by Jodi Vaughn
He glanced at the time. He thought about taking the key, but he knew the owner would miss it. He still had not found anything amiss so there was no point in keeping it. He headed back to the office and stopped. Movement from outside caught his attention. He pressed his back against the wall and stared out the front window.
A shape walked slowly to the store and then stopped. It was female judging by the curves and the long, dark hair hanging out of the hoodie she wore. She cupped her hand and pressed her face to the window to see inside.
He sucked in a deep breath. Lilliana.
She stood there, silently staring inside at the empty display cabinets. A sadness swept through her eyes, and she stepped back from the window. She wrapped her arms around herself and dropped her head.
She looked like someone had kicked her puppy.
Killian’s heart tugged in his chest.
He watched her slowly walk away.
He hurried to the office and put the key back and slammed the drawer. He ran out the back door and quickly locked it before making his way to the front of the Natchez Bakery.
“Lilliana. Wait up.” He caught up to her, and she turned.
“What are you doing here? You still following me?” She narrowed her beautiful green eyes at him.
He would take a lifetime of her stares and glares if it meant he could wake up to her every day.
“What? No.” He raked his hand through his hair.
“Then what are you doing here at this hour?” She cocked her head, waiting for him to reply.
He grinned and shoved his hands in his jeans pockets. “I could ask the same thing. It’s not safe to be out this late.”
“Killian, let’s be honest. You and I both know that we are the scary things in the night. Not humans.” She smirked.
He stepped closer and picked up a lock of her hair. “You’re more beautiful than scary. The prettiest wolf I ever did see.”
“I’m sure you say that to all the females.” She tugged her hair out of his fingers.
His smile dropped.
“I do not.”
“Really?” She arched her brow.
He put his hands on his hips and stared. “Tell me something, Lilliana.”
“What’s that?” She dug around in her purse.
“How is it that you didn’t mind our shared intimate moment, but after it was over, you’ve acted like you practically hate me.”
She jerked her head up to him. “I don’t normally do that.” She lowered her voice as if she were afraid someone would hear.
He grinned. “You don’t do what? Hate on a stranger? Or wrap your legs around them?”
“You’re an asshole.” She curled her fingers into fists.
“But I’m a cute asshole, right?” he asked hopefully.
Her mouth dropped open, and then she slammed it shut. She pressed her lips into a straight line and then something odd happened. A laugh bubbled out of her.
He chuckled.
“I’m sorry.” She shook her head and pulled a set of keys out of her purse. “I didn’t mean to molest you like that in the garden. I guess I needed to let off some steam.”
“I’m not complaining.” He looked away. “Besides, I don’t normally do that either. I mean there’s usually dinner and drinks and…”
“Technically, you had both.” She grinned.
“I guess you’re right.” She was beautiful, smart, and funny. A combination that was hard to find.
“What about the hating on me?” He looked at her under his lashes.
“Yeah. About that.” She shook her head. “I’m sorry. I’m very possessive about my baking and when someone doesn’t like my creations, I take it personally.” She shrugged. “Not everyone likes Hummingbird Cake.”
He froze. “Hummingbird Cake?”
“Yeah. I make and deliver cakes and pies for the Natchez Bakery. The Hummingbird Cake you spit out earlier was mine.” She blushed and looked away.
“I thought the bakery made its own baked goods.” Unease snaked up his spine.
“They do. The smaller items like cupcakes and cookies. I make bigger items, like cakes and pies. I’ve only been doing it for them for the past year or so. Just to make some extra money. My mom spent all her retirement to send me to culinary school, and I want to pay her back.” She sighed. “I’ve been out of school for three years now, and I figured that I would be making more money than I am.”
“So you made the Hummingbird Cake?” He cocked his head.
“Yes.”
“But that’s impossible. What I ate tasted bitter. Nothing like your cooking or baking.” He shook his head.
“Bitter?” She frowned and slowly shook her head. “But that’s impossible. I never put anything bitter in my cake. Especially Hummingbird Cakes. It has cinnamon, sugar, bananas…”
“Maybe the bakery accidently sprayed some product on your cake when they were cleaning the shelves.” He shrugged.
“Maybe.” But she looked like she didn’t believe him. She glanced at the time on her cell phone. “I need to get back. I still have to make cakes for tomorrow. The bakery called me today and doubled their order of the Hummingbird Cakes. It will take me all night.” She pushed her hair away from her forehead and looked up at the night sky, a small smile on her face. “You know, I used to love nights like tonight. Springtime in the air, a new chapter in life, and a night sky decorated with stars and a moon.”
He followed her gaze upward. “You know, I could help you out. I’m pretty good in the kitchen.” He looked back at her. She blushed.
His body warmed.
“I mean, I know how to do some cooking myself. I can help you bake the cakes,” he held up his hands, “but no way can I decorate them. That’s not my thing.”
“Are you sure you don’t have anything else to do tonight?” She frowned and looked around the empty parking lot. “What are you doing out here anyway? Everything in this part of town closes at nine. And there are no bars in this area.”
“I was just out for a ride on my bike.” He shoved his thumb over his shoulder. “I ended up here.”
“So you’re the one with the Harley Davidson Breakout at Monmouth. I should have figured.” She stuck her hands in her jeans pockets. The spring air skidded between them and lifted a few strands of her hair. Her scent drifted over him, and his body warmed and tightened.
He let out a low growl.
“Are you sure it’s safe? Me and you together in the kitchen?”
“I’m going to assume you’re asking if we are going to end up with our clothes off.” He grinned.
She blushed and looked away.
“Lilliana, I understand that getting those cakes made is very important to you. As much as I want to make love to you, this time without any clothes on, I promise to keep my urges under control in the kitchen.” He held out his hand. “I promise.”
She nodded and took his hand. “Great. I’ll meet you back at the house.”
He watched as she got into her car and drove away before heading back to his bike.
This was going to be one long night, trying to keep his mind on cakes and off of the female he couldn’t stop thinking about.
Chapter 12
Thank God, the kitchen at Monmouth had double ovens. What would have taken her all night to cook and decorate only took Lilliana three hours. While she put the finishing touches on all five cakes, Killian cleaned up the kitchen.
She never thought a guy could be sexy cleaning a kitchen, but Killian was hot as hell.
He was tall and lean with muscles spanning across his magnificent body.
She studied him under her lashes. His muscles flexed as he finished drying a mixing bowl and put it back under the stand.
“I think I’ve cleaned everything.” He looked around, and his gaze landed on her. “Did I miss anything?”
She straightened from icing the last cake and looked around. “No. I think you got it all. And thank you. It’s great that you’ve cleaned up e
verything. Makes coming in to cook breakfast tomorrow a joy instead of a chore.”
“Of course.” He shot her another one of his panty-melting grins.
Her stomach warmed, and she looked away before he caught her under his spell again. She needed to focus. Alphas like Killian never got serious about females like her.
“It’s almost four. Sorry for keeping you up so late.”
“I don’t mind. I didn’t have anything else to do. I’m kind of on vacation.” He shrugged.
“So, what is it you do? You know, for a living?” She carefully put the last of the Hummingbird Cakes into the cake box for her delivery tomorrow. “You don’t exactly look like the type that usually stays in a plantation bed and breakfast.”
“I’ve been to B&Bs before. In fact, there’s a nice one tucked away in the mountains up in Eureka Springs that I am very familiar with.” He snorted.
“Really?” She laughed. “Sounds romantic. You must have taken a girlfriend there.”
“Nope. I was with Brutus and….” His voice trailed off.
She turned and looked at him. “Brutus? I’m guessing that’s not a female.” Shit. Had she pegged him wrong? What about the crazy kissing and rubbing against each other like cats in heat?
“It’s not like that. Brutus is like a brother to me.” He shook his head and studied the ground. “It was a business trip.”
“So what kind of business are you in?” She relaxed and gave him a grin. “You know, Mrs. Spell keeps telling everyone you are a famous rock star.”
He grimaced. “I know. I should have corrected her, but I kind of like…”
“Being someone else for a change?”
“Yeah, but why would you want to be someone else? I mean you’re living your dream. You are getting rave reviews with the dinner guests at Monmouth, and you are killing it at the Natchez Bakery.” He frowned.
“Not exactly.” She took a deep breath and then let it out. “The Natchez Bakery doesn’t credit me with my own cakes. They said they don’t want the customers knowing they are selling creations from outside their own kitchen.”
“That doesn’t make sense.” Killian shook his head.
“I even told them I would be willing to quit working here and come to work full time at the bakery.” She shrugged. “But they said they didn’t need anyone full time. They want my cakes but not me.”
“That’s bullshit.” Killian growled. “And you don’t want to stop selling them cakes because you need the money to pay your mom back.”
“Right. He even went as far as giving me a raise. The money is good. I can’t turn that down just because of my pride.” She lined up the cake boxes in a perfect row. “It’s not a big loss or anything. I mean I still get to make cakes and do what I love. I am grateful for that.”
“But customers should know that you are the one making those cakes.” He shook his head and paced. “It’s not fair.”
“Life is not fair.” She reached out and touched his arm. “I’ll get my chance; it will just have to wait a while.”
He turned and looked into her eyes. “You shouldn’t have to wait for what you really want.” He reached down and caressed her cheek.
Her heart somersaulted in her chest. Her lips parted, and she sucked in a gasp at the electric thrum of his touch. Suddenly all thoughts of dreams and goals vanished into nothingness. All that was left was her desire for him.
He bent his head and kissed her. The gentle move of his lips across hers quickly turned demanding. She opened her mouth, giving him permission to deepen the kiss.
Her hands slid up his arms and entwined in his long hair. His scent of desire swirled around them.
She broke the kiss and stared up into his dark eyes.
“I don’t want to wait.” She grabbed his hand and led him out the back door and into the night.
Chapter 13
Killian’s heart thrummed in his chest. He let Lilliana lead him to a small, white cabin behind the mansion.
She stopped at the front door and dug in her pocket to retrieve a key. He held out his hand.
“I don’t usually take strangers back to my bed.” She placed the key in the palm of his hand.
He smiled. “I’m not a stranger. We’ve already been…acquainted.”
He shoved the key into the door knob and turned. The tumblers clicked into place. He opened the door and stepped back, allowing her to enter first.
He shut the door behind them and reached for the light switch.
“No. No lights,” she said in the dark.
“But I want to see you.” He frowned. He wanted to see every inch of her incredible beauty so he could take it with him for the rest of his life.
“You will,” she whispered and flicked a lighter. She went around the small space lighting candles on the bedside table, the counter of the kitchenette, and along the mantle of the small fireplace.
He looked around the room. The walls were shiplap, and the hardwood floors were old. Judging by the scrapes, it had seen a lot of life. The rice bed was antique and adorned with a fluffy, white comforter and gray pillows. The kitchenette had a small refrigerator, hot plate, and an expensive coffee pot. The fireplace was original to the building and looked to still be functioning. The small door along the wall led to a small bathroom. A large chair sat near the wavy panes of a window that overlooked the garden. Painted art pieces hung on the walls, giving the otherwise white space some color.
It was uncluttered yet cozy.
Killian came up behind Lilliana and wrapped his arms around her waist. She sighed and leaned against him.
He buried his face into the sweet spot on her neck. She grabbed his hands and led his palms up her stomach to cup her firm breasts.
He rocked his erection into her bottom. His thumbs rubbed small circles across her bra-clad nipples. His mouth watered to taste them. He knew she was as sweet as she smelled.
She turned in his arms and under the soft glow of candlelight, she looked like a fucking angel.
His angel.
“I want to taste every inch of you.’ His voice was harsh as the words spilled out.
Her lips parted, and he didn’t waste any time in covering her lips with his.
Her hot tongue slid against his and when she sucked on his tongue, he growled.
His little wolf was playing with fire.
He broke the kiss and tugged her shirt over her head. His gaze soaked in her pink bra and hard nipples straining for his touch. His fingers made quick work of the button and zipper on her jeans. In a flash, they were down her hips and on the floor.
“You too,” she demanded as her fingers shoved his jacket off his shoulders, and she tugged at his T-shirt.
He grinned and gently pushed her hands away. He tugged the shirt over his head and let it join her jeans on the floor. When she reached for his zipper, he didn’t stop her. He watched as she undid his jeans and shoved them down.
She blushed when his erection sprang out.
“I don’t like wearing underwear.” He shrugged.
She grinned and took him into her palm. “Good. That makes this easier.” She slid to her knees in front of him and took his entire length into her mouth.
Chapter 14
Lilliana teased Killian with her tongue, keeping her gaze locked on his.
He was impressively large for a Were. Desire pooled low in her stomach, imagining what he was going to feel like inside her.
“Easy. Make this last.” His voice was gruff and commanding, and it turned her on even more.
“Like that, do you?” She licked the side of his thick cock and slid her hand up and down his thick length.
“Yes.” He tightened his hand in her hair.
She sucked him deep into her mouth, savoring the taste of his male arousal.
“Enough.” He moved away and helped her to her feet. “It’s my turn to taste you.” His mouth came down on hers. She moaned under the delicious assault of his kiss.
His hands found the cla
sp on her bra, and he made quick work of undressing her. His large hands moved to the sides of her panties. He stuck his thumbs on either side of her hips and tugged the lacy material down to the floor. He deftly picked her up in his muscled arms and walked over to the bed where he gently laid her.
He crawled between her legs, a lion stalking his prey. He shot her one last panty-melting grin and buried his face between her thighs.
“Oh, God.” She arched against his face as his tongue found her wet center. His tongue was slow, deliberate, and thorough.
“You taste better than any cake I’ve ever eaten.” He grunted. He licked and sucked at her pussy, groaning in delight at his meal.
“Killian.” She breathed out his name as pleasure built between her legs. Her orgasm crashed over her like a tidal wave until she was convulsing and digging her nails into his head.
When her body finished shuddering, Killian crawled up and positioned his cock at her heated entrance. She cradled his face between her hands and pulled him down for a kiss.
She tasted her pleasure on his tongue, and she pulled him close.
“You’re so fucking beautiful.” He looked into her eyes. Something tugged in her chest, and she tried to convince herself it was just physical pleasure they were sharing.
But she wasn’t stupid.
She knew better.
She was beginning to care for Killian.
He slid inside her body, and she shuddered in pleasure. “You feel so good,” he whispered. “You feel perfect.”
She wrapped her arms around his broad shoulders and held him as he slid his body rhythmically against hers.
She arched up to meet him, thrust for thrust. They moved together against their sweat-covered bodies, each struggling to keep it going longer and not give in to their pleasure.
She wanted this to last. She needed it to last.
Males like Killian were few and far between. She wanted to remember each moment with him so she could recall in her old age how she’d lost her heart to a rock star Were.
