...He'd pleasured her before, but tonight the air was filled with more than the hot, hungry vibrations of a man for his woman. Tonight, their bodies and spirits would join to create the gift of fertility—a gift they would pass along to Jahar and Carmen, but not for us.

Shaking off the moment of sadness, Alyssa smiled up at Rahim where he stood at the edge of the blanket. Obeying her command, the nimbus globes floated overhead.

Slowly he held out a hand until their fingers met. That one small touch sent an explosion of desire through her blood.

Lacing her fingers with his—palm to palm—he dropped to his knees on the blanket facing her. They stared at each, as spice-scented wind flirted around them, carrying his masculine scent of soap and arousal. Her heart skipped a beat at the hot fires of lust burning in his eyes.

She pressed her other palm to his, her fingers slipping between his. "Lord of Fire and Wind," she murmured, setting the fertility ritual into motion, "welcome."

"Lady of Water and Earth," he said in a tone of barely leashed hunger, "I bring you the kiss of intent." Bending forward, he pressed his lips to her forehead, his careful restraint fueling her need for more contact.

With their hands still pressed together, the heat of his body mingled with hers, swirling around them as they slowly synchronized their breathing. Each time she inhaled, his breath became a part of her. Each time she exhaled, she shared a portion of herself with him.

At each in-and-out-of air, the spell of earth and wind power gathered and grew, filling all the spaces between and around them.

Slowly, Rahim's lips grew closer to hers, and she raised her open mouth, lifting to meet his. The kiss came with a rush of heat and energy, as if all the buds of spring exploded into the joy of summer.

His lips were fiery and demanding. She matched that fierce intensity with a kiss full of the rich potency of earth and water.

Together, they drank the power from each others mouth—giving, receiving, blending the elements of earth, air, fire, and water.

Rahim's warm hands touched her body, slipped the camisole away.

"Beautiful," he groaned.