by Mary Abshire
I opened my eyes and handed the bottle back to him with two inches of liquid left. "I don't have much vacation time from my job."
"Are you off for the holiday?"
"Yeah, I'm off Monday. The fourth is on Sunday."
I leaned against the counter behind me and braced my hands on the edge. My body felt incredibly hot, and my mind wanted to drift away in the imaginary clouds. I wanted to dance, jump for joy, or run around naked. Sadly, Drake wasn't around for any of those things. Hell would freeze over before I'd do them with Jeremy.
He set the empty bottle on the counter. "Can you get one day off—Friday? The challenge is set for the fourth at eleven p.m."
I drew in a deep breath. "If I do this, I want all the dates from our agreement erased—next weekend, the week and a half, and the five games."
"Fuck," he said, and spun away from me. He sauntered out of the kitchen and then came back in.
"Three games," he countered with begging eyes.
"One game. No more. We're done." I kept my tone firm, unrelenting.
He shook his head and looked away. I had everything to gain from this deal, and he had everything to lose.
"I really don't want to do this. I don't trust you," I said, knowing my statement would bother him.
He leaned back against the counter and crossed his arms. Frowning, he said, "Fine. One game, nothing more." His voice was sullen.
Overjoyed, I jumped up and clapped my hands. Drake would be proud of me.
Chapter Four
Sleep was not my friend, even with all the liquor I'd imbibed. I turned over in bed, trying to get comfortable, and my legs got tangled in the sheet. The soft cover wrapped around me like a net, but I finally kicked free from it. I suppose if I'd been naked I could've freed myself sooner, but with company around, I had to wear a t-shirt and shorts. Lying on my side, I fluffed the pillow under my head. It didn't help. Either I was excited about the sweet deal with Jeremy that would give me freedom from him, or his presence on the sofa was keeping me awake. Maybe a bit of both.
Thoughts of Drake continued to consume my mind. Our relationship had been one big rollercoaster ride. When he'd brought me back home from Chicago, we were reaching the top. Since he'd left for Europe, we were on a steep descent with no clue what to expect next. I missed him, body, heart, and soul. With each passing day without a word from him, my heart sank deeper in the well. I longed for the day we could be together again.
While I didn't know when I would see him next, my heart lifted with hope that our relationship could ascend higher than ever before. The deal I made with Jeremy would allow Drake and me to fulfill our desires without any interruptions. Jeremy would be out of my life, once and for all. I couldn't wait to share the good news with Drake.
I took a glance at my nightstand. The time on the clock showed it was after three a.m. Where Drake was staying in Europe was several hours ahead of Indiana time. It would be daytime, but he wouldn't be sleeping. My eight hundred and forty-two-year- old vampire boyfriend rarely slept. An idea came to me.
I rose from bed, clicked on the lamp, then grabbed my cell phone from the dresser. The last time I'd spoken to Drake had been about two weeks ago. That was too long. I needed to hear his smooth-as-silk voice. Hell, I needed more than that from him, but I'd take what I could get. Since he hadn't called me, I decided to give him a buzz. When the ring tone began, my anticipation skyrocketed. I leaned against the headboard and waited anxiously.
"Hello," said the man I desired. "Jessie?"
My heart fluttered. "Hey, lover. Did I wake you?" Of course, I knew the answer, but wanted to hear him say it anyway.
"You know I don't sleep." His voice was a sweet sound to my ears. "It's late for you. Is everything all right?"
"Everything is fine. I was thinking of you and couldn't get you out of my mind."
He let out a soft chuckle. "I'm glad I have such a powerful influence over you."
Oh, if he only knew.
"I miss you," I said. "Do you miss me?"
"More than you can fathom."
His deep, passionate voice warmed and aroused me. I hated the distance between us and regretted my decision to stay and work rather than leave with him. Had I made the right choice, I would be in his arms and having great sex instead of lying alone in my bed. Responsibility sucked.
"So tell me," I said, and stretched my legs out in front of me, crossing them at the ankles. "How are things going? We haven't spoken in a while."
"I am still working to resolve a few issues."
The downcast sound of his voice offered little hope he would return soon.
"It's been six weeks," I said softly, hinting at my unhappiness. "You said you would only be gone a couple."
"I ran into a few complications."
Complications? Was he kidding me? How could reporting to a bunch a people that he'd destroyed an evil vampire be so difficult? I tried to stay positive.
"Un-complicate them and get back here," I said.
"It isn't that easy. Trust me, I would rather be with you right now." His stern tone emphasized his sincerity. It warmed my heart.
"When will you be back?"
"I don't know. They won't let me leave." He sounded agitated. I imagined him running an impatient hand through his hair.
"Why?" I asked.
"It's complicated."
Worry began to grow within me and I chewed on my lip. His use of the same word twice had me wondering what was wrong. Clear to me, he was very unhappy. Yet, he didn't want to tell me what the problem was. Why?
I pushed aside the concern for the time being and focused on the reason for my call. Surely what I had to say would lift his spirits.
"Well, I called not only to hear your charming voice, but because I have some good news."
"Oh?" He sounded surprised. "What is it?"
"I had a visitor today. Take a wild guess who showed up at my apartment."
"Someone I know?" he asked.
"Yeah, you know him," I said flatly.
"Please tell me it's not who I think it is."
Drake knew exactly who I spoke of without my saying a name. He loathed Jeremy. Maybe it was jealousy. Maybe it was the whole demons and vampires hate each other routine. Whatever the reason, the two would never be friends.
"Jeremy stopped by for a visit," I said.
The line became silent.
"Drake?"
"What is he doing there?" His tone was thick with rage. "And how can this be good news?"
"Calm down, I'm getting to that," I said. "He offered me a deal."
"Jessie, do not trust him."
"I don't, but this is a good deal. He has a werewolf friend—"
"Werewolf? Jessie, you—"
"Let me explain," I snapped. As I waited to find out if he was ready to listen, I drew in a deep breath. When he remained silent, I continued. "Jeremy's friend works for Vandett Trucking. His friend told Jeremy one of the werewolves working for the company is a rapist and murderer and challenged the Alpha."
"I don't understand how this involves you," he said.
I jumped straight to the point. "The Alpha knows about me and wants me to send the scumbag's soul to Hell. He wants to set an example to other leaders in the company."
"This is not good news. Do you know how dangerous a challenge is?" His voice was rich with concern and ire.
"Jeremy assured me the Alpha would win. I believe him." Well, sixty percent of me believed him.
"Jeremy's assurances mean nothing to me. I don't trust him, and I don't want you to go."
"Well, it's my choice, and I made a deal. I'm going."
"Damn it, Jessie—"
"You're not here to stop me," I spat.
Frustration started to build. He wasn't even giving me a chance to explain the details of my deal with Jeremy. I had been excited to tell him my good news. Now, I just wanted to hang up on him.
"Did you already agree to go with him?" he asked, still sounding irritated.
<
br /> "Yes."
There was a moment of silence. I was tempted to end the call.
"When is this challenge?" He sounded calmer.
"Sunday night, the fourth of July. We're leaving Friday."
"Where is it?"
"Uh… I'm not sure yet. He said he'd give me the details later this week."
"I want you to call me as soon as you find out."
His bossy attitude didn't ease my frustration. "Drake, you don't need to worry. I can handle this."
"Is there any way you can get out of this deal?"
"No, I don't break deals. You know this." I never reneged on an agreement, no matter how badly I hated it. In this case, the deal was good, and I had much to gain. No matter how much Drake disliked the bargain I'd made, it was in my best interest and Drake's to stay true to my word.
A soft tap on my bedroom door captured my attention. Jeremy opened it and peeked in. I lifted my hand, indicating he shouldn't bother me. Did he take the hint? No. He entered and shut the door behind him. The shirtless demon had well-defined muscles, ripple after ripple along his torso. His unzipped jeans hung loosely around his hips. Yes, he was a hot man, but I wasn't single. I looked away from him as he sat down on the edge of my bed near my knees.
"What can I do to talk you out of it?" Drake asked.
"Nothing. There's nothing you can do."
Jeremy touched my foot and glided his fingers along my knee. Little shivers spread though me, tickling and exciting me. I moved my legs aside, away from him.
"I don't want you to go," Drake said, back to bossy and commanding.
"You can't tell me what to do," I said, annoyed.
"It's dangerous for you."
Jeremy reached over and placed his hand on my thigh. Heat traveled quickly up my leg. But I had my lover on the phone to deal with first.
"I understand your concern. I'll be fine," I said curtly.
Jeremy inched his hand up my thigh. My heart pounded. I'd started to perspire earlier, but now it was worse. Both men were annoying me as they both wanted to control me. I'd had enough of both of them.
"Jessie—" Drake started.
"I have to go." I spoke fast. "I'll call you when I know more." Before he could say another word, I ended the call. "Fuck!" I threw the phone on the bed, then grabbed Jeremy's hand and shoved it away from me.
Jeremy sat quietly while I gripped the covers on the bed and tried to calm my temper. I hated that Drake was unhappy with me. He didn't even give me a chance to explain why I’d made the deal. The nerve of him. If only he would've let me justify my logic.
"You know, I think that is an excellent idea," Jeremy said as he gazed down my body.
"What?"
"Fucking." The corner of his mouth curled.
"Not with you." The words flew from my mouth.
Jeremy rose swiftly from the bed and walked to the end of it. He gripped both my ankles, then yanked me toward him. A surprised gasp left me as I slid down my pillow and landed flat on my back. My night shorts scooted up my ass while my shirt rolled up under my breasts. In a matter of seconds, Jeremy wedged himself between my legs. Fury took hold of me and I swung both my arms, trying to hit him. He caught both my wrists.
"Now, now," he said, grinning. "I do believe this is the perfect time for us to fuck."
I grunted and tugged on my arms to free them. "Get the fuck off me."
He pinned my wrists to the bed and lowered his body upon mine. His stiff cock pressed against me while his bare chest rested above my breasts. I tried to calm my breathing and movements. He was teasing me, wanting me to fight him so my breasts would have to touch him. Damn him.
"Let me go," I said angrily.
He lowered his face to mine, hovering an inch above me. Though he kept his lips closed, warm breath from his nose brushed over my cheek. I tried not to move or wiggle, but every bit of me wanted to fight.
"Get off me," I grunted from behind clenched teeth.
A wicked smile spread across his face. "Make me."
I couldn't resist. The fury in me wanted out. I flattened my feet on the bed and thrust my body up. We rolled over, and I ended up on top of him.
He laughed and gripped my hips as I wriggled to sit upright. "Darling, this is so much fun. I absolutely love it when you're angry."
Underneath me, I felt his rigid cock. And he was big enough to please any woman. I needed to get away from him.
"Jeremy, you are one twisted demon," I said as I quickly scooted off him. This time, he didn't stop me.
"Oh, come on," he said, and slammed his arms on the bed.
I tossed my hair out of my face as I strode to the door. Drake and I had not had a good conversation, but that didn't mean I was ready to jump in bed with the next willing man. I twisted the knob and swung open the door. "Get out."
Jeremy sat up. "Can I just lay in here?"
OMG. Was he serious? "Get. Out."
"Please? I promise I won't touch." His lips curled into a devious smile.
"Yeah, like I believe you with that grin." With one hand on the doorknob, I waved my other in front of me and pointed out of my room. "Get!"
Groaning, he pushed himself from my bed. The demon had a lot of nerve trying to get me to sleep with him. This was far worse than the other times I'd visited him. Maybe the difference was that he was staying in my apartment. Lesson learned. I wouldn’t allow him over again.
Jeremy slowly made it to the door. He stopped in front of me. "Please?" He sounded so innocent. I knew he was far from that.
"Out. Now," I said.
He moved fast, wrapping his arm around my waist and tugging me into his body. In a split second, he claimed my lips. I flattened my palms on his chest, then shoved him back.
"Damn you to Hell, Jeremy." I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand.
He chuckled. "One day, sweetie. One day." He had a sexy glimmer in his eyes.
"Fuck off."
He stepped outside my room and faced me. "Sure you don't want to change your mind?"
I sighed heavily. It was then I realized how tired I was from dealing with him and Drake.
"Please go. I have to get up and go to work in a few hours."
Without a word, he lowered his head and turned away. I shut the door as he headed for the living room.
Leaning my back against the door, I inhaled a deep breath. I had gone from happy and excited to angry and frustrated. Although I was still a bit upset with Drake, I understood his reasons for wanting me to stay away from Jeremy. The demon was trouble and consistently tested my willpower. But my deal with him was a good one. If Drake had given me the chance, I would've proved it to him.
Yawning, I switched off my lamp and then crawled into bed. Within minutes, my worries drifted away as I dozed off to sleep.
Chapter Five
I stared at the computer monitor, holding a cup of coffee in front of me. The fragrant aroma smelled so good and relaxing. I wanted to breathe it in all day long. I wanted it as a perfume. Why hadn't someone made one yet? The thought disappeared as I sipped on the hot beverage. It warmed me and made me feel better. Oh, how I worshipped coffee. On the desk next to mine, a printer hummed. Co-workers chatted behind me. My boss stopped by and dropped a stack of papers on my desk. Little dust bunnies scurried around my monitor in miniature tornados. The cleaning people weren't doing their job well. Again.
"Hey, did you hear there's a new guy starting today?" Dani asked while leaning against the wall of my cubicle.
"No, I didn't hear." I glanced at the stack of papers on my desk and sighed. Usually, I enjoyed my job and welcomed the work. But not today. My motivation had decided to take the day off.
"What's wrong?" She stopped leaning and stood up straight.
I met her gaze and wondered where to begin. I'd only slept a few hours. I'd argued with Drake and we'd left our conversation on a sour note. Then, I'd fought Jeremy to keep him out of my bed. If only she could've read my mind so I wouldn't have to explain everything.
I set my mug down and it clunked softly on my desk. "I told Jeremy I'd go with him to visit a friend of his."
"Good for you," she said, a bit too enthusiastic. "That guy is hot."
I wondered for a brief moment if she would still think the same about him if I told her he was a demon and could generate enough heat to burn people. It was a discussion for another time.
"I'm not going out with him, if that's what you think."
She scooted the stack of papers aside, then sat on the edge of my desk. "Drake isn't around. You should have some fun. I won't say a word."
"Dani, I'm not cheating on him," I said sternly.
"I saw the way Jeremy helped you play pool. His hands were all over you. I think he really likes you."
"Jeremy is a very…hands-on type of guy." And he could set people on fire with his touch, but no need to mention that.
"Maybe it's time you moved on and dumped Drake."
"I'm not dumping him," I said so loud her eyes enlarged.
She stood. "Okay. Okay. You don't have to get so upset."
My roommate meant the world to me, but she was really starting to tick me off. Drake and I loved each other. How could she suggest I dump him? Just because he hadn't been around much lately didn't mean our relationship was over.
"Forget I said anything," she said and started to walk away.
"Dani, wait." Yes, I was under a lot of stress from a demon and a vampire. There was no need to add more with my best friend. I shook off my sour mood. "I'm sorry. I just…have a lot on my mind."
She crossed her arms. "When was the last time you spoke with Drake anyway?"
"Well, this morning," I said with my eyes downcast.
"This morning?"
"I couldn't sleep, so I called him."
"So what did he have to say?" she asked.
"We didn't talk much. In fact, we argued." And I hated that I had hung up on him. I blamed Jeremy for distracting me.
"Jessie, I love you. I want you to be happy, but right now…"
I lifted my head and looked into her eyes. "Can we not talk about this, please? I'm not in the mood to discuss boyfriends, sex, or guys in general right now." On days like today, I wished we weren't roommates or co-workers.
