Chapter 24: Japan
Later that day
Lara was sitting in the cramped airplane seat, her mind restless with the weight of the morning's conversation about her brother and the enigmatic figure known as the Black Angel. It was an unsettling topic that she desperately tried to keep at bay. Determined to distract herself, she reached into her carry-on bag and pulled out a worn book, hoping that immersing herself in its pages would provide temporary respite from her troubled thoughts.
As she held the book in her hands, she marveled at its faded cover, adorned with an illustration of an ancient city bathed in golden hues. The title, "The Lost City of Zephyria," seemed to whisper promises of adventure and escapism. Lara hoped that the story within its pages would transport her to a realm far removed from the shadows haunting her mind.
Taking a deep breath, she opened the book and allowed herself to be drawn into the captivating narrative. The protagonist, an intrepid explorer named Alexander Hartley, was on a quest to uncover a mythical city overflowing with unimaginable riches. The pages beckoned her with vivid descriptions of towering temples, lush jungles, and treacherous caverns.
Lara's eyes scanned the lines, absorbing the author's meticulous attention to detail. She envisioned herself traversing dense forests teeming with exotic wildlife, her senses alive with the scent of foliage and the distant roar of waterfalls. The tantalizing allure of a long-lost civilization, shrouded in mystery and guarded by untold dangers, began to eclipse the worries that had plagued her before.
Occasionally, Lara's gaze would shift from the book to her surroundings. She noticed Kurtis, her trusted companion, sitting next to her with his eyes closed and a notebook resting on his lap. His peaceful slumber served as a comforting presence, reminding her that she was not alone in this journey. While she sought solace within the pages of her book, Kurtis stood as a steadfast companion, always ready to face the challenges that lay ahead.
With each turn of the page, Lara found herself delving deeper into the world of "The Lost City of Zephyria." She became entangled in the protagonist's pursuit of glory and riches, momentarily setting aside the weight of her own personal quest. The narrative acted as a balm to her troubled mind, luring her into a realm where adventure and discovery replaced the looming uncertainties of her reality.
As the airplane soared through the clouds, Lara's thoughts gradually shifted from her brother and the enigmatic Black Angel to the thrilling exploits of Alexander Hartley. The story's grip on her imagination tightened, filling her mind with vibrant images and stirring her longing for the unknown. For those precious moments, she allowed herself to be transported, finding respite in the pages of the book as she left the concerns of the present behind.
In that shared space of tranquility and slumber, Lara and Kurtis sat side by side, momentarily shielded from the impending events that would soon unfold.
After a lengthy flight, Kurtis and Lara finally touched down in Japan, embarking on their mission to Tokyo. However, Lara had uncovered an intriguing piece of information about Mr. Rose, the club owner they were about to encounter. This was no ordinary club, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement as they made their way to their hotel in the bustling city.
Checking into the hotel, Kurtis and Lara secured two rooms. Lara, filled with anticipation, couldn't wait to dive into the adventure. She knocked on Kurtis's door, and when he opened it, she asked, "What size are you?"
Confused, Kurtis replied, "Why do you need to know?" He took a seat on the bed, wondering what Lara had in mind.
Her eyes lit up mischievously as she explained, "Well, you can't go dressed like that. The club we're heading to has a 70's theme."
Kurtis's face contorted with disbelief. "No way am I wearing 70's clothes," he declared adamantly.
Lara, determined to complete their mission, responded firmly, "Like it or not, we have to retrieve that artifact."
"Make me," Kurtis challenged, still struggling to grasp the reality of their situation. "I still can't believe we're doing this."
"Don't test me," Lara shot back, her patience wearing thin. "Just because Elizabeth didn't answer her phone doesn't mean we have to wait any longer."
A tense silence hung between them as they locked eyes, but Kurtis eventually sighed, surrendering to the inevitable. "Fine, but don't get me any ugly clothes," he relented, revealing his size to her.
Lara couldn't help but laugh. "Was that so hard?" she teased before leaving his room.
Several hours later, Lara knocked on Kurtis's door once again, tossing a shopping bag onto his bed. "There you go," she said, a sense of satisfaction evident in her voice. Kurtis opened the bag, only to find a 70's-style western shirt, flared pants, a hat, and even flip-flop shoes. "You want me to look like a cowboy or what?" he muttered under his breath, slightly exasperated.
"I think you'll look good in them," Lara chimed in, a mischievous smile playing on her lips.
"You're having fun," Kurtis mumbled, glancing at her skeptically. "So, what are you wearing?"
"Wait and see," Lara replied mysteriously before heading back to her own room.
As evening fell, Kurtis emerged from his room, waiting expectantly for Lara to make her entrance. When she finally appeared, her hair had been transformed into a radiant blond, and she donned a stunning red cocktail dress that accentuated her every curve. Kurtis couldn't help but be captivated by her beauty. He approached her and took her arm, unable to resist complimenting her. "You look beautiful in a dress," he whispered as he guided her toward the car, his voice filled with a mixture of admiration and awe. The moonlight cast a soft glow on Lara's figure, highlighting the elegance of the dress she wore.
Lara's eyes narrowed slightly, a spark of defiance shining within them. "Don't push your luck, Kurtis," she retorted firmly, her words laced with a playful edge that hinted at their shared history. There was a subtle dance between annoyance and fondness in her tone, a testament to their complex relationship.
A mischievous smile played on Kurtis' lips as he settled into the passenger's seat, his eyes never leaving Lara's face. "Well, let's rock and roll, then," he said, injecting a playful note into his voice, aware of the effect it had on her.
Lara's lips curved into a smirk, amusement dancing in her eyes. "Please, never say that again," she retorted, her voice filled with mock exasperation. With a graceful hand, she started the engine, the purr of the car blending with the night as they embarked on their mission.
As they drove towards the pulsating heart of the city, Kurtis couldn't contain his curiosity any longer. "So, what's the plan?" he inquired, temporarily brushing off the earlier rebuff. His gaze shifted from the road to Lara, waiting for her strategic mind to unfold their next move.
A sense of purpose settled in Lara's voice as she explained their objective. "Our first task is to infiltrate the club and locate Mr. Rose," she began, her voice carrying an undertone of determination. "Once I find him, I'll entice him to his office, where I'll extract the information we need. Meanwhile, you'll keep a watchful eye on his guards, ensuring they don't interfere."
Kurtis' eyes glinted mischievously, a hint of challenge in his tone. "How about a twist? You keep the guards in check, and I retrieve the prize. It'll be a delightful surprise."
Lara's expression turned into a mixture of amusement and firm resolve. "Over my dead body," she shot back, her voice carrying playful defiance.
Concern flickered across Kurtis' face, his voice tinged with genuine worry. "He's a dangerous man, Lara. I don't want anything to happen to you."
A confident smile tugged at the corners of Lara's lips. "I've faced dangerous men before, Kurtis. I can handle myself," she reassured him, her voice brimming with self-assurance. "Worry more about yourself."
With a final sweep of her gaze, Lara brought the car to a halt, their destination illuminated by neon lights and pulsating music. "We've arrived," she announced, her tone filled with purpose, as she stepped out of the car.
Kurtis followed suit, his eyes scanning the entrance of the club. "Let's go in," he urged, his voice brimming with eagerness, their partnership forged through countless adventures.
Navigating through the lively crowd, Lara and Kurtis made their way deeper into the club, their footsteps synchronized in a dance of anticipation. The air was thick with energy and excitement, a potent blend of desire and danger that heightened their senses.
Their eyes locked on Mr. Rose, a figure of influence and power in the establishment. Lara's graceful movements drew him in, her allure weaving a tantalizing web around him, while Kurtis, hidden in the shadows, observed their interactions with a mix of curiosity and a touch of jealousy.
As Mr. Rose extended his hand, a small grin of satisfaction playing on his lips, Lara gracefully accepted, allowing him to lead her toward his office. The dimly lit corridor provided an intimate setting, the muffled sound of music fading into the background.
"It's quieter in here, my dear," Mr. Rose purred, turning to face Lara, his eyes gleaming with a combination of desire and anticipation.
Lara's demeanor shifted, her eyes narrowing as cold steel entered her voice. "Indeed, it is," she responded coolly, her words laced with a potent mix of anger and determination. With a swift motion, she drew her gun, the metallic gleam reflecting her unwavering resolve. "And now, Mr. Rose, you're going to give me what I came here for."
Intrigued by her audacity, Mr. Rose's curiosity got the better of him. "What is it you're looking for, my dear?" he inquired, his voice tinged with a mix of fear and fascination.
A flicker of annoyance crossed Lara's features, her voice cutting like a sharpened blade. "My name is Lara Croft, not 'my dear,'" she retorted sharply, her tone commanding respect. "I'm here for the Golden Shard you unearthed in the Apostle Islands," she declared, her frustration with his deceit palpable.
Mr. Rose's confident smirk faded, replaced by a more serious expression. With a mixture of resignation and guilt, he reached for a file on his desk, holding it out to Lara. "I sold it to the Japanese museum," he admitted, his voice tinged with regret and a hint of relief at finally confessing.
Lara's eyes narrowed, her gaze locked on the file as she took it from his outstretched hand. Her grip tightened around the precious document, her resolve only growing stronger. "Thank you for being honest," she replied.
Exiting the dimly lit office, Lara emerged into the bustling club, her brow furrowed and her expression troubled. She made her way back to the table where Kurtis sat, nursing a drink, and leaned in, her voice low but urgent.
"We have a problem," she informed him, her eyes filled with a mixture of curiosity and concern.
Kurtis leaned back in his chair, intrigued by her cryptic statement. "What kind of problem?" he inquired, his curiosity piqued.
Lara hesitated for a moment, debating how much to reveal in the open "He sold the artifact to the museum," she revealed, her words hanging in the air like a tantalizing secret.
Kurtis's eyes widened with excitement, his mind racing with the implications of the revelation. "That's great!" he exclaimed, unable to contain his enthusiasm. "So, we break into the museum?"
A mischievous smile played at the corners of Lara's lips as she nodded in agreement. "Yep, let's go," she affirmed, rising from her seat with a determined air. She strode purposefully towards the exit, her eyes scanning the room for any potential obstacles. Kurtis quickly followed suit, his anticipation building with every step.
As they stepped out into the cool night air, Lara headed towards their parked car, her mind already formulating a plan of action. Kurtis slid into the passenger seat beside her, brimming with curiosity.
Lara glanced at him briefly before focusing on the road ahead. "Can you tell me how Elizabeth knows Mr. Rose?" Kurtis inquired, his voice tinged with curiosity.
Lara sighed, frustration evident in his tone. "I wish I knew," she admitted, leaning back against the seat. "I don't know everything, Kurtis."
Kurtis nodded, filing away the information for future reference. "So, it's up to us," she mused aloud, her eyes briefly meeting Kurtis's before returning to the road. The determination in her voice was palpable.
"Yeah," Kurtis agreed, his resolve matching hers. Deep down, he couldn't shake the feeling that Elizabeth's involvement in this mission ran deeper than they initially thought. "So, this is the museum. What's the plan?"
Lara's lips curled into a confident smile as she brought the car to a halt near the grand entrance of the museum. "We break in and find the office," she explained, her voice laced with assurance. "Then, we'll discover where they're keeping the artifact."
Kurtis nodded, his eagerness bubbling to the surface. "Great, let's go," he responded, ready to leap into action. But before he could make a move, Lara held out a hand to stop him.
"You're going to wait out here, big boy," she teased, a playful glint in her eye. "I don't want you accidentally locking me up or something."
Kurtis chuckled, recalling a previous misadventure where he inadvertently caused more trouble than help. "Like that will ever happen again," he assured her, his voice filled with self-deprecating humor.
Lara raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. "Stay here like a good knight," she retorted, her playful banter emphasizing their unique dynamic. With that, she disappeared into the museum, shattering a glass window with practiced ease.
Kurtis sat in the sleek black car, his eyes scanning the dimly lit street corner. It was an unexpected sight that met his gaze, causing a surge of surprise and frustration to course through his veins. There, rounding the corner with an air of dubious intentions, was Karel accompanied by his gang of mercenaries.
"What the hell is that bastard doing here?" Kurtis seethed, his hand instinctively reaching for the BoranX holstered at his side. Without a moment's hesitation, he climbed out of the car and firmly gripped his weapon, ready to confront the trouble that lay ahead.
Determined and fueled by a mix of anger and concern, Kurtis stealthily trailed after Karel and his crew. His senses honed, and he tracked their movements until they vanished into the shadows, slipping through the back door of the prestigious museum. The gravity of the situation dawned on Kurtis.
"Shit, Lara," he muttered under his breath, realizing the danger she could potentially be in. Unwavering in his resolve, he pressed forward, his Chirugai weapon clutched tightly in his hand, prepared to confront any obstacle that stood between him and Lara's safety.
Meanwhile, deep within the confines of the museum, Lara had stumbled upon the coveted artifact. However, her triumph was short-lived as a chilling voice echoed from behind her, causing her to swiftly pivot on her heels.
"Miss Croft, you've fallen right into my trap. Bring her out, Gunderson," the voice commanded. Lara's eyes narrowed with a mix of disgust and anger as she spotted Karel smirking confidently, holding her dear friend Sam in his grasp.
"Sam!" Lara's voice reverberated through the room, filled with a potent mix of relief and concern.
Gunderson tightened his grip on Sam as Karel addressed Lara with a taunting smirk.
"Miss Croft, hand over the shard, and yourself over, and your friend may leave this place unscathed," he proposed, his words dripping with malicious intent. Thoughts raced through Lara's mind as she weighed her options.
If I unleash my powers, Karel will realize I'm back, she reasoned silently. Her gaze hardened as she locked eyes with the ruthless antagonist. "And after I give you the artifact, you'll simply allow her to walk away? No deal," she retorted, her pistols poised and aimed directly at Karel and Gunderson.
A flicker of anger flashed across Karel's face, the tension in the room palpable. Lara knew she had to take action before both she and Sam met a grim fate. Karel's hands began to emit an eerie green glow, signaling an imminent attack. Swift as a predator, Lara evaded the energy bolt hurtling towards her, using the split-second advantage to aim her pistols at Gunderson's head and fire. He crumpled to his knees, releasing his grip on Sam.
"Sam, run!" Lara's voice echoed through the room as she dodged another onslaught from Karel.
With Sam out of sight, Lara resumed her offensive, firing bullets at Karel while deftly evading his retaliatory attacks. The dance of projectiles and evasion continued relentlessly, each narrowly avoiding the other's deadly assault. However, the odds quickly stacked against Lara as Karel's followers emerged, armed with menacing machine guns, and unleashed a torrent of bullets toward her. Seeking refuge behind a sturdy pillar, Lara fought back valiantly, her shots precise and deadly. Yet, the overwhelming numbers proved to be her downfall.
Bullets tore through the air, striking Lara with painful force as she valiantly fought against the onslaught. The vicious followers pummeled her with relentless blows, their fists finding their mark on her vulnerable body. Two henchmen held her firmly, restraining her as Karel loomed before her. "Now, sister, with this ordeal over, hand over the shard," he demanded, a malicious glint in his eyes. However, just as all hope seemed lost, an unexpected turn of events unfolded.
Something caught Karel's attention—a sudden, mysterious flicker of light. Without warning, a fiery dice materialized out of thin air, swiftly reducing half of Karel's followers to ash before returning to its unknown origin. Elizabeth crossed Lara's mind briefly, but the figure that materialized before her eyes was none other than Mr. Rose, the enigmatic club owner she and Kurtis had encountered not long ago.
Karel's expression twisted into a mask of fury as Mr. Rose confronted him, utilizing his own formidable powers. Orange energy crackled through the air as Karel narrowly dodged the incoming attack. In a swift motion, Mr. Rose summoned his flame dice, launching it toward Karel, engulfing him in a blazing inferno. The agonized screams filled the room momentarily before Karel vanished into thin air. The remaining followers, now gripped by fear, hastily fled, leaving Lara abandoned but alive.
The dice returned to Mr. Rose's hand as he approached Lara, his gaze filled with concern. "Are you alright?" he inquired, extending a helping hand. Lara grasped it gratefully, allowing him to lift her to her feet. Gazing up at him in awe and disbelief, she murmured, "I don't understand how did you know we would be attacked?"
"After you left my office, I noticed something peculiar accompanying your departure," he began, his voice laced with a mix of curiosity and concern. "Upon closer inspection, I realized it was Karel. So, I decided to follow him."
Kurtis, who had just arrived at the gallery, listened attentively to Mr. Rose's revelation, his gaze shifting between the enigmatic club owner and Lara. Sensing Kurtis's confusion, Lara quickly introduced the two men. "Mr. Rose, this is Kurtis," she said, her voice tinged with urgency. Kurtis nodded in acknowledgment, his eyes narrowing as he assessed the situation.
Returning the greeting with a polite nod, Mr. Rose turned his attention back to Lara, studying her with an intensity that seemed to penetrate her very being. There was something about her that he couldn't shake off, a familiarity that danced on the edges of his memory. Gathering his thoughts, he couldn't help but address the pressing matter at hand. "Miss Croft and Kurtis, have you found Klara yet?" he inquired, his voice weighted with a mixture of apprehension and genuine concern.
Lara and Kurtis exchanged glances, silently communicating their shared uncertainty.
"Firstly," Lara began, her voice laced with a touch of vulnerability, "are you considering rejoining us? We could really use your help in stopping Karel."
A solemn expression crossed Mr. Rose's face as he contemplated Lara's words. "No, you see," he began, his voice tinged with regret, "I am the reason Klara is missing in the first place. I betrayed her, and I can never go back." He lowered his gaze, unable to meet their eyes. "But if you do find her, please, tell her that I am truly sorry for what I have done. It haunts me every day."
Before Lara and Kurtis could respond, Mr. Rose seemed to retreat into his own thoughts, his demeanor weighted with remorse. Sensing that he needed time to process his own emotions, they let him go without pressing further. With a heavy heart, he left the room, disappearing into the shadows of the gallery.
Mr. Rose mustn't find out the truth about Lara's identity as Klara. The stakes were too high, especially with Karel potentially discovering the secret. After exchanging a knowing glance, Kurtis and Lara made their way back to their car. Lara decided to reveal her true self, removing her wig to reveal her natural brown hair cascading down her shoulders. Kurtis watched in awe as her hair gracefully fell into place, with some strands even brushing against her captivating eyes. He couldn't resist the urge to come closer and gently brush the hair away from her face, revealing her beautiful eyes. Lara couldn't help but feel a surge of youthful excitement as Kurtis's touch sent butterflies fluttering in her stomach. Even now, with Klara's powers and memories empowering her, she still harbored those tender feelings for Kurtis.
Sighing softly, Lara reluctantly pulled away as Kurtis removed his hand from behind her ear. She started the car, and they embarked on their journey back to their hotel rooms. Once they arrived, Lara headed straight for the bathroom, eager to cleanse herself of the blood and dust accumulated during their recent escapades. Meanwhile, Kurtis made his way to the balcony, seeking solace in a cigarette to calm his racing thoughts. However, his moment of tranquility was abruptly interrupted by the persistent ringing of his phone. Taking a final drag from his cigarette, he extinguished it and approached the small desk where his phone lay. Glancing at the caller ID, he let out a weary sigh before answering, "Elizabeth, what's up?"
On the other end of the line, Elizabeth's voice seethed with anger. "What the hell are you and Lara doing in Japan? I explicitly warned you to stay away from Mr. Rose!"
Kurtis's voice carried a hint of exasperation as he replied, "I did try to call you."
"You could've left a message. I wasn't in the mood to talk to anyone," Elizabeth retorted, her anger palpable even through the phone.
Kurtis sank into the chair, his weariness was evident. "Look, Elizabeth, I'm sorry, but we have the shard."
There was a brief pause on the other end before Elizabeth's voice filled with sorrow. "And what about Mr. Rose?" Kurtis detected a tinge of sadness in her words, wondering what secrets Elizabeth was truly concealing.
"I know his true nature, Elizabeth. He made it clear that he wants nothing to do with us," Kurtis replied, his gaze wandering toward the door, contemplating if Lara had finished her preparations.
"There's so much you need to know, Kurtis. My uncle's departure is intertwined with Klara's disappearance, and he's also the reason why my father left me behind, taking only my brother with him," Elizabeth disclosed, her voice heavy with emotion.
Kurtis furrowed his brow, confusion etched on his face. "I don't understand."
"The Cabal captured my uncle a day before the battle and tortured him for Klara's plans," Elizabeth explained, her voice quivering with the weight of the revelation.
"He betrayed them, he betrayed Klara and the other members," Kurtis seethed with anger, his fists involuntarily clenching.
"Let's not dwell on that now. Just come back to the Democratic Republic of Congo," Elizabeth urged desperation lacing her words.
"Fine. Where are you?" Kurtis asked, his concern for Elizabeth growing.
"I'm not home yet. I'll be there tomorrow," Elizabeth replied, her voice filled with a sense of unease. In the background, the faint sound of a television could be heard. She walked into the living room and settled down, the tension evident in her posture.
"Are you alright?" Kurtis inquired, a nagging feeling telling him that something was amiss.
"It's fine. I had an encounter with Karel yesterday, but I'm fine," Elizabeth reassured, her words slightly strained.
Kurtis's worry deepened. "Where are you?"
"I'm in a hotel. Don't worry about me. Just make sure you come back here, okay?" Elizabeth exhaled deeply. "Goodbye, Kurtis." She abruptly ended the call before he could utter another word.
Frustrated and concerned, Kurtis tossed his phone onto the bed before swiftly making his way to Lara's room. He knocked on the door and heard her response, "It's open." Stepping inside, he found Lara in the midst of lowering her gun, her leg clearly injured. His eyes focused on the wound, observing the cut and the blood staining her skin. "Lara, let me help," he offered, his voice laced with genuine concern.
Lara snapped back, her frustration evident. "I can take care of myself."
"Lara," Kurtis insisted, stepping closer. "Don't argue with me."
Reluctantly, she let out a sigh. "Fine."
Kurtis knelt down on the floor, one hand holding a cloth while the other gently supported the back of her leg to keep it steady. His focused attention had a calming effect on Lara, diverting her thoughts away from the recent museum attack and allowing her to become more aware of the sensation of his fingers on her skin. As he tended to her wound, he shared the details of Elizabeth's angry phone call and Karel's recent attack on her. Lara merely nodded, her gaze fixated on the wound inflicted by a follower's bullet—a grazing shot on the side of her thigh that had caused significant bleeding but fortunately avoided any major harm. Using a pair of tweezers, Kurtis skillfully extracted a few fragments of glass from the cuts she had sustained while avoiding any unnecessary pain. He then proceeded to carefully apply a bandage.
Once he finished, he looked up at her with his piercing blue eyes. "Done."
"I could have done it myself," Lara muttered.
He simply smiled, giving her a playful wink, before placing the first aid kit on the table. Lara observed him silently for a moment before finally questioning him, "Why are you doing this?"
Kurtis furrowed his brow and replied, "Doing what?"
"Why are you getting so close?" she continued. "I can't go through this again."
Letting out a sigh, Kurtis spoke earnestly, "Why, Lara? Why push everyone away?"
"I have my reasons, Kurtis," she snapped, distancing herself by walking over to the desk and picking up a journal that lay there. "Too many people have died because of me, because of Klara."
"So you want to spend the rest of your life alone?" he asked, closing the distance between them once again.
"If that's what it takes, then yes," she responded, her voice tinged with resignation.
"I'm here for you, Lara. Nothing can drive me away," Kurtis asserted, taking a step closer.
She glanced at him with a hint of sadness. "Funny thing is, I will outlive you."
"You may possess Klara's powers, but you're still human, albeit with immortality," he reasoned. "So while I won't live forever if enemies like Karel continue to haunt you and eventually bring you down, then your immortality won't save you either."
"I have survived before, and I can do it again," Lara declared, taking a step back.
"Keep telling yourself that, Lara," Kurtis replied, moving closer once more.
A charged silence enveloped the room as Lara gazed at Kurtis, their faces mere inches apart. "Are you afraid?" he asked, his words hanging in the air. Before she could even form a response, he leaned in and kissed her with an intensity that took her by surprise. The forcefulness of his kiss momentarily stunned her, causing her to instinctively step back and break their connection. Locking eyes with Kurtis, she tried to make sense of the whirlwind of emotions swirling within her.
Kurtis kissed her again, with less force than she was expecting. Relaxing into it, she let him push her back against the wall, her arms wrapped around his neck. Their tongs reached each other and he then trailed his lips lower, down her throat, across her collarbone. His fingers lifted the hem of her shirt. Kurtis pulled her shirt up and over her head, and she acquiesced gladly. Their eyes locked once more, and he shot her the dashing half-smile that she could never resist. He seemed to have regained his balance now.
Relieved, she tilted forward into his next embrace, only the tips of her fingers brushing the wall. Kurtis deepened the kiss, his tongue teasing hers as his hands sought her breasts. As she leaned into his touch, Lara's self-control snapped. She broke away just long enough to strip off his shirt, then entwined the fingers of one hand in his hair, pulling him back into her arms. For a few moments, she thought she'd gotten away with it, as Kurtis didn't draw away from her kisses. When they surfaced for air, however, he took hold of her wrists and threw her on the bed and he was on top of her as she gasps for air.
She glanced at him and kissed him again. Feeling another violent jolt of desire, she closed her eyes to shut out the image that had provoked it. Immediately, she sensed movement, followed by the warm, insistent sensation of Kurtis' lips trailing over her, from her forehead to her cheeks, from her lips to her throat, from her shoulders to her breasts. The fingers of one hand delved below the waistband of her jeans, he pulled them down and kissed her again.
Lara bit her lips to keep from voicing her frustration as he toyed with her. As he ran light kisses over the tender flesh of her abused abdomen, a whole new onslaught of possibilities hit her. She shoved them to the back of her mind, knowing that if she let her imagination take hold, she would lose control again
He kissed her on the lips again, her pelvis against his. She could feel the quickening of Kurtis' heartbeat against her chest. She removed his pants as his lips crossed over hers. He drove into her, sheathing himself inside her in one thrust. As she curved her hips upward to meet him, he finally stopped holding back, moving within her again and again until the orgasm he had denied her until now overwhelmed her.