Hearing the same scratching sound as before, I stay where I am and cock my head a bit to listen. It’s closer this time. My head snaps up and I lock eyes with two sets of eyes—one purple and the other green, both framed by tiny stone faces. Letting out an uncharacteristic shriek, I jump back, arms against the cool tile of the shower, my chest heaving as I try to settle my nerves. It’s only Anarchy and Chaos.
“You little devils, you almost gave me a heart attack!”
Shooing them away, I turn toward the array of shower products sitting on the shelf under one of the shower heads when a hard arm suddenly goes around my waist and yanks me out from under the warm spray of water.
Shrieking again, this time in frustration instead of fright, I kick my foot back. I hit the shin of the one holding me and am met with a curse, which only fuels my determination to get out of his hold. Twisting my wet body against his arm, I turn around, arm cocked back and ready to send his nose into his brain, and I stop short. The eyes meeting mine are red and sunset-orange, and they’re looking at me like I’m precious. Like I need to be protected at all costs. After his abrupt departure last night though, I still might punch him and blame that shit on being hauled rudely out of my shower.
“What the fuck are you doing?” I scowl when he doesn’t let me go.
He tightens his hands on my bare waist. “You shrieked, and I thought you were under attack.” His slanted eyes narrow on my face, before making their way down my neck where droplets of water are falling from my hair to trail tiny rivulets down toward my breasts. Which are currently smashed against his T-shirt covered chest and creating quite the wet spot.
“I shrieked because Anarchy and Chaos appeared in my shower, and they startled me, goblin.”
“You’re in danger and under my protection, which I take seriously, little álainn, so when I heard your scream, I came to rescue you from a situation that I thought you would need help out of.” He shrugs, one eyebrow quirked.
“I don’t need rescuing. Not from you, not from anyone.” I step back from his hold and square off with him. “Let’s get this settled now, goblin. I can take care of myself. If I need any help, it will come from my crew. Not a goblin who can barely stand the sight of me.”
Droplets are still falling from my hair and leaving trails of wetness down my neck to my breasts where they stop for a moment before falling to the floor with a tiny splash against the tile. He steps toward me and opens his mouth, his eyes filled with heat. I raise one arm to cover my breasts and bring my other hand down to cup my sex and hide it from his view.
“Oh, I can’t stand the sight of you all right, my little tine.” His tone is deeper, dripping with the sound of sex as he steps closer into my space, crowding me.
I back up until my bare back meets with the cold tile of the bathroom wall. I feel stalked as his larger frame slowly closes the distance between us. I whip my head from side to side, looking for an escape from the disaster that’s about to happen between us.
“Would you get out already?” I try to sound demanding, but my voice shakes. Against my own will my knees weaken. My body fights my head to lean closer into his warmth.
“Why would I do that when I have you bared before me, little álainn?”
His rumbling voice sends shivers down my spine. My nipples harden with need.
I look up into his eyes as he closes the last fraction of space between us. My hand is trapped between our bodies covering the juncture of my thighs, my other arm still across my breasts.
“I’m not your little anything, goblin,” I reply breathily.
With a finger, he lightly follows the path of a water droplet from behind my ear and down my neck. My vision blurs, and a breath shudders out of me.
“Let alone your little—”
He trails down between the valley of my breasts.
His gaze locks on mine while he glides his finger between both breasts and makes a come hither motion, dragging it back up my chest, his nail scraping against the delicate skin there. I sigh.
He steps even closer to me. His hard length brushes against the back of my hand. I wince, worrying for a second that he could hurt me with his size.
He bends toward me. “We will fit perfectly together, little álainn.” He licks across the hoops in the shell of my ear. “Now drop your arm, so I may see all of your lush body.”
I bare my chest to him and watch desire darken his eyes. His hand splays at the base of my neck before inching down to cup one breast in his calloused hand. I arch my back, pushing the flesh farther into his waiting grasp. With his free hand, he grabs both of mine, bringing them above my head. He keeps both wrists locked in one of his hands. With the other, he continues his exploration of every inch of my breasts, my nipples hardening at his feather light touch.
I brush my cheek against the stubble of his. I dart my tongue out to touch the lobe of his ear. He groans and mutters something I don’t understand.
As the hand holding my wrists above my head presses them hard into the wall, our eyes meet and the message is clear, keep them there.
I nod and his other hand joins the first cupping my breast. He trails kisses down my neck. His tongue leaves a wet trail on my fevered skin. He slowly kisses towards my nipple. I arch against his hard chest. Fire rages through my blood when he blows against the wet spots he leaves. My body riots for more.
More of his touch. More of his mouth. More of his tongue on my body.
He opens his lush mouth and sucks my pebbled nipple inside. I moan, jerking in his hold. He bites down on my nipple. He growls and I clutch at his back leaving marks. I throw my head back and bury my free hand in his soft strands.
I leave my hand in his hair. My breast pops free from his mouth as he tilts his head back to look at me. I try to push his mouth back to my needy breasts, but he resists me. My hands go back above my head of their own accord. The needy noises escaping me surprise me. He lowers his eyes and focuses on teasing my swollen breasts. Each flick of his tongue sends a jolt through me.
“Dare!” I moan, grasping at the air above me. Teasing nips come back into our play. One nip on my nipple and my breath stutters out of me. He pinches my other nipple. I squirm.
He releases my nipple with a pop, but I feel no release from the pressure and tension still between my thighs, only the need for more of his touch. Moisture drips between my thighs, hot and wet. All I want is for his clever fingers to make their way down my stomach, to press up into me, and tease my swollen and ready clit.
He splays his hand across my stomach, trailing down toward my pussy slowly. He captures my mouth in a punishing kiss. Our tongues are dueling for control as I nip and bite at his lips. I let my tongue dance with his while his hand grips my hip in a tight hold, one of his fingers brushing back and forth over my mound, teasing me.
“You want my fingers in this little pussy, my little álainn? I can scent your need for me, mmmm….rain and vanilla…so sweet.”
“Yes,” I breathe, pushing my hips upward to force his fingers where I want them.
“Uh-uh, not until I am ready for you to have my fingers will you have them, little álainn.”
For more Bites by Gracely Knox, visit her at https://bookandmainbites.com/graceleyknox
If you loved this Bite, read Mark of Truth on Amazon
About Graceley Knox
USA Today bestselling author, Graceley Knox, suffers from a serious caffeine and book addiction-and she’s not apologizing for it. She writes wicked paranormal and fantasy romance with snarky heroines and sexy heroes. By day she works in the publishing industry, and by night, she plots out the many ideas cluttering her mind. Her free time is spent with her fabulous family and Bengal kitties. She loves to connect with fans on social media, so stop by and say hello! Visit her here: www.facebook.com/graceleyknox
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A Little Heavenly Help
Tish Thawer
I jumped up, flexing my fingers, ready to punch something until I got answers. I couldn't
believe that Garrett had information but was choosing to leave me in the dark.
"Why won't you tell me? I can handle it. I swear."
"No. Raven. You can't. That's what I'm trying to say. Leave it be. Just do your job and let things lie."
What the hell is wrong with him? It wasn't like Garrett to give up when there was a bread crumb to follow. And now, with the introduction of some mysterious "they," I was surprised he wasn't racing out my front door and straight to Death's castle to hound him for answers right this very second.
I placed my hands on the bricks of the fireplace and let my head drop. I needed to calm down, but apparently that wasn't in the cards. My wings flared, knocking a vase off the mantle. I was pissed and there was no hiding it. When my inner light reached its peak, Garrett rushed forward and grabbed me. We were both catapulted through space, arriving in Heaven seconds later.
"That's why I couldn't tell you. I knew you wouldn't be able to come here without getting pissed off and igniting your inner light." Garrett's tone was excited and rang with a cocky, I-told-you-so, vibe.
I looked around the white expanse, shocked that this was his intended destination. "Oh."
"You asked who else could hurt me and make me disappear?" He gestured towards the golden gates of Heaven. "Well...here you go!"
"No way! Are you telling me Heaven has somehow become involved with whatever secret
Death is keeping and you figured it out?"
"I'm not sure, but that is the only thing that makes sense. Plus, I have this nagging feeling of feathers tickling me in unmentionable places," he joked.
I laughed out loud.
"Okay. We're here, so who do we talk to?"
"Me." A booming voice echoed behind us.
I spun around to see an extremely large male angel stalking in our direction. A chill ran through me when I saw the sword in his hand, but it was the thick muscles and bronzed skin peeking out from under his robe that did me in.
He was gorgeous. Dark hair, pure white wings, and violet-blue eyes––he radiated warmth as if he'd been formed from a piece of the sun.
Wow! Am I drooling?
Yep. I sure was.
"My name is Michael and I'm surprised to see you both here." He looked between the two of us and after leveling me with his gaze, turned back to Garrett. "I thought the block we put on your mind would have remained in place better than this."
"So I was right, Heaven is involved," Garrett remarked.
"Yes. There are things at work that neither of you can be privy to. The knowledge could affect the outcome and we cannot veer off course. Death has forced our hand and we are fighting back but it's imperative that he not learn of our involvement." He paused to look in my direction again, effectively making my knees go weak. "Raven, you're very important, so I need to ask that you do as Garrett instructed and just let things lie. Your time will come and all will be revealed."
He reached out to stroke my cheek. I closed my eyes and let my head lull to the side, pressing into his hand. I'd basically become a bobble-head doll, melting at this man's touch. What the heck?
Garrett coughed into his fist while trying––but failing––to hide his smile. "We won't say a
word."
Michael turned and nodded in Garrett's direction, but didn't remove his hand from my face.
When he looked back at me, his gaze pierced my soul.
We were locked in some strange emotional pull, unspoken, but completely intense. I couldn't move. I wondered if he saw me as a simple girl––a tool to use in his heavenly plan, or was it the woman he'd aroused within me that had captured his attention?
My question was answered when he leaned down, bringing his mouth to mine. The soft
pressure sent tiny sparks into my lips, plumping them just for him. My body moved closer of its own accord––my brain completely detached from the motion. Michael never hesitated. He pulled me close, wrapping his arm around my lower back and increased the intensity of our kiss. By the time he set me back on the ground, I had to work to untangle my hands from his hair.
"I'll be in touch," was all he said before a bright light burst and Michael disappeared.
Garrett and I stood, staring at one another, then his boisterous laugh filled the space between us. "Oh my God...you just made out with the Archangel Michael," Garrett exclaimed.
For more Bites by Tish Thawer, visit her at https://bookandmainbites.com/tishthawer
If you loved this Bite, read Raven’s Breath on Amazon and iBooks
About Tish Thawer
Bestselling and Award Winning Author, Tish Thawer, writes paranormal romances for all ages. From her first paranormal cartoon, Isis, to the Twilight phenomenon, myth, magic, and superpowers have always held a special place in her heart. Tish is known for her detailed world-building and magic-laced stories.
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Contemporary
No Reservations
Kristen Proby
Maura
Mac and his brother, Chase, own a successful wine touring company in Portland, Oregon. They take groups of people from restaurant to restaurant, showing their clients how to pair certain wines with different foods. Chase occasionally gives classes on wine as well.
And if I’d known in advance that Chase would be here, I probably wouldn’t be. This just proves that I need to ask more questions when I’m being set up on a blind date.
“How are you?” Chase asks. He’s ridiculously good looking. He’s tall, at least six feet, with dark blond hair and blue eyes that should come with a warning label.
Warning: may cause your panties to melt.
“I’m well, thank you.” I immediately take a sip of the wine Mac just poured me. It’s red, fruity, and dry. Just the way I like it. “And you?”
“Same.”
He winks and turns his attention back to Mac, and I finally take a deep breath.
“So, blind dates are awkward,” Kat says, wrinkling her nose. “But I thought you might like each other. Maura, I know wine is a hobby for you, and Chase certainly knows plenty about wine.”
“That’s a nice way of calling me a wino,” he says with a laugh.
“It’s not out of control or anything,” Kat adds with a wink. “I didn’t know that you already knew each other.”
“Not well,” I clarify. Chase is known amongst his family and friends for being a player. He’s as commitment phobic as I am, but the difference between him and me is I don’t fuck everything that shows an interest in me.
“I’m sorry to say this, but, she’s not really my type,” Chase says with a shrug and I can’t help but snort.
“Seriously?”
He shrugs again.
“So, I’m not your type, but you’ve asked me out at least sixteen times in the past two years.” I roll my eyes as Mac spits his water out in laughter and Kat sits back to watch us with a grin on her face. “I’d hate to see how you are around women who are your type.”
I tuck my blonde hair behind my ear and turn to face him. He’s not embarrassed in the least. Rather, he’s smiling down at me like I’m the cutest puppy he’s ever seen.
He irritates the fuck out of me.
“You know, it’s okay to just admit that a girl said no and move on with your life.” I cock my head to the side and wait for him to reply, but he just shrugs again.
“I really like her,” Mac says, laughing behind his green cloth napkin. “We need to keep her around.”
“I mean, I know
your ego is probably fragile, and that’s why you kept asking me out after the third time when I told you to choke on a cork, but seriously, Chase. Saying now, in front of your brother and his wife, that I’m not your type?”
“You’re not,” he says again when the sushi is delivered. The guys must have just ordered an assortment, and it all looks delicious. “Doesn’t mean I won’t ask you out.”
“You’re ridiculous,” I reply, rolling my eyes.
“Just honest, sweetheart,” he says and takes a bite.
“I hope you choke on that California roll.”
“You’re quite taken with choking,” he says, watching me for a moment. “Are you into that sort of thing?”
I want to throw my raw fish at his face, but instead I just smile sweetly and reply with, “You’ll never find out.”
“This is entertaining,” Kat says to Mac, who nods. “We should have them over for dinner every day. We’d never have another need for a television.”
I can’t help but giggle at my friend. “Sorry, guys. I guess you could say that Chase and I butt heads a bit.”
“No need to apologize,” Kat says. “So this isn’t a love match.”
I immediately shake my head no, and Chase just simply laughs and takes a sip of his wine.
“That’s okay. Plan B is in full force.” Kat raises her glass. “Good food and wine and excellent conversation.”
“I can get behind that.” I clink my glass to hers. “How are things over at Seduction?”
“Fantastic,” she says with a grin. Kat co-owns one of Portland’s hottest restaurants with her best friends. She runs the wine bar and knows more about wine than just about anyone else I know. “We’ve been very busy and are about to start filming a new TV show for BestBites TV.”
First Kisses: a Book+Main Bites anthology Page 12
