Chapter 6
Lying in bed Vera stretched, naked, kicking off the tangled sheets. She felt a little sore in a few places. She ran a finger over the tooth marks on her shoulder. They would be healed by the time the sun rose. It would be better if she slept. He body was exhausted but her mind was racing.
She felt like she was aware of Lucien even though she wasn't with him. His scent was all over her and she imagined him lying upstairs in his bed, thinking of her. It made Vera angry that she couldn't go up there and sleep beside him, nested into that warmth and scent and safety. She hated being told what to do but this time it was her own conscience doing the telling.
She must have drifted off at last because she woke when David climbed into bed, shifting the mattress. Seeing that she was awake David cuddled up to her, taking her naked body gently in his arms. He smelled like cigarette smoke and buttered popcorn. It made Vera smile and she squeezed him back.
Neither of them spoke but David caressed her, his soft hands smoothing themselves over his skin in lazy patterns. She turned sleepily onto her back and opened herself to him. He kissed her gently and thoroughly, as though her were tasting and appreciating her.
Vera moaned softly as David eased himself inside of her. They moved together, gently, like seaweed in a current. Sheathed tightly in her slick warmth David held her close until they came, gently, shaking against each other.
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The next morning Vera didn't want to get up. She had never been one to lay about in bed; there was always something to do and she was usually eager to greet the day. Vera, who always seemed to know her own mind, was paralyzed by indecision. She wanted Lucien, needed him. But she had become very fond of David. She knew that it would bother her if she hurt him. And she didn't know how to leave without hurting him.
The day passed slowly. Lucien wasn't home. Vera watched TV with David and did some chores. She was restless and everything seemed to annoy her. She decided to make dinner to occupy her hands at least, and try to take her mind off things. The boys all came home and gathered in the kitchen, sniffing expectantly and wondering what was for dinner.
"Steak," she announced proudly, flipping a slab of meat in the skillet. "And potatoes."
They ate in front of the TV, plates balanced on their knees. Vera sat between David and Lucien on the couch, their legs touching her on either side. Vera relished the savory red meat. She sliced big chunks off her steak and chewed them with relish, eyes closed.
David cut into his meat and frowned at it. "That's little rare, isn't it, Honey?"
Vera and Lucien both looked up at him, mouths full. Vera swallowed. "We can put yours back in the pan for a minute if you want." She said
"Nah," David smiled. "It looks fine, actually."
Chris wolfed down his food and scooted out the door again. He had a date with the girl he'd met at the bar.
When David went to put his plate in the kitchen Lucien twined his fingers into Vera's hair, pulling her towards him and burying his face in her neck.
"When can we be alone?" he growled, his breath hot against her skin.
She was almost panting and felt herself growing damp between her legs. "Tonight," she whispered. "David's working." He placed his finger against the pulse in her wrist and she looked into his deep eyes and they both felt her heart beat fast. When they heard David walking back to the living room they broke apart.
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After Vera heard David's car pull out of the driveway she bounded up the stairs to Lucien's room. He was waiting for her, reclined on the bed and she grinned when she saw him. "You look good enough to eat," she purred. She sauntered slowly towards him, even though all she wanted to do was leap into his arms.
"I could say the same," he smirked, running his tongue over sharp teeth.
Vera looked around Lucien's bedroom for the first time. It was masculine and spartan. There was a desk, a bed, shelves, some clothes. She inhaled and felt dizzy with the concentration of Lucien's scent. Her eyes were drawn to him again, still lounging on the bed, watching her. His dark eyes were half closed but his whole body radiated power and energy. At a moment's notice this man could become a killing machine.
Unable to resist him any longer Vera walked slowly to the side of the bed. She liked the way his eyes clung to the curves of her hips as she walked. Vera pushed her fingers into Lucien's hair and he closed his eyes. Lucien's hand snaked around the back of her bare thigh and he pulled her closer, making tickly little circles on her skin with his thumb.
Vera climbed onto the bed and threw one leg over Lucien's body so she was straddling his hips. He groaned when she sank down onto him and Vera could feel the bulge in his jeans already. He ran his rough palms up and down the smooth skin of her thighs and Vera rocked on him, feeling herself growing slippery.
She leaned forward to kiss him and stopped, an inch from his lips. He lay still in the dim light, his full lips parted in anticipation. Lucien opened his eyes a fraction to see what was taking her so long. "What?" he asked.
"Nothing," she whispered back. "Just looking," she smiled. He smiled back and closed his eyes again. God, she loved his mouth. Vera could have looked at him all day. She ran her fingertips over the strong square shape of his jaw, then his lips. Lucien snapped his teeth at her fingers and Vera pulled back, laughing.
He caught her face between his palms and kissed her deeply. Vera melted against him. His wide chest was warm and solid and he smelled amazing, spicy, masculine and dengerous. Lucien's lips caressed hers and his tongue darted into her mouth. She tried to catch it with her own. They rolled on the bed, laughing and wrestling, each trying to get on top of the other.
Vera was out of breath and giggling furiously when Lucien finally got her pinned. She tried to push him away and wriggle free. "Oh no you don't!" he laughed and grabbed her wrists, holding them down on the bed on either side of her head.
