Chapter 9

CHAPTER NINE

E rica cast a wistful glance at the distant stretch of coastline, but she didn't doubt Big Blue was right. If even he couldn't swim that far, there was no way off the island. And her suggestion that they build a boat had come from hope rather than any actual knowledge of how to set about it. Her disappointment was tempered by the fact that she couldn't see any signs of civilization over there either—no towns, no roads, not even the glint of light reflecting off a window.

Right now, the fact that she was still alive seemed a lot more important. Trying to climb that cliff had been the hardest thing she had ever done. When her foot slipped and she felt herself falling…

She shuddered and took a step closer to Big Blue. Thank God he had been there.

Although… why had he been there? She snuck a speculative look at him and found him smiling down at her. Heat bloomed in her cheeks, even though she wasn't quite sure why she was blushing.

She did her best to ignore the sudden embarrassment and turned back to the view. From up here she could see that the island was shaped rather like a giant ear. The cliff continued along the flatter side, dropping down into the ocean in a series of increasingly sheer rock walls. The reef she had seen yesterday formed the upper curve of the ear, then a series of small coves curved down to meet the line of cliffs.

The interior was lush with greenery—or rather vegetation, since most of it was in shades of gold and blue rather than green—but she could also see a small purple lake cupped in the center of the island. Even from here it looked cool and refreshing, shimmering peacefully in the sunlight, and she gave it a wistful glance. Between the night on the beach and the climb, she felt dirty and bedraggled. A dip in a nice safe lake seemed like heaven right about now.

But she didn't really want to leave Big Blue behind. From the moment he had come to her rescue, the fact that he was an alien ceased to matter. And when she kissed him…

She had been overwhelmed with relief and gratitude and it seemed only natural to press her lips against his. He had gone so still that for a brief second, she thought she had offended him. But then he had responded and she had been lost, swept away not only by his passion but by her own reaction. She could still feel the arousal simmering in her body. Her tongue instinctively swept across her lips, seeking the last, lingering taste of him…

Oh, for goodness' sake. It was just a kiss.

Time to focus on more practical matters and stop acting like the giddy schoolgirl she had never been.

"I would like to go to that lake," she said, shooting him a tentative look from under her lashes. "I know you don't like the jungle, but I thought maybe you could come?—"

"Yess," he interrupted immediately. "I go."

Relief flooded her. That was easier than she expected. Or maybe not…

"Were you following me?" The words escaped before she could reconsider them, but he only looked amused.

"Yess."

"Why?"

His eyes gleamed silver as they swept over her body. During the terrifying climb, her state of undress had been the least of her worries, and when they kissed, she had relished being close to him. But now she was suddenly, burningly conscious of the fact that she was naked except for the ragged remnants of her skirt.

His gaze lingered on her breasts. She felt them tingle in response and knew if she looked down, her nipples would be hard. He didn't seem to be the least bit bothered by the fact that she was dirty and sweaty, and his obvious appreciation caused a pulsing ache low in her stomach.

Her eyes dropped to his cock before she could stop herself, and she gulped. He definitely appreciated her half-naked state. His massive cock stirred, bristling with those scary looking spikes. But she had been pressed against his erection twice already, first on the cliff and then during their kiss. Nothing had pierced her skin and she realized that they must not be as sharp as they appeared.

Erica wondered what they would feel like, starting to lean towards him before she realized what she was doing.

Don't be ridiculous , she scolded herself as she took a hasty step backwards instead. You don't even know his name.

At least there was an easy solution to that problem.

"What's your name?" she asked.

"A'rien." The name rippled off his tongue with the same accent that marked all his words, a deep rumble like water flowing over rocks.

"A'rien," she repeated, and his eyes heated. "And I'm Erica," she added quickly.

"A'reka."

The sound of her name in that deep, accented voice sent another little pulse of desire through her system, but she did her best to ignore it as she went to retrieve Peri.

Only a few of the blue vines remained in her bag, and she gave them a wistful glance as she settled Peri back amongst them. She had discarded the other vines before beginning the climb.

"Looks like a half a skirt will have to do," she muttered as she placed the bag back over her shoulder.

"Find mor."

A'rien's deep voice came from directly behind her and she jumped.

"Find more what?"

"Vienz."

A sudden suspicion crossed her mind. "Did you find the others? And leave them for me?"

"Yess."

"And the fruit that washed up this morning?"

He nodded, looking amused again, but she couldn't blame him. She had been completely oblivious to the fact that he had been following her all along. Yesterday, she would have been terrified at the knowledge. Today, she found the thought unexpectedly comforting.

Even though he hadn't answered her question about why he was following her, it was obvious he wanted her. But all he had done so far was help her. He certainly hadn't tried to force himself on her—which gave him a considerable advantage over her last disastrous date.

"You said I was safe with you, right? You won't hurt me?"

"Nev-uhr huhrt," he repeated solemnly.

"Then let's go find that lake."

She soon discovered that traveling through the jungle with A'rien was completely different than traveling on her own. True, she wasn't fleeing from him this time, but it was more than the lack of panic. He held branches out of her way, brushed aside the vines that would have tangled her feet, and led her along the smoothest path. The interior of the island didn't seem to bother him at all.

Confident in his ability to guide them, she found herself paying more attention to him than to her surroundings. The way his muscles flexed as he swept aside a low-hanging branch. The smile that crossed his face when she exclaimed in delight over the cluster of sweet-smelling flowers he pointed out. The warmth of his hand against her skin as he helped her across a fallen trunk. The way his fingers seemed to linger…

By the time they reached their destination, she was flushed from more than the exertion of the walk. Arousal hummed beneath her skin, even as she stopped to take in the view.

The lake was nestled in a small hollow. Rock walls lush with plants curved along one side, and several streams of water trickled down the surface and into the water. Trees loomed around the other sides, giving the whole space a protected feel.

"It's beautiful here."

"Yess," he agreed, but there was a distinct restraint in his voice. When she looked up at him, he was frowning.

"You don't like it?"

"Too in-klohzd."

"Maybe that's why it feels safe," she suggested.

He glanced down at her, and his face relaxed.

"Sayf wif mee."

"I know I am," she said softly, then quickly turned back to the water. "Do you think we could get in the water?"

She suddenly remembered how at home he was in the ocean. "I mean, if the fresh water isn't a problem."

"Noh prob-luhm," he said firmly, then put his hand lightly on her back as he led her to the water.

His hand spanned most of her back, resting just above the curve of her buttocks. She found herself wishing it would slip lower and grasp the soft flesh, would pull her tightly against his hard body. Shocked at the thought—and her excitement at the idea—she moved away from him as soon as they reached the small, mossy shoreline. She bent over to release Peri from her bag, trying to act casual.

"Do you want to explore, Peri?"

He squeaked eagerly, immediately diving into the water and disappearing beneath the surface. She should have expected it, but she hadn't realized he would move so quickly.

"Do you think he'll be all right? There isn't anything in there that will hurt him, is there?"

A'rien smiled at her. "Iz sayf. For both of yoo."

A relieved sigh escaped her lips, followed by a smile as Peri resurfaced. His small head bobbed just above the water as he chittered at her.

"I think he wants me to go in."

"Go ahead," A'rien urged.

The mossy ground led into a sandy patch that sloped down as she waded deeper. The cool water felt wonderful as it soothed her flushed skin. Peri frolicked around her for a few minutes, then went off to explore some of the larger rocks that lined the shore.

A'rien swam further out into the lake, but she returned to shallower water to finish washing away the dirt. The process revealed the number of red marks covering her pale skin. Climbing the cliff had added more abrasions to the scratches she'd already received. She washed the small wounds as carefully as possible, trying not to wince.

A low growl made her jump, and she whirled around to find A'rien rising out of the water behind her. His eyes gleamed silver as they focused on her injuries, now clearly visible. Her stomach clenched as he grabbed her hand and lifted it to his mouth, running his tongue over her abraded palm. He was licking her blood?

Appalled, she tried to snatch her hand back but she might as well have tried to move a boulder.

"What are you doing?" she demanded, but she could hear her voice shake.

"I heal yoo." He raised his head long enough to answer her, then resumed licking.

As his answer penetrated, she realized that her palm no longer hurt. The slow strokes of his tongue were starting to feel good instead. Very good. The tips of her breasts throbbed, and she didn't need to glance down to know that her nipples had tightened into taut little peaks.

When he finally raised his mouth from her hand, she almost protested. His eyes traveled over her, pausing for just a second at her peaked nipples, and she realized he was checking for other wounds. Her stomach quivered as he gave an impatient grunt, then lifted her in his arms and carried her back to shore.

Before she had a chance to object, he settled her back in the soft moss and began to attend to every wound. The slight initial sting was soon replaced by a soothing warmth. Soothing—and sensual. By the time he finished with her arms, and started to move down to examine her legs, her body was slick with desire.

He came to a sudden halt when he reached her hips. The muscles in his big shoulders tensed as he raised his head and looked at her. He knew.