by Rene Lyons
“That’s neither here nor there, Mr. Raleigh.”
“Seth.”
Sabrina held back a frustrated huff. “Seth,” she corrected. “Bryce believes you have the stone and he’s not going to stop until he gets it. So, let’s just put aside all the niceties…”
“Sweetheart, I haven’t even begun being nice to you.” His voice was warm honey, causing a wonderful thrill to shoot through her. “Like I said, even if I did have the stone, I’d never give it up. Especially not to Mathers.”
Knowing what she did about Bryce, Sabrina couldn’t fault Seth for that. Unfortunately, that didn’t help her. “You have to know how important these stones are. If they truly exist, they could change…”
“The stones are nothing more than a myth.”
Sabrina raised a brow at that announcement. “Then why are people willing to kill for them?”
Seth relaxed in his chair and steepled his fingers under his chin as he regarded her with his steady gaze. “Men, I’ve learned, are foolish creatures who rush in before they know all the facts. They like the idea of absolute power and will do absolutely anything to acquire it. Even sacrificing life on the belief of a myth.”
“Men? You sound as if you believe you aren’t among us humans.”
His silence was cryptic. The look he gave her was chilling. Although Sabrina knew what he was, she said nothing about it to him. She didn’t know what he’d do if he discovered she was well aware of the truth about him. And so, she played the game of ignorance and hoped things would fall into place as she’d planned.
There was no denying Seth was…different. The way he carried himself and the feral look in his mesmerizing eyes proclaimed he was something far more than human. That something seemed to reach out to Sabrina. It wrapped around her, seeped into the very core of her being. She felt robbed of breath and made her skin feel like it was on fire. Or was it his gaze that seared her? Whatever it was, she almost fanned herself to help cool the heat coursing through her.
“I believe this business about the stones has come to an end, Sabrina.” The finality in his tone told her he’d not budge on the matter.
“Well, that’s it then.” What a waste of two hours. Sabrina had hoped to leave here with a better idea of whether Seth possessed the stones or not. Or at least come away with a better understanding of the man himself.
She collected the infernal pocketbook and stood Her skirt had ridden up—Raleigh’s eyes were locked on the expanse of exposed thigh—so she adjusted the material and stuck out her hand. “I believe our business is done. Thank you for your time, Mr. Raleigh.”
His hand wrapped around hers and, in one smooth and unexpected motion, Seth Raleigh stood and pulled her up against him. Almost every part of her was touching some part of him and that made her breathless. All of his glorious hardness made her dizzy. The pocketbook slipped from her shoulder, landing at her feet. He kicked it away. She reached out to take hold of his shoulders to steady herself as her mind spun at the contact of their bodies.
Seth pressed his cheek to hers. “Our business is far from over, Sabrina,” he said softly in her ear. “It’s only just begun.”
Chapter Two
At the touch of Seth’s mouth on hers, Sabrina’s entire world spun out of control. His touch was electrifying, instantly setting her body on fire. Casting aside every inhibition, she gave herself over to the moment, wanting to get lost in Seth and have the rest of the world fade away.
Sabrina didn’t think. She simply allowed herself to feel all the wonderful sensations Seth evoked in her as he used his thumb to force open her mouth and slip his tongue in. His hands moved down her back, sending a delicious shiver down her spine in its wake. He tasted of mint and something else she couldn’t quite put her finger on. It was something dark and mysterious that wove through her, taking her to a place within herself where her deepest desires dwelled.
He cupped her ass and pulled her into him. Sabrina wrapped her arms around his neck and held tight as he ground his erection against her. Everything about him was hard and massive, making her feel small and feminine. Yet, instead of being overwhelmed by him, Sabrina was empowered by Seth’s touch. There was something very freeing about forgoing the worry of consequence. It allowed Sabrina to take full advantage of all Seth was awakening within her.
Seth certainly knew how to kiss. Sabrina had never been particularly fond of kissing, but now she understood what the big deal was. Seth kissed her with a finesse that had her clawing at his back and whimpering for more.
Oh yeah—the man had talent.
Sabrina shuddered when Seth ran his tongue over her bottom lip. Warmth and wetness pooled at the juncture of her thighs. The force of her desire was almost frightening. She trembled with need, ached to take this as far as it could go. Sweat broke out on her brow as even more heat flooded her. She knew this was something far more than passion. This was animalistic. This was raw.
And it was incredible.
One of Seth’s hands settled at the small of her back, sending a jolt of electricity through her. Sabrina brought her leg up to wrap around him, allowing him better access to where she needed him the most. He growled and hooked his arm under her knee, forcing her leg higher. His fingers slid along the nylon of her pantyhose. He growled again, just before ripping the delicate material so his hand could touch her bare flesh.
Sabrina had never had her clothes torn from her in the heat of passion until now. The urgency in which Seth tore them from her heightened her desire. He radiated power and sex, which added to the energy of the moment. She wished he’d rip the rest of their clothes off, just so she could feel his body against hers without any barriers between them.
She’d never felt a body like his, one so strong and sculpted with finely honed muscle. As she ran her hands down his back, those muscles flexed beneath her palms. Her body ached to know the feel of him, the warmth of him, and the strength of him throbbing inside of her. It was more than just curiosity, but a burning need that threatened to consume her.
He lifted her effortlessly. Sabrina wrapped her legs around his waist as he carried her to his desk. After he settled her on it, he moved his hands to her thighs and spread her legs so that he could fit himself between them.
He pulled away from her mouth. “Open your eyes and look at me, Sabrina.”
Sabrina did and was shocked to see the fire burning in the depths of his eyes. It was an ancient flame, full of forbidden passions and wicked promises. Short of breath, Sabrina leaned her arms back behind her, settling her weight on her hands. Something about the way Seth stared down at her, assessing her, sent her heartbeat racing even faster. He looked like a predator ready to devour its prey.
Before Sabrina could grow unnerved by his close scrutiny, he snatched the clip from her hair and threw it aside. “Better,” he remarked.
As Seth admired his handiwork, Sabrina removed her shoes. Once her shoes were off and she let out a sigh of relief to finally give her toes freedom, she stared, transfixed, as he peeled off his shirt. She watched him expectantly as he revealed his amazing body to her. Finally getting an eyeful of his tattoo, Sabrina was mesmerized by the intricate design.
At first glance it appeared tribal, but once she got a better look she realized it wasn’t. The tattoo was more like tracing—a work of art made up of delicate swirls and points that had an almost mystical quality traditional tribal lacked. The ink covered the entire left side of his torso and arm, ending at his wrist. It worked its way over his shoulder and she wanted to spin him around to see exactly where it ended. His navel was pierced as well. She studied the piercing, having never seen this particular body art on a man before. It was a shame he kept all this beauty hidden beneath clothes.
“That’s gorgeous.” Seth sucked in a sharp breath as she traced the tattoo with her finger. “Where did you have it done?”
“Consider it a gift from God.”
The mention of God was like a bucket of ice thrown over Sabrina’s head. It cle
ared her mind of the sexual haze and had her flattening her hands on his chest. She gave him a slight shove, but he didn’t budge.
“What’s the matter?” Seth asked with a deep frown that drew his black brows together.
Sabrina shook her head. “Nothing. Everything. I shouldn’t be doing this with you.”
“Really? Why not?”
“Because I don’t know you, that’s why. I came here for an interview, not to have quick sex with you on your desk.”
Seth leaned toward her. His lips hovered near hers. All she had to do was lean forward, just an inch, and they’d be kissing again. The temptation was almost too much to bear.
“You know me, Sabrina.” Her name was a whispered prayer. “You’ve always known me. Open yourself to me and let me love you.”
Oh God…Seth’s words drew her back into his spell. She stopped worrying about right and wrong—about respectable and licentious. Instead, she gave herself back over to Seth and allowed him to take her down a road she’d never traveled. One paved with pleasure so intense, she wondered if she’d ever be the same once she’d reached the end.
Seth stepped into the cradle of her thighs. Sabrina liked how he fit perfectly there. He settled his hands on her thighs, his gaze never leaving hers. Sabrina’s lips parted on a sigh as his fingers danced up her leg to disappear under her skirt. A wonderful frisson of excitement ignited within her when he took hold of the band of her pantyhose and tugged on it. She lifted herself long enough for him to slowly work the tattered nylons down her legs. The tips of his fingers grazed her bare flesh. With a careless flick of his wrist, Seth tossed the ruined nylons to the floor.
The sight of him dropping to his knees in front of her was something Sabrina would remember forever.
“Your skin is so soft,” Seth whispered as his fingers bit into her thighs.
Seth’s hold on her was firm, yet Sabrina had the distinct impression he was ready to let her go if that’s what she wanted. Leaving was the last thing she was going to do. Her every instinct screamed that here was exactly where she was supposed to be.
Seth brought his head down and trailed light kisses up from her knee. Sabrina dropped her head back as pleasure poured through her. He inched up her skirt, kissing her higher. He stopped just short of the juncture of her thighs, yet his fingers pushed on to touch her through her lace underwear. She felt him smile against her leg, obviously pleased with the wetness he found there.
She nearly came off the desk when he slipped a single finger inside her. “Oh, God, that feels so good.”
“Remember, Sabrina, I warned you we’ve only just begun.”
Dear Lord, if he could light her up with just a few kisses and one finger, Sabrina was almost afraid to find out what he could do with more of himself—but not enough to make him stop.
He teased her, thrusting into her hard and fast, only to draw himself out slowly. Slow enough to bring every nerve in her body alive. The air became heavy, making every breath difficult to drag in as his mouth traveled over her thighs. Given the way Seth was pleasuring her, Sabrina had the distinct impression he somehow knew all of her secret sexual desires.
All too soon, Seth stood and withdrew his finger from her. Sabrina resisted the urge to take hold of his hand and move it back between her legs. Needing to touch him, Sabrina glided her fingers over the delicate tattoo on his chest. She marveled at its detail, having never seen anything like it before.
Sabrina loved the way his flesh felt against her palms. “I have a tattoo as well, but nothing like the quality of yours.”
“I’m sure I’ll find it.”
Surprisingly, his arrogance gave her a wonderful thrill. She was the assertive one, the one who had to be in control, which was why she found it exciting that Seth took the role she usually played.
Pushing her jacket down her arms, Seth cocked a brow at the lacy camisole. Sabrina was glad she’d thought to don it instead of the plain white blouse she’d originally planned to wear. He demanded she remove it. She complied without thinking, loving the way he watched her.
Sabrina closed her eyes and bit her bottom lip when his large hand cupped her right breast. His thumb flicked over her hard nipple and she held back her cry. Only after she was able to breathe again did she say, “I don’t know why I care that you know this, but…” She shook her head. “This is so out of character for me. I don’t do the casual-sex thing.”
He brought his head close and rubbed his cheek over hers. His skin was soft and smooth and held the faint scent of aftershave. “I know, Sabrina.” His breath tickled her ear.
“I don’t know why I’m… I just can’t explain it.”
“Then don’t.” His hand lightly squeezed her breast. “Just feel.”
Seth’s mouth settled on her neck and Sabrina almost shot off the desk. He laved her with his tongue, nipped at her with his teeth, and as he did so, every rumor of him being a vampire danced through her mind. For a moment, she almost wished he were one. Then he could help her escape to another plane of existence, allow her to leave her life behind.
Reality would have continued its invasion and broken the spell Seth wove around her, but his mouth moved over her flesh, causing her breath to catch and her fingers to dig into his shoulders with desperation.
As if sensing how she ached, Seth continued to stoke the flames of her passion. Unable to stifle a sigh of pleasure as he rubbed her clit through her panties, she pressed herself into his touch.
“That’s it, Sabrina,” Seth whispered against her flesh. His voice was velvet. It wrapped around her, heightening the sensations coursing through her. “Let it go. Just feel what I’m doing to you.”
“I’ll try.”
“I don’t want you to try. I need you to let it all go. Can you do that for me, Sabrina? Can you just feel what I’m doing?”
Sabrina nodded as he trailed his lips over her collarbone. He rolled her nipple between his fingers. She cried out as his finger slid over her clit, making her feel empty, her body throbbing to be filled by him.
The more she whimpered, the more ruthless Seth became. He played her body with an expertise that would have had her screaming with frustration if his mouth wasn’t claiming hers. He swallowed her cries as his hands roamed her body. Only once she was damn near ready to shatter did Seth pull her off the desk and turn her around. He bent her over and a sharp stab of anticipation shot through her. She’d never felt so wicked, so alive. Seth brought out a side of her she hadn’t realized existed.
He tore away her panties. She threw her long brown hair over her shoulder and tried to steal a glance at him. All she saw was Seth dropping to his knees. Though she couldn’t see what he was doing to her,she could feel.
He roughly pushed up her skirt and grabbed hold of her waist. Though Seth wasn’t gentle, he wasn’t hurting her either. The way he took control excited Sabrina. With a hand on the small of her back, he pressed her lower toward the desk. She flattened her palms on the polished wood to steady herself just as she felt Seth’s tongue lave at her from behind. Her nails scored the wood of his desk and she bit back a scream as waves of pleasure flowed through her.
He slowly slipped one finger into her, then another, drawing low moans from her. Sabrina felt her body ignite as he worked her with his hand and tongue.
“Please… Seth…” Her broken whisper ended on a cry.
Sabrina looked over her shoulder as he rose to his feet. She caught a glimpse of his arrogant grin before he bent over her backwards. He took a handful of her hair in his hand and brought his mouth close to her ear. “Beg me for what you want.”
“You. I want you, Seth.”
He gave a gentle tug on her hair. “You have me, Sabrina.” His whisper tickled her ear. “Now tell me what you want me to do to you.”
The feel of him against her body made her crave to have him deep within her. “I need you to fill me.”
He dropped his forehead to her and she felt his smile against her neck. “Thank you, Sabrina.”<
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Before Sabrina could wonder at what he was thanking her for, Seth straightened. He unzipped his pants and let them fall. She tried to turn to watch him, but a hand on her back kept her as she was. All she could do was steal another look over her shoulder as he kicked off his shoes and stepped out of his pants. He wore no underwear. The sight of his cock robbed her of her breath. Every part of him was magnificent. His arousal was long and thick and as perfect as the rest of him. It’d been a long time since she’d been with a man and none of them had been as large as Seth. The idea of his length buried inside of her caused her passion to grow to heights that were almost frightening.
He stepped back up to her and nestled himself between her legs. Seth’s erection pressed against her. Her body opened for him as he inched into her. Hissing, she stretched to fit him. The mix of pleasure and pain had her head dropping to the desk. She arched her back and her legs shook as she took him.. From behind her, she heard Seth panting as he slid into her. The sound was music to her ears as he seated himself fully.
Seth stilled, allowing her body a moment to adjust to his size. He swept her hair to the side and it cascaded over her shoulder in a heavy mass of waves that, for once, Sabrina didn’t mind the weight of.
“We’re a good fit, Sabrina.”
The whisper of a kiss to the nape of her neck sent a chill down her spine. That was the last of Seth’s tenderness. He grabbed her hair again, holding on tightly as he drove into her with a ruthlessness that had her dancing on a razor’s edge of fear and excitement.
Each pulsating thrust pushed her closer to the point she’d only heard of but had never gone to. It was this big mystery, one she’d never thought she’d know firsthand. She’d honestly thought she’d be one of those women who’d never experience an orgasm.
Seth clamped one hand on her shoulder. The other settled on her hip as he pumped into her. His touch, firm on her shoulder to hold her where he wanted her and the other hand a mere hint of pressure, helped to send her over the edge. Sabrina let go and allowed her body to soar. Every part of her felt electrified. The sensation began somewhere deep inside as Seth thrust into her, shutting shut out everything but Seth, making him her sole anchor.
