by N M Thorn
“Always.”
“I wish to see you, my handsome ancient god,” said Tessa, caressing his face. “Take your clothes off. All of them.”
He got up and slowly pulled his shirt off, dropping it on the floor. Then he unzipped his jeans, his trembling fingers fumbling with the button a touch too long.
“Your jeans, Aidan. I want to see them on the floor next to your shirt.” She smiled at him, her large eyes twinkling with humor. “I command you.”
He took his jeans off, dropping them on the floor and straightened up, still leaving his underwear on.
“Forgetting something?”
She hooked her finger at the waistband of his underwear and pulled them all the way down. Aidan gasped, suddenly feeling more naked than he ever felt in his whole life, instinctively crossing his hands over his groin. She giggled, catching his awkward reaction and sat back down, observing him like a piece of art. Then she reached forward and seized his wrists, forcing his hands apart.
“You’re the most handsome man I’ve ever seen,” she whispered, her eyes gliding up and down his unclothed body.
Aidan cleared his throat, not sure that he could speak. “And exactly how many naked men have you seen so far?”
“Well, that’s none of your business, is it, Aidan McGrath?” she huffed. “I’m sure the list of women you’ve been with is a lot longer anyway, considering your age and all.”
She got up, standing less than an inch away from him and stretched up on her tiptoes to give him a quick kiss. He could feel her breath on his bare skin and desire spiked in him with a new strength. He closed his eyes for a brief moment and immediately felt her hand slowly sliding down below his waist. He grabbed her wrist, ready to stop her, but she let go right away.
“Lie down, Aidan,” she said, pointing at the bed. Then she thought for a moment and added, “Please.”
Aidan smiled shyly at her, still feeling a little uncomfortable and exposed. Never could he imagine that he was still capable of feeling shy and vulnerable in the presence of a woman. Tessa pulled the cover and the blanket off the bed and he lay down, placing his arms under his head, wondering what she would do next.
For a moment, Tessa stood still at the foot of the bed, caressing him with her gaze, her mouth slightly opened, her eyes dark with desire. Then she averted her gaze and took her jacket off, throwing it on the floor on the heap of his clothes. Just as slowly, she pulled her t-shirt off and dropped it. She had no bra under it.
She turned to Aidan, so he could see her clearly. He knew that she was doing it for him, but he wasn’t sure if he should say something or just let her do whatever she wanted. Tessa took her jeans off, leaving a thin lacy underwear on and walked to the side of the bed. At first, she sat down on the edge of the bed, gazing at Aidan, a smile, sensual and slightly drunk, curving her lips.
“You’re breathtaking,” whispered Aidan, without moving. More than anything, he wanted to touch her, feel her slim body against his, make her moan with pleasure. But he didn’t move, afraid to ruin the moment.
Tessa smiled wider, her eyes gleaming with happiness. She climbed up on the bed and straddled his hips. Aidan sucked in a sharp breath and she chuckled, moving slightly against him. He wasn’t sure how long he would be able to control his desire with her playing with his body like that.
“Tessa,” he whispered, his breath caught as she leaned forward, resting her hands on his chest.
“Shh,” she said, pressing her finger to her lips and then moved farther up to kiss him. Her kiss ignited him, setting his mind on fire. He felt her hand on the back of his head, holding him closer as she deepened her kiss. He was burning for her and at this moment he didn’t remember feeling like this with anyone else.
Tessa pulled away ever so slightly and her lips brushed his once more. “Aidan,” she whispered, moving closer to his ear, an unusual air of shyness surrounding her, “do you want me? Do you enjoy? You know… what I’m doing…”
He laughed tenderly. She was so wonderfully young and so sweet. “Tessa, you seriously have to ask? I enjoy every second of just being near to you. What you’re giving me right now means so much more to me than just physical pleasure, my love. Do I want you? Yes, of course! With every cell of my body and with every fiber of my soul. I love you, my Tessa. I love you more than life itself.”
She pushed herself up, her arms on either side of him, and for a long moment was gazing down at him, studying his face with her deep dark eyes. “Aidan,” she said finally, and the tone of her trembling voice told him more than her words, “you are my... everything… You always were. Love me, Aidan, love me like there is no tomorrow.”
A low growl rumbled deep in his throat as he seized her slim waist and gently lifted her, lowering her on the bed next to him. He rolled to his side and pulled her closer, covering her mouth with his.
Like there is no tomorrow? There is no tomorrow for me, not without you, he thought, surrendering his body and his soul to this young woman who held his heart and his life in her hands.
Chapter 32
~ Zane Burns, a.k.a. Gunz ~
It was late evening when Gunz knocked on the door of Angelique’s apartment. The door swung open right away and Angelique stepped aside, letting him pass through. As soon as she closed the door, she threw her arms around his neck, clinging her whole body tightly to him. He hugged her, closing his eyes for a moment, her delicate scent invading his senses. For a few seconds, she was holding him close, hiding her face in his chest. He ran his hands over her sides and gently kissed the top of her head.
“Angie, hi,” he said, feeling her finally pulling away.
“Tomorrow?” she asked instead of hello, her eyes searching his face. She found his hand and entwined her fingers with his.
He didn’t need any additional explanation, knowing well what she was asking. “Tomorrow morning,” he replied. “Both teams are going to meet in my house, and we all will leave from there.”
She nodded, biting her lip and pulled him into the living room. “Are you hungry? Can I get you anything?”
“No, thank you,” he objected. He didn’t remember when he ate the last time, but right now he didn’t feel hungry. He didn’t need food. He needed a few minutes of peace, something to take his mind off everything that was coming tomorrow and on the night of All Hallows’ Eve.
Angelique sat down next to him, clenching her hands on her lap, staring straight forward. Gunz took in her appearance and sighed. She was wearing her favorite silk kimono robe. Dark red silk was wrapped around her willowy figure, effectively accentuating her narrow waist. Her hair spilled over her back and chest, shining darkly against the redness of her kimono. She was as beautiful as he ever remembered her, but her pale face was wearing signs of tears, tiredness and stress.
He took her hands in his, gently squeezing her fingers. She peered at their joined hands and a single drop of water fell on the floor. She pressed her other hand to her eyes, swallowing her tears.
“Angie, it’s going to be all right,” he said, gently caressing the top of her hand with his thumb. “Two days and I’ll be right back here, with you. Plus, I’m not going to be alone there. I’ll have Kal and Mrak Delar by my side. I know that Svyatobor is also going to be with us and hopefully Semargl will join us too.” She bit her lip again and turned away, hiding her newly gathering tears. “Come on, sweetheart. Two Slavic deities, Fire Elemental and a Master of Power. In their company, I’ll be as safe as I can be. Plus, I’m immortal. Nothing can happen to me. I’m more worried about you here… Are you planning to stay with Jim?”
She didn’t answer his question but turned back to him, her eyes swimming with tears. “How about Karma and Voron?” she asked airily.
“Karma will stay with us, but Voron decided to go with Aidan and stand by his Lord and master’s side. He will return to the Dark Nav to protect Chernobog.”
“I wish I could go with you,” she whispered, placing her hand on top of his. “I have this feeling—”
“Angie, don’t do it, please,” Gunz interrupted her. “I would feel a lot better if you remained here, in the city. I’m sure Jim will need your guidance.”
She laughed, a short and bitter sound. “I know. I’m just a seer—useless when it comes to combat magic. Karma is equipped a lot better for that than I am. She’s an assassin after all.”
“Sweetheart, you have no reason to be—”
“I am not jealous!” yelled Angelique, jumping off the couch. “But I envy her. I envy that she can stand and fight by your side. She can be there to protect you and I can’t!”
Gunz got up and gathered her into his arms, pulling her closer. She pressed her hands against his chest, for a brief moment fighting his embrace, but then let go and fell apart crying.
“I know what you need,” he murmured into her ear, lifting her up. He carried her into the kitchen and sat her on top of the kitchen counter. “Your favorite tea?”
She smiled through tears and nodded. Gunz filled the kettle with cold water and put it on the stove. Then he touched the kettle, channeling the fire energy through it. A moment later, the water boiled. He poured the boiling water into a cup with a tea bag and put it on the counter next to her.
The bitter-sweet aroma of herbal tea wafted through the kitchen. Angelique took honey from the cabinet next to her and added some into her cup, carefully mixing it with a spoon.
“It’s handy to have you around the house, you know,” she said evenly, like she wasn’t crying just a moment ago. “Big savings on electricity. You can boil any amount of water within seconds.”
“I hope your electric bill is not the only reason you wish to have me here,” said Gunz, leaning back in his chair, folding his hands behind his head.
She stared at him thoughtfully for a moment, but then shook her head and took a sip of her tea. “No, that’s the only reason I can think of,” she said nonchalantly. “What? Is there anything else you’re good for?”
Gunz laughed. He got up and approached her. “Allow me to prove my worth, my lady,” he said, separating her legs and stepping in, closer to her.
She put the cup with the leftover tea on the counter and brushed his face with her fingers, gazing into his eyes. He pulled her a little closer and kissed her. The desire came to life within him, and his fire energy spiked up, responding to his emotions. Gunz pulled away, taking a few breaths to get his power under control.
He was getting better at controlling his power, but for Angelique’s safety, he still preferred to use the bracelet that Mrak Delar made for him. The bracelet was locking his fire power within his body, allowing him to relax and let go.
Angelique wrapped her legs around his waist, pulling him closer again. He didn’t object. He cupped her face and kissed her, pouring all his need into a single kiss. She moaned, her hands sliding down his shoulders, moving over his back. She found the bottom edge of his shirt and pulled it off, placing it on the counter next to her. Then she leaned forward and nuzzled his neck, sending shivers down his body.
Gunz grunted from the feeling of fire, figurative and literal, rushing through him, igniting the dancing flames in his eyes. He sighed and stepped away, his chest rising and falling with heavy breaths, small flames rushing up and down his arms. Angelique gazed at him. There was so much affection in her eyes that he felt drunk, intoxicated by her love and desire for him.
“I guess I do know how to light your fire,” she murmured, not without amusement.
“Angie,” he managed to say, still breathing hard, “where is my bracelet?”
“Aw, sweetie, you need a condom for your magic?” she teased him, jumping off the counter.
She approached him and blew at a small flame on his shoulder. The flame flickered and died out. He took a few deep breaths to cool down. She touched his skin carefully, like she was testing a hot iron, and jerked her hand away.
“Mpmm, I got myself a smoldering hot man.” Angelique giggled and headed out of the kitchen, waving for him to follow.
He threw his hands in the air but went after her into the bedroom. She had this uncanny ability to joke in any situation, no matter how relaxed or serious they were, and he loved it about her.
The bedroom was dark, the only light coming through the doorway into the living room. Angie was standing by the side of the bed, holding his bracelet in her hand. A large red stone was gleaming dimly.
“Come here,” she whispered, stretching her hand to him. The red light of the stone reflected on her face and in her deep eyes. She looked magical and mysterious.
Hypnotized by her looks, Gunz slowly approached her. She took his right hand and locked the bracelet on his wrist, gently kissing his knuckles. The bracelet suppressed his fire power, and a wave of weakness spread over him. He exhaled, swaying slightly and felt Angelique’s hands gently supporting him right away.
“I hate what it does to you,” she said as he eased himself to the bed.
“I’ll be all right in a moment.” Gunz smiled gazing up at her. “It’s the only way, Angie. I need to be sure that I won’t hurt you.”
He pulled down on her hand, forcing her to step between his legs. The dizziness slowly cleared, and he was back to normal. He found the sash that was holding her kimono together and pulled on it. The sash fell, and the robe opened up, giving him a delectable view of her smooth stomach. He put his hands on her sides under her kimono, pulling her a little closer, and explored every inch of her satin skin with his lips.
She moaned and shuddered in his hands, throwing her head back, closing her eyes. Without stopping what he was doing, Gunz pulled her on his lap, his lips traveling up her breasts and to her neck. Her body arched toward him, electrifying him with passion. He lifted her and lowered her on the bed.
“Zane…” she whispered without opening her eyes. “I love you…”
Gunz quickly undressed and lay down on the bed, next to her, supporting himself on his bent elbow. He peered down at her tender face. Her lips were parted, and her dark hair fanned around her face, making her skin look marble white, almost glowing in the darkness of the room. Gently he lowered his face down and found her lips, his hand moving down to cup her breast.
“Angie,” he whispered between kisses, “I love you too.” He never said those words to anyone before, but right now it felt right. It was true. He loved her from the first moment he laid his eyes on her in Jim’s office, but it took him all this time to realize it.
She opened her eyes for a moment to meet his gaze, high with desire and love, and smiled. “I thought I’d never hear it from you. Say it again… please…”
“I love you,” he repeated, gently lowering his body on top of hers.
The wall clock was showing almost five in the morning when Gunz woke up. He found Angelique sleeping in his arms, snuggled to his chest. He smiled down at her, the memory of last night still fresh, but his mind was slowly coming back to harsh reality. In this reality, he would be leaving her in less than an hour to face a dangerous and deadly adversary. The fairytale was over. He stifled a sigh, not wanting to wake her up.
“I wish we could stay like this forever,” she whispered suddenly, without lifting her head.
“In a perfect world we could stay like this forever,” he replied, his fingers drawing circles on her shoulder absentmindedly.
“The world is perfect, silly,” she replied with a sad smile. “All I want is to wake up with you next to me every day. My own little perfect universe is within the circle of your arms, Zane.”
She lowered her head back down. He felt her tears sliding down his chest and glanced at her, pressing her tighter to his side.
“Angie, why are you crying?” he asked, troubled.
She just shook her head and didn’t answer.
“Did you have a vision last night?” he asked. “What did you see?”
“Nothing,” she whispered into his chest. “I saw absolutely nothing.”
“Then why are you so worried?”
She sat up,
staring down at him, and frowned. “I see nothing, Zane. Nothing at all. I don’t see anything past forty-eight hours from now. It’s like the world is gone. You understand?”
“Are you predicting that we’ll lose the battle?” asked Gunz, fear chilling him to the bone. “Are you saying that the Lord of Chaos will rule the Earth again?”
“No! I predict nothing,” she replied, tracing the shape of his jaw with her fingers. “The only thing I’m saying is that I can’t see the future. I can’t see the battle. I don’t even see if the city is going to be attacked. It’s like there is no future. I’ve never had anything like this happen to me before.”
“It’s that crazy mage. Zvereva,” he said reassuringly, gazing up at her. “She’s so powerful. I’m sure she is blocking your sight. Don’t worry, Angie. It’ll be all right. No matter what, I’m coming back to you.”
“You can’t know that, Zane,” she said shaking her head. “I’m a seer and even I can’t know that. How can you be so sure?”
“It’s not my first war, Angie. And if I learned anything, it’s that I have to have faith,” replied Gunz. “When you’re facing an enemy as dangerous and as powerful as the Skiper-Zmey, you must believe that you can win. You must believe that you’re on the right side of history. If you don’t, you will lose.”
Gunz pushed himself up and draped his arm over her shoulders. She laid her head on his shoulder and sighed. “You’re probably right,” she mumbled, reaching for the watch on his wrist. “Oh, Zane, did you know that your watch is broken? Not ticking…”
“Yeah, I know,” he replied, waving his hand dismissively. “It broke when I crossed the veil and with everything that’s going on, I forgot to ask Jim for a new one. The only reason I’m still wearing it is because it’s Mishka’s safe house.”
Angelique giggled. “Are you saying that Mishka was with us all night?”
“Oh, God, no,” replied Gunz, laughing. “I left him with Karma. She actually likes that annoying little monster.”
