Riveted (Art of Eros #1) (14 page)

After taking it all in, if there was any man who could help her through this, it was Mac. He wouldn’t leave her. He would stay. She couldn’t believe what she heard; like being soothed by your favorite song. This incredible man wanted to be with her and all her damaged parts. He might even be able to help her put her broken pieces back together. More of the rivets wiggled in place, ready to pop out. She was ready to emerge from her self-made cocoon of steel. The tears making their way down her cheeks weren’t ones of sadness. These were the tears of relief that he heard the truth and still wanted her.

The heaviness of her past left her as she revealed her darkest secret to a man willing to stay with her. A huge relief coursed through her, like the clearest ocean wave washing over her body. The fact that Mac was still there surprised her. One of her prayers had been answered. Mac was cut from a different stone. She didn’t know many men who would have stuck around after hearing her story.

She seemed lighter in her face and eyes, a dark cloud left her to be replaced by a ray of sun. She viewed him like a savior.

Mac leaned in closer. “Oh, Mara. You’re so unique and don’t even know it. Don’t cry.” He kissed her softly to show her how gentle he could be with her, continuing to build her trust in what would be between them. He wanted to show her that he would take her just the way she was, imperfectly perfect.

He had a new appreciation for her. She had been through so much in her life, some of it without knowing things were drastically wrong. She was a survivor, and he would wait for the lioness that hid in her somewhere. Guilt gripped him as he realized what it took for her to tell him her secret.

When do I let her in on my secret? The shit will hit the fan, no doubt. I might see the lioness then, and it won’t be pretty. I can’t come clean with her now. This is her moment. I just hope she doesn’t see it as betrayal.

He wanted to be strong enough for both of them but in the end, she would be the stronger one.

Her kiss and tug at his lower lip showed him she was up for the challenge that lay ahead for them. “These are happy tears. The best kind.” The understanding that Mac showed her eclipsed the pain of Brock.

Mac continued wiping away her tears with his thumb. Once again, contentment hummed in his chest. What passed between them had ignited. There was a new understanding about each other and a profound respect. He admired her so much. He couldn’t believe she still wanted to try to be intimate with any man, but she picked him. Amazing.

The passion between them was palatable, and he needed a taste of this
leannan
. The tension threatened to kill them, but first he needed her to be comfortable with him.

“Come lie over here with me.” He stood, offering her his hand, and led her to a tan, oversized soft lounger. He lay down and directed her to lie between his legs. She lay on her side with her head on his chest. She heard his heartbeat and it comforted her. He kissed the top of her head and reveled in her smell. He slowly stroked her arms and back in a gesture of comfort.

“I can’t believe you want to see this through with me. You’re the brave one. This could be a real disaster.” Mara skeptically looked up to his face and the lips she wanted to devour her.

“You didn’t give me a choice. Once I saw those big, blue eyes and those long, strong legs, I was a goner. Eros helped too. The green dragon is part of the Creighton family crest. How did his wings break, Mara?” He cringed, suspecting he already knew the answer.

“I would keep him in a shadow box with some other little creatures. One day, Brock got mad and threw a glass at the shadow box. Everything fell out onto the floor. Some of them couldn’t be saved, but I’ll always keep Eros no matter what shape he’s in.” She smiled, realizing the double meaning in her statement.

Mac pulled her up so she straddled him, giving her a sense of control. “So, even when he’s an old dragon and has no fire left in him, you’ll still keep him?” He wore a sly grin and ran his hands up and down her thighs.

Mara instantly tuned in to his game. “Oh, yes, absolutely. Besides, I can always find a way to keep his fire burning.” She smiled and leaned over to kiss him tentatively, teasing her tongue into his mouth, letting him know she would be okay.

Passion made its entrance in a grand way. The spark ignited a flame quickly this time, as Mac’s hands traveled up her thighs. Mara could feel his hard cock directly underneath her apex. She began to rock back and forth, loving the sound of a low hum coming from the back of his throat. As his hands traveled farther up, he stopped, breaking the kiss abruptly. “Marabella Luccenzo, are you wearing knickers?”

“Yes, and it’s called a G-string. Raquelle suggested it so I don’t show any panty lines. Why? Don’t you like it?” She taunted him.

“I like it very much, but let me be clear. When you aren’t wearing panties at all, it will only be when you’re with me.” His eyes looked deadly serious with no room for negotiation.

“Understood, Mr. Caveman. I mean, Creighton.” She started to laugh.

“Oh, so you have a smart mouth, too, eh?” Mac pulled her down and crushed his mouth to hers, a kiss of possession. He carefully pushed his hips up to meet hers, eliciting a moan from her that made both of them pant. He gripped her firm ass and used it as leverage to move her up and down his cock. He knew he couldn’t take it any further that night; he just wanted her to feel. He peered up at his kitten whose head was thrown back, eyes closed.

“Look at me, Mara,” he commanded.

Her eyes popped open, her pupils dilated and filled with lust. Her skin flushed. She was the most incredible sight and it made him want to claim her, but he knew what she needed instead.

“How do you feel? Are you wet?” Mac didn’t push things by finding out for himself. He needed her to become more aware of her own body and what it was doing.

“You are amazing, and I should be wearing a sign that says ‘slippery when wet,’“ her cheeks flushed with a raspy voice.

Mac threw his head back, letting out a belly laugh as she laughed with him. He stopped moving his hips and stared at her. He felt the power in how responsive she was to him.

“Will you ever stop surprising me,
leannan
?”

“I hope not.” She gave him a soft smile that cast a shadow of doubt.

“We need to call it a night. I’ve got special plans for you. I think we should have dinner tomorrow night, but with a request.” The lust lingered in his eyes and showed the warmth in his heart. “I don’t want anything to be between us. When you come tomorrow night, I want to see you and not all the makeup you hide behind. No makeup, Mara. You hide behind a mask in order to draw attention away from your luscious body, and now I know why. Brock made you believe you’re ugly, but I see everything about you. Under all that is you, and that’s who I want to be with. Can you handle that?” He challenged her.

She gasped and her body tensed, not because of his demand but because he admitted seeing right through her. She jumped in the deep end with him; it was time to sink or swim. Other rivets moved slightly, waiting patiently in their holding places. The light that Mac shone on her wrapped around her and made her more secure than ever.

“Yes, I’m ready to handle that. I think you’re an amazing man. I trust you and right now, that’s enough.” Her eyes shone with sincerity, but still laced with a touch of fear, not knowing the outcome. What simmered as lust beneath the surface amped up, ready to explode.

“I’m going out fishing for the day, and I think it might be a good idea for you to spend some time with your sisters. I’ll pick you up at your suite tomorrow evening.”

“Sounds good. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Mara smiled, hopped off his lap and followed him to the door, hand in hand. She realized he could have had his way with her, but he chose not to. His ability not to act on impulse spoke to his character and how he didn’t want to rush her. Maybe she
could
trust him with everything.

She got up on tiptoe to give him another kiss and said good night. After closing the door, she got ready for bed, her body hummed with excitement and a new energy. She felt revived with these unfamiliar feelings. Her heart yearned for this uncharted territory. The winds of change were powerful, and she was holding on for dear life.

Chapter 13

Mara woke up the next morning having slept soundly despite the excitement of the night before. She couldn’t figure out why would anyone want to drug her. There were many more questions along those lines, but Mara focused on the man who saved her from a fate worse than death. His passion was like none other, a perfect combination of playfulness and gentleness. A grin crept across her face as she thought about him.

The kiss translated that Mac wanted her even after he found out about her secret. She wasn’t sure any man would want to be with a woman whose body betrayed her with sexual pain instead of pleasure. She always believed her body’s reaction was her fault. The thought of telling Mac about her past with Brock and what transpired between the sheets made her break out in a cold sweat. Since she crossed that abyss, she couldn’t be happier. They would be spending time together that night. She looked forward to whatever Mac had planned for her, hoping things would just happen between them but knowing Mac would take control. The whole evening could end in disaster, but she wanted to push forward and take a chance.

He was her protector on more than one occasion, and that solidified her bond to him. She wouldn’t lie to him about anything. Mara would face her demon head-on and if Mac didn’t want her after that, then she was better off without him. The doubt about what her body might do still haunted her. She climbed out of bed, tentatively. As she came out of her room, there sat Queen L drinking her white tea and eating breakfast.

“Good morning! How was the rest of your night at the club?” Mara came out of her room with light in her eyes.

“Well, well, well, and what do we have here, sis? You seem very bright eyed this morning. Did something happen last night that you want to talk about?” Leigha couldn’t help but give Mara a cautious grin.

“Nothing dramatic. Unless you call getting almost drugged, being saved and then having a hot guy’s hands all over you your average evening out.” Mara glowed when she talked about Mac. These things didn’t happen to boring people like her. On TV, sure, but in real life? Never.

“Are you okay? You worried me but Mac said he got to you before the drug did.” Mac texted Leigha the previous night to fill her and Raquelle in on more of the details. She had a good feeling about him.

Leigha watched Mara closely to see if she could gather any more information about the drugging event. A dark cloud of pain came over Leigha’s eyes, like she remembered something from her past. When Mara glanced at her again, the cloud disappeared.

“He wanted to beat the pulp out of Jack, the drugger. I guess now that I’m single again, I need to be more careful when I go out someplace. You know, I felt those eyes on me again last night at the pool. It creeps me out. I told Mac about it so he could keep an eye out.” As she relayed her story, she began to eat her breakfast in earnest, having built up an appetite. She wanted to push down all her negative thoughts.

“So...tell me about the rest of the evening, Marabella.” Leigha, using their motherly tone, left no stone unturned.

Mara sighed heavily. “What went on between us was better than anything I could have imagined. He’s a wonderful man in every way.”

“Kinda makes you wonder what else he’s good at,” Leigha interjected while she absently stared into her cup of tea.

“Okay,
Raquelle
. By the way, where is she? Did she spend the night with Fish Boy?” Mara frowned. She didn’t like Raquelle’s taste for men who were strangers.

“She texted to say she would see us sometime today.” Leigha shrugged. This was typical for Raquelle, but she always let them know where she was staying after a night out.

Just then, the door flew open and in walked the one who walked on the wild side.

“Hey, how’s everyone doing this morning?” Leigha and Mara wanted to slap her for being just a little too ‘I’m lovin’ life.’

“I take it you had a wonderful evening of partying and great sex,” Leigha’s body stiffened.

“Actually, I had a great night of partying, but the sex? Not so much. He was a little too drunk and not very creative. Good thing this is just a vacay fling.” For once, she truly seemed disappointed. “How was your night with Big Mac? And how big is he?” Raquelle winked at Mara.

“Really, Raquelle? That was bad. It didn’t get that far. I’m not some slut. We had a wonderful time and that was it.” Mara cringed when she realized how her ‘slut’ comment came out, feeling a little indignant in her response to her overly zealous sister.

Raquelle let the comment slide because her sisters didn’t know what they missed when it came to men. “Yeah? So, how was the ‘wonderful time’?” Raquelle wanted all the details and she wouldn’t take no for an answer.

With a huge grin on her face, Mara revealed her excitement about Mac. “The evening was one of the most wonderful times I’ve ever had with a man. He’s very special. He saved me last night from a horrific moment. I guess I need to be more careful.” Mara paused, distracted by her tipped coffee cup. She set it down with a clink, “I told him everything last night. I needed to be honest with him. He has a right to know what he’s getting into with me.” She glimpsed up to her sisters looking at her with compassion in their eyes.

“I told him about Brock and the abuse. He became furious with everything that happened, but he didn’t waver in his conviction to me. He wants to continue to be with me and try to make this work for us. He said making love should be playful and fun, not painful. Mac wants to be with me intimately. I’m worried that if I just let things progress, my body will betray me.” Mara’s bottom lip started to tremble, the doubts flooding in. She bit down to stop the tears.

“If he’s the man I think he is, he will understand and be gentle with you and take his time. You need to be honest with him about how you’re feeling in the moment. If he walks away afterwards, it’s better to know now instead of later. I don’t want you to be hurt again, Mar.” Raquelle’s hand covered hers. Mara needed to keep the lines of communication open with Mac. It was a strange feeling to be understood and cared for by a man but Mara desperately wanted to give them a try.

Leigha turned to Raquelle. “Who are you and what have you done with my sister?” Spinning back to Mara, she continued, “For the record, I think Raquelle is right. You need to be honest with Mac about everything you’re feeling—before, during, and after. He obviously cares for you for more than a one-night stand.”

Mara would need to be brave and see this through, but would her body be able to make it to the finish line?

~

Mac woke up the same way he went to bed, thinking about Mara with a raging hard-on. The cold shower did nothing to abate his wanting Mara. The memory of her body on his only added to his morning wood and needed to be taken care of immediately. He always slept au naturel, so his cock took the lead on the way to the bathroom. He decided to take a good look at the suite he splurged on. It’s high, white ceilings and beige, swirled-marble floors, with furniture in neutral colors spoke to the understated opulence. The accent pieces such as throw pillows and other decor were in turquoise, reflecting the colors of the ocean. The large balcony featured a beautiful blue hot tub with a waterfall feature coming out of a privacy wall to the ocean side. He hoped to ‘entertain’ on his vacation, but the only woman he wanted to be with was Marabella.

He loved the sound of her name and his affectionate Gaelic name for her,
leannan
. He couldn’t believe it when the word just fell out of his mouth, like a tap on the shoulder from his grandfather. Mac never called a woman that word of endearment before because it never fit anyone before Mara. He sensed that Mara would be overwhelmed with everything that happened the day before. He wanted her to give him a chance to prove what making love could be, not the horror show of Brock’s abuse. This connection between them was too strong not to fight for. Fighting was born in his blood and now, so was she.

He slowly made his way to the bathroom big enough for a party of ten. The floor was covered in various shades of brown, flat river rocks and the walls were cream travertine. The shower stall was over-the-top with glinting glass tiles in shades of bronze with LED lights that colored the ceiling. He planned to take advantage of the rain shower, six jets, bench and satellite radio. As he turned on all the water features and the radio, the jets pummeled his body, hitting all his sore muscles. After a thorough massage, he turned off the jets and let the rain shower cascade down his body. The music blared with Robin Thicke singing about blurred lines and wanting a good girl to go bad. He knew that girl. He lathered up with a spicy, woody bath gel and started to think of everything he wanted to do to Mara’s body. Even though his libido wanted her, no holds bar, his head told him to be cautious and gentle. His claiming of her would take time.

How would kitten feel under me? How would she purr with delight when she came?

He finally knew what held her back and scared her, her fuck-nut of a husband. His thoughts led to how he would please Mara as he began to stroke himself. He wanted this pleasure to last, remembering how her breasts filled his hands as he rolled her nipples between his fingers in the warm ocean water. His lips would replace his fingers, sucking gently on her hardened nubs, listening to her moan with satisfaction. He would cup that gorgeous ass of hers, and his fingers would find heaven between her legs. She would be so wet and ready for him, but he would take his time. God, at this rate, he wouldn’t last long.

He tightly stroked himself up and down at just the right pace. As if he could grab her, his fingers on his other hand curled on the hard tile above his head. The thought of her beautiful body and the way she smelled tipped him over the edge. He wanted to know what his cock would feel like inside her, rocking her slowly, watching her face as she had the first of many orgasms he would give her. She would arch her back and cry out his name. That visual shot him off like a rocket, saying her name over and over again, wishing like hell she were there with him.

He needed to find the patience to be what she needed. She would be more than worth the wait. Mac panted like he had just finished a marathon. His cum slid down the shower wall as he braced himself with both hands. He needed to pull his shit together and get himself under control. He needed to last with her; he didn’t want to scare her off. He always got horny when relaxing on holiday, which normally would be a good thing, but he needed to find a balance if he didn’t want to blow it.

Sex was usually done out of necessity, not because he was involved emotionally. It had been a long time since he felt anything at all for anyone outside of his family. Longer than he cared to admit. She felt good and whatever this was between them felt right. Yeah, he leapt into the deep end, treading water in a sea of emotions.

He finished his shower and got dressed. As he put his clothes on the red dragon glared at him from the nightstand. It started to dry out, looking pissed off and evil. The face was contorted and the ends of the wings and tail were sharp. He didn’t think this was what Mara had in mind when she made the creature. A chill hit him, giving him goose bumps on his arm. Something nagged at him, a gut feeling that wouldn’t let go. What was the drugging really all about? He needed another set of eyes, and only one person he trusted for this situation.

He decided to reach out to his CIA contact and old partner, Sydney. As a highly trained agent and computer hacker, she would have some insight into the night’s encounter with Jack. He needed her expertise and some recon. Mac was confident that no matter what happened, Sydney always had his back. They saved each other’s arses on more than one occasion. Having worked together for so long, they had memorized each other’s moves, in and out of the shadows.

He made the phone call and found out that coincidently, Sydney was on her way to Mexico for holiday. Mac filled her in on all the details and requested she bring plenty of ammo for any situation. She would catch a ride on a company jet with a layover in Cancun. Security wouldn’t be a problem for her clearance level, so she would be on the next flight out. Sometimes, fate
did
work in your favor.

After making some arrangements, his only focus was a day of fishing, wind surfing, relaxation and an evening with his goddess.

Mac came back to his suite after a day of successful ocean fishing and wind surfing. Those activities were always his way to relax and unplug from the world while getting in a workout. He had been avoiding opening the dossier his boss, Neil MacFadden, had given him. MacFadden mentioned that he wanted Mac to just keep an eye on things for the time being.

He sat back on the couch and closed his eyes. He was snapped out of his deep sleep by a ringing phone. Astonished that two hours went by, he picked up the phone and confirmed the location and meal with the caterers for the night’s dinner. He wanted everything to be perfect for Mara, from the atmosphere to the food. He made sure the evening was casual to set her at ease. What he didn’t tell her was what he had in mind for a little romance. Having about sixty minutes before he needed to get her, his pulse beat in his throat.

MI6 with nerves? I can fend off a shark, but I get nervous having dinner with a woman? Okay, not just any woman, THE woman. Hell where did that come from? Keep cool, mate.

Mac managed to pull himself together, making his way to her suite. He took a deep breath before he knocked on the door. Standing in the doorway, she stole his breath away. Her hair was up in a loose bun with a few strands curling freely around her face. She wore a simple blue and white floral sundress that hugged her curves and fell to mid-thigh. A pair of blue wedge flip-flops accentuated her legs. The red welt left by the shark was barely visible. Seeing her in person was always so much better than anything he imagined.