Underground Guardians: Protector Read online

  “Holly, come here.” His voice was husky and laden with desire.

  She looked up at him as her hands went to the buttons on his jeans. “No,” she said defiantly. “I want to touch you.”

  He grabbed her hands. “You can. I want you to touch me but, right now, you need to get undressed before you catch cold.”

  She thought about his request for a long moment and came to a conclusion—it was his way of trying to take control again – consciously or not.

  This time, control was hers.

  She’d comply with his request, but on her terms and because she wanted to be skin to skin with him.

  She leaned back on her heels and peeled off her T-shirt and, before he could respond, her bra.

  With a low growl, he hauled her to her feet, covering her mouth with his own, his palms cupping her breasts, his fingers teasing her nipples.

  So much for control.

  She was putty in his warm hands, as they played across her waterlogged skin. Something about Mason’s touch reached inside her, made her feel as if she was floating in a cloud of passion and emotion.

  His tongue wildly delved into her mouth, primitive and demanding. She clung to his shoulders as he kissed her eyelids, her cheeks and her neck. Her head fell backwards as her desire began to control her body, making her feel as if she couldn’t stand. As if he read her mind, his arm wrapped around her waist, holding her up, a strong force of power, control and comfort all in one.

  Yet he didn’t hesitate in his actions.

  He continued his assault, tearing down her willpower, awakening each and every one of her senses, kissing and touching her like there was no tomorrow.

  She murmured his name, wanting more—no, needing it. Her hands went to his pants again, fumbling in her efforts but needing to feel his skin against her own.

  Her progress was halted as he scooped her up in his arms.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Kissing her as he walked, she hardly knew where she was until she felt her body being lowered. He gently placed her on the bed, a soft comforter absorbing her naked back while the hard perfection of his body slid down on top of her.

  Spreading her legs without thought, she felt the sweet comfort of his body settling between her thighs, easing her ache in some ways while igniting it in others.

  Resting his weight on his elbows, he stared down at her, his eyes dark and passion-filled. But there was more to his look than simple desire. Something stronger, more intense, played in his gaze, making her breath catch in her throat, and a strange flutter moved in her stomach.

  Mason touched her cheek and whispered her name. His tenderness amazed Holly. For such a big man, he was so careful, so gentle with her. She actually felt as if she could feel his mind and body reaching for her own.

  It was a rush, a powerful, yet strangely soothing, feeling.

  The air was literally charged with some strange connection between them. Nothing else mattered. Not the past, not the future, not the government’s super soldiers.

  Nothing else mattered but them, now, together.

  His index finger and thumb moved through a strand of her hair as he lowered his head, slowly moving his mouth toward her.

  Ever so lightly, he brushed his lips across hers. Her eyes drifted shut as the impact of his touch, though light as a feather, raced through her body. A small sound escaped her lips at the contact, floating into his mouth, which lingered above hers, so near, yet not touching her own.

  She swallowed, trying to catch her breath and gain her balance. This was a bit overwhelming, feeling so much, on so many levels.

  Her eyes slowly opened, locking with his. So real was the connection she felt to him as she stared into his gaze, it was as if he was reaching inside her very soul and filling her with himself.

  Suddenly, his hands were in her hair and his mouth closed down on hers, tasting her, once, twice, nipping her bottom lip. A slight flicker of his tongue touched her lip and then her teeth. Finally his tongue met hers in a slow, sultry brush that sent a wave of heat racing through her veins.

  His tongue played along hers, sampling, teasing, pushing her into a deeper mode of passion. It was as if he was making love to her with his mouth, reaching out to her with his loneliness and asking her to accept him and want him.

  Oh, and she did.

  She replied with a tender caress of her fingers down his cheek, a soft purr into his mouth, a gentle prodding of her tongue. Acceptance was automatic. She loved Mason. Some might say it was crazy. She hardly knew him. But she knew he was the man she was destined to love.

  She’d been waiting a lifetime.

  For him.

  For what they were together.

  He took his time, kissing her as if he could do it for a lifetime, making her wet with the ache to have him inside her, so near and part of her. She clung to him, kissing him back, pressing her body into his.

  He murmured her name, rolling them to their sides, face-to-face, placing small, hungry kisses on her even then. Her leg slid up over his hip as she snuggled close to his body, wrapping her arm around his back. His hand went to her check. His half-lidded eyes met hers, dark as night, alluring and mysterious.

  There was scrutiny in his gaze, as if he wanted to confirm what he had felt in her touch and in her kisses. “There is something about you, Holly Heart.”

  A soft smile filled her face as her hand covered his. “I think there is something about us, Mason.”

  He kissed her then, his mouth hot and demanding as his tongue probed and played against her own. A fiery inferno of demand rushed through her insides. She clung to him, pressing close, feeling her nipples press into the hair on his chest as their skin melted together.

  His hand slid up her back, molding her yet closer and closer. Her need was like his need, meshing together like one flame. “Too many clothes,” she whispered against his lips.

  “Yes,” he murmured almost instantly, nipping at her lip and then running his tongue across it. “Let’s get rid of them.”

  She nodded and made a sound of agreement. A quick, urgent kiss later, they both sat up and began removing first their shoes and then their pants.

  When they were both completely naked, they turned to one another. For an instant, their eyes locked, their connection a scorching melting of their two gazes.

  Holly wasn’t sure who moved first but, side by side, they came back together, skin against skin, her thigh over his hip. Their mouths came within inches of each other’s.

  “Do you have any idea how much I want you?” he asked in a husky tone as their breathing mingled in and out, causing her nipples to tingle in the strangest way, as if he had touched her there.

  “I want you, too,” she replied in a barely audible voice. His erection pressed between her thighs. She needed him inside her. “Please. Now.”

  The tip of his erection slid against her wetness, teasing her, making her hips move to try and get to him. But he wouldn’t let her. Instead, he took himself in his hand and slowly moved the tip up and down and all around her sensitive outer skin, making her moan and burn for what she didn’t have.

  Him inside her.

  She couldn’t take anymore. Her hand went to his, her lips against his. “Now, Mason. No more teasing.”

  Her hips arched and, before he could stop her, she pressed him inside, taking him, as they moaned together. Sliding down his length, her arms wrapped around him, hugging him tighter, to take him deeper.

  “Mason,” she whispered, not sure if it was in her head or out loud. Not caring. They kissed frantically, passionately, their bodies moving in a steady, growing pace.

  His hand caressed her breasts.

  Her hand stroked his back.

  Their bodies pressed together.

  And when the passion was so high she couldn’t think, she could only cry out, she shattered. Her eyes squeezed shut as his body moved inside her, making each spasm seem more intense.

  She knew when he joined her, over the edge, int
o the fire.

  He shuddered and moaned and called her name.

  Sated and exhausted, she clung to him, not wanting to let go.

  * * * * *

  Asleep, her long blonde hair spread like silky gold on the pillow, she snuggled deeper into the pillow and sighed. A smile on his lips, Mason gently pulled the blanket down to view the creamy white perfection of her naked body.

  He ran his finger down her back and over the curve of her round, pert butt. She made a soft sound but didn’t wake. Their lovemaking had been dynamic and lengthy. Each time he thought he was sated, he wanted her again. And again. Like now. He was hard just looking at her.

  As much as he knew he should leave her alone, he wasn’t sure he could. She was his mate. The need to see the confirmation was ripe. The proof that couldn’t be disputed, the Arion star. Gently he moved his hand to her hair, brushing it aside to expose her neck.

  He sucked in a breath. There, on the back of her neck, was the Arion star. His mark. Seeing the proof evoked powerful feelings of possessiveness, desire and other things he was afraid to examine too closely.

  The need to be inside her, to take her, right then and there, was like a raging flame.

  He moved between her legs, kissing the star as he pressed his body against hers. His mouth and hands were greedy, touching and tasting.

  Slipping his hands beneath her he cupped her breast, tweaking her nipples with his fingers as he dipped his tongue into her ear.

  Holly moaned, arching her soft curves against him. “Mason.” It was but a whisper, but it was heavy with passion, making him hotter and wilder.

  “Open for me, Angel. Let me in,” he said hoarsely, nudging her thighs further apart and using his hands to pull her hips up for better access.

  He slid his fingers between her legs. “Nice and wet,” he said with satisfaction as he spread the silky proof of her arousal, caressing her sensitive flesh. Gently—but not too much so—he pressed two fingers inside her, making her gasp and then sigh.

  “I want inside you,” he said, moving his throbbing dick to press against her swollen flesh, teasing them both as he wet the tip with her fluid.

  “Now, Mason. Now,” Holly demanded.

  He didn’t need more encouragement, sinking into her with a deep thrust that reached her core. He pushed until his hips framed her round bottom. Pulling her hips up further, he moved in yet deeper, surging in and out of her with slow, even motions.

  Knowing Holly was his other half.

  With each move, each touch and taste, his need grew well beyond the physical. Together they rode the wave of passion and, when he spilled himself inside her, he felt a rush of belonging.

  And fulfillment.

  He lay on top of her for long moments before rolling onto his side and pulling her tight, spoon style, against his body.

  Holding her like he would never let her go.

  Because it felt as if his life depended on it.

  Chapter Fifteen

  A loud noise startled both Mason and Holly from a deep sleep. Mason was out of the bed before Holly could even blink.

  It sounded like a horn was going off. “What is it?” Holly asked, shaking her head lightly.

  He was already pulling a pair of jeans from the closet. “Breach alarm. Get up and get dressed.”

  Holly’s eyes went wide. “I thought it was safe here.”

  “It is,” he said, jabbing one leg and then the other into his pants. Not bothering to button them, he headed toward a door Holly had thought was a closet and disappeared inside. Seconds later the alarm went off.

  “Shit,” he muttered, from inside the room.

  “What?” she called, desperately kicking at the covers, getting her legs twisted and panicking, kicking harder and faster. Finally, she stood naked by the bed. She had no clothes to put on. Hers were wet and dirty. Indecision lasted a few seconds before she darted to the closet, yanking a shirt off the hanger. The black T-shirt she chose went to her knees and looked more like a dress.

  Mason walked out of the other room with not one, but two guns in his hands. His expression was dark and intense, his body thrumming with battle readiness. He looked like some kind of ancient warrior, shirtless, shoeless and rippling with muscles.

  “Stay here,” he ordered in a clipped tone.

  Her voice was urgent. “What’s going on?”

  Her answer was a glimpse of his broad shoulders as he disappeared from the bedroom into the living room.

  * * * * *

  Mason didn’t know what in the hell was going on but he didn’t like it. He held both guns to the elevator door as it opened. Though a gun wasn’t about to kill an Arion, it would sure as hell slow one down.

  The doors opened to show Sterling and Michael.

  Sterling’s hand went up, stop sign fashion, the instant the door opened. “Wow! Wait, man, Michael’s with us!”

  “He’s Arion,” Mason said harshly. “He’s not with us unless…maybe you’re like him now and he is with you?”

  Michael stepped forward, fixing Mason in a hard stare while ignoring the guns. “He’s not the one like me. You are and we both know it.”

  Mason laughed bitterly, fighting the wave of apprehension Michael’s words evoked. “I am not like you.” Without breaking eye contact with Michael, Mason spoke to Sterling. “What in the hell are you trying to prove bringing him here?”

  “Michael can help us,” Sterling said, stepping off the elevator. “He’s not like the others, man, I swear. Put down the guns and hear him out.”

  “This is crazy, man. You’re a fool,” Mason spat back at Sterling.

  “No,” Sterling countered. “You are if you don’t listen.”

  Something in Sterling’s tone, combined with Michael’s calm, watchful gaze, made Mason reconsider. Slowly, he lowered one gun. “Give me one reason to trust you,” Mason said to Michael.

  There was no hesitation in Michael’s response. “You trust Sterling and he trusts me. If that is not enough, consider this. I’m alone. As you know, Arions never travel alone when going to battle.”

  Sterling added, “He’s here to help. If I wasn’t certain, I would never bring him here.”

  It was true, Mason trusted Sterling. He let the other gun drop to his side. “Talk,” he spat at Michael.

  “Why don’t we sit down?” Sterling said, not waiting for an answer as he stepped past Mason toward the couch.

  Mason and Michael stood face-to-face for long moments. “I can help you, Mason,” Michael said in a low voice, meant only for his ears.

  Mason stared at Michael. He said he was like him. Was he? With a curt nod of his chin, he motioned the Arion forward. He wasn’t about to turn his back on him.

  Michael walked past Mason, moving to sit on the couch where Sterling sat. Mason buttoned his pants and then inserted the guns in his waistband. Then he sat down in a chair directly across from Michael.

  “Mason?”

  Holly stood in the doorway to the bedroom, wearing only a shirt and looking worried. Surging to his feet, Mason started toward her.

  “She is your mate,” Michael said as if simply acknowledging a fact.

  Everyone looked at Mason. “What?” Holly asked, confused. Mason shot Michael a go-to-hell look and covered the distance between him and Holly.

  He had every intention of telling her about the Arion connection they shared. On his terms. Not like this. He turned her toward the bedroom, stepping inside with her and shutting the door behind him.

  “Everything is fine, Angel,” he reassured her, slipping his hands to her slim waist. “Please stay in here so I know you’re safe.”

  Holly frowned. “I thought you said everything was fine.”

  He hesitated. “It is.” He ran a hand through his hair. “I mean, it will be soon. The man with Sterling could be a threat. Give me time to sort it out, okay?”

  Holly’s eyes were wide with confusion and a hint of fear. “What did he mean… I’m your mate?”

  He he
ld his expression in check. Reaching out, he trailed his finger down her cheek. “Clearly we have a connection. It is easy for people who are perceptive to see what others might not.” But there was more he didn’t say and they both knew it.

  Before she could respond he said, “Stay here. Please. Just until I make sure there is no danger.”

  Holly nodded. He could see from the look in her eyes it was killing her to bite back the questions she wanted answered.

  Mason framed her face with his hands. “You make my T-shirt look damn sexy, woman.” He kissed her forehead. “I’ll be back in a few minutes to prove it.”

  He released her then and turned to the door. With his hand on the knob he looked at her over his shoulder. “Don’t be running around like that in front of other men.” Then he winked. His intention was to make her feel less apprehensive.

  If only someone would do the same for him.

  * * * * *

  Mason stepped back into the living room, pulling the door shut behind him. Sterling was looking at him with an obvious question in his eyes.

  Even though he knew the question, he said, “What?” It was easier than answering. He couldn’t keep the irritation out of his voice.

  “Does she know?” Sterling asked as Mason sat back down in the chair.

  Elbows on his knees, Mason pressed two fingers to his eyes. “No. I planned to tell her.” Then he opened his eyes, fixing Michael in his gaze. “In my own way.”

  “I responded out of surprise,” Michael stated though he didn’t apologize. “There is only one mate for an Arion. For you to find her is a blessing.”

  “I doubt she’ll see it that way,” Mason said with a grim tone. “Besides, I am still coming to terms with the whole thing myself. I don’t see how it is possible that I have enough Arion in me to mate.”

  “Of course she will,” Michael said, referencing Holly’s response to their mating. His tone was reassuring. It was the last thing Mason expected from an Arion. “She loves you.”