The Healer's Garden Read online

  "Slow, Jahara.” Brenimyn held her trembling hand over his heart. “We have all the time in the world. Feel what I have for you.” He captured her mouth with his. With incredible tenderness his silky tongue tasted her mouth. His hand slowly undid the buttons at the front of her dress.

  "You are so beautiful.” Brenimyn ran his broad hand down the length of her body, parting the garment until she lay totally exposed beside him. “Your skin is like satin, your hair like silken threads.” She trembled when his fingers traced a lazy circle around her navel, shooting jolts of current to her fingers and toes.

  Dipping his head, he brought his lips to her breast. The stubble of his day-old beard rasped pleasantly across her skin, adding another dimension to the senses rippling through her. The tip of his tongue circled wide then he laid it flat, drawing it with exquisite leisure across her nipple. She arched her back, gasping his name at the unexpected sensation the heat of his mouth created. The palm of his hand traveled from her belly to the other breast, trailing embers in its wake.

  His fingers pinched and teased the taut nipple until both her breasts were ablaze with the fire of his touch. Squirming with pleasure, she tried to slow her own breathing. But the more he licked and kneaded, the harder she panted. Until she heard nothing but the pounding of her heart and her own moans of blissful content.

  He kissed his way down her torso, stopping only long enough to remove his shirt. She buried her fingers in his hair, her body quivering with each nip of his teeth on her sensitive belly. The cool breeze brushed over her damp skin like a lover's caress and raised her flesh even as his mouth heated her blood. The ache deep in her core dampened her thighs with want.

  Brenimyn spread her legs with his hands and stared at her body for a long time. His appreciative gaze on her was as intoxicating as his touch.

  "Jahara, never have I seen such a body. Your beauty takes my breath away. You're so much more than I could have dreamed.” He maneuvered himself between her legs and ran both hands slowly up her thighs and belly. Cupping her breasts, he squeezed the steepled points and she nearly lost control as the unexpected shockwave rippled straight down to her womb. She closed her eyes, reveling in the heat of his hands on her skin.

  When his teeth nipped her inner thigh, she grabbed his shoulders, digging her nails into the flesh. She heard herself moan. Brenimyn's mouth worked its way to the bundle of nerves begging for attention. He let go of her breasts, bringing his hands to her thighs, spreading her wider, massaging the engorged lips around her wet slit.

  Opening for him, Jahara felt like a flower blossoming in the bright sun, spreading her petals wide, inviting a butterfly to feast on her sweet nectar.

  As if he knew her thoughts, he blew air on her. Her body shivered with the heat that fanned the moisture flowing from her. His lips surrounded her clit and he kissed her before pulling it into his mouth. Her hips lifted to him as he flicked his tongue across the sensitive nub. Brenimyn cradled her bottom with one hand. The other spread her wetness and then plunged deeply to massage her inner muscles. He moaned and the tone vibrated through her.

  She had never been so acutely aware of the myriad sensations on her body. Threaded into his hair, her hands pulled his head tight to her body. The unexpected climax engulfed her so suddenly she was unprepared for the surge of euphoria that overtook her. Though her hips writhed uncontrollably, his mouth continued to suck and tease her sensitive clitoris. His thick fingers assaulted her body, driving her higher and drawing out the intensity of the orgasm, until spent and weak, she begged him to stop, not sure she really wanted it to end.

  He eased away from her, his mouth kissing and nipping her thighs. His fingers laced through the thick triangle of hair. Resting his head on her leg, his thumb rubbed over her clit and the engorged walls of her sex.

  She ran limp fingers through his hair and down his cheek. He captured her hand in his, kissing her palm and held it against his face. Jahara didn't remember ever feeling so at ease with her own nakedness and the thrills she just experienced from skilled caresses.

  They lay like that until the sound of blood rushing in her ears gave way to the chirping of the birds singing in the trees nearby. Inhaling the sweet smell of the hay grass, she filled her lungs with contentment. Her heart finally slowed, no longer working to jump out of her chest. Jahara could have stayed like that forever.

  She stirred only when Brenimyn stood to remove his pants. She rolled on her side, slipping her arms out of the dress. He was truly a handsome man, his muscles sculpting a physique she had seen only on the statues at art museums. Her gaze traveled the width of his broad shoulders, over his muscular torso, following the thin line of silken hair, down to the sight of his cock rock hard with desire for her.

  Smiling up at him, Jahara crawled to the edge of the bed. The sight of his swollen shaft fanned the embers of desire and she was ready again to pleasure and be pleasured without realizing how badly she wanted him to fill her. This night he did not frighten her. Not when she understood what ecstasies his body offered.

  Boldly, she bent and kissed his penis. Encouraged by his gasp, she ran her tongue along its silken skin, feeling the power beneath the heat. She held the weighty flesh of his testicles, enjoying the flaxen hair tickling her palm. She looked into his eyes, her tongue flicking the sensitive tip. Her other hand, with a feather touch, stroked its length. She loved the taste of him, the bumpy feel of the veins on her tongue, the earthy scent of him curling around her nostrils.

  He trembled as the air whistled into his lungs. Leaning closer, she took as much of him as she could into her mouth. He tasted of salt and musk and she was aware of just how much power she had to please him. Moaning out her name, he laced his fingers in her hair. When she looked up to his face, he stared down at her watching his throbbing cock sucked into the heat of her mouth. She wanted to take all of him, to see him climax from this angle, but he pulled away and sat on the bed with her. She wondered if she had misinterpreted his enjoyment.

  The shy curve of his mouth communicated his understanding of her confusion. He kissed the tip of her nose. “You're wonderful to touch me that way, but we must never waste my life essence, Jahara. There are other ways to satisfy me. Come here."

  Sitting on the bed, Brenimyn pulled her into his lap. She wrapped her legs around his hips. Squeezing her bottom, she slid her wet sex up and down his shaft, her clit stimulated by the hard heat of his cock . She kissed him and tasted her own body on his tongue and for a moment, she thought of Merenith. But she wasn't here and what Jahara was doing was an obligation to the government, so she pushed that thought away and ground herself harder against Brenimyn, enjoying the jolts of pleasure it shot through her. Their hands stroked and teased and their tongues tangled in a ballet of hot desire.

  Breathless, Jahara spoke into his neck. “Brenimyn, I want you deep inside me, now."

  "Look at me, Jahara, don't close your eyes. Feel my body join with yours.” Lifting her, he lowered her in increments, giving her body time to accept his. She winced as he filled her. He stretched her body in a way neither Merenith's fingers nor a neuro stimulator ever had. Through heavy lids she watched the curve of his mouth bring out the dimple. She would never forget this moment or the man to whom she had willingly given herself.

  "Jahara.” Arching his hips, Brenimyn pushed himself into her. “It feels incredible being with you this way.” The dreamy look in his eyes told her this joining meant more to him than the physical release it would bring. She was unwilling to acknowledge that perhaps it meant something more to her as well.

  Giving in to the pleasure, she leaned back and rubbed herself against the heat of his belly. His mouth found her breasts and nipped with his teeth and lips until she no longer could remain still. Slowly she rolled her hips, feeling him fill her completely. She had never known such satisfaction with a woman. Another pang of remorse speared through her. What was happening between her and Brenimyn had been preordained by law. Jahara needed to let go of her guilt.
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  Brenimyn stopped moving. “Jahara, are you all right?” He ran a hand over her face, no doubt trying to smooth the lines pinching her features. “Does it hurt? We can try another position."

  It occurred to her then, how quickly he'd come to understand and know her. But she couldn't admit that she was ashamed for finding more satisfaction in their joining than being with Merenith.

  "No, this is nice. You're truly skilled.” Her voice was a sultry whisper of breath. She brought her mouth down on his, swallowing her uncertainty.

  He pulled back, running his knuckles down her cheek. “Jahara, this is right. It's the way it's meant to be. A man and woman joined intimately. Just sit here in my arms, with my body deep within you and feel me.” Embracing her, Brenimyn's arms covered her back and she relaxed against him, feeling him settle deeper in her moist depths. Nothing this amazing could be wrong.

  She laid her head on his shoulder, kissing the curve of his neck, tasting the heat of his efforts to please her. She savored the feeling of him hard and rigid, stretching her body in a new and exquisite way. Her heart tripped over itself as it beat with his in synchronized harmony with the world around them. Even the breeze breathed in rhythm with them.

  Reaching behind her, he unfastened the binding at the base of her braid. Unhurried, he unraveled the twist of hair, running his fingers through the strands, working his way up her back. The wisps danced on a puff of air and tickled her back, making her quiver with the sensation. Focusing on the strength of his hands, the warmth of his breath on her shoulder, the wet heat of his kisses on her skin and the places his body touched so deep inside her, she gave herself completely to him.

  "I love being with you like this, Brenimyn.” Perhaps there was more than the physical joining happening here. Copulating was different from loving Merenith. In this place, at this time, it was right to experience a sense of love for Brenimyn and Jahara felt only a slight twinge of regret at having said the words.

  Brenimyn's fingers continued to work in her hair. When at last he had it completely unbound, he pulled the tendrils around to her chest. Trailing his fingers from scalp to breast, he combed out the last of the knots.

  "Your hair is striking. I've never seen hair the color of onyx. Your ebony tresses feel like glossy strands of silk on my skin. I like it down. You shouldn't bind something so beautiful. It should be free to float on the breeze or caress your lover.” Burying his face in the hair at her neck, he inhaled deeply.

  Embarrassment heated her face. “Thank you."

  "You really don't understand how truly remarkable you are, do you, Jahara Hriznek?"

  "I'm just a simple woman. I have been gifted with healing like so many others, but there's nothing extraordinary about me."

  "No, you're so much more. There's so much more you are meant to become. But don't fret. I'll be with you, loving you every step of our journey."

  Brenimyn had finally admitted their joining was more than a physical pleasure for him. She'd sensed the undercurrent of deep emotion, but saying it aloud made her a little uncomfortable.

  "Don't worry, my sweet Jahara. It will all be revealed. I shouldn't have mentioned it. For now, let me just show you how much you mean to me.” He arched back and forward again, thrusting deep inside her.

  She bent her legs under her, coming up high on her knees. The motions of copulation seemed natural and fluid. Her body knew what she needed before it tripped into her consciousness.

  She stretched up, until only the tip of him remained joined with her; then bent her knees until he filled her again. She watched the joining of their bodies, the sight making her ache with need and moisture run down her thighs.

  "Brenimyn, I have never felt so complete."

  "Nor I, Jahara."

  Clouds of desire stormed in his eyes, fueling her own need. He grabbed her hips and pushed his cock so deep into her heat she felt the soft curl of his hair against her throbbing lips. He thrust harder with each pulse of his body, pushing himself impossibly deeper. His mouth found her nipples. It was as if the sensitive points were one with her clitoris and as he nipped and suckled, a fire seared through her.

  Running her fingers through his hair, she gave control of her body over to him. He gripped the flesh of her bottom, driving himself with increased force. Love and lust rolled into one as Brenimyn pounded into her. She climbed the torturous volcano of ecstasy, the muscles of her womb pulling with an intensity she had never known.

  "Jahara, open your eyes and look at me.” Brenimyn gasped out the words. “Feel me fill you. Let me help you crest the final wave. Come with me.” He bellowed her name, following her into a climax that exploded through them both. The release was so intense Jahara thought she might shatter from the sheer force of it exploding through her. But Brenimyn held tight to her while they continued to grind and moan for each other. The shudders of pleasure quaked through their bodies.

  Their tempo slowed. He brought his hands up to her scalp, his forearms holding her tight against his chest. They gasped little quivering breaths as the last of their orgasms shimmied through them.

  When he fell back on the bed, Brenimyn took her with him, careful to keep them joined. Even soft, his penis filled her. She stretched her legs the length of his body, enjoying the heat of his skin on every inch of her. Laying her face on his chest, she inhaled deeply, enjoying his unique scent mixed with the essence of their mating. She held it in her lungs, not wanting the emptiness to replace the intoxicating bliss. But once again, it never came.

  "I love you, Jahara.” He whispered the words so quietly, she was sure she wasn't meant to hear them. Overtaken by exhaustion, she closed her heavy lids, shutting out the world just as the sun set in the meadow.

  She wasn't sure how long she slept. When she opened her eyes again, night had descended upon them. The moon sparkled in ways she'd never seen, casting their shadows in a wild dance on the walls. Confused, Jahara lifted her head and realized they were in her bedroom, not in the meadow. The glow came not from the moon, but the flickering of candle flames. She wondered if anything had actually happened. Or had they imagined everything?

  The idea that their union had not been real filled her with sadness. But the pleasant ache of her body and the red marks of Brenimyn's stubble coloring her breasts confirmed that everything she'd felt in their dream world had actually come to fruition. She started to roll away from him.

  "Where're you going?"

  "I just want to clean up. Sleep."

  "You're kidding, right?” Pushing the sheets aside, he pulled her back on top of him. I was just resting long enough to repeat that performance. You think you can satisfy my desire for you in one go-round? There's so much lost time to make up for. His dimples flicked around the amused curve of his mouth, but his lips never moved.

  Stacking her fists on his chest, she set her chin on them, enjoying their banter. “And what makes you think I would be interested, breeder? Hmmm?"

  He folded his arms behind his head. “Well, it was presumptuous of me to be sure, most honorable Jahara. Perhaps I should sleep in the other room?” He rolled her off him, the light from the candles dancing in his eyes.

  "I don't think so.” She tackled him back to the bed and found his mouth with hers. They tried to kiss even as they laughed. “Perhaps one or two more times. I'm not sure I completely understand the technique."

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  Chapter Eight

  Staring down at her, Brenimyn studied the exotic creature who had come into his life a mere three weeks ago. His birth-sister had told him about her years ago. This woman had occupied his dreams since his youth. She'd finally journeyed into his life to fulfill their destiny. Brenimyn hadn't believed his sister's visions until the government forced him into slavery here at the Garden of Serenity. Since his arrival, he'd waited and planned for her.

  Now, while she lay sleeping, her face held none of the lines of guilt he'd seen shadow her features on numerous occasions. He felt it surround her like an
ominous cloud when her defenses were down. It centered on Merenith, but he knew nothing more than that. Except in the throes of passion, she never shared her feelings with him.

  Propped up on his elbow, he studied her angelic features. Her ebony hair, that stroked his skin, was feathered out on the pillow. Her full lips curved in a half smile. He could reach in with his mind and share her dreams, but he'd promised he wouldn't do that. He wouldn't go there anyway. He didn't want to know if her happiness was caused by thoughts of another.

  Besides, he had his own feelings to deal with. He'd lied to her and the guilt of it weighed heavy. For as much as he loved her, he wasn't sure he could trust her with his seed. In all their lovemaking, he'd yet to allow himself the total release of his life essence. She had no idea he'd kept that part of himself from her.

  Last week, Jahara had sat in the bathroom, teary-eyed because she'd started her menstruation. They both knew two weeks would hardly be enough time to conceive, but she'd seemed genuinely disappointed. He held her and consoled her, but he should have told her the truth then. He just hadn't felt she was ready. Perhaps he'd been mistaken.

  They shared their physical intimacy without reservation. There wasn't an inch of her body he hadn't kissed or caressed and she, his. But they hadn't been able to make that leap into their personal lives. They knew so little about each other. He didn't know how she would react when they conceived a child. She had seemed truly upset, but what would her reaction be if she found out she carried a son?

  The first woman he impregnated had delivered a healthy male infant. He'd moved on to other breeding partners as the law required, so he'd lost track of her. He'd found out quite arbitrarily weeks after the birth that the Garden had taken the infant. He'd petitioned the Governmental Body to allow his Dame to take the babe, but they scoffed at the idea. Males—infant or adult—had no rights.

  The child would be a year old next month and he ached for the son he'd lost. He wasn't sure he could go through that again. So he'd trained himself. Through deep meditation, he'd learned how to control his body. He found great satisfaction when he made love to Jahara, but oh, how he would like to allow himself the abandonment of total release.