She admired his perfectly sculpted, naked body as he learned his way around her kitchen.
“I am excited. The only thing I can cook is a grilled cheese sandwich.”
He glanced at her and smiled. She loved the curve of his lips under those dark, seductive eyes.
“Lucky for you, I love grilled cheese sandwiches and love to cook. Learned from my mother. She makes the most incredible dishes.”
He pulled out a skillet and opened her fridge. “Not much in here, but I can work with it.”
He managed to turn eggs, lunchmeat, cheese and an avocado into an omelet that melted in her mouth and tasted unbelievably good. He’d insisted she stay snuggled in the sheets so he could serve her breakfast in bed. She was pretty sure he was fattening her up so they could have another round.
“Keep treating me like this and I won’t ever let you leave.”
Dex caressed her leg as she finished off her omelet. “Maybe that’s the plan and you’re falling right into my trap.”
“If great food and amazing sex is your way of trapping me, then consider me captured. I’m yours.”
Dex let out a laugh that had her heart melting. His laugh was romantic and contagious. She laughed herself, unable to keep herself from smiling.
“I don’t have to go into work until tonight. How would you like to spend the day with me?”
His finger rubbed her inner thigh, sending intimate sparks of pleasure between her thighs. She set her empty plate on the nightstand and lowered herself onto the bed next to him.
“Nothing would make me happier.”
Dex eyed her playfully and tugged her hip, bringing her closer to him. “Nothing?”
His growing arousal pressed against her leg. “Okay, maybe one thing.”
“How you feeling?” A mixture of desire and concern filled his eyes.
“Good enough.”
His hand took hold of her neck as his thumb caressed her cheek. “You sure? I don’t want to take too much from you.”
She reached down, taking his swollen erection in her hand, stroking him rhythmically. His breath caught in his throat, his jaw flexed as his eyes closed and his head tilted back, evidently enjoying her touch. He leaned his head forward and looked her dead in the eyes, his arousal bubbling beneath the surface.
He leaned in and took her mouth with his. His tongue wrapped around hers and his soft lips turned to eager and fiery devices. He released her swollen, tingling lips and with one swift motion he turned her body so her backside faced him. He raised her hips to his erection.
His voice was low, full of hunger and need. “Hold on to the headboard.”
Her legs trembled with anticipation. His hand grazed her backside before departing and then coming down in one quick motion. Her body jerked forward, aroused by the stimulating tingle of pain and pleasure.
He leaned over her, whispering seductively in her ear as he fisted her hair between his hand.
“Remember our conversation? About how I like it?”
His hot breath on her ear, her tingling behind and her aching, wet need had her body quivering.
“Yes,” she breathed.
“Good.” He licked her ear and pulled it between his teeth. “Don’t let go.”
He drove into her pulsing, aching folds, holding her hips steady as he thrust against her. Her knuckles whitened as she held tight, moans pouring from her lips as he took her body with his, driving her climax to its peak.
Chapter 16
He ran his finger along her soft skin as her eyelids fluttered, peacefully lost in sleep. He’d ensured she’d rested after having taken so much from her. He traced along the outline of her seemingly tattooed wings, entranced by their response to his gentle caress. As he moved along them, they lifted, becoming soft and solid feathers beneath his fingers, and then they lowered, fading into her skin as his touch departed. He returned his fingers, drawing over them and caressing them as they lifted from her back.
He leaned up, freeing both hands, and gently rubbed along the feathers, coaxing them from their place of refuge. Both wings solidified and lifted, spreading themselves out as if desperate for freedom. He leaned back, giving them space to unfold. They fully outstretched, displaying their full and delicate curvature and exquisite dark colors.
He slowly reached out and smoothed his hands over the soft feathers, surprised by how delicate yet solid they felt beneath his hand. They shifted beneath his touch, moving with his hand, seemingly enjoying his caress.
He leaned down and kissed between her shoulder blades, where the wings clung to her back. They fluttered beneath his kiss, remaining outstretched. He’d never met a handuit demon and had never seen their wings. Seeing them now in their beauty had him in awe. He outstretched his arm and gently caressed a wing, trailing the feathers between his hand.
A knock pounded on the front door and he turned abruptly, surprised by the unexpected visit. When he turned back to Anya, disappointment filled him. Her wings had returned, faded into dark tattoos.
He grabbed his jeans and threw them on, irritated by the disruption. He opened the door and closed it behind him so as not to wake Anya. He leaned against the frame, immediately recognizing Anya’s friend, Serena’s client.
Dex bobbed his head. “Anya’s friend, right?”
“Yeah, Jackson. You’re the incubus that works security at Donatello’s?”
Surprise shook him. His eyes narrowed as his muscles tensed.
“It’s cool, man. I’ve been friends with Anya since we were sixteen. I know about her extracurricular activities. She told me what you are. If you’re going to be seeing her, we might as well be open about everything.”
Dex appreciated the pair the guy had on him. His muscles relaxed and he outstretched his hand for Jackson to take. “I’m Dex.”
“It’s good to finally meet the guy that’s swept Anya off her feet.”
Pleasure swam through him from Jackson’s words. “You two are pretty close, huh?”
“I’m the closest thing to family she has. Her brother, Leo, has been absent from her life pretty much since she was enlisted into being an Arcane Hunter. Both her parents are gone. She doesn’t have anyone else.”
Sorrow filled him at the thought of her undoubted loneliness. “Thanks for looking after her.”
“Always. We work out every morning together. When she didn’t show this morning I got worried. I assume she’s in good hands.” Jackson eyed him, revealing his underlying concern.
Dex smirked. “She’s good. She’s sleeping, and yes, she’s in good hands.”
“I figured. She wouldn’t let you get close if she didn’t think she could trust you.”
Pride swelled in his chest. He’d earned her trust and was gaining something even better, her love.
“You’re right about that. I’ve experienced her distrust at the tip of her blade.”
Jackson laughed. “That sounds like Anya.”
“What do you know about her brother, Leo?”
Jackson stepped up to the opposite side of the door frame and leaned against it. “He’s a jerk, for one. We all went to school together when we were teenagers. He was the football star, cocky, treated Anya like her existence was an inconvenience and I believe that was mostly out of jealousy. She has a knack for being good at anything she puts her mind to, and Leo had to work harder to achieve the same results. He didn’t like to lose either, ever. For being twins they are polar opposites.
“She tried to keep in touch after we graduated, but after so many times of him blowing her off she eventually gave up. The only thing they seem to have in common now is that they work for the same organization.”
Dex folded his arms over his chest, his expression pensive. “Do you think Leo would hurt her?”
Jackson rubbed his fingers along his hair line, clearly in thought. “I don’t think so. He was a jerk to her too many times, but he never got violent toward her, but I also haven’t seen him in years. Maybe he’s changed. I don’t know. Is
she worried about him hurting her?”
“The thoughts were put in her mind by a friend of hers, a mentor, she said.”
“Dillon. He was her trainer. She trusted him. If he told her something about Leo that would cause her to be worried, then her concern might be warranted.”
Dex gnawed on his lip. His thoughts drifted off as concern nagged his chest.
“I gotta ask, she said her tattoos are wings. Have you seen them?”
A chuckle escaped Dex's lips. “A matter of fact I have, just this morning. They’re incredible.”
“Seriously? Part of me didn’t believe her. Thought maybe she was messing with me.”
“They’re real. She’s part handuit demon. I know they can fly short distances and their wings are impenetrable.”
“That’s badass. Think she’s still sleeping?”
“Probably. You want to come in and see the wings, don’t you?”
Jackson smirked. “Damn straight. As long as it’s not interrupting anything between you two.”
Dex shook his head. “It’s fine and I’m sure she wants to see you. I’m going to make a run to the store, her fridge and cupboards are void of food. She’s going to need to replenish.” Dex paused, realizing how that sounded.
Jackson waved his hand. “Don’t wanna know.”
The corner of his mouth raised into a half-smile. “Let me go in and wake her.”
Dex returned to her bedside and couldn’t help grazing his fingers over her wings, hoping they’d respond to his touch. This time she stirred beneath his caressing.
He leaned down in front of her bed. “Anya, beautiful.” He leaned in, kissing her softly as he ran his fingers over her face and hair. “How do you feel? And don’t tell me you’re good. I know I took too much from you.”
She let out a relaxed moan as she turned on her side and faced him. “It was worth it.”
He caressed his hand over her bare breast and thumbed her hardening nipple. “Time to get dressed. I’m heading to the store to get you something to eat. Your friend Jackson is here. He was worried when you didn’t show up at the gym.”
She moaned beneath his caress and took his hand in hers, raising it to her lips and kissing it with lust-filled eyes. “Don’t be gone long.”
Dex smiled as he leaned in, removing his hand from hers and holding her waist as he kissed her.
“I’ll be as quick as I can.” He admired her beautiful tan and pale green eyes. “It’s good to know you trust me.”
She stared at him expectantly, clearly awaiting what he meant.
“Your wings responded to my touch. They came out while you were sleeping.”
Her eyes widened in surprise. “They did?”
He nodded. “You must feel safe with me?”
The curves of her mouth raised into a beautiful smile. “I do.”
He kissed her cheek. “I’ll be back soon.”
By the time she was done dressing, Dex was already gone. She came out of her bathroom to find Jackson outstretched on her couch.
“I like him, Awn. He’s seems laid-back and it’s obvious he cares about you.”
“I’m scared, Jacks.” She lifted his feet and tucked herself underneath them. “I’m afraid he’ll find a reason to hate me again.”
“What’d he hate you for the first time?”
“Serena was his ex.”
Jackson froze with wide eyes. “Oh.”
“Yeah and I think something else happened to him with a hunter. He said he was holding a grudge against me for something I had nothing to do with that happened long ago.”
“Think he or someone else he knew had a run in with a hunter previously?”
“Yeah, I do.”
“Whatever it is, he must’ve gotten over it. He seems pretty into you.”
The corners of her mouth drew back. “I’m pretty into him too.”
Jackson tilted his head back and grinned. “I think you’re more than into him. You seem pretty smitten. Your eyes sparkle every time you talk about him.”
She bit back her smile. “He cooks too.”
“Even better.” Jackson pursed his lips, becoming serious. “Dex says he saw your wings. I’m jealous. I haven’t got to see them yet.”
“I didn’t show him. He said they came out while I was sleeping. I can try to show you. I really do need to figure out how to control them.”
He lifted his feet as she stood up. She glanced over her shoulder at her back and then to Jackson. “I know they respond to my emotions and when I feel threatened. Apparently they also respond to Dex, but not me,” she stated, annoyed.
Jackson dropped his legs on the floor and sat up. “What did Dex do to make them come out?”
“I don’t know. I was sleeping. I felt him rubbing along the tattoos when I woke up.”
Jackson stood and motioned his finger in a circle. “Turn around. I’ll try what he did.”
Desperate to try anything, she turned, revealing her back in a V-shaped tank top. As soon as he started caressing her tattoos, she flinched. It was awkward having Jackson, who she loved as a best friend and even a brother, caressing her back.
Jackson let out a breath of air and dropped his hands. “Maybe you should have a drink to relax.”
She agreed. She coasted to the kitchen and twisted the top of the peach whiskey bottle. She poured the light brown liquid into a glass and swigged it down. The liquid warmed her throat and chest. A shiver ran over her shoulders as she pushed the bottle back against the counter. She returned to Jackson.
“Maybe I should lie down on the couch.”
“Oh yeah, that will look real good when Dex returns.”
“I don’t know! This is frustrating. How is it he can get them to come out, but I can’t, unless I’m in danger?”
Jackson threw his hands in the air. “I’m not going to threaten you or try to hurt you. Don’t even ask.”
She stepped to the couch and flopped onto it. The alcohol was taking effect, warming her muscles.
“Get to rubbing.”
Jackson kneeled beside her on one knee, gently rubbing along her tattoos. She flinched and then settled, enjoying the soft touch.
The door opened behind them and Jackson jumped back, raising his hands in the air. “She made me do it.”
Anya rolled her eyes and sat up, her eyes glossy. Dex set the brown bag he had been carrying on the counter and stared at them, obviously interested in what was happening.
“We’re trying to get my wings to come out.”
His lips curved into a humored smile as he joined them. “Come here.”
She slid into his open arms. His lips came down on hers and her body warmed from the affectionate and needy touch of his lips. His hands grazed along her back, instantly relaxing her. She felt the slow burn across her shoulders and back. His kiss deepened, holding her against him as he slipped his tongue in to meet hers. She melted beneath his warm and delightful caress.
A flap moved the air around her. Dex broke their kiss as Jackson inhaled an excited breath.
“Damn, Awn, they’re incredible.”
Her wings spread out, curving at the ends, displaying their magnificence.
“How did you get them to come out?” she asked, agitated.
Her wings began folding inward. Dex rubbed along her arm, soothing the irritation building in her chest. Her wings fanned out.
“They’re coming out because you’re relaxed. All I did was assist in that effort. You’ll learn to do it yourself. It’s new to you and the pressure you feel to control them is causing the struggle to release them.”
He continued rubbing along her arm, keeping her at ease. She noted how much more aware of her wings she was now that her body was relaxed, instead of being full of fear and anger. She focused in on them and they responded by enclosing themselves around her. She crossed her arms over her chest, resting her hands on each wing, caressing them beneath her fingers. She giggled involuntarily at their gentle movement beneath her hands.
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The sensation of her fingers running over her wings, her feathers, was like silk grazing her skin. Her wings twitched, making her aware of their sensitivity. She released her hands and spread out her wings. She flapped them forward, giggling again, entranced by their beauty, their power and her control of them.
She flapped her wings again, the air swam across them, caressing the feathers. She outstretched them fully and backed up a step as she flapped them with intent. Her feet left the floor, raised several feet in the air, as her wing tips grazed the ceiling. She eased herself down and folded them against her back.
Dex and Jackson stared at her in apparent awe. Their eyes sparkled with childlike fascination. She swam her arms around Dex, a smile spread wide across her face. He kissed her forehead as he caressed his hand across her wing. She lifted her wing, wanting his caress to continue. When he released his tantalizing touch she leaned into him, indicating she wanted more.
“Yep, I’m outta here,” Jackson said, red-faced.
Anya glanced over at him, her own cheeks growing warm. She’d nearly forgotten about him.
“I’ll call you later,” she said to his back as he walked out the door.
Dex lifted her legs around him. She held her hands around his neck and let her wings relax and partially unfold.
“You’re incredible,” he said, leaning in to kiss her.
She loved his lips with her own. He stepped forward, setting her on the back of the couch. He pushed against her, his arousal stiffening. “How about I make you dinner and then I’ll love on those wings some more before I go to work?”
A low purr escaped her lips, surprising her. Excitement tickled her stomach and thighs. “Please do.”
Dex placed two dishes on the table, full of delicious smelling Asian food.
“Bless your mother,” Anya praised as she eyed the steaming, sauce-covered meat, rice and perfectly cooked vegetables. “This looks amazing.”
Dex took the seat across from her, his lips pulled back into a satisfied grin as she moaned over her first mouthful.
“I’ll keep feeding you meals like this as long as you let me love you every night.”
When Hunter Meets Seeker: (An Arcane Society Novel - Paranormal Demon Romance) Page 12
