by Beverly Rae
His knowing green eyes took her heart and clenched it in its unseen grip, tightening her chest. Dark flecks of an unknown color highlighted the jade, somehow deepening the shade while brightening the color. Laugh lines drew her away from his eyes, then showed the path to the full sensuous mouth below. A mouth she could easily imagine doing naughty and delightful things to her body. The manly mouth, however, was only the start of this alluring face. His jaw line, so strong, so set, captured her imagination, and she had to fist her hands to keep from running her palms along the dark stubble framing his face.
Another kind of yearning, one she’d never felt before, burst to life to run side by side with her primal instinct. She wanted him, more than ever. This need was different. Sexual, yes, but not in a predatory way. Instead, this need wanted more than just his life force. It wanted every part of him.
She blinked, moving back a few inches to take in all of him. Here was a man who knew what he wanted. Here was a man who wanted every ounce of joy he could squeeze out of life. Here was a man who could teach her everything she’d ever wanted to know. Here was a man she had to have. Not to take from him, but to give everything, her body and her heart to him.
He reached across her and she inhaled, suddenly too overwhelmed by his presence to think. Instead, she arched her back and his arm grazed the tips of her breasts. The slight touch was enough to set off a hurricane of lust that had her gripping the bar for support. Steve had turned her on, had drawn out the craving, but this was so much more. Holy hell, who was this guy?
Taking the beer from Marin, he cocked an eyebrow at her and offered her the cold bottle. “Is a bottle okay? Or would you prefer a chilled glass?”
Allie tried to speak, but nothing came to mind. Not even the simplest answer would form. In fact, she was almost afraid that if she said anything he wouldn’t speak again. And not to hear that wonderful voice would be more than she could bear. Instead, she took the drink from him, smiled as sexily as she could and took a sip.
The laugh lines crinkled together as a grin lightened his face. “I guess that means you don’t want a glass, huh?” He took another beer from the mixologist and pressed the bottle to his lips.
Oh, to be his lips at that moment! Allie’s mouth opened, then realizing what she was about to do, she abruptly closed it. Did she drool? Rolling her lips under, she lowered her gaze and prayed that she hadn’t. But who would’ve blamed her if she had? “No, a bottle’s fine.”
She inhaled his scent again, enjoying the unique aroma, and let the rush of lust sweep over her. Stronger than ever before, her succubus instincts kicked all her senses into overdrive, wiping reason from her. Power surged to every part of her and she raised her gaze to meet his, secure in the knowledge that he couldn’t, wouldn’t resist her charms. She lifted her hand, extending her index finger to touch him.
A jolt of energy swept over Tom Halloran as those mesmerizing cerulean eyes locked on to him. He’d found many women attractive before and, in fact, liked everything about women. Fat, thin, old, young—every girl he’d ever met had an allure all her own. Even so, he’d never found one who could make him think of settling down, much less one who could capture his heart. But the magnetism, the mystical charm this sex kitten of a woman possessed drew him in as no other had.
He frowned, simultaneously wary of her charms and unable to resist her. Her long golden hair flowed past her bare shoulders, shoulders of porcelain skin that led to the soft swell of her bosom cruelly hidden under a simple red halter top. He lingered on her breasts, thinking they were the perfect size for his hands, then abruptly jerked his attention away lest he reach out and fondle them. He met her gaze, his mouth suddenly dry. Her mouth, pursed in either petulance or in anticipation of a kiss, called to him, daring him to find out which it was. An oval face fooled him at first, making him think her naïve, yet he could sense an ageless wisdom hiding under the surface.
Then she touched him.
A spark leapt from her finger, lighting up the spot where her fingertip met his shirt. Heat flamed into him, diving downward to scorch his heart, then raced to blaze into his abdomen and between his legs. His shaft jerked to full extension, painfully pressing against the material of his slacks until he ached to shift his package for relief. But relief wouldn’t come so easily. He shuddered as though an ice-cold breeze had wafted over him, but that couldn’t have been further from the reality. He was caught in a vortex of heat, the need to seize her overwhelming him until he had to hold back the yearning to throw her on top of the counter and fuck her until she screamed his name.
“What the hell?”
Tom almost expected her to question his outburst but, instead, she merely gave him a smile that could own any man.
Her gaze melted him, torching him from the inside out and threatening to stoke the fire even hotter. Taking his hand in hers, she turned and led him toward the hallway leading to the restrooms. Tom had no choice but to follow her. Not that he would’ve chosen any other option.
She hurried down the dimly lit hallway. Tom, however, couldn’t wait another minute. Tugging her with him, he stepped into a dark corner and pressed her to the wall.
His mouth crushed against her full lips, his hands slid over her curves, his body pushed against her hot form. Yet no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t get close enough. Lying next to her wouldn’t be close enough for him. Only by getting inside her would he have a chance to quench his desire.
Feathering kisses along her soft shoulders, he ran his hand under her top, pushing the material aside to find the taut tip of her breast. Groaning, he rubbed his thumb over the pebbled bud and almost came when she sighed. This girl was more than he could ever have imagined, somehow claiming his body and mind with one sound.
Forgetting that someone might happen upon them at any moment, he lifted her and rejoiced when she wrapped her legs around his waist. Using the wall to hold her, he ran both hands under her top to fondle her breasts, kneading them, pinching at the hardened nipples. His mouth found hers again and this time he slowed down, leisurely tasting her exhilarating flavors.
Her hands gripped his shoulders, beckoning him to lower his head and take her sweet bud in his mouth. Licking, then nibbling, he pulled the tender flesh, suckling as though she held the elixir to life itself. He groaned again, unable to express his aching need for her in any other way.
Pulling her skirt higher, he cupped her bottom. He kept her bud in his mouth, then slipped his hand between their bodies, and when she rubbed her pantiless pussy against his crotch, he had to fight to keep from passing out. Instead, he pushed her pussy lips apart with his middle finger. She lifted her face to the ceiling, inhaled, then tightened her legs around him.
“Holy shit.” Tom pushed his finger deeper, going as far inside her as he could. Warm wetness enveloped him and his cock throbbed, demanding to replace his finger. His thumb found her already swollen clit and massaged it, working it, making it enlarge even more. She cried out and clutched his back, digging her nails into his shirt, into his skin. Finger-fucking her, he laid his head against her neck to savor her exotic smell. Soon, he would lick her juices from his finger, then plunge his shaft far inside her cave.
“Allison Tristan, no!” The woman’s voice was low yet full of command.
Although he heard the woman, he paid no attention to her. He didn’t care who saw them, he couldn’t let this mysterious sexy woman go. Instead, he boosted her higher and added another finger to her pussy.
“Allie, you have to stop right now.” A different woman spoke this time, but he ignored her too.
His golden-haired goddess, however, tensed, then stilled, her body going rigid. After a moment, shudders ripped through her and, although he tried to make her face him, she turned her head away and emitted a torturous moan. He couldn’t resist bellowing his dismay.
“Allie? Allie, please don’t stop. I have to have you. I want you so much.” But she wouldn’t let him keep her. Amazing him with her strength, she unlocked h
er legs, lowered them to the floor and pushed him away. Unable to fathom not having her, he held on to her arm and turned to challenge the intruders. “Go away.”
Two women confronted him. The one with black hair, the one with the take-charge attitude, glared at him. “Take your hands off our sister.”
Sister? Yes, he could see the resemblance. But that resemblance was only on the surface. Neither of these women possessed the vitality, the energy his woman did. And he wouldn’t let them take her away. Not until he’d had her. And maybe not even then.
“Allie, come away from him. Now.”
Allie pushed harder against his chest, but he could sense she didn’t want to leave.
“Allie’s a beautiful name.”
At last, she gave him a wonderful smile, a smile hinting at nights of pleasure. “Thank you.” Yet when she faced her sisters, her smile faded. “But I have to go.”
“No. I won’t let you.” He hadn’t meant to say it that way—demanding, as though she had no choice—but it was still what he wanted. Meeting her glistening blue eyes, he vowed he would have her. If not tonight, then soon. “Back off, ladies.”
“Look, big guy, I hate to spoil your fun, but when Hilly says it’s time to go, then it’s time to go. Allie, come on.”
Tom turned his head, ready to confront the redhead, but saw nothing but a fine blue mist. His words got lost somewhere between his brain and his mouth. Stunned both physically and mentally, he was powerless. Allie kissed him lightly on the cheek and gently leaned him against the wall for support. He groaned, this time in frustration, and watched helplessly as the two women led Allie down the hallway and out of his life. His arms felt as though they were encased in cement, making it impossible for him to reach out and bring her back.
Still he vowed, I’ll find her. Someway, somehow, I’ll find her.
“Welcome, guys.” Meg did a mean Vanna White impression, sweeping her arm around the living room.
Mitch and Jim sauntered in, glancing around just enough to be polite, then moved next to Meg and Hilly. Mitch snaked his arm around Meg and Jim did the same to Hilly. Hilly, however, spun out of Jim’s hold, then shoved Allie toward the man.
“Hilly, are you sure?” She pushed his arm away and wiggled out of his grasp as Hilly had done, staying close to her sister. The energy that had started with the other man, the one she still wanted, clung to her. She still needed to feed and, in fact, The Hunger was close. Maybe too close to control the next time. “I’m worried that things might get out of hand.”
Hilly shot him a quick glance and pulled Allie closer, then tipped her head and lowered her voice. “You wanted this and here’s your chance. Do what you need to do. Stick to the plan and the guys will be fine. Meg’s going to stay in the room so she’ll be close by. You know, in case you can’t stop. She’ll call me in if I’m needed. Trust me. We won’t let you hurt anyone.”
“Meg’s staying because of Mitch, not just for me.”
Hilly sighed. “True enough. That’s why we ended up with both men, but we’ll handle it. Besides, you know she wants to have fun, too. Especially since Mitch looks like a Greek god come to life. Don’t worry. I’m right in the other room.”
“I just don’t see why I couldn’t have stayed at the club with…you-know-who.” Allie matched her sister’s tone.
“We’ve already gone over this on the way home. I heard that you-know-who is a local. And that’s not what we wanted, remember? Besides, Jim’s a hunk. He’s handsome with a ripped body and, to top it off, he’s super nice. He’s exactly the type you wanted. So what’s wrong?”
“Nothing, but…” Allie ran her gaze up and down him, trying hard not to catch his eye. He was hot, that was for sure. And sexy as hell. At least she’d finally changed Hilly’s mind about looking for a wimp. Due in part to Jim’s and Mitch’s charm, of course. Once the men had Hilly laughing at their jokes, she’d known her sister would give in.
She glanced at the men again, a shiver of desire coursing through her. Who wouldn’t want to have sex with these hunks? They were the type of men women longed for: handsome, rugged, considerate, fun and intelligent. Meg caught her eye, her gaze brilliant and gleaming with eagerness.
The longing for Jim’s life force burst open, a physical force pushing her to do what would come so naturally. All she had to do was stop thinking about the man at the bar. After all, she’d just met him and, with her sisters nearby, she could do what had to be done in relative safety.
Still, after the connection she’d made with the mysterious man at the bar, having sex with Jim somehow felt…off.
Hilly had a right to be confused. Hell, Allie was confused. Before tonight she would’ve been all over Jim. What had changed other than meeting the man at the bar?
Hilly arched an eyebrow, shooting her a pointed look, then kept the ball rolling by offering everyone a drink. Meg held on to Mitch, pulling him with her to the couch. Hilly, always the perfect hostess, waved Jim toward the adjacent—and much smaller—loveseat along with Allie.
“No, sis, let me help you.” Allie struggled not to spill the drink on their guest, although she seriously considered the idea as a delaying tactic.
She wanted to return to the club. Not play waitress to these guys. Jim offered Allie his arm, then pulled her close to snuggle his body next to hers. His deep brown eyes met hers and she felt a tug of yearning that demanded fulfillment.
“You have the best eyes. You know that? The best.”
“Thanks.” Allie rewarded him with a soft smile, trying not to send out any pheromones to spur his attraction into higher gear. Yet she knew it was hopeless. The sappy expression on his face said as much. If only she could stop The Hunger, but it was already too late. She could almost see the flow of energy spread through her body working outward to find Jim’s essence. Instead, she tried to keep her face averted and glared at Meg. Yo, Meg! Pay attention.
Meg and Mitch, however, had their lips locked together. Their hands were everywhere on each others’ bodies and, if she hadn’t had to deal with Jim, Allie would’ve found the sight interesting, enticing. Lust, hard and hot, exploded. She clenched her teeth, turning away from her sister and Mitch. She had to keep her wits about her. “Hilly, would you like some help?”
“No, no. I’m fine. You just get to know Jim, okay?” Hilly peeked around the edge of the kitchen, then disappeared. “Go on, Allie. Do what you need to do.”
Hilly was right. This was what she’d waited for. A man she could drain—a little—for his life force with her big sister’s approval. So why was she hesitating?
An image of the man from the bar flashed in her mind, his green eyes twinkling in the light, his admiring looks diving deep inside her. She closed her eyes, remembering the way his tousled hair had felt as she’d run her fingers through it. She remembered how his hard body pushed against hers, spiraling a carnal ache to every nerve ending, and how he grabbed her in a way that had made her feel all woman. With him, she’d gotten a taste of what real lovemaking was like, and she craved more of it.
“Is everything okay, Allie?” Jim’s brows dived downward in concern. “I thought we were going to have some fun.” He leaned forward, giving her a sneak peek at the rock-hard chest under his shirt.
She glanced at Meg and her man, both of whom had their tops off. Meg was already spread out on the couch and trapped underneath Mitch’s body. Meg caught her looking at her, flicked her hand at Allie with a look that said, “Stop watching me and get on with it”, then wrapped her legs around him.
“Yeah, I’m fine.” Although her sister’s sexual escapade should embarrass her, Allie had to admit that she didn’t feel embarrassed at all. Was that part of being a succubus, too?
“And you still want to do this?”
Sheesh, but he was so nice. She bit her lip, trepidation for his safety making her rethink the plan. But what other choice did she have? “I guess.” Not really. Not with you. “Hilly?”
Hilly arrived to place the appetizers n
o one wanted on the coffee table and gritted out her words. “Allie, don’t be rude. Make Jim feel welcome in our home.” With a wide-eyed “do it” expression that mimicked Meg’s earlier one, along with a comforting squeeze of Allie’s arm, Hilly headed toward the kitchen.
Allie had to try one last time to get out of this. Telling Jim to wait, she hurried after her sister, grabbed Hilly and scurried into the kitchen. Hilly broke free and scowled.
“Will you stop acting this way, Allie? You need a man and here he is. So just get on with it, okay? And remember not to go too far.”
Allie wasn’t sure which angle might persuade her sister so she went with the easier one first. “No, it’s okay. In fact, I can wait.”
Any other time, Allie would’ve laughed at how fast Hilly’s jaw dropped. But not now. Not when she wanted so desperately to hide in her room. No, nix that. She wanted to get back to the club.
“What do you mean you can wait? Are you kidding me? After what happened with Steve? At the club?” Her oldest sister gaped at her, her expression incredulous. “Wait a second. Are you trying to get out of this so you can go meet that guy at the bar?”
She tried to hide the truth, but Hilly knew her too well.
“Oh, my word. You are.”
Allie wanted to deny the truth but couldn’t bring herself to lie.
“Allison Tristan, don’t you dare do this to me. To you.”
“I don’t know what you mean, Hilly. But, yes, I’d rather have the man at the bar.” Was it horrible that she didn’t even know his name? “I mean, Jim’s great, he’s sexy and a nice guy and everything, but I want the other guy.”
“Oh, my word, you don’t even know his name, do you?”
If Hilly’s eyes got any narrower, she’d have two slits in her head instead of eyes. “I don’t need to know his name, do I? I mean, he’s just, you know, sustenance.”
