Healing Hands Read online

  He rolled to his side, pulling her body into his with a possessive curl of his arm. She cried softly on his shoulder, her warm tears like knives to his soul. Hells, if he’d hurt her. She sighed, clutching at him as if her entire world was crumbling around her. He pulled back, needing to see her face, but scared of what he’d discover.

  “Mira?”

  She smiled at him, allowing him to brush the tears from her cheeks. “You didn’t hurt me. I just feel…”

  She looked away without finishing, but he knew what she was trying to say. He felt it too. “Hush, sweetness. We’ll talk in the morning. Rest. I’ll protect you.”

  Mira nodded and relaxed against him. She was gone before he could roll onto his back and cradle her on his chest. He stared up at the ceiling, the reality of the moment finally sinking in. After all these years, he’d found her. The woman destined to stand at his side. His father had promised him it’d happen suddenly one day. Had claimed that was the reason behind the damned curse put on their family so many centuries ago. But he’d never believed it…until now.

  He sighed, a tight feeling settling in his chest. If she really was going to be his mate, he’d have to finish the bond, and he wasn’t certain she’d let him. But already the need burned his blood, drawing him to the forbidden lust lurking inside him. Full submission. However archaic it sounded, it was deep-rooted, and as old as the curse, itself. Without it, he’d never feel complete.

  Chapter Four

  Mira sighed, feeling Keegan’s arms wrapped around her waist. Her head rested on his chest, his male scent surrounding her. She smiled against his skin, licking the nipple closest to her, loving the husky growl that vibrated through his chest and into hers.

  “Good morning, sweetness. Well rested, I see.”

  Mira laughed as he rolled her over, trapping her body between his arms. His cock hardened against her stomach, and she smiled at the thought of having him sheathed inside her again. “Very,” she replied, tilting her hips up, bracketing his shaft between her velvety lips. “Well enough to relieve you of this,” she teased, sliding his length along her clit, watching his face pull tight. “Unless you’d rather have me taste you again.”

  Keegan’s head snapped down as she reached up and encircled his cock. He was thicker than any servant she’d seen and she couldn’t stem the moan building in her chest from escaping her lips. She smiled when the soft brush of air made his groin clench, pulsing his flared head, and purging a small drop of fluid from the tip.

  “Mmm. I can already taste you,” she purred.

  She leant forward, pushing him upright as she eased her lips down, kissing the crown. He grunted as she pushed her hips up, lowering her chest towards the bed. A smile lit her face and she couldn’t resist wiggling her ass at him as she blew a heated breath across his cock, watching in awe as it bobbed towards his stomach before slowly descending. Keegan growled this time, and speared his hands through her hair, pulling her close.

  “No teasing, Mira,” he ordered. “Not this time.”

  Mira glanced up at him, her tongue distended along the hood, the tip just tickling the ridge beneath the head. She didn’t like the dominant tone to his voice, but as her eyes met his, she felt a fire spark in her womb. He looked every inch the warrior, and it didn’t look like mercy was on his mind. She hesitated just long enough to hear another growl resonate through the air before lowering her eyes and easing her lips around his shaft.

  “That’s it, sweetness. Take me all the way to the back.”

  He moved with her, easing another inch inside her velvet heat. Mira opened wider, relaxing her jaw as he surged inside, filling her mouth with his hard shaft. Blood pounded through the heavy vein lining the bottom of his cock, and she pressed her tongue flat against it as he slowly withdrew, leaving only the flared head inside her. A low rumble filled her head, purging her creamy juice from between her legs. She hummed in delight, feeling his bollocks tighten from the small vibration.

  “So hot. Your mouth is so hot. Just like your sweet, tight sheath.” He surged forward again, lingering with the head buried at the back of her throat before pulling back, moaning as she scraped her teeth along the ridge. “Damnation.”

  He moved, plunging hard, nearly making her gag as he buried over half his length in her mouth. Mira held the heavy prize in her hand, easing some of the pressure as he started up a rhythm, pushing forward, then slowly retreating. His sac pulled tight, the head of his shaft flaring against her throat, as she suckled his skin, swallowing every drop of fluid she coaxed from him.

  Keegan moved faster, his hands now woven through her hair, his hips pumping like a man possessed. She took all he gave her, pressing her tongue along the bottom as he thrust forward, then hollowing her cheeks as he pulled back. Heavy panting filled the air, and she revelled in the husky sounds breaking from his chest. Power, stronger than the magic hidden within her, filled her senses, and she knew she’d never want to touch another man. She was his, completely.

  Keegan growled above her, the muscles in his thighs clenching, as she pleasured him towards his impending release. She tried moving faster, eager to taste the spicy flavour of his seed. But just before his crown pulsed in relief, he pulled back, slipping his shaft free of her mouth.

  Mira cried a muted ‘no’. She reached for him, but he reared up, pushing her to the bed with one large hand as the other found the sweet spot inside her channel. She arched into the intrusion, grinding her clit against his palm. Honey oozed from her sex, coating his fingers and her thighs with the creamy fluid. He groaned as more seemed to flow past his hand, and only paused long enough to catch her gaze before lowering his head between her legs and swiping a heated path through her slit.

  “You taste delicious…all hot and sweet.” He made another pass, dipping inside her. “I could spend all day devouring you.”

  Mira tried to reply, but only a strangled rasp escaped, as he pulled one cream coated finger free of her channel and circled it around her nether hole. She’d witnessed more than one of her sisters take a man that way, and she’d always wondered what it’d feel like. Was it as hot as when Keegan plunged inside her sheath, or would it be darker, more erotic?

  Keegan made another pass, slipping one knuckle inside her this time. Her voice resonated through the room, more of a growl than a moan. She couldn’t seem to stop her body from surging up, meeting his hot caress as he pushed deeper, finally sinking his finger completely inside her nether hole.

  A low rumble filled the chamber, and it took her a moment to realise he’d risen over her. She opened her eyes to find him staring down at her, a haunted look in his eyes. Her heart stopped as she watched him shift his gaze from the table beside the bed back to her.

  “What?” she asked, not able to hide the fear in her voice. Panic shimmed along her spine and she couldn’t help but wonder if he’d changed his mind.

  Keegan reached out and touched her face, following the soft curve of her jaw. “Mira.” He took a rough breath, making the hair on the back of her neck stand up. “I need…”

  His voice drifted off, and she couldn’t stop her hand from reaching for his chest. His heart raced beneath her fingers, and she could hear it echo in her head. “What? What do you need, Keegan?”

  He clenched his jaw, meeting her gaze with one so intense she had to fight not to look away. “The bond.” He sucked in another hard breath. “I need to finish the bond.”

  She shook her head, trying to follow his words. “I don’t understand. What do you need to finish?”

  He sighed and moved his finger to her cheek. “When a Garinthian man courts a woman, there are certain…needs…acts if you will, he has to fulfil if the bond is going to be complete.” He smiled at her. “What we started yesterday. I need to finish it. Now.” He eased forward, wrapping his hands around her waist. “It’s hard to explain, but I need you to submit to me. To allow me to perform the final step. I wasn’t going to ask, but…”

  Again his voice trailed off, and Mira
could see the tension building along his shoulders. The way the muscles clenched as his cock strained ever tighter against her skin. He hinged on the edge of control, her word the only force holding him back. Her heart clenched at the thought, knowing he’d deny his own needs if she dictated it.

  Mira reached out and grazed his cheek, mimicking his touch. “You saved me when no one else could have. I’m yours for the taking.”

  The smile Keegan flashed her was nothing short of wicked, and her pulse raced as he followed her back down, his lips slanting over hers. His kiss was hot, demanding, and for one brief moment she questioned what she’d just given him permission to perform. Then his tongue lapped at hers, and she was lost.

  He was still smiling when he pulled back, brushing a tender kiss across the tip of her nose. “Very well, sweetness. But first, I’m going to eat every drop of honey from your delicious flesh.”

  Mira’s head fell back against the pillow as he roved down her body, nipping at her nipples. He paused just long enough to suckle each one into his mouth before splaying her thighs wide, and settling between her legs again. Heat fused her face as he stared at her sex, tilting his head as if he were looking at a beautiful painting. The gleam glittering behind his dark eyes held her captive as he drew a single finger through her slit, stopping to watch it disappear inside her.

  “So beautiful, sweetness.” He plunged in again, deeper.

  “Keegan.”

  He chuckled at the husky drawl of his name, but didn’t shift his eyes to look at her. Instead he moved his finger lower, once again probing the tight pucker of her anus.

  “Relax, Mira, and let me taste your release while I touch this beautiful, perfect little hole.”

  She did as he asked, still watching as he drew her drenched lips apart, exposing her clit to the cool air. He moaned as she clenched it in response, making the vein in his jaw twitch.

  “By the Gods, I love it when you do that,” he said, circling the small nub with the tip of his tongue. He eased back. “Do it again.”

  A warm flush rose in her cheeks and wove down her chest as she squeezed her muscles, making her clit pulse. Keegan growled his appreciation, lowering his mouth to place a warm wet kiss across her mound.

  “Mine,” he echoed, drawing his tongue through her slick folds, all the while probing his finger into her ass. “Forever mine.”

  Heat punched through her womb as he lapped at her weeping sex, licking every drop of liquid as it eased from her body. She felt her release building. Tightening the muscles in her thighs and stomach. Igniting a ball of heat that plumed out from her groin in cresting waves, tingling her skin as it raced across her body. But it was different this time. The pressure of his finger inside her back hole intensified the sensations, layering heat and desire until the sound of her heart pounded in her head. He was building her up. Taking her to a realm of pleasure she didn’t know existed.

  “Now, sweetness. Let me taste your sweet cream before I die from the need.”

  She cried out, wondering how she’d survive the descent. He moved faster, licking her nub, tunnelling his finger back and forth until darkness edged her vision and her body shattered. Pleasure, unlike any she’d known, tore through her, purging the air from her lungs, leaving her hanging on the very edge of consciousness. Keegan lapped at her sex, the wet sounds of his tongue drinking her release echoing through her head. He still had his finger embedded in her hole, and she couldn’t stop a primal moan from purging from her chest as he slowly pulled it free, tapping her ass as he rose between her legs. She met his heated gaze, blushing at the juice clinging to his mouth.

  “I’ve never had a breakfast taste so delicious as you do, sweetness. I might have to have you again for lunch.”

  A shy smile graced her lips, but it faded as his expression changed. Once again he looked back at the small table beside the bed. She went to shift her gaze when he reached over and grabbed a small flask of oil.

  “I found this in the bathing chamber,” he said, holding it out in front of him. “Do you know what it’s used for?”

  A hotter flush laced across her chest as she nodded.

  Keegan leant forward, shaking his head. “Oh, no. I want to hear you say it. So I know you’re aware of what I need from you.”

  She swallowed hard, hoping to ease the parched feeling in her throat. “It’s oil,” she whispered, swiping her tongue across her lower lip as he dipped his finger inside the flask, coating it with the slick fluid.

  “What kind of oil?” he prompted.

  She watched as he pulled his finger free, swirling the oil around his thumb as if testing it. “Oil to ease the way when you…” she waved her hand at his shaft, “penetrate me.”

  He lifted one eyebrow in challenge. “Penetrate you where?”

  “In my…other hole.”

  His chuckle caught her by surprise. “Now, sweetness, you aren’t embarrassed to use the word, are you?” He shook his head in feigned amusement. “Are you not the same woman who just yesterday begged me to fuck her?”

  Mira stared at him, finally realising this was more than just an acceptance of his need. It was a test to see if she was really ready to give him more than just her body. He wanted her trust. The sexual vixen he’d awoken in her smiled at the challenge and she arched her own eyebrow back at him. “The oil is meant for you,” she began, her voice steady and strong. “To cover your cock so it doesn’t cause me any pain when you fuck me up my ass.”

  The skin over Keegan’s cheeks pulled taut, his eyes darkening until they looked like polished stone against his skin. A savage smile graced his lips as he bent down over her, his lips brushing hers. “So it is,” he rasped, his voice more of a growl than words. “Now that we understand each other, I’m going to show you all the pleasure I can bring you. I’m going to finish the bond, sweetness. So make no mistake. From this point on, you’re mine. Body and soul.”

  Mira framed his face in her hands, kissing his lips before allowing him to roll her onto her stomach. Any doubts she might have had vanished with the firm grip of his hands on her waist. She would be his, any way he needed.

  Keegan clenched his jaw as he watched Mira roll beneath him, her skin feather soft against his. He hadn’t planned on taking her this way, not so soon. But the moment she’d looked into his eyes, the soft gleam in hers sparkling with love, he’d been unable to deny the need. It burned inside him, slowly devouring him as he had her sex. He’d heard others speak of it that way. An uncontrollable urge that, when denied, could drive a man insane. And he had no doubts his sanity would go up in flames if he didn’t feel her beneath him. Feel the hot, tight clasp of her nether channel wrapped around him, accepting him, welcoming him. He didn’t know what the purpose of the claim was, only that he was bound to obey.

  He drew a ragged breath as she sighed beneath him, her trust in him so evident he had to bite back the tears. Never had he imagined finding a woman like her. One whose compassion and love transcended any level he’d dreamt of. She’d been tormented, taunted and mocked, and yet found it in her heart to love. To give to those intent on seeing her fail. For that fact alone he knew his love wasn’t misplaced. She was the heart he’d always hoped to find.

  He reached up and traced the fine line of her back, her muscles quivering beneath his touch. A sly smile touched his lips as he remembered how she’d met his dark caress. Tilted her hips up to take him deeper when he’d slipped his finger inside her. She’d do the same to his cock.

  “Just relax, sweetness. We’ll take this nice and slow.” He bit back a curse as she squeezed her buttocks, making the muscles across her ass contract. By the Gods he hoped he could keep his promise. But Heavens help him if she flexed them again.

  He leant forward, drizzling some of the oil across her skin. He wanted to massage some of the tension from her body before preparing her for his invasion. A hushed groan washed through the room as the liquid splashed along her back, before she sighed and sank into the bed. Keegan reached forward and s
tarted rubbing her muscles working his way across her body. Her skin was warm and pliable and he couldn’t stop his shaft from pulsing in need as every swirl of his hands brought him closer to his prize. It was hidden inside the pearly cheeks of her bottom, but he knew it was there, waiting for him to claim it.

  “You have such soft skin. I love touching it.” He scooted his hands down her legs, hooking the backs of her knees. “Tuck these underneath you, and let me see your beautiful ass.”

  She moved willingly, shuffling beneath him, raising her hips until her ass gleamed in the morning sun. Her skin was so pale, so perfect, he couldn’t help but run his fingers along the cleft of her buttocks, lightly brushing her hole. “So pretty,” he murmured, repeating the soft caress. “Now lay those beautiful breasts back down so I can see all of you.”

  Mira hesitated just long enough to look back at him across her shoulder. The smile she flashed him purged more fluid from his cock and it was all he could do not to pounce on top and drive into her. But he held back, watching in stunned fascination as she lowered her breasts to the bed, moaning out as the fabric brushed across her engorged nipples.

  “I’ll tend to those later,” he promised, leaning back to gaze at her flesh. “But first, I want to see how excited I make you.”

  Mira groaned as he eased his finger between her silky lips, feeling her moisture soak his skin. She was hot and wet, and he couldn’t resist bringing his finger to his mouth, tasting the cream he’d coaxed from her body. “So wet and sweet. I think you’re ready for me to begin.”

  She hummed her reply, wiggling her ass at him. He smiled, giving it a playful tap as he drizzled more oil along her skin. He moved slowly, rubbing it across her cheeks, pausing to draw it down the valley and slowly slip it inside her hot channel. The moan that broke from her chest was dark and raw, and he knew she’d scream like that once he’d locked himself inside her.