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  Her delicate little hands slid under his arms and up his back, her nipples pressing into his chest in an unspoken invitation reinforced by her words. Chin tilted upward, lips parted, she gave him a sultry look. “Make love to me, Diego.”

  No hesitation, his mouth captured hers in a passionate kiss. It was as if the beast inside had been waiting, ready to claim its feast. Never before in his life had he needed like he needed in that moment. Suddenly, they were clinging to one another, hands exploring, tongues tangling, bodies pressed close. But he wanted more. Hands beneath the round perfection of her ass, he moved her so that she was flat in the center of the mattress.

  Urgency drove his hands as he shoved her skirt up and pushed her knees apart. He settled his groin into the center of her body’s V, still kissing her, his tongue lapping at hers as if he was drinking her very life. Instead, he was finding his own.

  Her body arched into his, driving him wild as she squirmed beneath him, hands traveling his body with tantalizing caresses. He moaned, the scrape of her nails down his flesh drawing not a sound of pain but a sound of pleasure. The roar of his darker side wanted to be fed, and Marcella’s wild abandonment only made him thirst for more.

  He palmed her breast, kneading it, squeezing, pinching the nipple. She made a soft purr. Her breathing was heavy, her chest rising and falling. His lips traveled to her neck, teeth scraping the sensitive skin even as his other hand fingered and pinched a pink, perfect nipple.

  “Oh God, Diego. What are you doing to me?” She gasped the words, her hands on his head, her nipple erect under the sweet play of his touch. His mouth found the red bud and suckled. Her hips arched into his, and he pressed into her in response, a sudden urgency to be inside her claiming him. But not like this. Not with their clothes on.

  While he still had the will, he pulled himself off her, standing at the end of the bed and reaching for the button of his jeans. She leaned up, weight on her elbows, breasts full with arousal as she displayed them for his viewing.

  “What are you doing?” she asked, her voice heavy with passion.

  “Get undressed,” he said. “I want to see and feel all of you. Every inch.” He bent down and started untying his shoes. She reached for one shoe and tossed it to the floor with a loud thud. He had managed to get rid of one of his by the time she tossed the other. And then she was there, standing above him, skirt falling to the floor, a pool of material at her feet. She stepped out of the garment and kicked it aside. In a slow perusal, his eyes traveled from her perfectly painted pink toenails up the creamy white perfection of her calves, to the thighs he so wanted wrapped around his body. And then her panties fell to the floor.

  His eyes followed the small piece of emerald silk, dark green, like the color of her eyes, fell to her feet. But his gaze lingered only a brief instant. Hungrily he focused on the triangle of red curls between her legs. He moved forward, hands sliding up the back of her thighs, cupping her cheeks as his mouth found her mound. She cried out, her hands lacing into his hair. He suckled her bud and then licked and tasted, loving the intimacy of knowing her…his woman.

  His fingers slid along the slick folds of her body, caressing, exploring and then slipping inside her. He stroked her inner wall, moving his fingers in simulated sex, making her hips arch, pressing her bud into his mouth. She made a soft sound of pleasure and it drove him crazy, making him lap at her with more hunger.

  “Diego,” she cried out, “I can’t…stand. I—”

  He felt her tremble an instant before her knees buckled. Moving both hands around her ass, he firmed his grip, holding her up so she wouldn’t fall. All the while his tongue swirled and licked her into satisfied bliss, slowing as she slowed.

  The instant she calmed, he urged her onto the bed, but he didn’t kiss her as he yearned to do. First things first. He needed to get rid of the remainder of his clothes. Because it was way past time he was inside her.

  * * * * *

  Marcella had never given sex much thought. Until now. She was shaking. Literally trembling. She could feel her bottom lip quiver. Not from fear from pleasure. From a shared intimacy with a stranger so intense it seemed to turn her insides out. There were things in life that called to her beyond the physical. To feel what she felt now, she knew they existed beyond this experience.

  And though her need for Diego had manifested in the form of desire, he too was linked to her beyond this moment. Beyond touch.

  He stood at the end of the bed, his cock long and hard, and his eyes wild with a raging inferno. For her. Marcella’s eyes lingered on the proof of his arousal. Had he been closer she would have touched him. Wrapped her hand around the width and felt him pulse in her hand.

  For now, she settled for looking. And what a sight he was. Tall, broad and packed with lean, sexy muscles in all the right places. He had pecs that begged to be touched and abs that demanded her lips. She’d just had an amazing orgasm and she was all hot and wanting all over again. She wanted him inside her. It pulled at her like a living, growing expectancy.

  As if answering her call, he was there, on top of her. His hands pressed her legs apart, fingers sliding into her wetness, preparing her. Then his mouth was there, on hers, tongue probing. He guided his cock to her body, moving it along her aroused core and moaning into her mouth.

  And then he sunk deep.

  She cried out. He cried out. Together they felt the impact of their joining. His face was buried in her neck, and she felt him shudder though he didn’t move. What she experienced in that moment she didn’t understand. It was like a shiver rushed through her body. And then she shuddered as he had, ripples of pleasure dancing along her nerve endings with all-consuming pleasure.

  He raised his head, one hand sliding into her hair, and looked into her eyes. His mouth lingering so close she could almost taste him. And then as if an animal was unleashed, he was kissing her. Crazy, hot, kissing her and she couldn’t get enough. They pressed into each other, moving together, raw with an urgency to get closer.

  He rose up on his hands, an amazing, powerful sight, thrusting into her. She wanted to watch him, to take in the sheer force of his beauty. But each stroke, each thrust, hit her with a rush of pleasure. The intensity forced her eyes shut.

  Arching upward, she met him with a push. “More,” she said or maybe she just thought it. She didn’t know. She just wanted. “More. Harder.”

  A low growl escaped his throat, and he flattened his hard body against her softer one, kissing her even as he pushed deeper. She wrapped her legs around his, pulling her hips into his, kissing him in between moans, touching his face, his back, his shoulders.

  And with perfect timing, like an answer to a burning question, he squeezed her breast and pinched her nipple. She arched into him. His hands moved down her sides, around her ass, pulling her tighter against his body. The angle allowed her to take more of him.

  “Yes,” she moaned breathlessly and tried to press her chest tighter against his. They were so close, bodies touching everywhere, yet it wasn’t enough. If she could have crawled under his skin at that moment, she would have. There was desperation to her movements and to his as they twisted and turned together.

  In. Out. Sideways. Oh so marvelously, but never, ever, enough. She could never get enough.

  He whispered something in Spanish, but she couldn’t make out his words. She was too…there. Too on the edge. No. Over the edge. She felt the first spasm of orgasm like she was shattering. Shocked when she lingered on the tip of fulfillment.

  Diego called her name, thrusting with fierceness, once again raised up on his hands. But her legs still clung to his, holding him firmly, not letting him escape. She was so damn close to the ultimate pleasure. To the moment. Diego moaned, arching his back and thrusting hard, deep, harder.

  And the moment of no return had come. Her hands clenched the sheets, her face moving from side to side. “Oh God,” she moaned, feeling like she was about to explode.

  An animal-like groan escaped Diego’s l
ips, and he buried himself inside her with completeness like no other stroke. He shuddered as she shattered, her body shaking with the impact. The pleasure so abrupt and bold, she could hardly breathe.

  When finally they both stilled, Diego slowly lowered himself, rolling to his side and taking her with him. Holding her, hand stroking her hair with gentleness so unlike the wildness in his lovemaking.

  She loved how he felt. How being in his arms made her all warm inside. But even as she lavished in the moment, her head began to spin. A wave of sickness rolled through her body. “Oh. I…” She swallowed, squeezing her eyes shut. “I’m dizzy.”

  His palm went to her cheek. “Look at me, my love, mi vida.”

  His voice reached inside her and seemed to calm. She forced her eyes open. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”

  “It will pass in a few minutes. I promise.”

  “How do you know?” she whispered, the room spinning.

  He kissed her forehead. “It is part of your body binding to mine. It is quite normal.”

  Inhaling, Marcella willed herself to calm. “What have you done to me?”

  * * * * *

  He knew this moment would come. But he also knew she would always have a choice. Never would he take that from her. Running his hand down her hair, he tried to comfort. With a slight shift he rolled around to face her.

  “I will never want another woman. We are bound body and soul. You, on the other hand, are still human. That hasn’t been taken from you. Though you will want me, even need me, you still have the ability to live on without me.”

  Her eyes were wide now, no longer looking so dazed. “But you can’t live without me?”

  “I can, yes, but I will never want another.” He paused. “And I will forever need you. If you are by my side, I will be stronger in all ways possible.”

  She blinked several times. “And if I’m not?”

  He ignored her question, not wanting to contemplate a separation. And with effort, he made himself ask rather than tell what came next. “My people need me as does the good of humanity so I must return to our base. I hope you will go with me.” He paused. “For me. For the better of our planet. We need your help.” He ran his finger over her lip. “I need you.”

  “You didn’t answer my question. What happens if I’m not with you?”

  It would destroy him, but he wasn’t about to admit such a thing. She needed to make this decision herself. To be with him of her own free will. When he didn’t respond immediately, she sat up, the sheet falling to her waist, giving him a tantalizing view of her ivory-skinned torso. Pulling her legs to her chest, she pressed her chin to her knees, hair falling forward like a veil of silk.

  He was still trying to decide how to answer when his eyes caught and held on the vision on the back of Marcella’s neck. His mark. The Arion star. It denoted the mate of an Arion male. His breath caught in his throat. Knowing she was fully his was like a rush. His mark was now a part of her existence from here on out. Love, lust and an array of feelings he couldn’t quite decipher swirled inside. And possessiveness. She was his.

  She cut him a sideways look. “Well?”

  He sat up, wrapping his arms around her waist and pressing his lips to the star. She sucked in a breath, and he knew she felt his emotion. It was potent inside him, reaching for her as a new day did the sun. Because he was a new man because of her.

  “What are you doing to me?” she whispered.

  “It’s already done.” He kissed her neck again. “You wear my mark.”

  She twisted around to see him, grabbing for the sheet and pulling it over her chest. “What?” Then her eyes darted beyond him. “Oh no. Damn it.” She crawled over him, reaching for the phone.

  Perched half on top of him, her breasts were pressed against his chest. His hand found her hip and his cock stirred. “What are you doing?”

  “My aunt is going to be worried sick. I told her I would be back in an hour. It’s been two.”

  His hand slid up to her breast and he fingered her nipple. “Tell her you won’t be back tonight.”

  She moaned at the play of his fingers. “Stop.” Receiver in her hand, Marcella looked at him. His brow quirked. He didn’t like his woman telling him not to touch her. As if she read his mind, which she well might have, she answered, “I can’t concentrate when you touch me like that.” A two-second pause. “And I can’t tell her that. She’ll freak.”

  She belonged with him. Period. The end. He’d be damned if he was letting her out of his sight. Danger was too close. His hands slid around her waist, his jaw tight with the sudden tension lacing his body. “You’re in danger. You stay with me.”

  Her eyes locked with his, and then to his surprise, she set the receiver down, leaning over him and pressing her lips to his. Then, her eyes full of affection, she trailed her fingers down his cheek. “I feel your concern. I’ll be fine. Stop worrying.”

  His fingers laced into her hair. “You’re right. You will be. Because you’re staying here with me.”

  “Diego—” He reached for the phone, shuffling her off to his side. “What are you doing?”

  He glanced at her. “I’m calling your aunt.”

  “What?” she gasped. “No! Give me the phone.” But it was too late. Marcella could hear her aunt’s voice. “Hello,” she said in a worried voice. “Hello. Marcella?”

  Diego looked at Marcella, handed her the phone and then spoke to her through their mental connection. You tell her or I will.

  * * * * *

  Marcella’s eyes narrowed on Diego, hot with temper. She wanted him to see and feel the anger he’d inspired. With gritted teeth she grabbed the phone from him. “Yes, Aunt, it’s Marcella.”

  “Oh thank God. I’ve been worried sick. David is searching the hotel. Where are you?”

  “I’m safe,” Marcella assured her, eyeing Diego. A hint of a satisfied smile played on his too sexy lips. She gave him a warning look but spoke to her aunt. “I’ll explain later. Well, tomorrow. Not tonight. Aunt, I’m not coming back to the room tonight.”

  Silence. She could almost visualize her aunt’s jaw hanging open. “David won’t like this. He’ll demand you return.”

  Marcella felt the rise of Diego’s irritation without him so much as blinking. He had a cool exterior, but it hid nothing from her. The realization came with surprise. She had never felt another’s emotion with such ease.

  Suddenly, Marcella was both afraid for David and surprisingly warmed by Diego’s possessiveness. Delicately, she cleared her throat, feeling a bit overwhelmed with emotion. Something about Diego felt like home. It frightened her how much she wanted to be with a complete stranger.

  “Tell David I’ll be fine,” she said, and in a softer voice, “I will be. I promise. I’m safe.” And she knew she was. Diego would protect her. “I’ll call in the morning.”

  A promise wasn’t enough. Very worried, her aunt continued to press, desperation slipping into her voice as she pleaded for Marcella’s return. Giving her Diego’s room number was the final outcome of the conversation.

  With a heavy sigh, Marcella hung up the phone. Diego lay on his back, hands behind his head. Oblivious to her nakedness, she crawled over him, straddling his hips and flattening her palms on his chest, fingers nestled in the dark hair. “David’s harmless. He’s just doing his job.”

  Diego’s eyes lingered on her breast, his hands settling on her hips. “I don’t like him or his intentions. The man wants you, Marcella.”

  She didn’t like when he said things like that. Her hands covered his. “Must you be so blunt?”

  “If putting the cold hard facts bluntly is what it takes to get your attention, then yes. David’s desire for you is blatant yet you choose to ignore it.” He slid his hands up her back, pulling her towards him. His fingers slid behind her neck, pulling her lips towards his, their breath mingling. In a softer voice he said, “I protect what is mine.”

  She tightened her lips, fighting the urge to pres
s her mouth to his, trying to ignore the play of his chest hair on her nipples. “Yes, let’s talk about this ‘mine’ thing you keep saying. I belong to me. If I choose to be with you it’s because I choose to be with you.”

  His eyes narrowed. “And do you choose to be with me, Marcella?”

  Chapter Five

  The way he said her name, with a sexy little Spanish accent lifting the last vowel, made her stomach flip-flop. His dark eyes locked with hers and held. After several spellbound seconds she looked away. “This is crazy. We’re strangers.”

  He moved then, and she found her back on the mattress, his hard body on top of hers, his legs pinning hers as if he was afraid she might escape. “I know you need time to accept who and what I am to you. As much as I want to demand you accept me, I know I cannot.” He brushed his lips across hers in a gentle caress.

  She wasn’t quite sure what to say. “This is very confusing.”

  “I must return home with you by my side.”

  Her eyes went wide. “What? When?” Her mind raced. “Where?”

  “Nevada.” No hesitation. “As soon as you heal the girl.”

  “Nevada?” she half gasped. Had she not been trapped under his big body she would already be standing. “I can’t just leave. No.” She shook her head, feeling a tiny bit of panic.

  “You have to, Marcella.”

  “No, I don’t. I don’t have to do anything.”

  His eyes flashed with something dark. “Your life and that of many others could depend on you. We feel you can help us in ways no other can.”

  “How can I help? My healing abilities? I won’t heal as a part of war. You’ve picked the wrong woman.”

  “You are the right woman for many reasons. One of which is our leader’s wife. She is with child. It will be the first time a converted human gives birth. She must live. She is the light that keeps our leader focused.”

  “Are there complications?”

  “Not yet, but I’m not prepared to enter the unknown unprepared. Too much is on the line. I need someone by my side. I need you to be that someone.” His voice was possessive. Low. They stared at one another a long moment before he added, “This is not about war. It’s about peace. Good versus evil. Myself and the men like me, we have abilities we don’t know how to fully utilize. The enemy does. It’s rumored they actually had an alien race training them. It is quite possible the originator of the DNA used for our enhancement is joining in their battle.”