by Mary Abshire
When he didn't move fast enough, I stepped around him. He gripped my arm and jerked me to a halt. An intense wave of heat rushed through my limb.
"Don't be a fool," he said, grumpy.
I glared at him sharply. "Let go of me."
Jaw taut, he slid his hand slid away. The blistering warmth left with his touch.
I glowered at him. "We have a deal, remember?"
"Two hours. I remember." His flat tone revealed his discontent.
Saying nothing more, I left him and strode into the living room.
Dani appeared relaxed in the recliner. She was staring at the television, watching a detective type of show. I took a seat on the sofa to put on my shoes.
"Are you staying home tonight?" I asked as I fastened the last strap over my ankle.
"Yeah." Her gaze remained glued to the screen.
Jeremy strolled out of my room. He passed in front of us, then stopped at the far end of the sofa.
"What about you? Staying in?" I stood, then snatched my purse from the coffee table.
Jeremy withdrew his cell from his pocket before he sat. "Nah, I think I'll go out for a few drinks in a little bit, then come back in two hours."
His absence in the apartment was a good thing. If he stayed, I would worry about him flirting with Dani.
"Don't wait up," I said.
"Have fun," Dani replied in a cheery voice.
I passed by Jeremy on my way out and thought he would try to stop me again. I breathed easier when he didn't. The demon was getting on my last nerves. I couldn't wait to be done with our deal, the VETOV meeting, and him all together.
The drive to the restaurant took maybe five minutes. Our date was at eight o'clock. I parked the car and checked the time on the radio. It showed almost eight-thirty. The lot wasn't too crowded, which was good. We would have more privacy and wouldn't have to wait long for our food. Since Kyle's old car wasn't in sight, I decided to wait in my vehicle. A light wind blew in from my open window and kept me comfortable. As time passed, a few cars drove by, but none of them matched Kyle's. When my stomach growled at me, I decided it was time to find out where he was. I dug out my cell phone and sent him a text message. My phone rang minutes later. I recognized his number immediately.
"Hey, where are you?" I asked.
"I'm afraid I can't make it. Someone came in late, and I thought I could get their Harley repaired in time, but I haven't been able to. I have to stay and get it fixed. I'm sorry, Jessie. Maybe we can meet another time."
The beat of my heart dropped. I really wanted to sit down and talk to him, tell him the truth, and move on. So much for getting what I wanted.
"Okay, maybe another time," I said, but my lack of enthusiasm was obvious even to me.
"I'll call you tomorrow, maybe we can set something up," Kyle said.
I hesitated to respond. Since I devoted all my time to Jeremy, I doubted I could spare another hour away, and I sure didn't want to make another deal with Jeremy for time off training. Kyle didn't know I planned to leave for Europe, and I couldn't tell him everything over the phone. It wouldn't be fair. We needed a face-to-face meeting, but the chances of that happening were declining fast. I'd have to find another way of getting the truth to him.
"Sure, give me a call," I said.
"I'm really sorry, Jessie. I'll talk to you tomorrow."
"Take care," I said before I ended the call.
I tossed the phone on the empty passenger seat and leaned back. Given the change in plans, my appetite no longer existed.
With a heavy sigh, I stared out the window. Ominous clouds floated high in the sky. The evening was darker than normal for July. I hadn't checked the forecast, but the smell of rain indicated a storm was approaching.
Since I'd already bargained this time away from Jeremy, I sat and enjoyed the peaceful night. Why waist the precious moment? I closed my eyes and rested my head against the side window. Then the buzz of my cell captured my attention. I picked up the phone and stared at the screen. My heart fluttered with excitement when I saw the caller's name.
"Hello," I answered, holding the phone to my ear.
"Where are you?" Drake asked.
"I'm sitting in the parking lot of a Mexican restaurant," I replied. "Where are you?"
"I'm at the karate school. I thought you'd be fighting Jeremy. Are you alone?"
"Yep, and I have a little over an hour before I have to meet Jeremy."
"Tell me where you are exactly, and I'll come meet you." His smooth voice perked me up.
"I have a better idea. Pick me up at my apartment."
"I like your thinking. I'll be there in ten minutes."
Hearing the delight in his tone warmed my blood. "See you soon." I ended the call, then slid the phone back inside my purse.
Joy filled me as I left the parking lot. I had time to spend alone with Drake, and I wasn't going to waste it. I had a feeling he would want to make good use of our alone time, too.
After a short drive back to the apartment complex, I parked across from my building and turned off the engine. Droplets of rain covered the windows as I searched for Drake's car. I didn't find it or Jeremy's vehicle. Anticipation bloomed within me as I waited.
A black SUV turned into the complex. Recognizing it, excitement sprung within me. I grabbed my purse and keys, then shoved open the door.
Drake stopped his vehicle behind mine. Droplets of rain hit me as I dashed around the back of his car. I hopped up onto the passenger seat and was greeted with a warm smile.
"Anyplace special you want to go?" His velvety voice was sweet music to my ears. He wore his usual slacks and a long-sleeved button-down shirt, both black. Below his neck, a small gap in his shirt revealed a portion of his pale flesh.
I shut the door and tugged the seatbelt over me. "For now, just get back on the main road. I'll direct you from there." As the buckle clicked in place, I glanced in the back. The empty seat made me wonder where Kuri was, but I didn't care enough to ask about him.
"How'd you manage to get time away from Jeremy?" Drake asked as he drove.
"I made a deal with him."
Drake glanced at me with narrowed eyes and his jaw tight.
"I wanted to tell Kyle the truth about me. We were supposed to meet for dinner, but he called and said he couldn't make it. Turn left at the light."
The car slowed as we approached the stoplight.
"And your deal with Jeremy?"
"Oh, nothing to be worried about. I agreed to let him sleep in my bed."
The car stopped abruptly and my body jerked forward. The seatbelt stopped me from hitting the dash. Drake pierced me with his dark eyes.
I held up my hand, stopping him from rushing to judgment. "I'm not sleeping with him. I'm going to sleep on the sofa. The deal was he could sleep in my bed, not that I had to sleep with him."
The light turned green. Drake's attention returned to the front and he accelerated. "I don't like these deals you keep making with him."
"I know what I'm doing. I know Jeremy's game," I said with confidence.
He veered his gaze away from the road. "He's dangerous and sneaky. You have to be careful with him."
As if I didn't already know. "Don't worry. I can handle him."
Drake glanced at me, but didn't say a word. Did he not believe me? Hadn't I always proved I could deal with Jeremy?
I leaned back against my seat and crossed my arms. How many times were we going to have this conversation? I felt like a broken record, always having to explain myself.
"Turn left at the next light. When you see the huge abandoned strip mall, turn into the parking lot. There's a street that leads behind the building," I said.
The muscle in his jaw flexed. Face tense, he kept his lips sealed and eyes forward. Driving in silence, he followed my directions.
I didn't know what else to say to ease his concern. Every explanation seemed to put him more on edge. I couldn't think of anything more or different to convince him I knew h
ow to deal with Jeremy. Demons and vampires didn't get along or trust each other, ever. Fine. But he should at least trust me.
Drake reached an area behind the strip mall.
"Here's good," I said.
He parked near the building and cut the engine. "Does anyone come back here?"
"Not that I know of, but I haven't been back here in about a year." In fact, the last time I'd parked behind the vacant building was when Kyle and I had dated. No need to bring up the subject.
Drake twisted in his seat, causing the leather beneath him to moan. I pushed on the button of the safety buckle and the strap slid away. Leaning sideways, I pressed my shoulder into the seat.
"Drake, I know what you think of Jeremy—"
"Yet you continue to make these deals with him. You continue to involve him in your life."
"I made the deal with him to teach me to fight because I was afraid at the time that you wouldn't protect me. I feared you were more loyal to your organization than you were to me. And to be honest, at times, I still am afraid."
"You should never doubt my loyalty. My concern is for you. It always has been." He reached forward and glided the back of his fingers down the side of my cheek. "I worry for you."
His cool fingers sent tiny chills down my neck. The delicate touch reminded me how much he cared and how loving his heart was.
"Once we are done with the VETOV, I want to get away from him. I really do." I took his hand. "I know you worry. Trust me when I say I have everything under control."
"If something ever happened to you…"
"Nothing will. He wouldn't hurt me."
He gazed deep into my eyes and, for a moment, I wondered if he could see my soul. "I would do anything for you. Your life, your love, your soul—you mean the world to me. My heart aches when we're apart."
My pulse accelerated upon hearing his words. His heart was dead, but it still had feeling. He was such an amazing man and I was fortunate to have him. I wished things were different so we could be together.
I pressed my palm to the side of his face. "I miss you more than you could possibly know. I hate spending time away from you. I hate all of this—having to train with Jeremy and meet with the VETOV. I want it to all go away and just be the two of us."
He leaned closer. His cool energy caressed my skin like a feather light breeze. "I want to hold you in my arms for eternity, kiss you, and make love to you forever."
Deep within me, passion burned, wanting him to hold true to his words. "I would love to spend the remaining days of my life with you, in your loving embrace."
His gaze slid to my mouth. He grazed his thumb over my lips. "When we get back from meeting with the VETOV, I promise you, I will honor my words."
Never before had I wanted a man so much, wanted to be with him, love him, talk to him, and share every minute of my life with him. Never had I met a man willing to love me, the real me, the half-demon soul catcher. In my heart I knew, I had met the man I couldn't and wouldn't live without. I'd met my soul mate, my lover, forever and beyond.
I leaned forward and claimed his lips. His response was gentle, sweet, and the most tender, loveable, heartfelt kiss I'd ever experienced. Our tongues slowly and patiently stroked. Enjoying the moment, I wanted to savor every second, and I did.
While the kiss lingered, his hand came to rest on my thigh. I slid my hand down the front of his solid body and found a hard prize waiting for me behind the fly of his pants. He let out a soft moan as I pressed my hand along his cock and rubbed him through the material.
"You are so hard," I said softly. "Let me take you in my mouth."
I didn't give him a chance to respond. I started unfastening his pants, slowly and carefully. As usual, he wasn't wearing any underwear. I wrapped my hand around his swollen cock and gently teased the head with my thumb.
"You are the only woman for me, Jessie. You are the only woman I long to be with." He planted gentle kisses on my face, ear, and neck while he slipped his hand under my skirt. He traveled farther, beneath my panties and between my legs. "I love your warmth, your wetness." He nibbled at my throat.
My body burned inside, wanting his love, his touch, anything and everything he could give me. His fingers slid inside of me, intensifying my need for more.
His hand slid away from me as I bent over him and took his erection into my mouth. I stroked him with my lips and tongue, playing with him. Soft moans escaped him. He was so hard, so cool, and a delight to lick. I loved the feel of his solid cock against my tongue and filling my mouth.
"Don't stop…please," he said in a near whisper.
I didn't. I stroked him with love and passion. He threaded his fingers through my hair. I sensed his anticipation growing through his small, fidgety movements and his grip on my head. He was so fucking stiff. With each stroke, I imagined him inside of me, filling me, pleasing me. I'd have my turn soon enough.
His release came with a low groan and vibrant beat inside my mouth. Fluid spilled into me and I swallowed it. Unlike most men, his seed didn't have a distinct taste. I often wondered if it was because he was dead. Regardless, I loved him—the vampire and the noble man.
Slowly, I slid my wet lips away from his pulsating cock.
"That was a piece of heaven," he said.
I met his gaze and smiled. "Glad to give it to you." I tugged my panties down my legs. "Now, my turn."
A soft buzz sounded as Drake's seat slowly moved back. Not wasting a second, I climbed on top of him. The seat stopped and he slid his hands up my hips. I gradually lowered myself, taking his solid cock into me. Damn, he felt good.
He kissed my neck and thrust up, pushing himself deeper inside me. Pleasure thrived within me. He held my hips and pumped into me again.
I gasped. "Oh fuck, Drake."
Erotic tingles reached every nerve in my body as he continued driving into me. I moved in rhythm with him as his lips stayed close to my neck. My body quivered with need, ached for satisfaction. His erection filled me completely and cooled my burning loins. Pointed teeth grazed along my throat, intensifying my need and bringing me closer to my release.
"Yes," I breathed. "Don't stop. Yes."
Our movements grew frantic, desperate, urgent. My release drew closer. Sweat trickled down my head and neck. I was so hot and burning with need.
His sharp canines punctured my throat. A moan of ecstasy roared out of me while an explosive release throbbed vibrantly. I reached heaven. Soft lips glued to my neck sucked the hot blood rushing up to meet his demand. A second pulse pounded with mine as wave after wave of bliss flowed through me. Enjoying the sweet ride, I rested against Drake's cool body. I never wanted the love between us to end.
Chapter Seven
A wide smile remained on my face as Drake parked in front of the door leading to my apartment. I was the happiest I'd been in a long time. Drake and I had spent only an hour together, yet it was one of the best hours of my life. After feeding our carnal desires, he reiterated his undying love to me along with his unyielding devotion. His steadfast adoration appeased my heart and soul. I couldn't wait to get to Europe and put an end to all our conflicts. I longed to come home and live a somewhat normal life with him, just him, and enjoy everything he wanted to give.
"I won't be long. I only need a few minutes to clean up and change," I said as I pushed open the door.
"I will wait here for you."
Before I leaped from the car, I planted a kiss on his lips. He wrapped his arm around my neck and held me close, kissing me back with the same passion. The need for more began to rise. But I couldn't give in. I had to meet Jeremy and train. I pressed my hand against his chest and gently pried my lips from his.
"Give me a few minutes," I said.
He grazed his nose next to mine. "I'll be here."
After a heavy sigh, I crawled out of his SUV.
When I reached the door to the apartment, I knocked instead of using my key. "It's me, Dani."
As I waited for her, I heard a fema
le voice from the television. The lock clicked, then the door opened.
"Back already?" Dani widened the entrance. "I thought you had to train with Jeremy."
"I do. I came to get a change of clothes."
I strolled inside and came to a halt in front of the television when I noticed I was on the screen. The female spook was underneath me and the other ghost was on top. Shock, fear, and rage hit me all at once. Blood rushed to my head. "Dani, you have to get rid of this immediately."
"I will. I will!"
"If someone finds this—"
"I'm getting rid of it." Her voice was elevated. "I promise."
I took a step toward her and stared sharply into her eyes. "It is imperative you destroy it, or you put us at great risk."
She crossed her arms. "Trust me. I'll take care of it."
While I trusted Dani, she annoyed me to no end by doing things that could potentially bring trouble. The longer she kept the recording and the more she watched it, she'd probably want to keep it. No, it had to go, and soon. "The sooner it's gone, the better."
"All right. I will."
Gritting my teeth, I headed for my bedroom. Dani knew the danger we would be in if the footage ended up in the wrong hands. So why was she waiting? Because she is too damned curious. Note to self in the future, no recording devices permitted during investigations, or at least, make sure there was none when I was around a ghost. I grabbed a pair of shorts and a tank top from the dresser, then headed for the bathroom.
"How did your date with Kyle go?" Dani asked before I could shut the door.
"He didn't show up. He had to work at the shop."
"So you didn't get to tell him?"
"No, and I may not get another chance before I leave."
"Do you want me to talk to him?"
"I don't know. We'll see." If I didn't get the chance to tell Kyle the truth myself, I might have to let Dani. "Don't tell Jeremy anything. I'm late and he doesn't need to know I was with Drake."
"You were with Drake?" Her eyes lit up along with her tone.
I couldn't help the wide smile that spread across my face.
