CHAPTER 18
Celise stared at the white canvas in front of her. She held a brush, dipped in blue paint, ready to start, but hesitation lingered in her whole body. She was so out of her league. She’d never been interested in painting. She could barely draw a stick figure with straight lines, for heaven’s sake.
Wind’s arms wrapped around her waist, making her jump and lose her concentration. “Don’t look so terrified. It’s just a canvas. It’s not going to eat you.”
“I’m not so sure about that.”
He chuckled near her ear, making her shiver with anticipation when his warm breath grazed her skin. “Remember what I said; light and gentle strokes with a steady hand, from one side to the other. It doesn’t matter if you ruin the canvas. I have plenty more, so experiment as much as you want.”
“I can’t believe you’re letting me do this.”
“Why? I love having you here.”
Heat rushed to her face. “You do?”
He rested his cheek against hers. “A fire is burning within me, and it’s burning for you. It surprises me how strong it is considering that just two days ago, I couldn’t even imagine this. You were my friend and nothing more, but now, ever since we came back from Shade and Phoebe’s, my body is responding. Do you feel it?” He pulled her hips back against him.
Celise tensed when a hard bulge pressed against her bottom. She stood frozen, staring at the canvas as surprise sang inside her.
“That’s all because of you.” Wind’s voice was barely a whisper.
“But yesterday, you couldn’t—” Her lower lip trembled.
“That was yesterday.”
Diane, working on her own painting next to them, chuckled as her brush swept on the canvas with grace. “Are you starting to understand what you’re getting, Celise? If you think this is how far he can go, you’re up for a surprise. Remember, Wind has a high sex-drive. You’ll have to learn how to enjoy it because right now you remind me of a stiff teenage girl who wants so much, but is too afraid to take the next step.” She set her brush down. “He’s yours, Celise. Don’t be afraid of his touch.”
“I’m ... I’m not used to this.” She could barely control her voice.
“Don’t worry. I’ll make you relax.” Wind’s hands slid up and down her arms.
Celise gulped. She’d been with him last night, but it still was like he was touching her for the first time. Right now, it seemed like he’d get used to her faster than she’d get used to him. “Shouldn’t we be painting?”
“We can take a break.” Wind reached for the palette in her hand.
“But ... you wanted to spend time with Diane. Shouldn’t you do that?”
“I am spending time with her, and you. We’ve already been having fun for several hours.”
That was true. They’d talked, even danced, and eaten delicious food that they’d prepared together, and during that time, Wind had touched Diane a great deal.
He’d caressed her, and even pressed her against the wall while smothering her with kisses.
Diane had enjoyed it without a doubt, but she hadn’t been able to hide her fatigue. She’d often needed to take a break.
Celise had watched them with warmth in her heart. The jealousy she usually felt wasn’t there anymore. Instead, she was relieved that they got one last chance to be together.
Wind hadn’t left her feeling abandoned. He’d made sure to be near her too, but he hadn’t tried to kiss her, and she didn’t blame him. Instead, he’d wrapped his arms around her every other minute, caressed her, or given her a smile.
Celise allowed him to take the palette away. She turned to face him as he placed it on the table.
He returned to her with a grin, wrapping his arms around her again. “We haven’t tried kissing since this morning. Do you want to try now?”
Celise swallowed. “I don’t want to hurt you.”
“I’ll pull away if I feel the slightest resistance from my bond.”
She could only nod. Her hands trembled as she hoped for the best.
Wind went slowly this time, really slowly. He pressed his lips to hers, then pulled back. He did so three times before he met her gaze. His aluminum-shining eyes studied her with a hint of insecurity.
Maybe he was afraid of the pain. It wouldn’t surprise her. She’d seen how much discomfort it’d caused him. He’d become more and more cautious.
Nothing seemed to be happening, so when he pressed his lips against hers a fourth time, he prolonged the kiss.
Celise wasn’t able to hold back a moan when his tongue carefully touched her bottom lip. She closed her eyes, battling with herself, trying to hold back, but everything inside her screamed not to deny what her body yearned for.
She raised her arms to wrap them around him but lowered them again when she realized what she was doing. She couldn’t be the one to lead. She had to allow Wind to take things in his pace, but his touch set her on fire. She couldn’t escape it. She’d never been as aroused as she’d been these last few days.
Wind chuckled against her mouth. Of course, he noticed.
“It’s not funny,” she growled.
“No, but it’s cute.” He grabbed her behind with a firm grip, pushing her against his bulge.
Celise squeaked, staring at him with surprise.
His eyes glowed stronger than usual, and it was impossible to miss his arousal. It was so different from yesterday. He seemed eager to touch her. The way his hands traveled all over her, almost devouring her gave him away. It was as if he couldn’t get enough.
“Let’s try to kiss for real,” he said.
Celise opened her mouth to ask if that was such a good idea, but Wind didn’t give her a chance. Instead, he claimed her mouth with his as if he owned it. He grabbed her neck with his strong hand to keep her from escaping.
She’d never expected him to do that. And she’d never expected him to be so ... hungry, so willing. He was actually kissing her, and his bond wasn’t objecting. When he brushed his tongue against hers, Celise wasn’t able to hold back anymore.
She allowed her body to take over. The surroundings disappeared as she wrapped her arms around him, showing Wind how much she needed him. A slight fear of him pulling away lingered in her mind, but she calmed with each passing second when it didn’t happen.
His bond had finally accepted them kissing.
He pulled away with a grin on his lips and met her gaze.
Celise gasped. “Wind, your eyes ...”
Diane approached. She seemed unaffected by what’d taken place in front of her. Instead, she grinned as she looked at him.
He frowned at them both. “What do you see?”
“Your eyes are glowing more than usual,” Celise said. “The glow is strong, almost blinding. I’ve never seen anything like it, but it’s beautiful.” Her words came out as whispers. She stared, mesmerized by the sight.
“How are you feeling?” Diane asked him.
“I feel fine, but I’m aroused.” Wind suddenly gasped and grabbed their hands. He opened his mouth, but nothing came out.
Worry filled Celise. “Is everything all right?”
He shook his head as if to shake something off of him. “My bond ... it’s ...”
A fire she hadn’t seen before shone in his eyes. It seemed to overwhelm him, making him look drunk. Drunk on passion and desire.
He moaned and rubbed his cheek against hers. “I need you.” He glanced at Diane. “I need you, too.”
Diane and Celise exchanged gazes.