Chapter 18: Midnight in Manila
(Note: There is an extended chapter rated M under "The Shearing Cross-Expounded", if you prefer to read that version instead.)
Marta expected Aaron to rush and grab at her but, as usual, he caught her off guard. He stood in silence, his stance stiff and straining but his eyes roamed over her with earnest intensity. Minutes passed, and Marta was beginning to feel shy under his scrutiny. Suddenly, Aaron shocked her by dropping the towel from around his waist.
Without reservation, he openly exposed himself to her. Aaron stood naked before her, his desire on display. A rush of current ran through Marta and electrified her. A searing twinge hit low in her abdomen. His body was all masculine-hard and angular. A latent power in his form radiated strength. He looked dangerous.
Marta remembered that he was engineered-a scientific accomplishment-achieved, in part, by her work. In this moment, she was unable to feel the crippling guilt she experienced before for her part in Outcome. I played a major role in creating this magnificent specimen, she thought, admiring him. It was wrong, but she felt like a god. No-a goddess. Her eyes, dark with lust and power, rose to his then froze at Aaron's expression.
His chiseled, muscular body was all Aaron Cross, but his face held a desperate vulnerability that was all Kenneth Kitsom. His pale eyes reflected a haunting need and loneliness that begged her acceptance and affection. Shame and remorse flooded Marta. Once again, she admitted to herself, he proves himself the better person. Would he ever cease to unsettle her?
"I've wanted you for so long," he told her.
Marta's lips parted to reply, but no words came to her; nor any thought. She moved instinctively toward him, though, and her hands roamed the length of him. She felt him shudder. Tonight would mean so much more than just sexual pleasure. The ghost of Kenneth's longing permeated Aaron's need. She stepped in closer, as if to claim him.
Aaron's hands rose to take her head in them and guide her face to his. "I've wanted you for so long," he repeated, demanding a reply from her.
"I know," Marta admitted, her arms encircling his waist. She smiled up at him invitingly. "I'm all yours."
Aaron pulled her face up to his and kissed her. It was a strong, full kiss that lasted until they had to take a breath. Their union was sealed. Aaron's lips were back on hers, insistent. His hands gripped her more securely, tilting her head to deepen the kiss. Marta's arms rose to wrap around Aaron's neck as his hands slipped into the opening of the silk robe and pulled her in tight.
Aaron slowly undressed Marta then straightened, standing over her. He took her face in his hands and held her, his piercing blue eyes searching hers. He stroked her cheek and jawline as he stared at her, his expression full of feeling.
Aaron brushed his thumb over Marta's lower lip then he leaned in and kissed her gently. The kiss was long and lingering. He took his time with her, tasting her lips, as if he could consume her. He opened her mouth with the pressure of his and stole her breath. His tongue entered her mouth, seeking hers. Marta's tongue met his, welcoming the advance.
When Aaron finally pulled back, he kissed her cheeks, then her nose and smiled, his eyes creasing at the corners. Marta smiled back at him, her green eyes shining. Her head tilted, wondering why he had lightened the mood. He grinned at her puzzled expression and kissed her forehead with a chuckle. Marta narrowed her eyes thinking, he couldn't possibly be stopping now; we're both well past the point of no return.
Suddenly, Aaron was dead serious. He told her, "I love you."
Marta was stunned. Before she could react or respond, he picked her up bridal style and carried her to the bed. He laid her down in the middle and crawled in next to her. Marta's jaw was still slack in surprise so she didn't have to open her mouth to speak. "Aaron..."
He stopped her with a finger to her lips. Then he trailed the finger over her lips, tracing them. He leaned in and kissed her. His right hand was in her hair, cradling her head as his tongue pushed through her lips and tangled with hers. Aaron shifted, his body coming up over hers. His kiss became hungry and insistent. Marta could barely take a breath before his mouth was on hers again. It wasn't long before she was overcome with the same frantic desire. Ultimately, they fulfilled their need of one another completely.
Utterly spent, Aaron blew out a haggard breath then rested his forehead to hers. When Marta stilled and peered up at him, he gave her a crooked smile and kissed her tenderly then rolled over to lay at her side. Marta sighed contentedly and he pulled her to him, wrapping his arms around her. He placed a kiss to her crown as she laid her head on his shoulder.
"I meant it, you know," he said, stroking her hair with one hand and her arm with the other.
"Hmm...?" Marta murmured, still languishing happily in afterglow.
"When I said I loved you," he told her. "I do."
She lifted her head and saw his earnest expression with her green eyes wide.
"Don't say anything," he instructed. "I just wanted you to know in case things don't go off as planned tomorrow."
Aaron reached over for the glass of bottled water and drank half of it then tilted it towards Marta in offering.
"No," she shook her head declining. "I'm good."
He set it back on the nightstand and leaned down to pull the covers over them.
"Very, very good," she added with a laugh as she settled back against him, exhausted.
"Yes, you are," Aaron replied, appreciatively satiated.
Marta groaned in response to his teasing and buried her face in his chest as he laughed. Feeling tired and serene, she nestled against him comfortably. She drifted into a peaceful, easy slumber. Aaron rested his hand lightly on her head, holding her to him. He silently wished to have her close and safe, always.
"Sleep tight doc," he whispered, marveling at the fact she was really here with him, naked in his arms. He had wanted her for so long, even if only to acknowledge him as a man. After all that time, she finally saw, not Five, but him. As he was for her, she was his-completely and more fully than he ever dared to hope. This night, it was his name on her lips and his arms she fell asleep in. Outcome could never take that away from him now. Even if he died tomorrow, it had all been worth it, for this moment. Finally, he had a home.