by Sidney Ayers
“I love the way you taste,” she murmured, her hands dancing along his shoulders to his chest. His heart hammered with each skilled caress. The erection of the century raged below. He would explode if he couldn’t have her now.
Fumbling with the doorknob, he growled. Shifting Lucy in his arms, he kicked the door open and burst into the room. Soft greens and beiges greeted him as he stormed inside. Quite the opposite from what he expected. Returning his thoughts to the woman in his arms, he strode to the large bed in the middle of the room and deposited her there.
Gazing up at him with those disarming hazel eyes, she licked her lips. Then she frowned. His heart plummeted.
“What is it?”
She rolled her lip between her teeth. “I’m still wearing my jeans.” Crawling toward him, she reached out to graze the tip of his erection. “And you’re naked.”
Her fingertips traced along his engorged length. Each throb of his cock sent him closer to the breaking point. It took all his willpower to reach down and pull her hand away, but any more and he’d explode. And he wasn’t quite ready to explode yet. Not until she was satisfied first.
Still holding her hand, he climbed on the bed next to her. With his free hand, he traced his fingers across her breasts and the rosy nubs. She sucked in a ragged breath, her hips arching. He wanted to drive her mad, like she had him. He wanted her hot and needy.
Molten energy radiated between them, like nothing he’d ever felt before. Energy cracked through the air, sizzling around them. Sweat dampened their bodies, glistening in the pale glow of the overhead lamp.
Fingers tracing down to her stomach, he swirled his index finger around her belly button. With slow methodical strokes, he inched further down. She wasn’t the only one who hurt. He ached so much for her it drove him mad.
“Please, Rafe.” Her eyes widened, the emerald and amber swirling like a tumultuous storm. “I can’t take much more.”
He groaned, deep from his chest. “Neither can I.” He let go of her wrist, allowing her to reach up and pull him against her supple body. Tongues flicking and hands roaming, deep waves of torrid heat consumed them. With a wanton he never knew he possessed, he fumbled with the button of her jeans. Yanking the zipper down, he tugged at the denim clinging to her curves. How he wished he was clinging to her instead.
“I’m not used to modern clothes,” he managed through deep breaths. With a final tug, he tossed her pants to the side. Moving to the undergarments shielding her feminine treasures, he traced his finger along the stretchy band of her white cotton bikini. With a devilish grin, he flicked the band.
A surprised gasp burst from her mouth, her body squirming beneath him. Twisting the fabric in his fist, he yanked them off her body. Yearning pounded its way through his veins. If he thought she was stunning with clothes, naked she was a goddess. A little of Diana’s strength mixed with the passion of Venus. A combination that left him utterly breathless.
In that instance, all he could do was stare and soak up that beauty, take in every curve, every line. With silent appraisal, he let her now shredded panties fall to the floor.
“You’re beautiful,” he murmured, inching his body up along hers.
With slow teasing strokes, his fingertips traced along her thighs. Each swirl, each stroke fired more sizzling energy into every receptor of his body. If they didn’t do something soon, he’d burst into flames. Her body, soft and supple, grinding and writhing against him didn’t help matters much, either.
“Lucy,” he murmured into her neck as he edged his way up along her body. Kissing down along her neck and collar bone, he allowed his hands to massage the swell of her breast. “I need you.”
Fear clawed its way into his heart. Had he truly said those words? Was he weakening? But he didn’t feel weaker. In fact he felt stronger than ever, like nothing could stop him. And it was all Lucy. Taking control of his thoughts, he pushed them to the far recesses of his mind. His only concern? To have Lucy. Now.
“I need you more,” she growled, hips arching off the bed. With a forceful tug, she ripped her hand from his and yanked him against her body. Flicks of fire lashed out as skin met skin. Sweat sizzled on their flesh as the heat radiated between them. “Now, before I explode.”
Member near bursting, he offered his own growl, deep and needy, from his chest. He knew he shouldn’t but nothing felt so electrifying, so powerful… so right. Every thought of reason left his mind with each throb of his erection. “We shouldn’t—” A hoarse moan ripped from his mouth.
Fingers wrapped fully around his hard length, she flashed a seductive smile, her hazel eyes sparking more desire. “Oh yes we should.”
Any remaining blood flooded down to his cock. Never had he been with such an assertive woman, and it drove him to the brink of explosion. With slow, sweeping strokes, her hand slid up and down his throbbing erection, her smooth skin sizzling against the bulging veins. His body rigid with need, he squeezed his eyes shut and gulped down a strangled breath. He needed her. Now.
Unable to control the desires raging inside, he let out deep rumbling growl. “You’re an enchantress,” he said through a ragged breath. Pushing his body against hers, he took her lips with his. With deep savage strokes, his tongue lashed against hers.
Arching up and grinding her hips against his, she moaned against his lips. Her silky soft hand glided up and down his shaft, driving him over the edge… almost. With great restraint, he reached down and pulled her hand from his near-bursting erection.
“Don’t you want me to touch you?” she whispered with a slow swipe of her tongue along his neck.
“No,” he managed, his thoughts all jumbled.
Her eyelids slanted downward, lashes brushing cheeks. She threw her hands up in the air. “Damn it, Rafe!”
“I don’t want your hands on me.” He caught her wrists in a firm grip and held them above her head, gaze firm, ready, and wanting. Sliding his body up against hers, he traced his tongue across a nipple. “I want more.” Cock poised, ready, and raging with eager excitement, he pressed against her.
“Yes, me too,” she murmured, thrusting her hips upward against him. Her hazel eyes beckoned him, ensnared him. He had no other choice. Wrapping arms around her curvy waist, he pulled her to him and pushed inside.
Heaven. That was the only word he could describe her warmth surrounding him. Moist heat enveloped him as he slid in and out. Teeth clenched he fought the urge to bury himself deep inside as his release threatened to overcome him. Legs wrapped around his waist, she met each thrust with wild wanton. Her eyes sparked fire, as molten energy coursed through them, consuming them whole. And he loved every minute of it.
“Rafe,” she said on a deep raspy moan, a sound that sent his body near the breaking point. Fingers digging into his back, she lunged upward. Scorching fire ripped through him as their bodies rocked against each other. Hot and hungry, his mouth devoured her lips. Nibbles, sucks, and licks matched time with each quickened thrust.
Gazing down at her with pleasure-clouded eyes, he let out a groan that sent the walls shaking. So very close. Picking up the pace he slammed into her harder, with vigorous strokes.
A moan to equal his burst from her mouth as he felt her body tighten around him. Good. She was close too. Teeth grinding into her lower lip, she threw her head back.
“So beautiful,” he whispered, a long lick tracing her earlobe. Sizzles of pleasure erupted between his tongue and her skin. Reaching down to cup a breast, he swirled his fingertip along her tender nipple. With a quick squeeze to the rosy bud, he increased each thrust. He would burst at any moment.
Eyes squeezed shut and head thrown back, she writhed beneath him. Fingernails grazing a fiery path down his back, she managed a gasp, “Please. I’ve never…” Her words turned into a loud groan as he sank in deep.
As if connected, he knew what she needed. And he’d be a fool to deny this woman her pleasure. She needed it. He wanted her to have it. Completely. With a needy sigh, he withdrew fr
om her.
Her hazel eyes flew open, frustration filling every curve of her face. “What are you doing?”
“Giving you what you need, Lucy.” With that, he rolled off her and ended up on his back, his shaft rigid, ready and waiting. “I need you to take charge.”
With the grace of a cat, she crawled up on top of him. “Are you sure?” she asked, her eyes wide. Slowly she let her fingertip trace along the tip of his erection. He quivered at her touch and his cock throbbed.
A strangled gasp burst from his mouth. All he could do was offer her a nod and hoped she’d hurry before he made a mess of things. “Please, before I—”
Then she inched herself down, slowly… with teasing torture. Rocking her body against his, she threw back her head and arched her back. Fingers digging into his thighs, she slammed to the hilt. Flickers and sparks of fire tingled as the friction built between them. He was close.
Instinctively, Rafael arched up and grabbed her waist, pulling her up and down with each thrust. Hands raking upward, to cup a breast, he traced the pad of his thumb over the hard nubs of her nipples. Angling upward, he took her mouth with his. Tongues swirling a savage dance, he groaned against her lips.
With wild abandon, she slid up and down harder and faster with each sweeping stroke. He would spill any moment.
Walls tightening around him, holding him in a pleasurable vice, she ground her hips into his. “Rafe,” she growled out as she pulsed against him. Moist heat pooled as she tightened around him.
Unable to control himself, with one final lunge, he groaned. A sound so loud, it reverberated through the room. His cock shuddered against her tightening heat. With one savage sweep of his tongue in her mouth, he exploded inside her, spasming against the moist heat that melded them together. Not quite ready to withdraw, he hauled her curvaceous body against his. Tracing his tongue along her full lips, he wrapped his arms around her. He didn’t want to let go.
Heart hammering and senses acute, he glanced up at her. A wide, satisfied smile swept across her face as she traced lazy circles along his pectoral. A deep sigh of contentment blew out her mouth. A dreamy swirl clouded her hazel eyes.
“Damn,” she breathed out, resting her head on his shoulder. “Who’s the sex demon? I could stay like this forever.” She nuzzled her cheek against his, the friction of her soft against his stubble sending more electricity rushing through him.
Odd. And here he was, full of energy. What in the name of the Paladins was going on? With a quick scratch to his head, he let the thoughts tumble through his mind. But one thing he knew. He hadn’t been reduced to an imp. Strength filled his every pore, sending rockets of energy racing through him. Like nothing could stop him, not even a demon-induced snowstorm. With a quick scoop, he tossed Lucy on her back, molding himself to her every curve.
Letting his lips dance across her skin, he trailed them down her cheek, to her neck and allowed his tongue to graze along her collar bone. His member throbbed to life again. This wasn’t natural, even for a demon.
“Rafe?” Lucy’s voice sang in his ears, sweet like the richest honey. “Is that supposed to happen?”
A wicked smirk curved his lips. “This?” he asked, rubbing his erection along her supple thigh. “Not usually, but I’m not complaining.”
Her gaze sharpened sending warnings streaming through him. “Not that.” She propped her body up, angling her gaze to the cracked open door. “That.”
Following the direction of her now pointed finger, Rafael narrowed his gaze. Intense bursts blinked and flashed, sending slivers of bright light poking through the cracked open door. His heart stilled and his stomach coiled into a knot.
“Bloody hell!” he bellowed, ripping himself from the comfort of Lucy’s embrace. Maybe he would fail after all.
Chapter 21
Rafe flung himself from the bed and rushed to the door. With a forceful tug, he sent it flying open. With each flash, the light grew stronger, more intense. Like a beacon.
A beacon? Oh shit.
And it was all her fault. She was the one who egged him on. Her and her horny hormones. Lump in throat, she grabbed her robe from the floor and flung it on. Following Rafe, she raced down the hallway. Sitting in the middle of the living room was the chest, the purple styling cape twisted around it on the floor. How could she have been so stupid?
With a shake of his head and a deep breath of air, Rafe reached down and flung the fabric back over the dusty box. She hated that thing. She wanted to kick it and send it flying back to whence it came. Fingers balled into tight fists, she fought her rage. Rage directed at herself.
“This is all my fault,” she muttered, fumbling with the ties to her robe. “I enraptured you. I’m sorry.” Meandering her way to the futon, she slumped into its not-so-comfy recesses. Fingers scraping through strands of hair, she blew out a ragged sigh.
“You didn’t enrapture me.” Despite his firm tone, Rafe’s gaze softened, comforting her. He took seat next to her and grabbed her hand. The heated sparks now replaced by tender warmth. “I would be passed out in bed, otherwise.”
Entwining her fingers in his, she shook her head. Glancing out the window as the snow tapered to a steady fall, she sucked in a racking sigh. “We shouldn’t have done that. I should’ve known better. Karma’s a bitch.”
“Everything happens for a reason.” Despite the urgency of the situation, his voice remained calm, with clear surety.
“So how long do we have until the demons of Connolly Park come busting down my door?”
“I’ve got a protection charm in place, have you forgotten?”
She rolled her eyes. “That charm didn’t stop Belial from waltzing into my shop earlier.”
“True.” Rafe scrubbed a hand across his chin. “But Lilith certainly weakened him. He won’t be doing much poofing any time soon.”
With a slow nod, she curled into Rafe’s arms. “I hope you’re right.” Because she certainly didn’t want to be the cause of another failed mission. She had a connection with him, stronger than any man she’d ever known—besides her father, of course. She sure as hell wouldn’t let some post-coital mishap muck things up.
He lowered his lips to her cheek. “I’ve sworn to protect you, Lucy. That won’t change.”
“I appreciate that, more than you’ll ever know.” Teeth digging into her lower lip, she blew a long breath out her nose. “So how long do we have?”
Rafe swiped a defiant strand of hair from her cheek, the warmth still emanating from his fingertips. “You’ll be safe. I’ll protect you.”
Despite his gentleness, a fire spurred inside her. Gentleness served its purpose, but she’d be damned if she just sat back while Rafe and his demon buddies did all the fighting. Especially if she was the reason all of them were fighting. She wouldn’t take no for an answer.
“I don’t need protection.” Firm with resolve, her gaze met his. “I’m fighting, too.”
Jaw ticking, he shook his head. “You’re royalty. You can’t.”
“Royalty, schmoyalty. I’m good at judo, or did you forget?” With a quick bounce, she bounded up off the futon and flailed her fists. “Hi-yah!”
Rafe blew out a deep breath. “It isn’t done.”
With a tilt to her chin, she slammed her hands to her waist. “It is now. Besides, it’s my fault you’re in this mess.”
“How so?”
Fists tight at her sides, she bit her lip. “I opened the chest.”
“You didn’t know any better.”
“Yes I did. Why don’t you just let me take the blame?”
“Belial is to blame.” Rafe’s mouth remained inches from hers. “Had he not attacked, the chest would still be in Limbo. You. Are. Not. To. Blame. Got it?”
With a silent nod, she unclenched her fists. “I’m still fighting.”
“Your father won’t approve.”
“You’d be surprised.”
“Daddy’s little girl, are you?”
“Pretty much get what
I want.”
“Then why did your father threaten eternal damnation on me if any harm befalls you?”
“If.” She waggled her brow. Sucking in a determined breath of air, she reached down and lugged the two-ton book of demon rules onto her lap and flipped it open. “So teach me how to protect myself.”
“Lucy…” His voice firm, he narrowed his gaze. Why did she get the sneaky suspicion that he was hiding something?
Fine, be that way.
“Whatever, I’ll do it myself.” Finger tracing over ancient Latin, she perused the elegant script. Incantation after incantation and a string of spells and rituals filled the deep recesses of her mind. Invocations and potions were cool enough, but where was the section on kicking Infernati ass?
With a growl, she tore through the pages. “A little help?”
“Your father—”
“Knows better.” Flipping a page, a huge smile curved her lips. In rich detail, emblazoned on the thick parchment, were all forms of weapons. Swords, daggers, crossbows, and modern defense mechanisms. Because nothing said, “Die, demon scum” better than a silver slug planted deep in their black hearts. Finally, she was getting somewhere—no thanks to Rafe. “So where can I get some of these?” She glanced over at the small dagger she so wanted to slice into Lamia’s chest earlier. She needed another upgrade.
As if it were light as air, Rafe plucked the book from her lap and slammed it closed. “I won’t send another woman to her death.”
She reached over to grab the book back. “I’m not going to die.”
Without missing a step, Rafe reached out and grabbed her wrist. “No, you’re not. I’m supposed to keep you safe, and I’m going to make damned sure of it.”
“Have fun with that.” Tugging her arm from his grip, she flashed a wry smile. Her finger traced a slow path down a rigid bicep. Warmth spiked to a blazing inferno. Too bad he’d put those stupid pants back on. She leaned in closer, her lips inches from his ear. “Where there’s a will, there’s a way. And I will find a way.”
