Riveted (Art of Eros #1) (16 page)

“No, I don’t worry about him because he’s very well trained, and I tend not to worry about things I have no control over. I worry more about him mentally than anything else. The job’s demanding and it takes a lot of psychological stamina. It can be hard on you.” The faraway look in eyes that did little to hide the true worry he had for his brother. He snapped out of it to talk about Campbell.

“Now, Campbell is another story altogether. He’s the jokester of the family. He loves to laugh and play pranks on people, sometimes to the irritation of the person on the receiving end. He could have been Kendall’s twin leprechaun brother with auburn curly hair, green eyes, and freckles. He grew into all of that and definitely has a way with the women.” Mac waited for a comment to come from Mara.

“I see that runs in the family, too.” And there it was. She laughed, the sound he loved to hear, as he laughed along with her. He could listen to her all night long.

“I see Raquelle has a way with the men. Maybe some of that runs in your family, too.” Her cheeks became red.

“Well, that’s one way of putting it. I wish my late husband had less of a way with women.” Her eyes cut down to where her fingers curled around the stem of the crystal goblet filled with blood-red wine.

“Speaking of your late husband, what’s all of this about DNA testing? I assume they suspect foul play. What business was he in? I hope that’s not going to come back in your direction.” He wanted to know what kind of man she dealt with all these years. Was he dirty or clean?

“To be perfectly honest, I didn’t know anything about his business dealings. I know he worked for an investment firm, but that’s about it. We’re waiting for the DNA testing to find out if that was really Brock in the car that burned up. But enough about him.” Mac felt himself relax. The one question that lingered in the back of his mind had been answered and he wanted to move on to more interesting things. He had a wicked gleam in his eye and she caught on.

“What is running through that mind of yours now?” She was cautiously curious to see what game he would come up with this time.

“Speaking of running, now would be a good time because when I get a hold of you, you’re mine.” She knew this game and was ready for him. They shoved back from the loveseat at the same time and she turned around to run out of the tent, toes gripping into the cool sand. He captured her from behind, caging her in his arms, and twirled her around. She shrieked like a little girl and turned around to face him when he put her down.

“That’s not fair! I needed a head start. You’re faster than me.” Her face lit up at the fun she had at being caught again.

He leaned down with his nose in her locks, “I know, but now that I’ve caught you, you’re all mine for tonight.” Those words made her shiver and flush with warmth. “Let’s go back to my suite. I want you all to myself without any prying eyes.”

They walked arm in arm back to his suite in comfortable silence. The warm ocean breeze was cool against her body compared to the contact of his skin on hers, which only added to her anticipation.

Chapter 14

When they reached the suite, Mara noticed it was about the same size as hers. The space opened up full of earth tones and splashes of ocean colors. A hot tub for six was centered on the huge balcony, a perfect setting for a bachelor on vacation. She wondered if he had anyone else up there, but she quickly pushed that thought away. The night was about the two of them; her psyche didn’t need to bring any unwanted third parties to the evening.

Mac came up behind her, wrapping his strong arms around her waist as she took in what awaited her. For a moment, her mind flashed back to the pool as she inhaled, taking in his masculine scent. “Go make yourself comfortable on a lounger on the balcony and I’ll get us a scotch. It’s my favorite after-dinner drink. Although, after tonight, it may be my second favorite.” He gave her a light kiss on the cheek and turned away. He needed her to want him, building the anticipation.

The warmth of his body left her and she wanted to grab him back. There was no doubt in her mind that she wanted him. If she had her choice, she would wrap herself in him for a very long time, but she kept vacillating between willing her body to cooperate and fearing this evening could end very badly.

Mara stepped onto the balcony to find the same warm ambience as in the tent. There were candles everywhere with dancing flames that created shadows on the ochre-colored walls. She found a two-person lounger tucked away on the far side of the balcony, in the little nook where the lights weren’t so bright. The night cast its curtain on this side of the world, and stars winked in the sky. She lay down and viewed the flickering lights in the sky while the ocean breeze blew over her and kissed her skin. A shiver went down her spine, knowing where her next caresses would be coming from.

The sound of the waves calmed her into her comfort zone. She remembered going to the shore for vacation when she was younger. The three of them would curl up in beach towels on lounge chairs, searching for falling stars and listening to the waves lulling them to sleep. Mama would always have to wake them up and herd them inside for the night.

Mac came around the corner with a glass of scotch in hand. There, laid out before him, was the woman of his dreams. Her body relaxed and a smile graced her lips. She looked so peaceful. He would put that relaxation to good use, wanting her open and ready, both in mind and body.

Mara’s head came up as Mac walked toward her. The power in his stride and sheer dominance made her ache for him. The wine had worked its magic by settling her nerves and relaxing her body.

“I see you stay true to your promises of scotch after dinner. Is that your preferred dessert?” The wine and the ambiance made her sassy side come out.

“Well, let’s get a couple of things straight, me lady. First, this isn’t just any scotch. It’s Talisker single malt made on the Isle of Skye in Scotland, my personal favorite. Second, I have many preferred desserts.” He grinned as he tilted the amber liquid to his lips. “Do you want a taste?” He dared her to come and play with him, again.

She grew braver by the minute and she loved to play, especially with him. “I would love a taste. But I’m afraid I might really like it and want more.” Her lips curled into a seductive smile that said ‘take that, Scotsman.’ He loved her playful side; it kept her interesting and challenging, making him want to devour her. There was no doubt about it—he was made for this woman.

He slid in beside her on the lounger and held the glass to her mouth, watching as her lips sealed the edge of the glass, the scotch slipping past them. Her eyes never left his face, landing on the scar above his right eye. Mara ran her finger over it.

“I consider it my lucky scar. The bullet grazed me, and missed entering my head. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be here with you. You are a gracious gift.” It was said with such conviction and intensity, he took her breath away, like he was hardwired to her soul with a direct path to her heart.

The scotch went down smoothly but with a hint of a smoky taste followed by an after-bite that reminded her of her Scotsman. It warmed her all over. They never broke eye contact as he put the glass down on the table on the other side of her. He leaned over and kissed her passionately. Suddenly she became aware of how big he was as he loomed over her; strangely she didn’t feel fear but protection. Grabbing on to his hair, she tugged it, making him moan. She affected him in ways she never imagined, just running on instinct.

His kiss was hungry, as if he had gone without for a very long time. This wasn’t any woman he wanted. He wanted only her. She was his dessert. This night would hold the answers to so many questions. He slipped his fingers into her hair and unclipped it, expertly running his fingers through her waves, making her aware of how many times he might have done this with other women. But she didn’t care because he was there with only her. He watched as soft, brown tresses cascaded around her shoulders and face.

“I like your hair down. It accents your face, and you look so carefree.” He played with the end of a wandering piece, wrapping it around his finger, tugging and letting it go.

“I’ll make sure to wear my hair down more often.” She had a sudden urge to please him. His smile lit up his eyes. This felt natural and normal, to want to please someone, not to shun them. More rivets found their way out to let the light filter in. She could feel the hammer in his hand, wanting to break through. Could she afford to totally trust him? He had proven himself trustworthy so far. She would have to take the leap. Her body responded to him in ways she never expected or had never experienced.

He kissed her jaw and made his way down her neck and shoulder. He propped himself up on his forearm as his other hand slid over her breast, across her belly and down her thigh to her knee. That handsome hand she fantasized about slowly made its way up the outside of her thigh and cupped her ass, where there appeared to be no underwear.

He bent his head down. His hot breath whispered on her neck. “God, Mara, you’re trying to kill me. No knickers?” He was afraid of moving too fast if he didn’t put himself in check, but she was driving him to his limit.

“G-string. Compliments of Raquelle again.” A naughty smile crossed her lips. He wondered if those lips would bring pleasure to his cock.

He slid the hem of her dress up to see what awaited him. She helped him by lifting up her hips and trembled at the thought of him seeing her, bathed in the soft glow of the candlelight, not surrounded by total darkness like she was used to. That darkness protected her, but Mac lifted her veil of protection. He wanted
all
of her in the light.

“You’re a friggin’ beauty, Mara. I want to take in every bit of you. Let’s get this dress off.” His impatience started to show. He needed to slow down, but like a dam that sprung its first leak, it wouldn’t be long until it burst.

She sat up, shivering from nerves as he helped her up to stand in front of him. He turned her around and unzipped her dress, watching as it floated to the floor. She pivoted around and stood before him, adorned in a blush-pink lace bra and matching G-string. His eyes raked in every inch of her, from her round breasts to a flat stomach and firm thighs. He wouldn’t last long the first time through, but he would make it up to her.

His intense stare made her wet and excited. She could see how much she affected him by the bulge in his pants. Her nerves were taken over by excitement. The dance began and she would dance until her legs gave out, which could be very soon. She would go to the end, no matter what.

He put his hands on her waist and pulled her toward him as he nuzzled her belly. She cradled his head in her hands and ran her fingers through his thick, soft hair. He trailed her belly with feathery kisses down to her lace-covered mound. His warm breath was on her sex as his hands held her to him, and her knees almost buckled. He inhaled her scent through the lace and pulled back to look up at his warrior. She started getting nervous again, but she bit her lower lip to stop herself from questioning anything in this moment. He reached up to rub her nipples through her lace bra. They pebbled under his touch and became more sensitive.

“Take off your bra,
leannan
, and relax. You don’t even know how gorgeous you are. Turn the old recording off inside your head and listen to my voice.” She loved when he called her
leannan
because of it’s meaning to him. His voice was deep and hypnotic and his accent complemented his gravelly voice. Unhooking her bra and letting it fall to the ground, she automatically brought her arms up to cover herself but his eyes told her no, so she rested her hands on his broad shoulders. Under his gaze, she was perfect and felt that in her soul. It made her nerves calm down a little.

He hooked his thumbs in the little elastic at her hips and pulled it down her legs. She stepped out of the small scrap of fabric, standing naked before him in more ways than one. A shiver came over her as the breeze caressed her skin, making her aware that she stood outside, bared to the world. He would finally see the offensive area. She worried what he would think. This was her moment of truth. She didn’t want him to turn away.

His eyes followed the curves of her body, from her breasts all the way down. He groaned out loud like a man holding on by a thread. She looked down as his large cock hardened and strained against his pants and smiled. It gave her more courage.

“You are so beautiful bare. How can anyone look this good naked?” He lovingly stared at the area between her legs.

“I just did this. I wanted to see it for myself.” She spoke softly and sucked in a breath, waiting for his reaction.

“You are so brave. You surprise me all the time, Marabella.”

He said her name as if he owned it all along. Mac stood, taking her hand, and kissed her open palm.

“Come with me.” It was a command, not a question. She followed him, tethered to his hand. It was intoxicating having him fully clothed and her completely naked. He had complete control, and she willing to give herself to him. She bared almost everything. In those few moments, she needed courage to bare her soul.

He led them to the master suite bathed in candlelight as the scent of sandalwood hung in the air. The candlelight cast shadows behind the pieces of grey driftwood art placed on the dark, sand-colored walls, their true beauty masked by the dark outlines on the wall. Like the pieces of driftwood there on display, she was uneasy about how she would measure up in the light. She wanted to hide in the shadows, her place of comfort. The pitch-black of the bedroom always helped hide her shame. Darkness detached her from the numbness and pain. Mara would be totally exposed, both physically and emotionally. Ready or not, she was about to jump in with both feet. She took in a deep breath to try and steady her nerves vibrating beneath her skin.

Laid out before them was a fluffy, cream-colored down comforter accented by a dark teak bed frame, a stark contrast to the rest of the room. Her calm crumbled and her nerves got the better of her. She stopped short and jerked her hand out of his.

“Can we put out some of the candles? And the bedding is light colored. What if I...” Her bubble burst instantly and panic started to set in. Taking her trembling arm and moving it to cover her breasts, she took her other hand and covered her bare sex, hiding her overexposure.

Mac turned to stand in front of her, blocking her view of the room. He moved her arms down to her sides, piercing her with his eyes.

“I want to see all of you, Mara. I want to see every reaction to everything we do tonight. Nothing gets hidden for either of us. All I want you to do is feel. Let me take care of the rest. I won’t hurt you, I promise. This is about you and me together, erasing the past. I’m not worried about the bedding.”

He said it with all the confidence of a man who had been with his lion’s share of women. His eyes never left hers as he spoke, making the moment about the two of them, not just her. He wanted her to know that he was in this with her, that they were a team; the events of the last couple of days proved that. When the night came to a close, they would be more than teammates or a holiday fling. They would be lovers who would know each other inside and out. Mac knew her most intimate secret, and she needed to trust him with it.

He stepped back from her. “Mara, I want you to take my clothes off.”

She pulled his shirt over his head, exposing those firm pecs and well-defined abs that drove her crazy. Her breath hitched as her hands ran down his chest, exploring the ridges under her fingertips. Next, she unbuttoned his shorts and pulled down the zipper, reaching for his hardness, sliding it along her palm. Mara’s eyes were transfixed to the places where her hands explored him as Mac took rapid, shallow breathes, trying so hard to keep control. She ran her hands down into the back of his briefs, gripping his firm ass. His briefs fell to the floor along with his shorts, freeing his cock, which pointed in the direction it wanted to go. It was definitely bigger than Brock’s, by a lot. She gasped and took a step back. Mac chuckled as he saw her reaction.

“I have to say I’ve never had a woman step back from me. That’s a new one.” She looked up at him and giggled nervously. “I’m still chasing you,
leannan
. When are you going to come to me?” Mara took the hint and took a small step toward him.

They stood in front of each other with nothing between them, just like he had wished for. She closed her eyes, taking in the heat that radiated off him and reached out to her. Breathing deeply, she wanted nothing more than to touch him, but she needed to be patient with herself.