Finding Their Flame [Stone Passions 2]

by Rebecca Airies

  And then there was the back. What damage had the creature done there? She didn’t step inside. Danger probably didn’t lurk inside, but if they called the police, they might taint the evidence. How did they handle things like this?

  She stood with her cousin. It took maybe five minutes for a car to pull up in front of the bakery. It skidded to a stop angled across two spaces. Almost before the vehicle rocked to a halt, the door popped open. Thane jumped out and crossed the distance between them.

  “Why are you standing out here?” Thane took her in his arms. He hugged her tightly.

  “I didn’t know if we’d report it to the police. So I stayed outside.” Moriah glanced at the broken window. “It’s why I haven’t called to find someone to fix that and probably the door in back. That’s how he got in.”

  “We won’t be reporting it. I’ll text Dante to get his guy to come fix the window and see if he knows someone in door repair. We can handle the locks, but the door and any damage to the frame, we might not be able to repair.” Thane pulled out his phone. “Let’s get off the street. Ford will watch and make sure no one comes into the bakery this way while we look at the back.”

  “All right.” She nodded. How the hell are they going to catch the thing that came through her window? The police might not be right for the job, but they had nothing to go on. That thing was the same as the other she’d seen.

  That thing attacked her. There wasn’t any clue about why. Is it something random? Does the creature want money?

  She led the way back into the bakery. Thane followed. He put an arm around her and pushed open the dividing door. He eased in just before she did. She glanced at the back door. The panel hung at an angle from one hinge. Damn, that door was metal. How strong did the Gobel have to be to go through that?

  “Fuck, I knew he’d broken in, but I thought the lock gave way.” She exhaled.

  “Where were you when the Gobel broke in?” Thane turned and put his hands on her shoulder.

  “In the front part of the bakery, waiting for Ford to get here. He wanted to talk to me.” Moriah clenched her fist. Very lucky that she’d been there. She might not have made it out of here if she’d been in the back.

  Thane relaxed a little, but his eyes focused on her. “Do you have a room that we can go into and lock?”

  “My office has a lock, but look what it did to the service door.” She gestured to her office, but frowned. That wouldn’t stop it.

  “The Gobel isn’t coming back tonight.” Thane guided her over to the door.

  “Then why do we need a room with a lock?” She frowned at him when he continued into the office.

  “Because I need to hold you.” Thane closed the door behind them and locked it. “And now that we’re here, I’m not sure that I can stop at holding.”

  His voice roughened. Those clear green eyes had darkened. Tension made the muscles on his arms tighten. Woah. At that moment, the predator lurked close to the surface. Before he’d seemed so normal.

  She took a step back. He paced toward her.

  “Don’t be afraid of me. Please, don’t be afraid. I won’t hurt you. I need to hold you though. The fact that the Gobel came after you rips at me. The only thing going through my mind is that you shouldn’t have been alone.” He held out his hand.

  She exhaled and closed her eyes. That was understandable. “That’s not very realistic. All of you have jobs, and there was no indication that thing would come after me. If I had to guess, I would say that they would go after my cousin again.”

  She took his hand and drew him over to the desk. The big man needed a little comfort. She stood beside it.

  “Once they discovered you, they would take advantage of it. You’re weaker.” Thane shook his head. “Can I hold you?”

  “Yes. The look on your face just made me a little nervous. For the first time, I saw you as something more than a man. I knew you were like my cousin and I’ve seen him, but you seemed so normal until that moment.” She stepped closer. “It startled me.”

  He wrapped his arms around her and lifted her against him. “I guess it would. We haven’t had any reason to change in front of you.”

  She nodded. “Yeah, and still haven’t, but I definitely noticed the more within you.”

  “You’ll see it at some time. We were serious when we told you that you’re our mate. Once we mate you, you’ll begin changing.” He lifted one hand and grazed her cheek.

  The intensity in his eyes had faded a little. He held her close against him with one hand. Such strength. She ran her hand over his chest. Not a bit of strain showed even though he held her up.

  He lowered her to the floor before he turned and sat on her desk. “Take off my shirt. I want to feel your hands on me. That might help me relax a little.”

  Touching him was no problem at all, but it probably wouldn’t settle his aggression. The action was more likely to raise something. Well, raise it more. When he’d held her against him, the ridge of his cock prodded her belly.

  “All right, but I have a feeling this is going to get us both in trouble.” She pushed one button through its hole.

  “If it does, we’ll deal with it.” He brushed his thumb over her lips. “I know I’ll enjoy it.”

  She worked her way down until the shirt gaped, falling apart to reveal a muscled chest. She eased his shirt off his shoulders. He edged back further onto the desk. He spread his thighs wider.

  She stepped between them. Warmth radiated off his skin. She swallowed. This was heading for something intense. It wouldn’t be long until she climbed onto the desk and push him back.

  She ran her fingers across his shoulders. He tensed, but didn’t move any more. Such heat and strength. She swept her hands over his chest in long swirling strokes. It didn’t soothe him. His muscles corded more with every movement.

  He drew in a shuddering breath and threaded his fingers through her hair. “I need you to kiss me. I need to touch you.”

  She leaned in and brushed her lips over his, a soft meeting of flesh. His tongue lapped. Instead of demanding, he probed and teased. The difference only stirred her interest. She opened her mouth and met the investigation. His fingers moved down to her neck and tugged her close.

  She pressed to him. Warmth radiated from him. His hand glided up her side and grazed over the curve of her breast. A sizzling prickle followed the path of his hand. He lifted his lips away from hers.

  “I have to get you out of these clothes. I want to see what you look like without them.” He brushed his fingers across the tip of her breast.

  Heat burned in his eyes. An answering wave of desire pulsed through her. She reached for the front buttons on her shirt, but he nudged her hands away. He pressed them back to her side.

  “I’ll do it. I want to peel them away and reveal what you’ve hidden underneath.” Thane lifted his hands to her shirt and made quick work of the buttons. “Maybe later, when I don’t have to worry about what you’ll wear to leave, I’ll get you out of your clothes fast.”

  She frowned for a moment and then grinned. Doctor’s cut clothes off. “You know, I buy my clothes because I like them. I don’t want them destroyed.”

  “Clothes can be bought. Sunshine, if you’ll let me get rid of them my way whenever the need is high, I’ll replace them with whatever you like.” Thane nibbled his way down her neck even as deft fingers finished the last of the fastenings.

  “That’s a dangerous offer to make to a woman.” Moriah tilted her head to give him more room to touch and kiss

  “I look forward to exploring so many things with you. Do you like to be tied? Do you like to play games?” He nibbled on her collarbone.

  “I don’t know about being tied. I’ve never done that, but games, yes.” Bondage had never come up before. Him looming over her, free to touch and kiss wherever he wanted… A shiver coursed down her spine. It might be interesting.

  “It smells like you’re intrigued, but we’ll take it as slowly as you need. I won’t push y
ou into anything you don’t want to do.” He stroked one hand down her back slowly before he pushed her shirt wide. “Such a pretty piece of lace. I think it would look better off you.”

  “Do you want any help with that? A flick of the fingers and I can have it off.” She kept her hands at her side.

  “I can get it.” He pushed the shirt off her shoulders.

  With a soft glide of his fingers over her skin, he reached around and unlatched the bra. It loosened and slid down her arms as she rolled her shoulders. It fell from her fingertips. Now, what will he do?

  “Gorgeous.” His gaze locked on the swell of her breasts.

  “Um, thank you, but are you going to stare or are you planning to explore?” She leaned back a little and wiggled her shoulders.

  He laughed and cupped the mounds. His fingers tightened. Sharp jolts zipped straight to her core. She drew in a deep breath and fought to remain still. Anticipation held her in position.

  “I’ll explore and taste. I want to know if you taste as sweet on these breasts as you do at your neck.” He licked at her pulse point.

  “Probably not. I work in a bakery.” Today it was probably powdered sugar. She’d been making glazes and frosting.

  “Sunshine, I’m not tasting something you baked or made. The sweetness on my tongue is all you.” He stroked his fingers down the side of her ribs. “I tasted it at your neck and on the skin right here.”

  His tongue swept over the skin of her breast. Whatever. It didn’t matter now. She shivered. Intense warmth flared on her cool skin. She arched her back, trying to get his mouth closer to her nipple. He brushed his lips back and forth over the hardened peak.

  “So gorgeous and delicious.” He drew back and lapped at the bud. “I could spend a day savoring the different flavors you’re offering here. Not tonight though. Dante will be here soon, and I need to feel you moving against me.”

  “You’re giving me wicked thoughts, but I want more of your hands and mouth.” She swept her gaze down his chest. If he didn’t start doing something, she would. The light touches and that kiss were just a tormenting tease.

  “You mean like this?” His hand cupped her pussy. One finger pushed the fabric of her pants and underwear between the lips and against her clit.

  She closed her eyes and straightened. A jolt slashed through her. His finger circled and pressed. He lowered his mouth to her breast and took the nub inside. Warm, light tugs sent bolts straight to her core. She threaded her fingers into his hair.

  He sucked lightly as he rubbed her clit through her pants. A shuddering urgency built. She rocked into his hand. He scraped his teeth over her taut peak.

  He lifted his head, but his fingers kept the maddening pressure on that sensitive bundle. “I love seeing the pleasure begin to take you.”

  She moaned. He unbuttoned her pants and slipped his hand beneath her panties. She widened her feet, giving him more space. His hand slid down over her pussy.

  “Slick and wet. Are you ready for me?” He pushed two fingers between the plump lips.

  Almost there, but he probably wouldn’t believe her. He would have to feel that for himself. She wriggled. He curled his finger, grazing the tip over the bud. An electric thrill shot through her. Her hips bucked. He slipped his hand lower. Two big digits pushed into her pussy and thrust deep. She reached for his arms.

  “I’m going to push these pants down. You get out of them and I’ll find a way to take mine off without ripping them.” He withdrew his fingers.

  He pushed her pants and panties down to midthigh and then went to work on his own clothing. She shoved the clothing down until they fell around her ankles. The fabric caught on her shoes. Damn. She kicked them off her shoes and stepped out of the pants. She straightened. He took a moment more, and then he was naked, too. Yum. All those muscles.

  He lifted her and strode to the wall. His lips pressed to hers. Tingles danced over the curve. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and rose onto her tiptoes.

  “I’m not taking you across the desk. I need to feel you against me.” He pressed her back against the wall.

  She hooked one of her legs around his waist. His hand slid down to her buttocks. Warmth spread over the full cheek. Soft lips grazed her shoulder. His cock brushed her pussy before he fit the head to her entrance. A fiery bolt of anticipation tightened her muscles. She moaned, and her other leg rose to secure the clasp around his hips.

  He sank deep. Her inner muscles stretched. Current hummed through her. He withdrew, before his hips rocked forward again. She kissed and nipped at him.

  His muscled chest brushed across her nipples. Sparks darted through her. Her breath caught. More. She pressed down into his surging hips.

  His head tipped back. Muscles flexed along his cheek as if he sought control. His hands held her still. The restriction only enflamed her more. She squirmed, but couldn’t meet the hard drives. He growled. Just a kiss. She nipped his shoulder. His hips slammed forward. A jolt shot through her, and she gasped. Her nails sank into his shoulders.

  Shivers ripped down her back. A strangled cry erupted from her. She pressed her lips to his shoulder, muffling the sound against his skin. He continued to pump against her. His hands tightened, gripping her hips. He plunged into her again and again. With one final lunge forward, his body tensed and he came on a long groan. She stroked his shoulders and back. That was intense.

  “I still don’t want to let you go.” Thane kissed her shoulder.

  “I’m pretty sure that Dante and whoever he found to help fix this mess will be here soon. We can’t stay in the office all night.” Moriah massaged the taut muscles near his neck.

  “Yeah, he’d probably bust in here if we weren’t out when he arrived. He’ll want to make sure you’re all right.” He rubbed his cheek against hers.

  He slowly drew back. His cock slid from her. A rippling pang echoed through her body. She shivered and pressed against him. If they only had time for another round or two, but she’d rather not have someone walk in on them.

  She slipped by him and opened one of her desk drawers. A little cleaning up to do. She popped open the box of moist towelettes and pulled out a sheet. “Did you want one?”

  “Yes, thank you. What do you use those for?” He took the wipe from her.

  “I usually hold meetings for custom cakes or bulk orders here. I’ve occasionally rushed right in from the kitchen, and sometimes I’ll have a smudge of flour or batter on my arm or face. I’ve learned to check and wipe so that I appear as professional and put together as possible.” She cleaned herself and tossed the wipe into the trash can. After he did the same, she took out the bag and tied it up. She’d get rid of it when she came into work.

  They both dressed. He unlocked the door and led the way out of the office.

  “I’ll take that bag out once I’m sure Dante or Cael is here to watch over you.” Thane’s hand settled in the small of her back as he guided her to the front of the shop.

  As they reached the front, a black, luxury car pulled in. She frowned. Hopefully, this isn’t the proprietors of one of the other businesses. Explaining the broken glass would be hell. Not to mention her probably ragged appearance at the moment.

  “There’s Dante.” Thane smiled. “He’ll come to you first. While he’s asking his questions, I’ll get rid of that bag.”

  She nodded. It wasn’t necessary, but why talk him out of it? Dante got out of the car and slammed the door. Tension tightened the muscles in his face until he appeared predatory. He strode over to her and wrapped his arms around her.

  “Are you all right?” He leaned back and looked down at her.

  “I’m fine. I might have a couple bruises. To be honest, I don’t feel any pain right now if there is any bruising.” She lifted a shoulder.

  “You tell me if you do, anything, even a slight itch.” Dante pulled her close once more.

  “I will.” She smiled. Hopefully, it reassured him. He acted as if she was going to fall into pieces at his
feet.

  “Good, I have someone coming to oversee the repairs. The glass and door repairmen are on the way. We’ll talk to them, and then we’ll take you to the community.” Dante nodded and exhaled.

  As if that settled everything. She pulled back. “Why would I go to your community?”

  It was one attack. She didn’t need to be cosseted. Yes, he’d come here and seemingly after her, but they didn’t know why. Or if he’d come back. There might not be any further danger at all. There was no use panicking over one incident.

  “Because you were attacked by a Gobel. You’re in danger.” Dante’s arms tightened around her.

  “One attack doesn’t necessarily lead to me being in danger.” She stepped back and crossed her arms. She couldn’t show any weakness.

  “One attack at your workplace. He didn’t attack you by chance. He waited until everyone else was gone and specifically came after you. On top of that, he knows without a doubt that you aren’t a human if he believed it before.” Dante put his hands on her shoulders.

  “Maybe, but that doesn’t mean there’s any need to make a big change. We don’t know if he’ll come after me again.” Damn, had he called Ford while she was with Thane? She had responsibilities and couldn’t disappear. “You don’t get to take over. He didn’t hurt me.”

  “He didn’t hurt you because your cousin was here when he didn’t expect him to be.” Dante leaned close. “We’re taking you to the community. Tomorrow, we’ll move your things.”

  “Even if I were to go to your community tonight, that doesn’t mean that I’d stay more than a night or two. There’s no need. He can’t know where I live.” She glared at him. If she gave in too much, that man would completely take over.

  “How do you know he doesn’t know where you live? He might have chosen to attack you here because you’re more vulnerable as you leave this place. Your cousin lives with you.” Dante smiled. “Don’t think that you will be going back to your home except to pack. You were attacked. That qualifies as in danger. I’m not leaving you in it to get hurt simply because you refuse to acknowledge the truth.”