Sinister Kisses (The SKALS Series)

by Noir, Adriana

  Her heart broke at the image of him as a little boy with wide green eyes and messy curls being beaten and afraid. Snagging her lip between her teeth, she blinked against the tears that threatened to fall. Sebastian rested his forehead against her temple for a long moment.

  “Hey, it’s okay. It was a long time ago. We had our good times. He was just a very difficult man to please.”

  “Did he beat your sister, too?”

  Sebastian shook his head. “Not really, no. He tended to dote on her. My father was hard on me because he expected more and only wanted the best for his son. He made me tough, and I wouldn’t be where I am if not for him. I didn’t tell you this stuff to make you feel bad. You just need to understand, nobody’s home life is perfect. We all have our secrets and our sorrows, baby.”

  They both jarred as Mia crashed into them, wrapping her arms around her uncle’s legs. Relinquishing his hold on Taylor, he scooped the toddler up, letting her peer onto the counter at the griddle. She looked between the two of them for a moment, her cherubic face growing serious.

  “Are you two gonna get married?”

  Taylor almost dropped the plastic spatula she’d been gripping as Sebastian released a deep laugh. Her cheeks burned with embarrassment, and she quickly returned her attention to the pancakes in an attempt to mask it. Dear God. Kids had a way of blurting out some of the most unexpected things. Thinking of her uncle, Taylor smothered a giggle. If he had any inkling what was going on here, he would have asked the same thing. Only instead of an angelic smile, he would have posed it with a sneer and a lecture about what happened to cattle when they gave the milk away for free. She never did quite understand that analogy. It wasn’t as if the cows had any choice in the matter.

  “Uh...” Sebastian cleared his throat. “Well, maybe someday, pumpkin. But for right now, all you need to know is she makes your Uncle Sebby a very happy man. Let’s grab you a plate and some sausage. The pancakes should be coming right up.”

  Taylor giggled as he shot her an apologetic look, though his eyes still sparkled with good humor. Hearing his suggestion, the boys barreled into the kitchen and he put them to work setting the round table in the breakfast nook. Morning room, she reminded herself. She shook her head. Whatever it was, it was bright and sunny and afforded a gorgeous view of the lush grounds and rocky landscaping. Much to her delight, a few wayward flakes of snow were drifting from the sky. Sebastian saw this as well and smiled, pointing it out to the kids. Soon, they’d covered the windows with tiny handprints and the outlines of their scrunched noses.

  Breakfast went by slowly. Mia seemed more interested in prodding the blueberries than eating them, and the conversation revolved around Santa and what each child wanted for Christmas. Taylor couldn’t help but marvel at her lover’s boyish smile and the way his sage eyes danced when he talked to the kids. He even reached out several times to ruffle Christian’s hair with a soft admonishment to eat more and talk less so he could grow up to be big and strong. Much to her surprise, they all took part in cleaning the table afterward, without the slightest bit of prompting. Even the littlest wobbled into the kitchen, her plate tilting precariously in her tiny hands.

  Upstairs thundered as the boys raced through the house to get dressed and gather their things. She set to rinsing the plates and loading the dishwasher while Sebastian attempted to brush out Mia’s tangled curls. He threw his hands up in the air and set the brush aside after her third howl, and she swore she saw a flicker of relief cross his face when the doorbell rang.

  She’d just finished wiping the table and counters down when Monique strolled in with Josh in tow. The blonde looked just as beautiful as the day before. The cold had painted rosy patterns on the high ridges of her cheeks and the crisp scent of sunshine and fresh air rolled off her. Smiling, she glanced around and affectionately stroked the top of her daughter’s head.

  “I hope they weren’t too much trouble,” she said.

  “No! Not at all. In fact, I asked Sebastian if we could keep little Cindy Lou Who earlier,” Taylor admitted with a giggle.

  Monique stared at her for a long moment, her green eyes wide and blinking. Tilting her head, she wet her lips and seemed to regain her composure, though she did lift a tawny brow in response. “How did Sebastian take that?”

  “I took it just fine,” he said softly.

  Monique startled. Her hand fluttered to her chest, and she let out a shaky laugh as she dropped her chin to her chest. “I didn’t hear you come back in.”

  “Obviously,” he said, reclining a hip against the counter as he folded his arms.

  Taylor glanced between the two of them, wondering what she was missing. Josh cleared his throat and attempted to lighten the mood as he sniffed the air.

  “Something smells great,” he said.

  “We have some leftover pancakes and sausage. If you would like, I can fix you up a plate,” she offered.

  “No, but thank you. We ate on the way here. How were the boys?”

  “We hardly saw them. They pretty much kept to themselves.” Taylor peeked back over at Monique. The blonde was silent and seemed preoccupied with the patterns in the stone floor. Glancing at Sebastian, she could easily understand why. Though his face was passive, his eyes bore into his sister with an intensity that made Taylor shiver. Her brow furrowed.

  “Yeah,” Josh said with a snort. “They tend to do that. Is everyone ready to go then? I’m sure Baas is eager to have you all to himself and get the hellions out of his hair.”

  “I think so.” She glanced over at Sebastian for reassurance, but his attention remained fixated on Monique. “I’ll…uhm…I’ll help you grab their things,” she suggested, suddenly eager to escape the kitchen.

  She followed Josh up the stairs, all too aware of the quiet murmur of voices rising from below. Once they reached the hall, she caught up to him and followed him into the boy’s room to grab their bags.

  “Can I ask you something?”

  He glanced over at her and shrugged, slinging both duffels over his shoulder. His blue stare bore into her for a long moment before he sighed.

  “You could, but you probably shouldn’t. Look, the best advice I can give you is the same thing Baas is telling Monique. Stay out of it. Those two have a complicated relationship at best and the last thing you want to do is stick your nose into the middle of a family squabble.”

  “But that’s what I don’t understand,” Taylor said, trailing after him as he strode for Mia’s room. “She didn’t do or say anything wrong. Why’s he so upset?”

  Groaning, Josh tilted his head back and brought it back down with a frustrated shake. “Maybe you haven’t figured this out by now, but you will. Sebastian can be very…intense. He likes things done his way and anything off course from that is just going to piss him off.”

  Her face twisted with doubt. “He’s pissed off over a question?”

  Josh snorted. “He’s pissed because he wants to be. That’s all the reason he needs. You want my advice? Stay out of it, and when we leave, do whatever you have to do to make the man happy. End of discussion.”

  Wrinkling her forehead, Taylor gave a slow shake of her head. As much as she wanted to deny it, or insist he must be missing something, a lot of Josh said made sense. Last night, and even the night before, Sebastian had been terrifying in his moments of displeasure. There was always something darkly dangerous seething just below the surface with him. Before, she’d thought it was just part of his allure, something that came from knowing part of what he did, and who he could be on the job. Now, she wasn’t so sure. Apprehension shuddered through her, and she glanced up as Josh patted her arm. For the first time, his face bore something soft and close to compassion.

  “It doesn’t matter how you got yourself into this, kiddo. There’s no getting out.”

  Somehow, she managed to follow him back downstairs. Her knees felt weak and despite the basking warmth of the house, she was cold. Shivering, she tugged Mia’s bag off her shoulder and set i
t near Monique’s feet. The blonde offered her a tremulous smile, though her eyes were slightly watery and red. A somber pall still hung over the room, but much to her surprise, Sebastian’s sister turned to him and gave him a brief hug.

  “I love you,” she stated softly. “Thank you for keeping the kids.”

  “I love you too, Monique.” Releasing her, his gaze shifted to Josh. He offered his partner an amicable nod. “Later, Reevers.”

  “Later, Baas. Take good care of him, Taylor.”

  Pressing her lips together, she nodded.

  Sebastian showed them all out. Eager for distraction, she grabbed a bottle of Windex from under the sink and sprayed the windows down, erasing the sticky handprints and smears. She closed her eyes, blowing out a long breath as she heard the front door close. A few seconds later, a strong arm snaked around her waist. Some of the tension and fear fled her as Sebastian took the cleaning supplies from her hand and turned her to face him. She couldn’t help but grin at the lazy smile dangling from his lips.

  “Free at last,” he murmured, setting the things down on the table with one hand while tugging her closer with the other.

  “They weren’t so bad.”

  “No. They weren’t, but Josh is right. I want you all to myself for a while.” His voice dropped to a husky whisper that left no doubts as to what he had in mind.

  Taylor moaned as he scooped her up, dragging her thighs over his hips. She trembled with pleasure as he ground the straining ridge of his erection against her, the friction and pressure sending raw jolts right through her. Tightening her hold around his neck, she kissed him deeply, drawing a low groan from the base of his throat. His tongue continued to duel with hers as he carried her over to the couch. The cool leather cushions caved beneath her with a soft hiss. She almost whimpered, mourning the loss of contact when Sebastian tugged her arms free and stood.

  The desire in his eyes was humbling, if not a bit unsettling. She bit her lip as he stared down at her in silent contemplation. She could almost hear the wheels in that intelligent mind churning.

  “Strip.”

  Her breath came in a shallow exhale. Numb with a combination of desire and fear, she slowly peeled out of her clothes. His gaze traveled over every inch of her skin with the lingering effect of a brand. She could feel it caressing, exploring, and probing just as surely as if it had been his hands. Confusion flooded her as he grabbed a scarlet throw pillow and tucked it beneath her head. Snaring another, he lifted her legs and took a seat, shoving the second pillow under her hips. Sebastian turned slightly, resting his back against the corner of the couch. A slow smile curved his lips as he took in the sight of her sprawled naked and exposed before him. Taylor colored with shame as he parted her thighs, and taking a shaky breath, tried to clamp her lids shut.

  “No,” he murmured. “Look at me.”

  Her eyes locked with his, and she tamped down a whimper as he slowly forced a finger inside her. Her tender body protested at the intrusion, and she fought the urge to squirm away when he pushed deeper. A gasping moan parted her lips as a second finger worked its way in. Gripping the cushion beside her, Taylor thrashed her head from side to side, all too aware of the sound of creaking leather that filled the room. Sebastian’s low chuckle washed over her.

  She jerked as he turned his hand and the soft pad of his thumb pressed against her, stroking back and forth across her clit. Panting, her breath broke on a whimper, and she felt a sudden surge of moisture flood her insides, slicking the way. His fingers probed harder and faster, forcing her back to bow. Sebastian’s low, throaty rumble told her he approved. She threw her head back with a lofty cry when a third digit stretched her open and thrust deep.

  “Please,” she whimpered. She wanted to say it was too much, but he knew. She could see it in his eyes. They glimmered with the same unspoken challenge as the night before. Her body throbbed, pulsing around the rhythmic drive of his fingers as agony and ecstasy battled for control.

  “Cum for me, and I’ll stop.”

  “I can’t.”

  “You’re going to,” he said. “Stop fighting it.”

  Any argument she might have posed died as he thrust deeper. His fingers swirled inside her, doing delicious things. A thick knuckle grazed her sensitive bud, grinding into her until she gasped. His other hand trailed over the taut drum of her belly, making it flutter in his wake. Nimble fingers flicked across her nipple and teased it into a rigid peak. Her breath came faster, and her hips arched off the couch.

  Sebastian drove faster, rocking her body between the relentless drive of his fingers and the pull on her nipple, each play seeming to increase the other until she shattered. Release tore through her without warning, wringing a hoarse scream from her throat. She thrashed her head pleadingly, clawing at the couch as the wave after wave of pleasure battered her without mercy. Through it all, he never stopped—he kept plying her with the same steady rhythm until she came again and sagged into a limp, breathless heap.

  Taylor was only dimly aware of Sebastian’s movements as he stood. The soft rustle of clothing filled the room and she groaned as he scooped her off the couch. Cool wood pressed against her knees, and her eyes widened with realization as he pushed her down, bending her over the leather cushions. The hard muscle of his thigh wedged between hers, nudging them apart. His hands seized her hips, jerking them into place and she screamed as he drove into her, burying himself to the hilt. Taylor groaned as warm breath fell across her back in spurts while his lean body shuddered with the strain. She could feel him struggle, throbbing inside her as he fought for control. A menacing growl tore from his throat and his fingers tightened into a bruising hold. Her wavering cries bounced unchecked as he pounded into her, stabbing deep and hard until he threw his head back with a roar of release.

  The couch scooted as he slumped over her. Sebastian’s breath came in shallow pants, mirroring her still labored efforts. After giving them both a minute to recoup, he slid from her body with a reluctant grunt. Taylor sagged into his embrace as he wrapped his arms around her and laughed, pulling her to the floor with him.

  “What are you doing to me?” he asked. She blinked as he brushed the hair from her eyes. His expression was tender, if not a bit bewildered. “I can’t keep my hands off of you.”

  “I noticed,” she murmured. “I can’t…I don’t think I can move.”

  He grinned and kissed the freckled tip of her nose. “You don’t have to, baby.”

  She woke up very much alone. Blinking against the sleep and confusion, Taylor stroked the plump pillow beneath her head. Feeling the telltale rub of carpet fibers beneath her skin, she knew she was still naked, but at some point Sebastian had moved her onto the plush throw rug and covered her. A quiet groan rose in her throat as she stretched and unfurled. It took a moment, but she finally managed to push to her feet. Outside the sun hung low in the sky, painting it with vivid strokes of pink, purple, and orange. Vibrant hues danced over the thin layer of snow blanketing the ground, infusing the crystals with color. Frowning, she wondered how long she’d been asleep and why he’d left her.

  After wrapping the silky cream chenille around her body, she padded through the house in search of Sebastian. Soft flickering light spilled from an open door at the end of the hall and she followed the welcoming glow to his study. Decorated in deep browns, rusty reds and oranges, the room was another extension of the quiet opulence that stretched through the rest of the house. A potted tree sat nestled in one corner and a thick fern spilled in disarray over the mantle, adding a touch of wilderness and life. Smiling, she leaned against the doorframe and watched him.

  He sat behind a rich mahogany desk with one hand firmly entrenched in his wild curls as he studied the computer screen in front of him. His sage eyes narrowed slightly, reflecting both the light from his monitor and the writhing flames of the fireplace. A tense frown crossed his features, stamping them with brief lines of displeasure. For a moment, he looked like he was going to be sick. Blowing out a
loud breath, he cupped his chin and leaned back in his padded leather chair. She offered a shy smile as his gaze darted to the doorway.

  “Hey, doll,” he said, returning the gesture. “Did you have a nice nap?”

  “Yeah,” she said sleepily, her nose wrinkling with her grin. “Why didn’t you wake me?”

  He shrugged. “I had some work to catch up on and you looked like you could use the rest. I’ll be with you in a minute. If you’re still feeling up to it, we’ll go get the rest of your things when I’m done.”

  “Would you like me to make you something to eat while you finish?”

  Sebastian shook his head and gave her a tender smile. “No, baby, we’ll grab something on the way.”

  “Okay.” She wrung her hands, resisting the urge to cross the room and curl up in his lap. He seemed to sense her struggles and winked.

  “Just give me a few more minutes, darling. Then I’m all yours.”

  Taylor nodded. After pulling the door mostly shut again, she wandered through the house alone. The place was so huge without him beside her it felt like it threatened to swallow her whole. She wondered how Sebastian had managed to live there so long on his own. The sense of loneliness and isolation the walls radiated would have driven her mad. She straightened up the pillows in the great room before trekking upstairs in search of her phone. It had been a few days since she’d talked to Bryce or her uncle, and she didn’t want them to worry.

  Flopping back on the bed, she scrolled through and dialed her cousin’s number. The phone only rang twice before Bryce’s crackly voice answered on the other end.

  “Tay?”

  “Hey, Bryce.”

  “Oh thank God. Where the hell have you been? We saw what happened on the news and we tried stopping by. We couldn’t find you, and we didn’t hear from you. My dad’s eight shades of flipped out over here!”

  “I’m sorry,” she said. “I’m okay.”

  “Yeah?”

  “Yeah, more than okay, really. You know that guy I’ve been seeing?”