by Jaye Shields
Finally, the cool lake loomed ahead. The thought of a long swim under the sun made her smile. The next best thing to being in Reza’s arms. But as the clearing came into view, she realized someone else had the same idea. She halted in her tracks, the encounter with the ruffian still a frightening reminder that she could easily be overpowered if she fell into the hands of bad company.
Even from afar, she recognized the dark hair plastered to a pale, angular face. Reza was lying on the water, his gaze focused up on the sky. But she knew if he looked her way, she’d see his eyes of bright amber penetrating the depth of the forest. Emmerie hid behind a tree instead of stepping into the clearing. Although she’d wanted a swim, watching Reza glide through the water was just as good. His long body glided across the surface, his muscular arms powering him through the lake.
Without warning, he suddenly looked her way. Emmerie darted behind the wide tree and waited for a moment, clinging to the hope that she remained unseen. Gathering her courage, she peered around the bark. What she saw made her mouth water. But she wanted to run.
Reza had seen her, and he stalked through the water toward her. With every step, more and more of his body was revealed. His hard abs glistened like granite as droplets of water caught the sun. The water dipped lower and lower, until it splashed against the hard cut V at the bottom of his torso. She knew what came next. The water gave way to Reza’s manly flesh. He wore no shorts, and his growing erection was exposed before her eyes. The evidence of his arousal was matched by a dedicated gaze. Even if she hid behind the tree once more, she was sure his sensual stare would penetrate straight through the wood and render her motionless.
As he stalked forward, she was his prey. One look from him caused her heart to stop and her knees go weak. Peeking at his hard shaft left her wet.
“What are you doing here?” The voice was low, barely-contained fury.
Emmerie stepped from behind the comfort of the tree. “I came for a swim.” Her voice escaped in nothing more than a coward’s mumble. She looked down to avoid his solemn gaze but encountered his hard, wet stomach.
“You’re in dangerous territory, Emmerie. Go home.”
Emmerie tried to move, but her limbs wouldn’t work. Reza’s gold stare had locked her knees. He stepped closer until they were only a breath apart. She smelled honey mead on his breath.
“Last chance.” His hard jaw was set. For the first time, the male looked every bit a sex demon. If she didn’t go, he would take her. And she would let him.
She would run, but not home. Emmerie smiled and sprinted forward past Reza, nearly knocking him over as she ran toward the lake. Wind rushed past her and ushered free a laughter that had long been trapped inside her. She would be free, if only for a few minutes.
As the lake neared, she didn’t look back. Emmerie tore her clothes off piece by piece. She reached the lake’s edge and leapt in, the water splashing against her as she ran deeper. The depth of the lake finally swallowed her and Em just barely peeked from the surface. She turned back toward the tree line, but Reza was already entering the lake.
* * * *
All the anger in Reza’s body had fled when Emmerie rushed past him with a smile on her face. She ran toward the lake with reckless abandon, and for a split second, he thought she would run away with him. Only a fool wouldn’t run after her. Reza was at the lake’s edge in an instant, craving to run his hands over Em’s subtle curves. They were hidden beneath the surface now, but as she leapt into the water, she’d become an erotic mermaid.
Emmerie turned and he crashed into her, capturing her lips in a desperate argument. His tongue sought hers. He explored the inside of her mouth as his hands pulled her body closer under the water. She shivered slightly, but he didn’t think it was the temperature. His teeth captured her bottom lip. Only one reason could make him let go.
“Run away with me.” The words escaped before he knew it. Would she forsake him?
Her sapphire gaze met his with longing. Instead of replying, she threw herself into him. Together they sank back into the water. Emmerie’s body relaxed atop his, and he welcomed the chance to be her personal floatation device. Her breasts rested atop his skin like floating lotuses, although no flower could rival her beauty. Her long, blonde hair was wet up to her cheeks; it splayed across his torso and into the water as they drifted together. He drank in the sight of her, only to be interrupted by Emmerie’s passionate kiss. She kissed him so hard water tickled his ears. He would have drowned if it meant he could receive more of Em’s passion. His hands went to her round derriere and squeezed hard. She moaned amidst the kiss and it caused him to become harder than belief. She made him ache.
“I want you, Emmerie. All of you.”
“Why? Because I’m the only girl who hasn’t let you make love to them?”
“No. Because you’re the only one who wants to make love. Everyone else just wants a talented fuck.”
A pink glow took to Emmerie’s cheeks. She was more damn innocent than she knew. But he loved that about her. He wouldn’t call her naive, but she saw the world for its best possibilities.
He lifted her chin so her crystal gaze met his. “I love to make you smile.”
Her lips curved up just a little. “Then wait for me. Please understand. I want it to feel right between us. I don’t want to feel guilty if we make love behind my husband’s back.”
Her lip quivered and he dropped his hand from her chin. She thought he wouldn’t wait. “I apologize for my behavior, Em. You’re my lifemate. I would wait forever for you.”
“Good.” She exhaled and he was happy to see her visibly calm.
“No, not good.” He chuckled. “Tolerable.”
She punched him through the water and it splashed against his chest. Her laughter brought him to a new high.
“Friends for now. But after it’s done, I’m going to have your body for days. We’re going to experience pleasure together in every single way. I want to introduce you to what you can expect for the rest of your life.”
Again, she blushed. But this time, her smile stretched high into her cheeks and she nestled into his body, just holding him. Gods, it felt right. “You’re so warm.”
“I don’t want to risk getting you sick though. The sun will be setting soon. Perhaps I can take you home and make you dinner?”
“You’re going to make me dinner?”
“Before I came here, I lived with my sister. She can’t cook to save her life, so I was forced to learn my way around a stove.”
“The sight of you in my kitchen is the only thing that could make me leave this lake.” Emmerie pulled him close and kissed his shoulder. But then she froze. Tension stilled her body and goose bumps covered her flesh.
Reza immediately went on the defensive and reached a new fury when he realized he didn’t have a blade on him. He turned to where Emmerie’s gaze was plastered on the clearing. He caught sight of a man on the horizon, and realized that Emmerie wasn’t in danger. She was in despair. The man stood on the forest line, but Reza could still make out his features. He’d seen the same man in the bar, and he hadn’t been on the man’s good side then either. The man held a dangerous glare in his eyes, but turned and departed through the forest.
“I’m sorry, Emmerie. I know in a small town, gossip can travel fast.”
A whimper caused him to look up at Emmerie. She was crying. Her lip trembled, but he cupped her cheek in his hand. He looked deep in her eyes, willing her to believe it would be okay.
“That was my brother.”
Chapter 8
Reza took her home through the woods, but she hadn’t been hungry for the dinner he cooked. It looked good. He used everything in her home to craft something that resembled culinary splendor. But her stomach ached with disappointment. Her brother had looked at her with disgust.
“Please eat something. I know you’re upset, but at least put some bread in your stomach so you don’t feel weak.”
“Too late. A sex demon moves
into town and I just lose all my principles.”
Reza’s fist clenched where it rested on the table. “It’s more than that and you know it.”
He stood to leave, but a new agony flooded Emmerie. “Wait.”
His eyes flickered like flames, and Em observed the way his jaw was set. He waited for her to speak.
“Don’t go into town. Stay here. It won’t be safe. Look, I’ll eat bread.” She took a hunk out of the bread to convince him.
“I don’t have fear of the locals. You think I haven’t been run out of a town before?”
She stopped chewing on the bread. Thinking about him with other women made her ache just as bad as when she’d seen her brother in the woods. “Stay for me then. Please. I don’t want to be alone.”
He turned to meet her gaze, and in the dimly lit home, his eyes were lanterns, glowing with intent. “For you.”
She took his hand and led him to the bedroom. He gently laid her in bed and tucked the covers around her. “I’ll go get wood for the fireplace.”
“I don’t need a fire. Just lay with me.”
He smiled for the first time since her brother had appeared. Just the sight of his lips curving brought warmth to her heart. As he lay next to her and tugged her close against him, she realized she just might survive this after all. Maybe all the heartbreak would be worth it.
* * * *
The next morning, Emmerie woke up to an empty bed. Out getting wood. The note from Reza made her smile. The man was determined to do some manual labor. Truthfully, she hadn’t wanted Reza to cut wood, afraid Lennox would realize Reza had been there all along.
Emmerie put her worries aside by getting into the shower. The water poured down on her and the beads of liquid reminded her of being in the lake with Reza. His hands had found the curves of her butt instantly, and she’d never felt so wonton. He’d used her curves to pull her hard against his thick manhood.
She shivered under the warm water. The erotic memories caused her hand to find the space between her legs. She touched herself, examining the folds of her womanhood as water cascaded down. As she navigated her core, running her hand over her sensitive bud, she recalled the way Reza had tasted her there. Emmerie’s core throbbed with need and she stopped touching herself. The craving to have him in her arms was unbearable.
Through the soft hum of her shower, Emmerie heard the front door shut. Reza was back. Turning off the water, Emmerie grabbed a towel and wrapped it around her. She dashed through the house toward Reza. He saw her and his face lit up. Emmerie melted at the white smile directed at her. As she leapt into his arms, her towel fell to the ground.
Reza moaned as she attacked his lips with intense need. “Good morning.” He returned her kiss and grasped her by the bottom, hoisting her into his arms. His tongue explored her mouth, and she relished the way his soft lips fit against her own. His teeth took her bottom lip captive. The sharp incisors nibbled playfully, but then released her. “You’re the hottest woman I’ve ever laid eyes on.”
The kiss intensified and Reza squeezed her cheeks, pushing her back against a wall. Her breasts heaved against his chest. He had way too many clothes on.
A familiar, tormented cry echoed through the house, the figure unseen. “Emmerie? Are you home? I came as fast as I could. I found your dagger.” The thunder of his approach came to a sudden halt. A blood-curdling roar tore through the room.
With her back to the wall, Emmerie trembled as she took in the sight of her husband. Lennox was over six-feet of well-muscled man. His eyes were usually a bright aqua, but now she barely recognized them. His glare was twisted with gray and resembled the steel he pounded into swords.
“Did that bastard do that to you?” Lennox’s voice had never sounded so lethal, and Emmerie realized he’d noticed the bruise from days before.
Emmerie was still in shock, but managed to shake her head. She thought she heard herself whisper, “No.”
Reza set Emmerie down gently. He immediately placed himself in front of Emmerie and turned toward Lennox. She held her breath, waiting for the explosion of violence. Her husband glared at Reza for a moment before disappearing out the front door.
“Wow.” Reza released a breath and turned toward her once more. “I thought I was going to have to fight him off. You’re right. He is quite gentle. I would have beaten me to a bloody pulp.” He tried to lighten her mood, but it didn’t work. His thumb brought her chin up and his amber gaze glowed with happiness. “Now I can have you all to myself.”
Emmerie opened her mouth to reply, but thunder shook the room once more. Reza threw Emmerie to the ground and she watched in horror as Lennox drove a sword through her lover’s gut.
“Reza!” Her world shattered.
Lennox’s eyes became pained daggers thrown at her with lethal force. Emmerie watched his heart break. Then Lennox pulled the sword out in a rough arc and Reza slumped to the floor, blood seeping from his wound. Emmerie crawled toward Reza and pulled him into her arms. Her husband turned toward the door once more. This time he was nothing more than a zombie with a bloodied sword. Shifting her gaze back toward her love, unconscious in her arms, Emmerie realized she’d not just destroyed one man, but two.
* * * *
Blood dripped to the ground from Lennox’s sword as he charged into town. The raucous of the inn at morning time reached his ears. The scent of roasting sausage and phoenix eggs wafted toward him, but he wasn’t hungry. The metal door handle nearly crushed under his grip as the door swung open. His sudden arrival had several patrons turning toward him. The small children having breakfast at the inn looked upon him with wide eyes. But he was numb to their reactions. Lennox strode toward Zamuel who was nursing whisky mead at the bar.
“Serpent venom.” Lennox sat next to Zamuel at the bar and growled at the bar.
“Serpent venom?” Zamuel groaned at the morbid request. Everyone knew only someone having the day from hell ordered the thick green liquid. “There’s blood dripping from your sword.”
“Tell me everything you know about sex demons.”
“Why is there blood dripping from your sword?”
“Tell me about the sex demon.”
“I don’t know much, just that they belong in hell. Lennox, I’m sorry.”
The bartender returned with a shot of steamy green liquid. Lennox grabbed hold and poured it down his throat. The serpent venom burned on its way down, but didn’t compare to the heat of his rage boiling beneath his skin.
“Where is he from?” His voice carried an ominous tone that he’d never had to use before. He’d just stabbed someone. That was a recent development too. But it didn’t satisfy the need within Lennox. The need for revenge.
“I don’t know, brother.”
“Tell me!”
Kat slithered up behind them and laid a hand on both of their shoulders. “I know where he’s from. His family lives in a town called Sprecia. He’s been traveling for a month’s time.”
“Fucking every woman along the way.” Zamuel sneered, slamming his mead down so that the mahogany foam splashed over the rim.
“Not every woman,” Megara grumbled nearby.
Lennox ignored the female to his left and focused on Kat, who’d slept with the sex demon that night at the inn. “Tell me more. Are they like us?”
“They need climax to survive. That’s why they’re so good in bed.”
Before he knew it, his hand flew to Kat’s neck and squeezed hard.
Zamuel leapt out of his chair. “Lennox, are you mad? Take your hands off her.”
Reality sank in, and Lennox released Kat. He needed to get out of town. Madness washed over his vision in a violent haze. He’d done nothing to deserve this. The sex demon stole his happiness. The wound Lennox inflicted was bad, but the vile creature would survive. Lennox would find a much better way to exact revenge on the demon.
“Please tell me you didn’t use that on my sister.” Zamuel’s voice quivered on the edge of rage. Lennox was too far gone to
be offended. He turned and exited in a calm rage. Lennox left for Sprecia.
Chapter 9
Emmerie cradled Reza’s unconscious form in her arms and wept. Her fingers were covered in hot, slippery blood as they moved to his neck to check for a pulse. He was alive. She had to do something. Tears came harder as she moved from under him and left him lying on the floor. He needed bandages. She made her way to the closet and grabbed the dressings they kept for wounds Lennox often accrued in the process of making his fine swords.
Emmerie rushed back to Reza, but slipped on the blood-soaked floor. Her head slammed against the ground and her vision wobbled. Fuzzy white stars hovered across her gaze, but she batted them away and challenged her consciousness to remain intact.
Crawling back toward Reza, she tore his blood-soaked shirt off of him. As she did so, more daunting crimson painted her hands. The damp shirt fell to the ground like a mop. Emmerie struggled to pick Reza up enough to begin wrapping the bandages around his torso. But her hands shook like those of a coward, and he was too heavy for her to lift.
“Emmerie.” The worried voice of her brother came from the front door, still open from Lennox’s rushed departure.
Shock and relief made her heart pound with hope. Realizing she was still naked, Emmerie tried to shield her body from Zamuel’s eyes, but knew how she looked. Her brother’s gaze widened at the blood-soaked mess in the front room, but he rushed past her before saying anything more. Fresh tears cascaded down her cheek. Her life was crumbling slowly before her eyes.
“Here, put this on.” Her brother wrapped a cloak around her body. His hand tugged her away from a still bloody Reza. He grabbed hold of her trembling chin and forced her to meet his gaze. “Are you okay?”
“No!” She screamed, and the bloodcurdling sound stilled the blood in her veins and caused the tears to freeze in place.
“Where are you hurt?” Zamuel’s voice turned frantic and his hand immediately searched the fabric for bloodstains. “Is that a bruise? God damn it, who put this bruise on you?”
