I freeze, confused over what to do next. Or why I even did what I did.
I should pull my tongue out of his mouth, right? This isn’t what I want. This isn’t what I can want.
East groans, and the scent and taste of him floods every part of me, spun sugar and strawberries taking over my senses. My mind becomes blurry, my hands wandering downward, across his lean chest and along his toned abs, all the way to the hem of his pants.
His skin is so soft…
Do all creatures have such soft skin?
A shudder rolls through his body, his hand on my cheek tensing as he pulls his lips back a sliver of an inch from mine. He doesn’t move too far away, resting his head against mine.
“If I’m not careful,” he breathes out, “I’m going to break my promise to you … And I can’t let that happen … I need your trust, little mouse.” Taking one more deep breath, East steps back. His eyes are no longer shadowed over, and he looks surprisingly calm. “You know, you’re lucky I trust you, because that violation of your tongue might have scared the fire bats out of me if I didn’t.” The corners of his lips quirk.
Heat rushes to my cheeks as I work to get my breathing under control. “I didn’t … I don’t …” I trail off, getting pissed at myself.
Why, oh why, out of all the things to get embarrassed out, did my brain choose any and all things related to intimacy?
“Gods, that fucking blush,” he murmurs, sketching a path along my jawline with his fingertip. “It drives me so damn crazy sometimes.”
“Me, too,” I mutter, pulling myself together. Then I take a step back so he can’t touch me anymore, because him touching me seems to make my head foggier. “Look, I’m sorry I put my tongue in your mouth. I’m not even sure why I did it. I just … I don’t know. I think the magic made me foggy-headed or something. But it’s not an excuse. I made you promise that you wouldn’t do that to me, and then I turned around and did it to you.” And I touched his chest, but I’m not about to say that aloud.
“You don’t have to apologize for that,” he assures me. “Any time you want to stick your tongue in my mouth, feel free to do so.”
“Don’t worry; I won’t ever want to do it again.” I aim for a bored tone.
His grin is all sorts of wickedness. “We’ll see.” He pauses, musing over something. “One day, I have a feeling you’re going to finally accept that you’re attracted to me, and then you’re going to want to lick me all over.” He slips his tongue across his lips. “And you’ll let me lick you all over … along your sexy as hell belly, those long, gorgeous legs of yours, between your legs …” His gaze tracks his words, his eyes darkening like thunder clouds.
His tongue sliding across my belly … my thighs … between my …
I can almost visualize it.
East lets out a soft groan, brushing his fingers along my hip. That yanks me out of my daze, and I realize my cheeks are flooded with warmth again.
Great, I’m blushing again.
I need something else to focus on.
“Your eyes are doing that shadow thing again,” I tell him, watching his eyes cloud over.
He pauses then blinks a few times, and the shadows dissolve.
“Why do they do that?” I ask, even though I’m pretty sure he won’t tell me, since I’ve asked the question before and he wouldn’t.
He offers me a small smile. “Now’s definitely not the time for that story.”
“Will there ever be a time for that story?” I question.
He presses his lips together, looking oddly serious for him. “Maybe one day …” He trails off as someone knocks on my bedroom door.
“East,” Arrow says from the other side. “I’m supposed to tell you that we’re getting ready to head out to get the succubus and incubus souls.” He gives a short pause. “And I’m supposed to tell Harlynn to get ready. But I’m also supposed to stress that she’s only going in order for us to keep an eye on her, and that she’s not going to participate in this part of the mission.”
Normally, I’d be pissed off about his remark, but the reason the guys aren’t having me be a part of this mission is really sweet—they don’t want me to have to seduce an incubus after the whole incident with Yellow.
“All right,” East calls out to Arrow then looks at me. “Are you sure you’re ready to go out in public? Because, if not, one of us can stay here with you.”
“I’m fine,” I insist. “It’s not like I’m going to be doing anything really, since you guys don’t think I should help you collect the souls anymore.”
“We just think it’s probably better if you don’t … after the incident with Yellow.”
“I know. And I’m”—I search for the right word—“grateful for that. Still … I feel kind of useless. I mean, what’s the point of me even going with you guys? Not that I don’t want to go,” I hurriedly add. “I’m in desperate need of a break from this vehicle.”
“I completely agree with you on that.” He pauses, mulling over something. “There might be something you can do to help.”
“Really?” I ask, perking up slightly. “What?”
“Well,” he starts, his tone laced with uncharacteristic caution. “Usually, when we go out to clubs and stuff, we get bombarded with fans.”
“Oh, I’m not surprised by that at all,” I assure him. “I saw that firsthand when we went into the city.”
“Yeah, but being in a club is a bit different,” he explains. “There’s really no way for us to hide from it and, honestly, we usually don’t.”
“Okay …” Confusion webs through me. “I’m not sure how you think I can help with that. I know I’m badass and everything”—I throw a cheeky grin at him—“but I’m not sure I can keep all your fans away.”
“All our fans won’t be there—we’re going to an exclusive club.”
“Okay … Why are you being so wary about telling me what you want me to do?”
“Because you’ve expressed several times your disgust about the subject matter.” When I continue to stare at him like a confused idiot, he blows out a sigh. “Usually, when we’re at clubs, we have several aftershow women throwing themselves at us, and it’s out of character for us to turn down all offers. So, if we go to this place and turn all of them down, it’ll make us look a bit suspicious.”
I crinkle my nose. “There’s never been a time when you’ve never hooked up—” I shake my head at myself as I feel that stupid flush creeping up my cheeks. “You know what? Never mind. That doesn’t matter.”
“Doesn’t it?” he questions, observing me closely and making me want to squirm.
Fortunately, I manage to appear cool. “No, it doesn’t. But I still don’t get how you think I can help with that problem.”
“Well, if you agree to it, you could help tremendously.”
“Agree to what?”
He briefly hesitates then plasters on his typical, amused smile. “Agree to be our aftershow woman for the night.”
Harlynn
At first, I’m certain I heard him incorrectly, but then I realize I didn’t.
I immediately shake my head. “Dude, I told you the first time we met that I’m not a whore.” I turn around to head to … well, I’m not really sure since the only thing behind me is a closet and a bathroom.
He wraps his fingers around my arm, stopping me. “And I told you the first time we met that I didn’t want you to be our whore. And I definitely don’t want that now.”
Pressing my lips together, I twist to face him. “Then what do you want from me? Because I’m not sure.”
His eyes flicker, his lips curling into a grin. “That, little mouse, is a very dangerous question.” He slides his hand down my arm and skims it along the inside of my wrist.
“That’s not what I meant,” I mutter, willing my cheeks not to flush. “I just meant, what do you want from me tonight?” When his grin broadens, I quickly add, “I mean, when we go out?” No matter what I say, his smile continues to gro
w.
Frustrated, I start to pull away from him, but he tightens his grip on my arm and pulls me closer to him.
“Relax,” he tells me with an amused smile. “All I want from you tonight is to play the part of an aftershow woman while we’re out. You don’t actually need to be one. Just pretend to be one. And since you’re so good at pretending, I think you should be able to pull this off.”
I narrow my eyes at him. “What do you mean by that? That I’m so good at pretending?”
He gives an innocent shrug. “I just meant you’re good at it.”
I assess him with suspicion. “You said it like you had an underlining meaning.” When all he does is shrug again, I heave a frustrated sigh. “Whatever. Just tell me what I’m supposed to do.”
His gaze bores into me. “Are you sure you can handle this?”
I give a steady nod, pretending to be more confident than I really am.
Always pretending.
Maybe East is right. Maybe I am really good at pretending.
Pretending.
Pretending.
Pretending.
Is anything about me real?
Harlynn
After I agree to pretend to be they guys’ aftershow woman, East leaves me to get changed, telling me to come out when I’m ready. Then the four of us will go over the plan of what all our parts are for tonight. He also takes the drumstick with him so he can sterilize it and the rest of the vehicle.
Of course, the minute he leaves, the realization that I don’t have a damn clue what I’m supposed to wear tonight dawns on me. I consider putting on the outfit I wore the last time I went out, but since I’m not really sure what aftershow women on this world wear, I don’t know if it’ll fit the part.
After rummaging around in my closet for a while, I give up and go look for Arrow to get his help. He’s playing his drums in his bedroom, the door agape and music is playing from somewhere, the rhythm of his drumsticks matching the beat. He’s changed since I last saw him, now wearing a pair of pinstriped pants decorated with silver chains and buckles. A pair of thick, buckled boots cover his feet, and metallic bands wrap around his wrists. His chest is covered up with a grey shirt, the sleeves short, revealing his bronzed skin ornamented with gadgets.
Instead of interrupting him, I watch him play for a while. It’s fascinating how his mechanical arms and fingers allow him to move the drumsticks in an inhuman speed. He’s so into the tune, too, that he doesn’t notice me standing in the doorway.
Once the song ends, he stops playing but doesn’t make any effort to move. Instead, he stares off into empty space with a pucker at his brow.
“A penny for your thoughts?” I say, curious as to what he’s thinking about so deeply.
He startles, nearly dropping the drumsticks. “Holy fuck, you scared me.” He shakes his head and sets the drumsticks down. “East was right. You do move as soundlessly as an elf.”
“That may be mostly true, but this time I wasn’t moving soundlessly,” I assure him. “You were just in some sort of dazed zone. Plus, you were playing when I walked in.”
The crinkle between his brow deepens. “You were watching me play?”
I nod, puzzlement webbing through me. “Is that okay?”
He nods, perplexed. “Yeah, it’s fine.”
Then, why is he frowning?
“You play really well. It’s crazy how fast you can move.”
A trace of a smile cracks at his lips. “It comes with the territory of being part cyborg.”
“I know.” I push from the doorway, standing up straight. “It’s still super cool how you can move like that. I mean, I can’t even twirl a drumstick and end up poking myself in the eye.”
His smile expands. “Yeah, I heard about that.” His gaze flits to my eye. “It looks okay now, though.”
“Yeah, thanks to East. But don’t tell him I said that.”
He softly chuckles. “I won’t.”
“Thanks.” I take a step into his room. “So, I have to ask you for a favor.”
He sets the drumsticks down and stands, reaching for a bottle of water that’s on a dresser. “Sure. What’s up?”
“Well, as I’m sure you’ve probably heard, I’m supposed to be pretending to be you guys’ aftershow woman or whatever.” I roll my eyes at the absurd statement. “But I have no idea what to wear. I thought about just putting on the outfit I had on the other day, but then I realized I know zero about how aftershow women dress and act. All of my knowledge is based on stories I’ve heard and observations I’ve made from afar … so I’m wondering if you could help me pick something out and give me some pointers on how to act.”
He remains silent as he takes a swig of his water then sets it down, wariness masking his expression. “Honestly, I’m probably the worst creature to give you pointers about this. I usually don’t participate in this whole aftershow women thing.” He scratches the side of his neck, appearing uncomfortable.
While I don’t want to make him uncomfortable, I’d rather him help me with this than Asher or East. “But not never, right? I mean, you sometimes participate it in?”
He clears his throat a few times. “Yeah … sometimes.”
“Okay, so then you do know a little bit about it, right?” I ask, and he hesitantly nods. “Then can you take that little bit of knowledge and share it with me.”
He hesitates. “I think it might be better if you asked Asher or East to help you with this.”
Maybe he’s right, but that doesn’t make me want to do it.
“Fine. If you don’t want to help me, then I guess I can go ask one of them.” I jut out my lip, totally pouting. I know it’s a low move, but I’d way rather Arrow help me with this. He’ll make it so much easier on me.
His gaze fleetingly wanders to my jut-out lip. “Harlynn, I don’t want you to be upset with me. I just think I won’t be able to help you with this.”
“I’m not upset,” I promise, making my way over to him. “I’d just really rather you help me, even if you can only help me out a little bit.” I clasp my fingers together, more than okay with begging if it means he’ll help me with this. “So please, please, as my best friend, will you spare me from the embarrassment that will for sure happen if I ask Asher or East to help me with this, and help me out with this?”
He wavers before finally blowing out a heavy sigh. “All right.”
I smile then loop my arms around him, giving him a hug. “Thank you. You’re seriously the bestest friend ever.”
His arms tremble as he slips them around my waist, a move that I’m starting to realize is completely him. “Anytime. I just hope I can help.”
“Any amount of help will help,” I assure him as I start to pull back. Then I pause as his face lightly presses against the side of my head and he breathes in.
“You always smell so good,” he murmurs.
“Really?” I question. Honestly, I haven’t even showered in a couple of days.
He bobs his head up and down. “Your scent reminds me of this flower that grows on the Winter Frost planet.”
“I’ve never heard of that planet before, but it sounds very wintery, which makes me wonder how flowers grow there.”
“They’re frost flowers,” he explains. “They’re very pretty, and their smell is considered one of the most wonderful scents in existence. Many creatures have actually attempted to replicate it so they can put it in a perfume and sell it. No one’s been able to get it exactly right, though. If they had, they’d probably make a fortune.”
His words make me feel all warm and gooey inside.
“Is that your way of telling me I smell nice?” I ask, smiling.
Nodding, he sniffs my hair one more time before moving back. “You smell lovely.”
Arrow called me lovely once before, and Asher made a big deal about it. I’m not sure why.
“Well, you smell lovely, too,” I tell him, still smiling. “Like cinnamon and vanilla. It reminds me of this bakery back on my
world that made this really gooey-looking cinnamon rolls. They always looked so good, but I never could afford to buy one. I did try to steal one once, but that ended up being one of my very few failed attempts at thievery. In my defense, it was back when I first started learning how to steal.” I grin. “I’m much better at it now.”
He returns my grin. “I know you are.” He mulls over something for a beat. “You should use my food device to try a cinnamon roll.”
“You know what? That’s a good idea.” My stomach grumbles in agreement.
He smiles at the sound. “How about I go get it to make you one, and then meet you in your room?”
Nodding, I decide to give him another quick hug. “Thanks again.” Then I leave the room and go into mine.
I start to sit down on the bed to wait for Arrow, but when I catch sight of my reflection in the mirror, particularly my hair, I decide to take a shower. It’ll have to be quick so Arrow isn’t just sitting around and waiting for me.
Hurrying into the bathroom that’s attached to my bedroom, I quickly strip off my clothes and step into the shower. In theory, it seems like it should be a simple task, to just turn on a shower and climb in. After all, the showers I’m used to have one knob that you twist to get water to spew out of the showerhead. Granted, the showers I’m used to are in public restrooms that are at the parks that homeless humans have access to. They’re always crowded, only have cold water, and a thin curtain separates each showerhead. This bathroom, however, has a massive walk-in shower with several knobs labeled with various different water temperatures, twelve different shower heads—some on the ceiling and others in the wall—and glass walls surrounding it. As an added bonus, the floors are shiny, with clean tiles instead of moldy concrete.
“Gods, I’m in heaven,” I mutter, twisting one of the knobs. Not a single drop of water comes out of any of the showerheads, though. “Well, I would be if I could figure out how to turn this thing on.”
Knock. Knock. Knock.
“Harlynn, are you in there?” Arrow asks from the other side of the bathroom door.
Chasing Steel: Capturing Magic Books 1-3 Page 32
