She leaned her head against him and hugged him tight. Her chest tightened, and a lump formed in her throat. She rose on her tiptoes and pressed her lips to his. His mouth opened, and he met her kiss. He tasted so good.
His hands slid down her back. Heat followed the slow glide of palms. He cupped her butt, lifting her against him. Tingles coursed through her body.
She wrapped her legs around his waist. He rocked her against him. Even through her pants, the slow drag created a delicious friction and pressure. She shivered. He pressed nibbling kisses along her jaw and throat. Prickling warmth swept through her, adding to the building knot low in her stomach.
“Unbutton your shirt for me, Moriah.” He grazed his teeth across her neck.
She reached between them and worked the little buttons free. The garment fell apart. He pulled back and stared down at her. Her breasts tightened pressing against the silky fabric of her bra. How do they do it? Each touch produced such intensity.
“Lean back for me. I want to feast on these beauties.” He licked his lips.
“Don’t you want me to take the bra off?” She raised a brow. His mouth on her bare skin, that would be so delicious.
“No, I want to tease you through the fabric.” He leaned down and pressed his face between the mounds.
The heat of his breath filtered through the fabric. Searing tingles danced across her skin. She gasped. He drew his lips over to the right peak. She tensed. He closed his mouth over it. Pressure and a slight suction teased her. Too light. He rocked her against him. A moan tore from her.
“Let me take off the bra.” She pressed her hands to his shoulders.
He nibbled on her through the bra. God, he was killing her with the blunted edge of his teeth. Damn, if only he’d let her get that bra off so she could feel his lips as he drew hard on the tight peaks.
“You want that?” He pressed a kiss just above the blue fabric.
“Yes.” She released the catch, shrugged out of her shirt, and let the bra fall to the floor.
He lowered his mouth. This time, his lips closed over the peak. She drew in a hissing breath. His tongue flicked and lapped, striking the bud over and over. Her nails sank into his shoulders. The heat built, forming a knot low in her core. He nibbled on the peak before sucking it into his mouth.
“I love your taste.” He swirled his tongue around the bud. “But I think I love tasting the juices between your thighs even more.”
Her legs tightened around his. What a vivid image. His mouth on her with his tongue lapping at her clit would send her right over the edge. But not today. The ridge of his cock rubbed in the right way. She’d love that in her. He’d have to ease back to do it.
“Fuck me.” She tangled her fingers in his hair.
“Are you sure?” He glanced.
“Yes.” She lifted against him. The pressure pushed the rising need even higher.
“I’m going to put you down. Take off your pants while I take off mine.” He slowly lowered her to her feet.
She pushed the button through the hole and drew her zipper down. He was slightly slower than her. She kicked off her flats and stepped out of her pants. As he pushed his pants down, she ran her fingers over his muscled chest. The skin and rippling sinew mesmerized her.
He picked her up. She wrapped her legs around him as his cock slid into her. Her body tightened, and a tingle of satisfaction raced through her at the fullness.
“I wish I had somewhere to fuck you other than against the wall or on the floor. A nice counter where I could watch your breasts bounce as I drive into you would be perfect about now.” He pressed her back against the wall.
“Anything’s perfect as long as you move.” She rocked her hips against him.
He drew back. She moaned as his cock slid outward until she clutched at him. Not yet, he can’t leave me yet. He pressed a kiss to her neck as he surged back into her. She closed her eyes and arched against him. Yes.
“I love the way you tighten around me.” He nipped at her neck.
She tightened her legs in silent demand. He had to move. She lifted against him. Heat pounded through her. He pulled her back down and ground his hips against her.
“Fuck.” He bit her neck.
The sting shot through her. She tensed, bucking against him. The raging need in her whirled out of control.
He withdrew only to drive deep. She writhed. Desperation scorched her. She couldn’t stay still.
“You’ve got to come for me.” He pressed kisses to her cheek, before thrusting his tongue deep into her mouth.
He lunged forward. Sensation rushed through her. Her skin tingled and burned. She panted. More. He pushed deep again and ground against her. The pressure sent her right over the edge. Light flashed in front of her eyes, and electricity jolted through her body. She bowed.
He continued to drive against her. Every move extended the tremors still racing over her. He stiffened and growled as he came. His breath puffed against her neck as he held her tight. Finally, he straightened.
“God, I hope this man doesn’t have a ‘you fuck in it, you bought it’ policy.” She put her head against his chest.
He chuckled. “No, sunshine, he’s Gargoyle, so I’m fairly sure that he knew if you liked it something was going to happen.”
“I’ll have to find a way to give Cael and Thane a little thank-you, as well. They were part of the gift, too. When we get home, we can look at this and some of his listings on my computer so I can get a good idea of where would be the best place for my shop.”
Chapter Eighteen
Cael guided the car through traffic. Ford slouched in the seat next to him. The young man stared out the window. Was he upset because someone came with him, or did Ford have nothing to say?
Cael grimaced. The first was understandable in a way. Ford only wanted to pick up a tablet from the store. Something he’d probably normally do himself. With what had happened, that wasn’t possible.
The fire that took Moriah’s business roused his suspicions even though it didn’t start with her store. The Gobel would start a fire if they thought it might gain them an opportunity at their target. Were they that focused on her though?
“Something bothering you, Ford?” Cael glanced at the young blond man.
“Not really.” Ford shook his head.
And there was a bridge he could buy really cheap somewhere. Cael took a deep breath. Ford did not hide his emotions very well.
“All right, Ford, don’t try the ‘nothing’ and ‘not really’ to someone who has said that as much as I did. I know I’m not your boss or an authority figure other than the beta. I’d like you to feel free to talk to me.” He tightened his fingers on the steering wheel. The boy might not realize it, but he was family now just as Moriah was.
“Are you serious about Moriah?” Ford turned to him.
“Yes, we’re serious about Moriah. You’ve been told about mates. Moriah is ours. Is that what’s bothering you?” He frowned.
“Well, I did wonder about it, but seeing you and a couple of the guys in my new classes, I wondered if I’d have someone like that or if it would be different for me because I was part human.” Ford lifted a shoulder.
“No, it’s not different for you. You’ll find at least one male. It’s actually pretty rare to find someone in the same group as you. I’ve only seen it once or twice.” Cael made the next turn before returning to the conversation. “You have a while and a lot of training before you should start worrying. I’m sure you’ve heard that our two Cim are still looking for the other male in their group. It’s driving them crazy.”
“Because they know they have a mate?” Ford nodded.
“That and because they have been looking for a long time and still have no idea of where he is.” Cael shook his head. That gnawing, ache nagged until that other person was found. “On top of that, their mate isn’t close. They can’t watch over her and actually don’t know where she is.”
“I don’t have any idea about
what they’re feeling, but I’m sure it sucks very badly.” Ford sat back in the seat.
Cael’s phone beeped. He sighed. This better not be a note from Thane to pick something up from the store. He had it read the new text.
Dante: I need you to stop off at Sin’s office and get a computer for me. Sin wants us to go over it now. He keeps getting strange messages.
He sent a reply. Will do.
“So we’ll be going by Sin’s office after we finish at the store.” Ford nodded.
“Yeah, and then we’ll get you back to the community. If you hadn’t already been targeted by the Gobel, I probably wouldn’t be here, but Moriah might kick my butt if you’re hurt.” Cael shook his head. He wasn’t getting on the bad side of his mate.
Ford laughed. “She totally would. She loves me.”
They went to the electronics store, and Ford picked up his tablet. He took it out of the box on the way to the office. Cael pulled into the private parking lot which connected with Gar-corp.
“Why don’t you come on in? I know you have a while before you’ll start your college classes, but you might find Cim Abram’s business something you’d like to join when you can.”
“I haven’t thought much about college since I learned what I was. It’s all been going so fast.” Ford shrugged. “I do like to work with computers, so maybe that will be something I’m interested in pursuing. After I’m finished with training.”
“Don’t worry. The training will pass more quickly than you think, because you’ll be busy.” Cael closed his door and waited as Ford joined him.
They strolled toward the door into the building. It shouldn’t take long to get the computer. Something scraped on concrete. He turned. A blow glanced over the side of his jaw. Pain flashed up to his temple.
Ford shouted. Cael slammed his fist into the graying skin of the Gobel. He slashed his foot out, striking the Gobel in the knee. A cracking snap echoed in the cavernous parking building. The Gobel fell to the ground. Cael spun. Was another lurking, waiting to attack? Ford sprawled on the concrete, wrestling with a gray-skinned beast.
Cael raced over to him, grabbed the creature, and ripped him away from the young man. Blood streaked Ford’s arm, but the Gobel wrenched at that moment. Cael drove his fist into the jaw of the Gobel. The gray-skinned fiend staggered, but slashed claws toward his face. Cael jerked back, but the claw scraped across his nose. He winced, but came back swinging, driving the creature back.
A rhythmic thud echoed in the parking lot, but Cael slammed his hand into the creature’s gut. It howled and spun. Before Cael could grab it, it sprinted off. He took a step after it, but stopped. Ford. He needed to stay with Moriah’s cousin.
He turned and found Ford coming toward him. Blood ran down Ford’s arm. Fuck, Moriah wasn’t going to be happy. At least, it wasn’t any more serious than a cut on his arm.
“She’s going to go crazy over this.” Ford pulled at the sleeve which obscured part of the cut.
“It will be treated and sutured by the time she sees it. It won’t look as bad.” Cael put his hand on Ford’s shoulder.
“No, you don’t understand. Last time I was injured, I scraped my leg, and she wanted me to go to the ER.” Ford grimaced.
“Was this when you first came to live with her?” Cael raised a brow. Probably anxiety from having responsibility for someone else for the first time.
“Yeah.” Ford nodded.
“Well, I’m sure she didn’t want you to be in pain or realize that it was only a minor injury.” Cael grinned.
“Maybe, but don’t expect the same reaction when it comes to her, because the last time she burned herself, she just slathered on a cream and put on a light shirt to hide the blisters.” Ford sighed and rolled his eyes. “She’ll flat out accuse you of babying her.”
“Sounds like a tough woman.” Phoenix strolled into sight. He knelt next to the Gobel trying to crawl away.
“We’ll watch over her, and if she’s hurt, we’ll make sure she gets the care she needs. Thane won’t mind being accused of nagging or babying. Now, let’s get this treated.” Cael squeezed Ford’s shoulder. “We can grab that computer and go home to face the music.”
“After you give your report to the Cim and Dante. Cim Sin is waiting upstairs for you.” Phoenix sent a look at him.
“I didn’t think I’d get out of the building without talking to him.” Cael lifted a brow. As if he’d forget that step. He’d probably face another inquisition when he got home. “It’s his computer I’m here to get, after all. I just wasn’t mentioning that step since it will probably coincide with grabbing the computer.”
“True enough, but you have a young one with you. You should teach him about protocol.” Phoenix wagged his finger. His black hair was pulled back tightly.
“All right, Ford, the protocol in an attack situation is to contact the Cim or the betas. Since the Cim is probably even now on the phone with Dante about this, no need to worry about that, except in my case I’ll text Dante the specifics about your injury, because he’s family. Normally, he’d be told if the injuries were serious or superficial and not much else about that part. Then we give our report, and after that if you’re lucky enough to have a high position, you can put the really irritating people on gate guard duty for the next month.” He shot a glance at Phoenix.
Cael guided Ford into the building and through security. They made a stop at the small medical station inside. After Ford was fixed up, they rode the elevator up to talk to Sin. Dante would join them probably on the phone or video conference.
Chapter Nineteen
Dante strolled into the living room. Moriah sat on the couch with her leg up. Her lips turned down. His chest tightened. Is she sad?
He strolled over and sat down. She looked up, and a smile curved her lips. He ran his hand over her cheek. The skin was silky soft. She tilted her head to the side, nuzzling into his touch. Such an open, ready response.
“Hey, sunshine.” He traced her lower lip.
“Hi, Dante.” She put her hand over his.
“So what’s up? Why are you so pensive over here?” He lifted her into his lap. One way or another, he’d find out what put that look on her face.
“I was just thinking about what’s been happening.” Moriah grimaced and exhaled.
“What about it? Are you worried about your cousin?” Dante drew his hand over her back. Ford was their family now, too. He’d be safe. They’d ensure it.
“Well, I am concerned since he seems to be in the area of so many attacks, but that isn’t what was on my mind.” She shook her head.
“Then what are you worried about?” He cupped the side of her face and turned her so that she looked at him. Frustrating woman. He had to pull every little detail from her.
“Do you live like this a lot?” She glanced at him. “Do these things attack you on a regular basis? My God, this is stressful.”
“No, it’s not something that happens often. I think we told you that this has been going on for just a little while. Most of the time, if the Gobel find any type of resistance, they go somewhere else. This one has decided that this is his area. It will be his last mistake.” He drew his hand over her back
“Yeah, but it all seems so extreme. And from what I’ve seen, he would be outnumbered. Why doesn’t he give up?” She cupped the back of his head. “And there’s more than one of those things involved.”
“He’s either crazy, or he wants something enough to risk everything. Yes, there’s more than one, but we believe they follow one corrupt Gobel.” Dante picked her up and set her beside him on the couch again. “All right, sunshine. I have plans for you right now.”
“You do, huh?” She tilted her head and raised an eyebrow.
“I very much do. It’s Tuesday, and I’m very much anxious to start on Taco Tuesday right now. We need to get you out of those jeans.” He started unbuttoning her pants. For a little while, he’d get her mind off of that damn Gobel. Hopefully, he could reassure her
after they finished.
She laughed. “Feeling like a bit of a goof today, are we?”
“No, I’m utterly serious. I’m going to strip you out of these and eat you up.” He lowered her zipper.
“You think. Maybe we should try something different.” She reached down and flicked open a couple of his buttons.
How does she do that so easily? Hell, sometimes, he had to look down to get those things undone. He grabbed her hands and pressed them back to the couch.
“No, Moriah, it’s Taco Tuesday, and I’m going to enjoy it.” He tugged the pants down to her thighs.
She reached out again and slid her hands into the gap in his shirt. Prickles flared, sizzling over his skin. He drew in a quick breath. Definitely not in an obedient mood today.
He glanced around the room. Table, lamp, pillow, knickknacks. Why is there nothing useful in the living room? Not even a tie back on the curtains. They needed to invest in more things that would help in a situation like this.
“Stay still, Moriah.” He rose to his feet.
“Maybe I should start without you.” She slid her hand over her stomach.
“Maybe you need a spanking today.” He pointed at her. “Stay where you are and leave that pussy for me. I’ll be right back.”
She laughed. “I’m supposed to tremble and do exactly what you say, right?”
She glided her fingers beneath the waistband of her panties. That woman was pushing him. He’d deal with her soon. Spinning on his heel, he turned and strode down the hallway. Maybe a little restraint was in order. Hopefully, she didn’t panic. This was for her enjoyment.
He strode into their room. Here he didn’t have to blindly search. Right side of the night table. He opened the drawer and grabbed the red rope. It would look wonderful on Moriah.
He stalked back down the hallway. Moriah sat on the couch. She’d stripped off her shirt and hung it over the arm of a nearby chair. He shook his head. Provoking female. He’d enjoy making her call out for him.
Finding Their Flame [Stone Passions 2] Page 16
