The other guy ended his phone call.
“You saving damsels in distress now?” He smirked, then raised an eyebrow as Silver Eyes removed his jacket and laid it over her shoulders.
“I’m giving this damsel in distress a ride home. Give me the keys.” He held out his hand and tipped his chin up toward the building in front of them. “I’ll be back by the time he’s done.”
He? Who was “he”?
The jacket was warm and had a deliciously masculine scent she wanted to melt into. She let out a little groan, and may have wiggled into it a little. Still, Willow considered herself street smart. She hadn’t survived living in Los Angeles all her life by getting in vehicles with strangers.
“I’m not in distress.” She shrugged off the jacket and began to hand it back, quietly mourning the loss of the delicious scent.
She would not be accepting his offer of a ride home nor getting in a vehicle with him. He looked like the strong, protective type, but that didn’t mean she could trust him. Or his pecs.
He pushed the jacket back in place. “You hit your head and can barely stand up. Let me help you, woman.”
Woman?
Oh, so it was like that, was it?
She knew exactly the type of man he was. Protective, yes. But also dominant and bossy. Probably incredible in bed, but a complete control freak outside of it. Unfortunately, she had a love-hate relationship with those kinds of men. They turned her on, but she hated being controlled.
Or have I just never met a man mentally stronger than me?
“Like I said, I’ll just book an Uber.”
“No, you won’t,” he growled. Like, an actual growl.
Startled, she looked up from her phone, a chill running through her. “What?”
Something felt wrong.
“It’s not safe,” he said.
She narrowed her eyes, glanced at his friend, then laughed to lighten the situation. “I don’t even know your name. You’re a stranger. I appreciate you catching my fall, but I am not getting into a car with a stranger late at night.”
Okay, so it wasn’t that late, but still. Did this man think she was stupid? This was Los Angeles, for goodness’ sake. Getting into a car with someone who looked like he had a gun stashed in those tight, hot pants was stupid and irresponsible.
I don’t think that’s a gun.
Willow began removing the jacket, but again, he stopped her.
“Frank. My name is Frank.”
His friend coughed. She glanced at them both with narrowed eyes. “Your name is not Frank.” She really hoped she hadn’t just offended him. But seriously, Frank?
“Okay, fine, it’s Brayden. Now you know my name, so let me drive you home.”
“So now you’re just making up names and expect me to jump in your car? No, nope, nada. Not happening.” She stepped away, removed his jacket, and looked around for a place to put it.
“Bray, what are you doing? Let the human go and let’s wait for Vincent.”
Human? And who was Vincent?
He took the jacket from her, gripping her hand while holding her gaze deeply for a moment. Willow felt mesmerized and frozen. Then he turned to his friend.
“No. Tell him I will see him tomorrow before the sun comes up. I won’t need the vehicle.”
“Oh, fuck.”
The presumptuous, sexy son of a—
“Come,” Brayden said, his silver eyes determined as they sparkled in the artificial light.
Her mouth fell open as he reached down and lifted her into his arms with such speed, she never saw it coming.
“What are you doing?” she gasped.
“Close your eyes.” His voice was husky as he stared down at her.
“Wh—”
“Close your eyes. It’ll be easier.”
She couldn’t explain why she did, but she closed them, and felt her whole universe shake.
CHAPTER TWO
Brayden read the woman’s mind, found her name and address, and then teleported to her property.
Humans didn’t transport well. For most of them, having their DNA broken down and put back together was a first, so it made them feel nauseous.
Very few ever experienced it more than once or twice, since any who learned about the vampire world had their mind wiped or were turned because they were a vampire’s mate. Or on the exceedingly rare occasion, because it served both parties if they joined the race.
He placed Willow on her feet just outside her front door.
“What the—”
He tilted her chin and transfixed on her pupils. They began to dilate as he spoke.
“I drove us here after you gratefully accepted my help.” He grinned. “We’ve just walked up to your front door and...” He stopped himself short of telling her she would invite him in. Just.
So basically, he was a saint.
Brayden dropped her chin and waited as her mind rearranged the memories. Slowly, she looked around and up at him. “Thank you for the ride home. I appreciate it.”
He smiled, amused by the sudden shy blush that hit her cheeks. Her long lashes lowered, standing out against her smooth skin.
Willow was beautiful, her face untouched by surgeons. She wore little makeup, with long brown hair which flowed in layers down her back. His fingers itched to weave through it. Human females didn’t have the same sexual potency that vampires did, yet he found it exceedingly difficult to look away from her. His fingers twitched. He ached to touch her again.
Clenching his fists to stop himself from taking what he wanted, he nodded. “My pleasure.”
She stepped inside, turned, and stared at him.
“Invite me in, Willow.” He punched his hands into his jeans’ pockets, spread his legs wide, and waited. He could scent her attraction to him, plus he’d caught snippets of thoughts as he’d tracked her address. Respecting her privacy, he hadn’t lingered for long, but it had sent thrills through his body.
He glanced down at his jacket, and she startled. He had shoved it back into her arms when he’d picked her up.
“Oh, here, sorry.” She handed it back quickly.
Brayden took the jacket, capturing her hand as he did. He repeated his instruction. “Invite me in.”
Despite the step she’d climbed to get into the house, he was still staring down into her green eyes. He allowed his dominance to wash over her, and felt his pants tighten as her body quivered.
Willow drew in a shaky breath. “Why did your friend call me a human?”
“Are you not?”
She was courageous, questioning him. He was twice her size and could crush her with his hands, not that she knew that. But even if he’d been human, he could have easily overpowered her. A low growl began in his stomach at the thought, and he quickly pushed it down.
She was right not to accept a ride from a stranger. From the moment he’d seen her in the medical center, his body had reacted. Clenched. She drew him to her like a moth to a flame.
Standing next to his second in command with a hard-on for no apparent reason was hard to explain. Not that the guy would care. They’d known each other for a long damn time, and they’d seen each other’s cocks plenty.
Willow’s lips twitched. “Of course I’m human. You two are weird.”
Without the jacket, he noticed the sun-kissed glow of her skin across her shoulders. Soon, he was going to run his fingers across them on his way down her body.
She was much shorter than his six foot four and would fit under his arm nicely as he folded her against him. He nearly salivated at the thought.
“Well, he’s weird.” He smiled.
Willow turned, switching on a light. He didn’t need it, his vampire sight allowing him greater visibility in the evening, just as a feline had. She chewed her lip when she turned back to face him.
“I want to have sex with you.”
“Jeez, beat around the bush, why don’t you?” She laughed nervously.
“I never do. I want you, and the
blush on your cheeks tells me you desire me also.” He stepped forward, forcing her back.
Brayden didn’t need her permission to enter the house, as many vampire myths portrayed. He’d just hoped she would invite him in.
It didn’t matter. His cock needed to be inside her, and that was that.
The pull was enormous, unlike anything he’d ever encountered. What that meant was probably worth some consideration, but right now, he needed to scratch this unyielding itch.
“Yes,” she said, placing a hand on his chest, fire erupting from her touch. “But I’m not just going to put out.”
“No?” he asked, shutting the door behind them. He took her hand and kissed her palm, enjoying the first taste of her along with the little gasp in the back of her throat.
Willow pulled her hand back and walked into the living room. His eyes burned as he took in her small but supple frame, then he noticed her slight limp.
A few drops of his powerful blood would fix her in a matter of minutes. In fact, it would cure her of any pain or disease she had. It would also trigger the change to becoming a vampire. A small amount wouldn’t complete it, but it would connect them on a blood level, and he wasn’t sure that was a wise idea.
“Would you like a drink?”
“Sure. Just water.”
He had no intention to sit around and chat, but he sensed she needed to, so he would accommodate her. For a small amount of time.
Brayden sat at the kitchen counter while she poured the water. She then picked up an apple and bit into it, pouring herself a glass of wine as she chewed. Lastly, she placed a bowl of peanuts between them.
“Help yourself.”
He took a few to be polite.
“I missed dinner, so I’m starving.”
He ate a few more.
“Nice house.”
“Thank you. It’s my little oasis.”
He really hated human small talk, but he was intrigued by her comment. Her house wasn’t small by LA standards. It was a generous three-bedroom home surrounded by palm trees and a beautiful view out to the ocean.
“You work at home?”
“Yes.”
“Are you single?”
Her eyes widened as she took a long swig of her wine before placing it on the bench. “Yes, you?”
He smirked. If only she knew who he really was, she would never have asked. “Yes.”
Vampires didn’t date; they mated. For eternity—if they were lucky enough to meet their lifemate. So no, he didn’t date; he fucked, which had recently lost its appeal.
Until now.
“What’s funny?”
Brayden stood and walked around the counter.
“You’re exquisite.” Reaching out, he cupped the side of her face in his hand. “How is your head?”
“It’s fine.”
His thumb caressed her cheekbone as the need within him built like a volcano ready to erupt. “Can I kiss you?”
“Why do you keep asking when you intend to just take what you want?”
His pants tightened.
Her spunk was amusing, yet he suspected it was a cover for her nerves. Still, he was impressed by her courage. There was a vulnerability and softness which called to him and brought out his protective nature. If she asked him to stop or leave, he likely would.
Probably.
Maybe.
Though he suspected it would kill him.
A small glint in her eye caught his attention. His cock twitched. There it was. Underneath her fear, the thought of him excited her.
She was right. He had no intention of waiting for permission, so he leaned down and touched his lips to hers. His intention had been to coax her open, but as soon as their skin met, the fire flared. His tongue plunged into her mouth, and he took complete possession.
She fell against his chest, melting as he wrapped brawny arms around her.
He pulled her harshly up against his body, wishing—not for the first time—that they were both naked. She moaned as one of his hands slid up the back of her neck and held her head.
Pulling apart, they both panted.
“Jesus,” he said, feeling as surprised as she looked before he took her lips again, much harder this time.
She returned the kiss with vigor, her tongue dancing with his as if desperate for life. Both lacked finesse as their mouths consumed each other.
She pulled back.
“Is your name really Brayden?”
“Yes,” he confirmed as he brushed hair off her forehead, his eyes dark with lust.
“Okay.”
A single word. They both knew it had nothing to do with his name.
He lifted her into his arms for the second time tonight and carried her into the bedroom.
CHAPTER THREE
Willow wasn’t sure how she’d gotten herself into this position, yet here she was, lying on her bed. Naked.
More to the point, in between her legs was the most gorgeous man she’d ever laid eyes on. Oh, and good lord, he knew what to do with his tongue. And teeth. And fingers.
“You taste...divine,” Brayden mumbled as his finger slipped inside her, his tongue circling her sweet, sensitive spot.
She was dying to run her hands over those giant tanned shoulders which were propping her legs up.
She should be ashamed of letting a man she didn’t know into her house and, well, her pussy, but she damn well wasn’t. She gripped the sheets and arched her back as a wave of pleasure spread throughout her.
“That’s it, let go and...”
She came, her core clenching around his fingers. It had been so long since she’d experienced such pleasure; she felt dizzy and disoriented. But he wasn’t done. Brayden’s tongue lapped her cream, then suddenly, he was above her, blocking out the light and totally dominating her with his size.
He kissed her, gazing into her eyes as if she were the most magnificent thing he’d ever seen. No one had ever looked at her this way before.
She flushed, feeling deliciously sexy as this god of a man pushed off his jeans and positioned his cock at her entrance. Willow glanced down and swallowed. He was big, incredibly big.
Looking back up, she found silver eyes gleaming with need.
“Okay?”
She nodded. “Yes.”
Grabbing his cock, he pushed in. Slowly. She let out a soft moan, and he kissed her lips.
“I know, baby, and it’ll be yours in just a minute. I want to savor this.”
Willow ran her hands over his shoulders, down his arms, digging nails into his solid biceps. With a mind of their own, her hips lifted and took more of him inside her.
“Shit,” he gasped, eyes closing as if in pain.
“More,” she begged.
Brayden gripped her hips, his face transformed with desire as those silver eyes blazed down at her.
“Tell me what you want.”
He pressed in a little further, then pulled out. She cried out in frustration, but his mouth stole hers as he ran the head of his cock around the moisture of her pussy.
“You. I want you deeper.”
“I want to hear you beg.”
He pushed in a little further this time, his eyes darkening with his own need. She dug nails into his skin.
“Now, Willow.”
His dominance overwhelming her, she cried out, “Please, I want you to fuck me.”
His cock plunged deep within her as he flung his head back and groaned loudly. Willow cried out at the fullness of him in her body after nearly two years of celibacy. She felt him freeze.
“Are you alright?”
“Yes, keep going.”
“You’re hurting.” His eyes narrowed.
“Move, dammit.”
Growling, he gently moved until he felt her body adjust; then, he fully sheathed himself within her, his eyes locked on hers. Like a lightning bolt had struck them at the same time, their eyes widened at the sensation of their connection. She looked away, uncomfortable with the intimacy.
It was intense, the burning desire flowing through their bodies fighting to overflow.
Brayden sped up, pumping in and out, in and out, as she met his every move with her own. He clenched her hips, taking control now, his thumb reaching to tweak her clit.
She cried out. It was too much. He was too much. Her body had never responded to a man like this. Her breaths ragged, she clung to his arms as if he was a lifeline.
He groaned.
“Fuck, Willow.”
Pulling out, he suddenly flipped over and pulled her on top of him.
“Oh, no!” she cried, hands on his pecs, halting him. They’d forgotten something important.
Brayden shook his head, knowing what she was going to say.
“I’m clean.”
“Me too, but babies.”
He leaned up and kissed her. “I can’t, so it’s all good.”
He couldn’t make babies? He didn’t seem upset about it.
“Oh, I’m sorry,” she said as he lifted her back onto his cock. She groaned in absolute pleasure as he pulled her down against his chest, ignoring her apology.
“You feel so fucking good. I could stay inside you all night.”
Before she could respond, he took possession of her mouth, gripping her backside with both hands and thrusting with great speed. All she could do was hang on and enjoy every sweet moment as another orgasm swept through her body. This time, Brayden came with her, the squeeze on her hips harsh as he looked at her in awe.
“Willow.”
Her name, so delicious on his lips.
They rode the wave for a few moments until she collapsed on top of him. Eventually, she could croak out a small, “Wow.”
It had been a long time, but not long enough that she didn’t recognize fantastic sex when she had it.
After cleaning up, he surprised her by pulling her into his arms and running his hands down over her buttocks, tucking a leg between his.
“Can I stay?” he asked.
She remembered he’d said he wasn’t going home until sunrise. Even if she wanted him to leave—which surprisingly enough, she didn’t—she knew he would stay. His dominant nature was powerful. She saw it in his eyes, felt it in his whole being, in the way he held her and touched her.
The Vampire Prince Page 2
