And now this… chit dares to awaken emotions best kept buried?
No, the very idea filled him with guilt, as if he cheapened Ciara’s memory. Juliet was not Ciara. He would have known if she was.
Wouldn’t he?
He refused to think of it any longer, would bury it deep. He was simply attracted to her the way any man would be to a beautiful woman, nothing more.
If that’s the case, why not ease yourself on her and be done with it? The voice in his head taunted him. Aye, he liked the thought of that. Once he had her under him, screwing her senseless these unacceptable feelings would disperse.
The voice in his head laughed derisively, Just keep telling yourself that, boyo.
He ignored the voice and concentrated on just what in nine hells he was to do with the lass? He couldn’t just leave her here. There was nothing for it, he would take her to Arthur’s compound and then find out all she knew. But he would do it at his leisure. His lips curled into a smile at the thought. Aye, it looked like he would be enjoying the company of Ms. Boyd for a bit of time.
Chapter Four
Arthur stared out of the massive bay window, his gaze on the view of the Pacific Ocean, but not seeing it. His mind played over the confrontation with Vance, pulling out every memory, examining it from all sides. Looking for…hell, he didn’t have a clue. But there was something, he could feel it just under the surface of Vance’s words. A dark omen that something big, bad and unavoidable was coming.
The sound of someone clearing his throat intruded into his musings, yanking him back to the present. With a deep sigh, he turned his back on the view and gave his attention to the men who stood casually around the cavernous living space. The room was a study in masculinity. Large bay windows surrounded three sides, reaching high above meeting the arched ceiling. A mammoth fireplace dominated the room from the remaining wall the black stone hearth was bare of any mementos. Two crossed swords hung above, the steel glinting in the rays of the sunlight streaming through the windows.
Chairs, large and plush in shades from deep burgundy to sable sat around a circular white, oblong marble table. More chairs clustered around a large screen television complete with several different gaming consoles shoved haphazardly into a maple entertainment center.
Arthur let his gaze sweep over his men, Sir Lamorak aka Simon Leary, Darius Roark once known as Sir Percival and Sir Bors now Neil Calder. All three were strong, capable men, the best any leader could wish for. Neil and Darius were the same lean body type, both around six foot one. Simon flanked Darius, a constant shadow that towered over the other two men. Standing six foot five of solid muscle, Simon made the other two seem almost short in comparison.
Arthur noted the deep friendship between Simon and Darius, whatever was between them he had to admit they made a formidable fighting unit because of their bond. His eyes swept to Neil, who had held the singular distinction of being the only one of his men married. That is until Drake tied the knot with Merci. Thinking about his two dearest friends brought a stab of envy. He buried that particular emotion. He learned his lesson in his last reincarnation. Never would he put his trust in any woman. Between Morgan Le Fey’s treachery, and Guinevere’s betrayal he would live his life the way he wished. Uncomplicated, simple and alone. He ignored the hollowness lying in the center of his chest. He chose his path and come what may he would not stray from his path. He pushed those thoughts deep, pulling the mantle of his leadership around him like armor and settled his gaze on his men.
“Any news from Colin?”
Neil sat down in one of the chairs with a tired sigh. “We just got a message on our secured line. He’s on his way in and he has a guest with him.” He smiled wide, victory shone in his blue eyes. “He’s bringing in Juliet Boyd, the socialite who’s been linked with Vance as a possible love interest, or so the tabloids speculate.”
“Well then, we better prepare a room for her.”
Neil shook his head. “Colin is putting her in his rooms. He will be here within the hour to brief you on what he knows so far.”
At least something was going in their favor, Arthur thought. “Then I guess we will just have to wait for Colin. Now, what are our chances of getting into Vance’s compound?”
Simon’s voice was laced with frustration. “We checked every way in and out of Dragonwick Enterprises. It’s tight as a drum. Infiltrating will be a very tricky proposition.”
“Then we will have to be more creative. We need to exploit any means available to terminate Vance.” Arthur sighed, Gods he was so tired. All he wanted was to live his life without worrying when the next attack would come. Or worse, who he may have to bury next.
“I’ll see if I can tap into a vision,” Darius offered. “Perhaps I will see the way to infiltrate their defenses.”
Hope leapt unbidden in Arthur for a split second. He ground it down to nothing mercilessly. He needed more than hope to lead his men safely past this particular enemy.
“That may be very helpful, thank you, Darius I know what a toll it takes on you having these visions. If we can glean any information from your effort, it will be worth it.”
“Like hell,” Simon ground out. “You haven’t seen what they do to him.”
“I can handle it, Simon,” Steel wove through Darius’s tone. “It’s my gift to use as I see fit.”
“Then you can handle the aftermath without me. I won’t be around to pick up the pieces. Not this time,” Simon hissed between clenched teeth. “I can’t be here right now, catch you later.” Frustration and anger poured off of him as he turned on his booted heel and stormed out of the room.
Arthur had never seen Simon react so strongly. He didn’t know what shocked him more; Simon’s behavior or learning the danger Darius put himself in. All of his men carried the magic they were born with in their first incarnation. Some more powerful than others, but none ever came to harm using their powers. That is not that he was aware of, until now. “If using your magic puts you in danger we will find another way.”
“No,” Darius practically snarled, fists bunched at his side. “This is my decision. I will do what I see fit to aid you. I won’t discuss this further.”
Darius didn’t wait for Arthur to answer. He turned and left the same route Simon took. By the look on his face Arthur felt more than a little sorry for Simon once Darius caught up to him.
* * * *
Darius shoved through the mass of humanity crammed inside the nightclub. Oblivious to the assessing glances and full out stares from the women he passed. In his present frame of mind he wanted to fight more than fuck. Shoving his way through the crowd he headed toward the back where a curved stairway led up to the VIP section on the second floor. Between the clashing odor of cigarettes and perfume his head pounded. To be fair the Techno beat thrumming at an ear splitting roar didn’t help either. Fore Play was one of Simon’s favorite clubs. The two of them spent enough time here to get preferred treatment due to the amount of money they threw down every time they came.
The bouncer glanced at his VIP card and unhooked the velvet rope allowing him entrance into the candlelit area. The music up here came through muted enough so people could talk without shouting. Booths of black leather and white draped tables were equipped with heavy velveteen drapes of crimson that could be closed for privacy.
Darius headed for the table Simon usually had held in reserve, struggling with the urge not to beat his friend to a bloody pulp. The little outburst in front of Arthur pissed Darius off. Worse than that, blurting out something he told Simon in confidence crossed the line big time. The pain of the visions was supposed to never be broached to Arthur. Yeah, he understood Simon’s concern, but every one of Arthur’s men gave their all to the battle with Vance Hollister. There was no way he wouldn’t give as much as the others. Simon would just have to deal with it.
After, he beat the living shit out of him.
He found their favorite booth with the drapes closed, a soft female moan came from inside
followed by a very male groan of pleasure. Darius ground his teeth against his rising irritation. Simon didn’t lose any time finding some female to fuck. Pulling the drapes back he slipped in, if Simon was expecting privacy, well too damn bad.
The sight which greeted him made his blood immediately head south at the erotic display. Overhead lights bathed a half-naked woman in a golden glow lying across the white cloth table. Her breasts spilled out of her loosened halter top, pale nipples hard with arousal. The black leather skirt bunched around her full hips, thighs splayed wide leaving her open to Simon’s mouth. Darius felt his balls tighten as Simon’s ice blue gaze met and held his. Shaggy locks of raven black hair framed a strong roughly hewn face, too angular and defined to be called handsome by today’s standards.
Simon gaze bored into him with a ravenous hunger, lips lifting in a seductive smile. “Join us. I’m sure she won’t mind.”
The blonde smiled enticingly at Darius as she reached out stroking his hardened cock through his jeans.
Darius knew he lost the battle at that moment as his arousal sharpened to near pain. He threw Simon a hard look. “Afterward, we talk.”
“Whatever. Right now, we fuck.”
“Yeah, baby, listen to your friend. Damn you both are so hot,” She groaned, wiggling her hips as Simon lapped at her. Her fingers got busy releasing him from his jeans.
Her gyrations made her breasts jiggle enticingly pulling his attention from Simon. He’d always been a breast man and by the way they moved, they were the real deal. He liked the soft whimper she made as he filled his hands with those globes, slightly pinching the nipples with his thumbs and forefingers. Her warm hand stroked his freed cock in long slow strokes with just the right amount of pressure.
Unable to resist he bent, taking one of the delectable nubs into his mouth. His tongue swirled around the hard nipple just before letting his teeth graze over it then turned his attention to the other breast. Damn she tasted good. Like vanilla with a hint of spice. The scent of her arousal filled the air and his cock jerked in response.
Darius closed his eyes as heat built low in his belly. As good as her hand felt he wanted more. He could visualize her pink, full lips surrounding his cock, cheeks hollowing as she sucked him down her throat. He stood up and opened his eyes, catching Simon’s gaze locked on his cock and for some reason that made him even harder, if that was even possible.
“Suck me,” Darius rasped, his eyes never leaving Simon as the blonde eagerly complied. With slow deliberation she twirled the tip of her tongue around the sensitive head, lapping up the beads of pre-cum weeping from the slit, murmuring her approval of his size and taste before her mouth closed over him, hot and wet.
Simon rose from his seat, pants shoved down, his cock hard, the head purple and beading with moisture. Guiding it with his hand he stroked it on the woman’s clean shaven pussy and grinned at Darius.
“Want me to fuck you? Want my cock buried deep inside?”
She hummed her approval around Darius, the vibration shooting sparks of pleasure to his tight balls. Small sounds came from her throat as she writhed on the table close to climax. Darius watched Simon thrust in to the hilt in one smooth glide, her body arched to meet his. Reaching over her Darius stroked her clit, his fingers matching Simon’s thrusting.
Simon fingers dug into her hips setting a quick pace in and out, in and out. She wrapped her long legs around his waist. A breathless moan escaped her lips as she released Darius. Her body bowed back, tensing as her orgasm hit. Simon gasped, sweat beading on his forehead and chest, his face tight with concentration, his big body shaking.
“Fuck, can’t…I can’t come,” Simon bit out between harsh breaths.
The two of them shared many women and he’d seen this happen more than once when Simon got too caught up in his head.
“Hey, baby, I need you to suck him off,” Darius instructed. She proved more than eager to comply.
“Two cocks instead of one, I’m a lucky girl.” She chuckled, pulling away and rolling onto her stomach taking a cock in each hand she alternated between pumping one while sucking the other until they were both ready to shoot their load.
It didn’t take long as Simon’s his body seized with the intensity of his climax. With a low growl he came, the blonde lapping and swallowing greedily as he spent himself in her mouth.
Darius let his fingers spear through her silky blonde tresses as she set back to work on his cock. His hips rocked in counter point to her as she took him deep into her throat in a sliding stroke up to the head of his cock then back down again.
Slow, hot and tight.
Pleasure built in the base of his spine and balls, traveling down his thighs. He threw his head back on a groan as his muscles clamped down, his load spurting down her throat.
Darius pulled out of her mouth bent and kissed her tasting Simon mixed with him. Salty and sweet, so good he deepened the kiss to lap up more of the heady taste. A hand stroked tentatively through his hair, traveling to his cheek and down his throat. Breaking the kiss he turned his face and found another pair of lips pressing on his own. A tongue darted in through his parted lips in a hesitant exploration.
God the taste!
He wanted more, needed more of the spicy sweet taste, turning the kiss from questing to demanding, his tongue stroking, twisting, and dueling. His heart stuttered as a hunger unlike any he had ever known ignited deep within him, threatening to devour him whole. His pulse quickened, his heart banged in his chest, a painful pounding threatening to burst free from his ribcage.
Darius grew so hard it was painful; usually it took a bit more time to get it up again, but not this time. Realization hit him with the force of a freight train. He was kissing Simon.
And liking it!
He jerked away from Simon with a mixture of surprise and horror. Simon was his best friend, as close as a brother. For Christ’s sake he liked women! The desire still throbbing through his body mocked his words as he stared into eyes glazed with need.
No fucking way was he dealing with this, not now, not ever!
Darius jerked away from Simon as if he’d been burned, looking anywhere but at his friend.
The blonde giggled while readjusting her clothing. “Damn that was hot seeing the two of you go at it like that.”
“I’ve wanted to tell you for so long,” Simon started.
“Don’t,” Darius held up a hand as if to ward him off. “I don’t want to fucking know. You are my best friend damn you, what in the nine levels of hell was that all about?”
“About? You dumb shit. I’ve wanted to tell you. Aw hell, this was not the way I wanted it to go down.”
Simon’s words ravaged him. Panic rose up gripping him with razor sharp talons ripping him to shreds inside.
Darius did the only thing he could do. He followed his instinct and ran like hell.
Chapter Five
Juliet struggled toward awareness in slow degrees, her head a steady thrum, thrum, thrum, in tandem with her heartbeat. And she hadn’t even opened her eyes yet. Gritting her teeth she cracked her lids to mere slits and was rewarded with a jolt of agony much like a spike through her brain. Her stomach lurched in protest as she squeezed her eyes shut once again. She only had herself to blame and now she had to pay the price of pulling so much energy so fast.
“I have just the thing for that headache of yours.”
Her eyes flew open on a gasp, regretting it immediately, closing her eyes against the dark spots filling her vision. “Go away and let me die in peace.” She groaned, not even remotely ready to face Colin Hennessy.
“Ah, lass you know I can’t let you suffer so.”
Was he laughing at her?
When no anger rose to the surface she realized just how sick she must be. She would have to remember it and start a list and if she lived through this, then she would kick his perfectly shaped ass.
The bed sank beside her with Colin’s weight, his heady scent wrapped around her. Instinctively, sh
e drew a deep appreciative breath. Damn him, why did he have to smell so…good.
A strong arm slid under her shoulders, gently lifting her to his hard, muscled chest. Damn him to the nine levels of hell, for feeling even better. Why didn’t he just leave her be?
“Here Jules, have a sip, it will make you feel better,” Colin’s brogue deepened as he brought something to her mouth.
She would have turned her head in disgust if such an action wouldn’t set off her pounding head. Instead she wrinkled her nose in distaste; the bitter smell reminded her of dirty socks.
Gah, He couldn’t be serious about drinking the stuff, could he?
She parted her lips to argue, instead getting the nasty brew poured down her throat. If possible it tasted worse than it smelled!
“What the hell is it?” she sputtered once she was able to swallow the vile liquid.
“Believe me you don’t want to know. I got the recipe from a local witch some years back. I’ve had to use it myself a time or two.”
Laughing at her again!
Slowly she opened her eyes and was met with a darkened room. Light seeped from the corners of closed drapes casting the room in shades of grey and black. Everything around her felt unfamiliar and strange. Unease settled over her like ill-fitting clothing.
“Where am I?”
“Safe, for now,” Colin evaded, laying her back against soft pillows and stood.
“What the hell is that supposed to mean?”
“Exactly what I said. You’re in a safe place.”
“Safe for who, you or me?” Juliet demanded, feeling panic rise, she sat up gingerly. When the world didn’t spin or her head pound she swung her legs off the bed. Grudgingly she realized whatever Colin gave her did the trick, but she didn’t have to let him know how thankful she was.
Cool air caressed her skin. Her bare skin! With a yelp she scurried back beneath the sheets. “Where the hell are my clothes?”
“Easy there, lass, you have been out for two days.”
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