Welcome to the Neighborhood

by Abshire, Mary

  Alexi clenched her fist under the table. Demons were troublemakers. Every one she’d ever encountered enjoyed rousing anger and disturbing the peace. Sylvia was no exception.

  “Hey, there you are,” Corey said, appearing swiftly at Alexi’s other side. He slid the chair from under the table and sat. “Hi, Alexandria. How are you liking the party?”

  Slowly, she relaxed her strained fingers. “It’s interesting.” She turned her gaze to Greg and he gave her a friendly smile.

  “We were just talking about bloodsuckers,” Sylvia said. “Phillip is here. Did you see him?”

  Renewed fury shot through Alexi. She balled her hand, forcing her nails to dig into her palm. Normally, she could handle demons, but this one irritated her worse than a skin rash.

  “If there is another vampire here, he probably came to meet me. I highly doubt he’ll start trouble. Unlike demons, we vampires don’t create problems,” Alexi said, mentally patting herself on the back for keeping her words clean and her tone calm. If no one else were around, she’d shout profanity at the bitch describing what she really thought about demons. Bloodsuckers? The nerve of her.

  Corey made a noise that sounded like a chuckle, but it quickly turned it into a cough. Sylvia’s face turned red and her face tightened. Alexi grinned and sent a telepathic message to her. Bring it on, demon.

  Greg reached across the table and placed his hand on top of Alexi’s. “I have yet to meet a vampire that has caused a problem, especially one such as lovely as yourself.”

  His kind touch and passionate eyes warmed her and she smiled. So what if he and Corey were gay? They seemed like honest people with compassionate hearts. Perfect neighbors.

  Sylvia rose fast and knocked the table. Alexi’s glass of wine tipped toward her. She reached for it, but caught it too late. The red fluid spilled down her white shirt and onto skirt. Holding the empty glass in her hands, she looked at Sylvia.

  “I’m so sorry.” Sylvia’s lips twitched as she tried to hide her devilish grin.

  Alexi’s fangs shot down. She tightened her grasp on the glass and it shattered. Shards fell on the table and floor. If the bitch wanted to play rough, Alexi would accommodate her.

  7

  Greg held Alexi’s injured hand as he led her to the bathroom. She didn’t appear to be bleeding badly, yet the coppery smell of her blood was strong. He picked up the scent immediately after she’d squished the wineglass in her hand as if it were nothing. Alexi appeared so beautiful and fragile, but truth be known, she had more strength than he did, not that the little detail bothered him.

  Reaching the ladies restroom, he kicked the door open. The pink-and-black tiled lavatory was empty. He quickly ushered Alexi into the room and placed her hand in the sink. Drops of blood colored the white porcelain.

  “I can handle this,” Alexi said.

  He twisted the faucet handle and water splashed into the basin. “You could have a piece of glass stuck in your hand.”

  Alexi stuck her hand in the water. “Don’t worry, I don’t have any glass in me. It’s okay.”

  She sounded amazingly calm for a vampire who’d been tempted into a brawl by a demon. Her composure impressed Greg. She had looked ready to jump across the table and kill Sylvia after she broke the glass. Instead, she excused herself to clean up her attire.

  “I can’t believe what she did.” He mumbled in frustration. Sylvia was a pest, but he never thought she would’ve acted so inappropriately toward Alexi. She could’ve accidently bumped the table, but somehow Greg didn’t believe it since her action occurred after he’d touched Alexi’s hand. Was Sylvia jealous? But why? They weren’t lovers. Hell, they weren’t friends. They were neighbors, and not even close ones.

  “I can believe it. Demons are lowlife scum wanting to create chaos and trouble wherever they are. They’re just as bad as self-indulgent men.”

  He lifted his gaze to the mirror. “Sounds like you’ve had a run-in or two with a demon before, or perhaps a bad boyfriend.”

  “Both.”

  Noticing the water in the sink running clear, he peered at her hand. He lifted it and rubbed his fingers over her palm. The skin felt smooth and without a single cut, but he spotted little pink marks. “You’re healed?”

  “Probably. The cuts were small.”

  He reached for the dispenser and tugged two paper towels. “Got to love our ability to heal.” He handed the towels to her and grabbed a few more.

  “It’s definitely a perk.” She patted her hands with the towels.

  “You handled the situation well. For a moment, I thought I might witness a catfight.”

  “I came close, very close. Then I took a glimpse around the room and changed my mind. I just moved here. I don’t need trouble. But if we’d been alone, you bet I would have attacked.”

  “I’ve never seen her act that way before.”

  “I sensed she likes you, a lot.”

  He tossed his towels in the trash. “She flirts with me all the time, and I keep pushing her away. I’ve told her I’m not interested.”

  “Oh? Well then I think you have a problem.” Alexi faced the mirror and expression soured. “Shit!” She lowered her chin and gazed down. “My clothes are ruined.”

  “Oh…” Greg immediately began unbuttoning his shirt. “You should take off your clothes. We can wet them down in the sink. It might prevent the wine from staining.”

  “Good idea.”

  Alexi tugged her blouse free from her skirt and slid it over her head while Greg unfastened the buttons on his shirt. His heart thumped faster upon seeing the lacy bra. The vampire was beyond lovely with her full, luscious breasts begging him to play with and kiss. He wanted to, badly. After she discarded her shirt in the sink, she slid her white skirt down her legs. Greg tugged his shirt from his pants and froze, staring at her gorgeous body. White panties matched her lacy bra and they barely covered her. His cock tightened in response. Sweet Jesus, he was in Heaven.

  She reached down and picked up her skirt, then met his gaze. “Are you all right?”

  He swallowed and quickly jerked his shirt off his shoulders. “Yeah. Fine.”

  She smiled as she turned to face the sink. “You’re heart is beating fast.”

  The next sound he heard was the water trickling down the drain. With her backside facing him, Greg’s gaze veered to her ass. She wore a thong and had the firmest butt cheeks he’d ever seen. He marveled at her beauty while his dick hardened. God, what a beautiful creation. He longed to touch her body, feel her skin and glide his tongue along every inch of her. But not here, in the women’s restroom of the clubhouse where the entire neighborhood congregated outside the door. What bad fucking timing.

  He held his shirt up for her to slip her arms through the sleeves. “Here, you should put this on.”

  She slid one arm at a time through a sleeve. His shirt hung loosely on her thin body. She turned to face him and the gap in the middle exposed her gorgeous body to him.

  “I think two of me could fit in this.”

  He stared at her breasts. Every bit of him yearned to touch. And why shouldn’t he? They were adults. Greg noticed the way she gazed at his chest and glanced down at his groin. The gleam in her eyes suggested she had an interest him. Hell, why not? Why fight the urge any longer?

  He slipped his hand under her long hair, curled it around her neck then covered his mouth over hers.

  * * * *

  The kiss took her by complete surprise, but she liked it. Her body breathed with desire. His touch sent a warm current down her spine. Passion coiled within her as he stroked her tongue, then tenderly sucked on it. The man was everything she needed, wanted and longed for. Her knees quivered and she almost crumbled like a doll. At least she’d fall into his loving embrace.

  He slid his hand over her ribs and down her hips, giving her gooseflesh. His gentle touch aroused her and moisture increased between her legs. He moved his hand to her butt cheek and squeezed. Need consumed her. When she leaned on
to his body she felt his erection press against her belly. Her thoughts wandered, imagining what his thick cock would feel like inside her. Blissful. Better than a cold vibrator for sure.

  A random thought entered her head. She was smooching a gay guy and he liked it. Shouldn’t he have pushed her away? He wouldn’t have if he was bisexual. His rigid erection along with the way he kissed and touched her indicated he wanted her. And she thoroughly enjoyed his treatment of her. Did it really matter what his preference was? Why not let their bodies do what they longed to do?

  Greg moved the kiss to her chin and neck. His facial hair tickled her, but she loved the soft feel of it. He rolled his tongue down to the center of her breasts. Tingles of desire branched out through her. Her hard nipples ached for attention while her body craved for more of his touch, his wet tongue and sex. As if he knew the pleasure he was bringing to her, he continued to drag his tongue down until he landed on his knees before her.

  “Alexi.” He kissed her belly, then licked and nipped it tenderly. “You’re so beautiful.”

  Erotic zings shot down to the apex between her legs and brought her closer to an orgasm. As he dragged his tongue lower, she raked her fingers through his silky, smooth hair. He pressed his lips to her pubic mound and her legs trembled again. She prayed her knees would last just a little longer.

  He tilted his back and met her gaze. “May I taste you, Alexandria Cartwright?” His warm hands tightened on her ass.

  She smiled at him and played with his dark hair between her fingers. He impressed her by asking her for permission. Out of all the men she’d been with over the last three centuries, not a single one had done such a thing. How could she deny him?

  “Yes, you have my complete approval.”

  He kissed her sex while his hands slid up to the band of her thong. He curled a finger over the strap on each side and tugged the thin barrier down.

  “You are, without a doubt, the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.”

  The sincerity in his voice sent a chill down her spine. Countless men had told her she was beautiful, and each time the words sounded meaningless. Considering whom they came from, they were. Instinct or something told her Greg was different. He spoke with passion, honesty and from the heart. He instilled life in her, happiness and other intense emotions. Gay or bisexual, she didn’t care. The man had a unique gift of making her feel wanted and deeply alive.

  He slipped his tongue between her wet folds and desire ignited faster than a matchstick inside her. She tilted her head back as erotic currents raced to all her sensitive areas. Her yearning for more intensified with each flick of his warm tongue. She grew hotter and wetter. He groped her ass while he caressed her swollen nub. Pleasure burned within her. At any second, a time bomb filled with bliss would explode within her.

  The door squealed and Alexi jerked her head forward. Greg stopped his loving caress and twisted his head around as a woman stepped into the bathroom. The female intruder froze and her eyes widened. She looked at Alexi, then dropped her gaze to Greg.

  “Oh, uh…sorry. I didn’t see anything.” She dashed out of the room and the door closed behind her.

  Alexi stood immobile. “Oh my fucking lord.” Heat rushed to her face as embarrassment flooded her. A member of the community had seen her half-naked with a man licking her pussy. What kind of reputation would she have now? She’d never fit in. They’d probably brand her as the local slut.

  “It’s okay. I think.” Greg stood. “That was Vickie. She’s a werewolf and pregnant with twins. I doubt she’ll say anything.”

  Alexi’s body longed for more touching, kissing, and Greg’s tongue to finish the job it started, but the humiliation of their neighbor catching them in such an intimate act consumed her thoughts. She couldn’t let word get out about her and Greg. Rumors could start trouble for both of them. She had to end their…whatever it was.

  “I’m sorry. I think…maybe this was a mistake.” She picked up her thong and slid it up her legs.

  “No, no. Please, I’m not done.”

  She tugged Greg’s shirt to cover her front. “We can’t do this.”

  “Why?” He placed his warm hands on her hips. “Vickie won’t say anything. Trust me. I’ll talk to her.”

  Even if Greg was right and Vickie would keep mum, Alexi had another problem. She still had to face Greg and Corey. They were lovers of eight years and she stepped into their lives by permitting Greg to please her. Would her decision cause a ripple in their relationship?

  “I shouldn’t have let you go this far. I know how close you are with Corey, and I don’t want to get in the middle of you two.”

  Greg’s brows drew together. “In the middle of us. What do you mean?”

  “You and Corey.”

  “We’re friends. Roommates. How would you come between us?”

  She dropped her jaw. Had she made a mistake? “But you two…love each other, right?”

  A chuckle leaped from him. “Do you think we’re gay?” He stared deep into her eyes. Slowly, his grin disappeared and his expression turned serious. “No. I assure you, I’m heterosexual. Always have been. There’s absolutely no way you would cause a problem between Corey and I. And for the record, I don’t think anything tonight was a mistake.”

  Mortification felt heavier than an elephant on Alexi’s back. She bowed her head with her hand hiding her eyes and leaned against the sink. She’d made a huge error. Colossal. What was wrong with her? Maybe it was the wine. No, she couldn’t blame the liquor. She’d felt an attraction to him the minute she met him. Since then, her decisions had been off balance. She had only herself to blame.

  “Are you okay?” Greg asked, touching her shoulder.

  She jerked away from him in response. “I need to go.” She grabbed her soiled clothes from the sink.

  “It’s okay,” he said in a calm voice. “We can stay–”

  “No it’s not. I need to leave.” She kept her gaze down, refusing to look at him.

  “Alexi, you can’t walk out of here like that. You’ll attract attention, and every werewolf will pick up your scent.”

  She stomped her foot and all the pain she’d ignored in her feet hit her like a sledgehammer. “Fuck.”

  “If you let me help, I can get you home.”

  She looked up and caught a glimpse of his kind blue eyes. Trusting men was not in her genetic makeup, but she didn’t want to cause any problems or create any unwanted attention. “How can you help?”

  “There’s a door to the side that takes you to the back of the clubhouse.” He dug into his pocket and the sound of metal clinked together. “I drive a dark green Honda and my plate is RUN2U.”

  “Run to you?”

  He lifted her hand and placed keys in her palm. “It’s a Brian Adams song. It was the last thing I heard before I had to buy a new plate.”

  Alexi couldn’t stop her lips from curling.

  He gave a casual shrug of one shoulder. “I’m a fan of the eighties.”

  “I’m familiar with the generation.”

  “Wait for me in the car. I’m going to tell Corey what we’re doing.”

  “What about my purse and my car?” She gazed at his handsome chest. “And you can’t exactly walk out there without a shirt.”

  As if he’d forgotten about his missing shirt, he glanced at his torso. “Hmm…” He withdrew a phone from his pocket and slid his thumb over the screen. “Small change of plan. You left your purse at the table, right?”

  She nodded while tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

  “I’ll have Corey grab it and bring to me. I’ll wait in the men’s room for him and tell him what’s going on. He can drive your car back to your house, if that’s all right with you?”

  Again, he impressed her by asking for her permission. Experience told her to not trust him, but she was in a bind. Besides, she doubted much harm could come from Corey driving her car, unless he wrecked it. Thankfully, she had insurance.

  “My keys are i
n my purse, and my car is a black Lexus with tinted windows.”

  Greg took a step back. “I won’t be longer than five minutes. I promise.”

  “Promises are made to be broken.”

  He paused with his thumb on his phone. “I’m not the kind of person who breaks promises.”

  The solemn expression on his face and deep tone gave weight to his words. Still, they were merely words to Alexi. “I’ve heard similar remarks like that before.”

  He lowered his hand holding the cell. “We really need to talk about us.”

  Alexi hesitated to respond. Yes, they certainly needed to have a chat, but it would have to wait. “Another time. Right now, I need to get home.”

  Greg sighed as if he she’d disappointed him. Had he really expected her to confess how she felt around him? One of their neighbors had just caught Alexi with her pants down, literally. How humiliating. Surely, Greg could understand her position.

  “All right.” He blinked, showing his concession. “Five minutes, tops.”

  She hesitated, then approved with a nod and he left the bathroom.

  Alone, Alexi gazed up at the ceiling and bit her tongue. Somehow, she needed to figure out what kind of relationship she was going to have with Greg. He seemed honest, concerned, loving and attracted to her. But was it all lust? Was he another one wanting to satisfy his own carnal needs and use her? The picture of him on his knees and pleasuring her with his tongue indicated he wasn’t selfish, greedy, out to take all he could and deliver nothing in return. He acted completely opposite from all the other men she’d dealt with in her existence. Yet, doubt gnawed at her. How could she be sure of his true intentions? She couldn’t.

  For now, she wanted to get home. She gripped the keys in her hand and opened the door. As she stepped out in Greg’s shirt and clutching her soiled clothes, she prayed no one would see her.

  8