Before Katie, everyone he’d ever tupped had years of experience. Some, like Maylyn, had even possessed more experience than Jorlan.
Katie was so different from anyone he’d ever known. His desire for her went beyond the physical, and now, more than ever, he wanted her to belong to him, with him. Forever my bride.
He could deny her importance to him no longer. Importance that did not stem from her role in the curse. It might have started that way, but things had changed.
He had changed.
Once, he’d wanted her on a temporary basis. An idea he now found abhorrent. Aye, she was mortal and he had the blood of sorcerers; they would age at different speeds…unless they wed and bonded, as he’d considered doing. He could not tolerate life without Katie at his side.
He cared for her far more than he’d previously realized. He admired her greatly. The way she stood her ground. The way she raised her chin before forging ahead to complete a difficult task. The way she overcame every challenge thrown at her. The way her convictions never wavered; the way she fought for what she wanted. Her courage. She always faced him head-on, and never flinched. She was strong, capable and courageous. The woman had a backbone of steel. Her bravery far surpassed that of any warrior he’d battled against or beside. She did not need a keeper, protector or a man to find her happiness; she was independent. She stayed with Jorlan because she wanted him, a much better reason.
Careful not to disturb her, he shifted and propped himself up on his elbow to gaze down at his bedmate. So beautiful. She was naked, her pale, glossy locks tangled and splayed over the pillow.
As he stroked the curve of her cheekbone, she muttered something unintelligible. Contentment filled him, so subtle yet so compelling and a long time in coming.
What were her feelings for him, now that they’d spent a night making love?
He’d thought he could win her heart in bed, but he’d come closer to relinquishing his own. Had her feelings for him deepened at all? He prayed that it was so. He had a week to win her, or he would return to stone.
Fighting panic, he focused on her lips. Pink, pretty and slightly swollen from his kisses. The tension drained from him. His beard stubble had left scratches on her breasts, stomach and thighs. He hadn’t been able to get enough of her, just as she hadn’t gotten enough of him. One seductive touch would ignite a blaze inside her.
As if she knew the direction of his thoughts, she stirred in his arms, slowly cracking open her eyes. Magnificent gold, rimmed with bronze. Seconds ticked by before the sleepy mist in her irises evaporated. Rosy color bloomed in her cheeks, memories most likely flooding her mind.
She looked well-loved and tousled, as though she’d just experienced a vigorous bout of loving. Which she had. It was a look he hoped she wore at every new dawning.
And afternoon.
And evening.
Even now, he wanted her again. Having a woman had never felt so important. So necessary. But he needed a declaration of love versus a showing of it. Would he get one?
“Good morning,” she said, her voice raspier than usual.
“Aye.” He smiled at her, hopeful but also dreading what was to come. “’Tis indeed a good dawning.” With the capacity to be better. Or worse.
“Are you hungry?” she asked. “I can make breakfast.”
His heart drummed in his chest. “Unless death is imminent, I would rather stay here with you awhile longer.”
“Okay. What should we do, then?” She traced a fingertip up his chest. “Have anything in mind?”
He studied her sparkling gaze t through her fan of thick, spiky lashes. “You are too sore for penetration, but we can do other things.”
“I’m sore, but never too sore. I doubt I’ll be able to jog today, so I gotta have some sort of workout. And I’ve been wondering…” Sweet and innocent, she blinked up at him. “How crazy can I make you with orgasm denial?”
“Beyond.”
“Yeah, that’s what I thought.” A wicked glint lit her eyes. “So let’s get started, shall we?”
* * *
AN HOUR LATER, Katie sat at her kitchen counter, drinking a protein shake to recharge. I’m a wildcat, she thought happily. If she and Jorlan hadn’t been making love last night, they’d been cuddling or chatting.
A secretive grin curved her lips as she shifted in her seat. Ow! She grimaced. Muscles she hadn’t known she possessed were sore after the night of excess. But she didn’t regret a single experience. No, she rejoiced. She’d plunged headlong into an odyssey of bliss.
She took another sip of the shake, closing her eyes in surrender. Perhaps the constant orgasms had chased away a fog, the world suddenly clearer. Her senses suddenly stronger. Food had never tasted so sweet, and the air had never smelled so delectable. Her clothing had never felt so soft.
If only she could have spent the entire day abed, making memories with Jorlan. A pang cut through her chest. What kind of life would she lead once Jorlan returned to Imperia?
Inner shake. No lazing abed, and no mooning about what could, would or should be. She had way too much to do. The Victorian needed to be painted inside and out, well, yesterday. Yet she hadn’t even begun.
Jorlan sauntered into the kitchen, shirtless, his only garment a pair of sweatpants.
He looked good. Better than good. He also looked magnificently horny, an erection tenting the pants.
If Earth men had been so lusty, women would never want to leave the bedroom. Or the kitchen. Or the living room.
“Something smells wonderful, and I’m hungry for her,” he said, winking at her.
Her heart fluttered. He’d taken a shower, his hair damp. “Good thing. Breakfast is ready, and I don’t just mean the buffet of feminine delights I cart around every second of every day.”
For the first time in years, she’d cooked for a man. Something she’d sworn never to do again. In the past, when she’d cooked three freaking meals a day for her dad and brothers, she’d felt like an unpaid servant. With Jorlan, she’d felt like a woman taking care of her man, and she’d loved it.
He moved behind her, leaned down and nuzzled his cheek against hers. The tickle of stubble made her laugh. “Perhaps the first course can be that buffet of feminine delights you mentioned, and the second course can be….”
“Pancakes, eggs over medium, hash browns and cinnamon rolls.”
“A feast for a king. I thank you, katya. Perhaps the buffet of feminine delights could be the second course instead?”
She preened, a wave of tenderness sweeping through her. Her father had never thanked her. Her brothers had thanked her occasionally, but only in passing and only after mentioning what she needed to do better next time.
Needs more salt, Kit Kat. Oh, and thanks for the grub.
Can you make my eggs less runny? Thanks, K, appreciate it.
Don’t worry, Kat, I can cut the burnt parts off my toast. Thanks!
She swiveled her chair, facing Jorlan. “I have something for you to taste.”
“Very well. You changed my mind again. Buffet first, food second.” He leaned down to nibble on her earlobe.
She laughed and swatted him away. “Open your mouth.”
Though he hesitated, he did as she’d instructed. While cooking, she’d found a Hershey’s bar. Now she snapped off a square and placed it onto his tongue.