Leaving Earth (19 page)

"Yes," she replied.

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Leaving Earth

by Loribelle Hunt

"And another journeyed here with you?" She arched an eyebrow, suspected she knew where this conversation was going and pretty damned sure her friends would share her sentiments. They didn't want to be seen as the heralds of a new religious order.

"Yes. Another soldier like Laney." She kept Britt's other occupation to herself.

"Ah. I see," he muttered. "Unfortunate."

"Of course," she responding dryly, glad she'd gone with her instincts in replying. This was a conversation she'd have to relate to Britt and Laney as soon as possible. Daggar remained silent at her side, his mind closed to her and concealing his own thoughts on the matter. Did he see her as this symbol of change also?

He squeezed her hand, his tone teasing.
If it was my
choice, I'd hide you away and keep you all for myself.
She shared a mental laugh, but sobered quickly, her stomach rolling when the big doors were opened to admit them.
Let's just get this over with. I'll worry about everything
else later.

They entered and she didn't pay much attention to the cavernous room. Wide steps were directly in front of them and they followed the High Priest up onto a long balcony. Halls disappeared into blackness on each end. He turned right and they trailed after him, the other two priests bringing up the rear. The corridor seemed never ending, but finally he stopped before a door, unlocked it for them before backing away. There was absolutely no expression on his face as he bowed again.

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"I'll speak to you later, Nephew." Daggar returned the bow and responded formally. "Of course, Uncle."

All three priests left and Daggar, with his palm on her lower back, guided her into the room. It wasn't what she expected. Big and airy, with a nice sized balcony overlooking the city.

"I hope they don't expect us to do this out there," she grumbled.

She thought the room would be clinical. Was disturbed that it wasn't. Ignoring the big four-poster bed with its silk and fur coverings, she walked outside, hugging her arms around her and feeling panic rise. She couldn't do this. Could she?

Then warm hands were on her shoulders, thumbs digging skillfully into tense muscles. She relaxed despite her best intentions not to.

"It's only us, my heart," he whispered against her ear, lips trailing enticingly down her throat. She moaned, her body as always ready for him, but her mind wasn't totally with the program yet.

He chuckled.
Such resistance. You know I'll take care of
you, Kendall.
She shuddered as his hands slid under the hem of her shirt, up her belly to tug on the chain connecting her nipple piercings. She grew wet between her thighs, muscles contracting to hold him inside her. Her body was ready, knew what he could do for her. No doubt about that. But intellectually ... people were watching them. They may not be in the room, but there was a screen somewhere nearby, where they would gather round and see everything. Rumors 177

Leaving Earth

by Loribelle Hunt

would spread. What exactly was this little ritual going to entail?

Nothing like that, baby
. He knew she was wondering if he'd hurt her. If he'd give her the pain that equaled pleasure for her.
That's between us. No one else
. He moved up behind her, pinning her against the rail. His fingers found the buttons of her blouse, started at the bottom and worked slowly up, while he whispered that no one would see them. That they were all alone up on the balcony. Part of her knew that those that were supposed to see would, but that knowledge in his mind was hidden. She was a little surprised that nothing else in his mind was hidden from her. She felt on guard in this place. Nervous. He was unconcerned. Confidant in his ability to protect them both if need be and she relaxed some, knowing, feeling his determination to shield them both from any harm.

That's it, my heart
, he whispered in her head as his hand dipped under her waistband and she pushed her butt back against him. Felt his erection, hard and throbbing against her. He bit her in the hollow between her collar and neck, sucked the skin carefully, almost tenderly into his mouth until she was panting, straining against his cock.
So perfect. All mine
. She released her hold on the railing, moved her hands up and behind to link her fingers together behind his neck. The pose left her exposed in a way she hadn't felt before, her submission to his mastery, his dominance, a clear choice even when there were no bindings, no agreements or power struggles involved. He sucked in a harsh breath and she almost smiled, knowing, feeling him in her mind. Feeling his 178

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by Loribelle Hunt

knowledge of exactly what she was offering to him now. In this place. Complete and total trust. Not just to protect her against attack, but to protect her heart, her soul, from his own primitive instincts. He would take care of her—she knew that unequivocally—whether she liked it or not. And today, in this moment, she could admit she did like it. Liked knowing there was someone in the world who was as devoted to her as she was to him.

Now? You have to realize this now?

Bad timing?
She couldn't keep the amusement from her voice. Or the love. He took a long, deep and unsteady breath.
Gods. You're going to kill me woman.
He retreated, swung her up into his arms and carried her inside to drop her onto the bed.

You've said that before.
She grinned, propped herself up on her elbows to watch him remove his clothes. He did it slowly like an old time strip show, smiling at the enjoyment and anticipation he felt in her mind. The sleeveless tunic came off first, then his boots and pants, until he stood only in his underwear, his hard cock barely restrained by the restrictive garment.

She rose to her knees and walked on them to the edge of the bed to lift her hand and stroke him through the fabric. She teased him, leaning forward and placing her mouth over his covered erection, blowing a hot breath on its head. With a groan he took a step back and yanked them down. She immediately reached out to wrap her fingers around the base, tugging so he moved closer to her lips. Before she could taste 179

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him, he gave her shoulder a gentle shove. Sharing his mind, she felt his desires, dark and needy.

She sprawled back on the bed, lifting her arms over her head and spreading her thighs, leaving herself open and exposed to his hungry gaze. He came to her, covering her body with his and claiming her mouth with his at the same time as his cock thrust home. There was no seduction, no finesse, no skill. But with Daggar she didn't need it, didn't want anything between them in this moment but blinding need.

Her body exploded with the first swivel of his hips, but she never came down from the height of her orgasm, realized as she hung on to him with her legs wrapped around his waist and her fingers digging into his shoulders that she never would. She hoped he felt the same, that he always would. He stilled inside her, gave her body a moment to settle and then took her face between his palms, cradled her close.

"You're everything, my
der'lan
. The breath in my lungs. The beat of my heart."

Well, when he said it like that. "Damn. I love you." He grinned. "I know."

She punched his arm. "Wrong answer." He started moving again. Long, deep, measured strokes that made her gasp and bow her back, her body careening towards another orgasm.

"I love you, baby. Forever. For always." They came together and she cried out with the joy of it, his words whispering over and over in her mind. Forever. The End

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About the Author

As a native of the South, is it any wonder Loribelle has a love of storytelling? She started writing seriously as a teenager and finished her first manuscript, a mystery, when she was nineteen. After a few bumps along the way and stints as an Army MP, a waitress, a book store manager, a student, and a wedding photographer, she turned to writing full time. Now she divides her time among a husband, three kids, writing, and a part-time photography gig. 182