It was sudden, but he stilled, his breath catching as his awareness sharpened.
He felt a presence – someone watching them. He glanced up, searching the cliffs that sheltered their cove. They were alone. Or so it seemed.
Thea called overhead, a loud grating caw.
I feel it too, Thea.
The sun seemed to be prying, the water grasping, the open air exposing them. He grew chilled, wary, and drew Medusa close against him.
“Come with me, wife.” He continued to search their surroundings as he stood, drawing her up before him. He draped the sodden fabric of her peplos over her and took the hand she offered freely.
He glanced at her hand, softening to smile at her.
He led them from the beach, away from the prying eyes he could not find. Once inside the cool shadows of the cabin, he turned towards her and saw the question in her blue eyes.
“What is the matter?” she asked as he pulled her against him.
Ariston glanced outside. Once again he studied the brilliant sea and the sharp relief of the shoreline. He saw nothing to warrant his suspicion. And yet, he knew better than to question his instincts. Or Thea’s warning.
Here, in the cool of their cabin, his anxiety disappeared. It was likely a passing goat herder or farmer, mayhap even a scout – nothing more. He gazed down at her, stroking her face and smiling at her.
His eyes fell to her lips, stirring the hunger that was only momentarily dampened. He laughed softly, saying, “I would not share you with the rays of Apollo’s sun or gentle waves of Poseidon’s ocean. I would keep you for myself.”
His hand caught the base of her head, pulling her against him. She stood on her tiptoes to kiss him. He caught her to him, sweeping her off her feet to lay her back upon their mat.
He pulled the wet fabric from her, pressing her to him. As their skin touched, a hoarse gasp caught in her throat. The sound pleased him.
“I would hear you, wife, and know that I bring you pleasure.” He regarded her face as her eyes found his.
“There are no words…” her voice trembled, the faintest of whispers.
He clasped her face and kissed her, losing himself to the feel of her.
His hand grasped her hip while his body tightened. Her legs parted in invitation and he moved between them. She moaned as he joined her body, making them one. Once again, his attempt at a gentle union was lost.
He pushed into her, sliding deep. Her cry caused him a moment’s hesitation.
But the look on her face showed him the truth of it. Pleasure was teasing his lady. And he would help her find it.
Her hands clung to his back as he lifted her hips and fit her more firmly against him. He moved, watching her tremble and flush beneath him. Her breathing tore from her, her breasts shuddering as her chest rose and fell with her rampant breathing.
When her eyes opened and met his, a cry tore from her lips. Her body tightened and convulsed, and still she cried out.
He felt each quiver, each spasm, buried as he was deep within her. And her release forced him over the edge. He moaned as his body stiffened – one long heated contraction of ecstasy – as he filled his wife.
His passion left him trembling upon her. He lifted himself, to lessen her burden, but her leg tightened about his hips.
“I’ll crush you, love,” he whispered in her ear.
“I won’t mind,” she assured him, breathing heavily still.
He looked down at her with a smile on his face. “I would mind. I would keep you safe and happy.”
“Keep me here as I am…joined with you,” her voice was husky as her eyes met his.
Her love for him sparkled in her huge blue eyes, dazzling him with its simple truth. His voice was raw, “I am favored by the Gods, my lady, to have you.”
“As am I, to have you as my lord and husband.” Her fingers traced his jaw.