by Missy Jane
Jake stood and straightened his shirt, scowling at Zerach. He made no move to grab his things. “I don’t fucking think so. You weren’t invited, and I’m not ready to leave.”
“Jake, please I want you gone. Now.” Both sets of male eyes turned toward Isadora. It took all of her will to stand up straight and not cower.
“The lady has spoken,” Zerach said. “I’d suggest you do as she says.”
“Not if you plan to stay,” Jake replied.
It was a standoff with Isadora stuck in the middle. Anger and resentment replaced her fear. She marched back into the kitchen and dug her cell phone from her purse. When she returned to the living room nothing had changed.
“In three seconds I’m calling the police, Jake. I’ve got marks on my arms and probably on my chin. I’m not going to lie to cover your ass either.”
They looked at her, and this time Jake seemed to deflate. Zerach only appeared angrier.
“I’m sorry, Izzy. I didn’t mean to hurt you,” Jake said.
He sounded so much like his old self she had to choke back tears. But her anger still burned bright. She held the phone out like a weapon, using it to point to the coffee table. “Get your shit and get out.”
He gave a terse nod and did as she asked, not even bothering to don his socks and shoes. At the door he glared at Zerach again. “I’m not leaving you in here with my fiancée.”
A humorless laugh escaped before Isadora could check it. “If you think we’re engaged after this, you’re crazy.”
Jake glared at her. “We’ll talk tomorrow.” Then he stormed out of the apartment.
Zerach looked at her as if seeking permission to leave. She gave him a weak smile “Thank you.”
“I’ll be right back.”
She knew they might still come to blows in the parking lot, but at the moment she just didn’t give a damn. Zerach looked at her again but didn’t say a word as he quietly closed the door behind him. She wasted no time turning the deadbolt and hooking the chain that now looked like a very weak resistance to any threat. Neither would keep Jake out if he really wanted in, but she was counting on Zerach to show him the error of his ways. She made it as far as the coffee table before she broke down. Tears of fear and shock streamed down her face as she huddled on the floor.
…
Zerach’s blood boiled. In all his centuries of existence he could count on one hand how many times he’d been this angry, and the others paled in comparison. For a second he wished for the good old days before judges and juries, before criminal investigation units and DNA evidence. He would love the anonymity of the past so he could rip Jake apart limb by bloody limb. It was the least the bastard deserved. He had dared to hurt Isadora, and he was going to pay very soon for that cruel and heartless act.
“I’ll bet you’re real proud of yourself, aren’t you, Maxwell?” Jake stopped by his car and threw his things onto the passenger seat. He slammed the door shut and faced Zerach with a sneer of hatred and contempt.
“Considering I arrived on time to prevent the rape of an innocent woman, yeah I’d say so.”
Jake laughed without humor. “I don’t know what you thought you heard, but you can’t rape the willing.”
“I heard her scream quite clearly, and it wasn’t one of pleasure.”
For a second Jake’s eyes cleared and guilt began to color his aura. But then he shrugged and was back to his arrogant self as the muddied haze around him showed nothing but ill intent. “She’ll be my wife soon. I was just trying to warm her up to the way it’s going to be.”
Zerach stepped closer. The itch to put his fist through Jake’s mouth was overwhelming. But then the scent of demon hit him and brought him back to himself. He had to be very careful. Jake might be the one summoning demons, but he would have learned the trick from someone else. He could also have a talisman or some kind of totem that allowed him to open portals for very short bursts of time. Either way, they needed to know how and why Jake had brought in demons. Simply killing him wouldn’t stop the problem.
“What the fuck are you doing here anyway?” Jake asked.
Zerach considered telling him that he had followed them from the restaurant to be sure Dora got home safely. Jake hadn’t been swerving badly, but he was obviously drunk.
“What does it matter? If I hadn’t stopped by you would have hurt her. I would make it my life’s goal to see you rot in hell for that.”
This time Jake really did laugh and it had an odd lilt to it, as if a touch of madness had crept in. “My life is already hell, Maxwell. You’re too fucking late.”
He jumped into his car and sped off before Zerach could respond. One thing was for certain, Jake was in up to his eyeballs with demons. He probably wasn’t kidding when he said his life was already hell.
Zerach made his way back to Dora’s door slowly. The pain and fear he’d sensed still resounded through his soul. He’d been at the door when she screamed because despite his resolution to leave her and Jake alone, he had followed them from the restaurant. Sure he could lie to himself and say it was only because of the demon taint. But he’d never lied to himself like that before. Seeing her with the other man had angered him on a primal level. For the first time ever, jealousy had reared its ugly head, and he didn’t know what to do about it. If she truly intended to marry Jake it would be best if he stayed away. But right now her pain called to him, and he was helpless against it.
He knocked lightly, not certain she would even allow him back in. After a full minute the locks finally turned. She’d left the chain engaged and peeked at him through the slight crack it allowed. Tear tracks on her pale cheeks angered him all over again and he fought not to growl. “Are you okay? We can still call the police.”
For a second she appeared confused by his question, and he wondered if Jake had done more damage than he’d realized. Then she shook her head and closed the door. The sound of her unhooking the chain eased a tightness in his chest. She opened the door fully and stepped back allowing him to enter without words. He headed straight for the sofa and took a seat.
…
Emotions rolled through Isadora as she closed the door and turned to face Zerach. She was angry, frightened, confused, and resolved all at the same time. The engagement was definitely off. There was absolutely no way she would ever let a man like Jake have any power over her. Now she had to find a way to break the news to her godparents, and figure out how to save Bill’s company.
“Thank you, Zerach. I’m not even going to ask what brought you to my door tonight because, frankly, I don’t care. If you hadn’t shown up when you did…”
Her voice broke on a sob, and she covered her face with both hands. She didn’t even hear him move when suddenly she was in his arms. She sank into the comfort he offered without a second thought. He was nothing like Jake.
“I’ve got you, Dora. Just let it all out now, honey.”
The earth moved as he lifted her into his arms. He’d only taken a few steps before stopping and sitting down with her on his lap. He cradled her against his chest and ran a hand over her hair.
“I-I should have known better. I shouldn’t have let him come in,” she whispered.
“Not a single thing that happened tonight is your fault. He knows he’s stronger, and he took advantage. There’s no excuse for hurting you.”
Her strapless gown clearly revealed the signs of Jake’s abuse. Dark bruises marred her upper arms and one wrist. The sting of his bite still hurt her chin. She couldn’t imagine what her hair looked like, but a dull throb resounded from the roots. She had never in her life been manhandled in such a way. It was a rude awakening to realize how weak she could be in a man’s arms. She glanced up at Zerach’s look of understanding. Not this man.
“Are you sure you don’t need to go to the ER?” he asked. “I’d be happy to take you.”
She moved her arm enough to test her shoulder. It was sore but nothing felt torn. A little longer and that might not have been true. Jake
hadn’t even seemed to notice what he was doing to her.
“No. I’m okay now. Thank you.”
He ran a hand over her hair again. “You’re welcome.”
The intimacy of their closeness couldn’t be ignored for long. It was almost funny. She had longed to be in Zerach’s arms for months. Now that she was finally there she couldn’t muster the strength to take advantage. She had to look away from his probing gaze. All he was interested in was her welfare while she seduced him in her imagination. Her gaze fell on the untouched mugs of coffee. Steam still rose from both.
“Would you like some coffee? They’re still fresh.”
He helped her sit up, and she reluctantly moved off his lap. Then he picked up a mug and gently placed it in her hands. “Smells good.”
She smiled weakly. The next few minutes were filled with a comfortable silence as they both relaxed. Warmth filled her and slowly eased away the fright but the anger remained. It was very tempting to call the police.
“I never would’ve thought he had it in him,” she finally said.
Zerach set his empty mug on the coffee table and turned to face her. “You said you hadn’t been around him much the past couple of years. People can change in the matter of days sometimes.”
“Deep down I know this wasn’t my fault, but I still feel so stupid. I’ve had my doubts about him all along. Ever since he first proposed it just didn’t feel right. I wish there had been another way.”
Her thoughts filled with Bill and Alice and their disappointment when she talked to them. Surely they would understand once she told them what had happened.
“Dora…did he make it a stipulation to Bill’s contract? Did Jake say you have to marry him?”
Embarrassment flooded her and she looked away from his knowing gaze. “In a way. As you saw, it wasn’t actually in the contract.”
“A gentleman’s agreement you said. Unfortunately, Jake’s no gentleman.”
“No. He isn’t.” And now her godparents would pay for it. The thought nauseated her.
“Perhaps I can help instead.”
Her head snapped up and she gazed at him with hope. Though asking him for a loan had been one of her original plans, she’d feared it would be crossing a professional boundary. However, the past few days had proven Zerach considered her more than his secretary. He might even consider her a friend.
“What are you suggesting?” she asked.
He stood and paced away, stark masculinity in every step. It was different than Jake’s show of power. Zerach was one of the few men she knew who seemed completely at ease in his skin. Like a wild predator, he almost stalked rather than paced around her living room. The sense of maleness he exuded was palpable and caused her throat to dry. She swallowed hard in an attempt to ease it. Sometime before arriving at her door he’d shed his jacket and tie, then opened the top two buttons of his shirt. She vaguely considered the differences between Zerach slightly rumpled compared to Jake in the same state. There was really no comparison.
“You know I’m involved in various business ventures. I’m in a position right now to offer Bill everything Jake did.” He turned to face her. “And I wouldn’t expect you to come with the contract.”
There had been nothing in his voice or expression to tell her how he felt about that loss. Heat filled her face as she realized he just didn’t want her. She had to look away. “Of course. I wouldn’t think anyone but Jake would expect it.”
From the corner of her eye she watched him walk toward her. Soon he was close enough to tip up her chin with one finger. Hunger in his gaze told her how wrong she’d been.
“Sweetheart, Jake may be the only asshole to try to win you by less than savory means, but he’s definitely not the only man who wants you.”
Her lips parted on a gasp at his flagrant confession. She had no idea how to respond. Zerach eased his finger from beneath her chin and up one side of her face until he reached her hair. He gently brushed a few strands behind her ear before letting his fingers slide back along their path.
“You’re so damn beautiful, Isadora. I’m almost afraid to touch you.”
“I’ve never been afraid of your touch, Zerach.”
Surprise lit his expression, and he slowly eased back into place beside her on the sofa. He ran a single finger over her lips, and she swallowed to alleviate the sudden tightness in her throat.
“Most things said about me in the gossip columns and among our set are pure fabrication. There are some honest truths I plan to share with you when the time is right.”
She smiled. “And how will you know when the time is right?” She allowed a teasing note to flow into her voice, amazed she had the courage to do so.
He stiffened next to her, leaning closer still so his lips brushed hers with his answer. “We’ll both know.”
It was as if she’d waited her entire life for his kiss. It scorched her from temple to toes, burning like liquid fire through her veins. Heat and desire infused her, tearing away her usual reserve. From the first time she’d met Zerach she’d desired him on a primal level. Somehow she knew they were meant to be together even if for just one unforgettable night. Concern about her job had always held her back before, but not tonight.
He kissed her chastely at first, a soft pressing of his mouth against hers. She moaned and parted her lips in a sigh. He took full advantage and slipped his tongue between them. Their tongues dueled sweetly for long moments, tasting and teasing. Then he nipped at her lower lip, and she sucked his tongue back into her mouth. Her head spun until she didn’t know if she still sat upright. His free hand had moved to her hip where he kneaded the flesh hidden by her dress.
Once his hands began to roam, she allowed hers to as well. She pressed her fingertips to the skin of his neck, feeling his pulse. He groaned as her other hand landed on his thigh. It startled her, and she almost pulled both hands back, but he began raining kisses on her face, and she soon lost her fear. He pulled her onto his lap again, and she went without protest. She wanted to touch every part of him and hoped she would have her chance before the night ended.
“My sweet, sweet, Dora,” he whispered against her throat. She moaned and grabbed his large shoulders as an anchor. “I don’t want to scare you but”—he kissed her again before finishing his sentence—“I want you.”
She shivered but didn’t pull away. This was what she wanted too, what she’d been hoping they would someday find together. One of his large palms slid from her hip, up her abdomen to rest lightly against her breast. She gasped at the contact, her breath ghosting across his lips.
“Just say the word and I’ll stop,” he said. “I don’t want to scare you.”
She released a breathless laugh, and he kissed her again lightly, pulling back to allow her response. “You’ve never scared me.”
His grin raised her temperature, but the touch of his lips against her throat set her to boiling. He kissed a slow path down to the top of her gown, and she lost herself in his touch until one of his hands grasped her calf. Then reality intruded, and her grip on his shoulder tightened.
“I…I want to…”
He froze but didn’t release her. “But?”
She sighed and sat up straighter, allowing his hand to slip just beneath her breast while the other released her calf.
“Um…I…”
He kissed her temple as she struggled for words. How could she stay the night with him without revealing her ruined body? Much as she wanted to, it might not be the best idea.
“We can just sleep together. I won’t lie and say I don’t want more, but I can wait as long as you need me to.”
The patience in his voice was her undoing, and she sniffed back sudden tears. His arm around her waist tightened, and he tilted her chin up with one finger.
“What is it? What have I said to upset you?”
“I’m not upset. Well…not angry. I’m surprised and relieved that you’re not pushing me.”
He kissed her temple again. “I
’ll never ask for more than you’re willing to give.”
Not like Jake.
He didn’t say the words, but they rang through the room clear as day. She shivered at the thought and snuggled closer to him.
“Thank you.”
“Will you sleep in my arms tonight?”
She nodded and his smile made her heart feel full to bursting. “But…”
His smile slipped the slightest bit. “But?”
“You have to promise not to laugh at my pajamas. They’re kind of silly.”
He grinned in his familiar way, and her heart lurched. Keeping her clothes on tonight might prove to be impossible.
Chapter Six
Isadora was too stunned to notice the tattoo when Zerach first revealed his pale, gold-tinted skin. He flexed the muscles in his back and her IQ dropped by at least half as all coherent thought immediately fled. He was glorious. Thin, nearly invisible gold lines curved around his shoulder blades, outlining the top of a pair of finely detailed wings. She raised her hand without thought and began to trace the individual feathers with the tip of her finger.
“Do you like them?”
His deep voice vibrated through her body, starting an ache in her core that spread quickly. “They’re absolutely beautiful. I can’t imagine how long it took to create such a realistic work of art.”
“They’re unique. All my brothers have them as well, but no two are exactly alike.”
“The tattoo artist is very talented.” He chuckled and mumbled under his breath. “Hmm?”
“I said, you have no idea.” The serious tone of his voice puzzled her more than the words, but she let it go as he dropped his shirt and turned to face her again. “My turn.”
She smiled and tried not to worry over the look of anticipation on his face. “I’m going to change in the bathroom, remember?”
He grinned and shook his head as a slight pout formed on his lower lip. It was a ridiculous look for such a strong, self-possessed man. “I was hoping you’d forgotten.”
