Chapter Eleven
Hale crouched and scooped fresh water onto his face and down his arms. Behind him, Elin was pacing.
“The Bushman’s Paradise. Ophir. King Solomon’s Mines. The Lost City of the Kalahari.” She spun to face him. “They’re all the same thing.”
“It’s not surprising,” he said. “All the myths and stories in this one desolate place had to center on something.”
Elin paced again, running her hand through her hair. “And somewhere in here is Solomon’s ring.”
They’d searched the cavern the best they could, and hadn’t found any other ways in or out. They had found rock-cut houses gouged into the back wall, more moss-like plants, and even several small artifacts that proved people had once lived here.
“Elin, shut it down for a bit. Come and wash that hand.”
She stopped beside him and he carefully dunked her hand in the water. The tinkle of the waterfall was a soothing backdrop noise. Hale studied her palm. It was pink in places, and she had a couple of blisters, but otherwise, it looked okay.
She looked tired, with dark circles under her eyes. He knew it was late and they needed some rest.
“Let’s camp in one of the houses,” she said.
He watched her glance at the far wall of the cavern. It was draped in more moss-like plants, with arched doorways. The cave houses were all rectangular, and evenly spaced out.
Elin stood with the flashlight and strode around the pool. She stopped by the wall, and before he caught up to her, she stepped inside one of the caves.
“Elin!” He followed her in.
“Amazing to think the workers lived here,” she murmured.
Furniture had been carved out of the rock, and here and there, he saw broken ceramics and remnants of rotted fabrics. He picked up a small figure carved from bone. A toy, maybe? “Layne, Dec’s fiancée, would love to check this place out. And Cal’s girlfriend Dani would spend hours photographing the place.”
Elin glanced over her shoulder. “And Dec and Cal’s parents would like it, too.”
“Oh, yeah. Professor Ward would want to record every inch of it and Mrs. Ward…”
Elin’s lips twitched. “I know what infamous treasure hunters like to do.”
“She isn’t like Silk Road. She trades antiquities legitimately.” Mostly.
The house was made of several rooms for living, sleeping, and storage. They stepped into the back room, and found a stone platform topped with a pile of what had to have been rotted furs. A bed, probably.
“It’s like they just left,” she said. “Just got up and walked out.” She dropped onto the platform.
“Elin, we need to rest.” He looked at his watch. “It’s late, and we’ve had a hell of a day. Why don’t you wash up, and I’ll organize some dinner? For tonight, this can be our place.” He pulled the small battery-powered lantern out of his bag.
With a nod, she wandered out and down to the water. Layne would probably kill him for sleeping on historical artifacts, but he shoved the dust of the rotted furs aside and laid out their sleeping bags. He started pulling things out of their backpacks. They had a few ready-to-eat meals, and some packs of biltong. Not gourmet, but it would do.
Outside, he heard a splash of water, and he froze. His overheated imagination had no problem imagining Elin naked. That pale skin with a hint of gold, those tantalizing curves, and all that blonde hair. Yeah, he could easily imagine his darker hands smoothing up toned thighs, over a taut belly, tangling in golden strands of hair as he pulled that pretty mouth closer to—
He muttered a curse, shifting to accommodate his hardening cock. Jeez, they’d survived a wild, dangerous day, were now in the bowels of a legendary mine, and something told him Silk Road wouldn’t have given up searching for them. This was no time for dirty thoughts. Clearing his throat, he set the food out.
He heard water splashing again, and this time, the urge to look was too great. He moved out of the rock-cut house and looked down at the pool, only a few feet away. Instantly, his cock was hard as a rock. She was waist-deep in the water, illuminated by the flashlight, and he had the perfect view of a slim, bare back, and the top curves of her ass.
With a groan, he turned away. Focus on something else, Carter. He moved back to their backpacks. How the hell was he going to sleep with her so close to him?
When Elin returned, she was wearing her cargo pants and a clean tank top. Her hair was damp and hung past her shoulders. He’d never seen it loose before.
“Your turn.” She dumped her things. “The water isn’t warm, but it’s not too cold, either.”
He grunted and headed to the pool. Cold would be welcome right now.
Hale kept it quick. He stripped off and strode into the water. The water did feel good. He stared down at his hard cock and grimaced. The water didn’t do much to help that problem. Finally, he strode out and pulled on his last set of clean clothes.
Back in the house, he saw Elin munching on their meager dinner. Dropping down next to her, he snatched up some food. “We’ll sleep for a few hours, then search for the ring. Our ride out of here will be here in the morning.”
“I’m going to search for Drift, Hale. I can’t let him get away.”
“I figured you’d say something like that.” Hale smiled, chewing some biltong. “It’s been a hell of a vacation. Next time, I suggest the mountains.” When he looked up, he saw that she was watching him with a steady gaze.
Hell, she was beautiful. At first glance, she looked so cool, but there was heart and heat under the glossy exterior. Elin Alexander was a smart woman with a sense of passion and dedication to her job that he loved.
They stared at each other, gazes locking.
Hale wasn’t sure who moved first. He was reaching for her and suddenly she was diving into his lap. She straddled him, her hands bunching in his T-shirt. Together, they tore it over his head.
“God. I’ve wanted to touch this chest for so long. It’s been driving me crazy.” She stroked her hands up his pecs. “All these muscles.”
Hale was just as desperate. He pulled her tank top up, peeling it over her skin. Beneath, she was wearing a sports bra that only took him seconds to yank off. He cupped her full breasts, loving the way the plump curves fit into his palms.
“I’m going to touch you, kiss you, taste you,” Hale ground out. “I want you to come on my fingers, on my tongue, and on my cock.”
“Really?” A smile hovered on her lips. “Well, I have plans to make you come, too. I wonder who can make the other come first?”
Excitement shot through him. A challenge. “Game on, Agent Alexander. Just so you know, my last test was clean and I always use protection.” A look crossed his face. “Which I don’t have with me.”
“It’s okay. I’m healthy, too, and I get a regular contraceptive shot.”
Hale shaped her rib cage and pulled her closer, until her breasts were level with his face. He pulled one pink nipple into his mouth. She moaned, her hands tangling in his hair. He sucked hard, then blew over the sensitive peak, loving the way it pebbled for him, and loving the way she writhed against him. He moved over to the other breast, giving the other pretty nipple some attention.
Soon, she was undulating against him, and he kept lavishing attention on her breasts. Damn, if he’d known just how gorgeous they were, he’d never have made it this far into the desert without already sampling them. God, she was so responsive to his touch.
A moment later, he felt her hands lower on his body, brushing against his stomach. He sucked in a breath.
She flicked open his trousers and a hand slid inside. When she brushed against his cock, he jerked.
“You like me touching you,” she murmured.
“Hell, yes.”
She moved back enough to pull his cock out. It was hard and engorged. “I’ve thought about seeing this, touching this.” Her gaze flicked up to his. “Very impressive, Mr. Carter.”
She stroked him, and Hale jerked and groaned.
“I want to make you feel good, Hale.” She scooted back, pushed him back onto the sleeping bags, and lowered her head.
Her blonde hair fell around her face like a curtain. Desperate to see, he pushed it back and watched as she wrapped her lips around the fat head of his cock.
“Fuck…Elin.” He couldn’t think. Only feel.
Every one of his muscles bunched, and he felt the swirl of her tongue before she sucked him deep.
“You taste amazing, Hale.” She licked around the mushroom head of his cock, her gaze locking with his. “You like watching me while I suck you?”
His hand clenched in her hair. “Yes.”
She sucked him into her mouth again, her cheeks hollowing. Sensation shot through him and he rolled his hips up, watching her take more of him.
Hell. If she kept this up, he’d spill in her mouth in seconds. He wanted more, needed more.
Moving fast, he reared up.
“Hey!” she complained.
“You put your clever mouth on my cock again, I’ll be coming down your throat.”
She made a frustrated noise, but using his superior strength, he stripped her trousers off.
“That was the point,” she said huskily. “I like to win.”
He spun her around so she was on her knees. He moved up behind her, wrapping his arms around her until he cupped her breasts again. “My turn to tease you.” He stroked his hand down her belly and felt her muscles quiver. “Yeah, that’s right, Elin. My turn to have you whimpering.”
He brushed his fingers through the trimmed blonde curls between her legs.
“Hale.” She was moving urgently now, her bare ass rubbing against his throbbing cock. He wouldn’t be able to prove his stamina now, not if he splashed his come all over the small of her back.
He focused on pleasuring her, sliding his fingers through her folds. His hand was drenched in her slick juices, and he slid one finger inside her warmth. Damn, she was tight.
Her head fell back against his shoulder, her hips riding his hand. He slid another finger inside her, stretching her. He moved his thumb into her folds and found her clit.
She cried out, her back arching against him.
“I like to win too, baby,” he murmured against her ear. “I’m going to make you come on my fingers, Elin.”
“No.” Determination filled her tone. She rubbed her ass against him and his cock slid between her rounded cheeks. He groaned, his head falling forward so he pressed his face against her hair.
She worked herself up and down, his cock sliding against smooth skin. He thumbed her clit and she tried hard to stifle her cry.
“Come inside me, Hale. I want your big cock inside me.”
Damn. He’d never guessed there was a temptress under Elin’s sleek exterior. “You come first.” He pressed a third finger into her and knew she’d feel the stretch.
She was panting now, her ass still moving against him. “But I need your cock inside me, stretching me, filling me.” She turned her head, her lips meeting his in a frantic kiss. “Don’t you want to watch as you thrust inside me?”
Her words were like a red cape to a bull. Desperate now, he spun her, pressing her back against their makeshift bed. “I want that. More than anything. I’ve never been with a woman without a condom.” He leaned over her, letting his gaze skate down her body, taking in every curve. “So fucking beautiful.”
She let her pale legs fall open. “Hale, hurry up.”
He shoved his trousers down to his knees. He took his cock, pumping it a few times. Her gaze was glued to it and she licked her lips.
“I’m going to stretch you out and make you come,” he said on a growl.
“Yes.”
He shoved her legs wider apart, and pressed the head of his cock against her warm dampness. He held himself there, every muscle in his body quivering. “Watch.”
She pushed up on her elbows, her gaze where his thick cock looked big against her smooth skin.
Hale kept his gaze on her face and, with one firm thrust, lodged himself inside her.
***
God, Elin pressed her head back against the sleeping bag, she was so full.
Hale pulled back, sliding out of her and making her moan. Her gaze flew to him, and she watched as he thrust back inside her again. The look on his face made her breath catch. Like he’d found a heaven he’d never experienced before.
He soon found his rhythm, hammering inside her. She reached up, gripping his hard biceps, breathy cries exploding from her throat. He surrounded her, and dominated her, and it felt so good.
God, his body was a work of art, and she loved seeing the flex of muscles in his stomach, the air pumping in and out of his chest as he fucked her. By now, they were both slick with sweat, grinding against each other.
Sensations were rolling inside her and she knew it wouldn’t take much for her to come. She squeezed her inner muscles and heard Hale groan.
“I’m going to make you come first,” she said.
His heavy thrusts never faltered. “So competitive.”
“Don’t you forget it.” She smiled. “God, you’re so big, Hale. I love you inside me.”
“Baby, you keep talking like that and it’s going to get rougher and harder.”
She felt her belly contract. “Promise?”
She was rewarded with another groan. Soon, neither of them could talk anymore, both lost in the torrent of heat rushing through them. He was thrusting hard into her, and she was straining up against him, desperate for more.
Elin was fighting to keep her orgasm from crashing over her. She could feel he was getting close as well.
Then he moved, sliding a hand down her body, and she felt his rough thumb slide over her slippery clit.
Elin was thrown over the edge. She bit her lip to stifle her scream as she came, and at the same time, her release triggered his. His hands clenched on her hips, dragging her up to meet his hard and now-erratic thrusts. He slammed into her one last time, lodging deep. His body shook as he poured himself inside her with a ragged groan.
Elin collapsed back, sure she’d never be able to move again. Hale dropped heavily beside her, one leg tossed over hers. She looked at his face, now relaxed, and still far too handsome. But she knew that under the tough good looks was a good man.
“Jesus,” he said, breathless.
She smiled, her hot skin cooling a little.
“Elin, that was…”
“Yeah.” She pressed her face to his shoulder. “It was.”
She couldn’t find the right words, either. After thirty-three years, she’d finally had the kind of sex she’d only ever read about. She’d always thought her love life had been decent enough, but after what she and Hale had just done…
Hale shifted, and she found herself being picked up. She slid an arm over his shoulders. “How can you even move?”
“Navy SEAL strength and stamina, darlin’.” He stopped to dip and grab the flashlight.
He carried her out to the water, set the flashlight down to point toward the pool, then strode straight in. The water hit her and she let out a squeak. It felt even cooler now, on her overheated skin. He set her down, and she ducked down into the water. After days in the desert, she enjoyed feeling clean again.
When she surfaced, she looked at Hale and just stared.
She’d never, ever get tired of looking at that amazing body of his. Rivulets of water were running down his dark skin, arrowing down to a cock that looked big even when it wasn’t hard.
“See anything you like?”
His amused drawl made her look up. “Have I told you that you have an unreal body? I mean, most FBI agents keep fit, but you…”
He made a scoffing sound. “So, I work out. Lots of guys do.”
“Yeah, but you look like you’re ready for war.”
“Habit, I guess.” He splashed more water onto his chest. “Plus, my THS missions aren’t always easy. I need to be fit.”
She kept staring at him, and heat washed through her, settling in her belly. “I want you again.”
His head snapped up, his eyes narrowing and nostrils flaring. Like a male who’d scented a female in heat.
She knew they’d need to start searching for the ring soon…but right now, they needed to rest and recharge. And nothing had ever made her feel more energized than Hale Carter touching her.
He took two strides to reach her, churning through the water. He yanked her up into his arms. As his hands cupped her ass and lifted her up, she wound her legs around his hips, gripping his hard shoulders.
She loved that he held her so easily with that strength of his. She reached between them and found his cock. It was hard and pulsed in her hand. It took a second to line him up, and then she was sinking down on him, feeling the fat head slide into her. God. She bit down on her lip, air rushing past her lips. She took him, inch by inch, inside her.
He muttered a curse. Elin started working herself up and down on his cock, and he helped, his fingers digging into the flesh of her ass.
Her husky cries echoed around them, mixing with Hale’s deeper groans. He was so big and she felt stretched to her limits. It hurt, but it felt good, too.
Suddenly, Hale strode out of the pool and toward their borrowed house, still holding her impaled on his cock.
He made it to the bedroom and dropped to his knees on the sleeping bags. He grinned at her. “Let’s see who comes first this time.”