Strange Love

She nodded and walked over to the tub they'd brought up. She ran her hand through the water and smiled up at Arei. "It feels like the lagoon in summer." She said happily.

He chuckled at her innocent childlike charm and walked over to the tub as well. He lifted one of the bars of soap to his nose, breathing in the sweet rose before placing under her nose. When her smile widened and she let out a pleased smile, he dunked it into the water and began lathering the bar to form suds over the water. When he was pleased with the amount of bubbles he turned back to her and his eyes widened. Her cheeks were flushed, the cape she wore was pooled around her feet, and her top was currently being released from her fingers to join the cape. Her heated eyes bore into him.

Fight as he might, he couldn't pull his eyes from her body. He hadn't realized he had already stood and began walking toward her or that her hand was already working the ties at the back of her dress loose; before he found himself standing directly in front of her and her dress was hitting the floor as well. He trailed a feathery touch across her bare shoulder. "You shouldn't let men see you like this, kitten." His whispered words was husky as he trailed a finger down the length of her arm stopping on her hand and lifting it to his lips. He flipped her hand over and traced the lines of her palm. "Men will get the wrong idea and ask more of you than you're willing to give." He placed a kiss to her palm as he held her gaze.

"I... I don't mind... if it's you." She said with ragged breath.

"Is that so?" He asked, releasing her hand and trailing his knuckled gently across her redden cheek. "Your blushing cheeks," he purred huskily as he trailed his finger teasingly down her neck and to her chest, before poking her directly over her heart. "and pounding heart says other wise." When her brows tented and the red deepened, he chuckled. "Wash, Love. Enjoy it and take your time. I'll be back in a bit."

She sauntered over to him, sliding a whiskey in front of him. "Yer proper lady not satisfying ya properly, I could take ya to my room." She said sizing him up.

With no intention of listening, Jos quietly rolled over and watched as Arei undressed. Her eyes trailed over the numerous tattoos that covered his back, arms, and legs each moving with the ripple of muscle below. Her cheeks reddened as he let out a content moan once he'd completely lowered into the waters. She pushed the covers to the side and as silently as possible stepped over to the tub.

"What are you doing? Back to the bed." He ordered, but there was no force behind his words.

She retrieved the soap and came to the side of the tub. Her blush deepened as he opened one eye to peer up at her. She lowered down and dipped her hand with the soap in it into the water. "I will help you wash your hair too." She said as she lathered the soap and began nervously moving her hands to his hair.

He caught her hand and held her gaze. "You shouldn't be doing this." He said but the heated look in his eyes only dared her to continue.

"I want to." She said and moved her attention solely to his hair, working her fingers against his scalp like he had hers. Her eyes popped open and glided down the thick corded muscles of his arms propped up on the edge as he moaned in enjoyment. Her gaze trailed over his chest and to the metal there before dipping to where the water met his body. She took the soap again and as he'd done, began sliding it over his shoulders. When he didn't stop her she let her hand glide farther down his body taking time to slide across the width of his chest and back before heading farther south.

Arei let out a growl when he realized where her tiny hands where moving toward. He should have stopped her long before this, but her hands had felt so good. He caught her hands. "That's enough for tonight, kitten." He whispered against her ear that had been brushing his cheek. When she set back he released her hand and cupped her face. He wanted with every fiber of his being to pull her down into a kiss, but instead he pressed his forehead against hers and whispered, "Back to bed with you." She nodded and he watched as she slowly walked back to the bed. He pushed himself up and quickly wrapped the towel around himself, before she had the mind to turn and watch him. He pulled a fresh pair of trousers on under the towel and let it drop. He ran a hand through his wet hair as he made his way to the bag. He rummage through it for the brush slowly as to give his growing erection time to settle down before the beauty in his bed had it rising again. He brushed his own hair quickly and turned to the bed, not at all surprised to meet the inquisitive aqua eyes. "Turn around, kitten, and I'll brush yours as well." He was well aware this was a task she could do on her own, but he also knew she enjoyed having it done for her.

She obediently turned around on the bed and crossed her legs, waiting patiently for him. Arei smiled as she flipped her damp hair over either shoulder and crossed her hands in her lap. He ran a finger along her hairline pulling back a few stray strands as he carefully worked the brush from the bottom of her thick silver locks to the top, taking great care not to pull or catch any tangles. When he was finished he set the brush down on the nightstand beside the bed. "All done." He said in a whisper. "Would you like it braided?"

She shook her head and scooted over to the other side to make room for him then patted the mattress.

He chuckled. "This is a horrible idea, you realize that right?" He bent over the bed bringing his face level with hers. "I think I preferred your other form... It was far less tempting." He raised a hand to stroke a stray strand of hair away from her puzzled face.

"Less tempting?" She asked tilting her head.

He only let out a throaty growl, a wicked smile curving his lips. "Lay down and face the window." He said as he crawled into the bed. He straightened his legs as his back met the bed but felt resistance at the foot. He groaned inwardly as he realized his only choice would be to curl up on his side. He rolled opposite as her to lessen the temptation that was her body beside him. He'd no sooner pulled the covers over him and adjusted the pillow, before tiny arms was snaking around his waist. He sucked in his breath. He was about to say something to dissuade her, when hot breath met his bare back. He could feel her trembling lips brush over a calloused scar. The hand that held his waist teased the hairs at his navel. He let out the breath he was holding. "Kitten, you have to stop. You're pushing me for things I doubt your truly want or even understand."

"I want you." Her whisper was barely audible, but it caused Arei's cock to spring back to life.

He lifted her arm from his waist and carefully rolled to face her. He held her hand, running his thumb across the back of it. "What is it that you think you want, kitten?"

She held his heated gaze for a moment trying to read the unspoken words there. Her eyes trailed over his body and then to his hands. "I like it when you touch me and I like touching you. I really like when you touch me with your lips... and I wanted to know what it would be like to touch you with mine..." She brought her free hand up to his face and traced his lips. "I want to know what it feels like for our lips to touch..." She licked hers as her eyes followed her fingertips across his mouth.

Without thinking Arei pushed up onto his elbow, releasing her hand. He drove it into her hair and pulled her mouth up to meet his. He held her there until her lips softened against his. He placed several kisses to her lips and she returned them in a experimental way. His cock jumped as her hand brushed past his abs and over his chest, finding the metal bar. He groaned against her lips, before releasing her and dropping his head.

"I'm sorry." She said lowering her hand. "I didn't mean to... Does it hurt when I touch it?" She asked innocently.

Arei let out a growled laugh. "No, love, quite the opposite."

"The opposite? Then it feels..." Her curious eyes moved from his still shut eyes to the metal bar. She lifted her finger and trailed it over the bar and the tight bud it pierced. When he let out another groan and squeezed his eyes tighter, she lowered her mouth to it and kissed the bud.

Arei let out a sharp breath and tangled his fingers into her hair. He tugged gently bringing her questioning eyes up to meet his. He held her gaze for only a second before pressing his lips to hers again, fighting the urge to take her all at once. He release his hold on her and trailed his hands over her neck, then the soft fabric of his shirt at her shoulder. He watched as she curiously roamed his upper body, tracing tattoos and running her fingers through the sparse hair that sprinkled his chest and across his abs leading downward. Each time her touch drew a sound from his lips, her hesitant eyes met his. In many ways she was still no different that the child she'd posed as. Her limited contact with others was painfully obvious. LONELY. the word echoed in his mind. He knew what it was like to be lonely. He'd spent most his adult life in horse form finding little company in man nor beast. He caught her hand as it began to trail past his navel. "Not tonight, kitten." He chuckled as her questioning eyes met his. He released her hand and pulled her lips back to meet his. "Roll over, kitten, and let me hold you. You'll need your rest for tomorrow."

She nodded and did as she was told. Arei lowered himself to his side and pulled her against his chest sliding his arm under her neck, taking great care not to press his hard length against her back. "Sleep well, love." He whispered into her hair as he nestled her head under his chin and wrapped his large arm over her. He held her tightly until her breathing evened out, and he was sure she was sleeping. When he was sure his movements wouldn't wake her, he carefully lifted from the bed and stripped off his clothing. He slowly lowered himself into the now cold water of the tub. Once fully submerged, he ran a hand over his hard length. "Sorry ol' boy, not tonight..." He settled his head back against the edge and watched the hypnotic flicker of the flames in the fireplace for the remainder of the night.