She didn’t care at that moment. She lost the ability of thought and then she was being crushed from her center outward as she climaxed. Her body jerked violently with each spasm and her hand couldn’t muffle the noises that came out of her.
Smiley released her thighs and climbed up her. He shoved her hand out of the way and his mouth covered hers, smothering her cries. He kept his weight off her so he wouldn’t crush her under him. She continued to twitch until she stopped coming.
Vanni kept her eyes closed, trying to regain some semblance of reality. Smiley continued to kiss her. His kiss was more aggressive than her more sluggish response. She still reeled from what he’d made her experience. Her limbs felt heavy. She realized her legs were still spread apart and his jeans were pressed firmly against her inner thighs. She managed to reach up though, and wrap her arms around his shoulders.
Smiley broke the kiss and groaned. That opened her eyes and she stared at him. His expression seemed a bit harsh. She studied him and knew it wasn’t from anger. He looked hungry and a little wild. His breathing was almost as erratic as hers.
“I need you. Say yes.”
She nodded.
He shifted a little and reached between them. He had to lift his hips away to get the zipper of his jeans down. It was a distinctive sound in the room. He wiggled a little and then lowered.
“Wrap your legs around me.”
She bent them up and her calves rested on his ass. He shifted closer and she couldn’t look away from him when his cock nudged her sex. She was wet but he felt so big as he pushed against her. The sensation of him entering her made her moan.
“So damn tight,” he rasped. “So wet. Your pussy is clamped around me almost painfully.”
No guy had ever spoken to her that way before but she liked it. It made her feel sexy and she loved watching the way his beautiful eyes narrowed and his lips parted, showing his fangs. The tips of them reminded her of when he’d nipped her shoulder. She turned her head a little to give him access to her neck if he wanted it.
“Relax, babe. Your muscles are still clenched. I don’t want to have to fight my way inside. I’m afraid I’m going to tear you.”
She had to force her body to do as he asked. He slid in deeper, filling her more. She felt stretched to the limit but he wasn’t done. Smiley rolled his hips and sank more of the thick girth of his cock inside her body. She closed her eyes, enjoying the way they fit together. He withdrew a little and pushed back in, riding her slowly.
“Oh god.” She clutched at his back, finding bare skin around his tank top. Her nails dug in a little but she tried not to draw blood. He just felt too good.
“I have control.” He took a deep breath. “I have control. I have control.”
“I believe you.”
He buried his face against her neck. “I’m convincing myself. Slow and steady.”
That was how he moved on top of her. She moaned and lifted her legs higher, digging her heels into his firm ass. The muscles flexed with every thrust and he adjusted his hips, hitting a new spot. She moaned louder, clinging to him.
“Fuck,” he groaned.
He brushed kisses along the column of her throat and then he bit down on her shoulder. It didn’t hurt but the slight bite had a wonderful effect on her body. The pleasure built until another climax struck. It wasn’t as intense at the first one but it left her moaning his name and twitching.
Smiley released her neck from his teeth and sucked in a sharp breath. He snarled something she couldn’t understand then drove into her faster. She felt him come, his shaft pulsing like a heartbeat against her vaginal walls. He stilled his hips and panted with her.
Smiley’s hand brushed her cheek and she opened her eyes to find him staring at her.
“Did I hurt you?” He kept caressing her.
“No.”
He smiled. “We’ll work this out.”
“Work what out?”
“Breaking you of your shyness.” He laughed. “You liked showing me your sex, didn’t you? Do you see what you’ve missed?”
She tried to look away but he moved his face with her. She had no choice but to meet his gaze again. He waited for an answer so she gave him one. “I liked that a lot.”
“Liked? I’ll have to try harder. You said you only want a male to touch you when you feel love. I’ll get you there.”
She closed her eyes. He wanted her to love the sex but she was afraid she was going to fall in love with him. Her heart and body were connected. It was a package deal with her.
“Vanni? Look at me.” He kept hold of her face but stopped brushing his thumb along her cheek.
She couldn’t resist. His smile had vanished and the seriousness of his gaze held her full attention.
“That was apparently a bad joke. I meant to put you at ease. As I said, we will work this out. I want it too. There’s something powerful between us.”
“Your muscles?” She could try humor too.
His lips twitched. “You look tired.”
“I didn’t sleep much last night.”
“Nor did I. We need a nap.”
She nodded.
He slowly withdrew from her body. She hated the separation. The second he was off her though, she frantically shoved her shirt down to cover her lower half. Vanni sat up and reached for the edge of the couch to stand but Smiley gripped her hand instead. She looked up at him. He’d tugged his pants up but they weren’t zipped. The V of skin showing was an attention getter.
He pulled her to her feet and then surprised her by letting her hand go as he bent. One of his arms wrapped around her back and he hooked her behind her knees, just scooping her up as he straightened.
“I’m sleeping with you.” He turned with her in his arms. “We just shared sex and all I want to do now is strip us both naked and hold you close.”
She put her arm around his neck and didn’t protest. He carried her down the hallway into the bedroom. “How did you know I picked this one?”
“Scent. I’d know yours anywhere.”
Vanni bit her lip and said nothing. It was a strange thing but he was New Species. He gently set her on the bed and stood. He tore his tank top off and then shoved his jeans down. She stared at his body, a little in awe. Every ripple of muscle displayed on his arms, chest, and stomach were testament to how fit he was.
“Jeez.”
Smiley froze. “What’s wrong?”
“Your body is perfect.”
He blinked at her a few times. “No.” He turned around.
Faint scars marred his lower spine. She was on her feet and reaching her trembling hand outward before she gave it any thought. Smiley peered at her over his shoulder. She jerked her fingertips away, worried he might not want her to do that.
“You can touch me anywhere.” He seemed to guess her thoughts. “They don’t hurt.”
She traced one of the thicker ones. “How did you get these?”
“I killed one of the technicians and this was my punishment. They whipped me. It was worth it. He abused females.”
Horror washed through her. “Oh Smiley.”
He spun to face her. “I’m not perfect. That’s why I showed you those. I’ve had to kill to survive or to make certain others of my kind survived.” A muscle in his jaw jerked. “Do you want me to leave?”
She shook her head. “No. Why would you even ask that?”
“The look in your eyes. You’re revolted.”
“By what was done to you. Not anything else.”
He reached out and took her hand, stroking the back of it with his thumb. “It’s important that you know the real me. I usually have a good temperament but I will kill to protect those I care for. I’d kill for you.”
Her knees felt a little weak. She may have swayed a little on her feet because Smiley took a step closer and wrapped his arm around her waist, helping to steady her. No man had ever said those words to her but she could tell he meant them.
“I’d never hurt you thou
gh. I never want you to be afraid of me.”
“I’m not.”
“Good. Your opinion of me is important. I don’t want any lies between us, Vanni. I want you to accept me for who I am, instead of just showing you the better sides of me. I try to be the best male I can be but I have flaws. Everyone does.”
“I know I do,” she admitted.
He grinned. “Tell me a few.”
“Beth tells me I’m too trusting because I don’t want to be one of those negative people who always look for deceit in others. My older sister is like that and she’s a downer. I always look for bright sides.”
“I think that’s a good trait.”
“I didn’t see what a liar Carl was.”
He scowled. “That male didn’t deserve you.”
“Thank you.”
He jerked his head toward the bed. “Let’s rest.” He released her and gently nudged her closer to it. “Take everything off.”
She hesitated but then tore the shirt over her head. It was probably the fastest she’d ever climbed under the covers in her life. Smiley might have some scars but he did have a perfect body otherwise. It made her more aware of her flaws. She peered at him while he went to the curtains and pulled the thick drapes closed to block out a lot of the light. He approached the bed and climbed in.
“Come here. I want to hold you.” He lay on his back and opened his arms.
She had rarely shared a bed with a man. Her first boyfriend and she had discussed living together but he’d kept putting it off. Later she’d discovered he’d been a cheating bastard who was afraid she’d figure it out if they shared a home. Carl had wanted to wait until after the wedding to live together. She inched closer.
Smiley pulled her against his side until she rested her head on his chest and his arm curled along her back, his fingers stroking her hip under the covers. His chin rested on the top of her head. “I like this.”
“Me too,” she admitted.
Vanni was in his arms and she felt right. Smiley breathed in her scent, making a mental note to ask her for her bath-product preferences. He liked her other shampoo better but the one she wore was nice too. Her skin was soft where he stroked her and he shifted his legs, trapping his hardening dick between his thighs.
She looked exhausted. The reason behind it made him angry. The Woods Church, her ex-male and his father would pay for what they’d done to her. He tugged down the covers a little after her breathing assured him she slept and got a good look at her back. He’d just caught a glimpse of it when she’d removed the shirt and practically dived into bed.
Rage rose in him. Her pale skin was marred with multicolored bruises. All Species had experience with being Tasered and it wasn’t pleasant. She was too fragile and the male responsible would feel far greater pain if he ever got his hands on him. He planned to talk to Justice and go over everything he’d learned from her so she wouldn’t have to deal with the trauma of telling it again. Smiley swore silently to be there when the task force teams brought in the ones who’d hurt his Vanni.
He regretted the faint bruises he’d glimpsed on her ass. His actions had put them there and he made a mental note to be more careful the next time he lifted her in his arms. Avoiding anything that might hurt her in any way was a top priority.
My Vanni. He closed his eyes. None of the symptoms were there that other males had warned him about. He liked her scent but didn’t feel addicted. He’d managed to keep quiet regardless of how good the sex was and it was the best. He did feel protective of her but flashes of memory of the night at the hotel haunted him. She’d been terrified and dependent on him to help her. That had bonded them.
He still wanted her for a mate. He opened his eyes and stared at the ceiling. They were different but they could make it work. He was motivated. She had obviously been ready to settle down with a mate since she’d agreed to marry Carl. He hated even to think the male’s name. Smiley would make a far better mate than that abusive human.
Guilt also surfaced. He’d had an opportunity to tell Vanni that she might be pregnant when she’d remarked that everyone was aware Species couldn’t breed. He should have informed her that was not correct but had been afraid it would remind her of the Woods Church’s accusations against the NSO. She wouldn’t be sleeping in his arms after sharing sex if he had. The last thing he needed was for her to avoid him. He also wouldn’t have taken her on the floor if he’d seen her bruised back beforehand. He hoped that hadn’t been uncomfortable for her.
He sniffed at her again, hunting for any telling signs of pregnancy but detected none, though his sense of smell wasn’t as good as a canine’s. It would be better if he could talk her into going to Medical. They could tell with tests faster than a change in her scent would. He pondered how she would take the news if she did carry his child. He’d mate her for sure if that were the case but even without a pregnancy, he still wanted to claim and keep her.
She was nothing like Species females. Her blushing and nervousness endeared her to him even more. She was shy and it made her adorable. Her lack of sexual experience would be fun. He grinned, remembering the way she’d responded to his mouth on her pussy. He looked forward to teaching her all the ways he could give her pleasure. He just needed time to show her he was the right male for her.
He formed a plan. He would get her addicted to him. She wouldn’t want to leave if she became dependent upon him. Sharing sex was a great way to cement their bond but he needed to connect with her on an emotional level as well. He’d cook for her and show her how domestic he could be. It wouldn’t hurt to talk to a few of the mates to ask their advice. He would do that in the morning when he needed to go home to get clothing. It was a given that he’d move to human housing since he doubted she’d feel comfortable if he took her to the men’s dorms.
He lifted his hand and gently cupped her soft belly. It didn’t disturb her sleep as he kept his palm there, wondering if life grew inside. She couldn’t find out about the possible child until he’d had a chance to alleviate all her fears and she’d want him as much as he did her. He would never forget how Becca had believed Brawn only wanted her for the sake of their child. Smiley wanted Vanni for who she was. Vanni should be certain she knew how he felt about her before any symptoms appeared if she were pregnant. He’d make sure of it.
He closed his eyes again and relaxed. He had slept poorly since returning from the hotel but now his Vanni was safely curled up against him. He drifted into sleep.
Chapter Fourteen
Vanni woke alone. She rolled over and stared at the clock on the nightstand, startled to see it was six o’clock. She’d slept for a few hours but it felt longer. The room was dark but faint light still shone in at the top of the curtains. She sat up and heard paper crinkle. She located the note on the pillow next to her and had to stretch over to turn on the bedside lamp to read it.
Good morning, Vanni. I turned off the ringer on the phone after you received a call last night. You were very tired and didn’t stir. Your siblings are safe. I ran home this morning to get clothes but I’ll be back soon in case you wake before I return. You are beautiful when you sleep and it was an honor to hold you all night. I can’t wait to do it again.
Smiley
She reread the note and looked at the clock. It sank in that she’d been out for over fourteen hours. It wasn’t evening but morning. She’d also missed talking to her sister and brother. She wasn’t really upset about that. Her brother would raise hell and her sister would complain about how Vanni had upset her perfect life.
She rose from the bed feeling refreshed and entered the bathroom. The smile tugging at the corner of her mouth couldn’t be contained. Smiley thought she was beautiful and his note left no doubt that it hadn’t been a one-night stand. No guy had ever left her a note on a pillow before.
She turned on the shower and stood under the hot water. She finished her shower and brushed her teeth. The towels were large so she just wrapped one around her middle and stepped out of th
e bathroom, half expecting to see Smiley in the bedroom. He wasn’t. She walked over to the dresser to get another large shirt to wear. They were supposed to go shopping but nothing in the dresser looked acceptable to wear outside the house.
“Hello?”
That wasn’t Smiley’s voice. She shoved on a shirt and a pair of baggy cotton shorts then rushed out of the bedroom and down the hallway. Wager stood in the living room holding a tray. He grinned when he saw her peeking around the corner.
“Good morning, Vanni. I brought food.”
“Thank you.” She pushed her wet hair away from her face and stepped into the room. It made her a little self-conscious to be wearing something she’d normally sleep in. “Good morning to you.”
“Do you want this on the bar?”
“The coffee table is fine. I really appreciate you delivering breakfast.”
“It’s something we do for special guests.” He put the tray down and straightened. His nose crinkled and he grinned. “Smiley stayed.”
“How do you know that?” Her gaze darted around the floor by the couch, looking for any evidence of what they’d done yesterday but the only thing out of place was the coffee table, which Smiley had shoved a few feet from its original spot. “Did you talk to him?”
“I can detect his scent. It’s strong.”
“Wow. Your sense of smell is that good?”
He smiled. “Yes. I can tell all kinds of things with my nose.”
She believed him.
“I’m glad it was not just the breeding drug that drew you both to share sex. I know this time your food and drinks were not tampered with. I’ll be outside.” He crossed the room and the door closed behind him.
“Shit.” She sniffed, unable to pick up anything but the smell of bacon and coffee coming from the tray. It was a little disturbing to know Wager could tell they’d had sex.
She sat, staring at the food—scrambled eggs, toast, bacon and hash browns. The coffee was black but a few creamers and sugar packets had been added to the tray. She unwrapped the silverware from a napkin and dug in. Her stomach rumbled from having missed dinner.