He stalks up to me, and I feel like a deer facing down a panther. I know I’m the prey, but in a good way. When he’s a foot from me, his hand comes up to smooth over my hair. He grips it into a ponytail at the base of my neck to tilt my head back, and I know I’m a goner.
His lips meet mine. It’s not a bruising kiss, but that hardly means it’s chaste. I can feel the passion in it right down to my bones. He breaks away and stares into my eyes. “Elysabeth, you must know I want you.”
I whimper. I want him too, but am I ready to go there? I don’t know! He leads me to deeper water, so that I can barely keep my head up. He pulls me to him and continues further in until the water reaches his chin. I’d be treading water if it wasn’t for the fact that he holds me up.
He reaches down and pulls one of my legs up around him. Getting the hint, I wrap my other leg around him and my arms around his neck, so that he’s holding me. His hands roam over my back as he gives me another kiss. It’s slightly hesitant, like a question, but as I tighten my embrace, he lets go, claiming me with a bruising kiss.
My hands roam his chest and find his piercings. “These are really sexy on you.” I flick one lightly with my finger and he moans.
“By all means, show your appreciation.” I play with one, learning it, as his hands roam my sides. I grind against him, trying to relieve the ache that’s developing. His hands clench my butt, then slide forward, to my center. He rubs me through my swimsuit bottoms, and I can’t stop the moan that escapes me. “Do you like that, Chérie?”
I nod, unable to speak. My entire focus is on his talented fingers. I get a reality check, though, when his fingers slide beneath the material of my swimsuit. Whoa, am I ready to go there? My eyes fly open, startled. “Damien?”
“Elysabeth, please, let me make love to you.” His voice is right in my ear, his lips touching me.
But this isn’t what I want, definitely not here, in the water! “No, Damien, let me down.”
“Elysabeth, please.”
“Damien!” My voice comes out panicky, despite my absolute belief that Damien would never push me to something I don’t want to do.
“Of course, Chérie.” His hand withdraws, his arms settling around my waist. “We will wait until you are ready.”
“I just . . . I can’t . . . not here.”
He captures my lips again. “Of course, Chérie, you deserve so much better, forgive me,” he answers, sounding embarrassed.
I lean my head against his. “Maybe we should go dry off.”
“As you wish.” I can hear the disappointment in his voice, but he walks forward with me until I can easily reach the sand. He sets me down and runs to get the towels. By the time I’ve battled my way through the water to the shore, he’s returned and is holding a towel out to me.
“Thanks.”
I wrap the towel around me for a moment, before actually drying off. I don’t really feel all that cold, which is good. Once I’m mostly dry, I start walking to the tables.
“Elysabeth, come join me.” I turn to see Damien laying out a large towel, or maybe a blanket. I hesitate, unsure if this is an attempt to seduce me.
Join him.
Okay, my intuition has never led me astray before. I walk over to him and sit at the edge of what I find out is a blanket.
“Chérie, I will not push you to anything you do not feel comfortable doing. I simply wish to relax beneath the stars.” I nod and lay down next to him. My nervousness is obviously showing, as he sighs, and sits up to look down at me.
“Elysabeth, I wish to watch the stars with you. I swear to you I expect nothing more. I apologize for pushing you too far earlier. If you wish, I will take you home.”
I feel angry with myself for feeling nervous. I know he won’t try to take advantage of me. “No, I don’t want to go home, and you don’t need to apologize any more. You stopped when I asked you to, and before that, I was definitely an eager participant.”
“Then, will you watch the stars with me?” he asks hesitantly.
I take a deep breath. “Yeah. I’d like that.” He lies back down, and I curl up against his side with my head on his shoulder. I’m surprised that, despite how muscular he is, he’s rather comfortable.
The longer we lay there, staring up at the sky, the drowsier I get. I’m really comfortable, and the air is about skin temperature, making it perfect for rest.
“Elysabeth. Elysabeth, wake up.”
I sit up quickly, jerked out of sleep. “Huh?”
“You fell asleep. Perhaps it is best that I take you home.”
I yawn. “Yeah, probably. I was just so comfortable. What time is it?”
“Nearly eleven.” We gather up our things and head back up the stairs to his car. We get to my house quickly, and he walks me to the door.
“Thanks for an excellent night. That was magical.”
“You are most welcome, Chérie. I am pleased you enjoyed yourself. Have a good night.” He pulls me to him for an electrifying good night kiss, which leaves me wondering if I made the right decision at the beach.
I decide to take a shower before bed to rinse the salt out of my hair. The water is relaxing and makes me think of my time with Damien this evening. Blushing, I rinse off and towel dry.
Even the towel makes me think of our time at the beach. I sigh, knowing that my decision is going to plague me for a while. I’m still not sure if I made the right choice.
Ultimately, though, I did. I do not want to lose my virginity at the beach, in the water. But I do want to have sex with him. I just want it to be special. That’s not too much to ask, is it?
Then again, if tonight was any indication, he most certainly knows what he’s doing, and I’m sure that right there can make it special.
I lay in bed, thinking about the sensations and the connection we shared, and wonder when I’ll be ready to take that final step. I slowly drift off to sleep, imagining what it would be like.
***
I wake to the sound of something hitting my window. I sit up and look at my clock. It’s one. Something against my window again. It almost sounds like pebbles.
I get out of bed and pull my robe on, tying the belt around my waist as I walk to the curtains. I pull back one side and look out the window, just as another shower hits it. I gasp and jump back.
What’s launching pebbles at my window? It never even occurs to me it might be a person, but when I peer out the window again, Damien is standing beneath it, smiling up at me. I’m baffled. What’s he doing here? I have to find out. I pull open the window and step out onto the balcony.
“What are you doing here?” I hiss at him. “It’s one in the morning! Normal people are sleeping. And what’s with the helmet?” He stares up at me with a mischievous smile.
“I could not stay away, ma chère. You’ve filled my thoughts since I left you earlier this evening. And this?” He lifts his helmet. “I rode my motorcycle. Now, Elysabeth, may I come up and join you?”
I pause for a moment. A motorcycle, really? Could he be any more perfect? Well, he could be a vam—Nope. Now is not the time for that. Back to the motorcycle. I’ve always thought motorcycles are hot.
“You have a motorcycle? Why didn’t you ever show me?” He gives me an exasperated look.
“Yes, Chérie, I have a motorcycle. Now, please, let me join you.” Should I let him come up? He’s giving me such a sorrowful look. God knows I want to let him up. The voice sounds in my head again, the strongest I’ve yet heard it.
Invite him in, it’s what you want.
Despite very slight reservations, it’s true, so I give in.
“All right, you can come up, on one condition.”
“Anything to be with you, Chérie,” he replies earnestly.
I smile. “You have to give me a ride later.” I catch the wicked tilt of his grin and correct myself. “On your motorcycle!”
“Agreed! I will love to have you. You will have to hold on to me.”
I laugh. “Can you c
limb up? If not, I can—” Before I’ve finished speaking, he’s climbing over the balcony railings and enveloping me in a hug. My amazement is forgotten as I melt against him. I never feel better than when he’s holding me. A gust of wind blows and I shiver.
“Come, Chérie, you need to be inside. You are cold.” He gently ushers me inside my room and closes the door. “Shall I close the curtains, or leave them open so that you can see the splendor of the night?”
I glance over at him. “Close them. I don’t like leaving them open at night.” I turn away from him to get pajamas to change into. I manage to find a set at the bottom of one of my drawers. I can’t even remember when I’d bought them. Shows how often I wear pjs.
“Make yourself comfortable. I’m gonna change really quick.” I toss him a smile and turn to the bathroom. Damien steps in front of me and puts his hands on my shoulders.
“Entirely unnecessary, Elysabeth. I prefer you like this.” He gently tugs the clothes out of my hand and lets them fall to the floor as he rubs my cheek with the back of his hand. I close my eyes and savor the feeling; it’s an electric charge pulsing through my body.
“At least let me brush my teeth.”
“Very well,” he answers, like I’ve asked him to endure something dreadful. “Hurry back.”
I brush my teeth as quickly as possible, before hurrying back out to my room. Damien is lounging on my bed, but jumps up when I come through the door. He’s at my side instantly, and I sigh as he runs his fingers through my hair and grabs its ends.
He tilts my head back and leans down to brush his lips against my neck. A tingle runs through me, to my core, heating me. He kisses me several more times, then bites me gently, coaxing a moan from me. If only he had fangs. Dammit, Lys! Vampires don’t exist!
He pulls me tight against him and kisses me deeply, on the lips this time. I can’t help but respond. After all, this is what I’ve been wanting. He nibbles lightly, drawing forth sensations I’ve only ever felt with him. My hands wander up his back, pulling him even closer. He grinds against me and I feel his growing desire. Needing skin-to-skin contact, I run my hands up under his shirt and he groans.
I want him so badly. He starts walking me backwards toward the bed, but as he does so, I catch sight of the picture on my dresser of me and Shawn. Oh, crap. Shawn! It’s like an instant off switch for my desire. Unwillingly, I pull away from Damien.
“We have to stop.” He lets go of me, breathing heavily.
“I am sorry, Chérie, I did not mean to push you.”
I smile. I know he would never do anything I don’t want to. Our time at the beach proved that to me. “I didn’t mean it like that. I mean, I feel uncomfortable with Shawn downstairs. What if he hears something? His room is directly under mine.” I point at the floor, emphasizing my words.
“Oh,” his eyes widen with understanding.
“Yeah. Talk about a mood killer. I don’t want to get caught. That would be really embarrassing.”
He nods. “I understand.”
With a deep breath, I finally make my decision. I’m ready, and I’m willing to admit it. Feeling suddenly shy, I ask, “Is there anywhere else we could go?”
Damien’s heated gaze meets my own. He seems to be judging my sincerity. His voice is gruff when he answers. “I know a place. Get dressed. I will be downstairs.” He pulls me to him tightly once more, and gives me another toe-curling kiss. It instantly turns me back on, sending fire straight through me, pooling low in my belly. If I were wearing underwear, it’d be soaked.
He gives me one of his wicked smiles, and I know I’m soon to find out exactly what promises lie behind it. “Hurry, Elysabeth.” I nod and retreat to my closet. I know what I’m going to wear.
I pull out my new red satin and black lace corset and a black leather miniskirt Damien hasn’t seen yet. I don’t need a bra, and I decide against panties, knowing they’ll be coming off anyway. I grab my favorite blood red necklace from my jewelry box.
I change quickly and complete my outfit with my newest pair of boots. They stop just over my knee. I’ve been saving them for a special occasion, and it’s not going to get any more special than this.
Before I leave, I grab my leather coat and put it on. I want to be able to savor Damien’s reaction to my outfit once we get to wherever we’re going. I quietly make my way down the stairs and out the door where Damien is waiting for me with a helmet.
I pull the helmet on as I ogle his bike. I can’t see it clearly in the dark, but I can tell it’s sleek, all curves. He jumps on, and I carefully climb on behind him, arranging my coat so it won’t get caught.
I lean forward and hold on as he kicks the engine to life. After a moment’s pause, he takes off. I hold him tightly. Riding a motorcycle is just as great as I’d expected. The rumbling of the seat between my thighs keeps me on edge as we make our way through the empty streets. I’m tempted to let my hands dip lower while I hold onto Damien, but I’m unwilling to risk distracting him.
Within minutes we’re pulling up in front of the shopping plaza we visited on our first date. I’m thoroughly confused. Surely this place is closed at this time of night. But at the same time, I trust Damien. I peel myself away from him and get off the bike, then I pull off the helmet and shake out my hair. I hand Damien back the helmet.
He pulls me close with an odd expression I can’t place. “Come along, ma chère, and stay close.” I do as he asks, though somewhat confused. Once inside, almost everyone is staring at me excitedly. I find it rather odd, but don’t worry too much with Damien around.
Many of them nod to him and a few even bow out of the way. Curiouser and curiouser. As we near the back corner, I realize where we’re going. Once again, a burly guard opens the door.
“Are they here?” asks Damien. The guard shakes his head. “Very well, we’ll go in.” The guard steps back and Damien leads me inside.
“Are who here?”
“My parents. I would not wish to walk in on them.”
“Oh, good point.” He pulls me through the crowd. I hear various people speaking to him, and to me, attempting to catch our attention. Their words are lost in the noise of the club. Damien barrels through them to the door, where he punches in the code and enters the room. I follow him, and let the door close behind me.
As I walk into the “living room”, I unbutton and remove my coat, dropping it on one of the sofas. I turn to face Damien who looks shell-shocked. Smiling, I saunter towards him.
“What’s the matter, Damien?”
He closes his eyes and shakes his head. “Nothing at all, Chérie, you look delicious.”
“So do you.” I take a slow step closer, really looking at him. He’s wearing that netted shirt again with his leather pants. He’s also wearing a pair of leather boots. It’s a modern interpretation of regency clothing. He’s divine. We stand silently for a moment.
“Do you care to dance, Chérie?” He asks it quietly, as though to preserve the moment. I can feel the tension. It’s decision time. If I say yes, I know he will, of course, be the gentleman, and nothing will happen tonight, but that’s not what I want.
I shake my head slowly. “Not at all.” Those three words push him over the precarious cliff of self-control he’s on. He stalks forward and pins me against the wall.
“You have no idea how pleased I am to hear you say that.” He claims my lips softly, sweetly, and nips at my bottom lip. My entire body becomes a pool of want.
“Elysabeth,” he whispers against my lips. “I want to make love to you.”
I nod slowly, unable to speak. Conscious thought is gone, I’m reacting purely on instinct and sheer animal lust. With a groan, he grinds against me, then steps back and scoops me up to carry me to the bed. I wrap my legs around his waist making him growl softly, and I giggle, pleased with the effect I have on him.
He places me gently on the bed before quickly pulling off his shirt. His perfection captivates me. I watch, transfixed, as his muscles ripple with the mov
ement. As soon as his shirt is off, he’s on top of me.
“Elysabeth, I’ve wanted you so much. For so long.”
His mouth captures mine as his hand slides up my leg. His breath hitches as he realizes I’m bare beneath my skirt. He gives me a questioning look, which I answer with a wicked grin of my own. I want him to know I’m prepared for this, that I want it.
As he pulls me into a seated position, my hands are drawn to his piercings, and I give each a small tug. His animalistic growl spurs me on, and I take one nipple into my mouth.
His head falls back, and he lets forth a string of French far too rapid for me to follow. I get the general sense, however, that he’s pleased.
After a few moments, he pulls away from me and proceeds to undo the clasps on my corset with agonizing slowness, letting it fall away when he’s done. He stares at me a moment.
“You are utter perfection, Elysabeth.” He kisses me once, slowly, then pushes me back down to the bed and starts to kiss his way down my body. He stops his descent to lavish attention on my nipples, first one, then the other. It’s indescribable. I lace my fingers through his hair, pulling him closer. When he nips me, I cry out. His head shoots up.
“Did I hurt you?”
I shake my head. “No. Do it again!” I vaguely notice how breathy I sound. He chuckles, then nips me again, making me cry out even louder. I feel his hand travel lightly down my stomach, then lower, drawing out my anticipation. Finally, he runs a finger along my core and I gasp, making him smile.
“You are so wet, ma chère.” His words sound almost pained.
“You did that, Damien.” His smile is pure masculine satisfaction as he undoes my skirt and pulls it down my legs. With slow, deliberate movements, he unzips each boot and pulls it off, taking my socks with them.
He meets my gaze, his eyes shining with admiration. “You are beautiful, Elysabeth.” Those four words make me melt. They’re spoke with such feeling.
He kisses his way up my body until he’s lying next to me once more, then runs a finger lazily up and down my center, gazing directly into my eyes. He finally travels higher, rubbing that sensitive bundle of nerves and sending me over the edge. I moan and writhe against his fingers.
The Most Special Chosen Page 18
