Below the Surface

Chapter Four

“Am I dreaming, or is Marcus standing with a gorgeous though unconscious redhead in our living room?” Cadmus stared with disbelief.

“You’re not dreaming,” Aerolus said wryly.

“Of course I’m not dreaming.” Cadmus rolled his eyes. “That was a rhetorical question. Honestly, Aerolus, you need a sense of humour.” He turned to Marcus. “So, bro, tell me you found her for me, an early birthday gift, maybe?”

Irritated by the familiar amusement curling Cadmus’ mouth, Marcus scowled and shifted Tessa closer in his arms. “I don’t think a wraith attack is all that funny, Cadmus.”

“Nor do I.” Aerolus shook his head and studied Tessa with an intensity Marcus found bothersome. “But this feels like more than a simple attack.”

Much as Marcus wanted to hear Aerolus’ thoughts, his first concern was for Tessa. “Fill me in later. I’m putting her to bed.”

“Attaboy,” Cadmus said with a smirk before stumbling over his feet with the help of a heavy wind. He turned to glare at Aerolus. “What the hell was that for?”

“Do I really have to explain it to you?” Aerolus sighed and nodded to Marcus. “Stay with Tessa. We won’t know how safe she is until I have a brief talk with Arim. Cadmus, stay sharp.”

A heartbeat later, Aerolus vanished.

“I was just kidding,” Cadmus grumbled. “I’ll be down here the rest of the night, keeping watch. Let me know if you need anything,” he added in a serious voice.

“Thanks.” Marcus carried Tessa from the living room to his bedroom on the third floor.

Once inside, he laid her gently on the bed and shut the door, giving them some privacy. In the safety of his room, he took stock of what had almost happened, and his heart rate refused to slow.

Tessa could have been harmed, was all he could think. In his agitation, he paced the room, wondering what he should do to prevent Tessa from a future wraith encounter. As he paced, his glance returned time and time again to her motionless frame.

She looked so damned beautiful lying there. So still, she afforded him his first opportunity to study the stubborn woman without the threat of reprisal.

In sleep, she looked serene, soft even. Her golden skin shone under the bright light keeping the night at bay, and he readily admitted how much he wanted her. Auburn tresses framed a strong yet feminine face full of promise, full of passion. But her mouth…full lips begged a second taste, and upon seeing them, he immediately recalled how supple and inviting they’d felt under his mouth.

His body stirred, and though he knew now was not the time for fantasies, he couldn’t help himself. He paused in his pacing and sat next to her on the bed, tracing the line of her petal-soft cheekbone.

She had such strength. For the past six months he’d tried very hard not to notice the assertive redhead with the autocratic mouth made for sin. She demanded the very best of herself and her peers, and never talked down to anyone. It was with some surprise that he’d realised she deliberately avoided him, but considering the fierce attraction he’d been unable to shake, he figured her instincts had served them both well.

Yet working so closely with her this past month, he couldn’t help wondering what it was she found so offensive about him. He had no complaints about her, except for her recent penchant for breaking into his office. Pondering his possible deficiencies, his mood soured.

A woman like Tessa Sheridan walked like she owned the world, and she very well did. She had a successful career, friends and a close family—her brother had sent her flowers on her birthday that had put a smile on her face for days. She could have any man she wanted with the snap of her fingers, and she walked with an air of confidence that made one take a second look. She had it all. Perhaps she’d sensed that same assurance lacking in him, that ‘perfect’ quality he’d been missing for most of his life.

Though others saw what he wanted them to see, he had the uneasy feeling Tessa sensed the truth of his character. Yeah, and mauling her over my desk the other day must have really put me over the top. He grimaced in remembrance.

“Marcus?” She groaned and opened her eyes, capturing his attention.

“Tessa? How do you feel?” He stroked her hair, unconsciously seeking a measure of the closeness he feared he’d destroyed after whisking her from the office.

“A bit hazy.” She rolled her head back and forth on his pillow, her hair spreading like a silken curtain across his sheets. The image made his blood surge, and his hunger for her grew.

Suddenly she stopped moving her head and blinked up at him, her bright blue eyes narrowed with accusation. “You knocked me out. Right after you killed that, that thing, you did something to me.” She fingered her clothes, eyeing him suspiciously.

He refrained from rolling his eyes and sighed instead. “I did nothing more than take you away from a dangerous situation. I most assuredly did not take advantage of you.” Unable to resist, he leaned closer and murmured softly, “When I do, you’ll know it.”

She blushed becomingly and bit her lip, then frowned slightly, and he could almost see her reliving their battle with the Netharat. But instead of asking him questions, she thanked him.

“For what?” he couldn’t help but ask. It was his fault the Netharat had endangered her in the first place.

“You saved me,” she said simply. “They would have killed me if you hadn’t put yourself between me and them.” She swallowed hard at the memory but quickly regained her composure and narrowed her eyes. “But about your little threat to ‘take advantage’ of me,” she paused. Instead of leaning away or scowling at him, she pulled him close and shocked the hell out of him by brushing his mouth with hers. “Promises, promises.”

Tessa tried to tell herself she suffered from a head injury, or perhaps the aftereffects of dealing with those nightmarish creatures. But the powerful attraction she’d been feeling since setting eyes on Marcus Storm had finally come to a head.

She knew without asking that she lay on his bed, in his room. She could smell him on the sheets, a masculine blend of sexuality and spice she couldn’t resist anymore. And the way he stared down at her, his expression cocky yet tender, his eyes dark with erotic suggestion, it was just too much to take.

Well, she was done waiting around for him to make a move. He’d done that once and left her high and dry. It was time for Tessa to take the lead.

Their lips met and thoughts of control faded. His mouth tasted like forbidden fruit. Sweet and addicting and more than dangerous. Flashes of his protectiveness in the office, of how he’d moved to save her life hit her, and she deepened the kiss, as much in thanks as in awe of his raw power.

Finally, she’d met a man as strong, if not stronger, than herself. The knowledge was almost as powerful an aphrodisiac as his touch.

She groaned under the sensual onslaught of his mouth and stroking hands. As if she’d unleashed a tidal wave of pure sensual aggression, the ‘gentlemanly’ Marcus plundered her mouth, conquering any resistance she might have tried to find.

“More,” she said breathlessly when his lips left her mouth for her ear, running her hands through his thick black hair. She loved that he kept his hair a tad longer than was fashionable, and rubbed the silky strands as he nipped at her earlobe.

He shifted over her, trapping her beneath his massive strength. Then his hands stole under her shirt and cupped her breasts through her bra, moulding them to his warm touch. She arched into him, duly aroused when she heard his groan of appreciation.

“Yes, sertia, like that,” he said thickly, before plunging his tongue in her ear.

She almost shot off the bed, but his large hands held her down, hungrily stroking her breasts, teasing the nipples into hard points. All the while she felt the heat of his large body atop hers, felt the hard contours of muscle and arousal.

His erection burned against her belly, and she pressed up against him, urging him for more.

He kissed his way down her neck and lingered at her pulse point, leaving stinging bites of desire in his wake.

Just as she was about to tear his clothes off, he stopped and leaned over her.

“This is your last chance,” he said, panting heavily. “Yes or no,” he fairly growled, his blue eyes so dark they looked black, swirling seas of desire and need.

“Yes,” she whispered and gasped.

With a speed she wouldn’t have believed had she not seen it, he whipped off her clothing and stood staring down at what he’d revealed. She couldn’t help noticing the large bulge in his trousers and ached to see his flesh bare.

He noted her gaze and smiled, a charmer’s grin of seduction that looked dangerously sincere. And she knew if she wasn’t careful, she could completely fall for this man, as countless others had. Without missing a step, Marcus peeled off first his shirt, then his shoes, socks and trousers. And stood before her naked.

Her eyes widened, aware he was huge and more than aroused. “No underwear?”

“Too constricting.”

I’ll say. She licked her lips and he focused on the movement like a predator seeking prey. A hint of nerves flared—she was finally going to get the man she’d been lusting after for months. She could only hope she’d measure up.

“You are so damned beautiful,” he rasped and descended slowly, crouching down on the bed until he knelt between her legs. He spread her thighs wide, and she grew wetter seeing his intent gaze.

“You don’t have to—” She lost all thought when his mouth covered her sex and his tongue shot forth, tracing her labia and finding her clit with ease.

He licked and stroked until she was completely wet and moaning, her hands twisted in the bed. If he didn’t slow down, she was going to come and come hard. She had never been so turned on in her life. She tried to squirm away from his touch, to ease the sensation when his hands trapped her thighs, holding her still.

“No,” he ordered roughly, and she glanced down her body to see his eyes glittering with barely suppressed need. “Take it, Tessa, take what I can give you.”

She opened her mouth to reply when his mouth found her once again. This time he added a large finger, plunging it inside her wet sheath as he clamped his mouth over her clit.

She gasped his name and arched into his kiss, her hips following his lead, unable to stop the need for more. “Please, Marcus, please,” she cried as her climax sailed closer.

His finger quickened, plunging deeper and harder as his mouth did the same. He nipped at her clit and thrust a second digit into her and she saw stars. Crying out his name, she shuddered and spasmed, her body raining pleasure, a deluge of rapture so intense she felt every beat of her heart as it thundered within her breast.

Before she could calm down, he was over her and in her, and the feel of his massive cock flared her frazzled nerve endings, rekindling her desire with a startling rush.

He said something lyrical as he thrust inside her, his shaft growing harder and larger as he pummelled. She was slick, accommodating him easily, yet she still felt stretched. Not painfully so, but her womb felt full, completely gloving him.

“Tessa, yes,” he said in a guttural voice, nearing fulfilment.

Another few thrusts and Tessa came again, the lighting speed of her climax stunning her into a breathless gasp.

He rode her hard, and his chest continued to brush her sensitive nipples, driving her further into mindless ecstasy.

Then suddenly he stiffened, and she actually felt him convulse inside her. On and on he tensed as he shot into her, moaning her name feverishly.

Trying to regain her breath, she felt completely astounded at the absolute, out of this world rapture she’d experienced not once, but twice and both occurrences within moments of one another. Blinking hard, she stared into the taut face above her, entranced at the passion lining Marcus’ cobalt eyes, half-closed and sleepy with pleasure.

He grinned down at her, a heart-stopping smile that made her toes curl. “I knew you’d be good, but you damn near killed me.”

She blushed and couldn’t help smiling back. He made her feel so good, so special. Warmth surged in his voice, affection and something magical swimming in his gaze. Here was a seducer who could easily conquer anyone with a pulse. And regularly did. The thought took away some of her afterglow, but as if he could sense her troubled thoughts, he shook his head and leaned down to kiss her tenderly.

“No more worries for tonight, Tessa. Let’s enjoy the peace of safety and being together. There’s time enough for trouble tomorrow.” He chanced a look at his alarm clock and groaned. “Or should I say, later today?”

She yawned, her body in complete agreement. “Good point.” Regrets could wait. Tonight she would bask in pure sexual satisfaction. Before she could ask where he wanted her to sleep, he withdrew from her body and lay down beside her. He smoothly shifted her onto her side and spooned her with his large frame.

They fit like two perfect pieces to a puzzle, she thought drowsily and yawned again. “We fit,” she murmured and snuggled back into his warmth.

“Just like a lock and key,” he whispered and kissed her neck.

She had just begun to drift off and thought he’d done the same, when he pulled her closer and nuzzled her ear. “Hmm,” he breathed, and she relaxed when he murmured something else, something she instinctively knew was important. As her mind wandered into dream, she promised herself to ask him about it when they woke.

Marcus moved closer to the source of softness cushioning his growing erection. He’d been having the most erotic dream about Tessa, only to wake and find her still in his bed. He inhaled the sexy scent of perfume and woman at the crook of her neck and wrapped a strand of silken, auburn hair around his finger.

She murmured softly in her sleep and wriggled closer. He closed his eyes again, relishing the feel of her naked flesh. She was so damned gorgeous, so sensual. And all his—at least for the time being, he hastily reminded himself.

He should have been satisfied from their loving earlier, but he couldn’t seem to get enough of Tessa Sheridan. Not bothering to dwell on his fascination, he decided only a fool would ignore what Tessa offered, even innocently in sleep.

Shifting his hand from her hip, he traced the sleek contour of her belly, arousing himself further by rubbing his heavy cock between her soft cheeks. She murmured and stretched, taunting him with subtle approval.

Wanting to experience it all, he opened his eyes and watched the light of day caress Tessa’s honeyed skin. Such creamy purity on a woman with enough sexuality to bespell a prince, he thought wryly, moving his hand towards the apex of her thighs.

Ah, but such magic. She was already moist and needy. He fingered her ripe clit, full and begging for pleasure. And as he touched her, he spread her thighs wider and repositioned his cock between her legs.

He found this position on his side a tad awkward, but definitely interesting. As he angled her leg over his, widening her entry, he sensed her gradual awareness.

“Marcus?” she asked in a throaty voice. “What are you doing?”

He pushed slowly inside her, sliding through the slick, narrow walls of her sex and found perfection. “I’m waiting for you to cry out when you come.” He began pistoning, pulling her hips back to meet his controlled thrusts. “You’re so wet, Tessa,” he rasped, tightening his hands on her hips.

“And you’re so hard,” she said huskily, reaching behind her to fondle his ass.

Her fingers amplified his lust, making the urge to come swell uncomfortably near.

Reaching around her, he fondled her clit, thumbing her until she jolted against him, out of control and breathing hard.

“Marcus,” she moaned and drenched him with a flood of desire.

Her clenching pussy pulled him deeper, until he too felt the stirrings of orgasm. An invisible push sent his cock deeper into her, and he couldn’t delay it any longer. With a grateful groan, he sank into her heat and emptied himself, pulsing with the beat of her heart. She continued to contract, stimulating him so that he literally saw stars as he came.

When next he could function, he kissed Tessa softly on the shoulder. She shivered and he chuckled. “You are so sexy,” he murmured, unable to stop touching her. He remained within her, not yet willing to part from her liquid warmth.

She tightened her walls around him and he sighed with regret, not wanting to face the world waiting for them. He’d much rather make love to Tessa through tomorrow.

“We have to get up,” he apologised as he withdrew and left the bed. Coming around to face her, he noted her flushed cheeks and heavy-lidded eyes, and something in his heart gave.

Startled, he took a step forward and looked harder, as if to see what it was about her that was so different from the other women he’d met.

“Marcus?” she asked, blinking up at him. “Something wrong?”

“Only that I’m leaving you naked in bed, alone,” he muttered. “I’ll go shower, unless you want to go first?”

She shook her head and he grimaced.

She laughed. “Age before beauty, I always say.”

“Intelligent, sexy and funny. There’s no end to your many talents is there?” A towel suddenly shot out of the bathroom and smacked him in the head.

“You forgot unmanageable,” she quipped, and he rolled his eyes at her grin before turning to the bathroom with the wayward towel.

Tessa couldn’t help her own sigh as she snuggled into his soft, satin sheets. Trust Marcus to sleep in luxury, she thought with a huge grin. Much as she wanted to lament her decision to sleep with him, she couldn’t, in all honesty, regret exploring the chemistry between them.

She had never, in her entire life, felt such extreme pleasure from another’s touch. And despite his reputation, she had a feeling that for Marcus it was the same. She couldn’t put her finger on it, but she could almost sense a hint of unease in ‘Cool Blue’, a fact contrary to everything she knew about the arrogant, larger-than-life playboy.

Her face flamed. ‘Larger-than-life’ definitely applied to his physique. Whew! Both the size of his ship and the motion in his ocean scored a perfect ten.

A small laugh left her when she thought about how scattered her normally organised life had become. She’d given in to her desires and slept with Marcus Storm, the office bad boy, and didn’t feel the slightest bit guilty about it. Not to mention she’d seen true evil, been face to face with it, and right now couldn’t care less.

A hazy sense of disquiet tried to pass but couldn’t penetrate the sexual fulfilment encasing her from head to toe. Who knew hot sex could feel so liberating?

Suddenly aware that the shower had stopped some time ago, Tessa pushed the covers down to her hip, leant on her elbow and glanced towards the partially closed bathroom door, hoping for another glimpse of Marcus’ mouthwatering nudity.

“Hello there,” he said in a deep voice, full of male speculation, from the other side of the room.

Startled since she hadn’t seen him exit the bathroom and dress, she took a moment to get her breath back and rolled to face him. He wore strange clothes, a scarlet-belted overshirt over black silk trousers tucked into black boots.

She grinned, pleased when his eyes settled over her breasts. “Like what you see?”

“You have no idea,” he murmured, his eyes flashing from silver to black in a heartbeat.

She licked her lips and saw him swallow. Excitement flared. Maybe they could postpone returning to the world a little longer. Yet, the longer she looked at him, the more something bothered her about his reaction. He seemed aroused, but at the same time, different?

“What’s with your eyes?” she asked, noticing the discrepancy for the first time. Maybe the whole magic slash sex thing had turned his eyes from blue to grey. Hell, she’d seen stranger things in her lifetime. “I thought they were blue.”

“They are,” came an extremely annoyed voice from behind her.