by Ann Cory
“I told you I’d sent her away. You couldn’t stand not seeing her again. I always hoped she’d bring you back to me, and here you are. Isn’t science beautiful?”
“Sick bastard,” Mercedes muttered. “I’ll have you know that when I met Nox he was on his way here already. It had nothing to do with me.”
Bodwell smiled with his signature smugness. “I bet it appeared that way, though I’d wager he didn’t plan to come after me until he saw you.”
Mercedes looked over at him. “Is that true?”
Nox blinked. What the hell? The asshole was playing with their heads. He was on his way to Astoria before Mercedes offered him a ride. Wasn’t he? His pulse thundered as he stretched his mind. The more he tried to pick his brain the less certain he was.
No, he couldn’t remember when the idea came to him, but he refused to give Bodwell the satisfaction. “Mercedes, he’s messing with us. He wants us to turn on each other. Create doubt where there isn’t any. Don’t fall for it.”
“You don’t really think she cares for you, do you?” Bodwell chided. “Her emotions aren’t real. They’re a result of the introduction of chemicals and drugs over an extended period of time. The lust alone is impulse-driven. Drained of all the substances she wouldn’t care for you at all.”
“Bullshit,” Mercedes sputtered. “You can go to hell.”
“How am I the bad guy here? I’m responsible for bringing you two together. I’m a saint.”
Mercedes approached the doctor.
“Move away,” Nox shouted, his muscles tense.
“He won’t hurt me,” she returned and stood her ground. “I want to know. Can you cure him so that he’ll never become a beast again?”
Bodwell smiled. “Yes, but I won’t. He isn’t worth the risk. The best thing to do is to put him out of his misery. And thereby, end yours.”
Her brow arced. “How is it for the best?”
The doctor spread his hands. “At some point your passion will fade and he’ll attack you while in his beast form. If for some reason I’m wrong about that, there’s still the chance you’ll wake up in his arms and he’ll be a complete stranger. With all the drugs pumped into you, the memory lapses will worsen. In short, one way or another, you’ll destroy each other. Why put yourselves through all that? I promise you, lust isn’t worth it.”
“Well love is,” Mercedes quipped, and snatched the needle from the doctor’s grip.
Concerned for her safety, Nox couldn’t hold back his rage. His body began to change.
“You’ll want to go easy with that sweetheart,” Bodwell cautioned. “It’s loaded with a highly concentrated substance. I realize you’ve forgotten, but all it takes is for me to say a sequence of words and you’ll do whatever I tell you. And I’ll tell you to kill him.”
In his beast form, Nox pitched forward and pinned the doctor to the wall, his massive elbow lodged against his throat. “I’ll crush your windpipe first.”
Nox reached his hand out to Mercedes. “Give me the needle, beautiful.”
“No,” she snapped. “I’m through being someone’s puppet.”
“It isn’t within you to hurt anyone. I will do it.”
The doctor strained against him and then chuckled. “Mercedes…”
She faced him, hands on her hips. “What?”
“Don’t listen to him,” he urged. “He’s taunting you.”
“The beast loves another,” the doctor finished.
Nox pressed his elbow even harder into the doc’s neck until he started to choke. “I told you to shut the hell up.”
Mercedes strode up beside him, her eyes cold and dark. Bodwell’s words had turned her against him.
“What did you say to her you sick bastard?”
The doctor smiled despite his lack of air.
“Let him go, Nox.” She raised the needle, holding it like a dagger.
“Baby, don’t. You’re above his control. Whatever he told you doesn’t mean you have to follow through. You don’t take orders from anyone.”
“Shut up,” she hissed. “Let him go or I’ll stick this needle in me, and my death will be on your hands.”
Nox held his breath. There was something in her eyes that made him believe she’d do it. He recalled a memory, years ago, when she stood before him. She’d said the same thing to him and he’d complied, not wanting to risk losing her. They had been together. He’d loved her even then.
“I’ll do this for you,” he said and released the doctor. With all his strength, he forced himself to change back to his human form, knowing it would weaken him, but hoping it would make a difference in her eyes.
“It’s me, beautiful. You know me. We’re good together, remember? Don’t do this.”
She turned her attention away from him and to the doctor slumped on the floor, his hand massaging his neck. “What should I do?”
“Kill him. You don’t need him. He’ll always be a beast. I’m the only one who can take care of you the way you need.” He got to his feet and held out his arms. “I can love you the way you want.”
Nox paled at the sight of her body pressed against Bodwell’s as she moved into his arms. Much as he wanted to rip the doctor’s head off, he worried Mercedes would be caught in the middle.
“Now my darling,” the doctor started. “I can see you’re hesitant, and that’s okay. Let me have the needle.”
She nodded. “Anything for you.”
Stunned, Nox watched Mercedes move slightly back from the door, bring one arm forward in a swift motion and drive the needle into Bodwell’s body.
The doctor fell back against the wall, eyes wide and horror-struck.
Mercedes moved away and gripped Nox. Bodwell clutched his stomach and sank to the ground, his breath labored. When the doctor lay motionless, he couldn’t help but smile. Good riddance.
Mercedes loosened her grip from him and swayed.
He caught her before she hit the ground and held her tight against him.
Nox buried his face in the silken strands of her hair. She smelled and felt like all the things he used to love. Sunsets and clean mountain air and camping trips. Back when he lived, back before all the madness.
“It’s going to be okay,” he soothed. “You’re safe now. I’ll always keep you safe.”
With Mercedes tucked in his arms, he hurried through the tunnels. He needed to get her out of there. She’d been incredibly brave and he couldn’t wait to pamper her, lavish her, and of course ravish her.
They were near the exit when several beastlike creatures stalked toward him, barring his way. He’d had enough of the hunt. “It’s over,” he said in a sharp tone. “Dr. Bodwell is dead. You’re not under anyone’s control anymore. And neither am I.”
The creatures moved out of his way and he carried her to the car. Nox set her down carefully in the passenger seat and buckled her in.
“I’m going to take care of you,” he soothed. “I promise.”
Chapter Seven
Nox glanced around the suite from his position in the most comfortable bed he’d ever encountered. It was made even better by the beauty lying beside him. Finally, he’d know what it was like to fall asleep with her in his arms, and wake up to the sound of her gentle breathing.
Mercedes opened her baby blues and smiled at him.
He clasped her hand and gave it a tender squeeze. “Hi, beautiful.”
“Hi,” she replied sleepily and glanced around. “Where are we?”
“In a five-star hotel. I thought it was time we slept in an actual bed for a change.”
“Good choice.” Her brows furrowed. “How did I get here? I flaked on you, didn’t I?”
Nox chuckled. “Not at all. What do you remember?”
She bit her lip. “I remember freeing you from the chains and you were carrying me. After that it’s fuzzy.”
He nodded. “I’ll be happy to fill in the blanks another time. For now, I just want you to relax. I think you overexerted yourself.”
Her eyes lit up. “You mean he gave you the cure?”
“No. I wish. But maybe in time I’ll find one. Someone has to know something.”
Again, her brows furrowed. “What if I have another memory lapse and forget who you are?”
“It’s not going to happen.”
“Do you know for certain, or are you trying to make me feel better?”
He gathered her up in his arms. “I’ll be right here to help you remember. You said your memory is sharper around me, so maybe that’s all you need. I know that around you I’m better able to control my beastly urges.”
“Gosh, I hope not,” she said and flashed a wicked grin. “I kind of like it when you become a beast. It turns me on.”
“Okay, now I know you’re feeling better.”
“Are you kidding? My body is so hot for you right now. I could probably be in a full body cast and not a feel an ounce of pain. Your touch is magic. It ignites me.”
Her suggestive demeanor made his cock painfully hard beneath the sheets.
“We can always pretend you’re in a cast.”
“Excuse me?”
Nox smoothed his knuckle against her chin.
“What I mean is, you can lie still and I’ll take good care of you.”
He pulled back the satin sheets and eyed her sinful body. “You deserve nothing less than to be pleasured to the fullest extent. I swear you’ll never be left wanting. Though you might want more.”
Her breath hitched at the scintillating thought he proposed. “That’s a heavy promise. I hope you can back it up.”
“I intend to. I hope you can handle it.”
Mercedes shivered at the possessiveness in his eyes. She didn’t doubt he’d keep to his word.
His gaze drifted along her body and rested at the apex between her thighs. To further his arousal she spread her thighs. The subtle twitch of his lips let her know she’d succeeded.
Nox took her hand and brought it to his cock. The hot flesh sizzled against her palm and made her pussy clench.
“When we’re through, you’ll beg to have this heat inside you all the time.”
Mercedes gasped. The image alone made her wet.
His hand slipped between her thighs and cupped her moist sex. In return, she tightened her grip on his cock and stroked.
He leaned forward with his mouth along her ear and whispered, “Not yet.”
She trembled at the way his voice sent tiny quakes throughout her body. Nox clasped her hands and placed them above her head. Weakened by his words she had no choice but to comply.
“You’re a vision,” he stated. His heavy-lidded stare elicited a tiny spasm in her belly.
Exposed and vulnerable, she awaited his next move.
He climbed over to rest his body on top of hers. The muscles in his forearms flexed and braided until her mouth watered. His erection pressed against her belly. She resisted the temptation to shout “fuck me” right then, though she wanted to. Her thoughts returned to his earlier words about his heat inside her and she trembled.
“I see in your eyes you want me to rush.” He spoke in a low tone.
She nodded, afraid to say a word.
“Sorry to disappoint, but I’m going to take my time tasting every inch of your sweet body. The more you want me to hurry, the more I’ll take my time.”
Mercedes silently cursed him. His eyes smoldered as he drank her in. She bit her lip with impatience, wondering where he’d touch.
He brought his head down and pressed his cheek to hers. “You smell exquisite.”
She inhaled and let his scent infuse her senses in turn.
He turned his face and poised his mouth over hers. The seductive green orbs of his eyes beckoned to her. They promised her that every hot fantasy she ever dreamed would come to fruition. She saw a fiery passion within them, a passion reserved for her alone. Nox was her man, and he was all hers.
“Kiss me,” she whispered.
“With pleasure,” he answered and claimed her lips.
His electric touch seared her flesh. Mercedes opened her mouth and welcomed the presence of his tongue. He tasted like a blend of dark spices. She wanted to stay in the moment long enough to identify each one. He explored her mouth further. Tongue against tongue. His breath blew hot like a desert wind. She gulped it down, wanting his essence and everything else about him inside her.
His mouth broke away long enough for her to catch her breath before he claimed her lips again. The kisses deepened and grew forceful. He rested his palms along her cheeks and took her mouth, again and again, until her head spun.
Nox withdrew his lips and moved down her body a couple inches. He gaped at her breasts with feral eyes.
“Lick them,” she begged and arched her back.
“You’re mine,” he said, his voice deep and predatory.
Mercedes squeaked out a “yes” and sighed as he wrapped his mouth around a nipple. His other hand caressed and massaged her breast while he suckled. Pleasure streamed through her. He brought the one nipple to a full peak and then provoked the other with similar results. She moaned and sighed against his relentless mouth. Her body buzzed while her mind escaped into an unknown oblivion.
“Nox,” she whispered.
He cupped her breasts and licked her nipples, swirling his tongue around their puckered peaks. Teased them into submission until they were raised and pebble hard. Then he blew gently. Mercedes mewled.
Nox smiled and scattered kisses between her breasts, down her ribcage, her waist and all around her bellybutton. The ends of his hair brushed along her skin, sending thrills to all her nerve-endings.
His mouth lingered around the soft curve of her belly and made a slow descent to her tapered mound. “My favorite part,” he growled and parted her folds with a long, slow lick.
“Mm, feels good,” she murmured and swiveled her hips against his mouth.
“There’s more to come.”
She loved the way he said more.
His fingers splayed her pussy wide and he dragged his tongue slow and deep. Her body jerked with a mind of its own. He tethered her clit with featherlike strokes and watched her, his eyes dark and intense. Mercedes looked on, breath held, waiting for what he’d do next.
In answer, he pressed two fingers inside her wetness. He groaned and laved his tongue along her clit. She rested her head back against the pillow and watched him. Watched his head buried between her thighs. Noted his fingers pulsing in and out of her pussy. Observed the way his arm muscles bunched. She watched as if removed from herself. Unable to believe that all the pleasure was meant for her.
Nox pulsed his fingers between her folds until she couldn’t hold back. One wave after another burst through her. Her body more alive than she’d ever known it to be. Desperate for more of his touch, she pulled his face up to her and tasted her cream on his lips.
“I plan to love you like this every day and night,” he declared and lay down next to her, his cock nestled snug along the cleft of her ass.
“Then I’m glad I stopped for you.”
She hooked her leg over his and tilted her pelvis. Nox eased his cock inside her and pulled her in close. They moved together, their bodies pressed tightly together. His hand slid up to her breast and pinched her nipple between his fingers.
Mercedes moaned. “More.”
He thrust into her with a relentless speed. She loved the feel of his warm breath along her upper back and shoulder. The sound of his grunts as he fought for control.
He reached down and circled his thumb around her clit. Slow, then fast. Soft, then rough while he thrust his cock deep. Each stroke deeper than the one before. An orgasm loomed in the depths of her belly and insisted to be freed.
“Faster,” she demanded.
“Fuck me faster.”
“Are. You. Close?” He asked in a strained rasp.
Mercedes groaned. She was so close she could hardly see straight.
He toggled her clit swiftly between his fingers and that was all she needed.
The dam broke loose and a torrent of moans escaped her lips in quick succession. Powerful spasms assaulted her one after another. Behind her she listened to Nox unleash a throaty roar, his thrusts slowing as his heat spread inside her.
He thrust one final time and withdrew. Ever so lightly, he dusted her shoulder with moist kisses.
Pleasure ebbed through every pore. Her body felt light. Sated. Beautiful. She couldn’t help but smile.
“You’re an amazing man,” she sighed. “I love every single thing about you.”
“The feeling’s mutual, beautiful.”
“A small part of me would be satisfied if we stayed right here in this bed forever, but there are so many things I want to do and share with you.”
“Just so you know, I plan to fill your days. I want you to look back one day at a life full of good memories.”
Mercedes let out a contented sigh. “I’m not afraid of my memory lapses with you around. I don’t think I could forget you if I tried.”
“Especially since you wrote all about the night you met me in your journal.”
She thought that an odd thing for him to say, and then her gaze fell to the bedside table with her journal lying on top of it. She hoisted up to her knees and gave him a heated stare. “Did you read what I wrote?”
“Of course not. You said it was private.”
She didn’t believe him for a second. “Yes you did, admit it.”
“I swear I didn’t read it. But you didn’t say anything about writing in it.”
“Nox.”
He beamed, proud of himself.
“What did you write? Tell me.”
“I’m afraid that’s private.”
Mercedes straddled him. “Tell me or I’m going to find out if you’re ticklish or not.”
“You don’t fight fair,” he said and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I wrote that I love you and will forever belong to you. And I signed it Beauty’s Beast.”
