Cimmerian Shade: A Limited Edition Paranormal Romance & Urban Fantasy Collection

by Kiki Howell

  “When you put it that way, I should think I sound crazy too, but, I’m not, I promise.”

  He’d come on too strong. It was time to roll it back a bit. Standing to his feet, he extended a hand to help her stand as well.

  “What’s this? Our meeting is over?”

  “Yes, I don’t wish to have a meeting with you.” Surprised chocolate drop brown eyes accused him of shenanigans. “Instead, I’d like to spend some time with you. Shall I show you around the house and then the garden?”

  She stood of her own power, eyed his hand and laughed gently to herself. “If you think I’m touching you again, you’re delusional.”

  “Fair enough.”

  At that point he decided, not only would he get his kiss, he’d have her begging him for more before they parted ways today.

  Chapter Eight

  BRONWYN

  “Your home is lovely and very welcoming,” she found herself saying in all honesty.

  During their tour of his home, she’d purposefully stayed out of reach a few generous steps away from him whenever possible. The living room encounter had been too close for comfort. She’d come close to relenting and acting like a hoe too many times to count during his test. Today wouldn’t be the day she annihilated her reputation over a guy. Not even if the guy was the most interesting man she’d ever met. There was a lot about him that intrigued her to the point of fascination.

  A niggling in the back of her mind warned that she was playing with fire with him, but it wasn’t enough to make her leave. If this meeting went south, she’d have no one but herself and the need to find out what his deal was to pinpoint as the reason. Mac Kelnar held her attention and mounting attraction in the palm of his hands with each word and gesture. As the tour continued, she learned more about his interests, travels, knowledge, and experience which were all vast and impressive.

  Curiosity was the culprit she blamed for still being here. That and the fact that he lived too far out for her to get a reliable ride share to come get her. She’d have to play nice to get a ride back into the city. Thus, she’d decided on being cordial with him. Bronwyn had to admit she loved his home, and he’d been on far better behavior of recent.

  There was no way Bronwyn believed for one moment Mac was interested in her. No, this was an elaborate ruse to test her. He wanted someone he could trust to behave like the person he needed for whatever it was he was eyeing her for. She refused to take the bait, no matter how convincingly he dangled the trap in front of her.

  Intending to pay more attention to the tour than what Mac might be up to, Bronwyn admitted to herself that she liked his taste. She followed him around taking in the subtle elegance that tastefully decorated his home. The style and vibe of the home were one Bronwyn could see herself having in the future. Nothing was too much. Everything fit together seamlessly, offering an experience of comfortable luxury.

  “Let’s go out to the garden through here.”

  He guided her through a beautiful sunroom to stand on the far side of a deck. A brick path, decorated with sturdy pavers, led the way past an impressive infinity pool, regular pool, entertainment area complete with a fire pit and on to the start of his amazing garden.

  “Your backyard seems more like acres than feet.”

  “That’s because it is. I own seven acres here.”

  “You say that like you have more hidden somewhere else.”

  “You have keen hearing. Yes, I have homes, land, and property in various areas around the world. This home has been my mainstay for the last few years.”

  He maneuvered them past the entertainment area to the open lawn that led to the garden.

  “Here, in Atlanta, when you have the world at your feet?”

  “Yes, it might be hard to believe, but I knew I needed to stay put to catch a treasure I was after.”

  The way he said that had her fighting the squirm that snaked up her spine. There he was testing her again. She wouldn’t take the bait. Instead, she concentrated on the path. The last thing she wanted to do was fall face down trying to walk in these heels. Then it happened. One second she was walking and the next she was slumped over trying to break her fall.

  Speed too fast to comprehend had Mac yanking her up into his arms and stepping away from the small hole in the ground.

  “Gopher hole,” he said, looking down at the ground with disgust. Hoisting her up and tighter into his arms, he angled her leg to look at her ankle. “My sincere apologies. I can get one of my acquaintances who’s a doctor over to check you out if you like.”

  “That won’t be necessary. I’m fine.” Bronwyn did what she could to pull at the hem of her skirt that had ridden up to show most of her thigh. “You can put me down. I can walk.”

  “Not when there could be more gopher land mines out here. I’ll have my gardener deal with this hole and check for others. For now, let’s get you back to the house and clean up your ankle.”

  His eyes traveled the length of her leg to stop at the hem of her skirt. This was the only suit she owned. It had been her interviewing suit and had become way snugger than when she’d first gotten it. More embarrassed than uncomfortable at his perusal of her too little skirt, Bronwyn wiggled to get free of his hold. He placed her on her feet with great care. Adjusting to balance her weight, the sharp pain that shot through her heel couldn’t be disguised.

  “That’s it, back up you go,” he said and swooped her back up into his strong arms.

  Bronwyn didn’t try to protest except to ask him to give her the shoe that dangled from her foot. Back inside and on the sofa, Mac disappeared to return with a large plastic tub of water and other stuff. Before she could launch any protest, he was down on his knees placing her foot in the water. She couldn’t deny that her ankle had begun to swell a little.

  “You don’t have to do this. I can call a ride share to pick me up. I’m sure you have a lot more things to do with your day.”

  “Hush and let me care for you.” His tone wasn’t mean. Firm command was how she’d describe it—and deep down a tingle of excitement bloomed. She liked how he took care of her.

  “Okay, okay, not used to being on this side of the situation.”

  “It’s time you experience what I wish to offer you then.”

  She couldn’t help herself. “Which is?” Curiosity once again made her its bitch.

  “You allow me to show you how great it can be between us. I want you and I want you to stay here with me, or travel with me, whichever you prefer.”

  Her insides vibrated like when she was in the initial stages of an upset stomach. Odd mixtures of disbelief, hope, arousal, and apprehension swirled within wreaking havoc with her usually even temperament. Bronwyn found herself swallowing a lot to keep a tap on whatever might spew in projectiles. Unable to accept that he might be serious, disbelief won out. Was this man trying to Pretty Woman her in his home at eleven in the morning?

  “Uh-uh, nope, not going there. You don’t know me or what I want.” She pulled her foot out of his hands, placing it down a little too hard in the water. Through the wince she managed to get out, “I’m going to say this one last time, I’m not a slut, whore, concubine, professional escort, courtesan or any other word for the type of woman you must think I am. That scenario you’ve got set up,” she pointed back and forth between them, “isn’t going to happen. I have a reputation to keep and grow. This town is small, and I’m not going down like that. I don’t know what else I need to say or do to let you know I’m not out here to advance my business by sleeping with you or making a money grab of any sort. I do honest work. I want an honest interaction. No games, tests, or tricks. Oh, and I expect to be treated with dignity and respect.”

  Eyes the color of the calm before the storm peered deep into her.

  “I’ve heard you every time you’ve said that. Since I don’t want your services, I’m speaking to you man to woman. Complete honesty, I have no games, tests, or tricks in mind where you’re concerned. I want you as the woman y
ou are, not the services you provide. I couldn’t give less than a fuck about what other men want from you. I only want what I want, which is you.”

  Now it was her turn to huff in continued confusion. Confusion that wouldn’t release the disbelief that shrouded her thoughts.

  “You expect me to believe that a guy like you would call me out of the blue, bring me here and make a proposal for me to have sex with you in a day? Just like that?”

  “Have sex? If that’s how you’d like it to transpire, then yes, I won’t refuse sex. If you require more time to get to know me, then that’s fine too. We need to spend time together. Can’t you feel anything here? Do you want me in the least?” His look held a hint of vulnerability she wasn’t prepared to witness. “Dear one, I’m not interested in simply having sex with you. You’re more to me than you’ll ever fully comprehend. I’m interested in having you—everything that comes with being you. Yes, mind-blowing sex included, of course, but more importantly, being with you. Bronwyn,” the way he said her name was enough to make her melt on the spot. “One way or another, we end up together, if you open your eyes to see who we are together. I promise we’ll be extraordinary.”

  “Now, I know you’re off your rocker. I’m not the type of woman you need in your life. I’m at a time in my life where there’s no room for a relationship. I have a business baby I’m trying to raise, feed, and cultivate. You already have your business established. I need the time to build mine. That doesn’t allow me to flirt with the notion of having the type of interaction you’re suggesting. I know me, I’d get too involved and lose myself in you if that were to happen.”

  “So, you are attracted to me then?”

  She wanted to box his ears in. “Is that the only thing you heard out of what I said?”

  “Pretty much. I know that you and I work. I know that what you want to do, you can do it as part of we, and I promise to give you space to make it happen. I’ll even help where you want me too.”

  “You’ve got all the answers, do you? You’re like a deity in that you know everything I need. Is that, right?”

  “Well, in some cultures, my kind are considered gods and worshiped.”

  “Huh? Stop being flippant.”

  “I’m not. Never you worry. I’ll explain what I mean or show you soon enough.”

  Bronwyn knew they were having conversations on different levels but the moment was too full of skepticism of what he wanted from her to make much sense. Pausing to watch as he picked her foot back up with a tenderness she didn’t think possible, she watched as he placed a thermal cream on her foot and ankle and began to massage it in. Placing a towel over his lap and then putting her foot there, he took his time rubbing her foot and ankle. Warmth emanated from his massive hands to combat the cooling effect of the cream. Everywhere he rubbed tiny twinges of electricity seared her skin boring down into the bone to do something to her tender ankle. The experience was surreal. When he began to rotate her foot to test the range of motion, it was clear the pain had decreased tremendously. What had been sharp, shooting pains had been rendered slight thuds of muted discomfort.

  Bronwyn had to put a stop to this. She was at the doorway of no return. To allow him to go on would mean she’d given into his request, as ratchet as it was.

  Large hands encompassed her ankle and foot, gently massaging and moving her foot to loosen up the stiffness. Despite trying not to concentrate on what he did or how much better her foot felt, a soft sigh left her like a renegade vote for how he caressed her skin. She could hope and pray he ignored it.

  “Does that hurt?”

  Or, she could pussy up and be a woman about what was happening.

  “No, it actually feels much better. Thank you.” She attempted to pull her leg away and again met with gentle but firm resistance.

  “Stay still. You’re wiggling too much. I’m not finished” The easy smile that emerged, rode his face like a comfortable garment.

  “I’d stay still if you weren’t tickling me, with all that rubbing.”

  A heavy masculine brow arched. “Is that the best tale you can tell? I’m not tickling you.”

  “Then what do you call that tickling sensation running through my foot and ankle? Um, that would be tickling.”

  He eyed her as if finding something new he’d not seen before. “You can feel that?”

  “Yep, so quit trying to make like you’re not tickling me.”

  “Interesting, you obviously have the sensitivity of a newborn. Let me try something else.”

  The giggle that erupted when he did tickle her instep came with a freedom she hadn’t experienced in a while. Letting loose wasn’t something Bronwyn did, not around others. Before she could contain herself, Bronwyn had slid down off the couch, plopping onto the floor. Water splashed, drenching both of them.

  “That’s it. You’re mine now.”

  Mac picked her up again with ease. Still wiggling to get free, arms of steel locked her in tightly as he carted her off, up a set of stairs and into a palatial master suite.

  “What are you doing?” A little bit of fear crept up as she took in the room.

  Tossing her onto the middle of what had to be his bed like a towel, he was quick with his reply.

  “I’m getting us something dry to wear. In case you haven’t noticed, we’re both soaking wet.”

  She followed his eye line to see her shirt clung to her chest and torso revealing everything she was working with like a brazen wanton bimbo. Her suit jacket back downstairs, Bronwyn tried as best she could to cover up.

  “No need for that, my dear one, I’ve seen what you offer, and I must say it is a sight to behold.”

  “You’re a rake.”

  “Of the highest order when I have a mind to be.”

  “Ooh! That’s it. I’m out of here!”

  She did her best to slide off the bed, ignoring the dull pain that radiated around her ankle.

  “Careful, you have a strain. Don’t make it worse by putting your weight on that foot.”

  The combination of a wet shirt, cool air of the house, and anger at being told what to do were the right combination to fuel the intensity of her reply.

  Through chattering teeth, she managed to hurl at him, “Unless you’re a damn doctor I don’t think you have the ability to tell me anything when it comes to my body. Your twisted fun for the day is over. This was interesting, but I’m done with your games, taunts, teases.”

  Bronwyn managed to hobble toward the door of the room before another spat of thoughts bum rushed her mouth for release.

  “You know, at first I thought you were different. I’m usually good at picking up on things about people, but boy was I wrong this time. I might be inexperienced when it comes to handling men like you, but I’m not a fool or an idiot. You’ve had your fun at my expense. Yes, I’m extremely attracted to you despite your antics. No, I’m not going to pin hope on anything you’ve said here today. Yes, I’m leaving, and no, I will not work for or with you—ever!”

  Done with her rant, Bronwyn pivoted around to march out the door only to be airborne once again.

  “Great. For the last time, I don’t want you working for me. Yes, I’m extremely attracted to you too. No, this isn’t a game, but yes, I’m playing for keeps where you’re concerned.” Before she could launch a proper rebuttal, he placed her in front of him, still within the circle of his arms. Bending down, he added, “You promised me a kiss before you left and I’m going to make sure you make good on that promise.”

  His warm lips crashed down onto hers, taking her with a hungry desperation she could never have predicted in a million years.

  Chapter Nine

  BRONWYN

  Kaput—all her ability to resist was over. Reputation, hard work, and goals evaporated into ashes as she lost the battle and gave into his searing kiss.

  Sure, she’d kissed a few guys and had fooled around here and there. Bronwyn had even gotten so far as to explore with intimate touching of her full breasts wi
th a guy as they made out. Dry humping another guy the only time she’d ever allowed herself to drink on a date still didn’t compare to the way Mac was kissing the hell out of her. How could kissing be so freaking amazing? Except for his embrace to hold her steady, their only contact was this magical kiss. The man didn’t touch her breasts that ached for attention, nor did he roam her body with his hands. How was he doing this to her with a kiss?

  New sensations too wondrous to try to identify had her body arching and straining up and into his massive one. Barely allowing her time to take in air before slaying her senses again with his tongue, Mac marched her up to the point she thought she’d explode with the overload of emotions coming at her. This, this was some next-level, seduction she couldn’t have ever been ready for.

  “Wait, hold up, stop,” she managed to get out after another brief separation.

  His answer? Was to suck her bottom lip as the tip of his tongue flicked and teased her into submission.

  She pushed back, releasing her lip with a pop. The effect produced a drenching of her panties. This man! Instead of saying a word, the look of gorgeous bedevilment greeted her. At that moment Bronwyn knew she was completely lost to escaping the promises behind that look.

  “Okay fine! You’ve got my attention,” she said through heavy breaths.

  “Just your attention? I see my work has only begun.”

  He used his tongue to trace the outline of her lips. Never had something so audacious been done to her—her! He used that tip like it was a whip to draw her back in. Each flick and taunt coaxed her mouth back into submission until he plunged in again to claim victory over her sanity. Throwing her hands up in the air in unconscious surrender, Mac wasted no time gathering her up and bringing her right back to the middle of that bed where she’d started.

  When he started unbuttoning her wet shirt, she said nothing, determined to continue to breathe through the excitement. What she wasn’t ready for was when he turned and went over to a massive chest of drawers. Was he looking for condoms? Bronwyn propped herself up on her elbows as curiosity once again had her magnetized to every movement he made.