Flashfire

by Deborah Cooke

  And everyone knew it.

  There was something of the avenging angel about him.

  And Cassie was his destination. Her mouth was as dry as the Nevada desert.

  It was a fact—Lorenzo was the sexiest man alive.

  Period.

  A secret part of her quivered in anticipation that he was targeting her.

  But at the last second, his attention flicked to JP. His gaze locked on the other man. Lorenzo seemed to get even taller, and there was that bizarre blue shimmer around his body.

  “What the hell do you think you’re doing?” he demanded, grasping JP’s shoulder.

  A jealous rage? Cassie was astounded. He certainly hadn’t given the impression that he was possessive of her.

  After all, he’d left while she was asleep.

  She winced at the sight of his fingers gripping JP’s shoulder. She would have bet his hold was tight, but JP didn’t flinch.

  In fact, JP regarded Lorenzo steadily, despite the crackle of tension between the two men. Here was proof positive that they not only knew each other, but that they didn’t like each other.

  Antagonism snapped in the air for a long moment.

  So maybe things weren’t so friendly in the secret society of stage illusionists tapping into the mythos of the Pyr. Was that why JP was here? To nick secrets from Lorenzo? Just how competitive were magicians anyway?

  That would explain Lorenzo’s attitude, at least.

  Then JP slipped out from beneath the weight of Lorenzo’s hand in one elegant move. He brushed the shoulder of his shirt with fastidious care. “I’m having a drink with Cassie,” he said calmly, as if daring Lorenzo to make an issue of it.

  Lorenzo’s gaze flicked between Cassie and JP, and she nearly flinched at the heat in his gaze.

  “Cassie,” Lorenzo murmured, her name like a caress on his tongue.

  Cassie tried to hide his effect upon her. She stuck out her hand and forced a businesslike smile. “Cassie Redmond. Cassandra, actually.” Her smile turned more genuine when she decided to tease him. “I don’t think we actually did introductions earlier.”

  Lorenzo inhaled. He looked her up and down, but didn’t take her hand. Did he recognize her name? She didn’t think she was that high profile, but then, Lorenzo probably knew a lot of people in the celebrity media game. “A photographer,” he murmured, his eyes glinting dangerously.

  “Paparazzi, really,” Cassie admitted, and his nostrils flared.

  “And your assignment?” His voice was low and velvety, filled with a threat that made Cassie shiver.

  She had the definite sense that he knew the answer already.

  “She’s chasing shots of the Pyr,” JP contributed, his tone gleeful.

  Lorenzo gave Cassie one last glare, then pointed a finger at JP. “You’re trying to meddle where your interference is not welcome. You should know better than that.”

  “You make assumptions.”

  “You make presumptions. Did Erik send you here?”

  JP shook his head, his calm manner in complete contrast to Lorenzo’s anger. “Why on earth would Erik hold any sway over me?” He sipped his drink. “He holds none over you.”

  Who was Erik? Another competitive illusionist?

  Lorenzo simmered. “Who then? Jorge?”

  JP’s gaze flickered. “I don’t know anyone named Jorge.”

  He was lying and Cassie knew it. Why? Who was Jorge? This was starting to sound like a big club.

  “Balthasar?”

  JP blinked and lied again. “Who?”

  Lorenzo braced his hands on the table and glared at JP. His manner was so intense that even though JP clearly wanted to ignore him, he couldn’t. He glanced up at Lorenzo, his expression sulky.

  The force of will between the two men was enough to make Cassie dizzy. It could have been flattering to believe that they were arguing over her, but Cassie knew their animosity had a different root.

  She watched, intrigued.

  “The real question,” Lorenzo said, his voice low and silky, “is why are you even here?”

  JP averted his gaze with an effort and put an increment of space between himself and Lorenzo. “No, the real question is, what do you think you are doing?” he said, no real question in his tone. “This bar isn’t your property, nor is my lovely companion.”

  Lorenzo’s eyes flashed. “You’re insinuating yourself into a situation that is not your concern. I’m asking you to leave.”

  JP smiled. “And I’m declining to do what you request.” He sipped his drink again, but Cassie saw that his hand wasn’t as steady as it had been.

  So, Lorenzo spooked him.

  Interesting.

  Lorenzo straightened and turned a glance on Cassie, imperiously offering her his hand.

  His eyes were still dark and glittering. She knew instinctively that he wouldn’t hurt her—she also understood that he wasn’t thrilled to learn her occupation.

  Of course, that wasn’t surprising, given how he preferred to manage his public persona.

  If he intended to lecture her on her choice of work and ethics, he could think again.

  If nothing else, this was just a reminder that what was done was done, and that there was no future between them.

  Too bad his proximity made it hard to remember that.

  “I’m fine right here, thanks.” Cassie smiled, as if his very presence wasn’t turning her thoughts in a predictable, sensual direction. She was thinking she could change his mood, put all that passion to better use than a lecture. The idea made her all warm inside. “Just started my drink, actually.”

  “I’ll buy you another, just to get you away from this snake.”

  “Hey! That’s a little strong,” JP said, rising to his feet. He was several inches shorter than Lorenzo, but just as muscled. His gaze turned steely. “I might take exception.”

  Lorenzo smiled coldly. “And I might enjoy it, if you did.”

  They glared at each other, sizing each other up. Cassie had a feeling they’d fought before.

  Physically.

  And she’d put her nickel on Lorenzo if they fought again. The world of stage magicians and illusionists was a lot more interesting than she’d ever imagined.

  Yet the argument was about nothing. These two were going to brawl over stage tricks and sleight of hand that they each perceived to be proprietary. How ridiculous was that? Even if there could be a lot of money at stake, none of it was real.

  None of it counted.

  And Cassie was fed up with illusions of all kinds.

  It was time to leave.

  A photographer? Paparazzi? And hunting images of the Pyr? Every detail Lorenzo learned about the woman who fascinated him just made the situation worse. How much did she know? Did she have other plans for her evidence beyond selling the images?

  Cassie stood up, her expression grim, and Lorenzo knew it was up to him to change her mind about her intentions.

  And he knew exactly how he’d eliminate any suspicions she had about the truth of his nature. He’d prove to her that he was one hundred percent man, in the most fundamental way possible.

  The very idea inflamed him, even as he looked down into her eyes.

  What lingerie was she wearing tonight?

  How long could he delay her orgasm with pleasure?

  “Do you have to act like children?” she demanded in her most disparaging tone. “What are you going to do? Have a fistfight in a bar like a pair of morons? Over a stage trick? How juvenile is that?”

  So she thought they were competing illusionists. Lorenzo smiled, liking that angle just fine.

  JP didn’t smile, his gaze remaining locked on Lorenzo. He was utterly still.

  “You disapprove?” Lorenzo ask
ed her.

  She surveyed him, sensing the change in his mood but obviously not knowing the reason for it. He liked that she was observant, that she was always thinking.

  “I always disapprove of stupidity.” She looked between the two of them with disgust. “What are you going to solve by beating each other up?”

  “Ascendancy.” JP bit off the word.

  “Don’t hold your breath,” Lorenzo murmured.

  They glared at each other.

  Cassie flung out her hands. “Why does everything have to be a contest for men? You’re all the same!”

  Lorenzo glanced at her with interest. “You’re not competitive?”

  Cassie flushed and he knew the truth. “That’s not the point. You’re not going to solve anything with physical force. Give it up and shake hands.”

  “I don’t think so,” Lorenzo said.

  “Why not?” she asked and they both ignored her. The bouncers moved closer.

  Cassie spoke to Lorenzo, her eyes flashing in a most enticing way. “You might be in charge of everything that happens on your stage, but in the real world, there are lots of choices. I chose to have a drink with JP.”

  That caught Lorenzo’s interest. He respected people who were self-determining—people who made active choices, like himself. Did he and Cassie have more in common than great sex?

  She grabbed her glass and finished her wine, the alcohol making her flush even more. Lorenzo watched, convinced that she was the most alluring woman alive.

  “And now I choose to leave you both,” she announced. “Maybe you can sort out your differences in a reasonable way, whatever they are.”

  Cassie pivoted and marched out of the bar. Lorenzo chuckled. He really liked her spirit. Did she know that she had just chewed out two dragon shape shifters? That her opinion of brawling was the same as his? Did she have any idea how refreshing she was?

  She glanced back, blushed crimson, then stumbled on the steps that descended from the bar to the lobby.

  Lorenzo knew exactly what he was going to do. He looked JP right in the eyes steadily. “Don’t come near her again,” he murmured in old-speak. “Or you’ll have to answer to me.” He didn’t blink, just held the Slayer’s gaze.

  “I’m not afraid,” JP replied with defiance.

  Lorenzo smiled. “You should be. Maybe you’re not that smart, after all.” He waited for the flash of doubt in JP’s eyes, then pursued his mate with purpose.

  He was looking forward to driving every doubt about his nature out of Cassie’s mind.

  It would be hours before he realized he’d chosen to use old-speak again.

  Chapter 6

  Lorenzo was suddenly beside Cassie, his hand cupping her elbow with a protectiveness that made her heart flutter. “Unbelievable that you could trip in those boots,” he said in an undertone. She could hear the laughter underlying his words.

  Cassie pulled her arm from his grip easily. “There’s nothing wrong with my boots.”

  He rolled his eyes. Apparently his dangerous mood had passed. “Except that they’re ugly.”

  “They’re practical.”

  “For what?” Lorenzo glanced pointedly around the lobby. “I see very few broncos in need of breaking.”

  “Except you and JP.”

  He chuckled then, his eyes dancing. She liked her sense that she had surprised him and fought her answering smile.

  “I’m not leaving with you, so don’t get any ideas.”

  Lorenzo countered smoothly. “I’m not leaving you with him.”

  Cassie stopped to argue. “I don’t have to choose one or the other. . . .”

  “Yes, you do.” Lorenzo smiled, making it impossible to think of anything or anyone other than him. He leaned closer, fixing his attention upon her and locking his hands on her shoulders. Cassie’s mouth went dry. He exuded a heat and a sexual energy that left Cassie yearning to have him all over again.

  Even though there were no flames in his eyes.

  Was JP right that the trick could work only once?

  Lorenzo didn’t need to hypnotize her to catch her eye, to ensure that she saw only him in a crowded bar. He didn’t need to create the illusion of sparks between them for her skin to burn at his touch, a flush of desire to glow inside her, or her mind to turn to infinite variations on the theme of sex. He certainly hadn’t needed any crazy story about the Pyr and their firestorms to get her into bed.

  He just had to look at her with those hazel eyes, smile that slow, crooked smile, murmur something in that seductive voice, and she was lost.

  Had their interval been completely a trick?

  What if she chose to do it again with him? Would it be different? Better? Would her taking the lead surprise him—or please him?

  Cassie suddenly wanted to know. It was an impulsive urge, but she had the feeling that she’d always wonder if she just walked away from him.

  “Do us both a favor and forget JP,” Lorenzo said in that seductive voice. “Nothing good will come of spending time with him.”

  Cassie was so lost in the intensity of Lorenzo’s gaze that for a moment she wasn’t sure who he was talking about.

  JP! Right. She glanced back to the bar, but the other man had disappeared.

  “He’s gone.”

  “No surprise.” Lorenzo was dismissive. “He mostly bluffs.”

  She looked back at Lorenzo, considering his confidence. He’d left her alone, as if he’d had all he wanted of her, but now he was tracking her down at her hotel. It made no sense. It would be easy to be flattered, but Cassie needed more than that.

  “Why are you even here?” she demanded. “Just come to save me from bad company? Or did you follow me?”

  He dropped his gaze, and she had the strange sense that he didn’t know the answer himself. He swallowed and actually looked awkward.

  Was it possible that she wasn’t the only one feeling this powerful attraction?

  Lorenzo impaled her with a hot glance. “I might as well admit it,” he said, as if he’d rather do anything else. “I couldn’t not see you again.” The steadiness of his gaze convinced her that although the confession might be reluctant, it was true.

  Cassie suddenly found it very hard to catch her breath.

  “I thought that was what you wanted,” she managed to say. “A single virtuoso performance.”

  That bemused smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “Was it that virtuoso?”

  Cassie blushed. “I thought it was awesome,” she admitted.

  He bent toward her and whispered, those eyes gleaming wickedly. “So did I. I thought you were awesome.”

  He’d followed her.

  He couldn’t stop thinking about her, either.

  Incredibly, they had something in common.

  Cassie’s heart galloped. Lorenzo’s gaze warmed and his smile broadened. “Maybe that’s why I want more.” His gaze slid over her, admiration in his expression, and he shook his head slightly. “Against all odds.”

  Cassie bristled. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “That nothing about you is as anticipated.” He lifted a hand, apparently helpless against his own reaction. “And everything about you is enchanting.”

  Cassie didn’t know what to say. She could completely relate, both to his interest and his confusion. She’d never been attracted to a man who was so gorgeous, let alone one so enamored of control. And yet, and yet, she had a feeling she’d never forget Lorenzo.

  But there were still issues. If she was going to do this again, this time it would be on her terms.

  “Let’s remember that you tricked me,” she said, challenge in her tone. She thought she’d have to spell it all out, but he immediately looked contrite.

  “I did. I am sorry.�
�� Lorenzo heaved a sigh and shoved a hand through his hair. “Passion overwhelmed good sense.” His smile was rueful. “Any chance of you forgiving me?”

  “Are you going to beguile me again?”

  “No.”

  Cassie’s annoyance melted. This man could play her like a cheap guitar.

  He bent then, and touched his lips to her cheek, his gentle touch making her shiver. “Passion is doing it again,” he whispered.

  “Doing what?”

  “Overwhelming good sense.” Lorenzo didn’t move, just kept his lips against her cheek. The feel of them moving, of his breath on her skin, made Cassie tingle from head to toe. “I should have gone home, gotten some sleep, and prepared for my next show. Instead I’m standing in a hotel lobby, trying to make you smile.”

  Cassie pulled back to look into his eyes and her heart skipped a beat. Maybe two.

  Lorenzo arched a brow. “Forgive me?”

  Oh, she was in deep trouble.

  “I’m not sure I should.” She glanced at him, expecting sad puppy eyes or a plea for mercy. Instead, Lorenzo was grinning at her, as if she was unpredictable, enticing, refreshing.

  Maybe women never said no to him.

  She was pretty sure she shouldn’t either. But she’d do it because she chose it, not because he tricked her.

  Lorenzo arched that one brow higher and smiled, a move that made him look mischievous and impossibly sexy. “Give me a chance to make it up to you?”

  “How?”

  He laughed, a good, rich laugh. His hands rose to capture her shoulders. Then he bent and whispered in her ear, gathering her closer in a move that dissolved her resistance. “I’ll show you. Let’s get a room.”

  Cassie’s eyes closed as his teeth grazed her earlobe and she sighed when he kissed her neck right below her ear. She was filled with a warm desire that she knew he could sate, but she took a step back to meet his gaze.

  “Condoms this time,” she said firmly, adding another condition.

  Lorenzo’s smile was so fleeting that she thought he’d argue. But he laced their fingers together and strode toward the shop in the lobby that sold toiletries. She had to hurry to keep up with his long-legged stride, but his obvious anticipation made her pulse skip.