Dark Prince (3 page)

Olena glanced over his bronzed skin as if he was a piece of meat and she the health inspector. His chest was cut and chiseled, an effort of much hard work and training. Seeing his large arms, she knew she would never be able to take this man in a fair fight. He would crush her if she even dared. There was pride in him, an arrogance that came with such handsomeness. But the confidence didn’t deter her. She liked a man who knew his own worth. Being trapped with him for a few months might not be so bad. It might even be downright enjoyable.

Finishing her bold examination, she shrugged as if it were no big deal and said, "Sure, babe, why not?"

A quizzical smile came to his mouth at her words. Olena took another leisurely drink of the wine. His expression wasn’t what she expected.

Without taking his offered hand, Olena pushed up from her chair and strode around the table by herself. Her hair blew lightly in the wind, whipping in seductive red contrast to the black of her gown. She let her hips sway slightly, knowing from years of experience that he would be looking at them. Even though she appeared calm, her heart was beating erratically fast. His voice sent chills over her flesh and turned her nervous system to water.

When Yusef merely watched her step down the platform to the ground in amazement, her emerald eyes sparkled in mischief, as she said lightly, "Well, come on, won’t you? Let’s go get this over with."

Yusef came slowly down the steps, stopping to eye her as she had him. It was a bold stare, one that left no doubt he was undressing her with his mind. Olena’s confidence wavered slightly. He licked his lips.

"Are you done?" she demanded, her voice coming out a little harsh. Olena covered up her emotions with ease, slipping from one role to another despite what she felt on the inside. It was the only way a pirate of the high skies could survive.

"No," he answered obstinately, continuing to look his fill. Olena’s arms crossed over her chest. He looked at her creamy breasts, pushed up and together by her defiant motion.

The crystal about his neck pulsed and Olena discovered that her body was trying to pulse along with it. Narrowing her eyes, she stared at the stone. Something wasn’t quite right. Her head was beginning to fog over with pleasure. What exactly were these barbarians up to? She glanced back at the table, seeing that more brides were being led off, their eyes glassy as they followed listlessly.

Olena grinned, remembering all she had learned of the Qurilixen customs. Stepping boldly forward, she reached to grab his fur covered manhood. To her surprise, it was already at half arousal. Squeezing it, she asked, "You want it here, barbarian?" Yusef stiffened. His breath caught in amazement that she had actually grabbed him in public viewing. Her boldness excited him, but he also knew this was not the place. He wouldn’t dishonor his family or his name by acting like an uncouth peasant. Reading the mischief in her eyes, he knew she was teasing him.

Olena waited, her brow poised dangerously on her forehead, as she slowly licked her lips. The arousal beneath her fingers lurched slightly. She grinned.

Before she knew what was happening, Yusef leaned over and lifted her over his shoulder. Olena gulped. He tossed her as if she were nothing more than a feather. Her stomach lurched causing her to lose her breath. Yusef’s hand curled over her thighs, digging under the thin strips of material to fasten boldly on her naked skin. His other arm wrapped around her dangling legs, trapping her to him.

Yusef strode away with his battle prize, smiling like a fool. Seeing his friend Agro nearby pointing at him and laughing, he waved jauntily. A cry of amusement went over the married couples.

Olena, not to be outdone, began running her fingernails over the muscular curves of his back, scratching lightly as she drew over the trails of his firm back. He shivered beneath her arms and she smiled wickedly. His heart beat steadily in his chest, thumping wonderfully erotic beside her leg.

Without losing breath, he carted her through the entire encampment to the far end of the field. Keeping her on his shoulder, he pushed open a gray tent flap and carried her inside. He did not let her go, choosing to hold onto her, liking the solid feel of her body.

Olena pushed up on his shoulder to look around. His arms wound around her, holding her up from beneath her back side, hugging her tightly to his chest. His face pressed near her stomach, as he breathed in the womanly scent of her.

A bed covered in fur was in the middle of the tent, with chains strapped to the four posts. Those might come in handy, she mused. Then, looking at the three pyramid corners, she saw a bath in one, steaming and hot and very inviting. Olena shivered. It had been a long time since she had a water bath. The Galaxy Bride ship had a decontamination unit, which basically sucked the germs and oil off your skin in a swift puff of air.

The tent had torches lit up in sconces. It gave the gray walls an eerie light and glowed off the bronzed giant, who held her with glistening abandonment. Tapping her nails lightly on his shoulders, she turned to look the other way.

In the second corner, to her left, she saw a table laden with food and drink. If she remembered correctly, they were gifts to her from the man’s family. If he had no family, then he had made the chocolate candies himself.

How very industrious of them, she mused wryly.

Slowly, Yusef turned with her in his arms. Olena grew nervous, but did not let it show. He pulled his grip back slightly so she leisurely slid down his chest. He hugged his massive arms around her narrow waist. Her breast came before his face and he smiled impishly up at her.

Yusef held the woman in his arms, enjoying the contact. Her soft body easily molded to his. Her exotic cinnamon scent carried over into his senses, propelling his blood in tumultuous desire and lust. His body ached to taste the sweetness of her flesh. She wanted him too. He smelled it on her, wafting up from her hips like a perfume to tempt him into beastly madness.

Suddenly, her legs wrapped around his waist and she lowered herself letting her breasts brush by his lips. With one swift move, he could’ve taken her right then.

Olena grew nervous, wondering if she was pushing things too far. He was a man after all and she didn’t have a weapon to defend herself. But, seeing the restraint on his face and knowing the penalty for him would be great if he coupled with her, she relaxed. It was just a game, a game the Pirate Olena was determined to win.

Wiggling her hips, she said throatily, a pout forming on her lips, "Aren’t you supposed to ask me something, Yusef?"

Yusef smiled, simply stating, "Choose."

Olena grinned at him, but it was an emotion she couldn’t feel in her trembling heart. The heat of his body was starting to spread into her limbs and his skin was driving her mad with his erotic scent and power. But once Olena chose a course of action she did not back down. That was what made her so good at her trade. That was what made her one of the most sought after thieves in galactic history.

"Well, if you insist," she purred. Threading her fingers into his soft black hair, she wound the locks around her fingers. His dark skin clashed with the white of her hands. She took much more time than necessary to work the mask off his face without untying the straps.

When Olena saw his face for the first time, all well thought plans momentarily left her. He was handsome, breathtaking. He was staring at her with the most gorgeously shaped eyes she had ever seen --and she had seen a lot. His dark gray gaze shifted before her, flashing with yellow.

Now, that was something she hadn’t seen for awhile. This man was a shifter.

The thought brought her up short and she knew she had to be very careful. Shifters could be exceedingly dangerous, depending on what they shifted into. It was a genetic defense, so it wasn’t like he’d turn into a cute and fuzzy bunny. No, they usually shifted into strong, warrior beasts.

"Why don’t you put me down," she murmured, impishly throwing the mask behind her head, "so I can unwrap my prize?"

Yusef held back, wondering what she was thinking as she studied him with her serious eyes. Olena’s face gave nothing away. He felt her heart beating fast, almost as if she was afraid, but he couldn’t smell fear on her. Her eyes were in a constant state of mischief, though he guessed the look was meant to hide her other emotions. His little bride was a great mystery. He knew she was up to something, he just couldn’t tell what. He would have to be careful until he figured her out. But, in the meantime, he’d just wait and enjoy whatever wild ride she had in store for him.

Yusef lowered her to the ground, letting her feel the entire length of his heated body, including his scaldingly hot desire. To his amusement, she trembled a little at the intimate press of him and lost a bit of her composure.

Olena swallowed, her eyes trying not to widen as she felt the hard length of him hitting dangerously close to her stomach. Her nipples ached, reaching for him like little traitors. She was not supposed to desire him. The idea was to get him to desire her. Once she had him so frustrated with need, he would be putty in her hands and give her anything she wanted for just a chance of fulfillment--a fulfillment that would never come.

To her horror, as he let her go, her knees weakened and she stumbled. Yusef grinned arrogantly at her. Her fist tightened, automatically wanting to wipe the insolence off his features. When she saw his eyes narrow in warning, she held back and smiled instead.

"Well?" she questioned, waving at him. "Let’s see."

"I thought you wished to unwrap your prize," Yusef expressed. His voice again ran over her body like warm syrup. His Qurilixen accent burred soft and rolling from his firm lips. Olena swallowed. Those lips moved in such a way that she knew he would be able to shower her with toe-curling kisses--just looking at them made her skin tingle and her heart race.

Olena took a step forward, forcing her legs to be still. Cocking her head, she licked her lips and looked him over. She lifted her hands to his chest to drift down the hard length of him to the fur waistband of his loincloth. When her tapered fingers reached his stomach, the muscles tightened and he grabbed her wrists trapping her in his palms.

"What?" Olena pouted prettily, before teasing, "Embarrassed are we? I’m sure it’s fine."

"Use your mouth," he commanded, not taking the bait.

Olena was stunned, but she never showed it. Swallowing, she let him urge her down towards his waist. Bending over, she thrust out her backside.

Yusef knew he was pushing her, waiting for the eruption that appeared to be simmering under her fiery surface. Maybe it was her flaming red hair, or perhaps it was the way she seemed so sure that she was in control of the situation. Whatever the reason, he wanted to push her, and keep pushing her until she ignited into a passionate explosion. If he boiled this little vixen’s blood, he knew the rewards would be great.

Yusef groaned, seeing the lush curve wiggling beneath silk, just beyond his reach. He held her hands out to the side, so she couldn’t cheat. Lightly, he felt a kiss on his abdomen and then the dragging of her tongue. His stomach stiffened. It was glorious torture.

Olena worked her mouth to the fur. Getting hold, she jerked her head back in a shower of red waves. When she stood before him, fur in mouth, hair wildly tousled about her back and shoulders, she impishly winked at him.

Unable to stem her curiosity, she looked down. Her eyes widened before she could hide her amazement. Now that was something she hadn’t seen before. It would seem this dark barbarian toted a large warrior all his own.

Yusef stepped to her, spreading her arms wide as his hands remained shackled around her wrists. The material straps at her waist ripped free with the bold movement. Olena shivered at the sheer power of him. With a quick strike, he grabbed the end of the fur with his own lips and took it from her mouth like a wild dog, tossing it to the side.

Before she knew what was happening, he kissed her. It was a blistering kiss that stole her breath and stopped her heart in her chest. It was a kiss full of passion and unleashed desire. Here was a man who knew what he wanted and went for it without thought. Before she knew what she was doing, Olena was kissing him back.

Olena moaned. She had been kissed before, but never like this--never like she was the last and only woman in the galaxy. With her arms out to the side, she couldn’t fight him off. To her shame she realized, if not for his hold on her arms, she wouldn’t have been fighting him, but encouraging him.

Angry more at her loss of control than at him, she bit him--hard. Yusef jerked back, his lip bleeding. He blinked, stunned. Looking at her swollen lips, he saw the matching trail of his blood staining them. She licked her mouth, daring him to punish her for it.

To his bewilderment, she said, "You didn’t say please."

"Please," he growled under his breath, his gaze dancing with heat. Stepping forward again, he resumed his kiss where he had left off. Only this time he bit back. Olena gasped, her leg lifting to kick him in reflex. He dropped her arms, only to wrap her in his forced embrace. Her leg missed its target, moving instead to intimately rub down the side of his naked hip.

"Let me go," Olena demanded hotly, struggling against him as she tasted their intermingled blood on her lips, not knowing how much of it was hers and how much was his.

"Please," he whispered, leaning over to lick her wound. Nudging her lightly with his jaw, he said again, "Please."

Olena couldn’t refuse the rolling sound of his seductive words. The crystal pulsed between them, but this time she ignored her suspicions as he once more claimed her. His kiss was gentle, probing and soothing. She melted into his arms, forgetting the battle as he called her unwillingly to a truce. She couldn’t think against his onslaught of tenderness. She wanted him, like she had never wanted anything.

Yusef felt her weakening in his arms. Pulling back from the kiss, he looked into her passion-hazed eyes. He knew she wanted him, nearly as bad as he wanted to posses her. Questions swam in his head. He wanted to know who she was, why she came to his planet. He knew it was partly their combined fate that brought her to Qurilixen, but he wanted to know her other reasons. Was she hiding from something? Was she looking for something? He knew there was more to her, just as he instinctively knew he wouldn’t get the answers easily.