by Aubrey Ross
She took the bag from his hands and set out the cartons. “Have a seat. You look like you’re ready to bolt.”
He pulled out her chair, but she was still arranging the containers so he took his seat and tried to relax. She’d pulled the front of her brown hair back with a large barrette and he could only detect a subtle hint of makeup. Fresh, clean, Nicole always looked wholesome and innocent.
And yet, the clingy top outlined her breasts and ended at her waist, leaving an inch of silky skin visible to torment him. A golden loop hung from the shirt’s zipper, daring him to hook his index finger through and pull. Her outfit wasn’t immodest. It just made it far too easy to picture her naked.
“You look hungry.” Her voice purred with double entendre and he snapped his gaze back to her face.
He cleared his throat before he spoke. “I shouldn’t. I’ve already eaten.”
“You must have been thinking about dessert.”
Heat washed over his face and blood descended with unavoidable results. Thank God the table hid his growing erection. She stacked the dishes to one side of the table and unwrapped a pair of chopsticks.
“So, catch me up,” she prompted. “What’s going on in Napa Valley? Is Aidan in custody?”
“He wouldn’t allow himself to be captured, but he’s no longer a threat to anyone.”
“He’s dead?”
He nodded. “We had no other choice.”
“Why was he so fixated on your family? The elder council issued the order that made his father a fugitive.” She ate right out of the containers, deftly plying the chopsticks.
“And my father was head of the elder council when the order was issued.”
“I didn’t realize the conflict went back that far.” She paused for a drink of water then picked up the chopsticks again. “But it’s over, right? You said he’s dead.”
“He is.” Brook was still out there, but he decided not to worry Nicole with that detail. Brook had been content to remain in the shadows and there was no indication her attitude had changed.
“How are Torral and Ryan settling in to ‘mated life’?” Her question drew him back to the present.
“They’ve never been happier.”
“And Evan and Joseph? Was that gorgeous blonde really their mate?”
“That’s what they tell me.”
“See what you get for missing my big night. Maybe your mate was at the exhibition too, just waiting for you to find her.” She took another bite as secrets clouded her eyes. Nicole was definitely up to something. “I’m going to be eating leftovers for a month.” Her tongue brushed across her lower lip, leaving it moist and shiny.
His gaze focused on her mouth and he fought back a groan. He could think of all sorts of places he’d love to feel those lips and that soft pink tongue. But this was Nicole. He’d known her since she was in pigtails. She was part of the extended family.
“Are you sure you don’t want some?” she asked with a knowing smile.
“No, thank you. I’m satisfied as I am.” If only that were true. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been truly satisfied. Watching his brothers find their mates had left him restless and discontented. He didn’t begrudge them their happiness; he just wondered why he had been denied the same. Needing a distraction from his troubled thoughts, he said, “Tell me about your new project. Isn’t that why I’m here?”
“This would be easier to explain if you’d seen one of my multimedia displays.” She folded the top of the cartons and carried them to a compact refrigerator across the room. His wayward gaze inevitably returned to her curvy butt as she leaned over to put the containers away. “I used a combination of images and sound to evoke specific emotions.” She was evoking emotions all right. Longing, desire, lust! “One had various scenes derived from nature. The other was a combination of time-lapse video and cityscapes. That sort of thing has been done before, but I added an interface that allows people to interact with the presentation.”
“Why can’t you show me what you’re talking about?”
“The displays are still at Pierre’s gallery. You’ll have to use your imagination.”
“Multimedia art?” He gathered the unused dishes and set them on the counter as she filled two glasses with wine. “Is this what happens when a person follows up a Bachelor of Science with a Master of Arts?”
“You have me all figured out.” She handed him one of the glasses as her gaze caressed his face.
This electric awareness had pulsed between them years before, but he hadn’t been free to act on the attraction. What had reawakened her interest? Didn’t she realize a serious relationship with him was hopeless? His capacity to love had been destroyed right along with Denise.
He took a sip of the cool Zinfandel and managed to smile. “Is this one of ours?”
“Would I dare drink anything but Burton Brothers’ wine?”
“I’m starting to wonder what you would dare.”
Her brow arched and she raised her glass to her lips for a leisurely sip. “Hold that thought. We’ll come back to it later. You asked about my project.”
“All right. I’m trying to imagine what you’re talking about, but I keep seeing a scenic screensaver.”
“Picture three screens not one…now allow the images to scroll from one to the other or encompass all three when needed.”
“I think I understand. But you mentioned an interactive interface.”
“It’s more or less a series of menus that allows certain aspects of the presentation to change according to the viewer’s mood or circumstance.”
He wasn’t sure his mind had accurately rendered her creation, but he had a pretty good idea what she meant. “What subject have you chosen for your next project?”
“Have a seat.” She nodded toward the small table they’d just vacated. “I’ll show you.”
She pulled a file folder out of a rack on the corner of her desk before joining him at the table. Her studio was remarkably organized, yet unexpected touches of color and whimsical accents revealed her creative spirit.
“I’m going to call this one ‘Mischief’.” She slipped into the chair across from him and turned the folder so she could see inside while his view was obstructed. “Now I need you to be brutally honest. Your insights won’t help if you try to be tactful.”
He chuckled. “This is the first time I’ve been encouraged to be tactless. Usually I’m being reminded of the concept.”
“For a nocturnal Dichotomy, you’re the epitome of decorum.”
“What does that mean?”
She reached across the table and patted his hand. “That was a compliment. I’d never risk this with Torral or Evan. They’re far too unpredictable.”
I can be unpredictable. He stopped himself just short of saying the words. Even in his mind the claim sounded petulant. Did she want him to be less predictable? Was she intentionally provoking him?
“If these pictures were side by side in a magazine, which would catch your eye?”
She placed two photos in front of him. One showed a man and a woman locked in a passionate embrace, the other depicted a woman by herself. The solitary woman wore only lacy underwear, while the couple was fully dressed.
“I’d glance at the woman first, but the couple is the more interesting shot.”
“Sorry. It’s an either or question. If you were in a hurry, which is more likely to draw your attention?”
“The woman.”
“All right.” She returned the first two pictures to the folder and selected a different shot. This time the younger woman had been joined by a man. He stood behind her, his arm covering her naked breasts. Her head was turned sharply to the side and their faces hovered inches apart as if they were about to kiss. “Do you find this image appealing?”
“They’re both very attractive. Why wouldn’t I?”
“Don’t be defensive.” She smiled and rubbed the edge of her shirt, drawing his attention to the shadowy hint of cleavage. Was th
e zipper irritating her skin or was the gesture calculated? “What do you find unappealing?”
“His forearm,” he grumbled.
“I’m sure that’s a common complaint, but I want to keep this project focused on various stages of a relationship and the strategies couples use to move from one stage to another.”
“I see. What stage does this represent?”
“You tell me.” Her fingers moved to the zipper, toying with the metallic ring.
“Infatuation.”
“What qualities need to be present in a relationship for it to be deeper than infatuation?”
“If the couple enjoys spending time together even when they’re not having sex, they’ve likely moved beyond infatuation.”
“Have you ever been involved in a relationship where the physical attraction cooled?”
“I think most adults have.”
“Have you tried any of these strategies for rekindling the fire?” She placed a row of pictures in front of him.
“Candlelight dinners work best if they’re a surprise.” He pointed to the next picture. “Is this representing sexy lingerie or undressing for your partner?”
She shrugged. “Which worked better for you?”
“What man wouldn’t enjoy watching his lover undress?”
“I don’t know. That’s why I’m asking you.”
“I prefer my striptease in private and sexy lingerie is always welcome as far as I’m concerned.”
“Have you ever bought lingerie for a lover?”
Desire hung heavy in the air. He did his best to ignore the pressure between his thighs, but she wasn’t making it easy. “I did so once. That was enough.”
“She didn’t appreciate the gift?”
“She refused to ‘dress like a prostitute’.”
“I suspect that’s the exception not the rule, so let’s move on.” She tapped the corner of the next photo. “Have you ever tried role playing?”
Pausing to study the picture, Leos considered his answer. The same woman was now dressed in an old-fashioned gown. Her lover was dressed as a pirate and her hands were tied behind her back. One of his hands was tangled in her hair, and the other was grasping the front of her gown as if he meant to rip it open.
His imagination took it a step further, superimposing his face over the man’s and replacing the woman with Nicole. Would she enjoy being his captive? Was this an elaborate come on?
The other two pictures were even more provocative. One showed the couple in a hot tub, the woman straddling the man’s lap. Each pose carefully minimized the actual nudity, while the models’ expressions simulated passion. The last sent lust stabbing through Leos. Heat pooled in his groin and his erection surged. The woman was bound hand and foot and positioned in front of the man. They were both naked and he held her head between his hands. It was only too easy to imagine his cock sliding in and out of her mouth.
Leos refused to look at Nicole, knowing her gaze would be warm and welcoming. He couldn’t fuck her! Sex with Nicole would mean a commitment. She was under his family’s protection. The thought of fucking her was more than tempting, but he couldn’t…
He stacked the photos and handed them back to her. “I think you better find someone else for your little experiment.”
She ignored the proffered pictures. “Surely talking about sex doesn’t embarrass you?”
The challenge in her eyes aroused him as much as the intimate poses. He tossed the pictures to the tabletop and stood. She tried to stand as well, but he moved too fast. He grasped the back of her chair, caging her with his arms as he stared into her eyes.
“When little girls play with fire, they get their fingers burned.”
Nicole knew nocturnal Dichotomies could be aggressive, but Leos had always remained cool and controlled, almost to the point of detachment. She gazed into his luminous dark eyes and felt her body melt.
“I haven’t been a little girl for a very long time. You don’t frighten me.” Despite her best effort, the claim sounded shaky at best.
“Really? Then I’m not trying hard enough.” He dragged her to her feet, his grip none too gentle on her upper arms. As soon as she stood, he unclasped the barrette and combed his fingers through her hair. “You really think you’re prepared to fuck a nocturnal Dichotomy?”
She refused to back down even as his fingers tightened in her hair. “I don’t want a nocturnal Dichotomy, I want you. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t want you.”
His gaze narrowed and he hooked his index finger through the zipper’s loop. “There is nothing ‘Mischievous’ about my fantasies. I like my lovers bound and gagged and on their knees. I expect obedience without question, submission without hesitation. Does that sound like the kind of lover you want in your life?”
He was trying to frighten her. He’d admitted as much. Still, his voice rang with conviction and truth. Could she obey without question and submit without hesitation? Did she really want to try? The tension in her chest released in a heated rush and tenderness flooded her soul. This was Leos, fierce, proud leader of the Burton clan. She could remember his laughter and the warmth of his dark eyes and she was determined to experience them again.
“If that’s what you need from me.”
“What I need is only half of the picture.” He tugged the zipper down as he spoke. “Have you forgotten about Daniel? Your friends will think you’re involved with two men because you won’t be able to tell them the truth.”
“I don’t care what people think. I never have.” He cupped her breast, his thumb easily finding her nipple through the sheer fabric of her bra. His head lowered toward hers and she nervously licked her lips, longing for the first brush of his mouth against hers.
“Then there’s the physical reality of satisfying a Dichotomy.” His lips moved against hers with each word, teasing, denying her what she really wanted. “Have you ever been fucked up the ass, my sweet innocent? Much less taken two men inside you at the same time?”
Her eyes widened as she pictured the deed. She’d wondered, suspected even, but no one had ever come right out and said that Dichotomies used the hour during transition to share their mate.
He chuckled, his hand moving to her other breast. “I’ve shocked you.”
“I’m not as naive as you make me sound. I know there will be challenges, but I’m willing—”
He silenced her with a forceful kiss. His mouth ground against hers, urging her to part for his questing tongue. He found her bra’s front clasp and deftly flicked it open. She’d waited all her life to touch him and to be touched by him. His chest was wide and temptingly sculpted, his abdomen flat and narrow.
Needing bare skin, she untucked his shirt and slipped her hands up under the material. Warm and smooth, his flesh fascinated her. With a throaty growl, he shifted her, bringing her head to rest in the crook of his arm. She was off balance, forced to cling to him for stability.
He tore his mouth from hers and pushed her away, ending the kiss as suddenly as he’d instigated it. “I can’t do this.” He sounded miserable, but the distinct bulge in the front of his dress pants assured her the obstacle was emotional.
“Why? We’re both adults and neither of us is involved with anyone else. Are you going to try and convince me you don’t want me?”
“It’s more complicated than that and you know it.”
“My grandmother was your father’s second wife. That has nothing to do with us. I’m not related to you by blood.”
“That’s not what I meant. You deserve more than I can give you.”
“Shouldn’t that be my choice?”
“No! I’m honor bound to protect you, even from myself.”
“You would never hurt me.”
“You don’t know that.” He grabbed her arms and jerked her forward. “I’ve suppressed my feelings for so long I’m not sure what will happen if I let myself feel again.”
“Isn’t it time you found out?” She stared into his eyes, moved by the
conflict raging within him. “We’ve been alone too long. There’s no reason we can’t comfort each other.”
“You’re not strong enough,” he whispered, closer to capitulation than he’d been all night. His fingers eased against her arms, caressing where before they’d clasped.
“We won’t know until we try.”
He took a step back and fisted both hands. “Stop it! I’m not going to fuck you.”
“Then touch me and let me touch you. Give me that much at least.”
“You think I won’t stop.” His gaze swept down to her breasts before returning to her face. “Your bloodline is compatible with mine. We know that already. Your grandmother not only conceived, her offspring is able to transform. If I come inside you, it will trigger a soul bond.”
“Ever heard of a condom?” She softened the question with a smile. “But we won’t need one for what I’m suggesting. I can be satisfied with touching you—at least for a while.”
He embraced her so suddenly her arms were trapped between them. His mouth moved over hers urgently, hungrily. She relaxed in his arms and opened for him. Surrender. She’d let his natural aggression wear him down.
“I won’t fuck you, even if you beg me.”
“I won’t beg.” He stripped off her shirt and bra in one quick motion. She glanced toward the windows and the city lights beyond. “Let me close the blinds.”
“No.” He swept her legs out from under her with an unexpected kick and lowered her to the floor. He released the top two buttons on his shirt then tugged it off over his head. “Are these new?” He focused on her jeans, lowering the zipper with slow deliberation. “I’m pretty sure I’d remember if I’d seen them before.”
She just smiled and raised her hips so he could finish undressing her. He spread her arms out to the side and kissed his way to her mouth. His chest covered her breasts, his pants rasped against her inner thighs, and his erection pressed into her belly.
The floor was hard and cool against her back, accentuating his body heat. He wove his fingers through hers, pinning her hands to the floor as he ravished her mouth with deep, penetrating kisses. She welcomed his tongue, inhaling his breath until her head spun and her pulse pounded.
