Awakening (Promiscus Guardians Book 1)

by Brianna West

  I stood with him and asked, “What will we do until then?”

  We left the room, Lucas in the lead and my shorter legs doing their best to keep up with him at the rear. He slowed his pace and took his place beside me, gazing at me as he pondered his response.

  “I think you require sustenance,” he replied, “and then we shall go shopping.”

  “Shopping?” I nearly stumbled over my own feet.

  Did he have a thing for shopping? Why the hell would we need to shop?!

  Lucas stared at me as if I should have deduced his reasoning. Well, I didn't. I stared back at him, my lips drawn thin.

  He sighed before saying, “You did not pack anything other than what you currently wear. I doubt you would like to wear that for the rest of our trip.”

  I looked down at the clothing. “Why not? No biggie. I don't need anything else.”

  He was sighing again which caused me to frown with anger. “We need to appear as though we are tourists. I do not want our true identities to be discovered.”

  “By whom?” I questioned.

  “Robert Jones may not be the only underling in this city,” Lucas retorted with a serious gaze. “If our presence is discovered,” he added, “they may conclude who you really are. Since you have decided to involve yourself,” this was accompanied by a pointed glare. “It is increasingly imperative that your true identity remain hidden.”

  Okay, so he had thought this through, and I had not. The jerk was thorough.

  “Gotcha,” I replied simply.

  Well, at least I had nearly three grand in my bank account, so buying a few new outfits wasn't going to dent my savings.

  I followed Lucas to a nearby cafe, choosing a breakfast bagel instead of my usual donut and taking it to the far corner of the room so that Lucas and I could converse without prying ears. I felt out the essence in the room, feeling nothing more than subtle pulses from the people nearby. When I nodded that the coast was clear, Lucas pulled out his laptop and began to once more type.

  My thoughts strayed to the fact that Lucas never ate. Well, food that is. I wondered what drinking blood from a bag did to your taste buds.

  Was it similar to having a sandwich every day of your life? Was there a difference from taking it from a cold bag and taking it from the source? If it was anything like what I read in my books, I knew drinking it cold from a bag couldn't be that satisfying.

  I gorged myself on the bagel as I thought, noticing the sideways glances and smirks that Lucas was throwing me.

  “What?” I demanded after the fifth glance.

  Lucas regarded me, his lips turning up in a sexy smirk I nearly drooled at, and responded, “You seem to be enjoying your breakfast.”

  I glared in response and placed the small piece of bagel I had left back onto my plate. “What are you insinuating?”

  “Just that you have quite the healthy appetite,” Lucas responded with a shrug.

  Bastard.

  “Yeah, well, I was hungry,” I retorted lamely but decided to leave the last bit of my bagel.

  Lucas was chuckling as he said, “I only meant that it was refreshing to see a woman with a healthy appetite. I meant no insult by it.”

  Well, I was insulted and also no longer hungry. Instead of saying so, I turned away from him and huffed my annoyance before the sudden feeling of unease came over me. I looked towards the door, noticing the essence of the man who came through it to be equal to the lower demon I had encountered at “The Bar.”

  “Lucas,” I whispered. He glanced towards me and then towards the door where the stranger stood.

  Dark eyes, the color of chocolate, and auburn hair accompanied a handsome face. He was about five-foot-eleven with a build that was neither strong nor weak. While he was no Lucas, he had features that were definitely appealing. However, everything about him elicited a deep fear inside me. The way his eyes settled on me, raked over me with sudden interest, and his body movements similar to a snake in the brush as he made is way over to me had all given a feeling of something sinister.

  Lucas was stiff beside me as the stranger approached us.

  I looked up, catching him licking his lips before he was speaking in a deep Southern drawl, “Hello, little lady.”

  A cowboy? Seriously?

  “Hi,” I replied sheepishly, turning to give Lucas a knowing stare. A stare that said, 'don't say anything, I've got this.'

  “I don't believe I've seen you in this town before,” he said as he bent down towards me.

  It was as if he barely noticed Lucas by the way he spoke to me, moving towards me with every intention to seduce me into his arms.

  Sadly for this cowboy, I wasn't a girl he could seduce, but I would certainly play the part.

  His skin was sallow and unhealthy looking for someone who should be sun-kissed if his accent was really derived from the southern states. However, his appearance was hardly why I felt uneasy. His essence was dripping with evil intentions. I could feel it over me like a heavy coat of tar. He was full of greed and lust, but a bigger part of him harbored his sadism that leaked out like a poisonous gas and nearly had me gagging.

  “I'm just passing through,” I said with difficulty. I was fighting the urge to thrust his entire form away from me just to relieve myself of his disgusting presence. I could easily if not for the information I needed to gather from him. “I was on my way north.”

  “Ah,” he feigned interest, though I could feel his ulterior motive like it was scrolling across his forehead.

  Evil Cowboy offered me his best smile which would have any woman swooning at his feet, but it was only causing my stomach to clench at the insinuation of that smile; it promised my death, but just after hours, maybe even days, of torture.

  “And you are?” I asked with a returned smile.

  Lucas glanced towards me. He probably sensed my discomfort from the way his hand touched my thigh underneath the table and squeezed it in reassurance. I felt his soothing essence flowing through me, ridding me of some of the discomfort and disgust Evil Cowboy's was giving me.

  “Oh pardon me, little lady,” he said with a small bow, “I'm Jimmy.”

  He went to grab my hand, but I quickly placed them in my lap underneath the table. I would be damned if this Evil Cowboy Jimmy had his disgusting mouth on my hand. Also, I worried that he might be able to feel something with the contact much like the other demon had. I wasn't about to risk it.

  “Jimmy,” I said, forcing another sweet smile. “Do you live around here?”

  “Yes, I do,” he responded with a happy grin. He thought he had me. Well, good. “Just outside, in fact. If you have no one to show you around town,” he finally glanced over at Lucas who gave him a severe stare in return, “then I would be happy to be your escort.”

  “How kind of you, Jimmy. I might just take you up on your offer,” I replied sweetly as I took out my phone. “What's your address, and I'll come by later.”

  “Why don't I pick you up at your hotel room?” he offered.

  Shit.

  “I would much rather meet you at your home,” I said with a small sexy smile. I hoped it looked sexy, but I had never really been that great with flirting. “My brother here,” I gave a quick glance in Lucas' direction, “is planning to have company later, and so I will be free all evening.”

  My suggestive stare was well received, especially after disclosing that Lucas was my brother. Not that it seemed Evil Cowboy minded either way.

  “Let me put the address and my phone number into your phone then,” he said as he input the data.

  Hook, line, and sinker, I had him.

  Victory dances would have to wait as I took the phone back from him, being careful that he didn't touch me at any point, batted my eyelashes at him—the previous night's receptionist my muse—and offered him my sexiest grin.

  “I'll see you later, Jimmy.”

  And I'll bring my friends.

  He chuckled, low and full of promise. “Oh, yes you will, litt
le lady.”

  He moseyed off and out of the cafe, having purchased nothing to suggest that I was the only reason he had come inside.

  When he was well out of range, disappearing into the crowds outside, I turned towards Lucas. He had the smallest of grins on his face before he was returning my gaze.

  “You did well,” he admitted. “Though, I am not entirely elated that you had to use yourself as bait.”

  “Bait shmait,” I replied with a small grin of my own. I felt much better with his presence gone. “I got his address, and now we can go to his place, guns blazing!”

  “Pavel and I,” Lucas corrected, “will be the ones to go. You will remain in the hotel room until we have finished.”

  “No fair,” I replied angrily. I was the reason we even had somewhere to go. I'd be damned if I wasn't involved in the bringing down of the bastard myself. “I am going with or without your permission. I'm just as much a part of this as you two. Besides,” I said with a small smirk of delight, “I have the address.”

  I pocketed the phone in my cleavage—their use once more reminding me I was damn proud I was gifted with large breasts—and dared him with my eyes to steal it, literally, from my bosom. His eyes widened and then narrowed with distaste.

  “Should I be surprised you would resort to such methods to ensure your inclusion?” he asked rhetorically.

  I smiled with a bit too much fervor. “Nope!”

  Lucas shook his head with a deep, over-exaggerated sigh. “You will wait in the car,” he finally said after he stood from his chair, his taut jaw emphasizing that he was saying so unwillingly.

  Well, I didn't give a shit. I was just as much a part of this, and I wouldn't sit idly by in the hotel room or in the car while the big boys did all the work.

  “I'll be coming inside,” I declared shamelessly.

  “Izzy,” Lucas warned.

  I stood, placing my hands on my hips and lifting my chin defiantly. “I will be going inside, Lucas. If you think I'm going to sit by in the car and wait, you’ll have to think again. I realize that you big macho men can handle some low demon, but I am a part of this as well, so I will be involved.”

  His eyes portrayed to just what degree he found me difficult to deal with. It was also clear in the stiffness of his body that he was withholding his temper. I'm sure he was used to having his way, being a seven hundred year old vampire-angel, but I wasn't going to back down.

  I realized he was only doing what he could to protect me, but I didn't want his protection. I could protect myself. I was just as powerful as they were, just a little less experienced.

  “You are a very difficult woman,” he growled as he led us out of the cafe and towards the same clothing shop as last night.

  I smiled while replying, “I won't disagree with you, but I will tell you it's no use arguing with me. Nattie never wins, and she's as stubborn as they come.”

  Ironically, at that very moment, Nattie called me, and the giggles that resulted from the vibrating of my cleavage almost made me miss the call.

  Lucas watched as I dug out the phone and put it to my ear. Several of the onlookers gave me looks of amusement, but I was more concerned with getting my phone at an angle that allowed me to hear my friend, then what I might look like to the other people walking, which was probably like someone fondling themselves in public as I readjusted my top.

  “Hey, Nattie,” I greeted, following closely behind Lucas as we weaved through the crowd and entered the store.

  "Hey." She was pissed. I could tell from her clipped response.

  “Sorry I forgot to call you,” I apologized sheepishly.

  I heard her sigh before saying, “It's okay. You must be having loads of sex and be unable to have a long enough moment to call your very best friend in the whole world. I get it. I was just worried when I hadn't heard from you.”

  Well, damn.

  Guilt overtook me as I offered a smile despite her not being able to see it.

  “Loads of sex,” I offered with a laugh. Lucas' head jerked at this. I waved him away as I studied the clothes nearby with no particular interest. “I'm sorry, Nattie. I really did mean to call you, but...um, London is so amazing. I was momentarily stupid with its beauty. Can you ever forgive me?” I whined in my best puppy dog voice.

  “Fine!” she laughed as I whimpered again. “You know I can't stay mad at you. So how is it? I bet you barely notice with your British hunk. Is he good in bed?”

  I escaped a bit farther from Lucas, though I wasn't really sure how great his hearing would be with a crowded place like this. He seemed to understand my need for privacy because he sought to inspect clothing at the other end of the store.

  “Very good in bed,” I lied. Although, it was a partial truth from last night. It had been amazing to be in bed with him. “Dear Jesus, Nattie, the man has muscles that I didn't even know existed until I met him. I was pretty sure that I had a vast knowledge of the male physiology, but he's proven me wrong time and time again.”

  “You dirty girl,” she laughed and then whispered eagerly, “Does he tie you up, make you beg, and spank you? He definitely looks like a dirty boy.”

  Oh, if only.

  Lucas was far from a bad boy. I bet he would be a gentleman in the bedroom like he was in life. Though, I doubt that he would ever invite me.

  Sighing, I replied, “No, but that doesn't detract from how hot he makes me.”

  Total truth. He made me very hot and bothered, but it was an unresolved lust I had for him. It also seemed to be unrequited.

  “Well, anyway,” I said, getting back to the point, “I am out shopping with him, so I'll call you later when we get back to our hotel.”

  “Okay,” she replied, sadness apparent in her voice. She was probably lonely. Guilt once more struck me. “I'll talk to you later.”

  I ended the call, replacing the phone into my cleavage, just in case Lucas got any ideas. I went in search of him, finding him inspecting a low collar red top that would certainly extenuate my chest. I had to wonder if Lucas had a thing for breasts since everything he bought me, thus far, showed my ample bosom.

  It made me want to secretly grin at having found his weakness. Every man had one.

  “That's a nice top,” I said suggestively.

  Gazing back at me, he put the blouse back on the rack. “It would not suit you.”

  “Why not?” I asked innocently.

  Lucas seemed uncomfortable as he responded, “No reason in particular.”

  Liar.

  I decided to give him reprieve as I pulled a few tops of my liking and paired them with a few pants I had found, before taking to them to the fitting rooms to try them on.

  –

  We returned to the hotel room after our shopping escapade. Lucas quickly called Pavel to inform him of our now very busy evening. I settled myself onto the bed, flipping on the television to occupy myself while Lucas and Pavel spoke.

  I was surprised to hear Lucas speaking Russian and wondered if they were gossiping about me like old ladies. Very masculine and attractive old ladies.

  Lucas ended the call, finding his way over to me and sitting himself closely beside me. I acted as though I barely noticed, switching to a channel with one of those middle of the day soap operas. I blanched at the sight of the two main characters kissing. That would certainly set the mood. I shut it off and turned towards Lucas.

  “So what's the plan for tonight?” I asked eagerly.

  He watched me silently before he leaned forward, hand cradling the back of my neck, and placed his face mere inches from own. I was startled by the sudden closeness and tried quickly to distance myself, though it was to no avail. The bastard had a tight hold on me and wasn't budging.

  “Hey,” I started but was immediately interrupted.

  “Tonight will be dangerous,” he said, his hard gaze suddenly trapping me and effectively silencing me. “You will need to follow my every instruction without complaint, do you understand? I cannot be worried
about you. We need the information this demon has to give. It will require Pavel's full concentration, and your sincere compliance.”

  Wow, talk about buzz kill.

  I nodded, though it was begrudgingly done, especially because he used his manly charms against me. I was having a hard time slowing my heart rate and quickened pulse. I was just a breath away from his face that entire time! I thought he was going to kiss me, and when he didn't, I nearly shouted in disappointment.

  Lucas left me alone in the room, deciding there were a few things he had to do before our little interlude with Evil Cowboy. He didn't offer to have me join him, and I didn't offer to come, which suited me just fine. I needed a few minutes to myself to gather my thoughts.

  Throwing myself into preparations, I chose one of the slightly sexier blouses I had bought earlier and paired it with some black pants that rode low on my hips. A sliver of my waistline was exposed and gave the allure—I hoped—of the amorousness I wanted to portray.

  I was by no means dressing myself for Lucas.

  I did not consider him while putting on the blouse and checking to make sure it extenuated my chest. I also did not think of him while I put on my makeup, choosing a red lipstick to pair with my pale skin and deep red blouse. I certainly did not consider him as I let my hair down, its silky chocolate strands waving down over my shoulders.

  I left the bathroom thinking I was a bit sexier than when I had entered it. But not for Lucas of course.

  Sometimes a girl needed to be pretty.

  I pulled on a pair of pumps I had purchased earlier, vowing that I would not regret having worn them if they helped my ass appear smaller in the process.

  After standing, and tripping, and then standing again, I made my way over to the service phone and dialed for room service. It was about lunch time, and I would need all the energy I could get.

  A maid delivered the food, realizing midway that Lucas was not in the room by the small glance that she tried to conceal as mere curiosity. Poor girl looked slightly less eager to be delivering the food when she concluded that the hottie was no longer in the room.