The Fire Inside: A Heated Bad Boy Romance

by Alice Ashes

  Ethan smiled happily at me. "Good morning, Olivia."

  I studied my feet and blushed a little. "Morning."

  (Oh God, don't think about sex with Mason...)

  Ethan's eyes widened a bit and he choked on his own spit, while I smacked my forehead and cursed whatever spiritual entity was supposed to keep me from making an idiot of myself. Anytime now, would be GREAT.

  "Ummmmm..."

  Ethan chuckled. "It's fine, Olivia. So long as your happy."

  He resumed his walk to the kitchen, but before he disappeared he called over his shoulder, "But maybe finish up reveling in the details during your shower. I'd rather not listen to just how dreamy Mason is while I'm trying to eat my eggs."

  And with a self-satisfied grin, he was off and I was glaring after him. Although, the man did make a valid point...

  I rushed off to the bathroom and looked into the mirror, steadying myself. I forgot I didn't even have on makeup yesterday, so thankfully I was wrong about the raccoon eye look. I was, however, achingly on point with my concerns regarding my hair. Opening and reaching around the glass shower door, I turned the water on, hot enough to slightly burn on my skin. I let the robe fall to the floor before stepping into the hot spray of water, closing the slightly frosted door to the shower behind me. After letting the water run over my body for a few minutes, I began to work the knots out of my hair, slowly but surely brushing my fingers through. I tensed for a moment, imagining a thumping sound in the hallway, before shrugging and continuing my finger's descent from my scalp. Before I could even process what I was hearing, I heard two doors slam in quick succession before the bathroom door flung open and I turned around to the sound of Mason growling. His voice quickly quieted as he became aware of my presence, his eyes sliding over my silhouette through the frosted door.

  His hands landed loudly on the glass of the shower, ratting the door a little and I jumped at the sound. "Meep!"

  I heard him taking big, deep, steadying breaths. After a minute, I slid the shower door open ever so slightly and peeked out at him.

  "Mason?"

  He didn't look at me, but he took one more deep breath, before saying, "I woke up and you weren't there...I, kind of, like, overreacted, I guess."

  He rubbed the back of his neck looking a little embarrassed. "Mason..."

  I opened the shower door a little more and reached out my hand to rub his cheek. The touch made him tremble and he locked his arms against the glass.

  Surprised, I asked him, "Are you still hungry?"

  He laughed, but it sounded more like a pained bark. "Honestly? I don't know if I'll ever have enough of you to feel satisfied." Still, his eyes met mine with a half grin. "Hungry, no, not really," he said. "Needy though...?"

  It was my turn to laugh. I felt my shyness melt away and felt rather silly for ever worrying at all. "Relentlessly, if you're anything like me."

  He chuckled in reply. I grabbed his hand and pulled, opening the shower door the rest of the way. Pupils dilated as my body was exposed, his eyes becoming half lidded. Mason let me pull him in front of me and slowly, I undressed him, taking my time to run my fingers over each new part of his body as it was exposed. I didn't hurry or try to invoke a response, I took my time, pampering him and making him purr like a cat. Gently, very gently, I tugged him into the shower with me and pushed, fingertips on his chest, until he stood under the water.

  Mason's eyes remained relaxed, sometimes closing for a time, and he allowed his usually tense and aggressive nature lapse into passivity. The trust of allowing something like that for a man like Mason was staggering and for a few moments I basked in the warm feeling that gave me. I turned him so his back was to me, and watched him lower his head so the water ran over his neck, one of his hands braced on the shower wall in front of him. I rubbed my coconut body wash between my hands, letting the steam draw the comforting scent out, before reaching up and running my hands across his shoulder blades. I heard a soft sigh of contentment as my fingers pressed hard on his shoulders, working against the knots that felt as if they had been embedded there for years.

  We stayed in the hot water, me rubbing his back, neck, and shoulders, working through some of the kinks, for a long time. Long enough that I began to question how much hot water we had left as I turned him to face me, snuggling into his side. His hands came up to hold me to him and a growl of contentment rumbled in his chest. I stepped away from him slightly, long enough to get more body wash before rubbing it between my hands. I ran my soapy hands over his chest, feeling his nipple harden under my attentions, before moving down to his abs. He was slowly getting hard and I let my hand dip down to the lower V of his stomach, feeling the sharp inhale of air as he watched my hand, seemingly captivated. I rubbed my hands together one more time to build up a lather, before looking up at him and making a circle between my thumb and index finger around the base of him. His eyes quickly looked to mine, then back to my hand, bouncing between the two until I brought my hand up and with the lightest pressure, began to stroke him.

  I moved slowly, feeling his dick harden and twitch at the feather touches I was giving him. Mason made a move to reach for my breasts and I pushed him, hard, into the tile wall of the shower, placing his hands on my hips, but keeping my distance.

  "No touching, Mason." His confused face made me giggle. "I just want to concentrate on you, okay?"

  For a moment he looked ready to argue, but as my hands touched him again, he bit back a groan and gave in to my demand.

  I continued my slow teasing for a few minutes, but then I remembered I was supposed to be relaxing him, not frustrating him. Oh well, what can I say? Old habits die hard. I started to twist my hand and pick up the pace, listening to the way his breath shuddered, staring up into his eyes. Occasionally, I would tear my eyes away from his to watch his abs work, his legs tightening as he neared his peak. When I knew he was almost there, I dropped to me knees and watched his eyes darken at the sight. I was still using the coconut soap as lube, so while oral wasn't much of an option without pausing for a rinse, but there was another thing I could do on my knees that blissful and dirty.

  I looked up at Mason, purposefully blinking innocent Bambi eyes, which just made him smirk and begin to thrust into my hand. "Where do you want to cum?"

  I helpfully ran a finger across my cheekbone, trying to make it look innocent. I'm not sure if it worked or not, but Mason's smirk dropped as he moaned and buried one of his hands in my hair, lifting the other to push my hand off and stroke himself. He curled his wrist to position me better and I yelped at the little pleasure pain that came from him pulling my hair. He was on the edge, and he forced me to meet his eyes just a moment before, verifying that I did want him to mark me as his in this primal way. I found it deliciously degrading and objectifying, especially because my own need was completely ignored, my clit aching and throbbing as it was given no attention.

  I heard the desperation in my voice when I answered him. "P-please..."

  With that Mason stroked himself hard another 3 times and then came all over my face. I felt a rush of pride, followed my little pang of shame, that for some reason, tasted like sugar sweetness to me. Mason gently helped me up to admire the sight of me covered in his cum, before gently cleaning my face off and kissing my forehead. He turned me around so my back was against him and gently spread my thighs with his knee, holding me up with one hand and using the other to rub between my legs, everywhere but the one spot that really needed attention.

  "I feel like this throbbing is getting you off more than actual getting off would right now."

  I bit my lip and whined a little, before nodding my head. I didn't realize I was so transparent, that kind of kills the "mysterious" vibe. I didn't have much of one to begin with, but still.

  "Doofus, I think you may be a bit of a masochist." I flushed and he smirked.

  "Well, I certainly feel like you are being sadistic with all that rubbing, if that's what you mean," I grumbled. He was so god damn smug.r />
  A bright chuckle brought me some general relief, glad to make him happy. "Don't worry, Olivia. You'll definitely get to cum tonight. But, in the meantime, maybe we'll see just how wet I can get you before you beg me to finger you already."

  I moaned, a deep sound filled with apprehension and desire. He moved to hold me, let me settle in his arms. "Don't worry beautiful, it's just to try, okay?"

  God, I loved this man. All sadistic teasing before gently switching gears to check up on me and reassure me before going back to Sex God mode.

  I sighed, "Yeah Mason, I hate to admit, but yeah. It sounds delicious."

  He gave my butt a little pinch, then he smiled at me. "Speaking of delicious," he purred to me. "Breakfast? I'm fucking starving."

  My stomach answered for me. "Yeah, but maybe some clothes first."

  Mason ruffled my hair. "Ahhhh, clothes are overrated."

  Charming, infuriating man.

  ---

  Ahhh, how easy it had been to pretend my life wasn't a disaster while I had been wrapped in Mason's arms. But now, the bitter light of morning shone, and everything was as it was yesterday, the only difference being now I had lost my protective armor of numbness and someone (or someone's) was actually watching me to ensure I didn't just give up and roll over. I sighed, nibbling the edge of a crispy piece of toast. Well, that sort of thinking wasn't particularly helpful, but it seemed I had a lot of work to do and very little inclination to do it. Depression doesn't disappear overnight, not even when something divine, fabulous, and ridiculously sexy entices you to want to live.

  So. My old life plan had consisted of barely existing until my husband lost control and killed me or I succumbed to malnutrition. I hadn't asked, but I was pretty sure the boys would not consider either of those a good option. So new plan:

  First, call a lawyer. On second thought, call Daniel, ask him for the name of a good lawyer. He worked as the CEO of Anderson toys, those higher-ups were constantly getting married and divorced. I had a prenuptial agreement, because of Daniel insistence, much to Jacob's chagrin. But without a doubt, Jacob would show up with some sort of hard hitting representation and I'd rather have a competent professional handle it than be subject to Jacob's venom and demands unprotected.

  When I talked to him, Daniel told me he would look into it and call back at lunch. I hung up and moved to the next item that needed addressing.

  Second, call the therapist who's number was on my answering machine this morning. Daniel said she was a half-blood, the love child of an incubus and a human woman. She was well aware of demon affairs, and would be able to help her without doubting the existence of the demon world, as most therapists understandably would.

  She scheduled me for her next available, a week from Tuesday, her office conveniently enough only 5 miles away. Perfect.

  Last step on the agenda for today was registering for classes. I damn near flunked last semester, but I hadn't been overly concerned about it. If I didn't get my grades up for the Spring classes I'd end up getting booted. Considering that I was going to be busy getting divorced and trying to keep my life out of the gutter, I opted for all online courses. I was more likely to pass if I could go to class in my pajamas.

  Sitting in the dining room table with my laptop in front of me, I was halfway through signing up for classes when I heard a key in the lock on the front door.

  Suddenly ice filled my veins: Did I throw the deadbolt? I couldn't remember. I jumped to my feet and backed away towards the kitchen. My silent question was answered as I heard the door swing open and Jacob bellow through the house.

  "OLIVIA!?!?!"

  As quietly as I could, I backed into the kitchen and pulled out my cell phone. I couldn't just summon one of the boys, it was Thursday for God's sake, they were all at work. They couldn't just disappear in front of someone's face. I could hear Jacob stomping around, and I knew I was trapped in the kitchen. So I slipped outside and skirted the house. When Jacob stepped out the door, he wasn't alone and the other man was not someone I recognized. Suddenly, the strange man turned his head as if sensing me and locked eyes with me. With a chilly smile, I saw him point to me, and a line of lightening came barreling towards me. I barely side stepped to avoid it.

  Okay, not summoning an incubus at this point seemed like a likely fatal mistake. Knowing that at least Mason would be on edge today with not being here to watch me, I quickly ducked around the side of the house and shot off a text message while running.

  "Jacob. Has a guy with lightening. Get in cover, 15 seconds. Need you, he tried to kill me."

  I ran back through the front door beginning the slow count in my head while I flitted through the hallways, trying not to draw attention.

  (One...two...three...)

  Chapter 8: A Full On Forest Fire

  (Five...Six...Seven...)

  My cell phone vibrated and I glanced down as a text message flashed across the screen.

  Mason: DO IT NOW

  His name came out as a relieved sigh, "...Thebe...

  A flash of bright light was followed by the sensation of rushing wind, before I found myself dumped unceremoniously on the couch in the study. His eyes flitted over me briefly, verifying I was none the worse for wear. Mason pressed a gentle kiss to my lips, before he turned on his heel and I caught the briefest glimpse of his eyes before his back was to me. I shivered at the look of smoldering hatred I saw there.

  When he spoke, his voice was a hiss. "Lock the door, Olivia. And don't open it again." And then he was gone.

  I quickly moved to do as he said, before crossing to the wall opposite the door and sliding down to the ground. Well, this was just lovely.

  I thought it was safe to assume Jacob would be angry with me for any number of events yesterday (Mason holding me, Ethan choking him, his life being threatened, etc, etc,) but bringing a mad man with lightening at his fingertips to our doorstep seemed a bit melodramatic, even for him. Although I suppose he might have considered that tit for tat, seeing as I had demons with an assortment of powers at my disposal. But they were personally involved, I certainly didn't hire anyone to try to kill him, in fact, I had tried to keep him alive! Not that he deserved it, apparently.

  I was suddenly blinded by a white light, causing me to grimace and raise my hand to my eyes. Once I saw it fade behind my eyelids, I saw Mr. Lightening glancing around at the bookshelves and Jacob, looking a tad dizzy, appeared to be getting his bearings. I scrambled to get my legs under me and stand, and about the same time I was successful, Jacob spotted me. His face twisted into a nasty sneer and he lunged. Whenever he had come at me, I had never fought back, not once. I hadn't had the energy or the presence of mind to care what he was doing, much less make a move to stop it. So I surprised both of us when I pulled the lamp off of my grandfather's old desk and clocked him in the head with it. He went down hard, out cold. Before I could decide whether to run towards his new best friend to attack or away to attempt to escape, the man snapped his fingers and I was wrapped up in cords. They bound me into a sort of cocoon and as I started to topple over, he snapped again and I felt perfectly balanced.

  I looked down, and said the first thing that came to mind. "Wait, are these silk?!?!"

  He laughed heartily as he took a step toward me. "My, my, aren't you an interesting creature."

  He circled me, seeming to study me at every angle, and I took advantage of the situation to briefly do the same. He was stunningly handsome, now that I got a good look at him. Baby blue eyes, bow mouth, with a chiseled jaw and a figure to match. He was about head taller than me, and his sunglasses were pushed up to nestle in short, blond locks. (Wait, are his tips frosted?) All this cherubic detailing stood in dark contrast to the tight, fitted black t-shirt that hugged his upper body, followed by dark, denim skinny jeans and black, leather biker boots. He finished his appraisal and took a step closer, his face a breath from mine, and studied my expression closely.

  I felt my temper strain a little bit. "Can I help you with somet
hing?"

  I said it with an indignant lilt to my voice, but if he noticed, he didn't show it. "You're kind to ask, but I'm quite fine." He smiled with devastatingly perfect teeth and took a small step back. "I suppose introductions are in order, my name is Raphael. And yours?"

  He half bowed, a strangely formal gesture for the situation.

  I sighed, a bit exasperated. "Didn't he bother to mention my name before dragging you here?"

  Raphael perched on the arm of a chair and crossed his legs delicately. "Unless you often go by Bitch or Whore, no, he did not. I assumed those were simply pet names."