My breath panted across my lips rapidly, my heart pounding against his palm. I wanted nothing more than to feel him sink into me, to join us as he wanted. But every time I thought about accepting him, the pain returned; an ache of horrendous sorrow. I wasn't ready. Perhaps—
Stop fighting it, the Star whispered in my mind. Just let go.
I pulled Viper back down into another kiss, this one tender. I held him to me and stroked his back, his hair, his face. I let him feel the possibility of us. I let myself feel it. But, when it came down to it, I just couldn't be with a man who I didn't love. That part of my life had passed, and I wouldn't go back there. Sex without love is empty, a poor imitation of the real thing. I didn't want emptiness; I had enough of that already. And as far as love, I didn't need that right now. Hadn't I just vowed to protect my heart? Yes, it was a bit of a catch 22; no sex without love and no love during war.
I pulled out of the kiss. “I accept that there might be more between us someday but that day is not here yet.”
“And you cannot make love without feeling love,” Viper whispered with a soft smile.
“No, and falling in love while I plan for war is not a good idea.” I hugged Viper, nestling him down beside me on the pillows, and then nodded toward the waiting woman. “Go and find some relief. I won't think less of you for it. If you like, you can watch me as you—”
“Stop.” Viper laid his finger over my lips. “I am where I want to be.” He pulled me into an embrace and settled my head in the curve of his neck. “I'm not an animal that must satisfy his lust or suffer. I choose you, Dark Star, and I can wait for love to bind us before I join with you. I will do that for you gladly. It's not a sacrifice, it's an honor.”
“And what if I never love you?”
“Then I will wait until never is past.”
I snuggled lower to listen to Viper's heartbeat, and he clutched me tighter. Around us, the other gods found their release with wild shouts and echoing roars then they rolled away from their women and fell into slumber. Their fantasy lovers faded away, including the one that had gone unused. But Viper and I stayed awake and solid in each other's arms, his heartbeat comforting me as I had meant to comfort him. Just before I succumbed to sleep, Viper kissed my forehead and whispered something that followed me into my dreams.
“My dark star has finally led me home.”
Chapter Twenty-One
In the morning, I woke in Viper's arms.
“Where are the others?” I looked around the enormous bed, empty of all but us.
“Star appeared this morning and led them down to their quarters.” Viper smiled softly. “When you said that she gave us desire for you without your consent, I admit that I thought it was a lie. I didn't realize that your magic is a separate entity.”
“She appeared to you?” I sat up in surprise.
“Star told the other men that whenever they needed a release, their women would appear in their bedrooms.” Viper chuckled. “They hurried away as soon as they heard that.”
“But you stayed,” I murmured.
“I told you; I'm exactly where I want to be.” Viper pushed me back onto the mattress and kissed me, his body undulating against mine as we groaned together through the pleasure of simply being pressed against each other.
Then Viper's kiss wandered; over my cheek, down my throat, and to my breasts. I sighed as he settled his body between my thighs and began an ardent sucking.
“Viper,” I murmured as I stroked his short hair. “I'm not ready to do this with you.”
“I'm just worshiping my goddess a little,” he rumbled around my nipple. “I won't take advantage of you; I swear.”
His agile fingers found my sex and started sliding over me insistently.
“Viper, this is too soon. I need more time.”
“You're lying naked beneath me, Vervain,” Viper lifted his head to say. “I can't help wanting to touch you.” His eyes closed on a moan as his finger slipped into me. “Fuck; you're wet.” Then those vivid eyes sprung open. “Let me taste you,” his voice dropped into a deep purr. “Just one lick to get me through the day.”
“You have a seducer's soul and a poet's tongue.” I stroked a fingertip down his cheek. “But no; not yet. If I let you do that, I'll let you do more. Now, remove your hand.”
Viper growled in frustration then fastened his stare on mine—the predator returned—and slowly pulled his finger out of me. I shivered with the motion and tried to move away, but he held me down with his body. I went still as Viper lifted his finger to his mouth and licked it; his thick tongue dragging slowly over the wet length. My breath caught as I watched his lips tremble with desire and his pupils expand. With a low groan, Viper sucked his whole finger into his mouth and savored the taste. My body bucked beneath him, arousal arching my back and forcing a cry from me.
Viper smiled wickedly as he rolled against me, his sex
