Chain of Illusions (Bringer and the Bane) (6 page)

With great effort Siban maintained his awareness of Rhys and scanned the area ahead of him. It took several attempts to clarify the streams of information pouring into him, but eventually requests from Rell began trickling to him. Her desire to patrol a certain area crystalized. He in turn made a request and each time she responded accurately. By the end of practice, their abilities hummed in near perfect harmony.

Their knack for sensing one another’s needs calmed Siban’s apprehension about their journey into the Shadow World. Unlike before, he would not be alone and now possessed the skill to communicate with Rell if captured again.

His eyes cut to Rell. What would she do if faced with being turned Bane again? He watched her pick up the small sword she’d been given and examine the blade. She appeared calmer than he’d seen her in days. Maybe their newly acquired talents gave her more confidence. He watched her slash the air with the weapon, her face set in grim determination.

He hoped she wasn’t too confident as to be reckless.

Chapter Five

By the end of the day Rell’s head was swimming with information and her muscles ached with fatigue. Serena had readied a bath for her in the stone tub in her chamber. More than ever, Rell appreciated the fact that Jacob Le Daun was a man of innovations. He’d taken advantage of the hot springs under Faela and had created a hand pump and pipes that opened to let the water run freely into the tub. Getting the water in appeared easy, but Rell was uncertain how they were to get the water out.

Determined to enjoy her bath, Rell piled her hair on top of her head and slid into the steaming liquid. Heat surrounded her, sinking deep into her bones. She sighed as the warmth chased away the chill that was starting to settle as her body cooled from its vigorous workout. She lay against the smooth rock and thought about everything she’d learned.

Magnus had begun their lesson at the turning point just before the Thousand Year War between the Bringers and the Bane. He and Brita had imparted so much history her mind actually hurt. Ripples skated across the surface when she stirred the steaming water with her hand. Rose petals bobbed like boats on a windswept lake. Rell tilted her head forward until the water covered her chin. The muscles in her neck stretched and slowly released their tight hold.

A knock sounded at the door. “Who is it?”

“Siban. May I come in?”

She slid lower until the cloudy water touched her earlobes. Her first thought was to call out that she was not decent, but she stayed that urge. Though today’s activities had exhausted her, they’d also left her exhilarated and feeling slightly daring. “Come in.”

The door opened halfway and Siban stepped inside. He stopped, his eyes taking in the scene. Without looking away, he shoved the door closed behind him. His hand fumbled for the bolt and when he found it, he slid it across. “I can come back later.”

Certain he had no intention of leaving since he’d just locked them inside, Rell repressed her smile. “If you’d prefer to come back later, that’s fine.”

He glided forward, pulling his tunic and shirt over his head in one smooth move. “I don’t prefer that, so perhaps it’s better if I stay.”

Her breath caught in her throat. It was all she could do not to blush like the maiden she was. After everything she’d been through, it was a miracle he could still make her feel like an innocent.

Golden skin spread across his broad chest and rippled abdomen. Even in the low flickering light of the lanterns she could see the tiny white scars she’d spent hours healing, scars given to him by Vile and Sha-hera. Rell forced herself to look at his face, not letting him know the evidence of his torture brought back the pain of the desolate days they’d spent together in the Shadow World.

A shy smile crept across her lips. She was confident he would guide her when she no longer knew what came next. “Are you here to wash my back?”

His eyebrows lifted, he was surprised by her boldness. “That—and other things.”

His words sent a flash of heat through her and she suddenly wanted nothing more than to feel his hands on her body. She sat forward and bared her back to him, giving him silent permission to approach.

Siban knelt beside the stone tub and picked up the cloth. After dipping it in the water, he squeezed out the excess and applied it to her skin. She wished she could see him. Perhaps it was her insecurity at not knowing what to do or maybe she just wanted to watch his reaction as he touched her.

Rell wrapped her arms around her legs and bent her back. The cloth skated across her skin, gently washing away the grime of the day’s workout. Her eyelids slid closed and she concentrated on the exquisite sensation of Siban touching her so intimately.

His presence in her chamber with her naked and vulnerable awakened a part of her that she hadn’t felt since her encounter with Icarus in the caverns of the Shadow World. But this was different—more right—more thrilling—free of the darkness and unspoken obligations.

The cloth fell into the water with a tiny splash. She opened her eyes, staring at the wall opposite. Siban’s fingers replaced the rag, moving across her back, gently kneading and exploring every inch. Tiny shivers pebbled her skin when he gently blew on her shoulder.

Her quiet laugh turned to a moan of pleasure when his thumbs lightly dug into her shoulders, working the knots free. Rell relaxed her position and straightened slightly. The water still hid her breasts, keeping her modesty intact, but the desire to have Siban touch her in more intimate places was quickly growing.

She inched backward and rested her shoulders against the edge of the tub. The tips of her breasts hovered just beneath the water but could be easily seen. She held her breath, trying to contain the thrill racing through her. The pink buds bobbed into view with each movement she made. Was she being too bold? Siban’s massaging fingers slowed and she knew she had not been.

She watched his fingers creep along her shoulders toward her breasts. The breath stuck in her throat and for a few seconds she didn’t move. But she wanted more. With a silent invitation, she let her head fall back to rest on his shoulder, giving him complete access. Siban’s lips grazed her throat and his warm breath sent tremors of pleasure down her torso and up along her neck. She needed him closer, wanted more contact with him.

The desire he stirred inside emboldened her. She turned her face toward him and offered her mouth. He captured her lips. His hands drifted down her chest and cupped her breasts, his thumbs strumming her nipples to a hard point. Sparks of intense pleasure traveled to her core. She gasped and Siban’s tongue swept inside, melting away her inhibitions.

Rell twisted and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him as close as she could get and deepening their kiss. Heat radiated from him. The water from the bath caused her skin to slide smoothly across his chest. He groaned.

Nothing had ever felt this good—or right. She broke their kiss. “I need more.”

Siban shifted and dragged her from the water as he stood. The cool air brushed her skin but did little to temper the fire he had ignited within her. The stone scraped her thighs and knees but the passion encompassing her dulled the pain. Her body pressed against the length of him, his erection straining against her stomach. Still it wasn’t enough.

She lifted her leg and ran her calf and foot up his thigh. In one seamless move, Siban bent and lifted her, wrapping his arm under her rear end. Instinctively Rell encircled his waist with her legs. His hardness pressed against her sex and she gripped his shoulders, staring into his eyes and savoring the sensation. The act was so intimate it made her feel alive. He kissed her again, his mouth dominating hers.

She was vaguely aware that he carried her somewhere. It didn’t matter where as long as he didn’t let her go. Cold stone pressed against her back and she gasped, breaking their kiss.

He’d pinned her against the wall but continued to hold her around his waist. He stared at her, his eyes burning bright with barely contained passion. “I’m only noble to a certain point, Rell.” His breaths came in short pants. “If you don’t want this to continue, you’re going to have to stop me now.” He took a deep breath and exhaled. “This will be your last chance.”

The effect she had on him was intoxicating. Such control. Such power. Such beauty. The truth was she couldn’t have stopped herself if she’d wanted to, and she didn’t want to. Words failed her. She twined her fingers in his hair and pulled his mouth back to hers, pouring everything she had into the kiss. He was the man that she wanted now—that she’d want forever.

Siban pressed her more firmly against the wall and reached below her bottom to work free the tie of his pants. Within seconds the smooth skin of his cock pressed against her sex. Anticipation mixed with anxiety and her eyes slid closed. Her mother had explained what happened between a man and woman—that the first time might be painful, but she didn’t care. She wanted the pain—wanted to feel every second of coupling with Siban.

He released his cock and replaced it with his fingers. Her eyes sprung open at the new sensation. The calloused tips brushed her sensitive nub, sending intense pleasure through her. In an effort not to scream, Rell bit her lip. She held his stare, letting her head rest against the wall. The need to move washed through her. Tightening her legs around Siban, she lifted her hips and lowered onto his fingers. A smile stretched across his mouth at her actions. His fingers continued to work her, sliding deep inside and then slowly pulling back out, only to repeat the slow, wonderful torture. Rell rotated her hips in small circles.

“You’ve plagued my dreams.” Siban’s voice came out harsh and labored. “I’ve wanted this for so long.”

His finger entered her again, pumping faster and his thumb flicked her clit each time he pulled out. Tremors of pleasure skittered to her core. A whimper slipped from her.

“You like that?”

She nodded and bit her lip, gyrating her hips.

When Siban lowered his head and captured her nipple in his mouth, Rell thought she’d shatter into a million pieces. Desire spiraled downward to mingle with the yearning building between her legs.

“Please.” She didn’t know what she begged for, only that she needed more.

Siban replaced his fingers with the tip of his cock and slowly pushed into her, inch by gloriously agonizing inch. “Bloody hell, you’re tight.”

She didn’t know if that was good or bad, but she didn’t care as long as he didn’t stop. He completed her in a way she’d never experienced, not only physically, but as if he filled the black hole that still remained in her soul. She opened her mind to him and was swamped with his desire. She sensed that he barely maintained control and that ratcheted her passion higher.

He slid into her another inch and stopped. His eyes narrowed and his breathing stuttered. “You’re a virgin.” He shook his head. “I didn’t know—didn’t think about it.”

“It doesn’t matter.” She cupped his face. “I want this.”

He shook his head again and Rell could feel his mood shifting to panic. “Not like this, Rell. Not against the wall. Not for your first time.”

Irritation flared inside her. This is exactly how she wanted it, hard and passionate. It made her feel alive, like she was desired as a woman. That she was no longer an abomination to be feared. His hold slackened and from his expression she could tell he was about to pull back. But that was not acceptable. He wanted her and she wanted him. Like this, right now.

She gripped his hair and pulled. “Don’t you dare stop.” Her lips curled in a seductive smile. “You say you’ve wanted this for a long time? Well I have too. I’m not some delicate maiden, Siban. The way you touch me makes me feel alive. More alive than I’ve felt in years.” She pulled his mouth to hers, kissing him hard before pulling away. “Use your powers and read me. I want this.”

His gaze focused on the wall beside her head for a second and then slid back to her face, his expression once again darkening with desire. “I can sense your need.”

“Do it.” She ground her hips against him, coaxing him back into action. “Make me yours.”

“It will hurt.”

She tightened her grip in his hair. “I want the pain.”

“I promise I will make you feel good again.” He hesitated only a second before driving into her. Rell gasped at the sharp sensation that erupted inside her and drank in the experience of becoming Siban’s woman. With slow, measured movements he slid in and out of her. His tongue stroked her nipple, pulling it into his mouth to suckle, and stoking the passion building between her legs. When he reached between them and massaged her clit, Rell almost exploded.

His gentle movements quickened and he thrust urgently into her. The stone scraped against her back and hips, adding to the erotic collection of feelings enveloping her. He braced his hand against the wall, continuing to plunge inside her, his panting turning into low grunts of ardor. Her awareness of him pushed her toward ecstasy.

Unable to silence her desire, she whispered his name again and again, encouraging him to continue making love to her. The junction between her legs throbbed, pulsing with each thrust. Faster and faster until finally, she shattered. He claimed her mouth, swallowing her scream. Waves of unfamiliar pleasure washed over her, the sensation reaching so deep it filled her very soul, burning away the darkness and leaving only love.

Siban pumped several more times and stiffened, moaning against her lips. He thrust again and shuddered. His body convulsed, the waves that racked him growing shallower after a minute. He pressed his head against the wall, his breathing slowly returning to normal. They stood connected, not speaking. Rell stroked his hair, savoring the feel of his hot skin against hers and the cool stone against her back.

After another minute, he buried his face in her neck. She clung to him when he shifted and kicked off one boot, and then the other. He stepped out of his pants and then carried her to the bed. The wood frame creaked when he climbed onto it and lay down. Never once did he release her, holding her as if afraid she would fly away.

Rell unwound her legs from his hips and straightened them against the dark lush duvet. A dull ache radiated at her hips from where she’d gripped him so tightly, but the rest of her body purred with life. Siban pulled back and looked at her. For several seconds he just stared, as if taking in every feature of her face. She didn’t disrupt his contemplation with words, content to lie in his arms and let him look his fill.

Finally he brushed a lock of hair from her cheek and laid a hand over hers, curling his fingers around her fist. “Rell?”

“Yes, Siban.”

“I want to be with you.” He hesitated. “To be your man.”

No teasing lurked within his eyes and she felt his sincerity as if it were her own. Though she wanted the same, she had reservations. “You hardly know me, Siban. I hardly know myself. How can you be sure that you want to be with me?”

“I have no doubts.” He ran his finger along her cheek. “We are the same, you and I. We’ve touched the darkness and survived.”

“And that’s enough to know you want me as yours?” She shifted and rolled to her back, staring at the red and gold pattern of the bed’s canopy. Maybe a bit of innocent Esmeralda still waited inside her. His words touched her and made her feel less like an outcast.