Vulture’s Kiss

by E. M. Whittaker

  Shit went everywhere.

  A twelve pack of soda fell to the floor. The toaster joined it a few seconds later. His Rachel Ray knife collection almost poked Evelyn’s back, but he shoved it aside.

  He cupped her thigh, trailing his hand up her leg.

  She tugged at his shirt with a small moan.

  The counter creaked, then sank underneath their weight.

  Shit. This didn’t happen in porno movies.

  “Wow.” Evelyn trapped him in place with her powerful legs. “No one ever dropped me on a countertop before.”

  “This … this differs from Hector’s adult movies.” A perplexed look crossed his face. “I thought this would be easier to … you know.” He waved his hand. “Give your legs proper attention.”

  She giggled. “You’re kidding, right?”

  “They make it look—”

  “That’s why it’s called porn, sweetie.” Her foot pressed against his knee. “Hector must make you watch them all the time. You did fine a minute ago.”

  “There’s a bed upstairs, you know.”

  She scowled. “And?”

  He faltered.

  Not the right line to say.

  “How about this.” Evelyn pushed herself off the counter, then grabbed his long braid. “Stop listening to Hector. He’s single for a reason. No man should have a pride—no, harem—full of women at his beck and call.”

  He nodded, intoxicated by her sweet scent.

  Darius cackled with glee at his predicament.

  “Upstairs.” The word came out strangled. “Now. Before Hector pokes his head into the kitchen.”

  “Oh, you’re adorable.” She tugged on his braid, used it as a leash and guided him toward the door. “If he can’t figure out what those noises were, then he’s dumber than I thought.”

  For once, she was right.

  Any middle schooler could put the dots together.

  He followed her, giving Hector a sheepish look before following her up the stairs. One arm hovered around her waist in case she lost her balance again.

  The shifter chuckled, turning up the volume on the television.

  Damn him. He’d prove Hector wrong and keep his hands off Evelyn. Except this time. She dragged him out his kitchen by his hair and her seductive walk. How could he resist her advances? She begged him to follow her.

  He’d rock her world tonight.

  “Give me a private tour of your mansion.” Her voice dipped until it turned husky. “I’m sure we’ll find the perfect place to have fun.”

  Louis choked on his punny retort.

  She made her simple request difficult.

  He straightened his shirt, took her hand, and headed back downstairs. If they stayed upstairs, he’d lead her back to his bedroom. Rushing into sex wouldn’t benefit him. Besides, he could wait until most of the servants left. He could quell the rumors, but he’d make more work for himself that way.

  He’d behave.

  For now.

  * * *

  To his surprise, Louis kept himself occupied while escorting her around the mansion, donning his aristocratic persona.

  He told her the history of his haunted mansion, but her true personality shined whenever she talked to his staff. Unlike Marianne, Evelyn’s conversations weren’t forced or awkward. She didn’t berate his servants, either. No. She treated them with proper respect and dignity. At one point, she helped two of his staff carry some of his dirty laundry.

  His girlfriend treated them like people.

  What a relief. There wouldn’t be any strife and discord whenever he arrived home like in his previous marriage. People quit within days because of Marianne. Her impossible demands were ridiculous. So were her ungrateful children. They had no respect for the working class whatsoever.

  Within ten minutes, Evelyn helped the maids with his laundry and carried in his groceries.

  At first, he tried stopping her, but she waved him off, then chatted with the two maids. They exchanged recipes for chicken cordon bleu and chocolate mousse pie. For the first time in months, the Lacey twins responded with more than meek civil pleasantries.

  Those introverts never spoke to anyone.

  Once they finished, he took Evelyn back upstairs to his bedroom. He stayed behind her the entire time.

  She stumbled into his side.

  Darius grunted in disapproval.

  Louis scowled. What is it now?

  She’s pushing herself too hard. Help her relax.

  How?

  You moron. The vampire spit inside the floating void in his mind and rolled his eyes. I should give you some pointers. You’re lucky I can’t. I’ll scare Evie. You never introduced me to her.

  She’s still—

  Yeah, yeah. He brushed the businessman’s bangs out of his eyes. I’ll have her begging for sex in less than fifteen minutes. Watch.

  Darius. Louis pushed back against the lecherous vampire’s will. This is my relationship, not yours. You will not interfere.

  Technically, it’s ours, but whatever.

  What a busybody.

  Darius needed something else to do.

  “Here we are.” Louis escorted her inside the master bedroom. “Back where we started, I suppose.”

  “Thank God.” Evelyn pressed a hand against her temple. “I think the vertigo returned with a vengeance.”

  “That happens when you have a mild concussion.” He guided her toward the center of the bed, then sat beside her. “You’ll feel off-kilter for a few days.”

  “I’ll make Hector pay for this later.”

  “Make him pay now.” His finger traced her bottom lip. “Enjoy yourself while you’re here.”

  “Well … okay.” Her voice dropped a pitch, turning breathless toward the end. “There’s something I’ve wanted to do since I arrived here last night.”

  He pulled her close. “Oh?”

  “Yeah.” Her cheeks turned red. “It’s silly. I shouldn’t bother you with such trivial things. Perhaps the painkillers have clouded my judgement.”

  Louis leaned back against the headboard. “Try me.”

  Evelyn’s fingers trailed along his collarbone, then went lower. They stopped when they got to his belt buckle. She undid the leather belt and slid her hands along his waist.

  Well, this escalated quickly.

  The painkillers relaxed her, and they took away some of her earlier inhibitions. She didn’t obsess over his eyes or his vampiric powers. This woman knew what she wanted.

  Whatever. If she wanted this, then fine.

  He’d let her take charge for a little while.

  Evelyn moved, furrowing her eyebrows together. A little moan escaped her while she fumbled pushing his pants down.

  He guided her hands toward the middle, helping her pry open the top button.

  She leaned in for a kiss.

  Damn, she knew what she wanted. Those lips smashed against his, possessing him. She had heat. Fire. Dominance. Sex appeal.

  He’d make her relax more often.

  Her little hands slid down his hips, shoving his pants down until his cock sprung free. She trailed her fingers along its length, teasing him with each sensation. Could Evelyn be a switch instead of a total submissive?

  His cock twitched when she gripped him.

  He’d test his theory later.

  He pulled her closer, getting a handful of boob. Next time, he needed a dress he could slide his hands under.

  She pushed him down on the bed.

  Talk about sexy.

  Evelyn leaned over him with a wicked smirk, giving him another heavenly kiss. Then she parted his thighs, scooting in between them.

  Those naughty lips of hers wrapped around his dick.

  He twitched.

  Such a naughty girl.

  Blowjobs never got him off because his partners couldn’t handle his size, but her mouth seemed to adjust to him fine. Her teeth brushed against it, but he could give her a few pointers later … after she stopped trying to get
him off.

  She pressed her hands into his thighs, moaning with delight. Her eyes closed the longer she took him into her mouth. Pure bliss came to her face.

  Her body gave a rolling shudder.

  Oh yeah. Definitely submissive material right here. Dominants loved controlling every aspect of the relationship. Then again, she took control of this situation and lured him upstairs, dragging him by his braid.

  Oh, she would be a treat.

  She traced a finger along his inner thigh, suckling harder while she moaned.

  He grunted and gripped the bedsheets.

  She pulled back and suckled on his head.

  Holy shit. How deceiving. Her blood—despite its cherry blossom fragrance—smelled like a virgin's. Her conflicting personalities made this moment sweeter.

  No wonder Darius pushed for this.

  Louis grabbed a handful of her vibrant curly hair. The devilish bitch played a good game with foreplay. Any other night, he’d claim her for himself. Chain her up and tease her.

  Tonight, he couldn’t with her painkillers.

  Love wasn’t about raping someone.

  She shuddered again, taking him back into her mouth. This time, she gagged, but maintained control.

  It didn’t matter. The dhampir rode through waves of ecstasy, rising and falling in tune with her beautiful ministrations. For a virgin, she gave good head. Her tongue slithered in the right places and her mouth stayed moist through the process.

  She hesitated.

  Her mouth loosened.

  About time she got tired.

  “Evie.” Her name came out as a longing moan. “Relax your mouth, sweetie. Don’t leave me like this. Please.”

  Evelyn pulled back and gagged.

  “Relax.” His voice slurred. “This pleases you, right?”

  Her mouth opened a little more, and she stopped gagging.

  He thrust himself forward.

  She took him in and continued her sweet assault. Those lips became gentler the longer she suckled. If only she slipped out of her dress and wrapped those massive tits around him. Then he’d be in heaven.

  Her lips were a close second, though.

  Louis arched his back, groaning from the effort. Damn. He couldn’t stop himself. If he didn’t warn her, things would get messy.

  She chose that moment to deep-throat him.

  Too late.

  God gave him the most delightful sin.

  He fell limp, melding into his own pillows. “Unless you want a mess, you should stop, dear.”

  Evelyn pulled back a little but didn’t release him. Her tongue suckled, then licked his shaft. It continued down his length in a slow, sensual motion.

  A grunt escaped him as he fell apart to her ministrations.

  Definite submissive material right there.

  “After three days of dreaming about sex…” Her finger dragged across his jawline. “You’re right. I… I might like letting go occasionally. When I’m with you, I get adventurous.”

  He forced himself up and pulled her to his chest. “Oh?”

  She nodded.

  Then she rested her ear against his heart.

  “I think we’ve done enough exploring for tonight.” His words came out slow as she snuggled against him, so whatever. “You’re not bad at this, you know.”

  “I ate a lot of lollypops as a kid.”

  He choked on his laughter.

  Not the response he expected.

  “Still, you were right.” Her finger trailed along his collarbone. “There was something sexy about doing it. Freeing, actually.”

  “You’re a submissive. Or a switch. I haven’t decided which side you’re on yet.”

  She lifted her head. “What?”

  “You know? Someone who—”

  “I’m familiar with the terminology.” Her tone turned haughty. “And no. I’m neither one.”

  “I’ll prove it to you.” He held up a finger. “You enjoyed doing something for me, didn’t you?”

  Her entire face turned red.

  “It’s nothing to be ashamed of.” His hand caressed her face. “Honest.”

  “I wouldn’t make a good submissive. I’m bossy and authoritative.”

  “Those make the best kind.” His finger tapped her nose. “I find they enjoy being naughty and relish the punishments they’re given.”

  “Hey, now.” She poked him in the ribs. “I did nothing wrong.”

  Louis stroked her hair. “We’ll agree to disagree, dear.”

  “What happens now?”

  “Whatever you like.” As long as it involved more intimate time, he didn’t care what she did to him. “We can explore this if you like. We’ll keep it in the bedroom, though. That way, it won’t affect your work.”

  She nodded, keeping her face pressed against his chest.

  What a shy little submissive you found.

  Aw. Darius was jealous.

  He pulled the blanket over them and held her, rubbing her back until she snored. One hand reached for the remote and Casablanca came on the screen.

  How appropriate. A movie about true love.

  Louis chuckled, making himself comfortable.

  Next time, he’d show her how a true submissive should be.

  11

  A few hours later, Evelyn’s head rested against Louis’s chest.

  His powerful arms held her close while he snorted in his sleep. He stirred, dropped one arm, and draped the other one over her stomach. An episode of Brooklyn Nine-Nine played in the background—the one where the main character pretended to break into a building James Bond style. The episode was a rerun.

  At least she didn’t miss much on late night television.

  Still, their take on an action movie always entertained her, but she couldn’t focus on the duo’s hilarious antics. She had a bigger problem on her hands. While her mysterious vampire enchanted her—and frightened her at the same time—she had to decide.

  Could she stand dating another vampire again?

  Her heart said yes. Louis didn’t act like a typical vampire. The man craved human comforts rather than undead ones. Add his weird background—well, normal for Native Americans, she guessed—and she had more of a human specimen than a paranormal one.

  Not one story he told was about his vampire heritage.

  The man respected family.

  Like her.

  Their conversations flipped at every turn, going from talking about Indian reservations to becoming something more inside the bedroom. Sure, she explored dominants and submissives, but she didn’t fit the criteria. They were doormats. People who needed their lover’s approval and praise to get them through any situation.

  Evelyn never craved another man’s approval.

  She thought giving into her desires would get rid of her trippy dreams, but her fantasies took a strange turn. They stayed romantic but carried that Christian Grey vibe everyone wanted from Edward in Twilight.

  No. Thinking about this wouldn’t help her.

  She had his offer to consider.

  Her rule of no business discussions during intimate time faded when it triggered the hamster wheel effect in her head. Giving up Vixens for this relationship was tempting—tantalizing even—but she didn’t know who had the cajones to manage her business other than Jem.

  She added look for potential interviewees to her impossible to-do list.

  Evelyn had no choice. Joe wouldn’t approve. In fact, he detested Jem’s part-time status, and she only worked Thursday through Saturday night. A full-time promotion would cause martial problems between them. She didn’t want that. He’d become the big, bad wolf.

  He’d rip the door off the hinges when he visited her apartment.

  She had to rely on someone else.

  Her biggest issue with her current candidates came down to trust. Alexia betrayed her. The other girls bickered and fought amongst themselves over everything. They would get competitive over a leadership position. In a building full of shifters,
it’d turn into a battle royale.

  Then it would turn bloody.

  She understood Louis’s request, though. He had his reputation as an aristocrat to consider. Those rich folks had standards. They would oust him the moment they found out she ran a professional escort service. Then they would pressure the devious businessman to end their relationship. He’d enjoy the challenge, but he’d miss the point.

  Why would Eisen ask her to change her business model?

  Then it hit her. Her classy escorts would become an asset for information gathering.

  Not a bad business model.

  Eisen’s idea proved advantageous. It would free Evelyn from her other obligations. Of course, the sly investor would have her to herself. She seemed decent enough. Well, barring her weird powers. Her power of emotional manipulation—at calming her at a moment’s notice—was dangerous. Too dangerous.

  One wrong word and she would be under her control. She’d blackmail her.

  She slipped out of Louis’s warm arms and snuck downstairs. She’d escape while everyone slept. Even vampires and shifters slept at night. Louis snored, oblivious to the world around him. He’d stirred when she slipped out of bed, but she couldn’t stay the night.

  They hadn’t even been on their first date yet.

  Evelyn tiptoed downstairs, then withheld a curse at the familiar shifter camping out in the living room. Hector read an issue of the Harvard Business Review while watching Comedy Central.

  Goddammit. She’d never get past him.

  How would she make it past Lion-O?

  Shifters sensed when people snuck past them with their acute sense of smell. Maybe she could find some horrible cologne and throw him off her trail.

  He lowered the volume on the television.

  Shoot.

  There went her grand escape plan.

  “You can come out.” Hector lowered his polka dotted reading glasses. “It’s customary to say hello when seeing someone.”

  Evelyn crossed her arms. “Maybe you should be the bloody vampire.”

  “Perhaps we hit a rough patch.” The laughter lines on his face grew more prominent when he frowned. “I shouldn’t have sucker punched you. I have a hard time controlling my shifter side when I’m angry.”