Game For Love: Winter Heat (Kindle Worlds Novella) (7 page)

S
amir took
a deep breath and searched the crowd. He knew Becca wouldn't be coming, but a guy was allowed to dream, right?

For about the thousandth time he cursed himself for letting his agent push him to yield to Kandor.

He needed the sponsorship – desperately since they had emptied his dad's retirement account and even borrowed money against the house to fund his training.

But he had hurt Becca terribly, and she hadn't even given him the chance to explain his plan.

He pulled down his goggles and looked down the half pipe. It was nearly time for his run.

The beast was near, tugging at his sleeves, and nosing the air. It sensed the moon and wanted to know why it wasn't being given its due.

Soon, brother
, Samir told it. But he wasn't sure it would listen.

At the signal, he shot down the pipe with all the concentration he had.

The beast yelped in fright and for a moment Samir was worried that it was going to push through.

Instead, it hid behind layers of Samir.

With a dizzying sense of relief at having tamed the yeti, Samir set his mind to the task of taming the half pipe.

He crested one side and swung up the other, gaining momentum.

At the next pass, he threw himself up and spun 1, 2, 3 times before landing without a hitch.

Back up the side again he regained momentum, and on the next pass he flipped twice before landing.

One more swing for momentum and he tucked his body in and flipped while rotating, holding the board in the back.

For a moment, nothing else existed in the world.

At the last instant, he let go of the board and landed seamlessly.

He pulled up and his board chattered across the snow as he threw his arms in the air and yelled with delight!

The beast shuddered inside him. But Samir could feel his curiosity. Ponderously, the beast sifted Samir's feelings.

One more time, then we'll take off and you can do what you need to do
. He told it kindly, but firmly.

The beast was too busy snuffling through his mind to reply.

As the other boarders took their second runs. Samir noticed a commotion in the stands.

A flicker of marigold caught his eye and his heart leapt. It was Becca!

She looked smiling and confident as she replied to the people talking to her. But Samir noticed how she clung to her brother's arm. Becca wasn't used to the spotlight. He was glad she was in it. She deserved recognition for her own talent.

Before Samir knew it, it was time for his second, and final run. He shook out his limbs and pulled down his goggles.

The signal came and he launched himself down the half pipe.

Without warning, the beast took over.

The snow rushed up toward them as they slid up the first curve of the pipe. The beast compressed himself and sprung out of the curve with his muscular frame, rising high above the stands, then swooped back to slide up the other side.

He spun in the air, 1, 2, 3,
4
times, then brought his feet under himself to land on a dime.

The crowd roared.

The beast roared back in reply, as he flung himself up the pipe again. Another trek up and his momentum was rolling. Effortlessly he flung himself upward again. Grabbing the board, he flipped three times and managed to get his feet underneath him to slide up the pipe again.

Again, a deafening howl of approval exploded from the crowd.

Samir let himself relax a little as the beast compressed and extended his body to build momentum for the final trick.

The beast squeezed himself into a ball, and simultaneously flipped and rotated his large frame three times, before letting go of the board an instant before landing without a wobble.

His shaggy frame shivered with joy.

From deep in the pile of human seats, the beast caught a familiar scent.

Becca.

Easy, brother
Samir warned.
I need to come back now, okay?

Sadly, the beast shrugged off his mantle of ownership over the body.

Instantly Samir felt the lumpy snow at the bottom of the half pipe under his board.

Flushbulbs were going off like crazy.

Had they seen? Did they suspect? Or had the gear provided adequate camouflage?

Samir knew it wasn't just a question of what the people in the stands had seen. There were video cameras everywhere. This run would be scrutinized endlessly because of the extra elements to his tricks. If even one angle showed something it shouldn't...

But before he could worry, he had to brace himself.

"THAT. WAS.
EPIC.
" Taylor announced, launching himself at Samir.

"Thanks, man."

"No really, man, wow. You were an
animal
out there!"

"Uh, thanks, buddy. You were pretty hot out there yourself today."

Taylor smiled a shy smile.

They looked back at the board.

"There it is, Samir."

The score flashed onto the board.

Samir had won the gold.

B
ecca grabbed
Christopher by the wrist.

"Let's get out of here."

He obeyed immediately.

Becca figured it would be easier to get away before Sindhu was hanging all over Samir. It had been so much fun to watch him ride, especially in her gear. She wasn't sure but she thought maybe he'd shifted between runs. But of course that was unlikely. The yeti wouldn't have been able to perform at that level.

Becca and Christopher ducked into the closest lounge. It had a glorious view over the snowy mountaintops.

Becca curled up on a sofa by the fireplace while Christopher went to grab drinks.

The television was on in the background, of course, you couldn't escape the IW Games. But at least Becca wouldn't have to
see
Samir with Sindhu. The announcers were going crazy describing his record-breaking second run.

When Christopher appeared with two steaming mugs of hot chocolate Becca gave him a big smile.

He settled in next to her and they both took a deep breath of chocolatey steam and then leaned back to look at the fire.

Becca saw that Christopher wore a contented half-smile. All he'd ever wanted was a gold in the all-around at the IW Games. Now that he had it, she was glad that he was relaxing.

Suddenly, Becca heard her own name. She jumped and nearly splashed hot cocoa on herself. Samir was on screen. Becca couldn't believe her ears.

"...dedicating my victory to the most important woman in my life, Becca McCall. Without her help I would not be here today. Becca, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. You are the most talented, strong and beautiful woman I have ever met. Please forgive me. I would happily trade this medal for one more chance to be your boyfriend."

"What the heck?"

Christopher was incredulous.

"Didn't he break up with
you
?"

The television cut to pictures of Samir with Becca and the footage of him leading her away from Christopher's room.

The people in the lounge began to not-so-subtly turn to stare at Becca. She supposed that with her red curly hair she was pretty easy to spot.

"What are you going to do?" Christopher asked.

"I have no idea, but we can't stay here with all these people staring. Let's go back to the room."

Christopher rolled his eyes dramatically. But Becca could see that he was enjoying their celebrity. They bundled up again and headed out into the frosty air.

T
hey had just peeled
off their coats when a gentle knock came from the door. Christopher met Becca's eye.

She shrugged, and headed over to see who it was.

Although she was sure it would only be one of the skaters, or hotel staff, Becca wished with all her heart that it would be Samir. Though she didn't want to forgive him, she still felt his absence like an open wound.

Taking a breath, she opened the door.

Samir stood in the doorway. As handsome as she remembered him, it was nothing compared to the real man.

He was huge; he loomed in the doorway. His too-long black hair was tousled and his eyes were desperate.

"Becca."

At first she couldn't speak.

With a heartbreaking effort, she managed to tear her eyes from his.

"Samir, you made your choice. And I'm sure Sindhu wants to know where you are right now."

He was silent and she snuck a glance at him.

He looked confused, and then understanding dawned on him.

"You didn't get my letter."

"What letter?"

Suddenly, Christopher hopped off his bed.

"I've going to go grab some ice," he said.

Becca's eyes went back and forth between the two men.

"Christopher, do you know anything about a letter?"

He sighed and took her hand.

"Promise you won't be mad?"

She shook her head slowly.

"You were so upset and he was such a jerk. Then, just when you were feeling better, there was a letter. I threw it in the fireplace downstairs."

Becca closed her eyes and counted to ten.

"It's okay."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah. Don't leave."

Christopher slunk back to his bed and sat. Although he whipped out his cell phone and studiously swiped at it, she knew he was listening for all he was worth.

And that was just fine. At least what Christopher had done, he had done to protect her.

She turned to Samir.

"Well?"

"I know you think I'm a rich California kid, but I'm not. My dad went into debt for me to train. When Allison said Kandor was going to drop me I panicked. That would have been the end of my career. I'm so sorry I hurt you."

Becca nodded. It didn't change anything.

"Anyway, I talked to my friend, Sindhu. She agreed to pretend to have a fling with me."

"That's ridiculous, I saw the way you were looking at each other!"

"Sindhu's a great actress – that's half the reason the sponsors love her. But no, there's nothing between us. There never could be."

"Why not?"

"Becca, she's gay. It was all in the letter."

"Sindhu Patel? Is gay?"

"Lots of people are gay, Becca, it's no big deal."

Christopher made a coughing sound, but his eyes stayed locked on his phone screen.

"But that means that you... and she..."

"I told you, Becca, nothing happened. It was all for my dad. I care about you. I don't want anyone but you."

Becca could almost hear the humming of gears as her world changed.

"Samir..."

"I'm just going to-" Christopher began.

"
Go get some ice!
" Becca said.

Christopher grinned and slipped past them.

"Don't do anything I wouldn't do."

Becca would have responded but Samir already had his hands in her hair. He pulled her in for a kiss.

They had kissed before. They would kiss many, many more times.

But Becca would always remember this kiss.

Samir drew her in and paused just as their lips were about to meet. His dark eyes sought permission, forgiveness and something else too.

Becca's heart melted in reply and without a thought, she closed that last inch between them. Whatever he needed she would give.

He responded instantly, his mouth threatening to devour hers, his hands grasping her hair, holding her so tightly against him she thought he would never let her go.

Becca tried to drink in his scent and the sweet taste of him as he drew her tongue into his mouth. Nothing mattered but being possessed by this man that she loved.

When she could barely breathe, he pulled away slightly and nuzzled her neck.

"You will never leave me again."

"No."

"Say it."

"I will never leave you again, Samir."

He pulled away and grasped her shoulders. His eyes were sparkling and she felt he could see into her soul.

"Rebecca McCall, I will never give you another reason to go."

S
amir's heart surged
.

Becca looked up at him so earnestly. Love, acceptance, and everything he had longed to see were written plainly on her heart-shaped face.

"Let's go."

He took her hand and led her down the endless flight of stairs and out into the cold. They raced across the snowy courtyard to his building.

On the way, several athletes yelled out congratulations. There was even a wolf whistle.

Samir ignored them all.

By the time they arrived in his room, Becca was pink-cheeked and her green eyes were sparkling.

Samir pulled the door shut behind him without taking his eyes off her. He was already hard just looking at her.

He began pulling off his clothes like it was a race. He ripped off his black leather jacket and his white t-shirt.

Becca was riveted. Her pink lips parted. It made him burn for her.

"Do you only love me for my body?"

"No, but it helps!"

"Damn it, woman, why are you still dressed?"

Without waiting for an answer, he kicked off his jeans and boxers and headed over to take care of matters himself.

He wrapped his arms around her. She lifted up on her toes to kiss him. As she did, he reached around and dragged the zipper down to her ass.

She gasped against his lips and he took advantage of her open mouth to thrust his tongue against hers.

Any resistance he might have been up against as far as removing her dress was gone. She melted against him and he slipped the straps down over her shoulders and felt it pile on the floor at his feet.

He followed it down, kissing her neck, nuzzling her breasts, burying his face in her warm belly.

"Samir," she said, trying to push his head away from her middle.

"Uh-uh."

He stilled her with his hands on her round hips and nuzzled her belly again.

She relaxed against him and he smiled in triumph. She was all his. Her body hang-ups were total nonsense. As far as Samir was concerned she was exactly perfect. In time he would make her understand.

When he was very sure she had forgotten her nervousness for now, he sank lower still and breathed in her exquisite aroma.

It was intoxicating. He could almost see her scent - like misty fingers curling out of her - beckoning to him. His mouth began to water and he slid a finger under her cotton panties to expose her.

Oh god. She was so warm, so wet, so ready for him.

She trembled against him, but didn't push him away.

He peeled her panties down to her ankles.

All he wanted was to get her into bed and be inside her. But there had to be time for just a taste.

He could hear her heart beating as he nuzzled her curls, trying to keep his pace slow and sweet.

When she whimpered in anticipation he lost his hold on himself and stabbed at her clit with his tongue.

She cried out as her fingers gripped his hair.

His already hard cock swelled painfully in response. He spread her her tender folds with the fingers of his left hand and used his right hand on her hips to pull her closer to his mouth. He buried his face in her warm, honeyed depths.

Becca was keening, her hands still pulling on his hair.

Samir was nearly delirious with excitement. Becca's smell and taste were all over him. He could see her beautiful pink pussy and hear her crying out for him.

He couldn't take any more. He was so hard it hurt.

He traced his path back up her body until he stood before her once more. Then he walked her backwards to the bed.

She smiled up at him so sweetly he almost forgot his agony. Beautiful girl. Kind, smart, funny angel.

"Lie down, please, baby."

She complied right away.

If she had been beautiful to him before, she was stunning like this. Her flaming curls were splayed out on the pillow around her. Her green eyes were hazy with desire. Her breasts threatened to push out of the cups of her bra with every shallow breath she drew through swollen red lips. The generous curves of her waist and hips sent shock waves of lust through him.

Samir fell on her, desperate to claim her. But first there was something he had to say.

"Becca."

He could see her struggling to listen through the fog of need between them.

"Becca, I love you."

Her tearful smile was so radiant. Samir thought his heart would forget to beat.

"I love you too."

He nuzzled his nose against hers, brushing the apples of their smiling cheeks together.

But when she explored his lips with her curious tongue, his need came rushing back.

With a growl, he pressed his aching cock against the heat of her pussy.

She clung to his shoulders and arched up to encourage him.

With a single thrust, he slammed himself all the way into her.

She moaned into his neck. He could feel her relax to accommodate him, then she shuddered and clenched her fingers around his biceps.

She was close, and that was good because he was almost past the point of no return.

As slowly as he could bear, he dragged himself out of her, then filled her again with a suppressed shove.

Becca wiggled and arched below him, urging him with her movements.

"Please," she whispered.

"I want it to be perfect, baby."

"It already is."

Pinning her hips down with his, he caressed her face with one hand and covered her cheeks with soft kisses.

When she smiled against his lips, he rewarded her with a deep thrust.

Her moan in response drove him to a new plane of need. He forgot his plan to take her slowly and instead let himself go, pounding in and out of her so hard and fast he knew he would come in a heartbeat.

"Come for me, angel," he begged, pulling his hand away from her face, and sliding it between them to massage her throbbing clitoris.

Almost instantly he felt her clamp down on him like a fist.

Becca cried out her ecstasy as he felt himself explode inside her.

The pleasure was overwhelming. He thought he would drown in it. Every time he thought it must be the final pulse, she would squeeze around him again and he would throb out another jolt of pleasure.

Finally, half laughing, half crying, they collapsed next to each other.

He pulled his sweaty little angel onto his chest and danced his fingertips up and down her spine.

She shivered in delight and relaxed against him.

He knew she would be asleep in a moment.

"Love you," she said into his chest.

"I love you so much. Go to sleep, baby."