the sunlight, stronger now, cascaded over her.

Tears dampened her cheeks as her vision wavered. She blinked away the wetness and the scene sharpened. The rain slowed to a fine mist and the sun broke through the clouds, illuminating the gardens outside her windows.

Her gaze darted madly, flitting from the brilliant roses to the tangled ma.s.s of spiky columbines. The fat cherub in the center fountain continued pouring water from a big vase, a silly grin on its face. Rows of brilliant green hedges glistened with rain in the strengthening light as a feeling of joy clutched her heart.

Iam not going blind. It was the rain, only the rain.

Laughter bubbled and she tilted her head back. Tears streamed down her face and the sun was warm on her face as she gave silent thanks for another day.

He couldnat take his eyes off her.

Alexei glanced over his shoulder in time to see Elaine duck under an overhanging branch, her seat sure and steady in the saddle. Her horse, a soft gray mare, walked easily behind his as they rode into the dark Colorado night. The air was cool but her thick sweater should keep her warm enough.

He looked forward. Until he could warm her, that is.

When head arrived at her room, mere moments after sunset, shead thrown herself into his arms as if shead feared never seeing him again. He was pleased by her reaction. It reminded him of the woman shead been before. Always open and loving, this incarnation of his love was far more guarded than shead been in any other lifetime. Then again, she was older than shead ever been as well. He pondered that for a second. In this lifetime, shead lived to be older than in any other lifetime. Maybe, on some cosmic level, shead been waiting for him as well?

He liked that idea a lot. Soon, it would be time to tell her about their lives together. For now, he still had work to do. The more attached she became to him the smoother the transition would be when it came time to enlighten her.

Or so he hoped.

He pushed the thought away. He would succeed; the universe couldnat be so cruel as to take her away from him again. This evening he wasnat going to worry, for he was about to show her the eighth wonder of the world and he couldnat wait to see her reaction.

The trail grew steadily rockier, but the horses handled the path with ease. No doubt theyad followed the trail to the grotto on many occasions.

A few minutes later, a rocky outcropping surrounded by trees came into view. He pointed his horse to a sheltered area between some tall trees before speaking. aWeall dismount here.a He reined in his horse and dismounted before turning to a.s.sist her. Born to the saddle, head ridden since he was three years old.

aAre we still on Dirkas property?a she asked.

aYes.a He slid his hands around her waist and guided her to the ground. aWeave barely scratched the surface of his holdings. However, our destination is just ahead.a She tipped her head back, her expression teasing in the moonglow. aSo secretive.a aJust wait and see what I have in store for you.a He wiggled his brows in a mock-lecherous look.

She blinked, then her eyes narrowed. aThat street goes both ways, my friend.a aIam counting on it.a He retrieved a backpack and pulled stakes from a side flap. Pounding them into the ground, he staked the horses so they had room to graze. When done, he slid the pack on his back, adjusting it until it was comfortable. aCome.a He held his hand out toward her.

She laced her fingers through his and he led her into the woods.

aItas dark, how can you see?a she asked, stumbling over a branch.

aFollow my steps and youall be fine. Iave been here many times and I know the way by heart. Donat worry, I wonat lead you astray.a She gave a throaty laugh. aThatas too bad as itas exactly what I was hoping for.a He gave her hand a squeeze as they neared the rocky outcropping that sheltered their destination. Sliding around a cl.u.s.ter of bushes, Alexei led her into the darkness of a narrow creva.s.se in the rock.

aWhere are we going?a There was tension in her voice.

aPatience, itas well worth the journey.a He gave her hand a rea.s.suring squeeze.

They traveled twenty feet, twisting and contorting around k.n.o.bs of rock in the tight pa.s.sage. He led her around a narrow corner and the trail opened into wonderland. He stepped to the side allowing Elaine to follow. He heard her intake of breath as she stepped into the light.

They stood on a small ledge overlooking a large hot spring. The ochre red walls glowed in the flickering light from dozens of torches illuminating a spring ten feet below. Large flat rocks hung suspended over the water, forming a series of ledges and steps enabling people to move about the pool. Heat radiated from the spring as steam drifted upward in lazy tendrils. Overhead, the sky was laid out like black velvet strewn with millions of diamonds. The ochre rock walls soared twenty-five feet over the base like an oddly rounded coffee cup contained the heat from the spring.

aIave never seen anything like it,a she said.

Alexei smiled, pleased with her response. aIave been to almost every country in the world and I, too, have never see anything like it.a He looked at her awed face. aCome, let us partake of its delights.a He led her down a winding path of stones that led to the floor. Elaine scampered to the edge of the pool and dropped into a crouch to dip her fingers in the water, a look of extreme pleasure on her face. aThis is amazing. How deep is it?a aThirty, forty feet or so.a He slid the pack off his back as he walked to a large, flat rock. Through the soles of his boots, the warmth radiated to the bottoms of his feet. aIt is amazing and the best part is that weare all alone.a She rose and sauntered to him as he set the pack down. aHow fortuitous.a Her fingers wrapped around the bottom of her sweater and she pulled it up slowly, torturing him as she exposed each delectable inch before finally pulling it over her head. Beneath the bulky wool, she wore a scanty emerald green bra that barely covered her b.r.e.a.s.t.s. aItas getting warm, donat you think?a She asked, her expression mock-innocent.

aYes.a He licked his lips. aItas getting warmer every minute.a He sat, making himself comfortable, eager to see what she would do next.

She spread out the sweater on a heated rock before continuing her journey toward him. Her deft fingers undid the b.u.t.ton on her jeans, then unzipped them. She stopped before him then raised one foot, placing it square between his legs, inches from his arousal.

aCan you help with my boots?a He smothered a smile as he tugged the laces with one hand while the other slid as far up her pant leg as possible to touch the softness of her skin. Her eyes narrowed as he removed one boot, then her sock, stopping long enough to give her instep a slow rub with one finger.

A smile curved her mouth as she lowered one foot and raised the other. He repeated the process, this time lingering over the fine bone of her ankle. He smiled as she s.h.i.+vered and pulled her foot away, careful to move away a safe distance before s.h.i.+mmying out of her pants. Her panties matched the bra, and they were ridiculously skimpy. He licked his lips as he devoured her with his eyes.

aLike what you see?a He looked at her face. aWhat do you think?a She approached and dropped her gaze to his crotch. He felt his c.o.c.k leap under the heat of her gaze. aI think youare enjoying yourself, or at least he is.a He reached for her, pulling her into the vee made by his legs, then pressed a noisy kiss to her stomach. aWhat am I going to do with you?a he mumbled against her sweet skin.

She laced her fingers through his hair and tugged his head back, her gaze dark, slumberous. aEverything, I hope.a Dropping her head, she caught him in a kiss that was sizzling and loaded with promise. Her tongue tangled with his as her taste exploded through his nervous system, setting his senses on high alert.

She released him and moved away, and he had to restrain himself from reaching for her again. He wanted more, much more, but they had time for that. All the time in the world.

Her gaze never wavering, she reached up to release her sable hair to fall in thick, soft waves on her shoulders. She ran her fingers through the silk and he caught the scent of herbs and knew it was her he smelled.

aCome join me?a she asked.

aIn a minute.a He wanted time to gather himself before joining her in the pool. In his current state, head be on her in a minute and he didnat want that. He wanted it to last and last.

She nodded and turned away, presenting him with a nicely rounded backside framed by her thong panties. He swallowed hard as she walked, an unselfconsciously s.e.xy sway in her gait. She approached the edge and, without a pause, dove into the water with very little splash.

He released the breath head been holding. She was lethal and he adored every inch of her. He rose and made quick work of emptying the pack. He laid out a blanket and a bottle of wine swaddled in a thick layer of insulated material. Next was an a.s.sortment of cheeses and meat with crisp crackers. A snack for her later as he knew he wouldnat need one.

All he needed was her.

She was splas.h.i.+ng around the pool as he pulled off his clothing, laying out his garments as she had on the heated rocks. Stepping to the ledge, his gaze locked with hers before he dove into the water to claim her.

Chapter 6.

Despite the heated water, Elaine s.h.i.+vered as she watched his nude body cut through the pool. Already she could feel her nether regions filling with desire, her b.r.e.a.s.t.s aching and there was a strange tightness in her chest that threatened to steal her breath.

Alexei came to the surface without a sound. His head rose from the water, inches from her. Theyad removed their masks last night and yet, each time she saw him, she was astounded by his masculine beauty all over again.

Wet black hair was slicked back on his head and streamed over his broad shoulders. His dark chocolate brown eyes were flecked with gold and framed with sooty lashes. His nose was straight and smooth, his nostrils flaring slightly as he filled his lungs with air depleted from his underwater journey. His skin was olive-toned, unusual for a Russian unless he had Romany in his background.

Her gaze drifted over the exposed expanse of his chest. Yes, she could certainly see him as a gypsy. Under the lightly furred skin, his chest muscles were sharply defined. His mouth was firm and set in a straight line as he regarded her with a serious expression, his chin jutting out.

aGive me a kiss,a he demanded.

He wanted to be in charge, did he? She hid a grin. aOkay, Iall give you a kiss, but first you have to close your eyes.a aWhy?a aBecause I said so.a His eyes narrowed as he considered her words.

aIall make it worth your whileaa she teased.

His eyes widened, the spark of desire deep in their chocolate depths. He closed them, a faint smile of antic.i.p.ation smile curving his handsome mouth.

Elaine moved closer to her lover. Raising her hand, she dripped water on his shoulder yet didnat touch him, her eyes greedily taking their fill of Alexei. She moved behind him and placed her hand on his shoulder, guiding him down until the ends of his hair floated on the surface of the water.

On the top of his left shoulder, she saw a small hook-shaped scar. She pressed her lips to the old wound and caught the shudder that ran through his big body. A sense of power invaded her at the thought of bringing this man to his knees.

She leaned in to whisper, her lips brus.h.i.+ng his ear. aRegardless of what Iam about to do to you, you cannot touch me, do you understand?a He opened his mouth as if to object and she silenced him by nipping on his lobe. His breath sounded loud as he sucked in air, her movement taking him by surprise. He nodded.

aGood.a She took his hand and led him to the edge of the pool nearest a small waterfall. A cool mist filled the air from the falling water, a sharp contrast to the heat of the water below. She settled him on a low rock, the water rising to just below his nipples.

aClose your eyes,a she whispered.

After he obeyed, she moved behind, trailing her fingers over the expanse of his shoulders. The heat radiating off him was astounding. Never had she met a man who was so consistently hot. With trembling fingers, she removed her bra and tossed it to the side.

Elaine curled her arms around his shoulders, pressing her erect nipples into his back. Relaxing her knees, she sank, her b.r.e.a.s.t.s never losing contact with his back. He groaned as she rose, repeating the motion in reverse.

She looked over his shoulder and into the clear water. His hands were clenched on his thighs and from the thick thatch of hair stood his c.o.c.k.

Alexei is ready to come out and play.

Dropping a kiss on his shoulder, she moved to stand in front of him. His eyes flickered open, his pupils dilated with l.u.s.t. She spread her thighs and sat in his lap, his c.o.c.k tight against her silk-covered crotch. His hands came to rest on her legs, his thumbs digging into her sensitive flesh. Sliding her fingers around his wrists, she pulled his hands away and curled his fingers around his staff. At his perplexed look, she brushed her lips over his.

aI want to watch,a she whispered.

He cleared his throat. aYou want meato pleasure myself?a She licked her lips and nodded, her throat suddenly dry.

A devilish smile curved his mouth. aYour wish is my command.a Alexei released his turgid flesh and snaked his arms around her waist. Rising, she shrieked as he carried her to a rocky ledge and set her down. Her nipple grazed his chin and he couldnat resist taking it into his mouth. She moaned as he suckled her flesh, her thighs tightening on his waist. He released one and moved to her other, lavis.h.i.+ng it with the same attention.

aThis isnat what I had in mind,a she panted.

He licked the water from her skin between her b.r.e.a.s.t.s. aYou told me to pleasure myself and I am.a He ran his tongue along the fold below her breast and she arched against his mouth.