Текст книги "Smiley"

Автор книги: Laurann Dohner

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Текущая страница: 19 (всего у книги 22 страниц)

Chapter Twenty

Smiley returned to the bedroom ten minutes later and grinned at the sight of Vanni sitting on the bed waiting for him. “It’s arranged. We can do it as soon as tomorrow evening.”

Her eyes widened and he froze in his tracks, hoping she wouldn’t change her mind. Humans were so different and unpredictable. “Is that okay?”

“That is fast. I have to contact Beth. I really want her there.”

“Contact her first thing in the morning. We can have her picked up and flown to Reservation. There’s something we need to do first once we reach Reservation though.” He took a seat on the side of the bed and reached out, taking her hand. “I planned to tell you this when I got home but seeing how happy you looked when I came in the door distracted me. I don’t want to dampen your mood but there’s something we must discuss. It’s serious.”

“More so than getting married?”

“No, but it is important.”

She inched closer and gripped his hand tightly. “Okay. Just tell me.”

“Gregory Woods attempted to flee the country with his son and security team.”

She said nothing. He wished she’d express her feelings but the silence lengthened. She stared at him, appearing a little stunned. He tried to think of her concerns.

“He didn’t get away. You’re safe, Vanni. He won’t be able to hurt you or your family. He won’t have access to a phone and that means he can’t order anyone who works for him to do anything in retaliation. We had a task force member pose as his pilot for the private plane he hired. They boarded and were flown directly to where the NSO took them into custody. They are being held at Reservation. We’re going to go there tomorrow at noon. I would like to have words with a few of them. You may view them through a wall of glass, if you wish. I’d prefer you didn’t have any direct contact with them.” He might kill anyone who threatened Vanni again. “But it’s your choice. I know sometimes it helps to be able to confront your fears or in this case, the males who caused you such distress.”

“You said his son. Carl tried to leave with him?”

“Does that upset you?” It angered Smiley that she asked about her ex-fiancé. “He put you in a lot of danger, Vanni.”

“It’s not that. I’m just surprised he was willing to leave his practice and his house behind. I can’t see him giving up his lifestyle for his dad. He kept telling me they weren’t close. I guess that was a lie.”

“He had financial problems. He was about to lose everything he owned.”

“I didn’t know.” She frowned. “I guess that makes sense now why he was so pushy about going to the hotel with his father. He said it was to earn money for the wedding but maybe it was to get him out of debt.”

“Either way, he’s been arrested by the NSO. Does that upset you?”

She chewed on her bottom lip. “He just walked out and left me with Bruce and his father. He had to know what they were planning. He wasn’t even surprised about the drugging. He was angrier that I’d gone into the bar instead of returning to my room the way he’d told me to do. He’s not a nice person.”

It was a relief to Smiley. “That’s right. He’s not. There’s more.”

She shifted on the bed and he was pleasantly surprised when she curled into him, resting her face against his chest. He released her hand and pulled her closer. It felt right having her in his arms and that she seemed to understand his need to touch her as often as possible. He played with her hair.

“What else?”

The information had infuriated him when he’d been told what the investigation had revealed. “Did you agree to let Carl purchase a life insurance policy on you?”

“Sure. We discussed it when we got engaged. He wanted us both protected in case something happened to one of us. We were going to do it after the wedding.”

“He bought a policy two months ago and insured you for a million dollars, Vanni.”

She tensed in his arms and her chin lifted. “He said it would be about a hundred grand on each of us. Just enough to cover the costs of a funeral and pay off what he said he still owed on his house so I wouldn’t be left in debt.”

“He only got a policy on you. There wasn’t one for him. I feel he may have planned to harm you once you were married.”

She paled and her fingers curled around his forearm. He brushed a kiss on her forehead. “You’re safe now. I just don’t want you to feel bad for him, Vanni. He’s not a decent human. He deserves to be locked up.”

“Beth always said he was a snake. I guess now I know why he didn’t care if his father ended up hurting or killing me. It would have saved him the trouble of getting rid of me himself. Why didn’t I see it?”

“Humans can be deceiving. You are the type to want to see good in people. That’s not a flaw. It’s a good trait.”

“I’m an idiot.”

“No.” He leaned in and stared into her eyes. “You’re sweet and I don’t want that to change about you. He fooled you. That’s his shame, not yours.”

“He’s really an ass.”

“Exactly. I don’t want you to forget that. He doesn’t deserve your sympathy or compassion. I’m going to ask him about it tomorrow. I’ll get the truth.”

She nodded. “Are you going to hit him?”

He was torn on how to answer. When he’d heard about that life insurance policy and Tim’s assumption that Carl planned to kill Vanni for profit it had made him see red—Carl’s blood, to be exact. She might not appreciate him beating on a male she’d once cared about though.

“It would be okay.” She caressed his arm. “I even want to hit him.”

He grinned. “You’re my female. I’m certain I’ll lose my temper and punch him a few times. You can watch, if you wish.”

She shook her head. “I’ll pass. Just don’t get arrested for assault and I’m fine with whatever you want to do to him. As you said, I won’t feel bad for him.”

She wasn’t into violence. He appreciated that about her. Vanni had a gentle, tender soul. It was one of the things he loved about her. She also seemed to accept him just as he was.

“They captured Bruce as well.” He tried to keep the anger out of his voice but that was a male he wanted to harm. “He will pay for the threats he made and for Tasering you.”

She shivered at just the mention of the male. “I’m glad he’s off the streets. I think he could potentially turn into a serial killer or something equally as bad, if he’s not already. I’ll sleep better at night knowing he can’t hurt anyone.”

Her words brought a gruff rumble from deep within his chest. Vanni’s eyes widened but she didn’t pull away.

“That’s my pissed-off-I’m-going-to-hurt-him noise,” he explained. “It’s not directed at you.”

“I know. That sound is kind of sexy.”

That surprised him. “You think so?”

“Yes. I like how protective you are. You’re totally going to kick his ass, aren’t you?”

“I am.”

She released his arm and flattened her palm on his chest, exploring it. He tightened his abs and lowered his gaze, watching her. His dick hardened further when she gently pushed against him. He leaned back, giving her access. Her chin rose and a slight blush tinged her cheeks.

“Is it okay to touch you?”

“Anywhere, anytime,” he rasped. “I encourage it.” The phone rang and Smiley muffled a groan. “I have to get that.”

He regretted pulling away from her to reach across the bed. He just wanted to make love to his Vanni. His frustration sounded in his voice. “What?”

“Is this a bad time?” Jericho asked. “Were you sharing sex?”

“We were about to.”

“Don’t answer the phone when you’re naked, Smiley. Here’s a tip. You can always return calls later when you’re done bonding with your mate.”

“That’s why you called? To give me obvious advice?”

“No. The helicopter is leaving at nine in the morning. They moved up the flight. Gregory Woods faked a heart attack, hoping Medical would send him to a human hospital. It was a pathetic attempt on his part to escape. He’s irritating everyone at Reservation to the point that they want to hand him over to Fuller Prison as soon as possible. I spoke to Torrent and he’s ready to shoot the male himself. He said the human is wailing and whining constantly and it’s hurting his ears.”

“Thank you for letting us know.”

“Go bond with your mate.” The phone disconnected.

Vanni gave him a curious look after he returned the phone to the cradle and faced her. “Is everything okay?”

It was a reminder that she was human. Jericho had a voice that carried and a Species would have overheard the conversation, sitting so close to him.

“Fine.” He stretched out next to her. “You can touch me.” He was hopeful she still wanted to. “That was my friend Jericho. Gregory is annoying everyone at Reservation. We’re flying there earlier in the morning than planned.”

She lay on her side against him and placed her palm on his stomach. He tried to keep his breathing slow and steady but his heart raced. Her touch excited him as her fingertips stroked over his lower ribs.

“Why?”

“They want to transfer him to Fuller Prison. That’s where we send humans who commit crimes against Species. It’s run by humans.”

“I’ve never heard of it.”

“It’s a secret location that humans don’t know about. We didn’t want to put our people in the position of being jailors to the ones who harmed them. It didn’t seem fair or right to punish them by suffering their presence after they were sent away.”

Her gaze lifted and she smiled. “That sounds really smart.”

“We try.” He caught his breath when her fingers played lower, just under his bellybutton. She turned her head a little and grinned at the state of his lower half.

“I told you that I really enjoy your touch.”

“I see.”

“I get hard for you.”

“I see that too.” She lifted her hand away and he muffled a groan of protest.

Vanni sat up and climbed down the bed a bit, putting her closer to his hips. She rolled over onto her knees, a position that made him wish he were behind her. Color flooded her cheeks but she smiled.

“So we’re like married, right?”

“Yes.”

“I’m not real forward but I would like you to do something. Is that okay?”

“Anything.”

She laughed. “I didn’t even tell you what I want you to do. You really should ask before agreeing to it or I could take advantage of that. What if I said I wanted you to take out the trash?”

“You’re not mean. I’m hopeful that it’s something sexual.”

Her laughter was the best sound ever. Her hand came down on his thigh, the touch gentle when she gripped him just inches away from his dick. It jerked in response, hopeful too.

“You’d do anything for me?”

“Yes. Name it.”

Her humor faded to a sincere expression. “You’re amazing.”

“I’m grateful you think so. What would you like me to do, my Vanni?” His gaze lowered to her thighs and he remembered she was shy. “Would you like my mouth on you?”

She sucked in a sharp breath, drawing his attention. The blush returned and he grinned. He could tell by her reaction that she wasn’t opposed to it. He sat up a little, prepared to do it, but she shook her head. He froze.

“I’d like to know if you’ll lie real still and let me, um…” She swallowed hard and shot a quick glance at his dick. “Um, you know. On you. I don’t think I’m really good at it but practice, right? I want to. Would you mind?”

“You want to put your mouth on me?” He winced a little at the gruff tone of his voice. He cleared his throat. “That’s a yes.”

She was adorable when she blushed even more and ducked her head. Her hair created a curtain, obstructing his view of his dick when she leaned over him. He slid flat and fisted his hands to avoid touching her. The soft strands of hair tickled his belly but he suppressed it. He was afraid he’d startle her or make her change her mind if he moved it. Hot breath fanned the crown of his dick and he closed his eyes.

“You can do anything,” he managed to get out. “I’m all yours.”

Her hot, wet mouth wrapped around the head of his dick and every muscle in his body grew rigid. The feel of her tongue hesitantly licking at him, tasting him, made his nuts ache. He eased his legs apart very slightly, hoping she wouldn’t notice. She took a little more of his shaft and moved up and down, stroking him in a way that made everything around them fade into nothingness. It was just Vanni and the pleasure she inflicted upon him. He clenched his teeth to avoid making sounds.

She stopped, releasing him. “Am I doing okay?”

Sweat beaded on his forehead and he opened his eyes. “Yes.”

“You’re sure? You’re really tense and you are kind of breathing weird.”

“I’m trying not to scare you.”

She twisted her head and lifted it, tossing her hair out of the way. Their gazes met and her eyes widened. “Your face is red. I am bad at this, aren’t I?”

“You’re perfect. I swear. I just am afraid I’ll startle you if I make noises and I don’t want you to stop. It is so amazing when you do that.”

She didn’t seem convinced.

“Remember my mouth on you? It’s that good.”

“It’s so good it almost hurts but in the best way?”

“Yes.”

She surprised him when she suddenly moved and pushed against his inner thigh with her hand. He spread wider and she climbed between his legs, facing him on her hands and knees. She opened her hands on him just above his knees and gently pushed. He spread more, having no idea what she was doing, but he’d let her do anything.

“Okay. Make noises. They turn me on, remember? Just don’t grab my hair to keep me in place and choke me by forcing me to take all of you, okay?”

He was stunned and horrified. “Why would I do that?”

She grinned. “Here we go. You don’t have to warn me before you come. Just do it.”

Vanni released his thighs and one hand wrapped around the base of his dick. She bent forward and he could see everything as she licked her lips, opened her mouth and leaned closer until he watched her take a few inches of his dick inside her mouth. He hissed with pleasure and fisted the bedding in his hands.

Vanni was no longer timid. He threw his head back and squeezed his eyes closed as she rode him with her mouth. She sucked, licked and tormented him. He rumbled, his chest vibrating from the deep sound. Vanni did things to him that turned him inside out.

Her gentle hands cupped his balls and that was it. She rubbed them and he cried out, shooting his seed. The bed jerked under him as he quaked from the force of it but the one thing he kept control of was his ass—keeping it flat on the bed to avoid thrusting upward.

Vanni grinned and sat back on her calves. Smiley sprawled on the bed, his chest rapidly rising and falling. Sweat coated his body, giving it a sexy sheen. She’d done that to him. It made her feel a little proud. She reached up and ran her fingertips over his lower belly. He shivered and made a low, sexy sound. He didn’t bat her hands away while complaining about being too sensitive.

She had wanted to give him head. It usually wasn’t something she did or wanted to do but Smiley wasn’t just anyone. He was hers. She liked the sound of that. Her gaze lifted to the overhead light and she regretfully moved, climbing over his leg to get off the bed.

“Where are you going?”

“To kill the light.”

“Why? I like looking at you, Vanni. Please allow it.”

She turned, seeing that he’d shifted on the bed. He lifted one arm to cushion his head, tilting it up some. He lay there, his big body relaxed, legs still spread, totally comfortable being naked. She envied him that. He had that incredible body though.

“I thought you’d want to sleep.”

One eyebrow arched.

He was going to make her spell it out. She hesitated.

“What is it?”

“I just did that for you so now I know you’ll want to sleep.”

She couldn’t read his expression. It came close to bafflement but then he appeared to be a little annoyed. “Damn humans.” He sat up and rolled to his feet in one fluid motion.

Vanni froze. Had she made him angry? She should have just waited until he went to sleep to turn off the light. He strode forward but stopped just in front of her. She had to tilt her head back to look into his eyes.

“What did I say? I didn’t mean to upset you.” She was afraid she’d dinged his pride. Men didn’t like those things being pointed out to them.

“It’s not directed at you. I heard human males do that. It’s true? We’re just starting. I’m not tired and I sure as hell wouldn’t sleep while you’re turned-on.” His nose flared as he sniffed the air. “I can smell your need, babe.”

He grabbed her. One arm wrapped around her rib cage and the other around her waist. He just lifted, spun and threw her on the bed. She bounced on the soft mattress, stunned. Smiley followed, putting his knee down beside her, and grinned.

“My turn. Do I appear tired to you?” He dropped his chin to look down at his cock.

She followed his gaze and couldn’t miss the fact that it was rock-hard again.

“You’re mated to a Species. We have a fast recovery time. I don’t wear out and I sure as hell won’t ever let you go to sleep aching for sex. Roll over and get on your hands and knees. I’m going to take care of you.”

Vanni glanced at his cock again and moved. He waited until she was on her stomach before he gripped her hips and jerked her up to her knees. The bed dipped as he climbed onto it with her, putting his legs on the outsides of hers. He released her hips and opened one hand under her belly to keep hold of her as he leaned back to put a little space between them.

She moaned when he reached down and played with her clit with his free hand. She was already wet but that didn’t seem to be enough for him. He obviously wanted her really ready for sex. He stopped and she was almost disappointed until she realized he’d only done it to help position himself. The head of his cock slid against her pussy and he entered her slowly.

“Yes.” That panted moan came from her. She lowered her head, closing her eyes. Smiley was definitely not sleepy, from the feel of him. He bent forward to press his chest against her back and braced his weight with one arm. The hand cupping her belly slid lower and two fingers pressed against her clit.

He shifted a little, spreading his legs wider, and started to move with deep, long thrusts. Vanni clawed the bed. “Faster.”

He leaned in, putting his lips by her ear. “No. Can you feel how hard you make me? How much I want you?” He massaged her clit as he rode her.

“That’s so good.”

“Toss your hair out of the way. Give me your neck.”

She did it but he didn’t kiss her throat. His tongue wet her shoulder and then he bit down. It wasn’t hard enough to break the skin but it ramped up the excitement. Those fangs of his were hot and sent the good chills throughout her body. He gripped her a little tighter, fucked her a little harder and kept playing with her clit.

“Oh god,” she cried out.

“That’s me.” He drove into her deeper and faster. “Us. So damn good, isn’t it?”

Her arms collapsed under her and she buried her face against the bed, trying to muffle some of the sounds she made.

“I could fuck you for hours. I could live here with you under me,” he rasped. “You’re so sexy, so hot and so damn tight. You’re going to come. I can feel your muscles squeezing me.”

She stopped clawing the bed and turned her head. His hand was close to her face, flattened to support his weight. She frantically reached out, needing to touch him. Her fingers covered his. He suddenly shifted, dropping down so he was braced on his elbow and twisted his wrist. He took her hand, clutching it tightly.

Vanni shouted his name as her world exploded in a haze of white ecstasy. Smiley nipped her shoulder and groaned deeply. He slowed his thrusts and she knew he was coming when he curled around her tighter, shaking both them and the bed from the force of it.

She closed her eyes when he stopped moving. Their heavy breathing was the only sound in the room. She knew a smile curved her lips. “Wow.”

He brushed a soft kiss on the spot where he’d gotten her with his fangs. “Just warming up, my Vanni. It’s still early. Never forget that I can go all night. We’ll try anything you want. Do you have any fantasies you want to share? You can tell me anything. You’re mine and I’m yours. I want to do everything with you.”

It sank in. He really meant it. “I’ve never had sex in a tub before.” It was easier to admit that when she wasn’t staring into his eyes.

“You will by the time we go to sleep.”

“I have a bucket list.”

“What is that?”

“Things I’d like to try before I die. There are a few sex ones on there. We already had sex in a car. That was one of them.”

Smiley released her clit and ran his hand along her belly. He shifted his body and just fell to the side, taking her with him. She laughed when they landed, still curled together with him inside her. He grabbed her breast, squeezed.

“Tell me more. You have my full attention.”

She looked at him over her shoulder. He was smiling, his eyes gleaming with amusement. It encouraged her to do just that.

“I want to have sex outside at night. Not in front of anyone. Public sex isn’t my thing but I always thought it would be neat. Just outside at night under the moon and stars.”

“We can do that too. We’ll wait until we’re at Reservation though. A lot of Homeland is blanketed in cameras. I’d have to beat on any male who saw you naked.” His expression changed to a serious one. “I hope this bucket list doesn’t include sex with other males. I’d do anything for you but that.”

She shook her head, stunned he’d even bring it up. “No!”

“Good. I know humans are into that sometimes but there would be massive blood loss if you put two Species males in the same room as a female in sexual need. We don’t share well and especially if one of them has feelings for her. I wouldn’t just beat on another male. I’d kill him if he even considered touching you. You’re mine.” He studied her. “Does that upset you?”

“No. I’m possessive too. I would never want to be with someone who thought it was okay if we weren’t in a monogamous relationship.”

“Good.”

She twisted a little to get a better look at him. “That’s what we have, right? Monogamy?”

“Yes.” He pulled her closer and hugged her tightly. “I’m not addicted to your scent but it won’t matter. You’re all I want.”

“Addicted to my scent?”

“Remember when I told you I would get addicted to your scent? Canines and felines get addicted to the scent of their females and other ones smell distasteful to them—really bad.” He paused. “I haven’t experienced that with you. I love how you smell but I don’t feel the need to breathe you in constantly. I do want to hold you all the time and be close to you. I miss you when you aren’t with me. You’re my mate, Vanni. You can trust me.”

“Thank you.”

“For what?”

“You’re perfect.”

“I’m not but I’ll try to be the best mate ever. You just need to always be honest with me.”

“That goes both ways. What are your fantasies? I want to check things off your bucket list too.”

“You said yes to being my mate and you’re in my arms. I get to spend the rest of my life with you at my side. That’s all I’ve ever dreamed of. You make me happy and whole, Vanni.”

Tears filled her eyes.

“Don’t do that, my Vanni.” He nuzzled her head with his. “I want you happy.”

“This is happy. Lately I just can’t seem to control it as well as I usually do. I just seem to tear up for any reason.”

He tensed, his muscles tightening. “There’s something I need to tell you. I was afraid to before now because I wanted you to be secure about my feelings for you first. Do you know how much I love you?”

“I think I do.”

He buried his face in the curve of her shoulder, hugging her tighter and drew his legs up to hold her even closer. It kind of scared her.

“What is it?”

He nuzzled her cheek with his and put his lips next to her ear. “Will you please promise me it won’t change things between us?”

That scared her. “Are you sick?” Oh god. Is he dying? Did that horrible drug do something to his internal organs? Vanni panicked. She’d just found Smiley. She couldn’t lose him. It was too cruel.

“No.” He took a deep breath. “I recently learned that the breeding drug can make birth control pills ineffective. You could be pregnant, Vanni. I’d be thrilled. I want a child with you. I would also be fine if you weren’t. I want you either way. Don’t think otherwise. I knew I wanted to spend my life with you and I wanted you to know that before I was told about it. I was afraid you’d push me away and not give us a chance if you found out before right now.”

Was that the reason she seemed to be more emotional than usual? She could be carrying Smiley’s child. She expected unease to set in but it didn’t come. The timing wasn’t perfect. Their relationship had just begun but the idea of starting a family with Smiley was appealing. She’d always wanted to be a mom. It reminded her that she’d almost settled for Carl to accomplish that. She’d never loved him. She was certain of that. Smiley was a whole other story. She did love him.

Smiley held her tightly and started to stroke her thigh. “Are you okay? Talk to me.”

“I bet we’d have cute babies together.”

His hand stilled. “That’s all you have to say? You don’t sound angry.”

She turned her head and he leaned back so she could look at him. “I’m not.”

“You have no idea how much I love you, Vanni.”

She stared into his soulful brown eyes and believed him. “I love you too. We’ll deal with whatever happens together. I’d be totally fine if I am pregnant. Are you going to be? The truth.”

He grinned. “I want babies with you. I want everything with you.”

“We’re okay then.” She smiled at him. “We’re both a little sweaty. How does a bath sound?”

He chuckled. “Good. I just want to hold you for a little longer though. I don’t want you just to share sex with. We’ll cuddle and then figure out if we enjoy sex in water. Sound like a plan?”

“Yes.”