The Stone Prince

SEVENTEEN

MIDMORNING SUNLIGHT PEEKED through the curtains, bright and luminescent. Jorlan lay flat on his back, one hand bracing his neck as he stared up at the ceiling. Katie was asleep and nestled deep in the crook of his arm. He’d meant to leave her alone this dawning, to allow her body time to heal, but the rope had beckoned and he’d longed to introduce her to the many ways of lovemaking. So he had, and she had welcomed the introduction most eagerly.

Now however, when he should be sated, his thoughts refused to settle. For a man who valued control, he felt very…uncontrolled. He was moved to the core by the intensity of what happened each time he joined his body to Katie’s and could not wrap logic around the emotions still coursing through him. Simply saying he and Katie coupled did no justice to what occurred. Tupping was a pleasure, sometimes gentle, sometimes raw and carnal, a hunger that could be quenched by any number of things.

What he’d experienced with Katie had been as intense and consuming as a third-season wind whirl. And by Elliea, he wanted to experience it again and again. The pleasure he felt with her was staggering, and no sooner had his pulse calmed than he had begun to feel the nagging need to possess her again. He hadn’t known he could get hard that often and that quickly.

He knew how rare, how special, his encounter with Katie was. But did she? His little witch had no basis for comparison, for she had remained untouched until his possession last eve. He was not complaining. The knowledge that no other man had ever touched her body still awakened a possessiveness within him that defied reason. Yet virginity was not prized, nor expected in Imperia. Women reveled in their lovers just as men did. In fact, the more lovers a female took, the more prized she became, for her knowledge in heightening her partner’s pleasure was greatly increased. Besides Katie, every female he’d ever tupped had been experienced in the art of pleasure and some, like Maylyn, had even possessed more experience than he did.

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.

He could not deny it any longer. That he had once wanted her on a temporary basis seemed somehow foul to him now. Aye, she was mortal and he half sorcerer, but he was not concerned with that fact. He might very well age as the mortals did. He did not know for sure. But he knew cursed well that he could not tolerate life without Katie at his side.

He cared for her, aye, he’d known that for a while; but he also admired her. He admired the way she stood her ground, the way she raised her chin and overcame whatever challenges were placed before her. He admired the way she never wavered in her beliefs, never raced away from his anger. She always faced him, square on, and never flinched. She was strong. Capable. Courageous. There was underlying steel in her backbone. Her bravery far surpassed that of any warrior he’d ever encountered. She did not need a keeper, was in fact well able to take care of herself. He favored that about her, as well, even while he craved the responsibility of protecting her.

Careful to leave her undisturbed, he shifted, propping himself up on his elbow and gazing down at his bed-mate. In sleep her features were relaxed, giving her an almost childlike beauty. Stroking a finger across the curve of her cheekbone, he listened as she muttered something unintelligible. Contentment, so subtle yet so compelling—and a long time in coming—filled him.

What were her feelings for him after their night of loving?

He’d finally taken her, only to discover his own feelings had deepened. Had hers deepened, as well? He prayed that it was so. Another day had already been lost to him.

Katie lay naked, not an inch of covering over her body and he vowed to keep her like that for the rest of their days. Glossy, pale locks surrounded her head in a tangled mass. Her lips were slightly swollen from his kisses. Pink scratches lined her breasts, stomach and thighs from his beard stubble. She looked sexy and completely sated. One seductive touch, however, and he knew an intense ache would ignite within her.

He grinned, recalling how wantonly she responded to his touch.

As if she knew the direction of his thoughts, Katie stirred in his arms. Slowly, she cracked open her eyes. Seconds ticked by. The sleepy mist surrounding her completely evaporated. Color bloomed in her cheeks. Memories of what they had done danced in her eyes, making the brown rims deepen to a rich, golden bronze. She looked tousled, as though she had just awakened from a vigorous bout of loving. Exactly how he wanted her to look every dawning.

In that moment he knew he would not rise from the bed until he had her again, for having a woman had never felt so important. So necessary.

“Good morning,” she said, her voice tinged with sleep. “Well, good afternoon, I should say.”

“Aye.” He smiled. “’Tis indeed a good dawning.”

“I, uh, guess I should make breakfast or something. I believe I promised you a seven-course meal the day we made love.”

Made love, she had said. His heart drummed in his chest. ’Twas close to what he needed to hear, but not exactly right. “You are wrong. You promised me a seven-course meal the day you allowed me to massage your hair.”

She returned his grin. “I’m sure you did that sometime during the night.”

“That and more. But unless death is imminent,” he told her, “we will stay here a while longer.”

“Okay. What do you want to do?” She traced a fingertip up his chest.

He remained silent for a long moment, studying her every second of it. Her gaze sparkled through thick, spiky lashes. “You are too sore for bed sport.” But he knew he would do whatever was needed to make her ready.

To his relief, she said, “I’m sore, but never too sore. I doubt I’ll be able to jog today, so I need some sort of workout. And I’ve been wondering…” Sweet and innocent, she blinked up at him. “How do you feel about being the slave of a queen?”

“I think I would enjoy it. Immensely.”

“Oh, you’ll do more than enjoy, slave. You’ll pleasure your queen until she can take no more.”

And he did.

AN HOUR LATER, Katie sat at her kitchen counter, a fresh protein shake in front of her. I’m a wildcat, she thought happily. She and Jorlan had made love so many times she’d lost count. She simply could not get enough of the man, and to her surprise, he couldn’t seem to get enough of her.

A secret grin curved her lips and she shifted in her seat. The action made her grimace. Her body was sore from the night’s excess, sorer than she’d realized. But she didn’t regret a single twilight—or morning—experience. No, she rejoiced in the fact that she had plunged headlong into all the pleasures he offered.

She took a drink of the cold liquid and closed her eyes in surrender. Perhaps orgasms caused women to experience things more clearly because suddenly, her senses were more attuned. Her shake had never tasted so delectable. The air had never smelled as sweet. Her clothing had never felt so delicious against her skin.

If only she could spend the entire day abed, but she simply had too much to do today. Since Jorlan’s arrival, she’d gotten sorely behind schedule. The Victorian needed to be painted, inside and out, and she’d hoped to have that done by, well, yesterday. Yet she hadn’t even begun.

Before they left, though, she wanted to watch Jorlan eat breakfast. Only twenty minutes ago, she’d done something she’d sworn she would never do again: she’d cooked for a man. Surprisingly, she hadn’t felt like a forgotten servant, hadn’t wanted to use toilet water or drop his toast on the floor. No, she’d worn a genuine smile while she baked, and now the fully cooked, sanitary meal waited atop the stove for his enjoyment.

Jorlan sauntered into the kitchen, naked and unabashed. “Something smells wonderful,” he said, his voice husky with slumber. The moment he spotted her, he gave her a look she now recognized as carnal. That wasn’t what gave away his arousal, however. What gave him away was the erection straining long and thick between his legs.

If Earth men had been so lusty, women would never leave the bedroom, she thought, or the kitchen counter…or the living-room floor.

He stood behind her, leaned down and nuzzled her neck. “I think ’tis you, katya.”

A sigh of tenderness swept through her, and she was reminded of a special treat she had for him. She swiveled her chair around to face him. “I have something for you.”

“Hmm, I like the sound of that.” He leaned down to nibble on her collarbone.

“Not that.” She laughed and swatted him away. “Open your mouth.”

Though he hesitated, he did as she’d instructed. Hiding a secret smile, she reached out, lifted a Hershey’s bar from the counter, and snapped off the tip. She placed the little square onto his tongue.

“Close,” she said.

His lips snapped together. Then his eyes widened as the sweet taste coated his mouth. “Katya,” he breathed, his tone heavy with ecstasy and awe. “We must cover your entire body with this magnificent concoction.”

Three hours, much chocolate and loving, breakfast and a shower later, they finally drove to the Victorian. Frances and Heather were already there, waiting on the porch. Had she known they planned to start early, she wouldn’t have allowed Jorlan to seduce her again. Well, she added after a moment’s thought, she wouldn’t have allowed him to seduce her so slowly.

“Good afternoon,” she said.

Frances gave her an eager smile filled with enough light to rival the sun. “Good afternoon, yourself.”

“I hope you haven’t been waiting long. Jorlan and I were…busy.” Unbidden, her blush told them exactly how busy they’d been and with what they’d been busy doing.

Both of Frances’s brows furrowed together, and she blurted, “I thought he was off-limits.” Her weathered cheeks colored to a brighter shade of red than Katie’s own boasted.

“He is to everyone except me.”

He smiled at her oh, so sweetly for such a confession.

Heather stood silently against the porch wall, old wood at her back. Surely the lumber splinters were digging through the pink fabric of her sweater, but she acted as if she was leaning upon soft, fluffy clouds.

Something was different about the girl today. Something softer. There was a glow to her skin that Katie had never noticed before. Most puzzling of all was the fact that Heather never spared Jorlan a glance. In fact, she was pretending he didn’t exist.

Wondering just what thoughts were spinning the wheels inside Heather’s brain, Katie led the group inside. Behind her, Frances gasped. “Oh, this place is lovely, Katie.” She paused. “Or it will be when everything is fixed.”

“Katie will make this a spectacular residence,” Jorlan said, a note of pride in his tone. He flicked her a gaze. “She is good at everything she does.”

The waitress gave him a strange look, as if she’d never heard such praise from a man’s lips.

“Heather,” Katie began, “your mother mentioned that you have a talent for gardening.”

Heather eyed her hopefully. “I guess I do.”

“Great. You can start weeding and fertilizing the garden out back. Once that’s done, you can plant whatever flowers you want.”

Brown eyes stared up at her with fragile optimism—optimism that seemed fresh and new. Had she never experienced the emotion before? “I’ll need a hoe and a mini shovel.”

“All the necessary tools are in the shed.” That settled, Katie turned her attention to Frances. “While Heather works out back, I’d like you to work in the front.”

“Really? I get to garden, too?” Practically jumping with excitement, Frances clasped her hands together. “What do you think of morning glory, lilies and lavender all around the porch edges? And maybe a trellis by the north wall?”

“I think that sounds wonderful. In fact, why don’t you take my truck and go buy whatever you need at Garden Warehouse? You can put it on my account.”

“Really?” Frances asked again.

“Really.”

Beaming, Frances said, “I can never thank you enough for this, Katie.” With that, she accepted the truck keys and skipped out the door.

“Me, too,” Heather said so softly Katie barely heard her. Then the girl left in the opposite direction.

“What shall I do this day?” Jorlan asked.

Katie’s first impulse was to say, “Do me. Do me.” In his jeans and too-tight T-shirt, Jorlan was more appealing than any man had a right to be. However, too many chores needed her attention first. Her body could wait. Barely. “Why don’t you go with Frances,” she suggested. “That way, you can help her carry the heavy items.”

A pained expression creased his features. “If I have to listen to one of her man jokes, I will not be responsible for my reaction.”

Katie chuckled. “Just go, before you miss her.”

“I will go,” he conceded, “but only because it is my wish to please you.”

Had a more perfect man ever been created? “Do not mention that you’re from another planet, okay? We’ll both be locked away if you do.”

At the words “locked away” he brightened.

“We wouldn’t be locked away together,” she explained, still grinning. “Now get out of here.”

Instead of heading to the door, he strode to Katie and planted a fierce kiss on her lips. Only when she was breathless with longing did he walk away.

ALONE IN THE HOUSE, Katie taped the baseboards and upper trim of the main bedroom wall, preparing each section for painting. As she worked, she decided not to use the paint sprayer. She wanted a more personal touch for this house, a lingering print of her presence. Forty-five minutes later, she was popping the top of the taupe paint when Jorlan trudged up the stairs and entered the room on a scented cloud of lavender and lilies.

“What do you think of these?” he asked. His expression was tolerant, but exasperated as he held a posy of flowers in each hand. “Frances would like to know.”

He looked so domesticated just then, like a man from her planet. Like her man. Her heart flip-flopped, and she realized with the speed of a bolt of lightning and the intensity of a clasp of thunder that she wanted him to be her man. Permanently.

Oh. My. God.

What had she done? What the hell had she done?

Katie fought a wave of rising panic. I haven’t done anything, she assured herself.

Everything will be all right. While she cared for Jorlan, desired him, she hadn’t fallen in love with him. That meant he couldn’t leave her yet, that he had to stay here with her a while longer. Her shoulders instantly relaxed. See, every- thing will be all right. She ignored the twinge of guilt that drifted beneath her thoughts.

“Jorlan—” she began.

He must have caught the trembling in her voice because he set the bouquets on the floor. His gaze never left her. “What has placed that look of terror in your eyes?”

“I just—I don’t…”

His brow arched, and he crossed his arms over his chest, revealing that stubborn streak of his that had so irritated her at the first meeting but now filled her with calm. “What are you trying to say?” He came to her then, glided a fingertip across her cheekbone. His touch was so gentle, so reassuring. “Whatever it is, I will help you.”

She took him by the shoulders, her nails digging deep. “Just kiss me. Kiss me now and make me forget.”

Without a word, he lowered his lips to hers.

PERCEN GLARED DOWN at the embracing couple, both enraged and joyous. Joyous because Jorlan did not desire Heather. Enraged because Jorlan would not suffer now that Percen had claimed the gentle temptress as his own.

For the moment, he concentrated on his joy, a completely foreign emotion to him. An emotion he attributed to Heather. Since leaving her this dawning, he’d thought of little else. And he’d wondered…could she be the one his mother spoke of? The one woman who could see past his scars and see the man he truly was?

Yestereve, she hadn’t seemed all that impressed with his beauty. Nay, she’d craved only his warmth, his presence. Two things he could give her, ugly or gloriously handsome. Percen gazed up at the white ceiling above him. Did he possess the courage to try and win this mortal woman’s heart? Did he even want to, now that she was no longer needed to punish Jorlan? The answer came swiftly and unequivocally. Aye. He wanted her more than he wanted his leg untwisted.

He’d spent only the one night with her, and yet she stirred feelings inside him he’d never thought to experience. There was happiness, aye, but she also made him feel content. ’Twas ironic, really, that he felt so deeply for a mortal when he’d often hated his mother for doing the same.

Standing there in the silence of his thoughts, Percen began to plan. He would go to Heather this night. He would take her in his arms, make love to her over and over again. He would show her his true self, and she would…

He did not know what she would do, and at the moment, he realized the answer didn’t, couldn’t matter. He could never have lasting happiness with Heather as long as Jorlan still lived.

Percen forced his thoughts back to his brother. ’Twas past time he finished the war between them. But how? He didn’t want Katie, couldn’t bring himself to try and win her affections. And it wouldn’t do just to turn Jorlan into stone again. Where was the suffering in that? Mayhap…

Oh, aye, he thought, his eyes narrowing. Mayhap the pain he sought for his brother was not the jealous rage that he himself constantly battled. Mayhap what he should do, must do, would do, was physically hurt the woman who so clearly claimed Jorlan’s affections.

Percen’s lips twisted into a cruel smile.

JORLAN JERKED AWAY from Katie, abruptly ending their kiss. A sense of magic was enveloping him, a bit stronger than before. He had not cast a spell, yet power hummed all around him just the same.

“What’s wrong?” Katie asked, startled. Her lips were still parted with desire and swollen now from the force of his mouth.

His gaze scanned the area around them. There was no one save he and Katie in the chamber. There was no furniture, either, where someone might hide. Only paint tins and brushes were scattered about, and some sort of transparent material covered the floor.

Katie gripped his forearm. “Jorlan? Tell me.”

“There is…” His words tapered to a close, for the magic evaporated as quickly as it had appeared. Curse it, what was going on? Was he being watched, or was the stone spell trying to claim him early?

He froze, nearly fell to the floor with the force of his panic. He had not considered the possibility of losing his freedom before his two cycles had passed. Desperation twisted inside his belly. A cold sweat broke out across his brow. He pierced Katie with a glare. “Do you love me?” The words left his mouth in an explosion.

“I—” She shook her head, her eyes filled with sorrow and regret. “No, not yet. I’m sorry.”

More panic. More desperation. There had to be a way to gain her affection. “Your brother mentioned a family gathering on Saturday.”

She nodded, flowing with the swift change of subject. “That’s tomorrow.”

“I would like to go.” What better way to win her than to prove himself to her family? Aye, ’twas it, the answer he craved. Slowly, his muscles relaxed.

Her eyes widened, and her jaw went slack. “You want to meet my dad?”

“Aye.”

“Are you sure you want to meet my dad?” she asked again, yet hope was dancing in the depths of her tawny-colored eyes. “He’s bossy and arrogant and even throws tantrums upon occasion.”

“I would still like to meet him.”

“I’ll think about it,” she said, but she was smiling brighter than he’d ever seen her.

That smile proved to be his undoing. He pulled her back into his arms and didn’t let her go until they were both panting with desire.