Forbidden

Chapter Four

It felt good to finally have her in his arms. This was where she should have been from the moment he first saw her. Her body was warm, soft, curvy. A woman’s curves. He inhaled deeply, nuzzling her neck. Her sweet smell was intoxicating.

Kiril felt her hurt. She didn’t know anything about soul’s mates and the mental connection that developed, but she definitely knew something wasn’t right. Well, that, and she was livid. Not that he could blame her.

When she pulled up outside the club, he never thought she’d actually try to enter. He was even more surprised she’d gotten in. In addition to the fact she wasn’t Gothe’maran, she wasn’t exactly their normal clientele. He’d followed her inside with every intention of dragging her back out again, but he had trouble getting to her through the crowd. He’d been stopped several times by women offering sexual favors, which was normal. That was why everyone was there, after all. Eventually, though, his patience ran out. He had to get Mara out of there.

When he found her, he rethought that notion. She was watching the woman getting eaten out at the bar. She’d been moving steadily toward the exit, but her attention was definitely not on where she was going. He grinned. Maybe he could use this to his advantage.

“You really do have a thing about watching, don’t you,” he whispered close to her ear. She shivered in his arms.

“No. It’s just hard to miss.” Her voice trembled slightly.

“Would you like to offer yourself to me while all these people watch? Would that make you hot?”

She jerked away from him and turned around. “No! Absolutely not!” Her eyes were wide, and she looked panicked.

“Relax, sweetheart.” He moved forward and reached for her face, stroking her cheek. “You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do. You seem so interested in watching, I thought you might like being watched.”

“I -- I could never --” she stammered. “What if someone from Medical Command saw me?”

He pulled her close. “It wouldn’t matter. I’m sure there are officers here -- there usually are. Besides, no one said you had to.” He kissed the top of her head, then gently turned her around, her back to his chest. “Now, look.” He pointed back to the bar. The woman’s head and shoulders were hanging off the edge and the bartender’s face hidden between her thighs.

A man standing next to the woman, tweaking her nipples, unzipped his fly and pulled out his cock. She immediately turned her head and opened her mouth to take him. His thrusts were shallow and slow at first, but soon he was pounding away at the woman’s mouth.

“Did you enjoy watching Mikkarn and me fuck Tamche?” he whispered, kneading her shoulders and giving her ear a nip. She shivered, but said nothing. “Did you come that time, too? I know you came when I ate her out.”

“That’s really none of your business,” she said, so softly he barely heard her. “I want to leave. I don’t like it here.”

“Really? Your nipples are hard and your breathing is much too fast. I’d say you were enjoying yourself. Should I see if your cunt is wet?”

She whirled around and raised a hand, presumably to slap him. Hell, he’d have slapped himself for that remark. He caught it easily and pulled her to him, pinning her wrist behind her back. She stared up at him with angry eyes.

“I will not let you touch me in public,” she bit out. The fact she didn’t say she wouldn’t let him touch her at all didn’t escape his notice.

He grinned. “But you do like to watch.”

“No! It’s just…” She looked away, back to the bar. “It’s hard not to watch when it’s right in front of you,” she said softly.

“And Mikkarn and I? You didn’t have to look out the window. You were in your own house.”

“I’m sorry.” She didn’t say the words so much as mouth them. He saw the tears glisten in her eyes and felt like a complete idiot. He didn’t want to make her cry. But he knew what was bothering her.

“Mara, you don’t have to feel bad about liking to watch. It’s arousing. That’s why most of these people are here. To be watched. To watch.”

“But you didn’t expect me to be watching. I violated your privacy.”

“Actually, you didn’t.” When she looked back at him in confusion, he said, “Mikkarn left the window undimmed on purpose. At least I think he did.”

“He what?” Her eyes were wide in surprised outrage.

Kiril chuckled as he took her hand and led her to a nearby corner. When her back was against the wall and he was sure she wasn’t able to bolt on him, he said, “You obviously have no idea what you’ve been doing to us these past two years. I’ve wanted you since the first time I saw you. Apparently Mikkarn feels the same. I, however, intend to keep you for myself.”

When she opened her mouth to protest, Kiril dipped his head and captured her lips with his. He plunged his tongue into the depths of her mouth and groaned. She tasted like heaven. In her shock, Mara didn’t respond at first, but it didn’t take long for her to slip her tongue around his and sigh.

When she accepted his kiss, he decided he’d seduce her. Right here. He wanted her to enjoy this walk on the wild side. Pressing his body fully against hers, he let her feel all of him. His cock hard against her belly, his muscles bulging with suppressed desire. Her body felt better than he could have ever hoped, and he wondered why he had waited so long for this in the first place.

Mara accepted him eagerly, tangling her fingers in his hair. The pain she caused to his scalp when she pulled him to her neck only fueled his desire for her. Kissing his way down her neck, he tugged her blouse open and nuzzled her breast. She let out a soft cry and jumped a little, trying to pull his head up, but he simply licked a long path across her exposed flesh and she changed directions. Now she pulled him against her chest, and he wasn’t about to waste the opportunity.

Her breath came in pants, and her chest heaved. Gently tugging her blouse, he exposed one ripe nipple and gave it a wet lick. This time, she actually whimpered. Finally, a sound. This is good .

Kiril watched as the bud became increasingly hard. “Your nipples are beautiful. They crave my touch.” Mara’s eyelids drooped. She was feeling the moment rather than watching what he was doing. That was just how Kiril wanted her. He didn’t want her to think about where they were, but he wanted her to enjoy watching the sex going on around them. Not that anyone could actually see the two of them. They were half hidden by a tall, gargoyle-like statue. Still, he wanted to prove to her how much she could enjoy this.

“Watch the woman at the bar,” he murmured. “I want you to come when she does.”

When she sucked in a breath, probably to protest, he bent his head and sucked her nipple, nipping gently when she groaned. Finding the other bud with his fingers, he pinched and twisted it lightly through her blouse and bra. A fine sheen of sweat formed on her body. Her breathing grew more labored and he knew she was on the brink. Roughly yanking her clothing away from the other breast, he pushed their generous mounds together and sucked both nipples hard.

The woman at the bar shrieked her climax and Kiril knew it was time. “Come for me, Mara,” he said as he repositioned his mouth to receive more of her. “Come now.”

Mara hooked one leg around his hip and ground her sex into his thigh. Her fingers tightened in his hair to the point of pain and she gave a soft cry as he carried her to orgasm. Kiril continued to suck and lick until she loosened her grip on his hair and her breathing returned to normal. He kissed her cheeks, her eyelids, her nose, then he straightened her top, cupped her face, and kissed her lips gently.

When she opened her eyes, he smiled at her. “Now, wasn’t that fun?”

* * *

Kiril’s words were like a bucket of ice water thrown in her face. Her cheeks warmed and a sharp pain stabbed her belly. She’d acted like a whore. Worse, he’d treated her like one. There was no way she could keep the tears at bay, but she’d be damned if she’d let him see. Shoving past him, she ran for the door and kept running until she reached her personal shuttle. She didn’t know if he followed her -- most likely not -- but she wasn’t taking any chances. Powering up, she sped away.

She desperately wanted to go anywhere other than home. Going home would be tantamount to running straight to Kiril and she didn’t know if she would ever be able to face him again. All she had brought with her was enough money to get into the club and to buy her drinks. No way she had enough for a hotel. Besides, she couldn’t avoid him forever unless she moved.

She cried so hard on the way home, it was a wonder she didn’t wreck. Her tears had slowed somewhat but hadn’t stopped altogether by the time she pulled into her driveway. And she had a whopper of a headache. Neither of them deserved her tears. She had seen Kiril and Mikkarn’s sexual escapades and knew something like this would happen. They could have Tamche, as far as she was concerned.

Stomping into her living room, she stripped as she locked the door and made her way to the bathroom, leaving a trail of clothing behind her. A shower was a necessity. She smelled like smoke. Worse, she smelled like Kiril. His masculine scent, wild and spicy, still enveloped her.

The last two years of her life had been spent lusting after those womanizers! And she had no one but herself to blame. She had wanted to be different from all the other women. So much for daydreams.

When she finished her shower, her skin bright red from the too hot water and the vigorous scrubbing, she heard a pounding at the front door. Well, shit . Putting on her robe, she decided she’d tell him to get lost.

“Mara. Open up. It’s Mikkarn.”

Mikkarn ? Curious, she pulled her robe tighter around her and opened the door.

Mikkarn didn’t enter her home so much as explode into it, taking her with him. Before she could protest, he picked her up and marched down the hall until he found her bathroom.

The bathroom ? “What are you doing?” She pushed against him. “Put me down.”

He set her on the counter and took her face in his hands. Tilting it to the light, he examined her face for several seconds.

“Will you stop?” She captured his wrists. “What the hell are you doing?”

“You’ve been crying.”

Mara’s gaze shifted away from him. “So? It’s nothing. Certainly not something I’m sharing with you.”

“Kiril told me what happened,” he said as he busied himself with wetting a washcloth and started to wash her face. The gesture was totally unexpected and not unwelcome, but she’d be damned if she’d show weakness again tonight.

“God! Why won’t you two just leave me alone?” She hopped off the counter, rushing out of the small space. Despite her protests, his presence was comforting. That was definitely something she didn’t want him to know. “What is it with you guys? I’ve spent two rotten years right across the street, and you’ve never even so much as struck up a conversation outside of work. Then all of a sudden, Kiril practically begs me to watch him have sex with Tamche by the pool and he said you’re responsible for leaving the window undimmed while you guys fucked her.

“Then Kiril follows me to the bar and…” She trailed off, knowing her cheeks were probably a very bright shade of red.

Mikkarn smiled a slow, wicked smile. “Well, you didn’t have to watch, you know. I only left the window clear because I saw you get yourself off watching Kiril and Tamche.”

“Damn it! I do not like to watch! It’s just hard not to when you guys are fucking every woman within a ten-mile radius!”

“Hmm.” Mikkarn rubbed his chin in contemplation. “If you don’t want to watch, what do you want?”

“I don’t know!” she snapped.

Silence.

Mara sighed. “I just know that my daydreams came to life only to turn into a nightmare. Now, I’ll just stick to my daydreams. Only maybe they’ll take a different form. Now --” she started down the hall to the door, “-- if you’ll kindly leave, I need to get ready for bed. I’m tired and --”

Any further explanation was cut short when Mikkarn pulled her into his arms and silenced her with his lips.

She struggled a little at first, but his mouth molded itself to hers with insistent gentleness. He coaxed a response, angling his head until he covered her lips at just the right position. She sighed, and he slipped his tongue inside, gently licking. She couldn’t help herself. Try as she might, she couldn’t fight the feelings that had been building for the past two years. Something deep inside her yearned to mean something to this man, even though her better judgment warned her against it. She wanted to be more than just a one-time fling. She wanted the daydream.

Funny thing was, she wasn’t so sure he didn’t want the exact same thing.

That thought brought her to her senses. She broke the kiss, but he used that opportunity to make his way down her neck. His hands caressed her back while his lips carefully sucked her face and chin. Chills ran down her spine, and her hands gripped his muscled shoulders. “Mikkarn. Please stop. I can’t…”

“Why?” Mikkarn didn’t break contact with her. “Because of what Kiril did?”

“Because of what you are. I’ve wanted you so long, I’m afraid what this will do to my heart.” She knew she was going to cry. She couldn’t help it.

“What do you think I am? Is it because of the women, or because I’m Gothe’maran and you’re human?” Mikkarn never stopped his pleasurable torment of her neck and collarbone.

“Because you have so many women,” she wailed. “I don’t want to be another notch on your headboard come morning! My feelings have nothing to do with you being a Gothe’maran man. They have everything to do with the fact that you’re just like every human man I’ve ever met. Once you get what you want, you leave. I don’t think my heart could stand that, and I have no idea why!”

Mikkarn raised his head and looked her straight in the eye. “Mara.” His voice was just a breath, less than a whisper. “When I get through with you tonight, you’ll know just how special you are to me. And I promise, there will never be another woman in my heart other than you.”

Dropping his hand to the belt holding up her robe, Mikkarn tugged it free. Mara immediately pulled the lapels of her robe together. This was more embarrassing than being caught masturbating. She stumbled backward, moving farther down the hall, still clutching her robe to her body. This didn’t feel right. Something was missing. Something very important. She only stopped when her back met the wall.

“Please leave now,” she said. “I want to be alone. I don’t want this.”

Mikkarn approached her carefully. “I don’t think that statement is entirely true, but I’ll respect your wishes.” He cupped her face gently and urged her to meet his eyes. “Next time, I’ll respect your other wishes.” He smiled. “You want me, and not just because you’re curious. Something about me touches something deep inside you…”

He stopped. Then he backed up, a strange expression on his face. Mara could have sworn she actually felt his discomfort. Impossible ! “Unfortunately, I’m not the only one you crave.” Mikkarn’s smile was tight, as if the effort was solely for her benefit.

“What’s going on? How can you know that?” Mara was beginning to panic. This was all too weird. If she didn’t know better, she’d swear the two men could actually read her mind sometimes. The thought was not comforting.

Mikkarn shrugged and said simply, “Because you’re my soul’s mate. Kiril thinks you’re his soul’s mate as well. I guess this is something he and I will have to work out on our own.” Stepping close to her once again, he brushed his lips against hers gently. “We’ll talk later. In the meantime --” his grin was positively wicked, “-- keep your eyes open. You might see some interesting things.” He winked.

As he retreated down the hall to the front door, she screeched after him, “I do not like to watch!”

* * *

The house was eerily quiet when Mikkarn returned. He knew Kiril was there, knew Tamche was still there as well, but he didn’t hear a sound anywhere. Then the sharp staccato sound of flesh slapping flesh caught his attention. As he made his way up the stairs, the sound grew louder, accompanied by muffled cries and harsh groans. In the playroom, the sight he witnessed was… disturbing. Not because of the act itself, but because of the savage, angry expression on Kiril’s face.

Tamche was face down -- the ball gag he’d wished for earlier firmly in place -- but lying on one hip with her knees together. Her wrists were tied to the bedpost and she seemed stretched almost uncomfortably. Hell, no way she wasn’t actually in pain. It looked like her shoulders might dislocate if any more pressure was put on them.

On his knees behind her, Kiril had a bruising grip on her hip and thigh as he pounded ruthlessly into her ass. He was red-faced, the veins in his neck prominent as he strained for release. Over and over he thrust himself into her back opening, faster and faster as he growled and grunted loudly with each thrust. He slammed into her one last time with a fierce shout, and then pulled himself from her ass roughly, and shoved her away. Jumping up, he stalked across the room.

Mikkarn immediately moved to the bed and removed the restraints and the gag from Tamche. Gently rolling her over, he asked, “Are you all right?”

Tamche opened her eyes and gave him a weak smile. “All right? I’ve just had the best fuck of my entire life. What do you think?” She laughed softly as she stretched. “I think I’ll keep him.”

Mikkarn looked to Kiril, whose expression was just short of murderous. He glanced at Tamche before going to his friend. Tamche had spread her legs and she shuddered as she brushed her clit. She froze when her fingers ventured farther, to her ass.

“Kiril, you didn’t come. What happened?” She sounded as puzzled as Mikkarn suddenly was. Why had Kiril held back?

“What happened?” Her voice was very angry indeed.

Face still red, his whole body actually shaking -- most likely from anger -- Kiril looked directly at Mikkarn and pointed an accusing finger at him. “You fucked her, didn’t you?”

Before Mikkarn could respond, Tamche looked from one of them to the other and with eyebrows raised said, “Of course he’s fucked me. You were there.” Her tone was a bit condescending, but Mikkarn tried to focus on his friend. Something wasn’t right.

Kiril turned his furious gaze to her and spat, “I don’t mean you! Why would I be upset about him fucking you ?” His eyes found Mikkarn’s again when he shouted angrily, “I’m talking about Mara, you bakkara !”

Mikkarn silenced anything Tamche was about to say with a hand on her shoulder. “Let’s discuss this later, Kiril. You’re being disrespectful.”

Tamche brushed aside Mikkarn’s hand and turned to Kiril. “Why would you care if he’s fucked Mara? She’s nothing but a silly Earther who thinks she can pick up a few tidbits of knowledge. And why didn’t you come in my ass? You sounded like you got off nicely.” She grinned at him as she slithered from the bed and wrapped her arms around his neck. “You know I’m very wealthy. Promise to master me in the bedroom like that every night and I’ll take you as my consort until I find a male worthy of me to take as a mate.”

Mikkarn winced. He had begun to feel very sorry for Tamche, but remarks like that reminded him the woman could fend for herself. She was on her own now, and it was time she was on her way as well.

“I don’t mean to offend you, Tamche, but something urgent has presented itself. We must cut our week’s end short,” Mikkarn said, still trying to be diplomatic. Women might be as ruthless as men, but he believed they should be treated with respect. After all, it was from them that their children were birthed and nurtured.

“No. I’m not leaving until this weekend is over. You promised me I’d be fucked until I couldn’t walk straight.” She lay back and spread her legs. “So fuck me again. Now, Mikkarn.”

Mikkarn could see the woman expected to be obeyed. She had closed her eyes once again and grasped her knees, pulling them to her chest. Her cunt glistened with her juice, and her musky scent wafted in the air. It made Mikkarn slightly nauseated.

“No, Tamche. You may rest here if you wish, but our involvement sexually is over.” He turned to Kiril. “Out. Go to the pool and wait for me there.” When Kiril snarled at him, looking like a wild beast with his teeth clenched and his hair in such disarray, Mikkarn said softly, “She remains untouched by me. We need to talk .” The tension seemed to lessen somewhat in his friend. It must have been pretty heavy because Mikkarn actually felt lighter. Not much, but better.

“You will not leave!” Tamche screeched. “ I say when this is finished! No one leaves me without my permission!” The skinny woman looked furious. Mikkarn could feel a headache coming on.

He sighed. “And how do you propose to keep us here? I don’t think you can make us perform.”

“You will. Or perhaps I should concentrate on Mara.” A contemplative look crossed her features. “Yes, I think perhaps it’s time for Mara to realize she’s a guest on this world. A guest who is tolerated , not wanted.”

Yep. No doubt about it, there was definitely a headache in Mikkarn’s future. He watched Tamche dress, not sure exactly what to say. Warning her against doing anything to Mara was out. That would only increase its likelihood. She moved with all the grace of a queen and looked at him over her shoulder.

“I want Kiril, and I intend to have him. He won’t make a suitable mate, but he will be one hell of a consort. Tell Mara she can have him when I’m finished.” She turned to leave then but paused as the door slid open at her approach. “That is, unless I decide to keep him.” She smiled, then walked out.

Mikkarn watched her walk to her personal shuttle and pause when she would have slid into the cockpit. Tamche looked to Mara’s house, where the other woman stood gazing out her living room picture window. Tamche waved to Mara then turned to the pool area, where Kiril presumably waited, and blew a kiss. Then, thankfully, she left.

Mikkarn took his time going to Kiril. The other man needed to cool down, and Mikkarn needed to talk himself into telling Kiril what he thought was really going on. Grabbing a tube of lubricant as he headed to the pool, Mikkarn had a feeling he’d probably need it.