Mystic Realms: A Limited Edition Collection

by Nicole Morgan

  “Would you like something for dessert, or would you prefer to order it later from our suite?” Hunter asked. “I have often heard that no matter how full we think we are, there is always room for dessert.”

  A noise drew Anitra’s attention outside the window, and she turned to see a line of shiny black stallions, each pair drawing a white carriage. Before she could turn to say anything to Hunter, she felt his strong arms around her. He whisked her up and out of her chair as if she weighed ten pounds, then carried her outside.

  The full moon illuminated the sky, offering a warm glow to the Spanish cobblestone courtyard. Anitra gazed up at Hunter, then tightened her arms around his neck.

  Hunter simply continued walking until they reached the horse-drawn carriages. He set her on the seat, then walked around to the other side to step in beside her. “I saw you gazing at the horses.”

  “I, I wasn’t going to come outside though,” she said, then caught herself. She did not want to sound ungrateful for his thoughtfulness. “I really appreciate the completely romantic thought, Hunter. I do, but I’m, I’m not sure if it’s safe outside right now.”

  “Safe for you, you mean? What, or who are you afraid of, Anitra? Tell me.” The concern in his deep voice reached Anitra on a visceral level, and she knew without a doubt that he cared about whatever bothered her.

  “I won’t bother you with my problems, Hunter. We both came here to enjoy ourselves tonight, and that’s exactly what I plan to do. Thank you for your concern, though. It means more to me than you could possibly know.”

  “Just know that whomever or whatever you are afraid of is of no consequence. No harm will come to you as long as you are in my presence. I am capable of neutralizing any threat. Do you understand?”

  Offering him a tentative smile, Anitra nodded. Hunter had no idea what he would be getting himself into if he chose to become her protector, and she would never be able to live with herself if he got hurt while trying to protect her, but the authority in his tone prompted her to believe him.

  The clomping sound of the horses’ hooves hitting the stones drew her from her thoughts, and she slid as close to Hunter as she could, encouraging him to wrap his arm around her. He immediately obliged.

  “So, again I ask, how many times have you come here?” Her rational mind reminded her how ridiculous she was being, but she couldn’t seem to stop herself from thinking of him with other women, and wondering how many he’d treated with the same care and chivalry he now used to win her heart.

  “Only a few times, over the years.” When he looked into her eyes, the slight crinkle in his brow alerted her to the fact that she must be giving off some kind of vibe that he was picking up. He seemed to be exceptionally perceptive for someone of the male persuasion. Paranoid much?

  “I have never been here with another woman, if that is your concern. I have never even stayed the night before.” He answered several questions running through her mind before she could even begin to formulate them, let alone ask him.

  “I…” Anitra started to deny it, but decided to be honest. It wouldn’t matter in the long run, anyway. “Thank you. I appreciate you telling me that.”

  When they returned to their suite after dinner, Hunter gazed at Anitra. The dress he’d designed for her fit every contour of her beautiful body perfectly, highlighting her narrow waist and full hips. She was a vision, to say the least, and he wanted to dissolve the dress with a thought.

  Suddenly, she tipped up and kissed him. The light brush of her soft lips across his alerted him to the fact that he had unconsciously closed the distance between them. He wanted to hold on to her, pull her even closer, deepen the kiss, but his body was already in flames. He did not want to push her and possibly cause her to pull away, so he simply remained as still as possible.

  She stepped back, gazing into his eyes. “Thank you for dinner. I had a nice time.”

  Instead of giving in to his baser side, he picked up the receiver as if he was calling room service and pointed to the dessert menu to draw her attention away from him, unable to respond to her gentle expression of appreciation without sounding too gruff, his demonic voice sure to send her flying from the room.

  He was surprised when she ignored the menu, backing away quickly, the light of her soul momentarily dimming. His head throbbed. He wondered if he had hurt her somehow, when hurting her was the last thing he ever meant to do. Most adult human souls were spotted, jaded, but Anitra had something special. He always knew what people wanted, even when the request never passed their lips, and so far, he had not heard any negative or even materialistic desires from this beautiful woman.

  No, Anitra wanted him, and not just his body, either. Her soul reached out to him, but he had to be absolutely sure his inhuman thirst was not clouding his ability to sense what she really needed - that he was not projecting his desires onto her. He wondered what would happen when their souls met: hers bright, undamaged, and his spotted, dark, definitely jaded, broken beyond repair.

  As unbelievable as it seemed, she actually seemed to want to know him - at least according to her thoughts and actions tonight, she did. He groaned inside and turned so she would not know he was not actually making a call. Occupying his mind was a necessity as she backed away.

  He replayed what had just happened, totally unaware of what he could have done to disappoint her. She had no way of knowing how dangerous he could be, how easily he could hurt her. He wanted to tell her he did not mean it, whatever it was, soothe her, but if he touched her now he would frighten her and ruin everything.

  The familiar tightness in his throat alerted him to his quickly dissipating ability to sound human. He had to forego saying something to soothe her, his voice that of a charging eighteen-wheeler or an angry dinosaur, and he certainly could not conjure a gift for her at this point to make up for whatever he had done.

  He could count on one hand the times he remembered being in this position. Most women simply looked at him with lust, but Anitra’s gaze belied simple lust, speaking of that elusive, priceless gift he had sought for centuries - hope. He just needed to wait, give her time to make her true wishes clear. After tonight, he would only have two more days on the surface, but he had already decided to spend as much of that short time with Anitra as he could.

  No theatrics necessary, he simply decided what they would have for dessert, and it appeared. He conjured fresh strawberries with cream, then sat down to wait as images of the things he wanted to do to her flashed through his mind, her desires intruding, melding with his own. Well, maybe there’s hope for the damned after all. Apparently, he had been wrong. Anitra wasn’t upset with him. She had some intriguing ideas about things she wanted to do to him as well.

  He turned and noticed Rumor still watching him, the dog’s head cocked to the side, ears on alert as if asking a question.

  “And what would you like to eat, Rumor?”

  Hunter’s ability to hear desires did not extend to animals, but he knew enough about canines to figure it out for himself. Conjuring a combination of steak and vegetables, he placed it in the refrigerator, aware that the dog would only accept the food from Anitra. He smiled as Rumor licked his lips and wagged the nub that stood for a tail. Somehow, the canine seemed to understand exactly what was happening.

  He glanced up to see Anitra watching him. Still wearing the dress, she winked her finger at Rumor, who went to her upon command. She uttered no words, but her smile told him everything he needed to know, not to mention the fact that her desires occupied an even more immediate place in her thoughts now.

  A jolt of something long forgotten struck him – happiness. He found himself doing something else he had not dared in a very long time – caring. Could this be it? Could Anitra be the one spoken of long ago? He sneered at himself. Foolish. Who am I to fulfill a prophecy? As usual, I will complete my mission and return to my chains. Still, he could not ignore the warm feeling in his chest whenever their eyes met.

  “I placed something in
the refrigerator for Rumor. You might want to taste it before you give it to him.” Hunter smiled.

  Anitra indulged him by broadening her smile, but her dark eyes remained somber.

  Hunter wanted to say something, but had no idea what had changed her mood so suddenly. Before he could attempt to assuage her sadness, disappointment, or whatever emotion he had unwittingly caused, she returned to her room. Rumor followed, obediently.

  Chapter Six

  Anitra busied herself by putting her new items away before returning to the sitting area to join Hunter. She was not sure how to take his reaction to her light kiss. In fact, he had not reacted at all, just pointed to the menu like he had no interest. No matter how rational she tried to be about it, his lack of reaction still hurt, dashing icy water on the heat she was sure they had shared earlier.

  Her phone chirped, alerting her to a text. She picked it up and read the message: “Yes, and remember, I am always right.”

  Anitra smiled and shook her head, relieved but still a bit nervous. She had texted Ms. Lillian from the boutique downstairs to confirm her gracious gift from "Heaven's Touch." At least she knew now that Hunter had agreed to the encounter, but it occurred to her that if he had not agreed to it he probably would not be there.

  Rumor appeared to be taken with Hunter, and since Rumor never liked anyone, she took it as confirmation. She had always been taught confirmation came in threes - in this case, her instincts, Ms. Lillian’s good reference, and now, Rumor’s acceptance.

  She just hoped Hunter was not disappointed after seeing her. His lack of interest when she kissed him felt like a slap to her already fragile self-esteem. She had always been comfortable with men in the past, but lately, not much had gone her way. She chided herself for being negative. He is still here, and that’s a start.

  Anitra patted the bed and Rumor hopped up, occupying his usual spot on one of the pillows. He relaxed, closing his eyes as if preparing for a nap. It had been a long, eventful day for him, too.

  Rumor taken care of, she laid out the pink satin and lace negligee with matching bikini panties, spritzed it with Donna Karan’s Cashmere and stepped into the shower. The warm water relieved her anxiety. She closed her eyes and lathered her entire body with Cashmere body wash, imagining Hunter’s hands sliding over her skin.

  She dropped her head forward to wash the back of her neck, adjusting the spray to massage her back as she rubbed her hands over her body. Just the thought of Hunter in the next room excited her. She circled her breasts and slid her hands down to lather her core, giving in to the temptation to slide her soapy finger inside and allow the warm water to flow over her clit.

  “Mmm.” The temptation to linger, vibrating her slippery index finger alternately against her labia and clit, was nearly overwhelming, but she reminded herself it would definitely be better to have the real Hunter than to stand in the shower imagining his touch. She moaned again, then stretched and allowed the warm water to rinse the body wash away.

  Her eyes popped open and she nearly fell backwards when a fully clothed Hunter slid the door open and reached into the shower stall as if summoned, catching her around the waist with one of his strong arms, then reaching up to shut off the water with his other hand. He smiled, his dark gaze moving from head to toe, his expression possessive. Oh, God! He knows!

  He held her still, his captivating gaze melting her from the inside out, then positioned his hands on each side of her waist. He slid his thumbs up and down her sides in a lazy rhythm, causing her legs to wobble and her knees to buckle before he wrapped his arms around her and lifted her from the shower as if she weighed absolutely nothing.

  “Dessert has arrived.” His deep, gravelly voice thrummed, throbbing inside her like dark wings fluttering against her already sensitized core.

  He snatched an oversized cotton towel from the towel bar and wrapped it around her shoulders to cut the chill, rubbing her back absently. Staring straight ahead, he carried her past her bed, making eye contact with a now alert Rumor, who held a surprisingly disinterested expression, and continued through the sitting area to his satin-covered king-sized bed. Once there, Hunter turned down the plush champagne-colored comforter, and placed her naked, wet bottom on a soft, zebra-print throw. She quickly realized the throw was specially designed to dry and warm her.

  Anitra closed her mouth and took a long, shaky breath. Her breathing had been shallow since Hunter interrupted her shower. He towered over her, his gaze traveling the length of her body, lingering in strategic areas. The depth of need in his expression seared her flesh.

  To her surprise, he slowly covered her with the comforter and reached for a covered silver dish on the side table before positioning himself beside her on the bed. “Lean back.”

  The timbre of his bass voice was even heavier, his accent more pronounced. Anitra wanted to ask more about where he was from, why his voice made her want to do whatever he said, but decided that could wait. She did as he said, leaning back against a bed rest and several soft pillows for support, her entire body covered from the chest down. Hunter smiled with that same predatory look in his gaze. “Close your eyes.”

  He covered her eyes with a soft piece of satin. Her body’s reaction surprised her when her heart rate increased and she felt her very bones melting under the onslaught of heat.

  “You’re a bossy one, aren’t you?” The purr in her voice was a surprise. She had never enjoyed being told what to do before, but desire rushed through her, more powerful with each order he gave, his sexy accent coiling around her.

  He laughed, a throaty chuckle, and butterflies joined the rush, sending jolts of pleasure straight to her clit. A moan escaped from the back of her throat. He barely touched her, and she was already turning to liquid, pliant.

  “Later, your wish will be my command. Right now, it’s my turn. Open your mouth.”

  She felt the heat from his body before he placed something on her tongue. A tart, juicy strawberry with tangy sauce hit her taste buds. The combination of sumptuous, perfectly ripe fruit and nerve jolting sweet sauce caused an instant reaction. She licked her lips, relaxing immediately. Feeling rejected by him, she had neglected to tell him what to order for her. “Mmm. How did you know I love strawberries? Delicious. It melts in my mouth.”

  Certain she heard his breath hitch, she leaned in his direction as she felt him shifting, the mattress moving under his weight.

  “It pleases me to know you like it. Taste this.” His voice sounded deeper, like gravel had settled in his throat as he slid something else into her mouth with a savory, nutty flavor, and that exotic accent made her light-headed. Roasted pecan. The moment she stopped chewing she felt his tongue sliding along her lower lip, the sensation zinging straight to her core, sizzling as it made a place to grow, spreading outward, her excitement building, nearly unbearable.

  She reached for him, attempting to draw him closer, but he clasped her wrist, reached for her other hand and held them together, her fists resting on his smooth, hairless chest. She touched his muscles with her fingers, his skin warm, velvety soft over coiled strength.

  “Let it simmer. We have the night.” Such a simple statement, but Anitra heard a wealth of genuine need within his words. One night. Loneliness? Dismissing her earlier fears and insecurities, she had never felt more desirable in her life, and his words alone made her want him more, desperate to feel him inside her, the heat from his body enticing, compelling her to move closer. She couldn’t wait to feel his weight on top of her, but his words also reminded her how little she knew about him. Why would such a perfect male specimen be lonely? He possessed the body of a god, and the hard lines of his face could easily grace priceless paintings.

  After several more bites of the savory entrée, she felt the smooth surface of a wine glass against her lower lip and tilted her head to take a sip, licking her lips again. Hunter touched her tongue with his own, leaning in to tease her further by running his tongue slowly along her upper and lower lips before covering h
er lips with his. Firm, nearly unyielding in his movement, he toyed with her, circling her tongue with his own as he splayed his large hand on her back for support.

  She whimpered, unable to help herself as she unfurled her fingers and caressed his hot skin. He felt like everything she had been missing, his taste interacting with the wine in gloriously heady ways, arousal filling her just as he started, hot and simmering. He said they had all night, but she wanted him inside her, his weight pressing her into the mattress right now, and very likely many more times before their one magical night was over.

  Hunter removed the comforter from her breasts and kissed each one, starting with her right breast, then her left, swirling his tongue around her taut peaks and drawing them into his mouth. She arched her back, unable to stop pressing her bottom into the mattress, seeking relief. Wave upon wave of pleasure rushed through her, emanating from her core and spiraling outward.

  A quick intake of air. “Hunter. Mmm.” She couldn’t use words anymore. The feelings he evoked embodied every erotic fantasy she had ever had, the anticipation heightening her arousal. She writhed and rolled her hips beneath the comforter when he uncovered the rest of her torso to her lower abdomen and dragged his tongue straight down the indentation leading to her belly button, circling it before he flicked his tongue in and out several times.

  The moment she ached to see him he uncovered her eyes and kissed her again, a crushing kiss of ownership as he removed the last of the comforter and covered her body with his. She found herself unable to remove the lusty fog from her mind long enough to notice that she never actually heard him undress. Suddenly, his clothes were simply gone, disappearing as if they were never there. She arched into him as he kissed her again and pulled away briefly to slide down her body, her soft curves giving way to his solid, heavy muscles.

  He parted her legs, running his palms along the baby soft flesh of her inner thighs before settling between them, his broad shoulders stretching her legs wide as he supported them with his forearms. Her lower belly quivered and she squirmed against him, unable to help herself.