The action brought a hint of curiosity and an underlying sense of wonder. Warmth spread through Ari, as if she brought with her a feeling of contentment and rightness sorely needed within him.
“Where are we?” Morgan’s voice was a gentle melody. “And what are you wearing?”
Ari hadn’t paid any attention to his clothing. Not when she was around. He took a quick look at the tunic and trousers, golden fibers that seemed woven from the very fabric of the universe itself. The material was light and breathable, giving him a sense of freedom and ease. Their intricate designs mirrored those on Morgan’s gown, as if to signify they shared this moment together.
“Don’t know.” He grasped her hands in his. “As for where we are, I’m not sure.” He couldn’t resist and brought her hand up to kiss her knuckles. “I think we’re in a place that exists between worlds—a sanctuary created from our desires and dreams.”
Morgan’s snort of laughter made him grin.
“Oh, brother. Laying it on thick, aren’t you?” She admonished with a mischievous grin.
Ari tucked her hand around the crook of his elbow. “Shall we?” He gestured ahead of them.
With a quick, carefree laugh, she agreed.
Walking side by side along the beach, they left their footprints as ephemeral impressions among the stardust-like sand. The musical symphony of the waves from a luminous ocean created a harmonious blend that resonated with the very essence of the island.
Morgan nodded as her gaze swept across the horizon where the sky met the sea. “This place feels like a haven.” Her beautiful lips pursed. “A forgotten place untouched by the chaos of reality.”
They reached the water’s edge where the waves kissed the shore in a rhythmic dance. This was a place where words were unnecessary. Here he could indulge what he suspected were his feelings about the mysterious woman next to him. He turned to Morgan, drowning in her eyes, free to explore the depth of their connection without constraint.
Ari was aware of everything around them — the warmth of the air, the shimmering blend of colors of the ocean, as well as the cosmic cool breeze caressing their skin. But what captivated him the most was her wicked, sinful, tempting mouth.
“I’m going to kiss you,” was the only warning he gave. He couldn’t resist tilting her chin up with his forefinger before lowering his lips to hers.
Morgan’s feminine mounds were soft, yielding, welcoming. Nothing prepared him for the unrelenting pressure that began to build deep inside of him. A blazing inferno coiling tighter and tighter, a detonation threatening to explode.
She yanked them apart. “What is it about you that makes me feel like this?” Her strangled confession came out hoarse, the words trembling out. “No one’s gotten under my skin like you have.”
“Well, I’m not just anyone, am I?” Ari asserted. “You and I are already bonded.” He took another kiss, planting his claim over and over. Long drugging kisses that made him tremble. Even without his memories, he knew no one had ever affected him like this before. And so quickly.
The world around them faded, but he and Morgan remained together. Their combined sensuous warmth wrapped around them while creating a haven for the bond they’d forged together.
It surprised Morgan when she realized she was an outsider in her own skin. Some dolt masquerading as a delusional lovesick chump she’d never dreamed she’d ever turn into. Where had the strong, emotionally divorced Morgan Elara Jackson from Aethralis gone? And who was this mushy impostor taking her place? One that allowed some good-looking, charming stranger to take over her soul from just one kiss? Not that she could call what they shared merely a simple kiss. Oh, no. It was so much more than that. The minute her lips meshed with his, everything changed. When his mind-boggling tongue swept into her mouth and danced with hers, her entire outlook shifted. Harsh, lush passion built within her to a level she’d never imagined existed before. Oh, she might not be a stranger to the act of love, but not like this. Never like this.
When he declared them bound, she didn’t resist. Instead, she surrendered completely to her desires. The surrounding scenery faded away, and she didn’t notice it had changed until he pulled back. She looked over his shoulder, and her eyes widened. Instead of being in a celestial paradise, they were someplace quite different. Around them were walls made of polished stone, their surfaces adorned with intricate carvings that flickered in the soft candlelight. Ancient hieroglyphics and symbols told stories of forgotten tournaments and struggles of power in a language as old as time.
Her bare feet gripped the floor made of mosaic tiles, each piece a different shade of blue, gold, and terra-cotta. The patterns created an image of a sprawling, long dead cityscape of ancient Babylon.
The ceiling above her arched gracefully, painted to resemble a night sky filled with constellations and swirling galaxies. Tiny lights embedded in the surface twinkled like stars, casting a soft, celestial glow. The effect was mesmerizing, as though she once again floated among the stars.
Against one wall stood an opulent bed, draped in luxurious fabrics that shimmered with their own light. Silken sheets in rich hues of emerald and sapphire beckoned to her, promising a playground of comfort and wild passion. Embroidered pillows were plump and inviting, with golden threads that caught the light and created a tapestry of elegance and warmth.
Here was a decadent haven she secretly dreamed about.
Beside the bed, a low table made of dark, polished wood held an array of edible treasures. Delicate glass vials filled with the deep burgundy of lush wine sat alongside ornate boxes filled with every variety of tantalizing finger foods.
The surrounding air carried an allure of jasmine and sandalwood in a fine mist, adding to the atmosphere of passion and desire. Lush green plants, their leaves vibrant and full, adorned the corners of the room and brought a touch of primitive nature indoors.
Morgan turned her gaze toward the corner of the room, where the principal attraction beckoned.
There, an exquisite bath awaited. Nestled beneath a gently arching alcove, the tub was a stunning blend of ancient luxury and futuristic elegance. The smooth marble basin glistened in an ethereal turquoise glow under the candlelight.
“Oh my God,” she whispered behind her fingers. Soaking in a scented filled bath was one of her weaknesses. Being raised in a perpetual climate of ice and snow, the luxury of being caressed in soothing warm waters was one of her secret cravings.
Ari’s warm chest covered her back. He pushed her curls aside and placed his dangerous mouth on her sensitive nape. “Would you like to indulge in a bath,irnini?”
Wispy steam from the tub called to her. Not trusting herself to say anything, she nodded and went straight to it.
