Dark Stranger The Dream

by I. T. Lucas

  CHAPTER 34: SYSSI

  Oh, God…

  Syssi wanted, needed to intensify the kiss, but she needed to please Kian even more. Something in her craved his dominance, wanted to please him, wanted him to be in charge of her pleasure.

  It turned her on like nothing had ever done before.

  She was so aroused, her hardened nipples felt like they were pushing against her lacy bra and threatening to poke holes through the sheer fabric.

  Mortified, she suspected Kian could feel not only her hard little nubs pressing against his chest but the wetness soaking through her yoga pants as well. There was no way the scrap of her lacy panties could absorb all of what her arousal was pouring forth. Panting, she dipped her head, burrowing her forehead in his chest to hide her flaming hot cheeks.

  Still, when she tried to push off and get up, he held her down, returning her head to his chest and stroking her hair as he leaned and kissed the top of it.

  "Shh... It's okay, sweet girl. I've got you. I love the way you respond to me. It turns me on, as I'm sure you can tell by the way my cock is trying to punch through my zipper." Stroking her hair and running slow circles on her lower back, he waited for her to regain her composure.

  On the one hand, she was even more embarrassed realizing Kian must’ve sensed how disturbed she was by her own reaction. But on the other, she appreciated his effort to ease her discomfort by admitting he was just as affected as she was.

  Feeling his hard length twitching under her butt, she chuckled and looked up hesitantly, not sure if Kian was joking or not.

  His expression surprised her.

  He regarded her as if she was precious, a wonder to behold and not the disgrace to the feminist movement she'd felt like a moment ago.

  Syssi didn't know what to say or how to react. Luckily, she didn't have to; his phone chimed, disrupting the sexually charged atmosphere.

  Shifting his weight and wiggling to get the device out of his pants pocket, he kept his hold on her, delivering a quick peck to her forehead before answering the call. "Don't go anywhere,” he whispered while covering the mic with his thumb.

  As if she could.

  With his hand drawing small circles on her back, and his hard muscular chest tempting her to rest her cheek on it, Kian's warmth and alluring smell lulled her into a hazy, dreamy state. She heard him and the other guy talk, but the words didn't register.

  The maelstrom of emotions and cravings were all new and uncharted territory for her. She had met the man yesterday, for goodness sake. And already she wanted him, needed him with an intensity bordering on desperation. And what puzzled her even more was that he seemed to feel the same about her.

  Was this crazy attraction simply the work of wild pheromones on steroids? Or was there more to it?

  Words like destiny and fate floated through her mind, but she waved them away. Only fools and hopeless romantics believed in those. She didn't count herself as either.

  Kian sighed as he returned the phone to his pocket. "As much as I hate to, I have to go and take care of a different kind of fire. Believe me, I would rather stay here and stoke this one." Smiling suggestively, he quickly kissed her lips before lifting her off his lap.

  "Make yourself at home. Okidu will show you around and help you get settled. Ask him for anything you need. I'll be back as soon as I can." He turned to leave.

  "Wait, are you sure you want me to stay here? I could go to a hotel or stay with my brother..." Syssi felt uncomfortable moving into Kian's home despite or rather because of the electrified currents sparking between them.

  Staying seemed like taking it too far, too soon.

  Kian turned back. With only scant inches between them he took hold of her chin, tilting her head so she was forced to gaze into his hard eyes.

  "You're not going anywhere. You're mine to protect, mine to take care of, and this place has the best security money and loyalty can buy. I will not trust anyone and anyplace else with your safety. So make yourself at home."

  That predatory look that had made her heart flutter before was back, but as he smiled a tight-lipped smile, it transformed into something that was between sinister and lascivious. "We both know where this is heading, so why go through the pretense, Syssi? You might as well put your stuff in my bedroom. Anything else will be an exercise in futility."

  She tried to escape his hold and look away, but he wouldn't let go of her chin, forcing her to look into his eyes.

  Syssi got angry. The guy sure had an inflated ego. Probably fueled by numerous too-easy conquests... not that she showed that much resistance, or any... for that matter.

  The thought made her absolutely furious, mostly with herself.

  That's it, Syssi, you officially earned the title of a slut, for the first time in your life.

  As much as she craved him, she was not about to become another notch on his belt.

  "You may be right. I'm not going to deny this thing between us, but you offend me by presuming I'm the kind of woman who jumps into bed with someone she just met. I'm grateful for your concern for my safety, but I'd appreciate having a room of my own." Unflinching under the intensity of his gaze, she challenged him. "Face it, Kian, this whole situation is temporary, and in a day or two I'll be back at my own place—it's not like I'm moving in permanently. So please, don't make it harder for me than it already is," she added in a softer tone.

  Surprisingly, Syssi wasn't as shaky or disturbed by this confrontation as she normally would be. For some reason, she trusted Kian to respect her wishes. And even though she was still angry, venting some of it helped her realize that although crude, Kian had not really meant any offense by his words.

  But she needed to make a stand, else he would walk all over her.

  His expression softened, and he let go of her chin to rake his fingers through his disheveled hair. "Forgive me, you're right. Whatever makes you comfortable is fine with me..." He looked at her apologetically. "I wish I could be more charming and debonair for you, or even just patient, but that's not who I am. A crude, insensitive jerk... that's more my style." He smiled a little, still looking contrite.

  "Now you're just fishing for compliments." Syssi smiled back, reassuring him that they were still okay. "I like you, Kian, just the way you are. I'll take blunt and honest over charming and deceitful any day, but that doesn't mean I'll tolerate it when you are being a jerk." She rose on tiptoes and kissed his lips lightly. "Go, do whatever you need to do, I'll be fine." She grabbed his elbow to turn him around, and when he did, slapped his butt to send him on his way.

  "Getting frisky, are we?" He laughed as he walked out.

  "Just payback, smooth talker," she called after him.

  CHAPTER 35: KIAN

  Chuckling, Kian shook his head on his way out.

  Syssi defied characterization. How refreshing—a real person and not a facsimile of some preconceived set of attributes. She was different, and he liked that she didn't fit into any standard mold: shy and reserved in some situations, hot and wild in others. Taking her pleasure in yielding sexually, asserting her will otherwise.

  She certainly stood up to him, as not many would, and even fewer could.

  Reflecting on her spike of arousal at his little show of dominance, and how it had unsettled her, he suspected it had been the first time she had experienced anything of that nature.

  Syssi had no idea what to make of it, or how perfect he'd found her response to be. And although it was only a tiny taste, he hoped to be the first and the only she would ever explore this further with. And regardless of how far she would let it go, Kian would love anything she would allow.

  He would go slow, introducing her to the pleasures of submission one little step at a time, careful not to overwhelm her, or frighten her. A little fear was part of the game, but just a little. She needed to learn to trust him; to feel safe letting go with him.

  Wait! Whoa... what was he thinking? There was no future for them.

  And what a pity that was.
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  The more he got to know Syssi, the more convinced he became she was exactly what he wanted. Just as Amanda had predicted he would. Her courage to be honest and true to herself impressing him above all.

  In contrast, Kian felt like a scumbag. He was deceitful. A jerk. A liar...

  Trouble was, there was no way for him to come clean and tell her the truth, about anything really.

  And that didn't sit well with him at all.

  It had been a mistake, a momentary weakness to start with Syssi something that could never be. In a few days, she'd go back to her old life, and he would have no choice but to scrub her memories once again.

  This time for good.

  For his own sanity, he needed to keep his distance, which he knew would be impossible if she stayed with him.

  Until it was safe for her to go home, it would be best for her to stay at Amanda's.

  BOOK 2

  DARK STRANGER REVEALED

  Is now available on Amazon

  Readers’ Reviews;

  “—This second book of the trilogy is consumed by the budding sexual relationship between Kian and Syssi. In fact, the action-suspense plot regarding the danger Syssi is in moves forward slowly, sacrificed on the altar of sexy times. But I have to admit the sexy times were spicy and varied. —”

  “—I thought it couldn’t get any better than “The Dream” but oh ya it can!!—”

  TURN THE PAGE FOR AN EXCERPT

  OF DARK STRANGER REVEALED

  CHAPTER 1: SYSSI

  “Wow, that was one hell of a kiss," Syssi breathed once Kian had left to take care of whatever it was that had required his immediate attention and had interrupted what might have ended in his bedroom.

  Despite the heated exchange that had followed, and her hypocritical indignation over his presumptuousness, she still felt hot and bothered as she gathered the dirty dishes left over from their brunch and carried them to the kitchen.

  Getting busy at the sink, she mused about the recent upheaval in her orderly life. In the span of less than twenty-four hours, she had been chased by a group of dangerous zealots, spellbound by her boss's imposing brother. Then she had somehow forgotten all of it, only to have him star in her most erotic dream ever.

  In the light of day, however, the real Kian was better than any dream, and to be wanted by a man like him was one hell of a heady feeling.

  And yet, Syssi didn't know what to make of her intense response to him. Yes, he was gorgeous, intelligent and successful, but that shouldn't have been enough to induce such a profound transformation in her.

  The woman who had thought of herself as not all that sexual had been turned into a mindless puddle of need. And even more shockingly, it seemed that her newfound passion had a somewhat kinky twist to it.

  Who would have thought.

  Embarrassed, Syssi felt her face heating and attacked the dishes with renewed vigor, soaping and scrubbing the already clean plates.

  "Please, Mistress, let me." Okidu gently but firmly took the plate she was washing out of her hands, then led her away from the sink.

  "I'm sorry, I just thought to make myself useful." The poor guy probably thinks I'm after his job. "I'm not the kind of guest who needs to be waited on. I like to help."

  "Oh, but Madame, it is my distinct pleasure to serve you. You would not wish to deprive an old man of his pride and joy now, would you?" Okidu smiled his weird mannequin smile.

  "Well, of course not…" manipulative butler… And although it was hard to tell, she hazarded a guess that Okidu was in his early forties—hardly an old man. "But please, call me Syssi."

  Okidu squared his shoulders. "I certainly would not." He affected indignation with a heavy British accent. "Let me show you the guest rooms, Madame." He dipped his head and extending his arm motioned for her to precede him down the corridor.

  There were four luxurious bedroom suites in addition to Kian's and the butler's, each decorated in its own unique color scheme and style.

  Syssi chose the smallest of the four. Like Goldilocks in the Three Bears' House...

  "May I unpack your luggage, Mistress?" Okidu asked as he brought her duffle bag inside the walk-in-closet.

  "No, thank you. I'll do it myself."

  "As you wish, Mistress." He bowed, then eased out of the room, gently closing the door behind him.

  Syssi emptied her bag, fitting the few things she had brought with her all on one shelf, then moved on to the bathroom to deposit the ziplock bag containing her toiletries and makeup on the vanity.

  Eyeing the large jacuzzi tub, nestled within an intimate enclave with a big window overlooking the cityscape, she was tempted to try it out. Which reminded her that there was a lovely lap pool out on the terrace, and it would be a damn shame if she didn't take advantage of it while staying at Kian's amazing penthouse. The tub could wait for later.

  Problem was, she didn't bring a swimming suit. Syssi was about to give up on the idea when a simple solution popped in her mind. In a pinch, a solid black bra and matching undies could pass for a bikini.

  Still, in case Okidu would guess it was underwear, Syssi wrapped a large towel around her makeshift swim attire before going out.

  The heated pool felt heavenly, soothing away the remaining vestiges of her anxiety as she swam slow, lazy laps then rolled over onto her back and floated.

  Sweeping her hands in circles to keep herself afloat, Syssi closed her eyes in bliss. It was like vacationing in some luxury resort, and to make the experience complete, Okidu even served her a piña colada smoothie, poolside.

  Perfect.

  Well, almost. Kian wasn’t there.

  Thinking of him, a warm feeling suffused her. She really liked the big, arrogant oaf. Any guy that was man enough to apologize and take responsibility for his mishaps, as well and as sincerely as Kian had done, was okay in her book... Even if he had blundered badly, behaving like an ass...

  And anyway, the way the man got her heart pumping, she wasn't sure she wouldn't have forgiven him even if he had not.

  Yep, I'm definitely turning into a horny, brainless floozy. She chided herself as she finished the last of the smoothie with a loud slurp.

  Leaving the empty goblet by her towel, she glided into the center of the pool and turning on her back again, paddled leisurely with her eyes closed.

  "Hi, gorgeous!" Amanda's voice startled her.

  Splattering and splashing to right herself, Syssi soaked Amanda, who was squatting by the side of the pool and smiling like a Cheshire cat. "Hi, yourself! I completely forgot you're next door." Syssi wiped her eyes. "Wait a minute, you told me you have a condo in Santa Monica. When did you move here?" she asked, twisting her hair to wring it out.

  Amanda brushed water droplets off her jean-clad legs and got up. "Oh no, this is just temporary. I definitely did not move in here, although Kian keeps nagging me to. I love him dearly, but living right under his nose would be a really bad idea. Anyhow, he keeps it ready for me in case I change my mind, and with those crazy fanatics on the loose, I decided to humor him." She winked.

  "Kian told me what happened at the lab last night. I'm so sorry. How are you holding up?"

  "I'm fine. The whole thing will blow over in a few days, and by then the lab will be as good as new. I've already arranged for a cleanup and for new equipment to be delivered. The only task remaining is for Maintenance to repaint the walls.”

  "Have you given any thought to how we're going to continue the research until the lab is ready? I think you're overly optimistic assuming all of this can be done so quickly. I'd give it at least two weeks, if not longer." Syssi got out and wrapped herself in the large towel.

  "We can do some of the work from here, going over the data we already have, maybe even start a new paper. Don't worry, I'll make sure you earn your pay. It wouldn't be all swimming and lazing around... Just most of it." Amanda snorted as she plopped down on one of the lounges and cushioned her head on her forearms.

  "What about Hannah and David
, are you planning on bringing them here as well?" Wrapping the towel tighter against the cool breeze, Syssi sat down next to Amanda.

  "Heavens, no! I called Professor Goodbow, and after I’d explained the situation, he promised he'd find them something to do until this mess is cleared. And anyway, Kian would never allow strangers up here. Top floors are for family only."

  "I'm not family..."

  "Yeah, but you're special. Besides being the lunatics' top target, I think my stubborn brother finally capitulated and went after you. Am I right? I hope I'm right... Tell me I'm right!"

  Syssi's cheeks heated. "Sort of, but what do you mean—finally capitulated—we just met yesterday."

  "Yeah, I know. It's just that I wanted to get the two of you together for some time now, but Kian being Kian refused all of my matchmaking efforts. So I didn't tell you anything because what was the point? Right? But now that the fool finally met you, he likes you... as I told him he would. I'm going to have such a blast saying I-told-you-so, over and over again, driving him nuts. Because as I told him, you guys are perfect together." Amanda smiled, all smug satisfaction over the success of her yenta schemes, or perhaps over the prospect of endlessly needling Kian.

  "I'm going back to my place across the hall. If you need anything, you know where to find me." She pushed up from the lounger and bent down to give Syssi a warm hug. "I'm really glad you're here, Syssi. Kian needs someone to take care of him. And being the loving sister that I am, I found him the perfect someone." Amanda kissed Syssi's cheek and gave her hand a squeeze.

  Surprised and touched by the vote of confidence, Syssi hugged and kissed her back. Knowing Amanda liked her was one thing, but this was above and beyond. "Thank you. It really means a lot, you thinking so highly of me. But Kian and I have just met, and I don't know if anything will come out of it. He is... well you know... he is really handsome... obstinate... controlling... endearing..." Syssi laughed as Amanda rolled her eyes and made the go-on gesture with her hand. "And he seems to like me, but we don't really know each other, so don't plan the wedding just yet. Okay?" she said, meaning it as a joke.