Catastrophic Attraction - Eve Langlais Page 0,63
away from the hollow bole of the tree, watching for large, jagged stones that jutted from the ground. They’d emerged south of Port City on the bluffs where a thin line of trees edged a deep, impassable chasm that ran to the mountains. Years ago, he’d stared over its edge. The white rapids of rushing water could be seen. Darius had told him to never attempt a swim. The currents would smash even the hardiest iron ship. On the other side was Lazuli, the broken kingdom.
Seeing the landmark he sought, he turned and headed into the woods.
“Where are you going?” she asked.
“You’ll see,” was his enigmatic reply, knowing she’d hate it. He half expected her to tackle him from behind, but he made it to the massive trunk of the tree without a knife in the back. Standing in front of it, he looked up.
She craned beside him. “Is that a house up in the branches?”
“Yes. It’s been here for a while and, given its state when I first found it, has been mostly forgotten.”
“And had we lost, would you have told me it was here?”
“Maybe if you’d asked me nicely,” he said with a grin. “I’ve more good news, too.”
Casey didn’t fawn over the small stream, but they both made good use of it, taking turns watching while the other bathed. They ate rations from their packs rather than hunt.
Returning to the tree house, he didn’t need to point out the handy knobs in the trunk that provided handholds and footholds to climb. In no time, she’d made it to the hatch and flung it open. He set a snare at the base of the tree before following.
When he entered the house, it was to see her examining every nook. There weren’t many. Two rickety chairs lashed together with mismatching rope. A wobbly table. The pile of leaves stuffed into a fabric bag long dried and in need of replenishing.
He didn’t come this way very often anymore. No time.
She glanced at him. “How many hidey holes do you have?”
“A few,” he said with the hint of a smile.
“How safe is it?”
“I’ve never had any issues.”
She prowled the space, a nervous energy filling her.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
“Nothing.”
A lie, but he allowed it, seating himself and putting his bag on the table. He stripped his boots next and sighed as his feet could breathe.
“Is that a good idea?”
In reply, he also removed his jacket and his shirt. His skin still held a hint of damp from the stream.
She eyed him. Did she even realize she’d licked her lips?
“How far do we have to travel tomorrow?” she asked.
“If we leave early, we’ll make it late afternoon.”
Startlement parted her lips. “What are you doing?”
He couldn’t have said, other than he’d been overwhelmed by a desire that had only been building since their kiss. He reached out and cupped her head.
She didn’t say anything or pull away. He drew her close. Her eyes fluttered shut, and he kissed her.
The soft sigh in his mouth brought heat to his veins. Her mouth parted against his, her breath sweet, her lips plush. He deepened the embrace, letting his tongue slide sinuously along hers, tasting her uniqueness, wanting more.
Her hands slid around his body and pressed into his skin. It seemed only fair he touch her as well. It took only a moment to remove her jacket and shirt. The bandeau on her breasts was a little trickier, and he sucked in a breath when they sprang free, full and beautiful. He cupped them, rolling and pinching her nipples between his fingers. Flipping her around, his lips found the soft skin of her neck while his hands continued to play.
Her breathing hitched, and she gyrated against him, her ass rubbing against his hardening cock. He made a sound against her skin.
She turned herself and pushed at him, and her intent came clear. He sat on the makeshift bed and drew her down with him. They kissed again, hotter and hungrier, the air sizzling and steaming around them.
She shoved him back, and he obeyed her silent command, regarding her through hooded eyes. She dragged her nails down his chest to the waistband of his pants. She unfastened and tugged them down his muscled thighs.
Once she’d removed them, she stood and stripped her own pants off. Her shape was glorious, her slim strength making him growl.
“Come here.”
“Don’t tell me what to do.” She tossed her head, and for a moment, he feared he’d fucked up.
If he had, then he