Scapulimancist (Seven Forbidden Arts Book 7) Read online

  “Wayne.”

  “Shh, baby.”

  He held still to give her time to adjust, using the moment to kiss her lips. She clamped her knees together, trapping his hand between quivering thighs. Fisting his hand in her hair for a better grip, he pulled his finger almost out and eased it back in slowly. Soon, the friction had her on tiptoe. Her back arched from the hold he had on her hair. He twisted the silky strands once around his hand, moving her head back more so he could watch her face as he prepared her hot, tight little pussy.

  “Ah … Wayne.”

  The pressure from the heel of his palm on her clit was going to make her come. When he felt her body tighten, he shoved his finger in all the way. A little gasp left her lips. For a moment, she froze, her eyes big, and a frown pleated her brow. She turned a little pale, and then her wetness gushed around his hand. If he was going to fuck her, the time was now. He’d broken her membrane so it would hurt less with his cock. He should push into her when her orgasm eased and her muscles were at their slackest.

  Keeping his finger inside her, he plundered her mouth, eating her lips and tangling their tongues until her legs caved, and he had to lower her to the table to keep them from falling. Somewhere between standing and going down she’d managed to push his pants and underwear over his hips to free his cock. He gritted his teeth, suppressing the urge to take her hard. Gently. He had to take it easy.

  One hand was at the back of her head, cushioning it on the table, and the other was still in her pants. It was Sara who moved her sweatpants to her knees, offering herself to him. He pulled his finger from her warmth and spread her legs as wide as the pants allowed, which wasn’t much. They were both trapped by their clothes, her shirt restraining her arms, and his preventing their skin from touching, but he couldn’t wait. Her nails dug into his ass. He was going out of his mind, but he had to prepare her with two fingers first. Looking down, he spotted blood on the inside of her thighs and on his hand. He’d done it. He’d remove the barrier. He was about to take her, the first man to put his cock in her body. Here, in a rented cabin, in the middle of the lounge, on a fucking coffee table. He didn’t even have a condom with him. What the hell was he thinking? His mind was being ruled by his dick.

  He pushed up reluctantly, putting his weight on his arms. “Not like this.”

  “What?”

  “This isn’t right. Not here. Not like this.”

  “Then how?”

  “Your first time deserves to be special.” He wiped the hair from her face. “Let me make it special for you.”

  He had no money for a fancy restaurant or a nice hotel. That was what he would’ve liked for her. He’d find a way to make it romantic, to give her the stuff women liked, like flowers and candlelight.

  “Wayne.” She huffed. “You were five seconds away from putting your penis where your fingers have just been.”

  “Then I stopped not five seconds too soon.”

  He rose, zipped up his pants, and adjusted his cock. It was safer if his dick was out of the way. Giving her a hand, he pulled her to her feet. “Stay there.”

  He wetted a washcloth with warm water in the bathroom and returned to clean between her legs. She let him, watching him with her jade green eyes but saying nothing.

  “Say it,” he said, straightening when all the traces of blood were gone. “Say what’s on your mind.”

  “I don’t understand. Why did you stop?”

  “For starters, I don’t have a condom. Are you on birth control?”

  She shook her head.

  “Then that’s one damn good reason for us to wait.”

  “How long?”

  He grinned. He loved her honesty and openness. He loved that she wanted him and didn’t want to wait.

  “I love everything about you, Sara. I love that you love animals and how you care about the trees. I love that you tried to cook me breakfast, even if you don’t know a spatula from a whisk.” He traced her bottom lip. “And I love that you have my name on your ass.”

  She flushed bright red at his words.

  He pulled her into a hug. “I want to do this right. Meet me at my place in a couple of hours. Bring a change of clothes. Will you do that for me?”

  Her answer was a quick kiss that held promises he desperately wanted.

  Chapter Eleven

  Sleeping with Wayne was the right thing to do. Sara wanted it more than anything. She knew she’d never regret it, no matter the outcome of their situation. Still, her hands trembled as she carried her daypack up the steps of his porch. The door opened before she could knock. Wayne appeared in the frame, carrying a large backpack. A blue T-shirt stretched over his broad shoulders, his deep-cut pecs and abs visible under the thin cotton. Khaki pants molded around his muscled thighs. His dark hair was a sexy mess, like he’d dragged his fingers through it after stepping out of the shower. He smelled of male body wash, a combination of cedar and mountain. Without the spontaneous combustion of earlier, she felt a bit shy, considering that she was knocking on his door for sex, but his easy smile and casual banter put her at ease.

  “At last,” he said with a wink. “I thought you’d never come. What took you so long?”

  Since meeting him, she’d seen him in dark and seductive moods, but never in a playful one.

  He pecked her on the lips and took her bag. “Ready?”

  Instead of inviting her in, he locked the door and headed for a path that cut through the forest at the back of the cabin.

  She ran to catch up with him. “Where are we going?”

  Warmth washed into his charcoal eyes. The intensity with which they locked on hers said she had all of his attention. That look made her feel like she was the center of his universe, and it was a beautiful feeling.

  “You’ll see.”

  They took a path that ran up the cliff, stopping at an outlook point for a late lunch. Wayne produced apples, pita sandwiches with grilled vegetables, and Diet Coke.

  “Wow,” she said, “you remembered.”

  “That you’re vegetarian?” He bit into his sandwich.

  “That I ordered a Diet Coke at Woodcutters.”

  He chewed and swallowed, his expression turning soft. “I remember everything about you.”

  Back then, she’d noticed him in a way that had made her body hum, but now she noticed him in a different way. Wayne was the kind of man she’d like to spend forever with—a man who’d pack her a vegetarian lunch and a Diet Coke, a man she’d like to be the father of her children.

  “What?” he said, wiping the crumbs from his mouth.

  “I’m proud to have your name on my body. I’m glad it’s you.”

  That made him still. Putting his sandwich aside, he speared his fingers through her hair and tilted her head back to press his mouth on hers. His lips were warm. The kiss was slow and careful, a caress that worshipped and explored. His large hands were tender and his hold secure. He was giving his all, taking nothing. This man wasn’t a cold-blooded murderer. He was a man who—once he’d chosen his woman—would give himself to her body and soul and stand by her through thick and thin.

  She pulled away from the kiss. “Wayne…?”

  “What is it, angel?” His thumbs played over her temples, running up and down the tender skin.

  “What made you change your mind?”

  “About what?”

  “About sleeping with me. When we met, you seemed so determined not to let it happen. If it’s just because of the tattoos, you don’t have to.”

  “It’s not about the tattoos. You trust me when I don’t even trust myself. You’re willing to give me your body when most people won’t give me the time of day. You know who I am and where I’ve been for the last six years of my life, and yet, here you are. This morning, I gave you a chance to get away, but you still came to me. You chose me. I choose you, too. You’re giving me more than I deserve, and I’m too weak to resist any longer.”

  She touched his cheek. “You deserve more than what
you give yourself credit for.”

  He took her hand and planted a kiss in her palm. “Eat up. We still have a long way to go.”

  Yes, they had a very long to way to go before all the issues standing between them would be resolved. When her brow pleated, he brushed a finger over her forehead.

  “Don’t,” he said. “Not now.”

  He was right. Now wasn’t the time to think about her job. She forced a smile onto her face. When their bodies finally came together, she wanted nothing between them, especially not her worries.

  Before her smile had disappeared, he had his phone out and was snapping a photo of her.

  “What are you doing?” she asked with a self-conscious laugh.

  “You look beautiful. I want to keep the moment forever.”

  She had to lean over and kiss him.

  They rested an hour before washing their hands in the stream and following the water to where it tumbled over the cliff in a waterfall.

  The view was amazing, but she didn’t want to voice it. It seemed wrong pointing out how breathtaking the very land she wanted to snatch away from him was.

  He wiped a stray strand of hair from her face. “Still okay? If you have any doubts, we’ll turn back straight away.”

  “I don’t have doubts.”

  The smile he flashed her was brilliant as he took her hand. “Then follow me.”

  The fingers that closed around hers were strong and warm. She’d follow him anywhere. The knowledge shouldn’t come as a surprise—she’d wanted him from day one—but how far she was willing to go did. If he’d give them half a chance, she’d follow him to the edge of the world. She wanted this—them—more than anything.

  “Wayne, where are we going?”

  Misunderstanding her question, he said, “Can’t tell you. You’ll just have to wait.”

  She guessed he was right. She’d just have to wait and see where the whole bizarre situation would take them.

  They walked for another couple of hours before they started their descent. By the time they arrived at the bottom of the gorge, the sun was setting. It would be dark in less than half an hour, which meant they had to camp here. Looking around, she spotted three dark holes in the cliff face and then their destination dawned on her. They were at the caves.

  At the mouth of the biggest cavern, he made her sit on a flat stone in the entrance.

  “Wait here,” he said, kissing her briefly. “I’ll come back for you.”

  The beam of his light moved down a narrow tunnel and disappeared around a bend. Shit. She didn’t have the heart to tell him she was claustrophobic. Since he’d put so much thought and effort into their campsite, she didn’t want to spoil it for them, but double damn, after hiking for most of the day she also needed a shower. Now she wished they’d done it on the coffee table. At least she’d been clean and smelling nice.

  After twenty minutes had passed, she started to fidget. What was taking him so long? Night had fallen and the moon was up, not that she was scared. It was peaceful with the song of the crickets and comfortable with the cool of the evening, but she was getting worried. What if he’d fallen and broken a leg or twisted an ankle? Taking her mobile phone from her pocket, she checked the signal. No bars. Better to switch it off to save the battery. About to go look for him, a beam of light announced his return.

  “There you are,” she exclaimed, getting up and dusting her pants. “I was about to venture into the unknown to go looking for you.”

  “I didn’t mean to make you worry.” He offered her a hand. “Come.”

  Gripping his fingers, she took a deep breath and steeled herself for the tunnel. They had to move down the rock corridor in a crouching position. A few feet along, the walls closed in on her. She grappled for air, inhaling nothing but damp and darkness. She tugged on Wayne’s hand.

  He frowned over his shoulder, his stark beauty harsh in the light of his torch. “What’s wrong?”

  “Can’t breathe.” She pulled harder, trying to free her fingers from his grip. “I want to go back.”

  “Shh, angel.”

  He twisted his frame in the narrow space to face her and cupped her head between his hands. Drawing her closer, he placed his mouth over hers and blew air with a kiss through her lips.

  “We’re almost there.” His thumb brushed over her nape. “Just a few more feet. You can do it.”

  She leaned into his touch, allowing his strength to give her courage. “Okay.”

  “That’s my girl.” He kissed her temple and took her hand again. “I won’t let go. Close your eyes and just follow.”

  Pinching her eyes shut, she allowed him to lead her. The fear was still there. The only difference was she’d placed her fear in his hands. Thankfully, after a short while the roof expanded enough for them to straighten.

  “You can open your eyes, now,” his deep voice said.

  They stood in a chamber bigger than the mouth of the cave. Save for Wayne’s flashlight, it was darker than any moonless night. The beam illuminated hundreds of stalactites and stalagmites growing like dripping icing sugar castles from the ceiling and up from the floor as he moved the light around the space. Sara sucked in a breath. It was an underground fairytale landscape.

  “This is…” There were no words to describe the scene.

  Wayne put his arms around her waist and pulled her against him. “Why didn’t you tell me you get nervous in small spaces?”

  “I didn’t want to spoil the moment.”

  “You can’t spoil anything for me. Next time, tell me. I can’t protect you if I don’t know your fears. Got that?”

  “Okay.”

  “Good.” He kissed her nose and handed her the flashlight. “Here. Have a look around, but hold onto my hand. The floor’s slippery.”

  Not even the Cango Caves in nearby Oudtshoorn were this richly adorned with rock formations.

  “This is a geographical treasure,” she said, cutting the beam across the high ceiling.

  “Nobody except for me and Christian know about this cave. My family kept it a secret. They didn’t want the authorities laying claim on it and the inside getting destroyed by thousands of tourist feet.” He pulled on her hand. “Come.”

  “We’re going deeper?”

  “A little.”

  They crossed a rough bridge of planks connecting two ledges and entered another passageway, this time high enough to walk upright. Light flickered in the distance, and the sound of water reached her ears. Exiting at the end of the tunnel, she came to a complete standstill. So did her heart. There were candles everywhere. Placed on the floor and ledges of the cavern, they created a soft ambience of golden light that reflected from the smooth stone walls. In the far corner, a waterfall tumbled over a high rock into the pond below. The aquamarine water was so clear the rock slab at the bottom of the pool was visible. This chamber was smaller than the great hall they’d passed through and void of stalagmites and stalactites. Instead, there was a hole in the ceiling through which she could see the stars.

  “There are several potholes,” Wayne said behind her, “feeding oxygen to the deeper part of the cave.”

  A sleeping bag was spread out over the soft, beach-like sand under the biggest of the holes. When lying on that bed, she’d look up at the stars. Their own, natural skylight. Orange Jamesbrittenia and violet Heliophila were scattered on and around the sleeping bag, the petals perfuming the air.

  With a lump in her throat, she turned to the man who’d set all of this up. For her. Switching off the flashlight, she put it aside. In only the light of the candles, the shadows playing over his face made the deep-etched lines around his mouth appear hard. He looked at her as if he was awaiting a verdict. She wrapped her arms around him and pulled him tight, inhaling his masculine fragrance and feeling the familiar heat of his body. The beat of his heart vibrated against her cheek–fast and strong.

  “This is indescribably beautiful.”

  As if he’d been holding a breath, his chest deflat
ed. “You like it?”

  “I love it.”

  “It’s not an expensive restaurant or a beautiful hotel room. It’s nothing like you deserve, but—”

  She silenced him with a finger on his lips. “This is perfect for me. It is the best place you could’ve brought me.” She kissed his chest. “Thank you.”

  The look on his face as he stared down at her was a sight she wanted to lock away in her heart and keep forever. There was so much tenderness, so much vulnerability, and just a bit of uncertainty, but most of all, there was genuine happiness. The Wayne in front of her was a far cry from the man who’d saved her and given her an orgasm in his cabin. This was a man who wasn’t hiding his soul from her. He stood, open and exposed, letting her get a glimpse of the real man behind the mask.

  He rubbed his hands over her arms. “Cold?”

  “The air’s fresh, but I’m not cold.”

  A pile of wood was stacked for a fire a small distance away from the bed under a pothole to act as a chimney. He busied himself with lighting the fire and soon the crackle of the wood added to the peaceful sound of the water. He readjusted the logs and poked at the pile until the flames leapt high. When he finally straightened, their eyes locked. The look in his was raw and dangerous. The atmosphere shifted. An unspoken understanding passed between them. They both knew what was coming. Holding her gaze, he walked back to her slowly, his step different. There was more of the predator Wayne back in his stride and less of the vulnerable Wayne that worried about pleasing her with an underground love nest.

  No words were needed when he pulled her to his body to press her softness against all the places where he was a hard. Despite the urgency that emanated from him, he lowered his head for a tender and unrushed kiss. Tracing the seam of her lips with his tongue, he parted them to explore the depth of her mouth with leisurely strokes, taking without making excuses, just like she craved. He dragged his fingertips over her body, down her back, over her ass, and between her legs in a feather-light caress that scorched her skin through her clothes. Her desire spiked. Liquid heat moistened her panties. She gasped as his fingers curled over the mound of her sex, the fabric of the hard-duty khaki pants not thick enough to shield her from the butterfly soft line he traced over her slit with his thumb.