ROMANCE: Bear Naked Passion (Billionaire Bear Trio Book 2) (9 page)

Chapter 7

Almost as soon as Jenna left him she received a text message that made her smile, and when she returned home and slipped under her sheets she was consumed by thoughts of Liam. Everything about him drove her wild, although she tried not to think of the truth of the matter, but even then she found the fact that he was a vampire to be dangerously exciting. She thought of everything he must have seen and done in his years undead. To her, life was so fleeting and there seemed to be far too much to see and do, but Liam had transcended the laws of nature and done something that was not intended for man. The very idea that he was going against what was meant to be made him alluring, and despite her best efforts Jenna was deeply attracted to him.

It wasn't just the fact that he was a vampire either. His whole manner was something out of her fantasies. He carried himself in a way that was wholly different from every other man she had met, and now she knew why. He was a man out of a different time, and there was no way she wasn't going to give herself to him. But she hadn't wanted him to know that yet, hadn't wanted to make it too easy for him as she wanted to see what he would do now. How would he woo her? She had never been properly courted before and she imagined that if he was true to his word and wanted her as much as he claimed then he would pull out all the stops.

As her head hit the pillow and she took long, deep breaths Liam played on her mind and thought about the future and what he would do for her, what he would do
to
her. The last thing she saw that night was the pale moon gazing down upon her through the crack in her curtains, dancing upon her skin. It reminded her of Liam and his milky feature, the chilled nature of his touch and the fire that it caused within her. Her eyes squeezed shut as her hand traveled down her body. The edges of her mouth curled up in a smile and then, as she began to touch herself, they parted as a rush of air escaped, and she gave herself to him, but he would have to wait to find out.

The following morning, Jenna stretched and yawned as she awoke. The sun streamed through the window and the world outside seemed glorious. She sipped some water and looked back at her empty bed. She placed a hand in the outline her body had left and felt the warmth that lingered, knowing that Liam's bed would not be the same, but that she was warm enough for the both of them, and soon the nights of solitude would be over for she would have a companion who was filled with as much lust as she.

Jenna got dressed and hummed a lilting tune. She couldn't resist re-reading the messages that she had exchanged with Liam, and although she had only seen him mere hours before she was already missing him, and hoped that it wouldn't be too long before they met again. On the one hand he didn't seem the patient type, but then again he had been around for many years and with such a long lifespan Jenna imagined that one developed a strong sense of patience. However, just as she walked out the door to do her daily routine she cursed as she almost tripped over a large bouquet of flowers that was sitting on her doorstep. The flowers were a deep purple and as she bent down to inspect them the powerful, musky scent overwhelmed her. There was a small card resting in between the heads. Her fingers brushed the soft petals, and the delicate flowers bowed to her touch as she plucked the card away.

Come to the docks at sunset. My boat is called Darla. I'll be waiting for you.

Jenna clutched the card close to her chest and smiled gleefully. For the rest of the day she was unable to concentrate on anything, and her gaze was fixed on the clock, willing the hands to turn faster so that moonlight would come more swiftly. All around she looked at people going about their business, how they knew nothing about the secrets lurking in the world. She knew something they didn't, was privy to a truth that they would rather turn away from, and to be part of such an exclusive club excited her.

When the sun began its descent Jenna felt her heart quicken and her skin began to tingle. As she ran her fingers over her arms she felt the goosebumps, and enjoyed the feeling. She left the cab, and it drove off. There were many boats moored in the harbor but not many people were around. Her shoes were loud against the floor and the salty smell of the sea overwhelmed everything else. She saw a few people milling about on their boats, but other than that the place was deserted. It didn't take her long to find Liam's ship though, it was a long, white yacht with the prow pointing out to the world. She walked up the gangplank and called out Liam's name, but only the captain was there to greet her. He was a dark-skinned man with rounded shoulders and a soft voice.

“If you would like to take a seat on the deck I will get your trip underway,” he said.

“What about Liam?”

“He will join you shortly,” he said, and then she felt a fool, for the sun was still up. Of course Liam wouldn't join her until it was safe for him.

Chapter 8

The deck was long and there was a table set near the front of the boat, with a bottle of wine and a glass set upon it. Jenna poured herself a glass and almost lost her balance as the engine roared and the boat started to plow through the water and out into the sea. The city was left behind. Jenna looked at it wistfully, feeling that it was symbolic for the journey she was undertaking, leaving her old life behind. She gazed out at the sun, which was leaving red streaks across the sky, making it look like it was bleeding. The wine slid down her throat, and she was so lost in thought that she didn't notice Liam standing beside her. When he placed a hand on her shoulder she jumped, and some wine splashed on the deck.

“You frightened me.”

“I'm sorry, I didn't mean to,” he said.

“What are you doing out here? I thought you had to wait until the sun had set?”

“I do, but I just couldn't wait to see you. And the sunset is so beautiful. I wanted to share it with you.”

Now that she looked at him more closely she could see that his skin was sizzling a little, and a faint, misty steam was rising from his flesh. Her eyes were filled with alarm, but he soon set her mind at easy.

“Do not worry Jenna, sometimes a little pain is worth taking. It won't be too long before darkness covers us again,” he said, and sure enough the world was consumed by the moon and everything was illuminated in silvery light.

“I wanted to bring you out here because the sky is much clearer and you can make out the stars properly. I used to spend many nights gazing up at the night sky, trying to figure out where I fit into the world, and I found solace among them. Even though I felt so small I knew that I still mattered. I think  it's easy to lose oneself  in the world, especially now with all the streetlights in the modern cities. I have seen many things change over the years and I am not sure that they have been entirely for the better.”

“I can imagine. I bet you have some good stories to tell.”

“Sadly most of them are tragedies,” he said, his words heavy with emotion, “but I am not here to talk of things past. I am here for you, and to think of the future.” As he said this he took her hands and pulled her into him abruptly, and before she knew it she was surrendering to a kiss once more, one that was no less passionate than the night before, as though they had been separated for a decade, not just a day. When he finally released her she stumbled back and turned, resting her arms against the edge of the boat.

“Is anything the matter?” Liam asked, resting a hand against the small of Jenna's back. She turned and smiled at him, and then looked out at the ocean.

“It's funny how little things can change your life. If either one of us had swiped in another direction we wouldn't be having this conversation.”

“I don't know, sometimes I think that there's a river carrying us through life, and sometimes, no matter how much we fight, they will lead to the same destination. But the journey is often entertaining.” They stood there for a few moments, enjoying each other’s company, listening to the boat slide through the rippling water. Everything seemed so calm and peaceful.

“Why Darla?” Jenna asked. Liam's jaw tightened.

“I told you that I would rather not speak of the past. It is only the future that concerns me.”

“But if I am to be your mate then I need to know what kind of man you are, and that does not only mean your ambitions but also where you came from. I want to know everything about you Liam. Honesty is important to me, and the truth does not scare me.”

“No, I suppose it does not,” he said, smiling, and she was glad that her fire seemed to be one of the reasons he had chosen her. “Darla was...she was the one who turned me,” he said with a heavy sigh.

“Did you love her?”

“In a way, I suppose I did, although pining after her may be a better description.”

“What do you mean?” This time it was Liam's turn to look out at the stars, for he had been concentrating on Jenna.

“I was a different man back then. Although it's somewhat of an insult to men to call me a man. I was a pathetic creature that never amounted to anything. I had no ambition and was simply content to loaf about, enjoying high society, getting plump on decadent food and wine, and enjoying the company of the most shallow women who offered nothing but tittering laughter. Then Darla entered the picture. She was the most ravishing beauty I had ever seen, and when she entered the room every head turned to look at her, the men were filled with desire and the women with envy. I knew that I had to have her, but my usual tactic of flaunting my wealth did not succeed, and she rebuffed me cruelly.

I was not accustomed to rejection, and I did not take it well. I employed people to track her through the city and I encountered her on many more occasions, each time finding myself at the sharp end of her tongue. Each time my ire grew and it only fueled my determination. I wrote her poetry and lavished her with gifts but I was blind to what she really wanted. Then, one day, I followed her at night and saw her meet with another man, who struck her. Enraged, I attacked him,  not knowing that he had been her master, and he quickly gouged a hole in my body, and I felt the life seep out of me. I knew then that I had lived an empty life and it had been utterly meaningless, except for that last gesture, and Darla seemed to think so as well. The last thing I felt in my old life was her kiss on my neck, and her teeth piercing my flesh. Then, I was reborn.”

“Where is she now?”

“She died a long time ago. It isn't something I like to think about. For years we roamed across the world, and then it was over and I was alone again. But I will always be thankful to her for freeing me, for giving me a better life than the one I was going to have for myself otherwise. So I named this boat in honor of her.”

Liam was evidently haunted by this sadness and in that moment Jenna forgot that he was a monster. She felt overwhelmed by his sorrow, and all she wanted to do was free him from it the same way that Darla had freed him from mortality all those years ago. Jenna reached up and caressed his skin, seeing the difference in their complexions. Her skin was filled with blood while his was an ashy gray, and as their bodies came together there was only one heart beating, but it echoed through his empty chest, and as their lips met a surge of energy passed between them, and for the rest of the night they refused to let each other go.

Chapter 9

“So  one more date?” Liam said as he watched Jenna walk to her door.

“One more,” she said, and blew him a kiss, but she already knew her answer. They had arranged to meet again, making it three nights in a row, and Jenna was sure of her convictions. Without Liam her life seemed empty and she was ready to embark upon the adventure that he was offering, knowing that she could never bear it if she turned away. The night on the boat had been magical and when the threat of daybreak was upon them Jenna felt a deep sorrow grip her, and when that evening she met Liam again she flung herself at him, peppering him with kisses. He was pushed back against the wall and the two of them kissed fiercely and frantically, wasting no time on things like words. Jenna wanted him more than she had wanted anything in her entire life, and when he saw it in her eyes he held her that little bit tighter, digging his fingers into her skin, making the blood rush through her.

They tore at each other’s clothes as they made their way to Liam's bedroom. He lived in a penthouse and there was a large skylight that bathed the bed in moonlight. Jenna was down to her underwear, and she perched on the edge of the bed, letting her hand rest against her stomach, her blonde locks cascading over her cleavage. Liam walked forward and peeled away his clothes, unleashing his erection.  His hands moved through Jenna's hair and gripped the back of her head as her mouth dropped open, her eyes fell shut, and she started to make love to him with her mouth. She sucked hard and deep and she felt him groan as the pleasure rushed through his body. His erection throbbed and pulsed in her mouth as she took him deeper and deeper, the thick shaft stretching her lips, until he pulled her head away, still holding a fistful of hair, wrenched her head back, and leaned over her, dominating her,  kissing her deeply, leaving his mark.

Liam pushed her down on the bed and came over her, using his strength to pin her down. Jenna gasped breathlessly and her hands wrapped around his back, clinging to him as their lips locked. His mouth then moved down her slender neck, and she felt the danger as his teeth scratched against her, but she knew that it was not time yet. He deftly unclasped her bra and let her breasts pour out, then as he kissed them his hands slid down her shuddering body and slipped in between her burning thighs, pushing away the white panties, and then plunging his fingers in between her wet lips, curling them up. Jenna's back arched and the pleasure sang through her body, causing a low, guttural growl to rise up her throat and escape into their air. Liam's lips caught hers as he moved between her mouth, neck, and breasts, but his fingers were locked inside her, controlling her every movement, making her tremble and shudder and shake as her mind exploded with orgasmic delight, and soon his fingers were soaked.

Her eyes clamped shut as her flushed skin burned and her panting breath echoed around them both. Liam moved over her body. His hands linked in with hers and she felt the wetness on his seep into hers. Her own were clammy, and the arousal as consuming her like an inferno, yet his body was so cool and soothing it played havoc with her sense. He pinned her hands above her head and his hips started to thrust rhythmically. Her eyes opened to see the full, pale moon stare down at her, and then her eyes closed as she lost herself to Liam and the fury of passion.

Their bodies writhed and moaned together, and once again her blood burned with the ecstasy of orgasm.

“I'm yours,” she whispered, the words barely squeezing in  between all her fervent moans, but as soon as she said those words Liam increased the tempo of his body and the entire bed shook. He buried his head in the nape of her neck and she once again felt his teeth against her. The tips of his fangs rested against her skin and she felt the sweet release as he penetrated her, and a wide smile spread across her face as she became his.

THE END

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