“How long are we going to stay with this?” Cael drummed his hands on the steering wheel. “We’ll already be late getting home to her, but if we’re seeing this through for a few more hours, we should call Moriah.”
“We’ll wait. It might not be long before he decides to leave.” Dante shook his head. No need to worry her when they might be heading home soon. “We’ll give it thirty minutes and then make the call. We’ll tell her the truth if we aren’t heading home at that time.”
“All right. Thane should be there now, so she’ll at least have someone to badger with her questions.” Cael lifted a shoulder.
“I didn’t tell him what we were doing today. He left for the hospital before I decided this morning.” Dante shook his head. Thane was not going to be happy about that. And it would probably make her even more angry.
“We’re going to hear about that. Perhaps when we tell her what and why she’ll soften a little. She wants this over as much as we do.” Cael shrugged.
* * * *
Dante’s phone rang as they drove home. He flipped the phone up to check the caller ID. Parker. Sam Parker worked in the IT investigations department and was currently going over the Cim’s computer. Maybe he finally had some news on it. Up to yesterday, they’d found nothing. He flicked his finger across the screen.
“What’s up, Sam?” Dante stared out the window.
“Well, we finished going over Cim Sin’s computer and we only found one thing, but once we found it, it activated and then disappeared. Wiped completely from the computer,” Sam exhaled heavily.
“What did it do? Did it compromise security on Sin’s computer?” Dante tensed. This could be bad.
“No, we’ve checked that over and over. We’d disabled the wireless network capability for the computer before we started messing with it. Nothing was sent, and nothing was meant to be sent. It displayed words on the screen. Nothing more. Then it disappeared,” Sam replied.
“What did it display?” Dante clenched his hand. Fucking strange thing to do and how did it get there? Sin didn’t go to any weird websites on his work computer. That was strictly used for work.
“It said stop ignoring the emails from Europe,” Sam said. “I hope Sin knows what emails they’re talking about, because I looked at the ones on his computer to see if I could find any clue to where it came from and there was nothing identifiably from Europe.”
“I’ll talk to Sin in a few minutes. Maybe the message will trigger something with him.” Dante ran his hand through his hair. Weird. What the hell did it mean? Email from Europe?
Chapter Twenty Six
Moriah stopped outside the partially open door to Thane’s office. With her cousin at school, she had nothing to distract her. And Thane might have some answers to all the questions. She wasn’t above some probing and nagging if necessary.
Well, it wasn’t closed. No click of computer keys. She straightened and took a deep breath. No way to know if he was busy unless she actually looked inside.
She poked her head in the door. “Is the doctor in?”
Thane laughed. “Yeah, I’m here.”
“Are you busy?” With a light nudge, she opened the door, but stopped there. If he was working, she could come back. She’d rather have his full attention.
“No, I’m not busy. Was there something you wanted?” Thane waved his hand and gestured to a recliner in the corner.
“I heard Dante say that he’d call if he learned any more about the places they followed the Gobel to. Has he been in contact with you?” She strolled over and sat in the large recliner.
“Yeah, he called earlier while you were in the shower. All alone. If he hadn’t called at that moment, I would have joined you.” He heaved a big sigh.
She chuckled and shook her head. That didn’t surprise her. It wasn’t often that she showered alone. Every single time they snuck or coaxed their way in was more delicious than the last. “I’m sure you’ll have the opportunity to do that soon. What did he tell you?”
“They’ve found some information about the business and the owner of the home that the man went to.” Thane smiled.
Provoking man. She folded her arms across her chest. If he was going to be a pain, she wouldn’t to play fair. Cue the big eyes. “Did he ask you not to tell me?”
“No, Moriah, he didn’t ask me not to tell you.” Thane leaned forward.
If he didn’t tease her regularly, she might feel a little guilty.
“Then why aren’t you telling me?” She pushed her lower lip out.
“I was drawing it out for suspense. And don’t think I don’t recognize a con when it’s staring at me.” He pointed a finger at her.
She smiled at him. Maybe next time she’d try to work up a tear. “Suspense is overrated. Unless I’m the one who’s creating it. And you know I do like surprises, but this. This is just too important.”
“We’re going to have to do something about your impatience. For the moment, Dante, Cael, and the people they have looking into everything have discovered a few things.” Thane waved his hand. He relaxed back in his office chair. “The construction company has only been in existence for about two years.”
“Have they found any connection between the Gobel they followed and the company other than he went there?” She clasped her hands together. Her muscles tightened. The thing behind this had to be stopped and not just because she was stuck in limbo.
“Not with the company, but then they don’t know his name. At this point, they’re going to have to watch to make any connections. That will only happen if they see the Gobel there again and can manage to identify him. No, what they learned concerned the house the Gobel went to. Though the person who owns the house owns the company.” Thane rolled his chair over to sit in front of her.
“So the Gobel knows the person who owns the company, and he could have stopped there looking for him that day.” She took a deep breath. Where did that get them though? Did they think this person was part of it, too? “What do they know about the person who owns the house and company? Is he part of it in some way? Is he human?”
He smiled and sat back in his chair.
“Why are you smiling?” What did he find funny in this situation? She narrowed her eyes on him.
“What you said at the last. Is he human? I don’t think you would have said that even a week or two ago.” He reached out and clasped her hand between his.
“Hmm, maybe not. It’s still strange to think about something stalking us rather than someone.” She lifted a shoulder. Until recently, she hadn’t had any idea there were any other people as different as she and her cousin were. “But you didn’t answer my question.”
“They slipped a couple men in last night. They sniffed around the house as close as they could get. They didn’t find a trace of human anywhere close to the home.” He ran his fingers over her knuckles.
“Did they discover anything about the man behind the company?” Her teeth dug into her lower lip. A sting burst over the skin. She winced. Damn, the tension and waiting weren’t getting any easier.
“They discovered that the name does have a history. He grew up in Alabama, and he had a construction company there for years. Two years ago, he moved to California and settled in Stone Cliff.” Thane squeezed her hand.
“But you three told me that the Gobel live in isolated groups and have no contact with humans unless the humans accidentally stumble upon them or the Gobel turn corrupt.” She put her free hand over his. They hadn’t said anything about Gobel leading normal lives.
“Yes, we said that. We don’t think this Gobel lived as a human for all of his life. For one thing, their young have as much difficulty, if not more, than Gargoyles maintaining a human form. They have to learn to hold the illusions they use.” Thane exhaled.
“So, he stole this man’s identity, if not worse.” She grimaced. Fuck, the attacks had been bad. These Gobel might have killed humans.
“Probably worse. There hasn’t been any indication
that someone else is using the identity in some other state.” Thane shook his head. “I only say that because I don’t want you to think that I’m hiding anything from you, even if it would be to spare you the possible gory side.”
“So he probably killed this man and took over his life.” She clenched her fingers. Had the Gobel done that to others, as well? “Do you have any idea of why he’s decided to attack the Gargoyles here? I mean I get that you could be a problem for him, but you didn’t even know about him until the attacks happened.”
“You’re right. The first attacks don’t make any sense because they brought the corrupted Gobel in the city to our attention.” Thane reached over and lifted her out of the chair. “But the fact that the man owns a construction company raised Dante’s suspicions.”
“Well, if it raised his suspicions, I know he searched. What did he find?” She put her arm around him as he settled her across his lap. Perfect. So warm and comfortable.
“Well, he found that shortly after he set up his business here, the Gobel had bought some property. He hasn’t done anything with it to this point though.” He curled his arm around her.
“He bought land, but hasn’t done anything with it? Then why mention it? And why are you drawing this out when I can tell that you have a few ideas about what you want to do?” She grabbed his shirt and gave a small tug. “I don’t need the suspense. I’ve been waiting for these answers since that thing first attacked us.”
“All right, you have a point about that. The land he bought doesn’t have anything built around it, but he happened to buy the property that’s close to some the Gargoyles own to keep other developments away from our communities. I’m sure you’ve noticed that there’s a section of land on each side of our two communities.” Thane tightened his arm around her.
“Yes, I noticed that there weren’t houses or other private communities, but I did think that that might be by design.” She lifted her shoulder. It made sense. They needed the privacy.
“It was. We bought the land a while ago. Over the years, people have offered for it, but we’re not selling. Last year, we did receive another one. It wasn’t anything strange and no push after we declined. We didn’t realize that the request wasn’t simply a normal offer.” He lifted a shoulder.
“Do you think that this all has something to do with the land and something he wants to build?” Moriah frowned. Was that reason enough for all the attacks? Especially when the Gargoyle wouldn’t stop hunting him.
“I think that might be the original reason behind it. He might not have realized until after the original attacks that there were Gargoyles in the area.” Thane exhaled heavily. “Once he did, I’m sure he decided that he had to get rid of us. Maybe more because we’d be competition and opposition than because we hold something he wants.”
“That could be true.” She leaned her head against his chest. But still so many unanswered questions.
Chapter Twenty Seven
“Now, about the other thing that I want.” Thane’s palm flattened on her stomach.
“I knew we’d get around to that.” She tilted her head back to look up at him. Warmth flared through her. At least, he finished telling her what they’d learned first.
“I’m definitely not about to forget it.” He laughed. “Not when I want to slowly take your clothes off and spread you out to love you.”
“Your desk looks kind of crowded for the spreading out thing.” She pressed her hand to his chest. Unfortunately, files, binders, and pens were scattered around his computer. Unless they moved all of those, they couldn’t use it.
“Yeah, there are way too many files on there for us to use my desk. I wouldn’t want anything knocked off because putting them all back in the right order would be a real bitch.” Thane shook his head.
“Then are we going to the bedroom?” She wriggled in his lap.
“No, sunshine, much as I like rolling with you on the bed, I plan to take you here.” He smoothed his hand up to her breast.
“You mean in this chair?” She raised an eyebrow. An interesting idea, but she wasn’t a contortionist or an acrobat. She’d break her neck even if he was holding on to her.
“No, sunshine, we could try the recliner or we could use the floor. I’d gladly lay on my back and let you ride me until we both collapse onto the carpet.” His arms tightened in a slow hug.
“I like the sound of riding you.” She pushed a button through the small hole on his blue shirt.
“You know what I like?” He drew his finger down the line of her spine.
“Me naked?” She flicked a couple more buttons free.
“Always, but not what I was thinking of.” Thane grabbed her fingers before she could slide them under the edge of his pants.
“What were you thinking?” She gave tugged. Maybe he’d let it go. The bare skin of his chest gleamed and her fingertips tingled.
“I was thinking of watching your breasts bounce as you ride me.” One of his hands slid around her waist and cupped the mound of her breast. “You’re wearing a bra.”
“Of course I’m wearing a bra. I’d like to keep these round and high for as long as possible.” She shook her head. Such a man. Breasts did not defy gravity without a little help.
He laughed. “Well, I do like them as they are, but don’t be surprised if I strip you out of it whenever possible.”
“I kind of expect that out of all of you, but you can’t do that if you keep holding on to my hand.” She tilted her head. He’d never released her bra one-handed before.
His fingers trailed back. The front of her bra tightened, and the sides dug in a little. His fingers brushed over her back through her shirt.
“Well, I could, but I don’t think you’d be happy about the condition of it afterward.” He lifted a shoulder.
“No, I wouldn’t. So, why don’t you let me go? I can take off my shirt and then release the catch. We can move down to the floor and begin.” She lowered her eyes to his chest. And then she’d run her hands and mouth all over those muscled plains.
“Mmm, that’s one option.” He tightened his arm around her. “Or I could stand and put you on your feet. And I could take a step right over here.”
He strode over to his desk, opened a drawer, and pulled out a red ribbon. While he was there, he punched a few buttons on the computer. Soft music flowed through the room. Without a word, he paced back to her. He reached out and clasped both of her wrists. The silky ribbon slithered over her skin, drawing a shiver from her.
“Are you all right with me tying you?” He met her eyes.
“Yes, but if you do it now, you’re not going to be able to get me out of my clothes easily.” She raised her eyebrows.
“I know. As much as I’d like to slowly reveal your body and kiss my way down as I do it, I’ll have to at least get rid of your shirt and bra before I can tie you up.” He released her hands, letting them fall to her side.
He grasped the bottom of her T-shirt and pulled it up over her head. She shook her hair out of her eyes, brushing the last strands away with her hands. By the time she cleared her vision, he’d released the catch on her bra. The fabric loosened. As he drew his hands back, he tugged the straps at her shoulders and guided them down her arms.
He dropped the lingerie to the floor and captured her hands. Her heart pounded in her chest, and her stomach tightened. He wrapped the ribbon around her wrists and tied her hands in front of her. Soft, silky material, but it didn’t slip off when she twisted and wriggled.
“You don’t appear to have anything here to keep my hands out of the way. It would be a little hard for you to kiss and excite me if I wanted to interfere.” She flattened her palms against his chest.
“And you think that I couldn’t rig something up?” He raised a brow.
“I’m sure you could, but I think that you would have gotten what you needed if you’d intended to do it.” She dug her nails into his chest. Why am I pushing? She could touch him like this.
“
Maybe you’re right, or maybe I was deciding how much you’d welcome at this point.” He stepped back to his drawer and grabbed something from it before guiding her back toward the door.
He raised her hands and secured the ribbon to some hooks on the wall. She glanced up as he did it. Those did not look like coat hooks.
“Is there something you want to tell me about what you do in this room and what else you have in that drawer?” She remained still as he finished securing them.
“The drawer is full of surprises for you that we’ll get through over time. And as for what I do in here, work and dream up new ways to please you.” He laughed. “We’ve told you that you’re the first woman here.”
“You’re just a little too prepared.” She shook her head.
“Not too prepared. I found this stuff the day after they told me about you. I hoped that someday you’d trust me enough to play with me. I didn’t expect it so soon.” Thane stepped back and tilted his head. “Are you comfortable for the moment? We’ll get to the riding part as soon as I’ve had some time to enjoy you.”
She pulled on her arms. Not too bad. A little give, but not enough she could bring her arms down. She probably wouldn’t be here all that long. Not hours at least. “I’m good.”
“Great. Now, I’m going to enjoy the access that I have to your sweet body and the opportunity to play with you.” Thane stepped forward.
“Are you going to tease me for the entire time until I’m almost out of my mind to get to you?” She took a deep breath. Not that that was bad.
She clenched her hands. He’d make her crazy.
“That is an idea, but I’m going to enjoy tasting and touching. If that does it, then that’s all to the better. I’m going to taste your neck, lick your breasts, and nip at the peaks. And before I’m finished, I’m going to pull your pants down and lap the juices flowing from your pussy.” He slid his hand down between her legs.
He cupped the mound and pressed, but didn’t push his fingers between the lips. She rocked her hips forward. His words burned through her. Her inner muscles tightened, and liquid warmth seeped from her. She shifted on her feet.
Finding Their Flame [Stone Passions 2] Page 22
