It took longer this time. She cried out at the end, back arched and face contorted, and he gave in to the wave of desire consuming them and let himself go, falling forever.
* * *
Natalie opened her eyes. The dim light in the room told her some time had passed. Her hands crept to the other side of the bed and touched the cool pillow. Just that small movement made her wince. Her entire body felt sore and abused…but it was a good soreness. Grabbing a fistful of the sheet, she raised herself up and blinked.
The bed looked as if it had gone through World War III.
“You’re up.”
She turned her head. He walked through the door, only a pair of loose black shorts covering his naked body, and kissed her mouth. The mattress dipped as he rested his weight on the edge.
She closed her eyes, savoring the brief, tender touch. When he lifted his head, she said, “What time is it?”
“Quarter after four.” He wrapped her hair around his finger. “Hungry?” he said, his eyes on hers.
Her stomach growled before she could respond. She put a hand over it guiltily, and he laughed.
“I guess that answers that.” He kissed her again. “Come to the kitchen. I’ll whip something up.”
She watched him disappear. Dragging the sheet, she looked for her clothes until she remembered that the last time she had them on, she and Alex were…in the kitchen. The memory of what had happened there sent a tremor through her body. Apparently, the pyrotechnic quality of their lovemaking had done nothing to blunt the sharp edge of her desire.
The scent of food called out to her, and she made her way to the kitchen, the sheet draped across her naked body in a makeshift toga. She picked her clothes up from the floor and put them on her lap as she sat down on one of the stools by the island. Alex’s mouth quirked into a smile as he placed a plate piled with ham and cheese sandwiches on the smooth top in front of her.
“I can’t eat two of those,” Natalie said. Then she eyed his plate. Four?
“Sure you can. Gotta keep your strength up.”
She bit into her sandwich. Salty ham and sharp cheese melted on toasted rye bread created a nice harmony of flavors. She sipped her Diet Coke, looking at Alex through her eyel
ashes. He seemed casual and relaxed as he munched on his food. The man could eat. He must’ve found Louise’s bird-sized, high-society portions from the night before sorely lacking.
After he finished his meal, he came around the island and gently massaged her shoulders and neck. His touch loosened her muscles and made her sigh. And just like that, she turned into a puddle of needy flesh. This time, they made it to the bedroom.
Now they were able to go more slowly. A gentle touch here. There. Her fingers skimming his muscles. A brush of silky sheet on bare skin. The feel of his hair against her cheek, her stomach, her thighs.
The intoxicating scent of desire and heat.
His eyes, lit with passion, watched her, his caresses shaped by her subtlest responses.
This was everything Natalie thought a physical union between a man and woman should be and more. It went beyond physical pleasure to emotional bonding.
It frightened her.
She rolled him over until she was on top. Then she pulled his arms up until his hands grazed the wooden spokes that formed the headboard.
“Hold these,” she said.
He obeyed with a bemused look on his face.
She used his belt and a scarf that she’d brought along to tie his wrists to the spokes. She’d seen how strong he was, but they looked sturdy enough to hold him. Not that he seemed to be in any hurry to get away.
“You were in control last time. Now it’s my turn,” she whispered and kissed his lips.
He kissed her back, but when she finally broke off, he glanced up at the restraints.
“Not used to this?” she murmured.
“I prefer being on top.”