Chapter Ten
The meaning behind Clint’s words became clear when they reached a platform tucked behind a thick curtain of water. The narrow ledge took them to the mouth of a dark cave. He continued inside without hesitation, but Sarah found herself mesmerized by the unexpected beauty of Mother Nature. She held out her hands, letting the silky water cascade over them, before cupping her palms for a drink.
“Sarah.”
The tone of Clint’s voice told her he wanted her to follow him. She turned reluctantly, entering the cave. He’d already started a small fire and was crouched down next to it. His gaze shot up to hers, his expression unreadable, yet she sensed what he was thinking. She was thinking it too, remembering what they’d shared in the raft, what didn’t get finished between them. Was he expecting them to continue what they’d started?
She glanced away to examine the rest of the cavern, suddenly nervous at being alone with him in such primitive conditions. Although she hadn’t known what to expect, the cave seemed much bigger than the small entranceway implied and appeared to have corridors leading away from the main room. “We have a suite,” she quipped, not willing to venture any further.
“The honeymoon suite,” he added, with a wolfish grin. “Complete with a shower.”
Sarah watched as he dug around the bottom of his bag for something, mildly surprised at the teasing quality of his voice. When he pulled out a small can of fruit, she almost pounced on him. Her mouth began to salivate, her belly rumbling so loudly it was a miracle he couldn’t hear it from where he was.
“Care to eat first?” The heat in his eyes made her wonder what he had in mind after they ate. However, hunger overcame caution, and she dropped eagerly to the ground next to him, taking the offered can. Popping the top, she brought it to her lips, eagerly drinking some of the sweet juice before sticking her fingers inside to snatch a piece of pineapple.
She brought it to her mouth, freezing upon finding Clint was watching her quietly. The fire danced upon his features, making him appear as uncivilized and wild as their surroundings, turning his eyes blacker than she’d ever seen them. He reminded her of a picture she saw once, of a hungry wolf hiding in the brush, his eyes intent on something that caught his attention. She almost choked as the food slid down her throat, something telling her it was just a matter of time before they stopped denying the sexual pull between them.
“Would you like some?” She offered him the can.
“I’m hungry, angel, but it’s not for any fucking fruit.” His eyes fell to Sarah’s mouth, the look on his face clearly saying that was the only thing which would satisfy his appetite. She caught her breath.
Whether it was by accident or unconscious choice, she licked the sweet juice off her lips and was rewarded with a flare of sharp desire in Clint’s eyes. He reached for the can though, his fingers brushing hers and sending an electric shock straight through her. He must have felt something too, if his savage expression was any indication. He finished off the contents in one swallow, not taking his eyes off her.
“Are you going to eat the can, too?” She decided it was best to ignore the sexual pull between them.
Clint grinned, tossing the can aside before moving on to the Vienna sausage. “I tried that once; it’s hard on the gums.” He popped the top, digging out a few before giving Sarah the rest. She knew she was obvious about avoiding his touch when she saw his lips twitch.
“Thanks.”
His lazy gaze followed Sarah as she scooted back against the cave wall. She leaned back wearily and closed her eyes, munching contentedly.
“Don’t go to sleep yet, angel. I have a surprise for you.” His rough voice sliced through the silence in the cave, echoing beyond the corridors.
She opened her eyes to see him getting to his feet. “How can a man so big, move so silently? And in boots no less.” Her eyes started at his feet, traveling slowly up his long legs, solid thighs and further, taking in the rest of him. He was a healthy specimen. She meant to skim over the fullness behind his zipper but found herself intrigued by the sheer length and size of him.
“You’d get a fucking rise out of a dead man looking at him like that. Are you prepared to back that look up with action?” Clint’s low words seemed intimate in the confines of the cave.
Sarah met the hard look in his eyes with surprise. She hadn’t realized she was so obvious. “I don’t…”
“You’re playing with fire, angel,” he ground out.
She tried to ignore the heat creeping up to her cheeks, embarrassed. “What am I doing?” she asked innocently.
“Looking me up and down like you want me for dessert.”
She jumped to her feet. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” It was a mistake getting to her feet, the action putting her in close proximity to him. She crossed her arms in a defensive gesture, damning him with her look. “You’re imagining things.”
“Liar,” Clint said softly. “And I never back down from a dare.”
He took a step forward, and Sarah lost her nerve. His bark of laughter echoed through the cave interior as she flattened herself against the wall. “You…you…” She wrinkled her nose. “Stink!” She finally got out, unable to come up with anything better.
His head fell back as deep laughter peeled from his throat. He reached forward, fingering the dirty hair hanging at the side of Sarah’s streaked face. She knew it was stiff and caked with dried mud and looked more brown than blonde. “You don’t exactly smell like roses, angel.”
Sarah’s eyes glanced at the waterfall with longing, her anger extinguished with the thought of being clean again. The next thing she knew Clint was reaching for her hand and pulling her behind him.
“Come on. We’re dirty and tired, I have a remedy for both…something I discovered the first day I landed on the island.”
“Where are we going?” Her startled whisper filled the chamber.
Clint stooped to grab a flashlight out of his bag before leading her into one of the dark corridors. She tried to pull back. “Afraid of the dark?” His soft chuckle echoed around them.
Sarah didn’t give him the satisfaction of a response. She had the impression they were traveling down a slight incline. The beam of light they followed revealed a narrow tunnel that gradually widened as they went along. By the time they reached their destination, it opened up into another cavity—and a nice surprise. She gasped with pleasure, only getting the chance to appreciate the sight of the natural hot springs briefly before Clint flicked off the flashlight, cloaking them in darkness.
It wasn’t total darkness though. She glanced up instinctively, surprised yet again. Mother Nature had seen to everything. She stared in wonder at the skylight directly above them, letting in the subtle glow of moonlight and stars that created an intimate atmosphere. All they needed was a few romantic candles and wine.
“You coming in or are you going to stand there all night with your mouth open?”
Sarah’s gaze fell on Clint’s dark silhouette, wondering how he saw her. She heard him hit the water, squinting to see if he’d removed his clothes. “You didn’t waste any time,” she snorted, bending to untie her sneakers. “Did you, ah, take your clothes off?”
“Of course. Is there any other way?”
She hesitated a moment before slipping off her pants and shirt, leaving on her bra and underpants. “Yeah, there’s my way,” she quipped with sass, moving into position to lower herself in the water.
“It’s hot!” he warned.
She tested the temperature with her toes. It was hot. Sitting down on the edge of the pool, she swung her legs around and lowered them gradually into the water. First her feet, then her legs. She was up to her knees when she reached behind her to brace herself by flattening her hands along the edge. Slowly, she let the welcoming heat swallow her up.
A long sound of pleasure moved up her throat when she was finally submerged up to her shoulders. It was steaming hot, but felt so heavenly against the stiffness of her sore, abused body. She laid her head back against the rocky edge, closing her eyes and letting the hot liquid seep into every dirty pore.
“Feel good?”
Sarah smiled. “Almost as good as sex,” she said without thinking.
“Really?” he chuckled, the closeness of his voice revealing he’d moved near her. “We can’t stay in long. Water this hot can be dangerous.”
“How can anything that feels this wonderful be dangerous?” She breathed tiredly. She rotated her neck in an effort to work out the kinks. “I could easily fall asleep right now.”
“That would be deadly,” Clint remarked, dropping his hands upon her shoulders. “Turn around.”
Her eyes bolted open. Yet it wasn’t his closeness that unnerved Sarah. It was his hands on her. And the memory of what he made her feel. “What? Why?” she asked nervously.
“I must be crazy getting this fucking close to you.” His husky voice sent her pulse racing, and a pleasant sensation uncurled deep in her belly. “A smart man wouldn’t get within ten feet of you, in spite of your dirty, disheveled state.” He turned her around without much effort.
Sarah wasn’t so sure about this. “Then what are you doing?” She recalled the morning before when his hands had moved over her, massaging the aches away. So much had happened between them since then. It seemed like a lifetime ago.
“Hell if I know. I’m a glutton for punishment. Maybe I just like having my hands on you.” With her back to him, his fingers began digging into her sore muscles.
Sarah was already feeling the effects of the water on her body, but the effects of Clint’s hands on her shoulders messed with her mind. “Lord that feels good!” she said softly, deciding to ignore his admission, and the little thrill it caused. She began drifting in and out of semi-consciousness, praying he never stopped. “How did you know about this place?” She could hardly lift her voice above a whisper.
“I stumbled across it on my way to rescue a maiden in distress,” he said with a trace of laughter in his voice. His hands moved over her shoulders and arms before transferring to a spot behind her neck and finally moving down her back. “You’ll sleep like a baby tonight.”
“We can both use a good rest.”
Clint snorted. “That’s not a luxury I can allow myself until we’re off the island.”
Sarah’s head fell back, praying he never stopped. He had good, strong hands and seemed to know where to touch her to bring instant relief. “Don’t stop,” she pleaded weakly.
“You’re becoming lethargic.” Sarah could hear the smile in his voice. “We won’t have the strength to make it back to the safety of the main cave if we don’t get out soon.” A ripple of desire traveled over her when he lowered his head, letting his lips brush against her ear as he spoke. “How long do you want to stay in?”
“Forever,” Sarah whispered in the darkness.
Clint released a long breath. “Then it’s definitely time to get out.” He gave her a little shake.
Sarah’s eyes opened all the way and she turned to see him pushing himself out of the pool. He turned, offering his hand. It surprised her how effortlessly he pulled her up beside him. Suddenly, they were standing too close. She held her breath, not sure what she was waiting for. She could only make out his dark outline, yet she was very much aware of his silent scrutiny as he stood looking down at her. His warm breath mingled with hers, teasing her lips.
“What’s wrong?” she asked nervously.
“I’m going to kiss you.” He didn’t ask, just stated it like a warning, in a tone revealing he wasn’t happy about it but couldn’t seem to help himself. His hands encircled her arms, pulling her closer until she was flush against his naked body.
Sarah knew it was coming, but instead of twisting away she met him halfway. She opened her mouth beneath his, encountering the thrust of his tongue and welcoming the instant rush of sensation exploding through her body. Allowing him to kiss her was a mistake, but she was more than curious. He made her feel alive inside.
His possession was surprisingly gentle, so unlike the rough-cut contours of the man she’d grown accustomed to. He easily drew a shameless response from her. It wasn’t supposed to be like this. Sarah was almost disappointed that she wasn’t disappointed. Clint’s kiss opened up an array of tiny explosions through her love-starved body, frightening in its intensity.
She moaned with pleasure when his hands glided down her arms in a rough caress. Bringing her wrists together at the small of her back forced her to arch against him even more. His mouth left hers and the next thing Sarah knew was the feel of rough velvet against her throat as he traced a path to her collarbone with his tongue. Her breasts swelled with aching desire against his chest, pleading for attention. She wanted his hands on them, his mouth.
When his hand glided up her ribcage and closed over her sensitive flesh, her knees buckled. A low growl erupted from his throat in response to her soft cry. They sounded raw and untamed, as if two animals were mating beneath the cover of darkness.
“Oh!” The cry escaped her before she could stop it, revealing her hunger.
“I’m a fool for touching you,” he said gruffly. “Because now I want more…”
Sarah didn’t mind the liberties Clint was taking. He made her feel like a desirable woman. Little sounds of pleasure passed between her lips and she arched into him again and again, letting the hunger of her body control her actions. Her movements were designed to show him she liked what he was doing. She wanted to drive him beyond control.
He took both her wrists in one hand, his other glided down the curve of Sarah’s side and the flare of her hip to the waistband of her panties, hesitating. “All I wanted was a fucking kiss, something to ease the lust in my blood,” Clint growled.
Releasing her hands, he took hold of Sarah’s hips and thrust his hard cock between her thighs, the thin barrier of her silk panties preventing him from entering her body, but providing them both with enough pleasure to satisfy them for the moment. His actions drove Sarah wild. Her nails bit into his shoulders as their mutual moans of pleasure filled the cave. Her response seemed to fire Clint’s own needs, and he slammed his mouth down on hers, taking her breath away with a kiss that burned a fire to her very soul.
She felt his hand curl around the elastic of her panties and shuddered violently, silently begging him to follow through with his obvious intentions. Thoughts of making love with Clint fueled a lust inside her she didn’t know existed. It made her lose control, and her hand slid down his body until she reached his extended cock. She hesitated, unsure.
Do I dare? This wasn’t like her at all. She shuddered again, acknowledging the delicious warmth slipping down the inside of her thighs. Something in her shiver caused him to stiffen. Had he misinterpreted it for something else? He released her slowly. She felt him withdrawing mentally.
“Nooooooo…” Her drawn out groan of protest echoed around them. He couldn’t be pulling away! Her desire for more pushed her into reaching for the hard throbbing shaft between his legs.
“Fuck!” It was obvious by his savage response he hadn’t expected her to do that.
“Exactly what I was thinking!”
Sarah didn’t care what he wanted or thought at that moment. She was beyond rationality. She had a pulsing, hard cock in her hand and the heat radiating off it released an inferno in her blood. He was big, and long, steel encased in soft velvet. Her hand moved over his flesh, exploring the ridges, and thickness, the smooth head.
Doesn’t he understand I need this? Needed to feel alive?
Words eluded her but somehow Sarah had to make him understand her needs. His rock hard cock revealed Clint’s own hunger. The setting was darkly intimate, almost perfect. With the light of the moon shining down upon them and the occasional sounds of jungle predators beyond the safety of the cave—primitive music that fed their lust.
Her caressing hand slipped beneath the base of his shaft to cup his balls. He sucked in his breath, a hand twisting in her hair and pulling her head back. Breathing escalating, Sarah welcomed his rough mouth against her neck as his hands made quick work of removing her bra and panties. Before she could draw another breath, she was naked and Clint was pulling her down to the ground with him.
God Yes! Her mind screamed, as she found herself on top of the hard mercenary, breast to chest, his cock sliding between her quivering thighs. Not entering her, but slicing between her swollen lips and over her throbbing clit. Sarah released a little cry of breathless anticipation, ready to explode. Clint’s hands explored her body with rough passion, fingers teasing forbidden places until she was squirming against him with mindless pleasure.
“Please…” she took his lower lip between her teeth and gave it a sharp bite. “…fuck me!”
Growling, Clint thrust his hips off the ground with reaction. Then his hands were against Sarah’s waist, and he was forcing her to sit up. When he raised her body and positioned her above his cock, she knew what to do. She reached between them and guided his shaft into the waiting, dripping folds of her pussy. With a groan of hunger, Clint raised his hips again, at the same time lowering her and impaling her fully.
“Ohmygod!” Sarah trembled wildly, closed her eyes and savored the moment of being filled so completely. The months of abstinence were erased with that single plunge and the hard, throbbing flesh inside her. She arched back and slowly began to move. The urge to go faster was overpowered by the need to keep it slow and enjoy every second.
Clint’s low groans of obvious pleasure were her reward. “Shit, you’re so fucking tight!” His hands caressed her swaying breasts as she moved up and down his shaft.
A soft laugh escaped Sarah. “Complaining?”
“Fuck no.” One hand left her breast to tangle in her hair. He pulled Sarah down and kissed her. She parted her lips immediately to allow his warm tongue inside. A mistake. Their intimate kiss turned rough and needy, taking control of their movements. With every thrust of Clint’s cock, Sarah’s body rushed closer to a building climax.
Instinctively knowing he was close, too, she ran her hands over his chest and tweaked his nipples. Then tore away from his kiss to place her mouth on the tortured nubs. Smiling around the protuberance she was tonguing when Clint sucked in his breath and shuddered beneath her. His hips began to move with purpose and Sarah welcomed every thrust. But when his hand moved to the wet curls between her legs and his finger easily manipulated her clit, she knew it was over.
Crying out with pleasure, she rode Clint fast and hard. Managing to remain just ahead of the explosion rolling through her body, until the wave caught up and overpowered her. At the same time she climaxed, a powerful stream of cum filled her womb. Clint clutched Sarah to him as his cock continued to release into her body and together they collapsed, out of breath.
As soon as her body calmed down, Sarah’s breathing returned to normal. The dawning at what she’d invited invaded her thoughts; she was immediately ashamed of herself. Only she felt too damn good to question how she’d let a man like Clint make love to her. Exhaustion of a different kind kept her lying on top of him, silently thanking him for his consideration. No doubt the ground was rough and hard beneath him.
“Let’s get you back to the fire so you can get warm.” His tone was back to normal, and there was something else reflected there. Was he sorry about what happened between us?
Sarah didn’t need warming up. In fact, she was thinking about the waterfall at the mouth of the cave, and the cooling affect it would have on her over-warm body. An unexpected stirring in Clint’s body brought her back to reality fast. She pulled back and glanced down at him with mild surprise.
“Ready for another round?” He had the nerve to ask. She quickly scrambled off Clint and got to her feet. He followed, chuckling. “Thought not.”
What was I supposed to say to that? Sarah’s gaze followed his silhouette, his movements indicating he was slipping into his pants. She bent and felt for her own, finding them but reluctant to put them on because her underpants were wet. The opportunity was lost when Clint picked up the flashlight and flicked it on. She prayed he didn’t turn the beam on her, but should have known better.
His eyes raked over her with mild humor and focused on her kiss-swollen mouth. Sarah trembled at his expression. She could still taste him on her lips, still feel his rough caresses and his masterful possession. The most betraying was the scent of their coupling still lingering in the air.
“You okay?”
She clutched her pants to the front of her, knowing they probably offered little protection against his eagle sharp eyes. “Don’t I look all right?” she said more sharply than she intended. “And stop pointing that flashlight in my eyes.”
“I see your hiss is back.”
Sarah quickly slipped into her clothes. Well, what did he expect? She was irritated because she’d given him leverage over her that he would most likely use against her when the opportunity arose. She could see the white of his teeth in the darkness as he grinned down at her.
“You remind me of a barnyard cat I had as a kid, always hissing and showing her claws. Is this the fucking thanks I get for making you feel better than you’ve probably felt in a long time?”
He had nerve! Her mouth dropped open as the heat of mortification rose up her neck, glad he couldn’t see it. She purposely chose to ignore his obvious meaning and stuck with a safer subject. “I’ve been in hot tubs before.”
His laughter was a full-hearted sound, magnified by the hollow caves surrounding them. Another time and she might appreciate the deep, rich sound emitting from his throat—if it wasn’t directed at her.
“Come on, angel, bedtime.”
Before she knew what he was going to do, he took her hand and pulled her down the long, narrow tunnel behind him. She only let him lead because he had a flashlight, knowing she’d never find her way back. Once they walked into the main cave, she tugged her hand out of his and moved as far away from him as she could.
The hot springs and Clint’s massage had done wonders for her, leaving her relaxed and ready for sleep. She wiped the memory of their passionate kisses and raw intimacy out of her head, knowing it was the only way she would get any rest. She knew as soon as she lay down she’d be asleep in minutes.
“Take off your clothes.” His rough voice seemed to come out of nowhere.
“What?” I just put them back on. She narrowed her eyes on him with curiosity, watching him rummage through the contents of his duffel bag. He certainly didn’t look like he was thinking about jumping her bones, a second time.
“Take off your clothes,” he repeated, finally finding what he’d been searching for.
“I heard you, I’m not deaf.” Her gaze widened as he came toward her.
“Only stubborn. And a few other things I can think of.” He tossed a thin green army blanket down at her. “You can’t go to sleep in those damp clothes. You’ll be miserable and I don’t have time to worry about you getting sick.”
Sarah unfolded the blanket gratefully until it occurred to her that his clothes were damp too. If he thought she was going to share the blanket with him he was crazy. She scowled glancing up at him. It was the best she could do under the circumstances. She was too tired to do anything else.
“Need help?”
He looked a little too eager. The wolfish grin on his face didn’t quite reach the blackness of his eyes. The fire he’d started earlier had burned down to practically nothing, yet there was still enough of a glow for it to cast shadows upon the walls. Sarah wondered what he’d do if she said yes—then decided she was too chicken to test him. She’d have no one to blame but herself if he took her up on it.
She was only relieved he didn’t seem eager to talk about what they’d shared at the hot springs. If he could pretend it hadn’t happened, so could she.
“I can manage on my own,” she said tiredly. “And if you were gentlemen, you’d turn your back.” She shook the blanket open, draping it over the front of her.
“Are you for fucking real?” He snorted. “I’ve already seen and felt everything you have to offer, angel. I know your tits are real, and your cunt is hot and tight.” There was a smile in his voice. “How about if I just close my eyes?”
Sarah ignored him and proceeded to wiggle out of her clothes beneath the blanket. She didn’t acknowledge Clint again until she was almost naked. He took the wadded-up ball of clothes from her and turned to exit the cave. She didn’t ask him where he was going with them, taking advantage of his departure by standing and wrapping the cover around her body before settling back down on the floor.
“You look like a cocoon, but I know there’s no delicate butterfly inside. More like a pesky moth,” he retorted when he came back, standing above her.
She gave an unladylike snort over his unflattering description. Her head was resting on his duffel bag and her eyes were shut. She was exhausted, in more ways than one. She couldn’t ignore the slight ache between her legs. Or the telltale dampness still lingering there.
What surprised Sarah more was the emptiness.
“I guess we’re not sharing.”
She found the energy to open one eye and glare up at him. “Try it and you’re dead meat,” she mumbled groggily, falling asleep within minutes.