FOUR

Night fell during the evening meal. She was led to the biggest, most elaborate bed chamber she'd ever seen. Something out of a romance novel. Candlelight whispered over the room from large free-standing candelabras in the corners. The smell was heavenly, the dreamy quality of the dim light making her feel as though she'd stepped right into one of those romance novels to become the heroine. Heavy shadows lurked but were chased away in spots by the flickering flames.

It was warm in here. She felt as if she'd been wrapped in a sumptuous cloak of comfort. Atlantis was home, but sometimes left her feeling cold with all the light and metal. This was a nice change of pace.

Treyhil followed behind her, closing the heavy doors as he entered. They were not alone, however. The women who had ushered her from the dining hall took up a circle around her and instantly started reaching for her uniform. "Whoa…hey…what's going on?"

"You must be bathed, Dr. Weir."

"Elizabeth," she told him again.

"Elizabeth."

"I can do that myself."

"It is part of the rite of negotiations." He motioned to the bins filled with clear water. "The liquid is healing. It frees one of illness, as to not pass it on."

Nice! That plus the gel she administered during her last trip to the restroom should make this the safest sex she's ever had.

He brushed his robe aside as he swept his arms backward and clasped his hands behind his back. He was planning on watching.

Oh boy. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes, letting the many hands undress her relatively quickly considering how long it took her to get into the get-up. When she felt the cool air on her nakedness, she instinctively crossed her arms over her chest.

"No." That resonate voice made her eyes pop open. There was hunger in his gaze as he stared at her. "I must see you clearly."

She felt the heat of his stare. The lust growing. Her eyes met his and he held her hostage. Without realizing it, she dropped her arms and let him take her in with that hungry stare. Then his gaze returned to hers and did not waver as the women gave her a delicate sponge bath as she stood in their midst.

It seemed like hours that they simply stared at each other but was only a few minutes before the women finished, dried her off and started to leave. "Wait," she called, not dropping her eyes from Treyhil. She heard the women muttering at the door, unsure of what to do.

He stepped over to her, within reach of her. She could see the desire in his eyes as well as in the bulge of his pants. "You wish to have witnesses?"

"No."

He reached for her hand, but she placed it on his hard chest, stopping him. "You defy our ways?"

"You betcha. Quid pro quo is a saying from my world. It means keeping things even… the same. You got to watch…now it's my turn."

"You wish me to be bathed as you were."

"Yes."

He grinned. "Agreeable."

She took up his spot, crossing her arms under her breasts as she watched the women undress him. The bulge in his pants was not disappointing once it was released from the cloth. She felt her body warming up, felt the blood rushing to the spot between her legs. Her breath caught, but she tried not to let him see that he'd taken it away without even touching her.

They bathed him with the sponges without a hint of attraction or appreciation for his magnificent form. She couldn't understand how they managed to be around such an impressive man without wanting to do things to him.

He was like the Sheppard of the kingdom. Everyone should want him.

Sheppard.

If only. She'd dreamed about seeing him like this. But she was certain that those dreams were futile now.

She'd have to make the best of what she could get.

And this guy looked pretty damn good!

They dried him off and the women departed silently, closing the door in their wake, leaving them alone in the candlelight.

She relished the beautiful flames. They made everyone look gorgeous.

He stepped over to her and they stood inches apart, again simply staring. His hand came up to her cheek, his eyes delving into hers. "You are a singular beauty to behold, Elizabeth." He traced her jawline with a calloused but gentle finger. "Your eyes capture me. They are the color of our richest grasslands."

"Is that good?"

His smile sent a flutter into her belly. He lifted her chin with the same finger and bent down to kiss her. His lips were as soft and pliable as she'd hoped. The tip of his tongue traced her mouth before asking acceptance, which she eagerly allowed. She tasted the spirits from dinner mixed with the sweetness of their dessert…something similar to chocolate, though decidedly richer in taste.

With a sigh, she grasped his neck and pulled him in for a deeper kiss, claiming him as hers for the night, pressing herself against his hard body. His arms wrapped about her waist, holding her to him, lifting her to the tips of her toes.

The kiss grew hungry with desire, each tasting and nipping at each other, their tongues battling for supremacy.

She was finally able to run her fingers through his thick mane and found it as silky as she imagined. Held tight in his strong arms, he walked them in the direction of the bed. He was trying to keep control, be in charge, but she wasn't about to let him. She could let him be the man, take her to all kinds of heights, but that would only make her feel used, weak. No, she had plans of her own.

The moment she saw his incredible erection, she wanted it. Not just inside of her, but to taste it, to take charge of it. To make him understand that no matter what happened here tonight…he was hers for now. He was going to remember her.

The back of her knees hit the bed and she pulled her hands from his hair and pressed them to his chest, pushing him back gently, but firmly. He looked down at her, questioning, until she started moving her hands over his flesh, touching him then following the path of her fingers with her mouth and tongue.

A growl escaped his throat as her mouth found his nipple and she tugged at it with her teeth and swirled her tongue around it. Her hands continued to explore him, moving lower and lower until she reached her prize.

Treyhil went completely still. His breath caught.

She had his attention now.

She planned on making him her slave for the night. Given his obvious nature for trickery, it was the only way she could be sure he'd keep his word and release the prisoners. Besides, she always liked being in charge.

She grasped his staff with one hand, stroking him slowly as her mouth continued to play over his skin, leaving him breathless and speechless. According to Teyla, Treyhil's a very generous lover, but also demanding. She intended on showing him how demanding she could be. She grazed kisses down his body until she reached her busy hand.

She always enjoyed doing this to a man, not because it did anything for her, but because it made a man…well…lose it.

Give a man a hand job, he's yours for a few minutes, give him a good fuck, he's yours for a few hours…give him a blow job from heaven…you're his goddess.

That's how she'd planned on snagging Sheppard. He always seemed like the type of man who relished a good blow job.

She gazed up at Treyhil. His eyes were wide and he looked genuinely stunned. When she licked his tip, his rigid body trembled and he gasped. He's never had one before!

How is that possible?

Perhaps negotiations only include the main act? Get in, get out, done. It would make some sense, especially if the Man-of-Arms prefers women but must also commit to the rites with men as well…for the sake of the culture.

Well…this was going to be too easy. She almost giggled. Holding the chuckle in—because that would be so wrong right at this moment—she slipped her lips over him, slowly taking him in her mouth, caressing him with her tongue in a languid approach to ecstasy.

Regretfully, she couldn't take him in his entirety, so she used her hands to help do the deed. He didn't complain. His breathing grew ragged and his hips jerked forward, trying to push him deeper into her mouth. It wasn't long after that that he came. She accepted him, sucking him dry…that was the ultimate part of a goddess blow job. Acceptance of it all.

Men are so easy to please if you just give it a shot.

When she finished, she strolled over to her pile of clothes and retrieved her radio. Treyhil had dropped onto the bed following his shuddering release and stared at her with something akin to awe. She handed him the radio. "Release one of my team now."

With a lazy grin, Treyhil took the radio and ordered the 'complaining one' to be released and escorted to the ancient ring. She knew that could only be one man.

As she waited acknowledgement, she poured a glass of water for each of them. He watched her over the rim of his cup as she drank hers down. "What?" she asked under his scrutiny.

He simply stared at her with those gorgeous amber eyes. They seemed to be glowing from within, though it was only a trick of the candlelight. Those eyes were going to be the end of her. She couldn't help but be drawn into the challenge she saw.

"Dr. Weir, this is McKay. I've gone through the gate and returned home. Do you read?"

"Loud and clear."

"Elizabeth? Are you all right…you sound--"

He grabbed the radio and turned it off, tossing it aside. Then with a fierceness she had not expected, he grabbed her by the arm and jerked her onto the bed. She landed on her back and he covered her instantly, his mouth taking hers in a hot kiss. His hands played over her body as she had his. Hers went straight for that silky hair, digging her fingers into it with glee.

He wasn't there yet, but she could already feel his arousal growing again. He rolled, pulling her on top of him, only to roll again so that she was under him. Now they were completely on the bed, no feet dangling over the edge. Her head hit a pillow and she nearly melted at the succulent feel of its softness enveloping her. The whole bed seemed to cry out: I am heaven.

Leaving her lips, his mouth and tongue made a trail down her neck to her shoulders learning every curve, suckling and enjoying every inch. She could feel him growing harder at the sound of her moans and murmurs. His hands cupped and kneaded her breasts until his mouth captured one. Her body arched into him as he took her in, her nipple tightening to the point of mixing pain with pleasure. His hands descended along her waist, slowly gliding down until he slipped one between her legs.

He was rigid again, straining against her and she wanted nothing more than to take him in. He spread her legs wide, raising her knees with gentle persuasion. His mouth transferred to the other peak, giving it the same attention as the first as his fingers expertly probed her secret spot.

She waited for the thrust, the grunt of pleasure as he plunged into her wet core. She was ready for him to take her completely. More than ready.

When he slid down her body, she opened her eyes and caught the fire in his. "Quid pro quo," he said before burying his face between her legs.

She shuddered at the feel of his tongue lapping at her. At the same time his fingers delved inside, making her cry out, her insides fluttering with pleasure. "Oh yes. Oh God yes!" Her hips rose to meet him and he placed a firm hand on her belly, holding her down.

His tongue replaced the fingers inside her and she nearly burst into tears at the unimaginable pleasure.

Her legs trembled. Her breath barely registered. She could see the candles flames growing exponentially, bursting like fireworks throughout the room. It took a moment for her to realize that was actually happening behind her closed eyes.

On a rush of ecstasy, she cried out, surrendering to the amazing climax, not caring who might have overheard. She's never met a man with a more talented tongue. As she sank into the mattress, riding out the waves of pleasure, Treyhil climbed up her body, that amazing tongue tracing all the way up until he once again took claim on first one breast then the other. He was harder than before, she could feel him pressing against her thigh.

But he seemed to forget one thing.

She reached for the radio and shoved it at him.

As if only then remembering that this was not only about mutual pleasure, Treyhil grudgingly took the radio. "Release the soldier." He handed it back to her then they waited with him poised above her. His restraint was amazing. He made no attempt to touch her while they waited…several minutes they stayed like that, just staring into each others eyes, his long hair flowing over them like a privacy curtain.

Major Lorne reported in from base.

"Thank you Major," is all she said before tossing the radio aside and grasping Treyhil's neck, pulling his mouth down upon hers.

He settled between her legs and slid inside her gently without preamble. She was more than ready for him, but it took a moment for her to adjust to being so filled. She gasped at the feel of his sinking into her, their bodies flush. She had been without this attention far too long, that's for sure.

Treyhil looked down at her, watching, always watching. He withdrew then slid into her again, as gently as the first time. And again. It wasn't long before both of them craved more, needed more.

She tightened her knees to his sides, wrapped her legs around him in encouragement and gripped his butt, urging him deeper. He crushed her under his body, clutching her shoulders in his massive hands; he claimed her mouth again as he thrust hard and deep over and over, faster and faster.

She broke from the kiss. It was either that or black out from lack of oxygen and she had no intention of blacking out right now. Not with him plunging inside her so fast and furious. If perhaps she had a massive orgasm that sent her into eternal bliss…she wouldn't begrudge Treyhil in the least.

Most men have a maximum of a ten minute game plan…on a good day. But maybe that's just Earth men, 'cause this guy seemed to have no intention of going over the edge anytime soon. Though she wasn't so sure about her own body.

Sweat glistened on his skin in the dim light. He traced the outline of her body, his coarse hands reaching her hips then around to her legs, pulling them away from his waist. His arms went under her knees and lifted her legs up over his shoulders even as he continued to grind into her with amazing force.

She'd always been flexible, but never put it to such a test before. Damn if she wasn't going to be sore tomorrow. But the good kind of sore. The kind that came with a stupid ass grin a mile wide. The kind of grin that was taking shape at that moment as her insides started drumming, a cacophony of pleasure beating out a rhythm to Treyhil's powerful trusts until she finally exploded with a breathless gasp, calling his name. Okay, well half his name. She called him Trey. She called him The Amazing Trey. She'd call him anything he wanted as long as he kept making her feel this way.

As the orgasm took hold, her body clenched around him, tightening and pulsing, she pushed herself against him even as he slammed into her more. A few more deep, hard thrusts and he shuddered his own release. At the feel of him spilling inside her, she came again, digging her fingers into his tight butt.

He collapsed on top of her. Kissing her cheek and temple. After several long moments as their breathing regulated, he released his hold on her legs and rolled away, reaching for the radio. He ordered the warrior released, which meant Ronon would soon return to Atlantis. That left only Sheppard.

She wondered why he kept Sheppard until last. Did he somehow know that he and Elizabeth were close? That they wanted to be closer?

That they wanted to be close like she and Treyhil were right now?

She let the thought go as exhaustion started seeping into her liquefied bones. She looked over at Treyhil. His eyes were closed and the radio rested on his chest.

"Dr. Weir, this is Ronon. I have returned to base."

Treyhil didn't hand her the radio, he simply pressed the button. "Good," she said.

He turned off the radio again and set it aside. Then rolled his head so he could look at her. "Why did you stay?"

Her brows rose. "What do you mean?"

He licked his lips, drawing her attention straight to them. "Teyla Emmagan's escort spoke to me about her conversation with Col. Sheppard. She must have informed you of what transpired."

"Oh," she pursed her lips. "You mean the ruse."

He rolled onto his side and stared at her; fingers lazily tracing a bead of sweat between her breasts. "It was of the best intention to meet you, Elizabeth. Seeing the respect and honor the men had for you. I could not let the opportunity escape me. It has been so long since I entertained a strong leader. And I was unsure they would bring you back here for proper negotiations."

"So you threatened them with execution."

"I would not have gone through with it, truly." He grinned. "My daughter would have forsaken me. She has her eyes on your Major Lorne for some future encounters."

"I see." She stared at the ceiling.

"I ask again. Why did you stay and consent?"

She rolled onto her side and gazed into his eyes, seeing many emotions she was not ready for. He was at once a young boy, an old man and a hungry lover. He yearned for her acceptance, for her devotion, even as he demanded her strength not be rescinded merely to please him. She found herself tracing a finger over his chiseled jaw to the dimple in his chin. "We are in need of allies."

"Is that the only reason?"

She smiled. "Do you need to hear that I am attracted to you? That the moment I saw you, I wanted to be with you."

There was no humor or ego in his expression or voice. "Yes." He simply answered truthfully. "It is what I felt when I saw you. What I have not felt for another since I laid eyes on Teyla Emmagan so many years ago."

"Really?"

"Teyla enamored me instantly. Her beauty, strength, devotion to her people. She knew nothing of our ways and yet did not hesitate to consent. If it had been possible, I would have requested her hand."

"Why wasn't it possible?"

"The Man-of-Arms is forbidden to take a single hand. I must have many offspring in many villages in order to ensure the lineage. Teyla would never have found such an arrangement suitable. It is not the way of her people."

"Or mine."

His gaze dropped and he seemed a little sad. "I understand."

Her finger grazed his bottom lip and he tickled the tip with his tongue. "Would you have felt drawn to me had I not been the leader of my people? Spoken of with such respect and honor?"

"You are exquisite," he kissed her fingertip. "Your eyes…this thick, vibrant mane." He brushed his fingers through her hair.

"That's not an answer."

"You have strength that shines from within your eyes. The way you stand, hold yourself. You are formidable. As a leader or not, you are a good match for me, Elizabeth. You bring me pleasure in many forms. Had you been among my people…I would have sought you out for your hand… forbidden or not."

She felt a blush cover her whole body and held her breath. Was she crazy or did he just profess love at first sight. For her? She looked into his eyes again. It would be so easy to fall into them.

Unable to think of anything to say, she leaned over and kissed him tenderly. She stroked his hair and he did the same to her. They lay there for a long time, side-by-side, staring into each other's eyes and gently kissing.

Treyhil's kiss lingered and he tugged at her bottom lip with his teeth. His fingers drifted from her short hair to glide over her back, warming her skin with a feathery touch. With his hand firmly on her back, he pulled her closer and then guided her leg over his hip. She could feel him stirring again.

Before long, they were locked in a tight clench, the kisses more and more hungry, urgent. He rubbed himself against her, growing thick and hard all over again. If she wasn't careful, she could get really used to his tenderness, his eagerness to please…and the decidedly tantalizing part of his anatomy that was giving her so much pleasure.

She couldn't let him have that kind of control…it could ruin everything.

Planting her hands on his chest, she pushed him onto his back then straddled his waist, pressing herself into his hardness, but not onto it just yet. He groaned at the feel of her. She was hot again, getting hotter as she sat on his lap. She had never known this kind of want before.

Not even for Sheppard.

Sure he had the hard body, adorable face, sexy dark streak…but Trey had something intangible. Something she couldn't quite figure out. And that made her want him so bad she burned from the inside. She couldn't seem to get enough of him.

She rocked on his lap, getting another groan and even a roll of his eyes into the back of his head. His hands rested on her hips, fingers pressing into her skin. His hips bucked, trying in vain to thrust into her. She reached between them and cupped him. He whimpered as her fingers tickled his sacks. "You will be the death of me," he moaned.

"Oh, I don't think so," she grinned, leaning forward and planting a heady kiss on his waiting lips. Pressing her palms into his chest, she raised herself up and then teased his tip with her opening. She didn't get to tease long. He gripped her hips and thrust upward as he pulled her down onto his staff. The unexpected plunge shocked the breath right out of her as the pleasure of having him inside her again made her eyes roll into the back of her head. Taking him in fully, she ground her hips against his, rocking and gyrating like any good lap dancer. Again, he filled her so completely she felt her walls clenching around him. His hands left her hips and cupped her breasts as she slowly rode him.

She closed her eyes, breathing through her mouth and simply enjoyed the feel of Trey inside her. There was no thrusting just yet. It was all gentle swaying and circular motion. Suddenly she felt his hot tongue on her neck and opened her eyes to see him sitting up. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close, rocking his hips in time with hers. Her hands found his hair again. He buried his face in her neck as she clung to him, smelling his silky locks, enjoying the feel of his hair brushing over her face.

It was a slow, steady ride, neither wanted to lose the connection they were building up. As if they decided this time…this one was going to last forever. Or as long as they could take. She wanted the ultimate build up of pressure. Of pleasure. And Trey seemed more than willing to accommodate her desires.

She lost herself in his scent. In his hands caressing her back, her front, all over. She did the same, getting a tactile memory of his every muscle. She gripped his arms as his hands cupped her butt. They were too close now. There was no stopping it. He flipped her onto her back, pressing her knees to her shoulders and he drove into her like a madman; hard, fast, powerful, possessed… possessive. Grunting and growling echoed throughout the chamber. Her pleas were acknowledged and he ground deeper, setting her body on fire. Owning her.

His hand slipped between them and even as he continued to slam into her, he managed to gingerly finger her swollen pleasure node and catapult her into rapture. She couldn't be sure, but she thought he followed her a mere second later. The next thing she knew, Trey's weight was crushing her into the mattress. He started to roll away, but she wrapped her arms around his neck and plunged her tongue into his mouth. She clenched around him, holding him inside her.

As they lay locked together, Trey reached for the radio. She batted it away. "We still have more negotiations to finish," she murmured before capturing his lips again.

Working her muscles, she massaged him. He moaned with pleasure, kissing her eagerly. It took some time before he was ready again, but she wasn't in any hurry. And when he was ready…she got exactly what she wanted. Over and over again…until the sun came up the next morning.

They lay in the glow of the daylight, her head resting on his chest. They had not slept even a minute. They had only rested long enough to regain strength for more pleasure. Her body ached, and she loved it. "Treyhil…" she whispered, her voice hoarse from all the screaming. He kissed her temple in acknowledgement. "I have a favor to ask."

She looked up into his clear eyes and he grinned. "I do believe we are out of time for favors, Lady Weir."

She cleared her throat. "Hmm. There are a couple things I need to tell you…before you release Col. Sheppard."