by Tena Stetler
“Sure thing, I’ll just finish up the little paperwork left from today, and close out the cash drawer. It’ll only take a minute. It’s been so slow I got most of it done already.”
“Good man. In that case, close up, I’m going for a walk, see you Tuesday, and have a great weekend.”
Owen followed Bruce to the door. Bruce turned, a slight smirk on his face, “I can let myself out, I have keys you know.”
“I know that. I just wanted to update you on the rumblings. Tristian’s info is correct, but I’m hitting a brick wall with our sources. You may want to touch base with the other Overlords and see what they know.”
“Good idea. I’ll get on that first of the week. I plan to enjoy the weekend too, around the work schedule, of course.” He turned the key in the lock letting himself out and disappeared down the street toward The Krystal Unicorn.
****
The glass door to The Krystal Unicorn opened wide enough to let a person in sideways, but not enough to trip the chimes. Bruce grinned. There were no customers in the store. Silently, he crossed the show room floor and saw Willow and Angie in the back bent over a large box, checking its contents.
He slipped to the side of the beaded curtain, the women still unaware of his presence. Willow glanced up and spied Bruce peering through the beads. He put a finger to his lips with a pleading look. Raising a brow, she smiled slightly and returned her attention to the box, Angie’s back was still toward him.
As he glided up behind her, grasped both of her arms, and nuzzled her neck. The scream she let out deafened his right ear and rattled the windows. He spun her around then his mouth covered hers hungrily, intending to arouse her.
Raising his mouth from hers, he gazed into her violet eyes. “I’ve missed you.”
Willow stood with her hands fisted on her hips. “So much for keeping your relationship low profile or low key. Either get a room or let her get back to work.” Willow laughed. “Good to see you again Bruce, I think.”
In an exaggerated motion, he lifted his arms and spun around checking around the room and through the beaded curtain. “Hey there’s no one here but you two, same as when I arrived.” He pointed a long slim index finger toward Willow. “And you already know about us. Angie claims you can be trusted, so I saw no reason I couldn’t kiss my li’l witch.” Still holding her against him, he laid his head on the top of hers, letting her warmth and floral scent envelope him.
“I missed you too. It was a crazy week though. After Tristian left Wednesday morning, it’s been nonstop from opening to close, until today.” She threw her arms out, then let them drop. “It simply died.”
“The salon too. How’d your visit with Tristian go?” Bruce asked.
“Not bad, we set boundaries for our relationship. I let him know I had an inkling of what he did for a living and that I knew we had to be careful. Also informed him I knew that he had protection spells for the shop and my apartment. I let him leave those in place, after all the things you told me. I feel safer and understand my brother’s concern. How’d your meeting with Tristian go?”
“No indication that he knew anything about us. Just business concerns but I admit being relieved when he left. Now, about us, would you like to go to the Southwest Waterfront on 600 Water Street tonight, enjoy live music, cuisine from local restaurants, and huge fireworks display?”
“Are you sure? We’ll be seen by hundreds of people.”
“As we said before, we are not hiding our relationship. Though we can’t be as affectionate as when we’re alone, you understand. The nature of our relationship is what I want kept unknown.”
“I’d love to go. I’ll close the shop at four-thirty, change into my jeans, sweater, and running shoes, and meet you out back?”
“That works. I need to go back to the office and change also.” Sending a sidelong glance at Angie, he winked and turned to address Willow. “If you and your guy don’t have plans for this evening, would you like to join us?”
“We don’t have any plans tonight. I’ll call him and see if he wants to spend the evening with you and Angie. I’m sure it’ll be fine.” Willow grabbed her cell phone off the counter and hurried into the other room.
Angie tried to wriggle out of his grasp, but Bruce was too strong and she really liked the feel of him against her. But she wasn’t getting the inventory counted or up on the shelves. “Bruce, I gotta get this stuff checked off and put away before I can leave tonight. So let go.”
Reluctantly, he released her, breathing a kiss on her neck. “Next weekend, you off?”
“Yes, that’s the current schedule.” She raised her brow in question as she looked up at him.
“I’d like you to spend the weekend with me. We’ll leave town as we did before, if you’re available.”
“Not only am I available, I would love it.” She stood on her tiptoes and wrapped her arms around his chest, kissed his cheek then brushed her lips slowly over his, nipping at his bottom lip. “I can’t wait.”
“I told you guys to get a room or let her get back to work. Now out of here, Bruce.” Willow pushed him toward the door. “Caleb and I will meet you two here between four-thirty and five?” She glanced between Angie and Bruce for confirmation of the time.
Bruce nodded. “That’ll work fine. With the crowds that will already be there, it may be wise to take just one vehicle. I have the SUV today that will seat all of us comfortably, unless you and Caleb would rather be on your own, which I totally understand.”
Willows eyes rounded. “I’m sure that will be just fine. Though you’ll need to bring us back here, I’m spending the weekend with Caleb at his place.”
The chimes rang cheerfully as Caleb entered the front door. Willow greeted him with a quick kiss as they inclined their heads together murmuring.
Leaning close to Bruce, Angie whispered, “The demon recluse seems to have turned into a social butterfly.”
“You’re good for me in a lot of ways. Though more social the setting, less questions asked.”
“Smart idea. You’ll have to bring me back to get my car too, so I can drive home.”
“Well, that depends on where you want to spend the night, li’l witch,” he said suggestively.
His seductive smile and possessive touch as he rubbed her lower back made her want to purr among other things. “Oh, does it.”
“Didn’t I just hear Willow say she was spending the night with Caleb? That leaves you all alone in your apartment.”
Willow came bouncing in. “We’ll ride with you.” She waved her hand in the vicinity of Bruce and Angie. “Caleb this is my best friend Angelique and her companion, Bruce. Guys this is my friend Caleb.”
Caleb nodded to Angie and offered his hand to Bruce. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both. Don’t you own the Wycked Hair salon down the street?”
Shaking his offered hand, Bruce said, “Yes I do.”
“A lot of clientele from the art gallery, where my work is shown, patronize your salon and say it’s the best in DC and surrounding area.”
“We try. I think all our clients deserted us today in favor of the fun and festivities. I closed the salon early and came down here to visit these two lovely young ladies. I understand we are to meet back here and join the festivities ourselves.”
“Yes, we’ll see you two soon.” Willow took Caleb by the hand and pulled him out of the shop.
“I’m going to go change my clothes and set the alarm on the salon, then I’ll be back and help you with whatever you have left to do, since I have distracted your from your job.” He ran his fingers slowly through her long golden blond hair, reclaiming her lips as he crushed her to him, and then held her tight against him before slowly releasing her.
Her body screamed for more when he released her. “You intended to stir me up on purpose.” Angie accused, her lower lip stuck out in a pout.
Bruce leaned over and kissed her pout. “Sure did. Didn’t want you to forget me while I’m gone.” He chuckled.
&nb
sp; “No danger of that with or without that sort of incentive.” She slithered against him then shoved him out the door. “Hurry back, you’ve caused me to get way behind in my work.” Angie stood at the door for a moment and watched him walk down the street. That is some kind of man. The door closed.
****
Bruce didn’t mention the nightmares and assumed that since he didn’t receive a call, the nightmares had ceased. He’d check with her later tonight, but didn’t want to ruin the evening festivities with the question. It would wait. Her frank discussion with Tristian had probably put her mind at ease and the nightmares to rest.
Seducing her at his apartment was not what he had planned. Keeping her close to him and safe was the goal. At least until he received more information about the high-level demon. He expected to see Tristian again soon, for no other reason than to check on his sister. If confronted, Bruce intended to explain his relationship with Angie and defend himself against Tristian, if necessary. But he’d prefer to avoid the situation.
Angie checked off the rest of the items in the box with the packing list and put them away. Then turned the OPEN sign to CLOSED, locked the front and back door. Her body was still tingling from Bruce’s touch, a sensation she’d begun to enjoy. Obviously, they were meant to be together, but at what cost? He was so evasive about his life that she considered asking about it, but decided to wait until he was ready to share it with her.
A light knock on the back door at the same time her phone vibrated, told her it was Bruce. She answered the phone before opening the door. Security was foremost on her mind these days.
“Nice. You checked to make sure it was me before you opened the door. Good job.”
“Since I seem to have forced myself into your world, I’d better learn to survive there.” Angie said flippantly.
“Agreed. I’m sure Tristian, as well as, myself thank you for your efforts. Now, what I can I do to help so we can get out of here and enjoy the evening? It’s a bit chilly, but beautiful for an early spring night, so bring a coat.”
Several empty boxes littered the floor and she nodded in their direction. “Would you mind gathering those up and taking them to the dumpster? It’s across the parking lot. I’ll get my coat and meet you at the SUV out back. Willow and Caleb will be along shortly.”
“You got it.” He gathered the small boxes, put them in a big one, started to pick it up, then looked around. His dark amber eyes glowed orange and the box incinerated leaving only a trace of ash on the floor, which he wiped up with a damp paper towel and tossed in the trash. Sometimes you have to release a little magic just to keep in practice, he reasoned. The days of her standing in the dark alone, even for a minute were over, at least until the recent unknown demon threat was neutralized. Bruce had a bad feeling in his gut about this ever since Tristian brought it up.
Her coat stuffed in her bag, she bounced into the room. “I’m ready.” She nearly collided with Bruce who still stood in the middle of the room. Sniffing the air, Angie narrowed her eyes at him, “You didn’t.”
Bruce shrugged. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” His arm around her shoulder, he turned her toward the door. “Come on, Willow and Caleb just pulled up.” They hadn’t reached the door yet when Willow rushed inside. “Sorry we’re late, traffic was terrible. Glad you two are still here. Tonight is going to be fun.” She turned right around and bounded out the door in front of them.
Bruce raised an eyebrow and looked questioningly at Angie. She shrugged. “It’s Willow.” He walked Angie to the door and waited for her to set the alarm and lock the door. They stepped outside where Willow and Caleb waited next to the only SUV in the parking lot. Bruce took the key fob out of his pocket and pressed it to unlock the vehicle for them. He opened Angie’s car door, waited for her to settle in before closing it, then walked to his side of the car and got in.
“Wow, this is really nice. Thanks again for inviting us,” Willow said. Caleb slipped his arm around Willow in the back seat in an effort to quiet her for the short drive.
Apparently, Caleb was the quiet type, or appeared that way because Willow was doing all the talking. Bruce noticed Caleb watching him several times during the night, Caleb seemed almost nervous.
Willow and Caleb went their own way and promised to meet back up by the music arena. Bruce and Angie wandered the area, her hand through his arm. As it grew cooler, she entwined her hand with his and slid them into his pocket for warmth. After sampling various foods that restaurants offered, they met up with Caleb and Willow and found seats for the four of them from which to enjoy the live music.
Bruce glanced at Caleb. “Tell me about your paintings. I’m looking to spruce up the salon with a few new pieces of art. Maybe I’ll come by the gallery.”
“Let me know when you plan to stop by. I’ll meet you and see if any of my paintings would fit your decor.” Caleb shifted in his seat and pulled out his wallet. “Here’s my card, it has my cell phone and e-mail on it.”
“Thanks, I’ll be in touch.”
The music was an eclectic mix of everything from Rock and Roll to Classical. They sang and swayed to the familiar songs, then a rousing rendition of the 1812 Overture brought a loud boom, and fireworks lit up the night sky in a brilliant array of colors. The fantastic display lasted thirty minutes, then the crowd began to disperse. The four of them headed back to the SUV and got inside. Bruce threaded the vehicle through traffic back to the shop.
Only two cars remained in the parking lot when Bruce turned in. “Is that your Charger, Caleb?”
“Sure is.”
“Nice ride.” He pulled along side the car, Willow and Caleb got out. Angie rolled her window down. “You staying with Caleb this weekend?”
“Yes for part of it, but I’ll be around. Call if you need me.”
“Don’t worry.” She shot a look toward Bruce and winked at Willow. “I’ll be fine.”
Willow raised her eyebrows, wrinkled her nose, and wagged her finger at Angie. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.” Then she burst into giggles.
Angie pretended seriously to consider her remark. “Ok, so that means that absolutely nothing is off limits. Right?” Her eyes danced with amusement as she succumbed to a fit of laughter.
Bruce leaned over Angie and looked out her open window where Caleb stood beside Willow. “I think the girls are tired and had a bit too much wine with dinner. Maybe we should take them home before they embarrass themselves further.”
“Couldn’t agree more. Thanks again for the invite, see ya later.” Caleb grinned as he wrapped his arm around Willow’s waist and guided her to the car. He opened the door and tucked her inside as she continued to giggle.
Bruce couldn’t help but smile watching Angie try to compose herself. He pushed the button and brought the dark tinted window closed. “Ok, if nothing is off limits, is it your place or mine?”
“Your choice.” She leaned over and slid her hand around his neck, bringing his lips to within a whisper of hers.
He moved the seat back and angled his body toward her caressing the sides of her face with his hands, he laid his mouth on hers, parting her lips with his tongue, gently exploring and enjoying the hint of wine still on her tongue. This is what he’d wanted to do all evening.
The touch of his lips on hers sent waves of lust crashing through his entire body. He pulled her tighter as she arched up to meet his continued caress.
Stroking the side of her neck as his mouth grazed her earlobe, he slowly traced the hollow of her throat and feathered his fingers at the side of her breast, his thumb teasing her nipple every so lightly through her sweater.
She gasped softly and skimmed her fingers in his hair encouraging him, as his mouth trailed down.
He wanted to leave his hand there, even slide it under her sweater to cup her full breast, remove the lace bra holding them, but again this wasn’t the place or the time. The excitement of having his way with a woman in a vehicle, even one this comfortable, had passed lo
ng ago. Bruce wanted to take his time with Angie. Naked in his bed, he’d slide between her legs, explore, arouse, and pleasure her until she succumbed to sleep enveloped in his arms. “Angie, lets continue this somewhere more comfortable,” he whispered, his finger traced the inside edge of her low cut sweater. He brushed his lips over hers once more before starting the SUV and pulling out of the parking lot.
The secure entrance to his apartment complex loomed ahead. Iron gates drawn across the entrance gave the modern building a medieval appearance. He stopped at the key pad, lowered the dark tinted window, and punched in his security code. With a groan, the large wrought iron gates separated and rolled to each side allowing the vehicle inside. Once the vehicle passed through the gates and crossed the sensors, they closed immediately. His eyes flicked up to the rear view mirror confirming the gates returned to their closed position, before he continued on to one of his assigned but unmarked parking spaces.
The building housed D.C.’s elite politicians and offered the best security available in the mortal world. Even so, Bruce preferred the relaxed drive and safety of his estate. Tonight it was more convenient to stay close since both he and Angie needed to be at work early. It had been almost a year since he’d performed the opening procedures at the salon. He’d never hear the end of it if he didn’t have the Wycked Hair ready when the staff arrived.
“This place looks like the setting where all the attacks and murders take place in underground parking lots on TV.” She caught herself and grimaced. “Sorry, what a thing to say. I guess the wine loosened my tongue just a little too much.”
“Let me be the judge of that,” he said seductively
“Just like a male, add a sexual twist to a simple innocent statement.”
“I’m a male and thanks for noticing.” He raised a brow and smiled reassuringly. “I can assure you that nothing like you see on TV has taken place here. If it would make you feel more secure, I can port us both to my penthouse.” He opened the car door and in a whisper of movement, he was at her side opening her door and extending his hand to assist her out of the car.
