God, he is so damn sexy. I wouldn’t care if he was as dumb as a bag of rocks. Between his looks and sexy accent, I’ve already bought whatever it is he’s selling.
Macareus begins to slow as we approach an opening between two buildings, a narrow dark alley coming into view.
“Wait, we’re going down here?” The entire street is lit up to the nines and he wants to take me down a dark alley?
“The best gems are the hidden ones, mon cherie.”
Yeah, as are serial killers. But are serial killers normally this hot? I test out my panic radar, but strangely, it’s pretty quiet. “I’m not so sure…”
His thumb caresses the inside of my palm. It hits a nerve that sends an electric current down to my core. I swear he’s going to cause my knees are about to buckle for a second time. “Do you trust me, Katie?”
This is the first time he’s said my actual name. And it may be the hottest thing I’ve ever heard. He mistakes my silence for hesitance. “What is your gut telling you?”
My gut says to allow him to drag me down the dark alley, serial killer or not, rip my clothes off, and use that sexy tongue in all sorts of places. What the hell? When did I become this sex-starved hussy? When you lost everything. Shaking off the dirty thought, I reply, “My gut tells me I should warn you I know karate if you try anything fishy.” I’m hoping he doesn’t sniff out that huge lie since I’m about as athletic as a rock.
He nods, accepting my warning. “Fierce. I appreciate that. I promise to be a complete gentleman…unless told otherwise.” We have a stare-off until I worry I’m close to whipping my top off in public and offering myself up on a silver platter.
We walk down the alley, and I catch myself squeezing his hand tighter, my nerves kicking in. When we get to the end, we’re met by a woman dressed similar to the tarot reader.
“Good evening, ya’ll. How can I please you tonight?”
Macareus speaks in French. My eyes go back and forth, trying to read their lips, but I can’t read lips, let alone in French, so it becomes pointless. Finally, the woman nods and steps aside.
“Welcome to La Soiree. Please, follow me.” We follow her through an unmarked door, pushing aside a maroon velvet drape. She halts at a booth and grabs something from behind. Her hands reappear, holding two black masquerade masks. “May I ask for your discreteness, madam?” Macareus takes the mask, so I do the same. “Please, do follow me.” She proceeds to guide us through the dimly lit club. Every table we pass is occupied, everyone wearing a mask to hide their identity. I’m curious what type of place Macareus brought us to, and I’m starting to get some Fifty Shades vibes. As I pass a table, I mistakenly make eye contact with a man, his eyes like sapphires burning brightly back at me. But it’s not his eyes that create a buzzing sensation across my skin; it’s his wicked grin. I rip my gaze from his, focusing ahead, until the woman stops us at a small table intimately placed in the back.
Like a gentleman, Macareus pulls out my chair, and I sit as he rounds the table and takes his own. The woman places a menu on the table, but Macareus orders without looking at it.
“No need, madam. We both shall have the séduire special.” She nods in approval and walks off.
“What exactly is the special?” I ask, intrigued.
“Patience, my little eager one. You will soon find out.”
My hands shoot up. “Oh no, the last time I did that, I woke up hours later, drugged.” Macareus’s laughter is like its own magical drug.
“Do explain.”
“I’m not sure how to explain it. I was curious about New Orleans culture and found myself in a back room having my cards read. One minute, I’m being told all my dreams are going to come true, and the next, I’m alone and felt like…well, not myself.”
“And the drugs?”
His smile is going to be the death of me…if my poor decisions don’t take me out first. “Let’s just say things have been a bit strange since I woke up. For one, if I was in my right mind, I probably wouldn’t have walked off with someone I’ve never met.”
Macareus crosses his legs and leans back against his chair. “And what makes you so sure we’ve never met?”
For starters, who would ever forget a man who sounds like sex every time he opens his mouth? I stare at him, his question sparking a curiosity inside me. We haven’t met before. I know that for a fact. But then why do I feel this strange pull to him? This comfort. This ease. I’ve never been shy sexually, but I’ve also never been so quick and willing to want to jump into an unsafe, yet desirable, situation.
“Clearly you and I have never crossed paths before.” Right?
“I don’t know. I think everybody crosses paths at some point—whether they realize it or not. Physically at least. Maybe this is us meeting again.”
“Okay, you’re starting to weird me out.”
He runs his tongue over his bottom lip, and I get lost in a fantasy where I’m suddenly on his lap, my tongue grazing over his bottom lip as he captures mine and gently bites down. I don’t know what’s come over me, but I’m headed for trouble. There’s a tingle on my bottom lip, and I snap out of my haze, remembering my wits. Yep, still in my own chair.
The woman returns with two drinks and is gone as quickly as she appeared. I wait for him to take the first sip. I don’t feel like going zero for two with unfamiliar drinks and who knows what’s in this one—
“Your thoughts. They’re very loud.” He laughs and grabs his glass. “If I fall to my knees, I trust you’ll take good care of me?” My eyes widen. Holy shit, there’s no way he can really know what I’m thinking.
“Wish me luck, cherie,” he says, bringing the glass to his mouth. I’m in a trance watching his lips capture the crystal, my eyes falling to his Adam’s apple as he takes a sip. Jesus, it’s an inferno in here. I think back to the tarot cards. About the girl riding the horse, her head dangerously laying in the lion’s mouth, and I can’t help but wonder if this man is my horse or my lion.
His cough interrupts my thoughts. “Oh, cherie, I fear you may have been right. I feel…”
I quickly lean forward, suddenly panicked. “Oh shit, really?”
A deep, husky laugh expels from his lips. “I tease. The only thing that has me out of sorts is the beautiful woman across from me.”
Yep. He’s definitely the lion.
“Please join me. Let me bask in your enticing presence.”
Okay. Maybe he’s the horse.
I bring the glass to my lips, our gaze never breaking, and take a sip. The sweet liquor is a pleasant surprise on my taste buds, the bubbles tickling my tongue. A subtle moan filters up my throat, but I’m not sure if it’s from the delicious cocktail or the way Macareus is watching me. His intense stare has this overwhelming power over me. He’s seated across the table, but again I sense his hands on me. Fingers gripping into my thighs. Heat against my neck. Teeth grazing my flesh—
“How are you…it’s impossible. You’re—”
“You say we’ve never met before. But why are my palms etched with every curve and dimple of your body?”
“I—I don’t know.”
“Maybe we were star-crossed lovers in another life and we’re finally coming back to one another to rekindle the forbidden love we once had.”
“You’re crazy. That would be crazy.”
“But not completely unprecedented.”
He’s lost his mind. Clearly both of our drinks must have been spiked. But then explain why you still feel the heat of his touch against your thighs. Because I’ve gone mad. Completely freakin’ bonkers. “Listen, I can’t explain what’s happening, and quite frankly, it’s starting to freak me out, so if you don’t stop looking at me like that, I’m going to get up and leave.” No, you’re not. Yes, I am. Nope. Not moving.
“Well, then we both agree…”
“That what?”
“You’re not going anywhere.” Gah! He needs to get out of my head! “I promise I will not lay a hand on you. But I cannot say
the same for you.”
Hold up. “Wait, you think I’m gonna make a move on you?” Look calm. Look calm. Don’t fall for the trap of his curving lips. Plump. Super kissable. “What? I’m not. Why are you smiling like that?”
He keeps me on edge, stalling as he takes a sip of his drink. Lips. Adam’s apple. Sneak peek of his smooth, chiseled chest. I wonder if he would mind popping open another button of his dress shirt to appease my growing appetite.
“Shall we end this useless debate, or did you want to continue lying to yourself?”
Lying to myself sounds good. “There’s no debate. I’m not like that.”
“Like what?”
Good question. Because I am like that. I’m not saying I’m not adventurous. Hell, I had sex with James in a public bathroom within hours of meeting him. And I can’t say it was the first, second, or third time I’ve ever done something crazy like that. I did used to be spontaneous. Before he ruined that. “I don’t just meet someone and throw myself at them. I have respect for myself. I have morals.”
There’s no doubt in my mind he’s secretly calling me out on my bullshit. And let’s be honest, I wouldn’t be opposed if he challenged that theory and lured me into the bathroom to prove me wrong.
He’s yet to say anything more, and it’s making me anxious. I try to avoid his penetrating stare, finding myself chipping at my nail polish as if it’s the most fascinating thing in the world. When he finally speaks, his voice causes me to jolt in my chair.
“As you wish, cherie. But beware, this town has a sexual allure. People come here to embrace their unknown desires. Wide variety of play. But as you say, you have no interest. So I won’t press. It is up to you when you accept your hidden passions. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to use les toilettes.” He stands, humor in his eyes as he winks and turns, vanishing through another velvet draped door.
I, on the other hand, sit frozen in my seat, my mouth dragging along the floor. How does he keep doing that? Reading my mind? I haven’t taken my eyes off where he disappeared to. Is he expecting me to follow? Indulge in my wild fantasy of passionate sex with a mysterious god. Shit, is he hearing my thoughts right now? I take that back! I’m not that kind of girl!
Ugh…
Grabbing for my drink, I take a hefty gulp, needing to sort myself out. I straighten in my seat and adjust my posture. I cross my legs like a lady and stay planted on my chair, where I plan on staying until he returns. Because I’m not that kind of girl! The thought more meant for him if he’s listening.
The lights start to flicker, dimming even lower. Smooth jazz begins to play around the club. Bass dominates the chorus, then a simple melody of piano and drums add to the mix. My attention turns away from the door, realizing we’re not in the back, but front and center. Lights begin to bloom, illuminating two women on a stage. I take a sharp inhale when I realize they’re practically naked, except for a lacey thong. Without realizing it, I adjust my position so I’m facing them, curious of what’s to come. The two women begin to dance with one another in a slow, sensual manner. My breath hitches as they wrap themselves around each other, their breasts brushing against the other’s. One woman’s hands wrap around the other’s waist as she dances against her thigh, her lips parted with obvious arousal.
The other woman is no less affected. Her eyes barely open, her hands caressing her ass, putting pressure on the other’s sexual grip to her thigh. I’m lost in the provocative movements, finding myself just as aroused. I watch in fascination as one’s hand caresses the other’s breasts, taking her small nipple in between her fingers and pinching. My mouth falls open along with the woman’s, feeling the throb in my own. I squeeze my legs tighter as the woman rubs her wetness against the other’s thigh, both lips parted in want. The urge to touch and pinch my own breasts is overwhelming. There’s lingering temptation of how it would feel to be between them, their hands all over me, touching me. The indecency starts to turn my belly, and my skin begins to heat.
Then, their mouths close around one another. Their kiss is so electric, an unfamiliar sound falls off my lips. My tongue wets my lower lip as I fantasize what it would be like to kiss a girl. The sensual feel of her as she pinched my breasts. I’m overcome with desire, my skin vibrating with need. One woman pulls something from the other’s thong. A sucker. As she holds it between her teeth, the other tears off the wrapper.
I scoot to the edge of my seat, desperate to know what’s to come. They turn, making eye contact with me. My stomach tightens, and the room quiets like we’re the only three in the room. I’m stuck in tunnel vision, my sight only on them. With a slow ease, they slither toward me, leaving the stage. As one woman stops in front of me, the other leans forward, shocking me as she takes the sucker and places it in my mouth.
I accept it, aching to know the flavor. How it feels on my tongue. There’s no urge for her to retreat as she pushes the lollipop farther into my mouth. I suck down on it, claiming the roundness with my tongue. I’m lost in the moment, my eyes at half-mast, throbbing between my legs. She pulls the sucker from my lips and steps back, guiding her partner back on the stage. Their attention is back on one another as the other woman lays down. Her hands begin to cup her breasts, pressing them together, her dark nipples on full display. But it’s when the other one lowers herself over her that I’m in fear of losing it. She glides down her body, spreads the woman’s legs, and inserts the candy into her sex. With slow, soft thrusts, she fucks her with the candy, pushing me closer to my own sexual release.
I’ve never seen anything so erotic. My nipples ache, my sex throbs, my panties are soaked. I have no idea what’s happening, but I want what they have. I want to be on that stage. Feel the pressure of the sweetness pushing into me. My hands shake as I fight not to touch myself. She pulls the candy out and moves up her partner, placing the sucker into her mouth and watches as she kisses off the juices of her—
“What has you in such a state, mon cherie?”
His voice is like icing on the cake. I should jump out of my seat and escape this shameful show. But I want nothing more than to be a part of it. She takes her mouth hard, in a kiss so passionate, it dizzies me, while grinding her sex against her partner’s. There’s no doubt they’re about to climax.
“Do you wish to join?”
God, yes, I do. I want to suck on her nipples. Grind against her warm, wet pussy. Lose myself in the embrace of the unknown. I’ve never been or thought about being with a woman, but right now, there’s nothing I want more.
“You would look beautiful on that stage.” He continues to romance me with his words, adding gasoline to the already burning fire.
“I…it’s just so…”
“Erotic, sensual, tempting?”
“Yes,” I moan, the sensuality of his voice bringing me closer to my own climax.
Two hands rest on my shoulders, and I pray for him to throw me to the ground and fuck the shit out of me.
“That’s enough.”
He pulls me from my chair, my eyes fighting to break free of the scene on the stage. His hand secures around mine, and he guides me away.
“Why…why are we leaving?”
“Because I told you I would be a gentleman. And you said you’re not that kind of girl. Therefore, I won’t allow you to withstand any more torture.”
That bastard. There’s laughter in his tone. I could seriously kick his ass. He’s the one telling me to find my inner hussy. What the hell? We don’t stop until we’re back in the dark alley, the vibrance of the night’s festivities coming back to life.
I rip my mask off my face. “You’re really confusing, you know that?”
“Oh, how is that?” he asks with a damn smirk I want to kiss off.
“You just preached in there about how New Orleans is a place for sex and desire and the unknown, blah, blah, blah. But when something starts to intrigue me, you abort ship!”
His eyes flicker. I swear there’s fire brewing behind the mysterious silver. “So, you admit
there was something you liked?”
“No. Yeah. I mean no. Maybe! You’re confusing me.”
He takes a step toward me, his chest flush against mine. “I’m just trying to help you.”
“How so?” Prove that blue balls exist for females?
His fingers lift to my face and brush against my cheek. He leans forward, his mouth so close, his breath cool against my lips. “You’re not ready.”
Pffft! “Yes, I am!” For what, I’m not exactly sure.
“You’re not. Let’s go.” He extends his hand, asking permission to take mine. I’m hesitant, too busy being a brat, but give in and slide my fingers through his.
“Fine, where to now?”
“Tell you and take away the element of surprise? Never.” He walks us through the alley, and we pop out into insanity. Hordes of people in costumes, laughing, drinking, dancing, flood the streets. Macareus ignores the madness as he weaves us through the crowd before we detour down another hidden alley. Darkness strikes us once again until we pop out into a beautiful, secluded courtyard. The mood around us shifts. Gone is the craziness of the festival, leaving our surroundings more intimate. An overhanging canopy of lush greenery sets the scene, lit up by hanging lights. Tables litter the small area, covered in candles and table settings. Each table is at capacity, people eating and drinking. Not a single one pulls their attention from their table to acknowledge us.
“Just through here,” he says, entering a historic mansion. We climb the stairs to the roof.
The view is breathtaking, overlooking the city streets, the lingering of faint music and dancing bodies below whispering on the soft breeze. “It’s amazing,” I comment, admiring the beauty of this city, the history behind it. “I wish we were here longer. I’d love to truly get to see what New Orleans is about.”
“Then do it. What’s stopping you?”
Life. Me. Everything. “It’s just not my time.”
“It is. Only you are in the way of your destiny.”
That earns him an eyeroll. “What does that even mean?”
His palms skate along my hips, and I squeal when he whips me around, hanging my body over the ledge. “Macareus!” A hand reaches inside my back pocket. Stretching around for me to see, he reveals a tarot card. “How did that—?”
Wicked Love Page 26
