Pride of the Lion

Chapter Sixteen

The loveliest warmth filled Araminta. It was like floating in a pool of warm water on a hot summer day. She sighed and stretched, but it wasn’t water beneath her. It was firmer than that.

“Look at me.”

She’d know that deep, commanding voice anywhere. Her eyelids fluttered open and he filled her vision. “Leander.” He was leaning over her, his incredible golden eyes filled with concern. His brows were furrowed, giving him a very stern expression. She smiled at him, feeling kinda loopy, as though she’d had one too many glasses of wine on an empty stomach. She reached up and rubbed at the furrow in his forehead. “You’re cute when you’re angry.”

One corner of his mouth kicked up and the lines on his forehead smoothed out. “You’re not afraid of me when I’m angry?”

She giggled. That didn’t seem right. She wasn’t a giggler, but she couldn’t seem to help it. Now what was it he’d asked her? Right. “No, silly, I’m not afraid of you.” She reached up, linked her hands around his neck and yanked him lower. “You’re my lion.”

He cocked one eyebrow at her and she giggled again. He looked so fierce, his exotic features making him appear more lion than man. His long mane of hair fell to his shoulders, the colors enthralling. She slid her fingers through several locks.

“So I’m yours, am I?”

She gave him a stern frown. “Of course you’re mine.”

He leaned down and rubbed his nose against hers. She loved the smell of him, masculine and spicy heat. “Does that make you mine?”

“Absolutely.” There was something she was forgetting. Something important. She strained to remember.

“What’s wrong?” Now it was Leander’s turn to rub her forehead and try to erase the deep furrows of her concern.

“I’ve forgotten something. Why don’t I remember?” She frowned at him even though it wasn’t his fault. Or at least she didn’t think it was his fault. Percy chose that moment to jump up beside them. He grumbled and bumped his head against her arm. “Hey, Percy.”

“How much do you remember?” Leander sat back and she sank into the pillows. Pillows, she was on her bed in her room. Nice. How had she gotten here?

“Not much.” She chewed on her bottom lip as she struggled to remember. Leander groaned, but she ignored him as she scoured her memories for details. She came straight up in bed. Bad move as her head protested, sending shards of pain ricocheting through her skull. She would have toppled over if Leander hadn’t caught her. Percy gave a disgruntled grumble, turned his back and sauntered down to the end of the bed.

“Hades.” In spite of her headache, she swiveled her head from one side of the room to the other, searching every dark corner.

“He’s gone. It’s past midnight.”

Past midnight. That meant the curse was truly broken and the danger over. The throbbing in her head settled into a dull ache. “We did it?” How had they survived? There’d been too much time left. “How?”

Leander shrugged, his large shoulders blocking most of her view of her room. “Who knows? Maybe the Lady was able to help. I’ve found that time sometimes moves in strange ways when gods and goddesses are involved.”

“But you were dead.” She remembered it all clearly now. All remnants of giddiness left her and she was stone-cold sober once again. “You died.” She ignored the pain, sat up and ran her hands over the broad expanse of his bare chest, over his washboard abs and up his injured side, grateful there was only a long, reddish scar there now.

He caught one of her hands and flattened it over his heart. “You died too. I gave my life force to you so you could live.”

“I gave it back to you.” She remembered it all now, waking up to find him so still beside her, her frantic phone call to Marko and trying to bring him back to life. She thumped him on the chest with her free hand. “Don’t ever do anything like that to me again.”

“Don’t ever do anything like that to you?” he sputtered. He threw back his head and roared. The entire room vibrated and a painting on the other side of the room fell off the wall and crashed to the door, the glass shattering into a dozen pieces. Araminta slapped her hands over her ears and winced. Percy gave a very loud grumble, jumped off the bed and headed for the door, leaving them alone in the room.

Leander lowered his head and scowled at her. “You died for me.” He thumped his chest hard. “For me.”

In spite of the fact she wasn’t really afraid of him, her heart sped up. Okay, maybe she was the teeniest bit afraid. She’d never seen him quite this angry.

“Promise me.” He gripped her shoulders and yanked her close to him. “Promise me you’ll never do anything like that again.”

He was so upset and she wanted to soothe him, really she did, but she couldn’t lie to him. She carefully shook her head. “I can’t.”

Oh boy, if she’d thought he was angry before, she was wrong. She instinctively tried to pull away from him as his face morphed into that of the lion, complete with gigantic fangs. He shook himself and the lion retreated, but she knew the creature was very close to the surface.

“Why?” A muscle pulsed in his jaw and another one jumped beneath his eye.

“Because I love you.” She caught his face between her hands. “Because I’ll do anything to keep you alive.”

He grabbed her and yanked her against his chest. She could barely breathe, but she sensed he needed to hold her. Who needed to breathe anyway?

She wrapped her arms around his waist and held on tight. His breathing was labored as he all but crushed her against him. His huge muscled arms were shaking.

“It’s okay. Everything is okay. We’re both alive.” She remembered pouring Leander’s life force back into him. “Why aren’t I dead?”

“Because I gave some of my energy back to you.” His voice was slightly muffled because his face was buried in her hair, but she understood him.

“But you’re okay?” Had he given her too much?

He nodded. “I’m fine.” He raised his head and his eyes were luminous. As she watched, a lone tear rolled down his cheek. To see a man this strong, an immortal warrior, a shapeshifting lion, shed a tear for her almost broke her heart.

“Hey, it’s okay. You’re okay. I’m okay. It’s all good.” She patted his cheeks, rubbed his shoulders, touching him wherever she could reach him.

He nodded. “You are now immortal. Like me.”

Whoa. That stopped her cold. Yes, she’d written about it in her books, but she’d always assumed that part of it was purely fiction. You couldn’t make a human immortal, could you?

“Really? You’re sure?” She noticed that her headache was already fading.

Leander nodded. “Marko said it was so.”

She swallowed hard and tried to digest what that meant. She was immortal. Everyone she knew would die and she would still be alive. “Will I age at all?”

He shook his head. “You will remain as you are now.”

Crap. If she’d known in advance what was coming she might have tried to lose ten pounds first. And she’d obviously slipped a gear if she was concerned about her weight. “What does this mean?” She hadn’t meant to ask the question aloud. She didn’t want Leander to think he was responsible for her now. He’d saved her life and kept her soul safe from Hades. That was more than enough.

And speaking of Hades. “The curse is truly broken, isn’t it? You’re safe from Hades?”

Leander grabbed the hem of her top and yanked it over her head. She sputtered when the material covered her head, but raised her arms and helped him remove it.

“Yes. We are both safe from him and his minions. If he attacks us it will rebound on him three fold.”

“Cool.”

Leander reached for her bra.

“What are you doing?” she asked. Not that she minded getting naked with him, but she’d just noticed they were both still covered in blood and probably some demon gunk too. Not that her skin was burning anywhere—a sure sign of demon gunk. She guessed that when the life-force energy had healed them it had taken care of the minor burns too.

“I’m getting you naked.” The hot flare in his eyes momentarily distracted her. He got up and removed her shoes and socks. Then he reached for the opening of her jeans.

“Why?”

His entire body froze, sexual energy emanating from every pore of his body. Oh my. Her nipples puckered and her pussy clenched before flooding with arousal.

“Because I plan to put you in the shower and clean you up.” He removed her jeans, taking her panties with them as he tugged them down her legs and tossed them aside. “Then I plan to kiss every inch of your body and fuck you until you scream.”

Sounded like a plan to her. She shoved aside all her questions, all her concerns about what happened next. She was under no illusions. Leander was an immortal warrior, a guardian of an ancient goddess. He’d obviously have to go back to work. That wasn’t exactly the kind of job you retired from.

And where would that leave her? Immortal and alone. She’d really become the crazy cat lady if she wasn’t careful. Maybe they could see each other occasionally.

An immortal booty call. Not exactly what she’d hoped for her life, but it was better than the alternative—life without Leander.

On the other hand, she’d have plenty of time to read all the books she wanted, to learn everything she’d ever wanted to learn. She could go back to school anytime she wanted. Provided she could come up with the cash. Finances could be another problem.

Leander scooped her into his arms and all her worries disappeared along with the last of her headache. He was here with her now and that was all that mattered. She rested her head against his chest, loving the heavy solid beat of his heart. His skin was so warm it was almost hot. He felt so alive, so good. She rubbed her nose against his chest and he gave a low growl.

She looked up at him and grinned.

Leander knew he’d never seen a more beautiful sight in all his existence than a bloodstained and exhausted Araminta. Her beautiful hair was matted, but he’d take care of that in no time. He still couldn’t believe she wasn’t yelling at him, flinging recriminations about what he’d done to her and her life.

He’d gotten her killed. Yes, he’d revived her, but then she’d saved him. She loved him. He didn’t know what that meant to her. Forever was a long time to want to tie herself to him. He wasn’t about to question his good fortune at the moment. He’d clean her up and make love to her before asking her if she’d stay with him.

It was good to have a strategy.

He walked into the bathroom and set her carefully on the counter. He turned to start the shower, needing to get the worst of the blood and dirt cleaned off before he ran a bath for her to soak in.

Araminta sat on the vanity watching him, a small smile curving her sweet lips. His gaze narrowed as he followed the track of her eyes. They weren’t on his face. They were on his bare butt. He’d forgotten he’d willed his clothing away on his way to the bathroom. He was used to being naked and it didn’t bother him in the least.

But her heated gaze was making his body come alive. His cock jerked and began to swell. He ignored his erection, went back to her and grabbed the end of her braid. He pulled off the elastic and unwound the strands, letting them play over and around his fingers in an erotic caress.

“I can do that,” she offered.

“Let me.” His voice was hoarse with desire. It thrilled him when she acquiesced and let him unbind her hair. It felt as though he was unwrapping a long-awaited present. He couldn’t wait to wash it.

He lifted her into his arms, stepped into the shower and released her legs until her feet touched the floor. “Steady?” The water poured over them both and he maneuvered her so the spray cascaded over her hair and body. She closed her eyes and tilted her head back, obviously enjoying the feel of the water against her milky-white skin. His dick throbbed and his balls ached for release.

She nodded and opened her eyes. “I’m feeling stronger by the minute,” she assured him. But he wasn’t convinced. There were dark shadows beneath her eyes and she’d lost a lot of blood. Hell, she’d died for him. It might only have been for a matter of seconds, but it had happened. She might be immortal now, but she was newly so. It would take time for her power to evolve. She still needed time to recover from her ordeal.

He reached for the bottle labeled shampoo and poured some into his palm. “Turn around.”

She sidled around, accidentally brushing his cock with her hand. He growled but stayed steady. He would finish this the way he wanted. She belonged to him now whether she knew it or not, and he would always see that all her needs were met from this day forward. It was his right and his honor to take care of her.

He stroked his hand over her scalp, evenly distributing the shampoo before he began massaging her scalp. She gave a moan of sheer pleasure and moved closer to him. Her lush ass rubbed against his shaft and he thought he might lose control. Her skin was soft and wet against his dick. His lion roared inside him, but he bit his lip and didn’t allow the loud sound to escape. If he did, the echo in the shower might deafen them both.

He took a step back and continued to work the shampoo down her dark tresses, letting the soap and water clean all the dried blood and dirt away. When the water finally ran clean, he picked up her body wash and squirted some of it into his palm. It smelled like lavender. It smelled like Araminta.

His dick was already hard, but it turned into a steel spike the moment he caught a whiff of the soap. Her skin always smelled like lavender, even after fighting the demons, he could still get the faintest scent of it.

“Everything okay?” She started to turn to face him, but he stopped her by putting his hands on her shoulders and rubbing. She gave a sigh. “That feels so good.” He brushed her hair over her shoulders so her back was bare and worked the soap down her slender spine, stopping when he hit the top of her buttocks.

Leander took a deep breath and chained his growing arousal. He was determined to pleasure her first. He cupped both mounds of her lush ass and squeezed. “I love your ass.”

The sound she made was almost a squeak. “Really?”

He moved his hands over her butt, shaping the full globes before sliding his fingers through the dark crevice. “Oh yeah.”

Unable to resist, he leaned inward, letting his cock slip between the cheeks. Araminta went up onto her toes and slapped one hand against the wet tiles for support. He angled his body until his cock slipped through her legs and stroked along the slick folds of her pussy.

Araminta gasped and shivered. He pulled back and drove his cock along the folds again, this time making sure he stroked her clit too.

“So good,” she gasped.

He leaned down and nipped at her shoulder, letting her feel the slightest graze of his teeth. “You think that’s good? You haven’t seen anything yet,” he promised. He pulled back and turned her so she was facing the side wall. Then he lowered himself to his knees behind her.

Water flowed over Araminta. She was so hot she was surprised steam wasn’t rising from her skin. Leander’s lips grazed her lower back and then her behind. The guy was literally kissing her butt.

Sharp teeth nipped and she jerked and then groaned when his rough tongue soothed the tiny bite. She’d probably have a hickey on her ass. The thought made her grin. Her lion was marking her.

Strong hands pushed her legs apart and she leaned her cheek against the cool tile. Hot breath caressed her pussy. He turned her suddenly so her back was against the wall, and then his tongue was there, licking and tasting. “Oh my God.” She bit her bottom lip to keep from crying out. It was so good. He curled his clever tongue around her clit and stars burst behind her eyelids.

A low sound reached her ears. It vibrated through and around her, adding to her arousal. Leander was purring. He really was a giant cat at heart. And he was all hers.

At least for now.

She shoved aside all thoughts of later and concentrated on the now. Leander’s tongue rimmed the opening of her pussy and then pushed inward. She cried out, her body trembling to hold back her orgasm. She didn’t want this moment to end.

But her body was too primed and Leander too determined. He lapped and sucked and stroked her pussy, teasing her clit and making her crazy. Warm water cascaded over them. It was like standing beneath a waterfall in some exotic hideaway where only the two of them existed.

Two thick fingers pierced her core and the tension filling her body exploded. She cried out, her hips jerking, blood running thick and hot in her veins. She cried out his name as he whirled her around so she was facing the tile once again. Then he fit the head of his cock against her opening and pushed his way inside.

“I can’t wait.” His voice was rough, strained. “I have to have you.”

Araminta couldn’t talk. If it weren’t for Leander’s hands on her waist and his pelvis pushing against her lower back, she’d be a puddle in the bottom of the tub.

“Bend forward,” he commanded.

He eased her lower body away from the wall and pressed her upper body closer. The movement opened her up for him, allowing him to slide deeper into her hot depths. Her vaginal muscles clamped down on his cock, holding him securely. He stretched the delicate tissues, stimulating every nerve ending.

He surrounded her and filled her in the most delicious way.

He slid his hands up the white tiles to cover hers. Their fingers linked and then he began to move, slowly at first, but then with increasing power. He nibbled on her neck and teased the lobe of her ear with his teeth.

She arched her back, pushing her breasts against the wall to try to relieve the growing ache in her nipples. She wanted—no, she needed his touch.

“Leander.” She wasn’t sure what she wanted him to do, but he had to do something. She couldn’t take this much longer. His cock, large and smooth, powered in and out of her at a quickening pace.

He growled and slid his hands around her to cup her breasts, pulling her away from the wall. The only thing holding her upright was his hands. His fingers played with her nipples as he continued to move within her.

Araminta let her head fall back against his shoulder. She breathed his name again, wanting to tell him how much he meant to her, wanting to reaffirm her love. But speech was beyond her.

Heat grew between her thighs, her pussy pulsing with each powerful stroke. “Come for me.” His rough command would not be denied.

She came hard and fast, her entire body quivering. She screamed and the world went dim, but she didn’t worry about falling. Leander would take care of her.

Araminta slumped in his arms and Leander held on tight, willing his legs to hold them both upright. His lungs sucked in much needed air, his cock still rippling within her hot, silky depths. He groaned when her pussy gripped his dick as another spasm rocked her core.

He buried his face in her wet hair and inhaled her sweet scent—lavender and arousal.

Addictive.

His.

She shivered, and it was only then he felt the cold water beating down on his shoulders. They’d used up all the hot. He frowned. Her bath would have to wait until later. He inwardly cursed himself. He was supposed to be taking care of her, not mounting her like some animal in heat.

Even though he wanted to stay buried in her hot depths for the rest of the day, he carefully pulled out. His cock flexed in protest. He was still hard and ready to go.

Araminta’s knees buckled, and he scooped her into his arms. He maneuvered them both out of the tub and then held her with one arm while he turned off the water. Silence surrounded them. The occasional plink of water and their heavy breathing the only sounds.

Leander grabbed a thick white towel from a stack on a nearby shelf and began to dry Araminta. It wasn’t easy. The woman was totally boneless. Her eyes were closed and a small smile played at the corners of her mouth. He couldn’t take his eyes off her as he blotted her wet hair as best he could.

Finally, he gave up and tossed the towel aside. He lifted her into his arms and carried her back to the bedroom. He yanked back the covers and bundled her into bed, not wanting her to catch a chill. Of course, she was immortal now, and maybe the cold wouldn’t bother her as much. Maybe it would. They both had so much to learn.

And they had forever in which to learn it.