Maxim’s stomach flipped over at the thought that someone would even think about harming her. He’d kill them without blinking an eye. He pushed the thought aside before the growl starting deep in his chest got loose and scared her.
When she nodded out again, he reached over, placed his palm on her thigh, and enjoyed the tingling sensation as his energy slid from his pores and investigated the mate it’d found for him. It wanted her…he wanted her.
Maxim pulled his hand back before his cock got any bright ideas and threatened to bust through his jeans like it’d been trying to do every time she touched him. Fuck! When she’d rushed into his arms at the top of the stairs, he’d been shocked at how quickly his energy had tried to leap from his skin. It had taken all of his willpower to keep from bending her backward and kissing the hell out of her.
He actually thought he might pass out when she’d untied his braid. She had no idea what it meant, and he’d never really envisioned the impact when it finally happened. The feel of her fingers running across his scalp, through his hair, and then slowly down his spine had drained every last drop of blood from his brain. The enticing aroma of sweet pears signaled her strong desire for him, and the beast had stood up and gladly taken over. He’d had to keep his back to her until he could will the damn thing down. She was going to end up killing him. He just knew it. Maxim jumped when her hand landed on his forearm.
“Where we at?”
He glanced over and smiled. She was blinking rapidly and trying to get her bearings. She stretched and he squashed the moan threatening to release from this throat. Her luscious breasts were pushing against her T-shirt, and he could see the outline of her small nipples trapped by her bra. Snapping his eyes back to the road, he flipped the signal and exited.
“I was trying to make it to Tucson, but I’m toast. I saw a sign for a hotel. We need some sleep.”
She quickly nodded her approval. “I’m down for that.”
Five minutes later, Maxim was standing next to the Hummer and stretching the kinks out of his muscles. He glanced back inside the vehicle.
“I’m going to leave it running, so stay put and lock the doors. I’ll be right back.” He smiled when she gave him a thumbs-up signal and rested her head against the seat. She gave him a little wave when he pulled the lobby door open and glanced back. He smiled and went in to secure them a room.
Maxim had to knock on the window when he returned. She was out again. On the second tap, she scrambled over the console and released the lock. She grinned at him.
“That was fast.”
“I was in there for twenty minutes.”
“No way.”
“Yep. A bowling team was checking in. We’re lucky they had any rooms left.”
“Are they close together?”
“Who?”
“Not who, our rooms.”
“Very. There was only one left.”
“What?”
“We’re sharing.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“Why?” He saw her cheeks flush and he squashed a smile.
“Uh…I snore?”
He laughed and pulled into the parking slot in front of the room.
“You’re going to have to come up with a better excuse than that, Skylar.”
“I don’t know you well enough?”
“Try again. We’ve been glued to each other’s side since yesterday. Hell, you’re spirit picked me out personally remember? Even if there were more, I still need to keep a close eye out for you.”
She flopped back against the seat and crossed her arms.
“Whatever.”
He chuckled.
“Are you too afraid to admit that you want to jump my bones?” He grinned when her eyes widened. She wouldn’t look at him.
“You’re incorrigible.”
“I’ve been called worse. Wait until you meet my brothers. They’ll give you a whole list of names to choose from.” He jumped out of the Hummer and walked to the back to get their duffels. She met him at the trunk.
“You have brothers? How many?”
“A lot.”
“Be serious, Maxim.”
“I am. I don’t have any brothers by blood, but I have many males in my life that might as well be. We’re very close.” He handed her a duffel and made his way to the door. She followed tight on his heels.
“Why did you say that?”
He unlocked the door and pushed his way inside. He stared at the double beds and wished they’d only had a King available. Too bad. He tossed his bag on the closest one and turned around. She was hovering in the doorway with a tight grip on her duffel.
“Because it’s true.”
She frowned and pressed her lips together in frustration.
“No. I meant why do you think I want to jump your bones?”
Maxim raised a brow.
“You gonna stand in the door all day? You’re letting all of the cold air out.” He chuckled when she rolled her eyes, stepped inside, and kicked the door shut with her heel.
“Answer me.”
“Put your bags down first.”
“Why?”
“Why not?”
“You’re seriously starting to piss me off.”
“Good.”
Her chin dropped.
“You’re purposefully trying to make me mad?” She threw the bag and her purse to the side and glared at him.
Ah, there it is. He knew she had some fire inside. He wanted to find the female that was capable of knocking a grown male across the head with a pot.
“Yes.”
“Why would you want to do that? We’ve been getting along so well.”
Maxim moved closer and she stood her ground. Perfect. He leaned in, close enough that he could feel her sweet breath beating against his lips. He purposefully lowered his voice to a soft drawl.
“Because you tell the truth when you don’t have time to think, Skylar. You don’t think when you’re mad. You just act.”
Her brow furrowed. “What in the hell are you talking about?”
He reached up, brushed a stray lock of hair away from her face, and could hear the slight intake of her breath. Gods! Her eyes are so blue. He pulled back enough so those piercing jewels could see the seriousness of his.
“I’m going to tell you the truth, and I expect to get it right back. I want you, Skylar, and I know that you’re attracted to me. I can tell, so don’t lie. We’re going to be sharing close quarters for an extended period. I don’t want there to be an intricate dance around what we both know is true. I’m not going to force you into anything you’re not ready for. You call the shots. If you want me, all you have to do is snap your fingers. Feel me?”
She took a step back, and he followed. Her eyes widened.
“Uh…you want me?”
“Yes.”
“Since when?”
“The moment I saw you walking through the crowd at the airport. You floored me, literally.” She tried to take another step back and bumped into the door. Maxim planted his hands on each side, effectively boxing her in. She swallowed hard.
“Well…okay…glad to know.”
“And?”
“And what?”
“You’re turn.” He could tell she wanted to glance away. His respect grew when she stayed steady. He smiled, and she straightened her spine. One eyebrow rose.
“Fine! I think you’re hot as hell. Happy?”
“More than you know. I’m going to kiss you now.”
Her lips parted in surprise, and she placed her palm on his chest, yet she didn’t push him away.
“You’re not playing fair, Maxim.”
“This isn’t a game, Skylar. That’s the point I’m trying to make.”
“I get that now, but you don’t understand.”
“Explain it to me then.”
She briefly closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
“I’m trying to behave myself. You’re right. I’m very attrac
ted to you, but I can’t afford to lose my focus. I haven’t had a visit from the spirit since I met you. I don’t know if that’s because I can’t concentrate, or it’s genuinely gone. You’re larger than life and so…powerful. I already feel like I’m getting lost.”
Maxim pushed his forehead against hers and sighed.
“Ah, sweetness, I’m not going to let you disappear. I’m in this thing with you, all the way to the end. I just want you to be comfortable with me. Like I said, you call the shots.”
She lifted her hand away from his chest and ran a palm down his arm, sending chills skittering along his flesh.
“You think if we kiss and get it out of the way, then we can focus on what we need to do?”
“Not really. I’ve just wanted to taste your lips since the second you fell on me.” He was supremely relieved at the sound of her tinkling laughter.
“That’s what I like the most about you, Maxim. You seem to know how to shove all the bricks off my shoulders. I think that deserves a kiss.”
He lifted his head and let himself drown in her beautiful eyes.
“Then bring that pretty mouth to me, Skylar Grey.” Maxim could feel his body shaking in anticipation. Not once had a female’s attention been this wanted, or needed. He tried his best to stay in control as she tilted her head up and leaned forward. He was going to take this slow and show her that he could be trusted to keep his word. The moment her lips pressed against his, he knew he was in trouble. They were like soft pillows, begging for him to suck one between his teeth, so he did. Ah, fuck it!
Maxim snapped her up into his arms and fell into the kiss. Cradling her head in one hand and pressing hard against her lower back, he had her as close as he could get without cracking bones. He wanted more, much more. Angling his head, he parted her lips with his tongue and finally got a taste of her mouth.
Groaning at the exquisite flavor, he shivered when her warm tongue slid eagerly along his and her arms wrapped around his neck. Her low, throaty moans had his cock kicking hard and demanding to be free. The impact of her desire was immediate. It saturated his skin and demanded entry, of which he didn’t hesitate. It felt like home and he growled his approval.
Maxim lifted Skylar from the floor and pressed her hard against the wall. He could feel her plush breasts smashed against his chest and her labored breathing as she returned the kiss with equal fervor. Over and over his brain screamed it’s contentment with two simple words—my mate.
All too soon, her tongue retreated. Before he could protest, she nipped his lower lip, licked the sting away, and then lifted her gaze to his. Her eyes were burning with banked passion. He fought to keep from swiveling around and taking her down to the mattress. Instead, he slowly lowered her to the floor and reluctantly separated his body from hers. There was no way she could’ve missed the feel of his cock pressing hard against her belly. He’d promised that she’d call the shots—a decision he was now regretting. He opened his eyes when she whispered his name. He struggled to get his voice to return to normal.
“Yes, sweetness?”
“That was the best kiss I’ve ever had in my life. In fact, it was amazing. I felt like I was floating out of my body.”
He leaned in and whispered against her ear, “You want to do it again? That wasn’t even my best one.”
She chuckled and pushed at his chest until she could look him in the eyes.
“If I do, then it’s going to get serious real fast…I…well…I have a problem with controlling myself. Once I commit to something, even pleasure, I’m all in. I’ve scared more guys away than you know.”
He snorted.
“You’re not making a good case for me to behave, Skylar.”
She nodded and slipped around him. He let her go, even though every instinct screamed out for him to bring her back and take what was his. She picked up her bags and placed them on the other bed. He thought it was beyond cute that she flipped her hands around in the air when she tried to get her point across.
“I’m sorry. I want to do this right, Maxim. You’re different. Hell, this whole situation is surreal. Despite the circumstances, I’ve found myself exceptionally attracted to you, so much so that it scares the shit out of me. You want the truth? Well, here’s the ugly side of it. Usually, I’d get what I need and then move on, no fuss, and no regrets. I don’t want to make this uncomfortable for us, just like you said. Fine, you made me admit it, we’ve kissed, and now we can be honest with each other. Let me get through whatever this spirit has in store for me, and we’ll take it from there. Am I making any sense?”
Maxim nodded and sat on the bed. It was going against his base nature to stay away from her, but he knew he had to give her time to sort out her feelings. He’d moved them past the first hurdle toward trust, now it was up to her.
“Yes, it makes perfect sense. I’ll wait, Skylar. For however long you need, I’ll protect you, and I’ll wait.” He saw her shoulders instantly lower and she smiled.
“Thank you, Maxim.” She unzipped her duffel, pulled out some fresh clothes, and a clear bag containing a collection of bath supplies.
“I need to take a shower and then I’m going to pass out.” She hesitated inside the doorway before glancing over her shoulder.
“Just so you know, I don’t think I need guarding in there.” She threw him a wink, and he felt his muscles relax.
“Just so you know, I have no damn problem joining you.” He lifted his hand and snapped his fingers. He enjoyed the soft laughter trailing over her shoulder, but he wasn’t happy about her snatching her purse and taking it into the bathroom with her. They obviously had a long road left ahead of them.
The door snapped shut, and Maxim slipped his phone out of his pocket. He’d wanted to contact Cato from the moment she’d revealed her boss’ name. He was glad she’d at least trusted him enough to hand over that much. Cato answered on the third ring.
“Hey, asshole, I heard you’re knocking women down and accidently falling on their wrists again. I had no idea how desperate you were.”
“Very funny, dickhead. She fell on me. I have that effect on women. I’m irresistible.”
“It doesn’t count when you trip them, numb nuts.”
“Well, at least she didn’t come at me with a screwdriver.”
“Shit. I’m going to kick Kallon’s ass.”
“Cut him some slack, cuz. I practically beat it out of him.” He heard Cato’s muffled chuckle.
“Seriously, Maxim, congratulations. I’m glad you finally found her. Since I’m burning billable minutes on your sorry ass, I’m assuming that you still can’t call the Insedi toll-free way?”
“Nope. Weirdest damn thing. I’m on total mind lockdown.”
“Kallon thinks you addled your brain when you took the nose dive, but won’t be able to prove it since you’re already a nut bag.”
“Okay, now I’m going to kick his ass.”
“Tell you what, when we get to the festival, I’ll hold him down and you can tickle him. That ought to set him straight.”
Maxim slapped his hand over his mouth before he burst out laughing. It took a few beats to get his shit together.
“Damn, I miss you, brother.”
“Same here. When you getting back? Luna’s dying to meet her. She said she’s willing to break the news to her about the race if you’re too chicken to do it.”
Maxim snorted.
“Okay, I don’t believe a damn thing you’ve said to me now. Luna’s too sweet to say something like that. Besides, she loves me.”
“Quit mackin’ on my female, you got your own now.”
Maxim let the air rush from his lungs. “Damn, I wish that was true. I’m no closer to the end game then when she fell on me, cuz. I don’t know when I can get back, either. She’s got bigger things on her brain then dealing with my love-struck ass. I’m basically just her bodyguard at the moment.”
“Oh, this sounds good. Spill it.”
“I need you to do something for me.
It’s a long story, so I’ll give you the quick version before she gets out of the shower. Her boss got killed and someone just tried to take us down back at her apartment. I’ve got a boot imprint on my gut to prove it. That was before I knocked his ass over the railing. The fucker still got away.”
“Give me some details. You catch a license?”
“Nah, they popped the little light above the thing and were hauling ass before I could get around the corner. I don’t have a clue to what’s going on, but I finally got a possible name out of her. Could be nothing, but can you check on a guy named Cerano Tullius? He owns a place called HAB out of Los Angeles. Has something to do with archeology. She works there. He might’ve sent the idiot. That’s all I got.”
“Fuck, this isn’t good. Sure. I’ll call you as soon as I get something.”
“Thanks. If I don’t answer, just leave a message and I’ll call back. I’m about to crash.”
“Got it. Be careful, Maxim.”
“I will. Later.” He tossed the phone on the nightstand and glanced to the bathroom when he heard the door open. His stomach flipped over on itself. Son of a bitch.
Chapter 11
Skylar stood in the doorway, studiously scrubbing her hair with a towel. The light from the bathroom filtered through the long T-shirt falling just above her knees and highlighted every lush curve of her body. Her breasts were free and swayed enticingly with every movement. A soft moan escaped his lips when realizing her nipples were pierced. The small half-rings were evident against the thin material. With the steam from the shower billowing out into the room, she looked like a wet dream on steroids. He felt his eyes widen when she spoke.
“What?”
Maxim blinked a few times and tried to swallow the lump in his throat. He couldn’t do a damn thing about the one growing in his pants. He grabbed a pillow, stuck it over his lap, and grappled for something to say. Fuck!
“Uh…I like your T-shirt.” He made a point to look closer at the shirt instead of what was wrapped beneath. He should at least know what color the damn thing was. Light peach. Then he saw the lettering and promptly burst out laughing.
Fueled by Lust: Maxim (Siren Publishing Classic) Page 9
