"Ah..." She shuddered and Kelvin groaned in her ear. Her struggles instantly stopped. Damn her body for responding to him so easily. But then at that moment he did the oddest thing: he eased his hold on her, setting her on her feet.

His gaze held hers, and Izel realized what had just occurred. He was making a point. She wanted him, too. The jerk! He was toying with her again.

He cupped her face in his calloused palms, leaned in, and gently brushed his lips over hers.

So the Pookah wanted to play. Fine. She could play, too. She clamped her mouth shut, holding herself perfectly still. His tongue slid along the seam of her lips, but she pretended calm, not returning his attentions in the least. She felt his grin against her mouth.

"Kiss me back, female. I know you want ta."

"I do not."

He trailed his lips over her jaw. "I can scent your arousal."

Well, frick. Stupid Pookah with his stupid nose. Yes, she was attracted to him and couldn't hide the physical evidence of her desire, but she still couldn't get over what he'd done... what he'd said. He wanted her more than he should? What the hell did that mean?

His mouth came back to hers, and once again, she refused his kiss.

Subtly leaning back, he looked her in the eye. "All right, human, your will is strong and your pride notable." She scowled at him. Real smooth, Pookah.

She pushed at his chest again and this time he stumbled. Grasping her forearm, he pulled her on top of him as he fell to the ground. Before she could blink, Kelvin spun her onto her back, wedging himself between her parted thighs. Snatching her wrists in his hands, he held them over her head.

His eyes seemed to soften as he looked over her face. "I am a foolish male who said regrettable things." His accent was thick, the sound making her toes curl. He stared into her eyes. "Tell me right now that you do no' want me and I will leave you alone." The rain came down around him, and the pale gray sky haloed his whole body. Breathtaking.

The patch of grass she rested on tickled her bare arms, and the pressure from the man on top of her was delicious. All her senses were bombarded with stimuli. She did want him. To deny it would be an outright lie. But she didn't want to give in. She looked him in the eye and did the only thing she could. She pursed her lips and raised her chin. This is me, not giving in.

With a sexy smirk he rasped, "Stubborn lass." His mouth lingering over hers, she expected him to kiss her again. Instead, he thrust his hips between her legs and she gasped at the powerful surge of heat that spread through her. With her lips parted, Kelvin took the opportunity to delve his tongue inside her mouth, kissing her deeply.

And I'm a goner.

She couldn't think. The changes over the last few days had built up to a fever pitch. Her heart slammed in her chest, and Izel was surprised to find that it actually ached. Ached for this man in a way she couldn't describe. He pushed her, goaded her, marveled at her, and yet he thought her brave. She thought him incomparable. Everything she ever wanted to feel, he brought out. Overtaken by lust, by need, she arched her back and met his seeking tongue with her own, kissing him harder.

"Good girl," he murmured into her mouth, continuing to maneuver his hips over her. Unfamiliar, intense pleasure began to spread beneath her skin. Chills pricked her from the inside, and she knew she was on the brink of something amazing. He released her wrists and she instantly wound her fingers into the hair at his nape, pulling him closer. His strong tongue weaved in and out of her mouth in such a masterful rhythm, she couldn't help but moan.

A blistering need ignited within her. She had to know what his skin felt like against hers. Had to feel him flesh to flesh. She clawed frantically at his shirt but gained no ground, and Kelvin withdrew just enough to reach behind his neck, grab his collar, and yank the shirt over his head. Before she'd even heard his shirt slosh to the ground, he had already drawn her tank off and was back on top of her.

The feel of his slick, bare chest sliding over hers sent a wet rush of desire between her legs. Her mind snapped and she turned crazed, hungry for him. For what his sinful, rocking body promised.

He seemed to share her feelings. His hands were urgent, palming and slipping along her bare torso. Pulling his mouth from hers, he yanked down her bra, exposing her aching breasts. Cool raindrops hit her heated skin, splattering over her tight nipples. Without warning, he fastened his hot mouth over one pebbled peak. She cried out when he took a deep draw, suckling her hard.

She arched her back even more, pulling tighter on his thick locks. He growled in response, flicking the little bead with his tongue while kneading her other breast. She felt like her chest was about to split in two from the intense pleasure.

Turning his attention to her other nipple, he slid his hand down her stomach and burrowed into her pants, cupping her sex.

"So wet," he rasped, "like you're supposed ta be." She bit her bottom lip and instinctively lifted her hips to his touch. God, she was on fire for this man. And then he pulled away from her again.

Sitting back on his haunches, he tugged open her jeans and pushed them to her knees. His gaze was rapt, staring at the silk-covered flesh between her legs.

"I want ta touch you." When his gaze lifted to hers, she knew he was asking her permission. Her heart fluttered and she nodded eagerly.

In a flash, he ripped her panties clean away. He came back to her body, licking and latching onto her breast once more. His fingers leisurely circled her navel... then lower.

She parted her legs wider. When his large fingertip covered her swollen clitoris, she jolted upright.

"Shhh. I've got you, love." Raindrops trailed down her thighs, pooling by Kelvin's seeking hand. He rubbed the water around the sensitive bundle of nerves. The cold liquid felt delicious against her heated flesh. He dipped to her entrance.

"Oh, yes! Kel!" She writhed against him. He stroked her with a perfect amount of pressure. Her muscles tensed, her breaths turned hectic. She was so close to... something. He placed his finger at her opening. Holding himself up on an elbow, he looked her in the eye.

"You ready for this?"

She gave a shaky nod. Kelvin seemed to know what was about to happen to her body. His eyes were blazing, blue fire looking down at her face, as he slipped his hot finger inside her.

She gasped.

He began slowly pumping in and out.

She moaned.

But when he added a second finger, plunging deep, she cried out his name.

She wanted to close her eyes and throw her head back, but Kelvin's fierce gaze ensnared hers, coaxing her to look at him as if witnessing her expressions were important to him. His thick fingers stirred deeper.

"Kelvin"-she sat up slightly, so she could clutch his hips-"s-something is about t-to happen." She had no idea what it was, but she was almost certain that she'd never be the same afterward.

He moved within her faster. "Yes."

Suddenly an explosion of pleasure erupted beneath her skin and she cried out from the force. Sizzling heat coursed through her, and her inner walls clenched and released around his impaling fingers.

"That's it."

It went on and on, her entire body spasming. Only when the tremors died down did he begin to inch out of her. A wicked grin spread across his face. Why was he- He plunged his fingers back inside her.

She screamed. She was so sensitive that it bordered on pain. He thrust hard, over and over, pumping fast. She dug her nails into his hipbone when a second explosion burst through her. "Kelvin!" she cried, flooding his hand with more slick wetness.

Slowing his touch, he finally withdrew completely. She was breathing hard, and all the tension she'd been carrying in her muscles the past few days seemed to disappear. She felt relaxed, yet somehow, unfulfilled desire still simmered. She wanted to touch him.

The rain had let up. Kelvin sat back, physically unable to peel his gaze from her body. Christ, she was beautiful. The way her green eyes went wide when her climax overtook her. He hadn't planned to push her so far, but he wanted her to remember this moment. And judging by the look on her face, he had succeeded.

He'd also not planned for his reaction to her. The feel of her touch on his skin, her scent, her taste. It sent him into a frenzy. He was desperate for her, maddened in a way he'd never been before. But right now, he needed to calm himself and walk away. He wouldn't force her hands on him, but his cock was about to go off and he needed to go finish himself.

Just as he was about to rise to leave, Izel lifted herself up, kneeling before him. She hadn't rushed to cover herself, a fact he was deeply grateful for. She bit her plump bottom lip, her gaze roaming over his chest before locking on his shaft. Did she want to touch him? Kelvin didn't dare hope.

"Um..." Her eyes looked up at him, then back down. Up, then down.

"Do you want ta see it?" Her cheeks flushed pink as she nodded.

He took a deep breath, trying to calm his pulse. He needed to take this slowly. Based on their conversation last night, he was pretty certain she had never even seen a man naked before. Opening the fly of his jeans, he pushed his pants to rest low on his hips, revealing his hard erection.

Her eyes widened and the heat of her gaze upon his shaft made it jerk in response. She gasped. Her pink little tongue traced along her top front teeth. The sight made his cock pulse, a drop of semen circling the tip. He was so close to coming, and she hadn't even handled him yet.

"Do you want ta touch it?" As if transfixed by the sight of him, she absently nodded without breaking her stare. "Go ahead." His voice was quiet; he was feeling like he was dealing with a cornered kitten. At any moment, she could get spooked and run away.

"I"-she glanced at his face-"I don't know what to..." He could tell she was getting embarrassed. At this point, he wasn't certain he'd survive, should she walk away right now.

"Here." With his hand gently grasping the outside of hers, he placed her palm on the underside of his erection. He bit back a curse at the feel of her cool, soft touch. Slowly he drew his hand away from hers.

She looked up at him, her expression laced with uncertainty. If he wanted her hands to stay on him, Kelvin knew his female needed more than guidance. She needed encouragement.

"It feels so good, lass."

She glanced up at him, and he could see a hint of a smile.

"Wrap your fingers around it."

She did.

"Ah, yes, just like that. Now run your fist up and down."

He couldn't recall a time that his knees had ever shook so. Yet now, with his mate's hands on him, he struggled to remain upright. Despite all his denial these past days, the truth was no woman's touch had ever felt so good... so right.

She gripped him and slid her hand down, then up, then down. He hissed in a breath. Reaching between her legs, he rubbed her swollen clit. She gasped and her fist tightened.

"That's good, lass. Faster. Harder." His words broke in his throat as his climax rose.

She clutched him tighter, pumped more quickly. Moving his fingers over her, he watched her head fall back, another orgasm ripping through her. He would never get enough of this sight.

"Ah, lass, you're gonna make me come so hard." At the last moment, he turned his hips away from her, his seed shooting to the ground. White-hot pleasure heated him from the inside out as he came harder than he ever had.

Izel drew her hand away. Although he should feel sated, he was only hungrier for her. He wrapped his arm around her waist and began to lay her back.

"W-what are you doing?" she panted.

He smiled. "I'm going ta make sure you're ready, then I'm going ta take you." Her hands shot to his chest and she pushed him away. What the hell?

She righted her undergarments, snatched up her top, and snapped her jeans shut. Kelvin sat there, pants at his thighs, confused as hell.

"I'm not going to make love with you, Kelvin." She pulled her top over her head.

"Why not? I thought..."

She pulled her long hair over one shoulder and began twisting it, wringing out the water.

He shot to his feet, yanked his pants up, fastening them. "Is this some kind of revenge for what I said earlier? I told you that I regret my actions."

"Just because you regret something doesn't mean it didn't happen. And no, this isn't revenge. I'm not going to give my body completely to a man who, quite frankly, may not even be nice to me the next day." She shook her head and threw up her hands. "I mean, there's absolutely no emotion between us! Attraction, maybe, but that's it. You're just a guy who thinks with his"-she waved a hand at his crotch-"and gets all weird at night. And I am still battling these new feelings."

Kelvin's blood caught fire. No emotion between us? Weird at night? If the woman only knew how he felt, what his instincts were doing to him! She alone was complicating his life more than an entire sodding army of Fionns. He only had to glance in her direction for his cock to go hard, a truth that should shame him.

Every slide against her, every hateful word he said didn't bring him joy. He was actually risking an eternity with her, his mate, by trying to bed her before the Solstice. He was doing this so he wouldn't hurt her further, wouldn't shame his clan, wouldn't want her.

And this makes me a coward.

Upon seeing her eyes fill with tears at his earlier, harsh words, he was fairly certain he couldn't do that again. Christ, it had taken all of three seconds for him to run after her and grovel.

He'd done a shite job of trying to verbally abuse her and distance himself from her. Obviously he couldn't be trusted to make the right decision to relinquish this woman, mate or not, and return to his clan. The longer he thought of keeping her, the longer he disgraced his Kerr name.

I will let fate do the dirty work for me.

Kelvin could seduce her. Izel Campbell was his clan's greatest enemy. He could see past that and enjoy her for a time, but fate wouldn't so cruel as to bind a Pookah to a Fionn for eternity. His emotions for this female were intense and conflicting, perhaps even jaded. But his instinct was getting harder to battle.

So why fight it? He could have the best of both worlds. Explore this desire for Izel, have her on the Solstice, and after that he would have no other option but to let her go. Although for some odd reason it pained him to think of having to give her up. In the end, it would be for the best. For all involved. With duty and honor came sacrifice.

He caught her looking at his tattoo. He flexed his torso, and she jerked her gaze away. "Battling feelings, eh, lass?" He looked down at his clan symbol, smirking when he saw the claw marks she had left. Dabbing a finger at the bleeding welts, he lifted his hand and rubbed the blood between his thumb and middle finger.

Duty and honor, he mentally repeated. Kelvin could play into his wants for a few days; after that he had to give her up.

Chapter 12.

"So you're no' going ta speak ta me now?" Kelvin called out behind Izel. She had successfully ignored the annoying Pookah for the past several hours and wasn't about to give in. Besides, she knew the general direction they were heading. Rather, Kelvin had pointed and she had walked.

"Woman, you make no sense. One would suspect you'd be happy with me considering how well I pleasured you."

Her cheeks burned hot and she shot him a mortified look. "Don't be so sure about that."

"Ah, but I do know this for certain." He was right behind her, breath at her ear. "I know because I feel the same. You pleased me, female... in a way I've never known."

A feeling of pride shot through her. She was inexperienced. Light years behind the Pookah when it came to relations with the opposite sex, but he'd just admitted she had done a good job.

She shouldn't care what he thought. Nor should she feel happy that this male was pleased with her, but she was, and he was right on her heels.

"Never seen anything like that, ya know." He traced a finger down her side and she shivered. "Your thighs spread wide, the rain coming down on us. The taste of your mouth and those wicked little hips of yours rocking into my touch."

"Okay, just stop!"

She could feel his grin and realized that he was goading her on purpose. She just didn't understand why.

It doesn't matter anyway!

This needed to end. Distance, good. Pookah's mouth, bad. "That will not be happening again," she said, quickening her pace, keeping her back to him. "I still don't have control over my feelings yet, but I'm getting there. Rest assured that you'll never"-she choked on her own saliva-"taste me again."

She felt his warm body against her back, his breath tickle her ear. "Ah. lass, I can still taste you." She nearly shook out of her skin. He looped his arm around her, his fingers trailing beneath her shirt to palm her torso. "Just like I know you can still feel me."