“No.” He nuzzled her neck, leaving stinging bites as he moved lower. “I’ll make love to you.”

  “I don’t care what you call it as long as you do it.”

  He jerked his head up and his eyes narrowed. Grabbing her ass, he lifted her. She wrapped her legs around his waist as he carried her to her pallet, stopping long enough to lock the door.

  Falling to his knees, he lowered her to the thin pallet. “I wish I could lay you on a thick mattress of feathers with silk sheets and soft blankets.”

  “Is that how you made love to Kathryn?” She could have smacked herself the moment the words were out of her mouth. Why couldn’t she leave it alone?

  “It wasn’t like that with her.” He easily supported himself on his arms, keeping the bulk of his weight off her while still covering her body with his. Her nipples tightened with each breath she took. His erection was thick and hard and made her pussy throb with need.

  “You can’t tell me you didn’t make love with her.”

  He shook his head. “I won’t lie. We did have sex. But it was only one night.”

  “Don’t tell me it didn’t matter to you. I won’t believe you.” She’d heard the way he’d talked about the other woman. It was illogical to be jealous of a woman he’d known before he met her, a woman who was no longer here. But Kathryn Piedmont had possessed something she coveted. Tienan’s love and trust.

  Tienan rolled off her, stretching out beside her. A muscle jumped in his jaw. The dark stubble covering it made him look even more fierce than usual. And that was saying something because Tienan was the most intense and dangerous man she’d ever known.

  “It did mean something. It was special but I knew it wasn’t meant to be. I loved her, yes, but she wasn’t for me.”

  “I’m sorry.” Silence started to sit up. The desire of moments before cooled as he talked of his former love.

  “I am too.” He placed his hand on her stomach, not letting her move. “Where are you going?”

  Was he crazy? “You honestly don’t think we’re going to have sex after you telling me you love another woman, do you?” She could see a blood vessel beneath his left eye jerk.

  “Loved her.” He leaned over her and planted his right hand on the floor, caging her in. “She treated me like a real person, risked her life for me. Of course I loved her.”

  Silence felt crushed by the truth. She should have kept her mouth shut. Closing her eyes against the sting of tears, she felt one lone drop slip down her temple and disappear into her hair.

  “Loved,” he whispered, catching the next tear with his thumb. “But it was more of the idea of her. Look at me.”

  Silence wanted to keep her eyes shut but she knew Tienan would stay as long as it took for her to obey his request. Opening her eyes, she met his gaze. He was slightly blurry because of the tears filling her eyes. She sniffed and bit her bottom lip to keep from bawling like a baby. She felt pathetic.

  “Even when all the evidence pointed to the fact you’d betrayed me, I didn’t want to believe it. I waited and watched this place for days wanting a glimpse of you. I kidnapped you again because I had to have you. You’re in my blood, warming all the cold, dark places.”

  She was listening now. Completely still. She didn’t even blink, not wanting to do anything that might make him stop talking.

  “The fact that you could get up, dress and leave from where I first held you was the true sign. If I didn’t trust you there was no way you’d have been able to do any of that without waking me. I’ve been too highly trained to make that kind of mistake. That’s what made it all the worse when I thought you’d betrayed me. I’d never trusted anyone else as much as I trusted you. I never held a woman in my arms at night, not wanting to let her go.”

  Several more tears drifted down her temple and her nose itched. But Silence didn’t dare sniff. She didn’t want to distract him. She stared into his tortured green eyes and saw a reflection of herself.

  “And when I saw you fall through the floor, I thought my life was over.” He traced his thumb over the curve of her cheek and skimmed his thumb over her lips. “If I hadn’t caught you, I’d have gone through the hole after you.”

  Her heart stopped. When it resumed beating it was a hard and painful thump against her chest. “No.” The single word was torn from her lips. “You could have been hurt. Killed.”

  His face looked as though it had been carved from stone. There was no softness in his hard jaw or strong features. “I wouldn’t have mattered. As long as I could have caught and cushioned your fall, protecting you.”

  She shook her head.

  “Yes,” he countered. “It was then I understood what I felt for Kathryn was pleasant, a dream of something good. What I feel for you is dangerous and powerful and never-ending.”

  Silence could barely swallow past the lump in your throat. “What does that mean?” She needed the words from him. After everything she’d gone through, he owed her that.

  “It means that I won’t be an easy man to live with. I’ve made the unfortunate discovery that I’m possessive and jealous. I’ll kill any man who dares to touch you.” His eyes narrowed, daring her to disagree. “You’re mine and I’m keeping you. Forever. If you have a problem with that, too bad. You told me you loved me and you can’t take it back.”

  She saw it then. The slightest bit of uncertainty. He was so confident and such a loner, it had never occurred to her that he might be as lonely as she. The ache in her heart lightened. “I won’t take it back,” she promised.

  Tienan closed his eyes and let out a deep breath. She could sense the tension seeping out of him. Opening his eyes, he stared into hers. “Now I’m going to make love to you.”

  He hadn’t said he loved her, but she knew his choice of words was deliberate. That was enough. For now. Raising her arms, she wrapped them around his neck. “I can’t wait.”

  Tienan felt the corners of his mouth turning up in a smile. The action was so foreign it took him a moment to realize what it was. Silence did that to him. Made him feel emotions he’d never really experienced before. And right now she was making him a very happy man.

  He meant what he’d said. He’d kill any man who dared to touch her. Silence belonged to him. She was lying next to him, staring up at him with love and trust shining from her eyes. He wanted to be worthy of that. Never wanted to see pain and suffering etched on her face again. Unrealistic, maybe, but it was something to shoot for.

  “Let’s get you undressed.” His fingers shook ever so slightly as he reached for the hem of her shirt.

  Silence grasped a handful of the front of his shirt and yanked. “You too.”

  Their arms got tangled as they dragged clothing off until they were both naked from the waist up. The sun pouring through the window wrapped Silence in its golden glow, making her skin shimmer. Her breasts were pale, plump mounds that his hands itched to hold. Her nipples were the palest pink and very delicate. Her arms were slender, yet sleek with muscles.

  “You are so beautiful.” He traced a thumb around one tender areola, smiling as he felt a shiver of pleasure rush through her. A blush crept up her cheekbones. She wasn’t used to compliments, his little warrior.

  “So are you.”

  Tienan laughed, the sound low and unfamiliar. “Men aren’t beautiful.” He let his hand slip down her slender rib cage. He frowned at the fragile feel of her. She could do with a few extra pounds. He’d have to see about obtaining some more food for her.

  “You are,” she insisted. Her fingers tangled in the ends of his hair before skimming down his nape. Her nails teased the sensitive flesh. His cock jerked, pressing harder against the zipper of his pants.

  The urge to strip her pants and slam into her pussy was overwhelming. She was hot and ready. The scent of her arousal was evident in every breath he took. But he wanted to take his time. Savor every touch, every sigh and moan of pleasure. Prove to her he could be gentle.

  Her hand slid down his shoulder and landed on his biceps, squeezing. “You’re so strong. Deceptively so.”

  “Genetic engineering.”

  “Does your shoulder hurt?” She bit her lower lip as she stared at the pristine bandage wrapped around his shoulder.

  “Not at all.” And it didn’t. He felt strong and alive, the pain from his shoulder nothing but a whisper in the background. He didn’t want to talk about him. He wanted to touch her.

  Sitting up, he unlaced her boots one at a time, pulled them off and put them to one side. Her socks followed. He returned to the waistband of her pants, slipping buttons open until they were all undone. Sliding his hands beneath the fabric, he pushed them down one inch at a time, revealing her long, slender legs.

  Her large violet-blue eyes watched him as he stripped her, leaving her naked on the pallet. “You next.” She reached for him, but he shook his head.

  “If you touch me, I’ll come.” His words were blunt, but they were nothing short of the truth.

  “Really?” Her delight was obvious.

  He didn’t know whether to laugh or groan at the mischievous look on her face. She reached out to touch him, but he caught her hand and shook his head. “I’m so on edge that it wouldn’t take much to push me over. And I’m not ready to do that yet.”

  She arched her back and batted her eyelashes at him. “What do you want to do?”

  Tienan was utterly charmed and captivated by this new playful side of Silence. He brought her hand to his mouth and nipped at the pad of her hand before licking away the sting. “I want to do all sorts of things.” He trailed his tongue over her index finger before sucking it into his mouth.

  Silence gasped, her eyelids fluttering half closed.

  He swirled his tongue around her finger before releasing it. “I want to taste your sweet nipples. I want to spread your legs wide and eat you until you come. I want your juices on my fingers and mouth.” He nipped the tip of her finger. “All that and more.”

  Air was in short supply. At least that’s what it felt like to Silence. Tienan was obviously aroused, but he was intent on taking his time. Being the focus of such intense scrutiny was a bit overwhelming, but it was also an incredible turn-on.

  Her body felt incredibly alive, every nerve snapping and firing on all cylinders. Her skin was flush with pleasure and anticipation. All she needed to do was say the word. “Take off your pants first.” She needed him to be naked too.

  His lips firmed but he quickly unlaced his boots, removing them and his socks. She watched, unable to look away as he slowly pulled down the zipper of his pants. His cock jumped out, full and thick and ready. The head was a reddish-purple, engorged with blood. Liquid seeped from the slit, making the head slick.

  Silence licked her lips, drawing a groan from him. His hips jerked in her direction. He quickly shucked his pants and lay beside her, throwing one muscled thigh over her legs to hold her in place. His erection was pressed against her hip and she could feel her skin getting damp from his arousal. His hair flowed around his face, touching her skin as he leaned down and kissed her.

  It was filled with tenderness and caring and brought tears to her eyes. This was not a man to whom gentleness came easily, which made it all the more special. The kiss changed quickly, becoming more intense. Tongues teased, breath mingled, teeth clinked and mouths clung. Her fingers tangled in his hair, not wanting him to stop.

  The man certainly knew how to kiss. Cream flowed from her core as he continued to do nothing but kiss her. Soon it was no longer enough. She needed more.

  Skimming her hands over his shoulders, she marveled at the sculpted muscles. His chest was hard and warm. Her fingers grazed his flat nipples, drawing a growl from him. She loved that low, raspy sound he made when he was aroused and she did something to please him.

  Tienan was busy kissing his way down her neck. He dragged his tongue over her collarbone before dipping lower. Cupping her breasts in his hands, he lapped at the turgid peaks, leaving them damp. Then he blew gently on them.

  Silence moaned as the caress made her throb low in her belly. Her legs moved restlessly.

  He teased both nipples with his thumbs before sucking one into his mouth. He drew hard, making her cry out with pleasure. Her hips came off the floor, searching for his cock to fill her. “Tienan.” She wanted to yell his name but could only manage a raspy whisper. God, how she needed him.

  “Hmm,” he replied as he kissed and licked a path from her breast to her navel. His tongue dipped inside, swirling around. He moved, shifting his body between her legs, spreading them wide.

  She held her breath, wanting him to touch her but afraid that she’d come with the first stroke.

  He combed his fingers through her pubic hair. The damp curls clung to him, as though trying to hold him there. He used his thumbs to open her. “Your pussy is so wet.” He leaned close and inhaled deep. “You smell like honey and musk.” The tip of his tongue touched her clit.

  She tipped her hips upward. “Touch me.”

  “How?” He circled her clit, making her squirm. “Do you want me to finger-fuck you? Or maybe you’d like me to suck this sweet nub until you scream.”

  She licked her lips, which were suddenly dry, and nodded.

  His thumbs moved up and down her labia, teasing the sensitive flesh. “Maybe you’d like me to do something different.” He stroked his fingers over her, letting her cream cover them. Her hips jerked upward and he let his thumb slip inside her sheath. It wasn’t as long as his finger, more of a tease than anything. His middle finger stroked the crease of her bottom, rimming the puckered opening of her ass.

  She froze.

  “No man has ever touched you here, has he?” Tienan removed his thumb from inside her but continued to stroke her back entrance.

  She shook her head.

  Smiling, he lowered his mouth again, sucking her clit between his lips and teasing it with his tongue. Silence was breathless. Then he pushed his finger past the tight muscles of her ass until the tip was inside. It felt slightly uncomfortable but not painful. He pushed a little deeper as he continued to suck her clit.

  Having him touch her like that felt wicked and sensual and left her wanting more. Her pussy clutched on air, wanting his cock filling her.

  “I’ll fuck your ass someday.” His finger went all the way. “Damn, you’re tight. We’ll get you used to this first.” He kissed the inside of her thigh and slid two fingers into her core. She felt full, but it still wasn’t enough.

  Whimpering, she bucked her hips, needing him deeper than his fingers could go. She was balanced on the edge, needing something to push her over. Always in tune with her body, Tienan took her clit between his lips and sucked hard.

  Silence felt her entire body tense. Then it exploded. Her hips bucked and she slapped her hand over her mouth as she cried out, hoping the noise didn’t bring anyone running to check on her. Pleasure washed over her. Tienan didn’t let up, extending her orgasm until she couldn’t take it anymore.

  “Stop,” she pleaded.

  “Never,” he promised as he shoved her legs wide, pressing the head of his cock to her opening. Her pussy spasmed at the thought of having him inside. His shoulders were slick with sweat, every muscles delineated in his shoulders, biceps and chest as he held himself over her. Waiting.

  In spite of what he’d said, he was waiting for her okay. Her heart seemed to swell in her chest. If she didn’t love him already, she would have fallen head over heels at this moment. “Yes.”

  The word wasn’t even out of her mouth before he slammed home. She cried out as he filled her. Her inner muscles, swollen from her orgasm, clutched him hard. His hips pumped fast and furious, driving him even deeper. With each stroke, he angled her hips so his pelvis rubbed her clit.

  She dug her fingers into his biceps, holding on. She was afraid if she shattered, she’d never find all the pieces of herself again. Tienan’s head was thrown back, his thick neck corded with muscle as he fucked her. His lips were pressed together, his chest expanding and contracting with each breath he sucked in.

  He wrapped his arms around her and rolled. She shrieked as her position changed and she was suddenly on top. He planted his feet on the floor and clasped his hands on her hips as he pushed up. His green eyes were practically glowing as he watched her. “Fuck me.”

  Bracing her hands on his thick chest, she raised herself up. Inch after inch slipped out until only the head of his cock was inside her. She slammed back down, taking him deep. They both groaned.

  “Again,” he encouraged.

  She liked this new position, liked being in charge. With his hands on her waist to guide her, Silence did it again, finding a rhythm that pleased them both. Heat was building inside her and she knew she was close to coming again. It should have been impossible after the intense climax she’d already had, but there was no stopping it.

  It struck like a bolt of lightning. A flash of heat went through her. Her legs trembled and a shiver went down her spine. Tienan tightened his grip and began to fuck her harder and faster. He arched his hips and her legs left the pallet. Only his hold on her kept her from falling.

  He called her name and she felt the flood of heat as he came. Boneless, she fell forward. He cradled her against his chest, his massive arms wrapped around her. Tremors shook his body and his heart thundered in his chest. Sighing, she closed her eyes and snuggled close.

  She was just drifting off when he whispered in her ear. “I love you.” She smiled and started to return the words to him but yawned instead. He chuckled, the sound reverberating in his chest. “Sleep.” That was the last thing she heard.

  Chapter Ten

  Three hours later, feeling refreshed from a bout of amazing sex and a nap, Silence was washed and dressed again. Tienan was right behind her as they headed downstairs to the main living area to find Adrian.

  She’d awoke with Tienan’s big body wrapped around her, his erection nestled in the crease of her ass. He’d cupped her breast as he’d slid his cock into her, rocking them both to another orgasm.