“Why? You’re only going to pull over about a mile away and fly back here. Why not come in for a cup of tea?”
Her jaw dropped. “Excuse me?” Who the hell was this guy?
“Shane? Are you out there?”
His eyes twinkled down at her. The lilting tongue of the Sidhe dripped from his firm lips. “I’m busy, Da. Give me a few minutes, please. And can you put on a pot of tea? It seems we have a guest.” He stood tall and held out his hand, switching back to English. “Come along, Akane Russo. We have a few things to discuss. Wouldn’t it be more comfortable inside, where it’s warm?”
“You’re Shane Dunne?” She let her pupil expand, and her Sight along with it. What she saw had her blinking in shock.
No wonder she’d been fascinated by the power she’d felt. The man was a hybrid! One of the rarest of the rare, with powers not even Oberon himself could comprehend, and here he was on a little Podunk, Nebraska farm. What a waste. Her mother would have a fit when she found out. Hybrids were something of a hobby for her.
Akane tried her best to hide her wince. Yeah right. Just a hobby.
He looked down at her as if he knew every single one of her secrets and liked what he saw. “To some.” His grip on her hand tightened, his lips just brushing the backs of her knuckles. “I’ll be someone else to you.”
Her belly flopped, but she got out of the car anyway.
What the hell have I gotten myself into?
Chapter Seven
Moira blinked sleepily, smiling at the sight of Duncan’s tired face. He was standing by the side of the bed, stroking her hair to wake her. “Hey.”
“Hey.”
“Is he back yet?”
“Nope. And the sun is coming up.”
She threw back the covers. “Do we need to go get him?”
Duncan nodded and handed her a pair of jeans. “He hasn’t contacted me in about half an hour.”
Shit. That couldn’t be good. “Where was he last?”
“Gloating over the fact that some gremlin named Big Red was rifling through Charles’s files like a sailor through a whore’s panty drawer.”
She stumbled, one leg in her jeans. “What?”
“His words, not mine.” Duncan sat down and began pulling on his boots. “We’ll need to be careful. If Charles has Jaden he can hurt him badly.”
Moira scrambled into the rest of her clothes. She ran to the closet and pulled out the cowgirl boots her father had bought for her. “Ready.” The polished iron toe on the outside wasn’t enough to bother her even with skin to skin contact, but a full-blood Sidhe she kicked in the nuts would feel it for days.
Duncan eyed those boots warily. “Um. I’d ask, but I’m not sure I want to know.”
“Have you tried contacting him?” She grabbed a pair of leather gloves and pulled them on. She planned on bringing a little back-up to the party.
“Yes. I’m pretty sure he’s unharmed, but he’s still not answering.”
She practically ran down the stairs, grabbing her coat once she hit the foyer. “Let me try. Maybe you haven’t been using the right tone of voice.”
He eyed her dubiously. “Whatever you say.”
She cocked her hip. She knew exactly what tone of voice to use. It had always worked on her brothers when her mother had used it. She figured it would work on one pain in the ass vampire. “Jaden Blackthorn! You answer me right this minute!”
“Yeowch. What? Daddy’s busy.”
“Are you fighting?”
“Some might call it that.”
“What do you call it?”
“Fun.”
She dug the heels of her hands into her eyes. “Jaden.”
“Yes, dear. I’ll put down the nice redcap and be home before you know it.”
“It’s almost sunrise.”
“Yeah. I kinda noticed that, being a vampire and all.”
She took her hands away from her eyes and rolled them. “Duncan, how did you put up with him for a hundred years?”
“Patience. Lots of patience.”
“I heard that.” Jaden paused. “I heard that. Huh. Weird. Ow.”
“Ow?”
“Lucky shot. All right, I’m done playing. I’m headed back for the car. See you in a bit.”
She tapped her foot. “Should we wait for him?”
Duncan shrugged. “He took the M6. Knowing him, he’ll be here in about ten minutes, the way he drives.”
She frowned. “I got the impression that Charles’s place was farther away than that.”
“Yup. He’s about half an hour away, but Jaden likes to drive fast.” Duncan turned on his heel and headed for the breakfast room. “Lord above, I need coffee.”
“Not for you, Mr. Malmayne. I think you need a little down time.” She grabbed hold of the back of his shirt and managed to swing him around, pointing him toward the stairs. “Beddy-bye!”
He pouted at her. “Aw, Mom!”
“Don’t sass me, young man. Up you go!”
Duncan grinned down at her, looking like the little boy she’d treated him as. “Good night, amoureaux.” He picked her up and kissed her. She loved the way Duncan kissed her. He made her feel that she was the only person in his whole world. He held her as if she barely weighed as much as a feather. “Mm. We have a ceremony to perform.”
Her lips twitched. “True. We’ll need to take care of that soon. Maybe when we see my family?”
One of his eyebrows rose. “Do you want your family there when we say our Vows?”
“Of course. They’ll want to watch us all marry each other.” She snuggled in, breathing him in. That warm, masculine scent wafted through her, made her feel safe. Made her feel like she was home. “When all this crap is over and done with I’m going to want a party. A big one.”
“A big one, huh?” He nuzzled her neck, his whiskers tickling her.
She giggled and pulled free. “Oh, yeah. Huge.”
“I think we can arrange that.” His jaw locked, and she could tell he was holding back a yawn.
“Go to bed, Duncan. I can handle Jaden for now.” Hell, she had a bit more than handling in mind, but Duncan needed his sleep. Besides, she’d been with Duncan and she’d been with both of them. It was time to see what her vampire would do when he had just her to think about. She could hardly wait to see what he’d come up with.
“Why do I have the feeling you’re plotting something?”
She grinned up at him. “Because you already know me very well.”
He snorted and finally let her go. “Do what you have to do to keep yourself safe.” He cupped her cheek, looking down at her with sleepy affection. “If anything happens to you I can’t guarantee I won’t go ballistic.”
She nuzzled his hand. “I’ll stay safe. I’ll make sure Jaden isn’t hurt, bang him on your desk and then patrol for a while.”
Duncan blinked. “Bang him, huh?”
She nodded. She dug her toe into the carpet and gave him her best doe eyes. “Uh-huh.”
He chuckled. “Have fun, then.” He pressed a soft kiss to her forehead and yawned again. “Damn it. Think of me while you’re, um, banging.”
She snickered. “Pleasant dreams.”
He groaned and made his way up the stairs. “Evil witch.”
She watched him make his way up the stairs before turning toward the breakfast room. Coffee sounded really good right about now, but tea would be even better. She checked the pots, delighted when she found a pot of hot water. She was even more delighted to find her favorite spiced Chai tea bags ready to be steeped. She settled down and waited for both her tea and her other man.
“Hey, sweetness.” A soft kiss pressed against the side of her neck. “Is Duncan in bed?”
“Mm-hmm.” She leaned her head to the side to give Jaden better access. “How did it go?”
“Beautifully. Big Red found a few interesting things, but we have to talk to Aileen. We need to find out why the Malmayne-Joloun marriage contract is so important to the
Malmaynes.” Jaden settled in next to her and watched her prepare her tea. “Your mother might have some information about the Joloun side that could clarify a few things.”
“After my parents were bonded the Jolouns pretty much wrote them off.” She took a sip of her sweetened, creamy tea and sighed in pure pleasure. “Mmm. That’s good.”
“Is it?” Jaden took the cup. “Let me have a taste.” He leaned in and kissed her, sipping at her lips like a connoisseur. He took his time, tasting every inch of her mouth. When he was done, her entire body tingled. “You’re right. It’s delicious.”
“Hmm?” She opened her eyes, unaware until that moment that she’d closed them. His had gone dark, the whites bleeding out to make room for his hunting eyes. Gods above, she couldn’t remember seeing anything sexier than that. He wanted her so badly he had no control over his eyes. “Jaden.” She leaned forward and returned his kiss, tasting him in turn. There was a lingering, earthy flavor to him she’d never encountered before. Normally she loved earthy tastes, but there was something rotten about this one. “What have you been eating?”
He smiled, his fangs showing. “Redcaps.”
She frowned absently and leaned back. “Have you considered Listerine?” The word redcaps suddenly hit her. “Wait. Multiple? As in more than one?”
Jaden pulled her off her chair and onto his lap, ignoring her surprised squawk. “Yes, multiple.”
“But…” Damn it, he was nibbling her neck, trying to distract her. The hell of it was, it worked. She was so distracted she couldn’t remember her own name. “That’s not s-safe.” Oh, right there. That is so good. Too much more of that and she’d be a puddle of goo at his feet.
He scraped his fangs down that sensitive section of her neck, sending a shiver of want through her. Good thing she’d already planned on having her way with him. “Mmm. I’ve fought them before, sweetheart. They’re not really a problem for me.”
“Are you hurt?”
Jaden licked her jugular. “No, sweetheart. I’m fine.”
“Who’s Big Red?”
“Robin’s pet gremlin. He found some interesting files on Charles’s computer.”
Moira lifted her head. “What things?”
He nipped her neck, the sharp pleasure making her hiss. “I’ll tell you at your parent’s house.
Her parents? Why was he talking about her parents now? “Desk?”
“Hmm?”
Her only thought was to get him naked somewhere near a desk. Preferably Duncan’s. “Need a desk.”
He lifted his head and studied his face. His expression was sinful. “I think that can be arranged.” He stood up. She was still cradled in his arms. “You can have your breakfast after I have mine.”
Oh, boy. “Sure.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and rested her head on his shoulder. She trusted him to get them safely where she wanted to go.
He pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “Oh, Moira. That sweet trust of yours will be my undoing.”
Right. Moira. I remember now. “You know what I want to do with you?”
He carried her from the breakfast room and strode across the hall. His sneakers made no sound on the marble floor. “No, but I’m pretty sure you’re going to tell me.” He paused. “Does it involve midgets, paper cuts and Icy Hot?”
She lifted her head and stared at him. “No?”
“You don’t sound very sure.” He was frowning, but if he wasn’t joking then they needed to have a serious talk about therapy.
She shook her head at him. “Has anyone told you how strange you are?”
He shrugged and started walking again. “Your point?”
Her shoulders started to shake. “I don’t even know anymore.” She let her head drop back down onto his shoulder. “What were we doing again?”
“Heading into Duncan’s office so you can bang me on his desk.”
She blushed at the naughty, knowing look he sent her. “Eavesdropper.”
“Look on the bright side. You just confirmed my faith in eavesdropping. I heard something wonderful.” He stepped into Duncan’s office and slammed the door shut with his foot. “Have I mentioned I love the idea?” He stalked over to the desk and set her on the edge. He yanked off her boots before he reached for the snap of her jeans, tugging at the zipper with eager hands.
“Not yet, but I kind of got the idea when you started taking my clothes off.” She lifted her T-shirt over her head, more than willing to get this going.
“Are you going to object?”
She tossed the shirt over her shoulder and unclasped her bra. “Not on your life.” She drew the cups from her breasts, letting the bra fall to the floor.
“Fuck me,” Jaden breathed. His hands left her jeans to cup her breasts. “You are so beautiful. My pretty little leprechaun.”
She moved eagerly in his hands, dying to feel more. Her nipples were so sensitive, even the lightest brush sent a jolt of pure need straight down to her clit.
“You like that, huh?” He leaned down and lapped at her nipple like he was licking chocolate from a dripping strawberry. He swirled his tongue as if to catch every drop. Meanwhile his other hand plucked her other nipple, sending conflicting messages. Did she arch into his teasing tongue, or moan over the pleasure-pain he was dealing with his hand?
She did both, moaning and arching her back. She damn near sobbed when he sucked her nipple into his mouth, his teeth worrying the hard nub until she was clutching his head and grinding her hips into his. She could feel his fangs scraping along the sides, the sensation driving her insane. “Bite me.”
His mouth froze, his hand clenching her almost convulsively.
“Do it. Bite me.”
He moaned around her breast and bit, letting his fangs sink into the soft flesh.
Moira almost screamed at the sensation. Every part of her body was more alive than ever before. She couldn’t imagine him doing this to anyone other than Duncan ever again. “Oh, Gods above, yes.” She ground herself against his covered erection, the urge to come gripping her tight. “Please please please.” She looked down and found him watching her, red flames dancing in his pupils as he fed. She whimpered, the sight almost her undoing. “Jaden.”
His hand slipped into the open edge of her jeans and stroked over her clit. He suckled her, watched her slide over the edge into an orgasm so intense she couldn’t breathe through it.
Jaden licked the puncture marks, closing them. “Beautiful.” He took her mouth, the tang of blood overriding the musty taste of redcap. His hands were urgent on her jeans, pushing them and her panties down her legs. She kicked them off, eager to get his hands back on her.
She let her hands roam over his shoulders, the strength in them amazing her. His build was more slender than Duncan’s, but the sheer power in him was almost overwhelming. The feel of him under her hands was drugging. She couldn’t get enough.
He pulled away from her. “Let me help you with that.” His expression was full of smug male satisfaction. He pulled his shirt up over his head, exposing a chest that would make a nun weep and thank the gods for the beauty of the male form. That clean, hairless chest led to washboard abs she wanted to lick. The saddle of his hips were made for her hands.
She growled. “Now the pants.”
His eyebrows shot up. “Yes, ma’am.”
She dropped her Seeming, letting him see her true self, pointed ears and all. “I want you inside me.”
He took a deep breath and toed off his shoes. He reached for his pants, drawing down the zipper with a slow smile that heated her from the inside out. For just a moment that red flame in the center of his eyes burned bright green. “As you wish.”
She frowned. Something about that green looked familiar, but then his pants were falling and oh, he was beautiful. Between Jaden and Duncan she had every fantasy she’d ever had covered. Where Duncan was built more like a body builder, Jaden resembled a runner, all lean, sinewy muscle. She licked her lips at the sight of his cock bobbing fr
ee of his underwear. She wanted a taste of that.
“I know what you’re thinking.” He kicked out of his jeans and stalked toward her. “And I like it.” He reached for her. “C’mere, you.”
She wrapped her legs around his waist and let him carry her to Duncan’s leather sofa. “Will Duncan mind us messing with his leather sofa?”
“Nah. I think that’s why he has the leather in here. It’s easy to clean.” He slid her down his body until her ass rested on the sofa. “I think we’re just going to have to make sure he has some very pleasant dreams.”
She scowled. “I’m not sure I like this particular piece of furniture anymore.” Just the thought that either man had made love to someone else here had her seeing red.
He threw back his head and laughed. “Tell you what. Let’s make sure we christen this thoroughly.” He leaned over her, one hand on the back of the sofa, the other cupping her cheek. He tried to brush away the frown with his thumb. “Let’s claim it, make it ours.” He waggled his eyebrows. “Or we could go furniture shopping. Your choice.”
She grabbed hold of his cock and tugged him closer. “It can wait.” She licked the head, turning his laughter into a gasp. “The internet is a wonderful thing.” She licked again, liking the way his eyes were beginning to glaze over. “All the major furniture stores have online shopping.” She lapped at the drop that suddenly appeared at the tip of his cock. The salty sweet flavor exploded on her tongue. The hint of copper was something she’d never tasted before. “I’m pretty sure I could find something that would suit us all.”
“Moira?”
“Hmm?” She was having fun torturing him.
“For the love of the gods, I will buy you an entire house full of brand new furniture if you suck me.”
He could probably sense her laughter, though she did her best to hide it. “Like this?” She took him in her mouth as far as she could go and sucked with all her might.
“Fuck. Me.” His head fell back with a groan. “Oh, hell.”
“No more talk about other people you’ve fucked on the furniture.”
“What other people?” He gripped the back of her head and pulled her forward. “Moira.”
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