Surrender to the Sea (Lords of the Abyss Book 4) (5 page)

B
rutus had never wanted
to punch his twin so much in his life. He should have known Demon was up to mischief when the tailor said the man bought every piece of clothing he had available—down to the new style of lady intimates. Such a purchase was unlike Demon. He wouldn’t buy elaborate gifts for a woman who had not officially agreed to accept his suit.

“Did he say we’re married?” Laurel’s voice was a soft whisper.

Brutus couldn’t bring himself to answer her. How could he trust himself to speak? He didn’t wish to lie, and yet somehow confessing that she invaded every one of his thoughts seemed imprudent.

“Are we married?” she asked louder.

“No.” It wasn’t a lie. They weren’t married, but he wanted to be. Desperately. If anyone should have been able to sense just how much he wanted Laurel, it would have been Demon.

“Why would he say that?”

Brutus wished she’d stop asking questions.

He knows I want you.

I can think of nothing else. I want to kiss you. I want to see you smile. I want to touch you as I did in the ocean, the press of your body to mine, the touch of your mouth, the air from your lungs entering me as I breathe for us both.

I want to breathe you inside me once more. I want that connection.

I want to marry you.

I want to breathe you in for the rest of my eternity.

The surety of his feelings surprised and frightened him.

Let me love you.

Please, let me love you.

“Brutus? Why are you looking at me like that? I didn’t know the gifts came from your brother. He stood behind the seamstresses or had his back turned. He sounded like you. He looked like you. I thought he was you. He came with clothes. You left to get clothes.” Laurel inched closer. “When I saw his face, I knew it wasn’t you.”

“Please, let…” Brutus tried to express what he was feeling. He moved to stand before her.

“Let?”

“Please, let me…” Brutus couldn’t finish with words, so instead he cupped her face and drew her mouth to his. For a long moment, he held her to his lips, not moving, unsure how she would react. When he pulled back, he found her eyes wide as she stared at him. “Please, let me.”

Slowly, Laurel nodded. She lifted her hands to his cheeks and pulled him down so he could kiss her again. This time her mouth stirred, prompting him to mimic her movements. The gentle crush of her lips, the moist tip of her tongue, the soft moan in the back of her throat—all of it enthralled him.

He started to touch her but then stopped. She was not a mindless pleasure nymph to be controlled by him. Plus, she was soft and delicate. He remembered how her body pressed into his as he swam the ocean.

“Are we breaking some kind of cultural rule?” Laurel asked against his mouth.

Brutus shook his head in denial. “No. You are my ward, but you also said your intention to be with me.” He took a quick step back. “Unless you are feeling forced to decide?”

Laurel gave a small chuckle. “Forced?”

“You laugh?”

“Trust me, Brutus, the last thing I feel is forced.” Laurel took his hand and led him toward his bedroom.

L
aurel wasn’t
sure what she was thinking. Everything that had happened was so surreal. She was in an underwater world with a man who made her feel more alive than any other moment in her life. Strangely, she didn’t miss her other life. She’d spent most of her time planning a vacation, hoping for an adventure, only to go home and start the process over again. Now she was living an adventure, and she didn’t want the vacation to end.

She led Brutus into the bedroom before pulling the shapeless gown over her head and tossing it aside. Instead of standing naked and on display, she instantly turned to resume kissing him. The attraction she had for him was unmistakable, and she saw no reason to deny it. The hesitance in his lips only made her want him more.

His touch was gentle as if a feather was placed between his skin and hers. He skimmed his fingers over her sides and hips, tickling her flesh. She pressed more fully against him.

Laurel tugged at his clothing, somehow managing to strip him. His lips left hers, and she gasped for breath. Energy hummed between them as if connecting his nerves to hers, making her flesh sensitive to the touch.

Brutus looked down between their bodies. His hands touched her but didn’t hold her. She felt the arousal lifting against her, so she knew he wanted her. Yet, he still hesitated to hug her tight, to sweep her onto her back, to crush her in kisses, and press her in passion.

The muscles of his arms were tense. His chest rose with heavy breath. He parted his lips as if he’d speak, but no words came out.

“Brutus?” she asked, unsure.

“You are so…”

Every insecurity she’d ever had hit her at once. She loved her curvy body, but she wasn’t an exhibitionist. Her stomach knotted slightly as she waited for him to finish his thought.

“Fragile.” He traced his fingers down her arms.

Laurel gave a small smile. “I’m not so fragile.”

“You’re delicate.” He continued to lightly touch her.

“I’m not so delicate.”

“I’m afraid I will break you.” He looked so sincere that she had to stop herself from laughing.

“I’m not so breakable.” Laurel reached for his hands and pulled them to her hips. She pressed them firmly to her skin and inhaled sharply at the pleasure of his touch. As if he’d been waiting for permission, he grabbed her ass and lifted her up against him. His lips assaulted hers like a man starved. He moaned into her mouth.

Laurel gasped in surprise as she fell backward onto the bed only to bounce on the soft mattress. Brutus came over her, not stopping his exploration of her body. Hot kisses and desperate hands made a haphazard journey over her flesh. Her breasts fascinated him, and he suctioned his mouth around her nipples. All coherent reasoning left her. Every place they made contact tingled.

“You are so soft,” he observed. He squeezed her breast. “And moldable to my fingers.”

Laurel could only assume it was a compliment by the breathless way he spoke. His legs had hers trapped shut. She hit her outer thigh against his until finally he lifted his legs to settle between hers. The first brush of his cock against her sex caused her to tense in anticipation.

“You are softer than a nymph,” he whispered, still concentrating on her chest.

Foreplay was great, but Laurel could hardly stand waiting for that perfect moment when his body would slide into hers. She wiggled her hips, trying to entice him to thrust. She hooked a leg behind his thigh to force him to her. It was no use. He was way too strong for her to maneuver.

He licked a nipple and pulled away to see the response, only to do it again on the opposite side. When Laurel couldn’t take any more of his sweet torture, she grabbed his face and pulled his lips back to her mouth. Without meaning to hurt him, she clawed his hips and drew him against her. Her legs worked restlessly along his.

She reached between their bodies and took hold of his cock. His mouth stopped as her fingers wrapped his arousal. Laurel guided him to her body. For all his brute strength, he was incredibly gentle. She slipped the tip of his erection along her sex.

Brutus held his breath and didn’t move as she thrust up. She grabbed his hips and pulled, enjoying the slow glide of his body into hers. The humming energy coming from his hands and mouth caused an intense need to erupt inside her. She needed more.

Somehow she managed to force him onto his back. He didn’t protest as she rode him. His hands moved from her breasts to her hips and back up again. His stomach flexed beneath her as he lifted to meet her thrusts. It didn’t take long before the pleasure overtook her and she was finding a jerking release. Brutus met his climax seconds later with a loud animalistic sound that could surely be heard beyond the walls of his home.

Laurel collapsed next to him on the smaller bed. She breathed hard, too stunned by her intense climax to move.

“You do not speak,” he said after a long moment. “Have I hurt you? I tried not to treat you like a nymph.”

She resisted a small laugh. Her silence was simply the pleasure of the aftermath, and she was still trying to catch her breath. “Give a girl a minute to recover.”

“I have injured you.” Brutus rolled up, looking horrified. He would have leaped out of the bed if she didn’t grab hold of his bicep to stop him. “I never meant to—”

“You didn’t hurt me,” Laurel said. “It was very nice.”

“Nice?” He studied her face.

“Wonderful.”

“Wonderful?”

This time, she did chuckle. “What do you want me to say? You were a sex god?”

“Oh, I am not a god,” Brutus assured her. “I would never be that cruel.”

“Brutus?”

“Yes.”

“May I ask you something?”

“Of course.”

“Can you lay back down and stop talking now?” Laurel smiled at him. “Please?”

He nodded and lay on his back. Brutus lifted a hand and let it hover over her thigh in indecision before placing it gently on her leg.

She took several deep breaths, feeling her heart slow and body cool. After some time had passed, she asked, “What’s in the locked cabinet?”

He didn’t answer.

“Brutus?”

“Should I speak now?” he inquired.

Laurel nodded her head. “Yes, please.”

“My pleasure nymph. All hunters are issued one to help with the affliction when we come out of the ocean.”

“Pleasure nymph? Is that like a sex toy?” Laurel asked.

“It is a receptacle for the affliction.”

She turned to face him, propping up on an elbow. He rested on his back. “May I see this receptacle for the affliction?”

“You wish to use the pleasure nymph? But it is not intended for females.” Brutus sat up. “I did not pleasure you correctly? You require servicing?”

“Yes. Servicing. Because I’m like a car.”

“I do not understand what that means.”

“It was a bad joke,” Laurel said. “I don’t need to be serviced. I simply wanted to see what secrets are hidden in the cabinet.”

Brutus looked unsure but finally nodded. He crossed the room naked. Laurel pulled the bedcovers over her body. She watched his firm legs and ass, mesmerized by the way his muscles moved beneath his skin. There was something very intimate and erotic about that moment. She held the covers tight to her chest. He was so free with his nudity, unconcerned where her eyes might be looking. And why wouldn’t he be confident?

Brutus took a key from on top of the cabinet and unlocked the door. He opened it and stepped aside. “I will not keep secrets.”

A life-sized doll hung on the cabinet door, her knees pulled up to her chest. The doll’s head was bald and her eyes closed. Other sex toys lined the shelves, all made for male use.

Laurel deliberately touched her hair.

“Oh.” Brutus reached to the shelf, grabbed a disc and clicked it into a slot on the doll’s neck. Red hair grew from the head. Next he placed a green disc in the doll’s temple and green eyes opened.

“That’s, ah…” Laurel slowly stood, taking the bedding with her.

“To help the affliction,” Brutus stated. He pulled the hair and eye discs and tossed them onto the shelf before shutting the door. The action kept her from examining the doll more closely, not that she needed to. “But now I have you to help with that.”

There were so many ways she could answer his statement. She could be offended at his presumption, upset at his reference to her being a receptacle for his passions, or flattered he wanted to have sex with her again. Instead, she saw his expression, so open and earnest and…hopeful. The unasked questions in his vulnerable eyes caused her to nod as if he’s simply stated a fact she agreed with.

“Come back to bed,” she said, leading the way. She lay down and lifted the covers so he could join her under them. “You saved my life. I probably haven’t thanked you for that.”

When he settled next to her, she traced her finger along his bottom lip.

“You have.” Brutus rested on his side, staring into her dark eyes. “Did I do the right thing bringing you down here? I wouldn’t have if I’d thought you could survive in the ocean. I need you to know that if there were a chance, I would not have condemned you to my world. I recognize how much you left behind. Aside from Lady Bridget’s miracle triplets, we do not have children, and you said—”

“No,” Laurel shook her head in denial and ran her fingertip along the edge of his top lip. “My ability to have children was taken from me long before you rescued me. I know babies are not in my future. My daughter died the day she was born, and with her my ability to have children. When it happened, my now ex-husband was sleeping with another woman. We divorced and they now have three boys.”

“Then he is a fool and was not the man you belong with.” Brutus’s breath caressed her exploring finger. “I am sorry about your daughter. I see your pain when you speak of it.”

Laurel nodded. She kept her finger against his mouth as she kissed him briefly. “Thank you for saving me. I didn’t leave anything worth keeping behind. I’ve been lost, looking for any experience to fill the void. Being here is an adventure, but it’s also a new beginning.”

“I want you to be happy,” he said. “Anything you need, tell me. Please. If it is within my power to give it to you, I will.”

“Like a squid?” she teased.

“Yes. A squid. Clothes. Food. A castle. Anything.”

“How about another kiss?” She snuggled against him.

“Anything, my lady.” Brutus pulled her close and kissed her.

A
tiny vibration
worked its way along Laurel’s body. She gave a sleepy chuckle and thought,
Again?

Brutus was insatiable.

The vibration stopped, and she let her mind drift in that beautiful place between awake and sleep. Unsure how much time had passed, the vibration started again. This time, it was so intense it shook the bed.

Laurel’s brain took a few moments to process what was happening. But when it did, she sat up in full panic mode. “Earthquake!”

Brutus sprang up from the bed and looked around as if the walls of the room would give him answers. The pleasure nymph’s cabinet opened, and the creepy sex doll fell onto the floor. It vibrated on the ground as if it was having a seizure.

Laurel held on to the mattress. “Is this normal? Please say this is normal.”

Brutus didn’t answer. The vibrations subsided.

“Brutus? Why didn’t you answer? Is that normal?”

“I cannot lie to you,” he said. “I cannot tell you it is normal.”

“So it’s rare?” she insisted, hoping there was an explanation.

“No,” he answered. “It has never happened.”

The vibrations started again, like someone hitting the side of the room. The initial big shake was followed by smaller tremors. Laurel looked up in panic. They were under the water in a dome. What if the dome cracked?

“Come.” Brutus took her by the arm and started to lead her out of the room naked.

“Wait.” She jerked from his grasp and grabbed her clothing from the night before. Then, she tossed him his toga.

“I must find out what is happening,” he stated, not bothering to dress as he instead carried his clothing in a balled fist.

The vibrations subsided once more. Laurel expected to see the palace halls filled with panicked people. Instead, several men strode through the halls in determination.

“Caderyn, Iason, Rigel, to the countryside to check the dome.” The king pointed at the men as he spoke. “Solon, check the villagers and then those in the countryside.”

The men took off as ordered. The vibrations came in steady waves, a heavy hit and then the aftermath.

“That leaves the water,” Brutus said.

“You and Demon, go,” the king ordered. “Take Brennus and Vitus with you. They should be at their post.”

Demon jogged ahead of them toward the surfacing area.

Brutus gestured that Laurel should follow him. He handed her his clothing and continued on naked. “Stay in the palace unless the king tells you it’s not safe. If I do not return, he will become your guardian, or will find you someone suitable.”

“What do you mean if you don’t return?” Laurel demanded. Her heart beat faster. Demon helped the two guards move the boulder blocking the exit. “Don’t go if you think you won’t return.”

“Brutus, come,” Demon yelled. His clothes flew behind him as he led Vitus and Brennus into the surfacing area. Brennus carried a torch into the darkened space. She had a feeling it was more for her than for himself.

“Brutus, don’t go if it’s dangerous.” Laurel followed him through the round door into a cave. The air instantly felt cool and damp compared to the palace. Rough gemstones protruded from the cave’s walls. She lifted her hand to the stone to steady herself as the ground again shook.

“Your concern is—” Brutus began.

“Brother, now!” Demon’s yell was followed by three distinct splashes.

“I have to. It’s my duty.” He quickly cupped her cheeks and gave her a kiss. “Go back into the palace. Listen to the king. He’ll protect you.”

“But—
ah
.” Laurel gasped as Brutus dove into the darkness at the edge of the cave. A splash sounded as he broke the water’s surface.

“Brutus, wait,” she called. “How long will you be?”

‘As long as it takes.’

She heard the words in her head and frowned, confident her mind had answered her. “Damn it, Brutus.”

‘Do not be angry with me,’
he said. The telepathic words were clear.

‘Are you in my head?’
Laurel thought.

‘We’re connected,’
he answered.

‘You’re mated to my brother,’
Demon interrupted, his tone sounded exasperated.
‘Stop clogging the mind link. We have work to do.’

‘Now go away from the water. Find the king. Be safe.’
Brutus ordered.

‘But, can everyone read my mind?’
Laurel asked, trying not to think of all the things she didn’t want everyone seeing.

‘Oh, I did not want to see my brother like that!’
Demon protested.

‘What? No!’
Laurel pressed her hands to her temples.

‘Leave her be, Demon,”
Brutus said.
‘Laurel, he is teasing you. We can only hear the thoughts you direct at us. I will teach you when I return.”

Laurel hugged her arms to her stomach and stared at the dark water.
‘Just make sure you return.’