The Guardian of My Soul (Soul's Desire) (21 page)

I made an effort to keep audible protests to myself, wanting those magical lips everywhere, all at once. My hand crept underneath his T-shirt desperate to feel his skin, hanging onto him as my only connection to earth.

Gently, he lifted a loose strand of hair off my cheek and tucked it behind my ear. It blew my mind how he could always be so tender and have me writhing against him so easily. The mere touch of his skin on mine made me long for our bodies to join as one.

“I should wait for you in the car and let you prepare.” Needing some space from him to allow my body to cool off, I stood up and stepped away, but my attention was drawn by the Pandora bracelet resting on the coffee table. Dismayed, I reached for it and picked it up to get a better look at it. “Alec...this looks a lot like the bracelet I got for my birthday. The gift that had no card. I never knew who gave it to me.” My throat was tight with emotion and my eyes blurry with tears. “Was it you?”

He looked away, as if gathering his thoughts. Clearing his throat, he answered, “That...that’s my sister’s. Both my mom and sister have one...from me...” he admitted, and then fell silent.

I let myself drop back on the couch. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

He brushed his hand through his hair once more in agitation. “I told you how I felt about you in the beginning. In my mind I had created an image of you that was false, based mostly on my anger toward Dad. My soul was poisoned by rancor and envy. I thought your life was perfect, while mine was miserable. Then you told me about your dad when we went for a ride in your new car and I felt sorry for thinking so badly of you. I realized you weren’t as strong and perfect as you were trying to appear. You too grew up without a father. Then...your reaction at that video your mom played for you at your party moved me. I could identify with you, with your grief.” He hung his head down. “I felt the need to get you something to make up for how I’d misjudged you, so I stood there wondering what to get you. What to give someone who has everything? In the end I opted for the bracelet, because I knew my girls liked it. I carefully chose the symbols myself. I knew little about you back then, but from what I got to see I thought they represented you. You were a star, you had fancy clothes...you acted like a princess, a rude one.” He winked, but gave me a small smile. “Obviously I couldn’t tell you it was from me. You would have thrown it at my head. Anyway...I thought offering you a little something would make me feel better, but it didn’t.”

I placed the bracelet back on the coffee table. “I...I’m glad you no longer think that way about me,” I murmured, feeling a bit confused.

“It took me some time. But finally you let me see the real you. Getting to know you was not easy, though. Those defensive walls you’ve built around yourself were hard to breach. I didn’t want to care, Kristen, but I couldn’t be indifferent. The more I struggled to stay away from you, the closer you seemed to draw me. There was something about you that attracted me, and I’m not talking about your perfect figure. You know, I’d forgotten how to love or the simple meaning of love. Until I found you. You brought all those feelings back to me.”

His words brought wet tears of joy to my eyes. “As soon as I get home I’ll put your bracelet on and never take it off,” I whispered hoarsely.

“Oh, you don’t have to, baby. You have far better jewelry to wear.”

“You gave it to me. That makes it more valuable than anything else I own. And it’s beautiful. It really is. I liked it then and now I love it. After all, I am a star, I do love clothes and I am your little princess. Am I not?” My words caused him to laugh and I laughed with him, then caught that hot mouth of his in another sweet kiss which filled me with energy. “Oh, what about the frog with the crown on top of its head?” I giggled, remembering the one symbol which didn’t quite fit in the pattern with the rest of them.

“I guess that would be me.” He laughed some more.

“Crazy!” I scolded him playfully, unable to stop my mouth from twitching upward in a grin.

He got up and kissed my forehead before taking my hand and leading me to another room. “This is my room,” he said and started gathering his things.

I looked around and smiled when I saw pictures of him as a child. “You were blond.” I giggled. “How cute is that face!”

“Don’t make me blush.” He smiled.

“Yeah, right.” I laughed, but my face turned serious when I noticed among the pictures one of him embracing a lovely blue-eyed brunette, both of them grinning broadly at the camera. “Is this her?” My breath caught.

He nodded, his beautiful smile vanishing. “It was taken one month before the accident.”

“She was gorgeous, Alec. What was her name?”

“Kaitlyn...”

I looked at him saddened. “How old was she?”

“We were both nineteen. We went to high school together. That’s how we met. You know, that idiot who killed her managed to get away with it. He was the son of someone important and he only spent about a year in prison. That monster is free to go on with his life, while she is dead. How’s that fair?” He shook his head, pulling his brow together in a scowl. “This is why I wanted to become a lawyer. Because injustices like this happen every day.”

I put the photo back and approached him, circling his waist with affection. “I’m so sorry. I wish you could be with her and be happy,” I whispered, falling into a violent suffocating fit of sadness.

He shuddered. “Baby, I’ve got you now. For the first time in five years I feel I can breathe and laugh again. I’m sure wherever she is, she’s happy for me. I dreamed of her the night after I met you. She was smiling at me. She was smiling...” He leaned his cheek against my head and squeezed me tight.

I froze against him when I remembered my own disturbing dreams. “Alec, I kept having these dreams of a man, but I could never see his face. They freaked the hell out of me and I began to worry I was going insane. Then...the night after we met I had the dream again. But this time it was different. The faceless man was...you.” I tilted my head up gently to meet his eyes as I whispered to him, “I never believed in destiny, but...it feels like we were meant to be.”

Without warning, he kissed me hard. His warm, wet, satiny tongue darted out and teased its way between my lips, probing deep inside my mouth. His hard body pressed against mine, arousing me to a point where I was dying to be with him. I was ready to make love.

“Let’s get out of here, Alec!”

*  *  *

I waited patiently in the car for him to show up. After almost a half hour of waiting I saw him coming toward me with his luggage. I smiled. No, more than a smile—I couldn’t stop from almost bouncing with joy as I opened the trunk for him.

He rewarded me with a shrewd look and then winked, giving me his sexiest smile. “I’m driving.” His voice was firm when he spoke.

“I wasn’t going to argue with you. I’ve been driving all day and I’m tired.” Safely in the passenger’s seat I watched him pull out of the parking lot. “So where are you taking me?”

“I have an idea, but you’ll have to wait and see.”

I grinned and gave him a sweet kiss on the cheek. “What did you tell your mom and sister?”

“I told them a friend of mine invited me on a trip for a few days and after that I’ll return to work. I didn’t tell them which friend, after all I’m a grown man. I’m sure they assumed it was Bill, but it doesn’t matter. I’ll explain everything to them when it’s time.” He assured me.

I had no idea who Bill was, but right now I didn’t really care. All I cared about was that I finally got to go somewhere alone with Alec and have him all to myself. “Sounds great.” I beamed. “Um...could you stop somewhere to get some pizza for the road? I haven’t eaten anything since this morning.”

“What?” He scowled, visibly upset. “Why didn’t you?”

“I was too anxious to get to you. I would’ve flown here, but I didn’t want anyone to find out my true destination. You know, in case Mom decided to check at the airport.”

“What did you tell your mom anyway?”

“She thinks I’m in Savannah with Megan. I sent her with Matt instead, but I didn’t tell her where I was going either. Mom is in New York with Paola for a few days, so I think we’re safe,” I replied while he parked in front of a restaurant.

When he returned to the car with the pizza, the smell of melted cheese, pepperoni, and vegetables made my stomach growl. I opened the box hastily and took a large bite, which made him chuckle. “Where’s yours?” I asked, chewing on it.

“I’m not hungry. I’d already eaten when you arrived. I guess it’s a good thing.” He smiled at me with indulgence. “I don’t think you’re in any mood to share.”

He was wrong. I was ready to share everything with him.

*  *  *

“Wake up, sleepy head...” A low, sweet voice was in my ear. My eyelids were heavy. Struggling to open my eyes I found Alec’s handsome face hovering over me, and a lazy smile broke across my own. “Let’s get you inside.” He helped me out of the car.

“Where are we?” I hugged myself as the chilly air hit me.

“We’re at a cottage at South Lake Tahoe. I’ve been here once with a few friends, so I thought this would be perfect for us. I called the owner from San Francisco and told him we were coming. Luckily for us, it wasn’t occupied,” he answered, taking the luggage out of the trunk.

My drowsiness was gone the moment I stepped inside the beautiful log cottage. The only source of light was coming from the fireplace. I felt like jumping up and down with excitement as I explored the place, extremely happy with his choice. The romantic atmosphere and the secluded location were exactly what I had in mind for my time alone with him.

“I love it!” I grinned when he entered the bedroom with our luggage, and threw myself on the large bed.

“I thought you would.” He smiled. “You’re not sleepy anymore? It’s almost midnight.”

I shook my head as I stood up. “I have better plans.” I winked at him mischievously and dashed into the bathroom with my overnight bag after giving him a soft peck on the lips. Wearing nothing but a short white silk robe, I emerged fifteen minutes later freshly showered, with my loose hair cascading down my back.

Resting with his hands under his head, Alec turned to me when he heard the door. Lifting himself on his elbows, he gave me a long appreciative look which matched his charming smile. Getting to his feet, he stepped closer to me until he was a mere two inches away. His eyes glowed with impatience and he licked his dry lips, drawing my attention to their glistening surface. I trembled in reaction.

My eyelashes fluttered against my flushed cheeks as his big hands slid under the thin fabric of the robe to cup my bare bottom, and I stood as if in a trance beneath his deft
touch. The heated desire within me turned into a hungry flame.
Oh God, I want this man!
My hands grabbed the hem of his T-shirt and he was forced to break the contact with my skin when I roughly pulled it up and over his head. Next, I unbuttoned and unzipped his jeans, my eyes locked on the small scars on his chest, a sad reminder of his loss. Pushing them down his thighs, I leaned forward and placed butterfly kisses all over his strong pecs, feeling them rise and fall as he took in deep, ragged breaths. When he stepped out of his jeans, kicking them away, I was struck by how amazingly gorgeous he was and how utterly aroused.

He searched for the knot holding my robe closed, undid it, then slipped the robe from my shoulders. Letting it fall to the ground, he revealed my naked body to him while I stood before him like an offering. His hot gaze swept me from head to toe, making every nerve tingle in anticipation. “My God, you’re gorgeous.”

My body instantly reacted to his words. My breasts swelled and dampness grew between my thighs. I couldn’t be still. Without realizing what I was doing, I spread my legs and bucked my hips toward him. Alec looked down and his mouth opened in awe as he gazed at the most intimate part of my body. “Damn, baby.” His groan escaped into a full-fledged growl. He couldn’t wait any longer and pulled me up into his arms, holding me gently and firmly against his hard chest for a brief moment. As he lowered me onto the bed, he smothered my neck and shoulders with kisses, driving me mad with the need to have his mouth on every inch of me. His face moved against my silken breast, and I gasped as he took my nipple and laved it with his tongue like a hungry wolf.

“Yes, Alec,” I moaned. “I love how your mouth feels on my breast.”

He gently tugged at it with his teeth, eliciting another deep-throated moan from me, my fingers tangling in his hair. The sensations darted immediately down to my wet femininity, which was now pulsating with need. He took his time and played with both of my breasts for a while, sucking and licking, making me arch my back in rapture. Eventually, taking pity on me, he released my swollen nipples with a loud sucking sound and moved south, leaving a trail of wet kisses across my abdomen and belly. “You smell so good,” he whispered. Closing his eyes briefly, a look of pure bliss appeared on his face.

“Alec...” I moaned his name, parting my legs wider like an invitation, allowing him access to my throbbing, sensitive flesh.

He smiled sexily and made his way toward my spread legs.

“Mmm...so beautiful...” His voice was hoarse, laced with desire when his eyes fell on my exposed sex.

I flushed scarlet, his words reverberating against my flesh, and their echo into my heart and emotions. Heat flooded my cheeks as I watched him lift my leg, kissing my knee and running his tongue along my skin. I shuddered and caught my breath as he moved closer and closer to the place I needed him most, feeling the sensation building before he’d even really started. The moment his lips pressed tightly against my labia as his tongue lapped and stroked that grateful sensitive spot, I convulsed with pleasure, gyrating my hips and spreading my legs wider still to give him an even better access. “Ah, Alec,” I groaned, my blood pumping through my limbs. Desire pooled in my loins as the muscles inside the deepest part of me contracted deliciously.

“Oh, baby, I want you so much,” he whispered before he plunged his tongue deeper.

I sank my teeth into my lower lip to muffle the wild scream that wanted to tear out of me, but when he began to bite and nibble I cried out in sweet anguish, unable to hold back anymore.

“Should I make you come like this?”

“Alec, please...” I begged huskily, hardly recognizing the sound of my own voice. “Come...I need you.” I wriggled beneath him impatiently, badly needing him to complete me.

He looked up at me but didn’t stop right away, probing me hungrily. His hands clamped around my thighs to steady me. When he finally pulled away, I could see his lips were wet and shiny from my juices. The look of satisfaction on his face caused me to writhe with delight. Getting off the bed, he looked in his bag and pulled out a box of condoms. Then, taking one out, he passed it to me before grabbing the waistband of his briefs and wrenching them down in one smooth movement. He stepped out of them and climbed back next to me, his fingers slowly moving up my legs, kneading the flesh of my calves as he positioned himself between my thighs.

Holy cow!
My eyes widened with delight and I trembled, little silvery wings of anticipation fluttering through me as I got my first clear look at his erection. Quaking life a leaf, I reached out to stroke him, my fingers locking around him gently. My breath was shallow and I could not take my eyes off his manhood while I moved my hand slowly along his length.

Briefly, he closed his eyes and his breathing hitched. “Damn, that feels so good. I love your hands on me.” He threw his head back and groaned.
He’s so freaking hot!
When he gazed at me beseechingly with eyes full of stark, burning need, I grabbed the foil packet and tore it open to remove the condom. As I clumsily tried to roll it into place with my trembling hands, he chuckled sweetly and offered to help, showing me how to do it. Then he grabbed a stray lock of hair and pushed it away from my flushed face before he leaned down, hovering over me with his hands on either side of my head. He kissed me deeply, his tongue swirling around my own, stealing my breath and making me dizzy. My skin hummed with the feel of his kiss pulsing through my veins, my body wet and ready for him. The head of his erection nudged against my entrance and my legs parted wider in reflex. With one swift movement he plunged inside me, breaking through my barrier.

“Oh!” I cried out against his lips as piercing pain shot through me.

He broke the kiss startled and stiffened, staring at me with big, widened eyes. “Kristen, what—”

My arms locked around his neck and pulled him closer until he was forced to lower himself on his elbows. “Don’t stop. Please...it’s all right,” I pleaded.

He blinked astounded. “My baby...are you okay?” he asked worried, caressing my hair.

I nodded, my eyes pleading. “Alec...I want this...please...”

He pressed his lips against my forehead. “Pull your knees up, sweetheart...” he said softly and I obeyed him, trusting him fully. He slowly pushed all the way in and then stopped, letting me get used to the intrusion and adjust to the overwhelming sensation of fullness. “I’ll try to be as gentle as possible, but it feels so good. You’re so tight...” He closed his eyes in ecstasy, whispering to me when he began to move, easing himself in and out with exquisite grace and slowness. “Does it hurt?” He filled my face with loving kisses, doing his best to make me feel special.

I shook my head, ignoring the slight discomfort. The happiness of having him completing me so intimately was too great to care about anything else. As I grew more accustomed to the sensation, I began to move my hips to meet his gentle thrusts. Alec sped up in response. I gripped the sheets tightly in my fists, drawing the muscles of my back into a taut line, offering myself to him with joy. Our soft, deep moans mingled in the air, sounding in the quiet stillness of the room. Trembling vibrations worked through his body and into mine. His mouth found mine again, his tongue absorbing my cries, while he thrust on and on until I could feel something building deep within me. I grasped his shoulders and gave a low, primal moan, my breath rushing in harsh pants as ripples of pleasure began spreading from my loins up my spine. I felt true bliss, unlike any I’d ever known.