by Tena Stetler
How had he lost control of the situation, and in front of Megan? Most women were happy to share his bed. The sex was inconsequential as they were not his destined mate. He’d not even seen her temper coming. He shook his head tamping down his own. “Is everything packed and ready to go?”
“It is. Enjoy your day.” Megan winked at him and busied herself cleaning up the kitchen.
****
Angie fled to the stable where Jason stood next to an open section of wall, waiting for them. She took a deep calming breath before engaging Jason.
With a raised brow he said, “Harbor and Satan are waiting in the pasture. Is the boss on his way?”
Remembering what Bruce said, she curtly replied. “He’ll be along shortly. Harbor and I’ll just get a head start.”
Shrugging, Jason said doubtfully. “Harbor usually won’t go anywhere without Satan, but you’re free to give it a try. Just walk her around the indoor pasture area first.”
Irritated that he still controlled her actions without even being there, she mustered up a pleasant voice and said. “Thanks, I’ll do that.” She walked to where Harbor waited and allowed her to nuzzle against her shoulder. Patting her neck, she swung up into the saddle and clicked her tongue to get Harbor moving.
Jason saw Bruce sauntering up the path and waited. “Boss, your woman requested to take Harbor without Satan. I suggested it wasn’t a good idea but she’s saddled up.” He pointed to where Harbor and Angie were trotting out across the indoor pasture. Angie bent over the saddle giving Harbor’s neck encouraging pats.
“That’s fine. I’ll take it from here.” He whistled Satan back to the fence and grabbed his reins, stroking his neck. “It’s all right boy, sometimes we need to give these girls a bit of space.”
Satan nickered softly then snorted dancing sideways. Harbor stopped and turned watching Satan.
Angie nudged her heels into Harbor’s sides, tightened the reins on the left side to turn her head forward again. To Bruce’s surprise, Harbor turned back around and began a slow walk toward the end of the pasture.
Bruce nodded toward Jason who was standing next to the control panel. Jason touched the button allowing the wall at the end of the pasture to open. Shaking his head, Jason muttered, “I hope you know what you’re doing boss.” Then shrugged and went back to his duties.
Harbor passed through the door and looked back, whinnied loudly and continued walking. Bruce knew she would not speed up her pace until Satan was at her side, regardless of what Angie tried. He gave her a bit more time, mounted Satan and followed, holding Satan to a walk as well, though he snorted and danced around threatening to rear up on his back legs.
“Take it easy boy.” Bruce crooned patting the horse’s neck, “We’ll catch up with them soon enough. Angie’s a little upset with me, so we’ll just give her time to cool off.”
Satan snorted, flattened his ears to his head, and again swung his head from side to side. “Let’s do a couple laps around the pasture then we’ll head outside.” Bruce loosened the reins and touched his heels to Satan’s sides.
Several laps later, Bruce allowed Satan to exit to the outside and gave him his head to find Harbor.
As they caught up to Harbor and Angie, Bruce said carefully. “Angie, I’m sorry, if I came off as tyrannical back there in the kitchen. It’s just that my personal business can’t be aired in front of the staff. That’s how I run my homes and businesses. If you’re to become part of my life, you need to understand that our privacy must be maintained.”
“I’m not sure I want to be part of your life,” Angie said testily.
Without missing a beat, Bruce countered. “That decision is entirely up to you. At least let me explain the reasoning behind my decision. If someone captured one of my staff or worse, they wouldn’t be able to compromise us by giving personal information, like our weaknesses or what we disagree on. It is absolutely necessary that we present a united front at all times. That’s one of those responsibilities I mentioned early on in our relationship. As for the other, I’m a very carnal creature and being without for any period of time is a big deal to me. Though it’s my choice.” He suspected the little game of sexual titillation they’d played over the last few weeks, was partly to blame for her temper as his simmered close to the surface as well.
Angie straightened in the saddle. “You are too much like Tristian. I spent most of my life under his thumb. I’ll be damned if I am going to spend the rest of my life under yours. I understand presenting a united front. But…for our relationship to work, mutual respect in all areas of our lives is required. As for you and another woman—” Angie unclenched her fist and flicked her hand in a dismissive gesture. “I’ll destroy her.”
“That’s fine, we’ll have disagreements, and you can tell me whatever you feel, just not in front of the staff, not ever. As far as women, you are my mate. I’ve no interest in another.”
“I got that.”
“Great, then let’s allow the horses to run for a bit, have a snack and head back to the house before dark.” He nudged Satan into a canter then loosened the reins. Angie did the same.
They arrived back at the stables at dusk groomed the horses, and put them in their stall, where Jason had feed waiting for them.
Chapter Twelve
Bruce held the door open for Angie and followed her inside the house. The delicious aroma of pot roast, potatoes, and carrots wafted through the room combined with fresh baked rolls. His mouth watered. Angie went to the powder room and he washed up at the kitchen sink. With oven mitts, he took the roast out of the oven, sliced it, and put the meat on a platter. The rolls were in the warmer and he plopped them in a napkin-lined wicker basket, Megan had prepared. He put the basket and platter on the breakfast bar beside two place settings.
“Something smells awfully good,” Angie said entering the kitchen.
He waved his arm with flourish toward the breakfast bar. “Dinner is served.”
After dinner, Angie cleared and washed the dishes. Bruce took the wine out of the refrigerator, selected two wine glasses, and carried them into the living room where the fire crackled merrily.
He sat on the couch and patted the seat next to him. “Have a seat, we’ll relax and enjoy the fire.” He poured the wine and handed her a glass. The crystal tinkled as he tapped the rim of his glass to hers, and took a sip. She did the same then set her glass on the table as he continued to sip the amber liquid.
Settled next to him, her head on his warm chest, her hand massaged the inside of his thigh. She slid her hand further up and began unbuttoning the shirt he’d traded for his sweatshirt earlier.
He watched her hand without comment, then set his glass on the table and brought his mouth down on hers hot and demanding. His hand gently outlined the circle of her breast over her sweater. Surprised at her instant arousal, he reveled in her eager response to his touch, When her fingers caressed his growing erection, his breath quickened and he let his legs fall open, leaving her more room for exploration.
“Angie,” he murmured against the pulsing hollow of her throat then raised his head to look into the smoldering depths of her violet eyes. “I think we need to go upstairs, if you’re sure you want to go where this is leading.”
“I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life,” she said, her breath coming in little gasps as his fingers danced between her legs.
The fire popped as he stood, and swept her into his arms and carried her upstairs to his, no, he corrected, their bed.
She wound her arms around him and buried her face in his neck breathing soft sensual kisses along his angular jaw line while he carried her up the stairs. She rubbed her cheek against his bare chest inhaling his scent. He felt her body quiver in anticipation and tightened his hold.
As her feet touched the floor, his large hand took her face and held it gently as his mouth covered hers hungrily, then his hands moved down her arms slowly. His muscles tingled as he slid his hands under her sweater, unfastening h
er bra and feeling the weight of firm round breasts spill into his hands. Gently he rubbed his thumbs over her nipples until they were hard little berries. Unable to wait any longer, he lifted the sweater over her head tossing it to the floor, baring her breasts to him.
She moaned and spread her legs. Rubbing against the hard ridge still confined in his jeans and arched her breasts toward him.
He took the soft mound in his mouth, and sucked while his tongue flicked over her nipple, then took it delicately between his teeth as the tip of his tongue continued to lick the tip of her nipple. His mouth moved to the other breast while caressing her nipple with his thumb to keep it hard and her aroused. He’d have her tonight, but not before, he had her begging. A sly smile turned the corner of his lips.
Angie pulled back, covering her breasts with her hands. “My turn,” she purred and ripped opened the rest of his shirt, shoving it off his shoulders. Slender fingers spread out over his chest, letting her sharp finely manicured nails rake across his nipples and down his abs. She leaned over and soothed the scratches by licking them with her warm wet tongue. When she unbuttoned his jeans, he sucked in a breath. Her hand slid inside his silk briefs, wrapping her fingers around his thick length and brushing her thumb over the slick head. Easing down the zipper, she tugged his jeans over his hips. Her hands slid between his thighs and she cupped his balls massaging first one then the other. He moaned and thrust toward her. Completely naked to her, she slid further down his body, her intent clear.
Before she leaned over to take him in her mouth, he scooped her up in his arms. She squealed in protest as he carried her through the bedroom into the master bath. He turned on the shower and waited for it to fill the large marble area with steamy warmth. There were several adjustable spray heads in a variety of heights on one side of the marble wall. On the opposite wall, a bench ran the entire length of the shower. Built in dispensers labeled with a wide variety of shampoos, soap, body washes for male and female ran along another side next to a shelf that held additional supplies.
“You need a shower,” he said in a low rumbling voice, unbuttoning her jeans, he put his bare foot between her thighs pushing her jeans to the floor. “Step out of those my li’l witch,” he said seductively, guiding her into the water spray.
“You don’t shower alone often do you?”
His gaze wandered over her lazily, lingering in some areas longer than others, considering her statement. “Have you forgotten that you are the only woman I’ve ever brought here? This is my sanctuary from the world. The dispensers were installed when my parents lived here. I filled them in anticipation of your stay.”
“Oh, sorry, I remember you saying that,” she murmured, slithering against him. Angie slid her soapy hands up his back, fingertips tracing the sinewy contours, kneading his tight ass and then she moved against his growing erection. With soapy hands, she gently caressed his length until he moaned thrusting forward. Moving out of the spray, she lifted her leg to wrap around his waist. He caught her leg, knelt down brought it to rest on his shoulder, ran his wet hands up her thighs, and spread her legs wide. His thumbs spread her petal soft lips as the tip of his tongue explored the folds around her sensitive clit then thrust his tongue deep into her over and over.
She screamed, arching against his magical mouth, fisted her hands in his hair as the first wave of pleasure crashed over her, even as he was untangling her fingers from his hair, and moving away. “Liked that did you, li’l witch?” He smiled wickedly running his tongue around his lips slowly as he straightened, his fingers still caressing her sensitive area, still sliding in and out building her pleasure.
She took that opportunity to slide down and flick her tongue over the head of his engorged cock. He involuntarily jerked toward her and she took more of him into her mouth. Groaning he ran his fingers through her wet hair, she relaxed her throat and pleasured him further enjoying his salty taste.
“That’s enough, much more and I’ll have nothing to offer you when I take you to bed.” He turned off the shower and opened the door. She stepped out and he wrapped her in a warm towel. She scrambled up on the bed, snuggling into the warm towel that nearly engulfed her. She stilled as he lay at her side propped up on one elbow watching her, his arousal still very apparent. She tilted her head, one brow raised questioningly.
“I’m in no hurry. I intend to savor this night and remember it always. You are my mate. I love you and want to pleasure you in every way possible.”
She opened the towel and rolled against him rubbing her bare breasts over his sculptured chest, her tiny foot resting on his hip, as he gathered her in the comfort of his arms. He shifted, her leg wrapped around his back and her body pressed forward seating his slick head where she was already hot, already wet, and ready for him.
“You are so beautiful,” he murmured bringing her mouth to his, lips moving eagerly against hers.
Angie could hear the hum in his blood becoming louder. Soon there would be no holding back. His hands slid up her body cupping the underside of her breasts and he pressed himself between her legs.
As if by magic, she switched positions and straddled him, hovering over him allowing only the tip to penetrate her. His hips involuntarily thrust up and she moved slightly away, smiling enticingly. “Patience. We are savoring the moment we become one for eternity. Remember?” She leaned over allowing his lips to kiss a trail down her neck. His tongue reached her breasts exploring each nipple, a shudder of pleasure swept over her. Angie slowly lowered herself, taking him in as he stretched her until she thought he would split her, then he moved slowly, gently inside her thrusting deeper until she had taken all of him.
They took time to explore, to arouse, and to give each other pleasure even as her witch’s blood sang for final consummation of their mating. Together they found the rhythm that bound their bodies. Angie moved against him until giant waves of pleasure pulsed through her and with a final thrust, he released inside her. She collapsed on top of him panting, as his own breathing was still ragged. He rolled her to the side and curved his body around her, holding her in the security of his arms.
Bodies still moist from lovemaking, she snuggled against him as their legs intertwined and they succumbed to sleep of sated lovers.
Chapter Thirteen
Far off in a mental fog, he heard his cell phone ringing. Not a familiar ring tone, he thought lazily in no hurry to break the spell they’d woven last night. Bruce reached his hand over to the nightstand feeling for his phone, still looking at the beautiful woman who lay curled against him. Her head nestled in the crook of his arm. His mate. His fingers feathered against her naked breast, then kneaded the firm flesh.
Angie blinked up at him sleepily. “Aren’t you going to answer that?”
“Eventually.” He rolled over and brushed his lips across hers. Then his brain clicked. That ring tone was his parents. Urgently he grabbed the phone, his voice still horse from sleep. “Father, what’s wrong?” He started to get up and move out of Angie’s hearing, then stopped. She was his mate, whatever the reason for his father’s call was now her business as well as his.
“What a way to greet your father. If it had been an emergency, by the time you answered, it would have been too late.” Andre chuckled. “Caught you in bed with a beautiful woman, huh?”
More relaxed because there was no discernible urgency in his father’s voice, he bantered back. “As a matter of fact you have, but it’s not what you think.”
“Isn’t it?” Amusement rang in his father’s deep voice.
“No, it’s not, all knowing one.” Bruce said, aware the revelation would shock his arrogant father. “I’ve found my destined mate and last night was our first night together. We’ll spend the weekend here at the estate and return to the city on Tuesday.”
“You mean you consummated it last night, without telling us you’d found her? Do I have the right of it?”
“Yes. I wasn’t ready to…or rather it’s complicated.”
Andre
didn’t bother to cover the receiver while he called out loudly, “Matiah, our son has taken a mate, finally.”
Bruce couldn’t make out his mother’s barrage of questions in the background but heard his father’s tolerant reply.
“I don’t know, Matiah. Give me a moment, I need to discuss business with our son first, then I’ll find out. Patience, darling.”
A slow smile crossed Bruce’s lips. Now I know exactly what Megan meant. “We’ve kept our relationship under the radar, because of one little problem.” Bruce hesitated considering whether to tell his father the whole story, or wait. Oh, hell, he’ll get it out of me anyway, or mother will. He blew out a breath. “She’s the little sister of Tristian, my best enforcer, friend, and longtime associate which is complicating things.” He paused again frowning.
His father, Andre, snorted. “If it’s a problem, you didn’t get his permission and he doesn’t know. Tristian, he’s a warlock and your paid assassin, right? A demon hunter, so to speak?”
“Yes.”
“I don’t imagine he wanted his little sister mated to a demon. You know, he’s going to be furious as hell, probably try to kill you.”
“Yes.”
“Then you better get it over with, because what I have to say is only going to complicate things further.”
Bruce could hear his mother’s voice in the background again, but unable to understand what she was saying. His father’s side of the conversation came across loud and clear.
“Settle down, Matiah, Tristian probably won’t be successful, but it’s something Bruce will have to deal with. He made the decision to pursue her, without Tristian’s knowledge. That’s enough Matiah. We’ll discuss this later.”
Bruce knew that tone in his father’s voice and his mother lost that battle. His lips twitched as he remembered being on that end of a discussion with his father a few times. “I hate to interrupt, but complicate what?”
