Never Give Up on Love (The Soul Mate Tree Book 7)

by Maggie Mundy

  Vincent sat next to her. “You should have a break. Since I’m your boss, it’s an order.”

  She’d kill Carla when she got her hands on her. Adele took a deep breath and peered sideways. He grinned and wagged his finger at her.

  “You look scared to see me, Adele. I didn’t know I was such an intimidating employer.”

  “You’re not, I’m not. It’s just that I can’t get over spilling a drink on you . . .” Adele bit her bottom lip.

  “I sense a big but.” Vincent raised an eyebrow at her.

  Damn, he was good looking. It made it harder to say what she needed to say. “I’m professional in my work and everything else in my life.”

  “I know you are. It’s one of the reasons Tristan and I chose you. We checked with previous clients, and they all spoke highly of you.”

  This would be easy to say if he wasn’t so gorgeous, and she didn’t mean a word of it. “I think what happened the other night between us was due to the wine. Plus me being a bit enthusiastic in trying to dry you off. Dear God, this is embarrassing.” She cleared her throat. “Look, I understand if you want to forget it. We’ll start a new professional relationship here and now.”

  Adele didn’t think she could have babbled any more if she tried. If Carla was listening in the seat behind her, she would either be laughing or ready to kill her.

  Vincent reached across and took her hand. His touch sent her body into overdrive. She was so in lust with him; who the hell was she kidding? Mile-high club. I’m more than ready.

  Gazing across into those blue eyes, she was putty. Where was a vampire to kill when she needed one? A fight would toughen her up and stop her silliness. She’d ignore the way her body responded to Vincent and go into fight mode.

  “I think we can agree things didn’t progress smoothly during dinner. It was a business meeting, and we both overstepped the mark. I’m also sorry for the way I reacted, as I know we both felt awkward with what happened. I don’t want that. Whatever rules you want, I will abide by.”

  She could screw him right now for everything he said. Thank God, he couldn’t read minds. What the heck did she say to his comments? My one rule is I come first. Her neck was growing warm.

  She considered Vincent. Was that longing in his eyes? She’d been a hunter and a businesswoman for so long, she didn’t know how to be just Adele. She bit her lip for a moment, but knew he wanted an answer.

  “I’m sorry for what happened. I’ll do everything expected of me professionally during the shoot.”

  “And afterward?” he asked.

  Why did he have to ask that, and with a look that could result with her stripping her clothes off?

  Floundering, she finally murmured, “Afterward, there might be some time for us to get to know each other better.”

  “Then I’ll return to my seat. Before I go, I wondered if you would consent to another kiss?”

  Adele’s heart thudded crazily. She could so easily get badly burned, relationship-wise. Vincent was out of her league, yet she didn’t care. She worked hard as a photographer as well as a hunter, and she needed this.

  He held her hand, waiting. She nodded.

  Leaning in, Vincent ran his lips across hers, sending a shiver through her body. His mouth pressed firmly, and she opened to him. His tongue delved between her lips as his palm cupped her cheek, searching her mouth the way she wanted him to search and delight her body.

  All too soon, he eased away.

  “You’re having an amazing effect on me, Adele. When the shoot is over I’d be honored if you'd spend a few days and possibly nights with me before you return to Bath.”

  What the heck. She needed this. He was hot and offering her a good time with no strings attached. “I’d like that very much.”

  “Now, I’ll return to my seat and let you get on with your work.” Rising, he offered a fleeting smile.

  Carla sat back down next to her with an expectant expression. “So what happened?”

  Adele still felt lightheaded from the kiss. “I thought he’d run a mile after the wine incident, but he wants me to stay on a few days after the shoot. And he kissed me.”

  Carla rubbed her hands together. “Now all you have to do is get Tristan here for me.”

  ~ ~ ~

  Vincent shared a taxi with them to the hotel, and Carla chatted all the way. It was for the best, as Adele had suddenly become tongue-tied and would probably spout gibberish. She kept thinking about the kiss. Vincent had started something and she was pretty sure how it was going to end. Hopefully hot and sweaty.

  Her jaw dropped as they pulled up at the hotel. The five-star life beckoned as she found herself sharing a beautiful room with Carla. The models were already there, plus the local support team. Adele had done research and picked four sites they were going to use. There was the world’s oldest paddle steamer, and they had it for a day. There was also an old ironworks, with a fantastic waterfall. She wanted to get some photos with the fjords in the background, and the giant ski jump.

  She felt like a kid in a candy shop with so any opportunities for great shots.

  It was strange being in the land of the midnight sun this time of year. It wasn’t light or dark, but a permanent sunset. This would be more than interesting trying to get the lighting right. True to his word, Vincent left her to do her work, promising to be in the background if she needed anything.

  The scenery took her breath away and the Northern Lights were spectacular. The shots on the top of the ski slope with the Aurora in the background exceeded her expectations.

  Carla worked like a demon, and by the end of the week Adele was exhausted, but it was a good exhaustion.

  Vincent stayed away, visiting retailers who were going to start selling their ready to wear range. The models were great fun, and Vincent joined her and the others for dinner most nights, but the two of them were never alone.

  ~ ~ ~

  On the last day, the whole group headed to the fjord, with Vincent unable to stop by until later. Adele hid her disappointment. She liked having him around, even if she kept telling herself not to get attached.

  When he turned up after lunch, he wasn’t alone. Carla gave a little squeal as Tristan got out of the car too. Adele elbowed her cousin to be quiet.

  Vincent and Tristan stood quietly in the background while Adele did the final shots, more than happy to work with any of the models again; they picked up what she wanted straight away. Everyone planned to have dinner together to celebrate the end of the shoot.

  Back at the hotel, Carla emptied every item of clothing in her suitcase on the bed. “What am I going to wear?”

  “It’s casual with the other guys there. I think your skinny jeans and the lovely blue top you bought the other day. It’s tight and sexy as all hell, which is what you are going for, right? By the way, I think one of the models is disappointed you only have eyes for Tristan.”

  Carla flapped a dismissive hand. “These models have girls gushing over them all the time. He’ll get over it. Tristan looked hot in his picture online, but he is so damn fine when you see him in the flesh, and I so want to see him in the flesh.”

  The two of them laughed as they went downstairs. Adele wore jeans as well, plus a green flowy top she’d bought a year ago. The front dipped, showing her cleavage, and the color made her eyes sparkle, or so she thought. When the hell did she think about eyes sparkling?

  Downstairs the models and crew were at the bar, though there was no sign of their two bosses yet. The drinks were flowing, and everyone appeared relaxed now the work was done. The waiter came over with news their table was ready.

  “Could you let Vincent Blake know we’re going through to the dining room? He’s in Room Fifty-six,” Adele said.

  They were all about to sit down, when Vincent and Trista
n arrived. Adele sat at the end of the table, and Vincent sat next to her. Tristan took the seat next to Carla. Her friend might get her wish of a night with the boss after all.

  “I wasn’t sure you were going to make it.” Adele fiddled with her glass.

  “I’m sorry. We needed to check up on something back in London. Business calls. We may have to return earlier than expected, but I can still stay another day if you’re willing to see the sights with me.”

  She didn’t want to see any sights other than him naked in her bed. Carla was becoming a bad influence on her.

  “I’d love that.”

  The waiter came to take their orders, and the rest of the meal was taken over with stories from the week. When coffee was served, Carla edged close and whispered, “I’m not coming back to the room tonight. Go for it.”

  Does Tristan know what he’s in for? Adele took a deep breath and touched Vincent’s hand. He looked at her, and she lost herself in his eyes. There was that telltale flutter in her chest.

  She leaned in. “I was wondering if you didn’t want to spend the night alone.”

  His reaction was immediate, as his pupils dilated. Was he hard? Don’t go there. Remember what happened last time.

  “I’d be honored to spend the night with you.”

  His old-fashioned way of saying things weakened her knees and made her feel special in a way no else ever had.

  “I’ll pop back to my room to pick up a few things.”

  Back in their room, Carla was brushing her teeth and shoving condoms in her bag.

  “How many do you think you need?” Adele asked as she nabbed two for her own bag. Vincent no doubt had some, but a woman should be prepared.

  “They’re cheaper when you buy in bulk. See you in the morning.” Carla was gone like a whirlwind.

  Adele’s doubts crept in. It had been a long dry spell for her, and Vincent could probably get anyone he set his sights on. She brushed her teeth and headed to his room before nerves got the better of her. Standing outside the door, her hand stopped before it made contact.

  Was this what she wanted? A tumble with a good-looking guy and nothing else? Did she have a choice? Being a hunter and falling in love didn’t go together.

  If she couldn’t have the love, then she would at least have contact with another human being.

  The door opened, and Vincent stood there with his wonderful smile. Too late to change my mind now.

  Truth be known, she didn’t want to anyway.

  “I thought I heard something.” He stood aside to let her in.

  Vincent’s suite showed how the other half lived, and Adele tried not to let her mouth hang open at so much luxury. She stopped in the middle of the room, sensing him behind her. Her breathing was too fast. He turned her around and tipped her chin up, so she looked him in the eyes.

  “I want to make love to you, Adele. You seem nervous at the prospect.”

  “It’s been a while,” she admitted.

  Vincent moved closer, but their bodies didn’t quite touch. His hand rested on the back of her neck, threading his fingers through her hair. The caress sent tingles up and down her spine.

  His lips were on hers, without hesitation. His tongue thrust into her mouth, searching, possessive. Her hands slid around his waist, feeling his toned, hard body, as he pulled her closer. A groan escaped her mouth as his hardness pressed against her core.

  He broke their kiss. “If you keep making sounds like that, I’ll have to rip off your clothes and take you.”

  Adele bit her bottom lip for a moment and then teasingly let out a low moan, as if climaxing. Instantly, Vincent scooped her up in his arms and carried her to the bedroom. She clung tightly, the hotel suite a blur as he strode through.

  A moment later he set her down at the foot of the bed.

  “These clothes have got to come off. I want to feel my skin against yours,” Vincent rasped.

  Dear God, she wanted that too. Adele pulled her top over her head and flicked off her shoes, watching him shed his shirt and unfasten the belt on his pants. He had a defined six-pack and, from the size of the bulge in his pants, was well endowed. Adele pushed her jeans and panties down and reached back to unhook her bra. She’d never stripped this fast with someone before.

  Vincent stood before her, gloriously naked. “I don’t think I can go slow.” His eyes, filled with lust, seared her body, causing her core to burn in the most delicious way.

  “I don’t want you to.” Her voice sounded breathy. Vincent picked her up and laid her on the bed. He grabbed a condom from the side table and in a blink was sheathed and on top of her.

  He nudged her thighs apart to accommodate his erection, taking possession of her mouth. His palm stroked up and down her body as their tongues fought to get closer. His hand slid between them, until he cupped her mound. When he inserted two fingers, her core clenched around him.

  “You are so hot and wet,” he moaned against her lips. Have you been thinking about me?”

  “Let’s just say I didn’t need the oysters we had for dinner to get me going.”

  As his finger massaged her clit, he pressed his cock into her, sinking deep, plunging and retreating. Though she knew this was just a fling, she wanted it so much.

  It hurt so good, a pleasurable pain. Needing more, she arched up to meet his thrusts, until she encased him completely.

  He bent over her and kissed her as he pounded into her. His fingers danced little circles on her clit, and she lost herself, screaming out as her orgasm overwhelmed her.

  A moment later he joined her, groaning his release, her core still pulsing around him. Well, she had certainly broken the drought.

  She could become quite addicted to this man’s body.

  He lifted himself up on his arms and peered down at her. “You’re beautiful, Adele. I’ve wanted to make love to you since the first time I saw you. Next time, however, I promise to be a gentleman, and go slowly.”

  “I can’t wait,” she whispered.

  However long this lasted, she would enjoy every minute.

  Chapter 7

  Vincent gazed at Adele as she slept. This beautiful woman had consented to make love with him. For so long this had been a dream, and now it was real. She was here, and he’d been buried inside her, multiple times.

  No words could describe the sensation of ecstasy flowing through his body. His incisors advanced through his gums as he took in the heady aroma of her skin and arousal.

  A part of him said he shouldn’t be here with her. She’d hate him in his true form, and he needed to regain control. Taking a deep breath, he forced his fangs back into his gums. This wasn’t going to end well for either of them.

  Please forgive me for wanting you.

  This time he vowed to go slow. It would be morning soon, and Vincent wanted to adore her body one more time before she returned to her room.

  As if he willed it, Adele opened her eyes and stretched. Her skin was warm and smooth as he brought his hand up to her breast. When he rubbed her peaked nipple between his fingers, she smiled at him and his life felt complete.

  “I want you to relax and let me pleasure you.”

  “I think I could oblige,” Adele replied with a wicked grin.

  Throwing the covers off, he took in the beauty of her body. Her small waist and magnificent breasts drove him wild with need. Sliding his hand down, he cupped her mound as she let her legs open. Her thigh brushed against his cock which made him yearn for her even more. His finger pushed into her, and he discovered this glorious woman was still wet for him.

  Quickly he rolled on a condom, then caressed her, moved his fingers inside her, readying her for his possession, loving how she arched so he could push deeper. Her nipples were beautiful, and he pulled one into his mouth and sucke
d hard, nipping gently, making her writhe even more. He trailed kisses down her body, then positioned himself between her legs. All he wanted was to taste her. When he circled her clit with his tongue, her legs trembled. As his tongue worked its magic, he moved his finger in and out of her body.

  His cock and balls ached with need. To be in her heat was all he wanted. He moved up the bed, pressing his cock against her opening. Slowly he pushed into her as his fingers worked her clit. He was only half inside, but he could feel her tight channel gripping him.

  Her hands stroked up and down his body, and where she touched, he was on fire. As he thrust slowly, her body took more and more of him in with each stroke until he was encased by her hot wet core.

  She wrapped her legs around his waist. His palms cupped her buttocks, squeezing, and she pressed into him even more as she rocked beneath him. His fingers found her clit and flicked and rubbed as his thrusts grew fast and deep.

  “Harder,” she pleaded.

  He held nothing back as their bodies melded and his release bore down on him. Her core convulsed around him, making him crazy with lust.

  Needing to be deeper, he brought her legs over his shoulders, plunging until he could go no further. She moaned as he ground his body against hers.

  When his release came, he pumped her hard, over and over, his body shaking as sweat slid down his back. The sound of his guttural moan filled the air, until he was finally spent.

  Releasing her legs, he stayed within her as she pulsed around him. Palming the sides of her head, he kissed her deeply, their tongues entwined about each other, until they needed to break apart to breathe. This was more than he had ever dreamed it would be.

  Her eyes were tearing up.

  A stab of unease shot through him. “Did I hurt you? I’m sorry . . . I just wanted to be deep inside you.”