Chapter 16

CHAPTER 16

E tta smiled up at the ceiling over the bathtub as the hot water soothed away her lingering aches. They had made love twice more before she'd recognized that her body had reached its limit. Tomlin had stopped immediately, but even though he'd frowned, clearly concerned, he hadn't retreated into his usual guilt.

Instead he'd immediately gone to prepare a bath, then carried her to it. Dozens of candles filled the room with a warm flickering light and he'd even found flower petals to float on the gently steaming surface. As he lowered her into the water, she ran a teasing hand down his abdomen.

"Will you join me?"

He hesitated, then shook his head.

"If I do, I do not think I will be able to resist touching you and you need a chance to recover. I will prepare a meal."

Now that she was alone she'd begun to think about what he'd told her. The thought that someone might have intended to use her research to create a weapon horrified her, but it occurred to her that he'd left out some details. She needed more information, but it could wait.

She swirled the hot water lazily across her breasts, aware of her body in a way she had never been before. Her nipples were still swollen, sensitive even to the movement of the water. There was a definite ache between her thighs, but it was a pleasant ache, heavy and satisfying. She'd never considered herself a sensual person, but she felt like one now.

When Tomlin returned with warm towels, wrapping one around her after he'd lifted her out of the bath, she found herself leaning into him. He'd started rubbing her dry but he stopped suddenly, his eyes beginning to glow.

"You are aroused again."

"Still aroused," she corrected, reaching for him.

He gave a fierce kiss, his own hunger unabated, and she squirmed impatiently against him. But then he slid a finger between her thighs and she couldn't suppress her wince. He immediately stopped.

"It's too soon."

She knew he was right, but her swollen clit was throbbing a demanding beat and she felt hot and needy.

"But I need…"

He gave her a wicked smile.

"Don't worry, little scholar. There are other ways to satisfy your needs."

He carried her into the bedroom and placed on the bed, then kneeled between her legs, gently parting her thighs.

"Your pretty little cunt is all red and swollen," he growled, leaning closer, and even his hot breath against her sensitive skin made her quiver. "You are such a good girl to let me take care of you."

Despite the rough, growling words, his hands were infinitely gentle as he carefully parted her folds. Her cheeks heated as she realized how closely he was examining her but it also added to her excitement.

"Does this sweet little nub hurt?"

He licked lightly across her clit and her whole body jolted from the sensation.

"More," she demanded, and his mouth closed over her clit, hot and demanding.

It was almost too much, but she rocked against him, seeking more, and he gave it to her. He sucked the pulsing bud of her clit into his mouth, then left it long enough to trace a hot, wet line down between her folds, working his tongue slowly into her swollen entrance before returning to that taut little bundle of nerves.

"So sweet," he rumbled as he alternated between swirling his tongue around the throbbing knot and sucking at it, each variation sending new waves of sensation through her body. She was crying out now, no longer able to hold back the sounds as her body coiled tighter and tighter. He very gently pressed a finger into her and her body yielded easily to his touch, despite the soreness.

The extra pressure inside her was exactly what she needed, sending her flying as an endless wave of pleasure crashed through her, leaving her gasping and limp. He softened his mouth, easing her down before finally lifting his head and looking up at her, a purely masculine expression of satisfaction on his face.

"Better?"

"Mmm."

He smiled at her wordless hum of contentment, then left her long enough to fetch a wet washcloth, careful wiping her down, before wrapping her in her blue robe and perching her glasses back on her nose.

"Time to eat."

She didn't think she was hungry but as soon as the first delicious smell reached her she realized that she was ravenous. He watched approvingly as she ate every bite, then poured them each a glass of wine before they curled up on the couch together.

Despite the contentment brought out by a full stomach and his talented tongue, she found herself returning to her earlier questions.

"I was thinking…"

"Of course you were," he said lightly but she could feel a tiny shadow of apprehension through their connection.

"You said that the psychic weapon was no longer a threat, but how can you be sure?"

A chill shivered down her spine as his voice went cold.

"Marshall was the only one who had put the pieces together and who had the resources to fund the operation."

"Was?"

"He's dead. He was a threat, not only to people I cared about, but to everyone. I could not permit it."

This time she felt the pain beneath the icy veneer. He'd done what he had to do, but it had cost him.

"I see," she said quietly.

She knew he was braced for further questions, even recrimination, but she had no desire to add to his torment. Instead, she changed the subject to her unwelcome visitor.

"Do you think the Vultor meant what he said? Do you think he'll return?"

She caught the beginning of a growl, but he silenced it, pushing aside his anger.

"I don't know. Based on what Seren told me, he is not acting with the approval of the pack. I suspect he may even have gone rogue." He played absently with her fingers as he considered the matter. ""I think I should let Seren know and let him deal with it."

"Do you think he will?"

‘Yes. It occurs to me that might even be the reason he's in the area."

"Then I agree we should let him handle it." She hummed thoughtfully, then smiled up at him. "I think I'm still hungry."

He immediately looked concerned, and she hid a smile.

"Then I will feed you. What would you like?"

"This." She clasped her hand around his erection, or at least as much of it as she could. "I want to taste you."

His shaft pulsed beneath her hand, and he gave her a slow, wicked smile.

"How can I refuse my mate anything?"

"You'll have to tell me what to do," she added quickly, "I don't really have any… experience."

His smile widened.

"I would be delighted to instruct you, little scholar."

He proved to be an excellent teacher. She was still smiling when she fell asleep, his delicious taste lingering on her tongue.