by Nina Bangs
“I thought you didn’t remember.”
She looked up at him. “I don’t. But I know I would’ve gotten onto that table by myself.” He wasn’t the only one who liked to be the decision maker.
He smiled, and it was the same sensual baring of his teeth that promised he was a dangerous man to mess with that had always heated her blood. He leaned close until those incredible lips were only a breath away from hers. “Then I touched you. Everywhere.”
She was caught, unable to blink, to look away. “Be specific.” The words came out as a whispered sigh. Sparkle wanted to experience it again through his words, see it again in those amber eyes that had depths even she had never explored.
“I put my mouth on your breast.”
Sparkle frowned. “Usually you linger a bit around my mouth and neck.”
He made an impatient sound. “We were naked. You were sprawled across the lord’s table. The lord and his knights were outside having sex with the garden. How long could the rose bushes amuse everyone? Time was short.”
She nodded. “So what did you do with my breast?
He lowered his lids then bit his lower lip. His expression said the memory of what he’d done was almost too erotic to explain. Mede was teasing her. She wanted to shake it out of him. “Tell me. Now.”
“I slid my tongue over your breast, going higher with each flick until I reached your nipple. Then…” He glanced over her head. “Hmm, I think Holgarth is searching for us.”
“No, no, no. To hell with Holgarth. Tell. Me.”
He grinned. “I nipped your nipple. Gently. Then I drew it into my mouth.”
Yes, yes, she could feel his lips on her flesh—warm, firm. She shivered.
“I ran my tongue around the tip, teasing it until it was a hard, puckered nub.”
It was her turn to smile. “Just like you.” Sparkle hoped her eyes didn’t reveal how much she wanted to climb his hot bod and take him right here in front of the whole medieval court.
Mede scowled at her. “Hard, yes. Puckered? I’ve never been puckered, woman.”
Her smile widened to a grin. “So go on.”
“I explored a promising path with my tongue, searching for—”
“Whoa.” She poked him with her finger. “Don’t wander off onto any side roads.”
“When you couldn’t stand my exquisite torture anymore, you begged me to end it.” He offered her a smug grin.
“Exquisite torture? You’re kidding, right?” She scowled at him. “Hmm. I suppose you weren’t doing any begging. Totally detached from the action, right?”
“Hey, I’m always in control.”
“Sure.” His gaze was heat and a hunger that refuted his claim. Sparkle knew her expression said, “Big fat liar.”
He widened his eyes in mock innocence. “I couldn’t let you suffer, so I climbed onto the table, then covered your body with mine. Bare flesh against bare flesh.” His gaze turned distant as he slid his tongue across his lower lip. He blinked and was once more in the present. “Since you were counting on me to give you optimum pleasure, I started to ease into you—filling you slowly. But you were impatient—as you often are—and arched to meet me.” He shrugged. “So no more slow and lingering. I figured we’d leave scorch marks on the table. I shouted and you screamed. Just when we were about to have lift off…the table collapsed.”
“Oh, no,” she breathed. “Then we never got to…?”
“No.”
“No completion? Why wasn’t I scarred forever?” Sparkle made a promise to herself that they’d get to finish what was unfinished. “Then what happened?”
“We grabbed our clothes and left.” He shrugged. “The cries coming from the garden weren’t from great orgasms. We figured the lord and his knights would be returning to the great hall at any moment, in lots of pain and pissed off. The lord’s ruined table wouldn’t improve his mood any. On our way out, just so he wouldn’t forget us, I knocked down a few walls, made a few structural modifications. We laughed about it for days.”
“We were so wicked, Mede.” She smiled.
He dropped his gaze. “When did we lose our wickedness, Sparkle?” And just like that, the thought that had hung around in the back of Ganymede’s mind was front and center. It took his breath away.
“What do you mean?”
She asked the question, but Ganymede saw understanding in her eyes. Sparkle knew they weren’t what they’d been back then. What had happened to their whirlwind of never-ending fun and mayhem?
“We haven’t lost it, Mede.” But the wide-eyed panic in her eyes said something else entirely. “I mean, look at you. You spent a month raising hell all over the world.”
He wanted to accept her excuse, but he couldn’t. “No one died, Sparkle. I destroyed things but not people. Not like in the early days when I didn’t care how many people died.” He’d tried to make himself believe he hadn’t killed because it made her unhappy, but he couldn’t lie to himself any longer. He didn’t want to kill indiscriminately any more than he’d wanted his locusts to destroy that old man’s farm. He’d grown so soft he was squishy.
Sparkle shook her head, denying his words. “I still cause sexual chaos.”
“Do you?” He leaned close enough to catch her scent of night blooms and tempting female. “I’ve seen you bring lots of couples together lately, but I haven’t seen any tearing apart going on—no tears, no broken hearts. What I have seen are lots of happy couples dancing into the sunset. Not a dark cloud in sight.”
She didn’t deny what he’d said. He gave her credit for that. But she didn’t meet his gaze either.
“Zendig programmed us. We were his chaos-causing machines, meant to destroy Earth. Do you think his programming is wearing off?” She hesitated. “Or are we the ones who’re changing?”
Ganymede shrugged. “I don’t know. If my memory block failed, what’s to say other things our maker put in place couldn’t wear out, too?” But what about Jerry? He remembered everything, and Zendig had just finished with him. Could Zendig’s power be weakening after all those centuries of giving a little of himself to each troublemaker?
“I like who I am, Mede. I don’t want to change until there’s nothing of me left.” Her eyes widened. “What if lose the desire to do anything but sit on my back porch and bake cookies for the neighborhood kids?”
“I hear you. Hey, I’m okay with creating blood-free chaos, but you may as well bury me if I start planting flowers and playing cards with a bunch of old geezers.”
Ganymede knew they each were picturing the horror of a future without the urge to create chaos. No way would he allow it to happen, to either of them. “We’ll fight it. Together.”
Her smile was slow and wicked, just the way he liked it. “Together.”
“Absolutely.” In that moment, he had no doubts.
Sparkle’s smile turned tentative. “Here at the Castle?”
He glanced away. “Somewhere.”
17
The few hours Sparkle had slept last night had been filled with nightmares of a future stripped of her wickedness, hope, and style. Faded red hair streaked with gray. Bare, ragged nails. And worst of all, flip-flops. Could Mede love someone who was so…ordinary? She woke screaming, because the woman she was in her nightmares cared nothing for erotic desire and had no memory of the amazing rush when sex hummed in the air. She was a pale shadow of the woman Sparkle saw in her mirror—a woman with great hair, perfect nails, awesome shoes, and a love of all things sexual. Shallow, yes, but Sparkle embraced shallow. Don’t be so sure. She refused to consider the possibility.
She crawled from her bed. Sparkle had slept alone last night. Mede had said he needed to walk off his tension and think. He’d never returned to the suite they shared. But that was fine. She’d wanted some alone time herself to consider her future. They would survive Zendig and then what? Relocate? Could she, would she give up her beloved Castle of Dark Dreams to follow Mede into the future? She forced the questions aside. Fir
st, Zendig. Then the tough decisions.
Naked—because it proclaimed her a sensual warrior, strong and bold—she headed for the kitchen area. She glanced at her favorite painting over the couch, the one titled “Goldie and the Three Bares.” She always got a chuckle from that one. The subject matter was playfully erotic, and Sparkle was a firm believer that sex should be fun. In passing, she glided her fingers lovingly over the statue resting on her mantle; the entwined lovers Mede had given her hundreds of years ago. He’d said it reminded him of them making love on his very private island. There were so many reminders here of what she was, what she always wanted to be. And as she carried her coffee to the couch, she thought about how to prove to herself and the world that she still had what it took to proclaim herself the cosmic troublemaker in charge of sexual chaos.
Sparkle was still nursing her coffee when Mede let himself in. He paused when he saw her. She watched his eyes flare with need before he banked the fire. This was her camera-click moment, the one where she saw him as the world saw him. He was so much more than a beautiful man with a sculpted body wearing jeans and an old T-shirt. Mede was power. The force of it stopped people in the street. If he chose to exert himself, he could rule the world. Then she smiled. Of course, he spent a lot of time in his chubby cat form. All his cat liked to do was to lay on the couch, watch TV, and eat ice cream.
Mede helped himself to coffee and then sat beside her. “I think we should have breakfast like this every morning. Should I get naked, too?” He looked hopeful.
Tempting, oh so tempting. Sparkle shook her head. “I’ll dress while you fix us something to eat. I have to get moving, lots to do today.” She cast him a regretful glance. “If you strip, we won’t be out of here before sunset.”
“Disappointing.” He leaned closer. “Tonight?”
“Tonight.” And on that promise she rose and hurried to the bedroom. Some women would’ve been in and out in a few minutes. Not Sparkle. Each day was a challenge, and she met it with the perfect version of herself—stylishly tousled hair, understated but amazing makeup, sexy little dress, and Jimmy Choo sandals. Just another day at the Castle of Dark Dreams. A half hour later, she emerged to the smell of bacon.
Mede had her plate of bacon, eggs, and toast already on the table. Sparkle never understood women who reacted to a crisis by claiming they weren’t hungry. Weaklings. She sat down while he fixed his own plate and then joined her.
“So what’s happening today?” She ate while she waited for him to speak.
“I’m getting together with Holgarth. We have to make sure the Castle defenses are ready. I’ll take a look at the gargoyles with him.”
Sparkle nodded. Stone gargoyles were mounted at intervals on the walls around Live the Fantasy. When Holgarth woke them, the gargoyles formed a formidable defense. “What else?”
He frowned. “I have to get serious about working with the kids. They need to be able to control their powers before Zendig shows up. I hope I won’t have to use them, but if I do, I want them ready. Zane and a few of the others will help. Bourne better get his butt back here. We need him.” He pushed his empty plate away.
Jeez, how did he inhale his meal so fast? She liked to savor her food, the same way she enjoyed taking slow, delicious pleasure in her lovemaking. “So will Mistral and Amaya be helping?” Did the question sound casual enough?
“Probably. I’m dragging in any live bodies with special skills I can use.”
She nodded as she lost herself in her plans for the day.
“What about you?” He studied her. “By the way, I loved your welcome-home look. You should do it more often.” Mede reached across the table to cover her hand with his.
His familiar heat warmed her, gave her confidence. “If you will, I will.” Sparkle thought about avoiding the truth, but decided against it. Now that they seemed to finally be back together, she wanted a clean slate, not one marred by a lie. “I want the wicked me back. So I’m going to pair two people who are all wrong for each other, manipulate them into falling in love, and then I’ll tear them apart. Afterwards I’ll laugh at their heartbreak.” She frowned. “Well, maybe not laugh. This will be tough for me. I’ve grown too emotional, too connected to people.”
Sparkle saw him putting everything together.
“Is that why you asked about Mistral and Amaya?” He frowned. “I don’t know. They’re both strong personalities, tough to influence. And Mistral knows exactly how you operate. If he suspects, he’ll make you suffer.” Mede shook his head. “You’d be better off choosing two strangers.”
Her pride rose to refute him. “I’m good at what I do, Mede. Want to make a little wager on the outcome?”
Mede laughed. “Never. I’m not dumb enough to bet against you.” He stood then took his plate to the sink. After rinsing it off and putting it in the dishwasher, he walked toward the bedroom. “I need a shower and change of clothes. Then I’ll be off.”
She nodded. “I’m leaving now.” After getting rid of her dish, Sparkle headed for the door. “Have a good day.”
His laughter followed her out the door. “Happy hunting.”
Sparkle thought over her plans all the way down to the castle’s restaurant. She had a good chance of catching one of her vic…umm, soon-to-be lovebirds there at this time of the morning. She paused in the doorway. Excellent. Amaya was seated in a corner looking as cranky as a fox in human form could look.
Ignoring Amaya’s lethal scowl that warned her to stay far away, Sparkle chose the chair across from the kitsune. She ordered an orange juice before speaking.
“I sense your unhappiness.” Sparkle studied Amaya. Petite but with wonderful curves a man like Mistral would love. And her size would make him feel protective.
“I’m a prisoner in a freaking castle. What’s not to be happy about?” Amaya glared. “I’m bored. A kitsune is brilliant, sly, and a trickster. Other than giving Jerry the hard time I promised him, I have nothing to challenge me.”
Amaya could add modest to her résumé. Sparkle leaned toward her and smiled. “I absolutely sympathize with you. I’m a troublemaker, and I know how frustrating it can be when your natural talent isn’t maximized.”
Amaya perked up a little. “You get it. I’ll go crazy here.”
“Maybe I can help with that.” Sparkle hoped her expression promised that Amaya would love her suggestion. “You spied for Zendig, so you have talent I can use right now. You’ve met Mistral.”
“Tall and hot?” Amaya nodded.
“He’s been acting suspiciously.” Sparkle lowered her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “I want to know what he’s up to.” She winked.
“Ooh! That sounds like fun.” Amaya almost clapped her hands.
Sparkle nodded. Great smile. Amaya could be gorgeous with the right guide. “So here’s the plan. You and Mistral will work in the castle’s greenhouse this afternoon. Get to know him. Convince him to trust you.”
Amaya drooped. “Greenhouse?”
Sparkle quickly reassured her. “My regular gardener is on vacation. You won’t have to do much. It’ll be a blast. Some of the plants are fascinating. Oh, and of course I’ll pay you.”
The thought of money revived Amaya’s enthusiasm. “What happens now?”
Sparkle kept her I’m-your-best-buddy expression in place, but inside she hummed with triumph. “Now you come with me.”
An hour later, she stepped back from Amaya, who stood in front of Sparkle’s full length mirror gaping at her own reflection. Damn I’m good. The kitsune’s shining black hair cascaded over her shoulders in a riot of curls. Her full lips were red and pouty. Makeup made her eyes looked incredibly large with long, dark lashes.
“Wow. Just wow.” Amaya grinned. “You are a magic woman.”
Sparkle tried to sound humble. “Makeup and good hair are a woman’s lethal weapons.”
“I like the outfit.” Amaya turned a sly glance toward Sparkle. “I don’t know if it’ll make him trust me, but it’ll certainly d
o something.”
“He’ll trust you with his mind, but it won’t hurt if his brain gets a few nudges from other parts of him.” Shorts, a red, clingy top with just enough cleavage showing to interest the discerning male, and strappy sandals. Perfect for a warm Texas day in a hot greenhouse with a sexy guy. Sparkle had chosen a winner.
“What info do you want me to get from him?” Amaya put on the dangly earrings Sparkle handed her.
Sparkle thought quickly. The best lie was one that stayed close to the truth. “He’s always been an adventurer, and totally out for number one. All of a sudden he wants to settle down, put down roots. He was willing to live at the pink house. But now he’s just as willing to help fight Zendig. This is so not him. I want to know what angle he’s playing.” She guided Amaya toward the door. “I’ll give you a call when it’s time.”
Once Sparkle was sure Amaya was gone, she headed out to hunt Mistral down. She found him in the courtyard with Zane and the three boys. Luckily it was too early for the Castle’s guests to be outside. Mistral didn’t look happy. She waved him over.
“I assume you’re getting ready to play teacher.” She smiled.
He scowled. “Yeah. As soon as Ganymede gets back from checking the gargoyles with Holgarth, he wants me to work with Ky, The kid’s got attitude. That’s not bad. But he’s also a prince, and he’s used to everyone treating him like one. I might have to put him on his ass a few times to encourage him to get over himself.” Mistral glanced away. “This isn’t what I signed up for when you talked me into staying at the pink house.”
Sparkle raised one brow. “I talked you into staying? I don’t think so. That was all your idea. But we’re not at the Cape May house now, so why are you still here?” She was taking a chance that he might just walk away.
Mistral shrugged. “I have to be somewhere, and at least here I can look forward to a battle. I crave some action.”
“And you thought you would get action at the pink house?” What was with him? First he wanted to settle down, and now he wanted action. He looked uncertain, not something she’d ever seen with Mistral.
