Flirting With Death (Havenwood Falls Sin & Silk Book 12)

by Nadirah Foxx

Passion took over, and we quivered—gasping and groaning—together.

  Later, lying in Monte’s strong arms, I purred like a kitten as he stroked my backside and kissed my temple. I’d never experienced passion or an orgasm, but I was so happy it was with that man.

  “Are you okay?”

  “Better than okay.” I couldn’t help but tease him. “What about you? Still alive?”

  He laughed. “Very much so.”

  From his stiffening dick against my thigh, I was assured that he hadn’t crossed over.

  “Tell me something, Pandora. You said that you’d never enjoyed sex, but you seemed to enjoy it just now. How is that possible?”

  Valid question worthy of a good answer. I only had speculation. “Maybe because I chose you?”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “Madame Death wished for shinigami to interact with the modern world more efficiently, so she created an escort service. We cater mostly to humans and supernaturals of Asian descent. The headquarters is in Tokyo, and we have an app on cell phones.”

  “Like Tinder?” When I didn’t respond, he added, “Human dating service app. It allows them to find possible matches for dates.”

  I thought about it for a moment. “Very similar. The escort service piggybacks on real services.”

  “I don’t follow.”

  I sat up and pulled the sheet higher over my breasts. “The escort service issues death cards for marks. We use technology to monitor dating services like Tinder. If a request is found for someone who is on a card—”

  “Shinigami Escorts intervenes.”

  “Right. We never choose our targets. Each one is merely an assignment for us. Maybe because you’re not on anyone’s death card and not a job for me, I get to feel.”

  Monte rubbed the tattoo on my shoulder. “Addie’s creation?”

  “Yes.” The candle with a faint image of bones in the base and a flame made to look like a clock on fire was true artistry. “That might have something to do with it too.” I glanced at him. “Does it matter to you? Isn’t it enough that you gave me pleasure?”

  A crooked grin crossed his handsome face. “I’m not arguing. I just wonder what the fuck’s next.”

  I leaned in and kissed him. “What’s next should take us to sunrise. That is, if you’re up for it.”

  He moved closer, forcing me onto my back. “Oh, I’m definitely up for more of you.”

  Bright sunshine, filtering through the curtains, hit me in the face as I woke up. It took me a minute to realize that I wasn’t in the shadowy realm. Rolling over, I noticed Monte was gone, but there was a fresh T-shirt beside me. I slipped it on, and it swallowed me. The hem hung past my knees while the edge of the sleeves hit my forearms, but it smelled like him—woodsy with a hint of musk. I went to the window and looked out. I’d never seen a sunny day before—the escort service normally sent death spirits out in the evening. It was absolutely beautiful outside with the sun rays glistening off the orange and red leaves.

  “Good morning.” Monte’s voice came from the doorway.

  I whirled around and smiled. The man was gorgeous even in flannel pajama bottoms. I loved the scruffy appearance, but he was so much taller than I’d imagined. I was around five feet seven, but Monte had another eight inches on me.

  “Good morning to you,” I said.

  “I didn’t know if you ate.” He held up a tray of food—toast, bacon, eggs, and a carafe of orange juice. Two steaming mugs were on it as well.

  “Definitely!” I hurried over to him. “Remember, I’m not a reaper. Shinigami eat and sleep. We just don’t enjoy sex.” I winked. “Usually.”

  Monte set the tray onto the bed and sat down. “How long before you have to go back?”

  A valid question that I didn’t want to ponder. “Why don’t we take it day by day? See how it goes?”

  “Won’t your employer be looking for you?” He spread marmalade on a triangle of toast.

  “I’m sure Madame Death is doing that as we speak.” Frankly, I was less worried about her than about Death. I was in a hell of a lot of trouble.

  Monte handed me a plate and a fork. “Can I be honest with you?”

  “Always.” I began eating. The food was very good.

  “I’d like it if you’d stay. With me, that is.”

  “Oh?” Suddenly, I felt the sorrow weighing on him like a stone. I dropped my utensil. “What’s wrong?”

  He swallowed hard. “Until you arrived, I thought I was dying. It was the only change in an otherwise dull life.”

  “How so?”

  “Pandora, I live alone and work in a garage. When I’m not there, I’m at the clubhouse with the MC. Ask anyone in town, and they can tell you what I do any day of the week.”

  I touched his leg. “Why do you choose to live like that?”

  “It’s easier.” He took a sip from the mug. “Growing up, I got in a hell of a lot of trouble with the government. I was just a kid, but officials don’t care about age when secure computers are hacked.”

  “They must not have been too secure if a child could get into them.”

  He nodded. “They didn’t see it that way. I was facing prosecution. Thankfully, my grandparents were in town. They brought me to Havenwood Falls.”

  “Have you seen your parents since you came here?”

  “No. A year after I left, they moved, and I got a letter from them. We haven’t seen each other since I was fourteen. We communicate once a month through the darknet.”

  “It sounds like Havenwood Falls is more of a prison than a haven for you.”

  He shook his head. “No fucking way. My best friend is here. I have brothers with the MC. As long as I stay close to town, I’m good.”

  I squinted at Monte. “That doesn’t mean you have to live alone.”

  “I know, but I hadn’t met anyone in a long time that interested me.” He lowered his head. “Until you.”

  Sorry, I wasn’t buying it. There had to be more to Monte’s story. How could he live in a place full of supes and not find a suitable mate?

  Maybe he was waiting for you.

  That wasn’t a logical answer. For all he knew, I was a figment of his imagination that entered his dream state. Nothing more. Hopefully, there’d be time to unravel his mysteries. Until my employer—or Death himself—caught up with me, I planned on enjoying every single moment with Monte.

  Chapter 7

  Monte

  It had been a long time since I awakened with a woman in my bed. Recalling the undeniable chemistry between us and having Pandora next to me shone a bright light on just how lonely I was. Hell, if someone like Savage could find someone, what the fuck was wrong with me?

  Small talk was not normal for me after sex, but the female captivating my thoughts made me want to know everything and anything about her. Reaching out, I ran my fingers over Pandora’s leg. Just making sure she was real.

  “You have someplace to be this morning?” I asked, hoping that I was her only reason for being in town. For all I knew, it could be the truth, since we never finished our discussion the previous night.

  She gazed up at me through her long lashes as if I was her entire world. I’d be lying if I said that small gesture didn’t fucking make my heart beat faster and harden my dick.

  Her plump lips curled up. “Not at the moment.”

  Suddenly, I wanted to be buried deep inside of her again. Frankly, nothing else vied for my attention. As far as I was concerned, I was in the only place that mattered. I took the tray, still full of food, and set it on the floor.

  “I thought you were hungry,” Pandora said.

  “I am.” My eyes caressed her curvaceous body, and despite the lust burning in my brain, I had to ask, “How are you a spirit? I can touch and see you . . . Feel you too.”

  Pandora moved to her knees and cupped my face between her dainty hands. “Peaceful escorts are meant to entice. Don’t you think it would be hard to do so as a skeleton?”

  “Y
eah, but . . . You’re just like I dreamed.”

  Pandora nodded. “That I can’t explain. Maybe our dreams crossed?”

  “How?”

  Her eyes met mine. “Do you really want to spend time pondering how and why I exist?”

  “No.” I leaned in and kissed her. My hands slid around Pandora’s back and rested on her ample ass. Lifting her, I pulled her closer. “I’d rather do this . . .” I kissed her again. “And this . . .” I nuzzled her neck. “Matter of fact, we’re not leaving this bed today.”

  She giggled as she ran her fingernails over my scalp. “Like I said, I aim to please.”

  Half an hour later, we lay beside each other panting. My heart ricocheted in my chest, but for a change it wasn’t anxiety. The palpitations were courtesy of the beauty in my bed. Call me foolish, but I was afraid to speak, thinking that my voice would shatter the illusion, and once again, I’d be alone. A soft chirping, however, interrupted the moment.

  “What’s that?” I sat up and glanced around the room.

  Pandora touched my arm. “It’s just my phone. Ignore it.”

  “Uh . . . no.” I wasn’t in the habit of not answering phones. People got hurt. Loved ones died. I didn’t want that on my conscience. I tossed back the covers and saw her device on the floor.

  When I reached for it, Pandora shouted, “Don’t touch it!”

  I stared at the device until it stopped ringing. Looking over my shoulder, I asked, “What’s going on?”

  Her gaze flicked to the ceiling. Shutting her eyes, Pandora said, “It was just my roommate, Hope. No big deal.”

  “What if she needed you?” Concern colored my tone. My mind always formulated worst-case scenarios. It was a lingering tendency from my past. “She could be in trouble.”

  “Trust me, she’s not. If anyone’s in trouble, it’s me.” Pandora glanced at me.

  “Why?” My heart froze. What the fuck had I gotten myself into?

  A hot-as-hell female that makes you feel good, that’s what.

  She plastered on a smile and slid onto my lap. “It’s nothing for you to worry about. I’ll handle it later.”

  “Later?” I squinted at her as reality set in. “You’re not staying?”

  Pandora’s arms snaked over my shoulders. “Let’s not talk about that now. We’re having fun . . .”

  Granted, my life needed to change. I’d sat on the sidelines letting everyone else have fun while I lived like a goddamned monk.

  You were protecting your heart.

  Wrong. I was being a coward. That fucked-up existence was over. What I didn’t need, though, was someone else’s drama. Maybe it was best to end things before I let my heart get entangled, so I pulled out of Pandora’s grasp and lifted her off of me. Talking took me out of the mood, anyway.

  My damned heart, however, didn’t want to let go. It wanted more than a quick fuck with Pandora. Frankly, if all I wanted was to get my dick stroked, I could have found anyone in town to do the job. It wasn’t like I didn’t get offers.

  She frowned. “What’s wrong?”

  “Bathroom’s down the hall,” I said, forcing indifference into my voice. “Clean towels are beneath the sink. After you’re dressed, I’ll drop you off wherever you want.”

  Her lips trembled as her eyes—like bright marbles—popped wide. “We’re finished?”

  I raked a hand through my unkempt, dark hair. “Just because I’m a biker doesn’t mean I’m not an honest man. Either tell me the fucking truth or we’re done. I don’t have time for someone looking to fulfill some damned fantasy.”

  “But—”

  “But if you came looking for something real, then you have to be straight with me.” I blew air through my cheeks, realizing I was a hypocrite. “I’d like to get to know you, not just for sex.”

  Pandora remained silent. The walls began closing in around me, and I couldn’t stand being in her presence any longer. If she was leaving, I wanted to get used to the solitude as soon as possible. I stood, stalked over to the chest in the corner, and pulled a pair of jeans and a T-shirt from a drawer. As I dressed, I heard the bedroom door open and close.

  Much later, I parked my bike in Hunter’s driveway. Pandora didn’t take me up on my offer. When I left the bedroom, she was gone. I suspected she was staying at Whisper Falls Inn, but I wouldn’t go there. I might check after I spoke to Hunter.

  Baba let me in and said that Hunter was in the great room. I found him in front of the fireplace, stoking the flames. When I dropped onto the sofa, he glanced up.

  “Man, you look like shit. Get up on the wrong side of the bed?” He replaced the poker and sat beside me. Hunter picked up a burgundy coffee mug from the low table. “You want some?”

  “Only if you’re adding bourbon.”

  “Damn. Is it that bad?”

  I closed my eyes and leaned my head against the back of the sofa. “I met someone.”

  “Uh-oh.” He remained quiet for a long, uncomfortable minute. “Is she married?”

  Cracking open an eye, I glared at Hunter. “Did you forget who you’re talking to? Married females are more your style.”

  He chuckled. “Used to be.” He held up his left hand and flashed the wedding band. “If you didn’t hook up with someone already spoken for, what’s the problem?”

  “Lack of honesty.”

  “Aw, man.” Hunter stood. “I need a refill for this conversation. Give me a minute.”

  Instead of waiting, I followed him into the kitchen and grabbed a cup from the cabinet. I leaned against the counter while my friend poured.

  “Let me get this straight. You just met a woman, and you hit her with the let’s-be-totally-honest speech? How many times—”

  I loved Hunter like a brother, but my attitude with women was a sore point between us. Before Izzie, my friend was a fuck ‘em and leave ‘em kind of guy. Me? I was the odd duck, not fucking around and caring about the female afterward. At one point, Hunter thought I was gay. He claimed I had too many fucking emotions. Plus, I wanted the perfect girl in my life. Those things made me an unlikely candidate to join SIN. Thankfully, Liam and the guys saw past all that. I was an asset—an unexpected one.

  “Not how it happened,” I clarified.

  Hunter ignored me. “You know that shit only plays with . . . Fuck, did you meet your soul mate?”

  I blew on the coffee and took a sip. “She doesn’t have a soul.”

  Hunter’s eyes widened. “You hooked up with a vampire?”

  “No.”

  Lowering his voice, he said, “Please tell me you didn’t fuck Senora.”

  “Nope, I haven’t laid a finger—” I wasn’t even remotely interested in the empusa—not counting my near slip-up at the party the other day. There was no denying that she was attractive, but I preferred females who wouldn’t snack on me after sex. “Why would you think that?”

  “Just saying. I saw you two talking at the clubhouse party.”

  “Only talking.” I stared down at the coffee. In order to drink the sludge Hunter prepared, I had to cut it with something. “Got any creamer?”

  “Check the fridge. Izzie’s fond of some new flavored shit.” His face scrunched up. “Tastes like pumpkin pie.”

  I laughed. Hunter was one of the few people I knew who hated the dessert. I, on the other hand, loved it. Opening the refrigerator, I found the carton and added a generous portion to my cup. Not even bothering to stir, I tasted it. Much better.

  “So who did you meet without a soul?”

  Lowering the mug, I said, “Ever hear of shinigami?”

  Hunter shook his head.

  “In a nutshell, she’s like a reaper, but she only works in the Japanese shadow realm.”

  “How did you fucking meet her?” Hunter opened a plastic container and offered me some brownies.

  I started to take one but hesitated. “Did Baba make these?”

  Hunter waggled his eyebrows. “His specialty.”

  “I’ll pass.”


  “I thought since you were hanging out at Circle J—”

  “It was a one-time thing.” I topped off my coffee. “Can we get back to my—”

  “What’s the problem? Was she a dud in bed?”

  “Far from it.” Memories of my time with Pandora put a smile on my face. “She got a phone call this morning.”

  “Oh hell, that’s never good. Let me guess. She has a boyfriend.”

  I gave Hunter a pointed look.

  He lifted his palms. “Sorry.”

  Ever since he married Izzie, my friend had taken on the role of analyzing the shit out of everyone

  “Pandora didn’t answer the phone. When I asked her about it, she said it was her roommate.”

  “You don’t believe her?” His eyebrows touched. “Pandora . . . If my memory is correct, wasn’t that the chick in Greek mythology who fucked up and opened a jar of evil? Maybe it’s best to kick that problem to the curb.”

  I shrugged. “Not that easy. I want to believe her.”

  Hunter leaned against the counter. “What’s stopping you?”

  “Her employer.”

  “Why would Death care?”

  “Pandora doesn’t work for Death. Different entity. She called her employer Madame Death.”

  Hunter returned the pot brownies to the cabinet, and then placed his empty mug in the sink. “You’re losing me, Monte. Why would it matter if Death, Madame Death, or Jehoshaphat himself knew where this shinigami is? How does that affect you having a good time?”

  “I told Pandora I wanted more than a quick fuck.”

  “Then have several quick fucks!” Exasperated, he rubbed at his eyelid. “She’s not your soul mate. You have no obligation other than pure enjoyment. Brother, you’ve got an enviable situation.”

  “What’s so enviable?” Izzie’s voice floated into the room.

  Hunter opened his arms when the lovely shifter strolled up to him. “Cariño, I only have eyes for you.”

  She hit his chest. Keeping her eyes on him, she said to me, “It’s good to see you, Monte. Staying for brunch? I could whip up something.”