“You are mine. Nobody is taking this fucking cunt from me.” Filthy words fall from me, and I don’t care. “I’m not a good man,” I tell her with each drive. “I’m a fucking Warlock.” My growl is fierce. I’ve never felt pleasure like I do inside her.
“Kade, I’m going to—”
“Like fuck you are.” Reaching forward, I grip her throat, tugging her toward me. The sweat-slicked skin of her back against my chest. The fleshy globes of her ass against my groin. Our bodies molded to each other.
“Please, Kade.” I love when she begs. When she needs release as much as I do. Her whimpers are beautiful. Erotic. My grip on her hip will leave bruises, but right now I don’t care. The only thing I want is to fuck her into oblivion. Her walls pulse around me, tightening, squeezing, sucking me into the depths of Hell with her sweet cunt.
As much as I want to hurt her right now, I want her to scream my name even more. “You ready for me, Princess?” I bite out. “Come for me.” My body moves with anger and aggression from my brother’s words. It thrusts with desire and hunger from the need for this woman. And the darkness that consumes my soul spills from me into her as she explodes around me, and in that moment, our souls meld. Her head is bent back so far as my eyes meet hers, and the emotion running rampant on her face is the key, unlocking my heart from the steel cage, and the vengeance I felt toward life, toward my brother only moments ago becomes burnt ash between us. I’m falling for her. I’m so fucked.
As the high from our release settles around us, I slip from her body. “That was one hell of a wake-up call, Princess.”
Her giggle is light. So much lighter than the thoughts that filled my mind before I buried myself inside her. “I thought you might need it.”
“Were you reading my mind?” I tease, running my nose along her shoulder, inhaling the sweet scent of this incredible woman. The smell of sex hangs heavy in the air, and as much as I’d love to take her again, there’s work to be done. I need to find my brother. Even though he gave me two months, I know he’ll never wait. Something tells me he won’t return to Europe. The thought alone has stress once again tensing my muscles.
“Hey.” Tali’s soft tone catches my attention. “Are you okay? You seem stressed.”
“I’m okay, Princess. You need to stay here. I’d like to know you’re safe. There’s a computer in the office you’re welcome to work from, but the security at your apartment isn’t up to scratch. Also . . . The thought of coming home to you is making me want to rush through the day.”
“Why can’t I come into the office?”
“Because I’d like you here. I’m . . . Killian wants to kill you. And if you’re here, at least I know my team is close by to keep you safe.” Planting a soft kiss on her forehead, I meet her inquisitive gaze. “Tonight, I’ll teach you to use your powers, but remember, they’re only used as a last resort.”
“Fine,” she huffs. Her lips purse into a sexy pout.
My gaze lingers on her lips for too long. Hunger is ever-present when I’m around her. Any thought of losing her is one I’d rather not have. I wanted to hurt her, to make her cry, but right now as I regard her, I know I’ll never be able to. “Don’t do that.” My biting words are low, rumbling through my chest.
“Do what?”
“Make your lips look so fuckable,” I growl into her neck, grazing the flesh with my teeth.
“Stop being so vulgar. Go to work.” She pushes me away, flops onto the bed, and cocoons herself with the cream-colored sheet.
Leaving her in bed, I stalk toward my en suite and turn on the shower. The four shower heads will offer a much-needed massage, even though I’d prefer spending the day balls-deep inside Talia. As soon as I step under the steaming waterfall, I shut my eyes and push away thoughts of Killian.
If anyone could find him again, it would be Presley. If I had a Witch on hand, it would be easier. A locator spell would work faster, but the one Witch I could have asked is no longer talking to me. Granted, I did fuck her then told her I’m not interested.
A body behind me startles me from my plans for the day. Turning, I find my little Princess staring up at me with a sly grin on her pretty face. “Before you head off to run the world, I wanted another orgasm,” she quips, her lips pursing into a tight line.
“And did you think you’d get one by demanding it?”
“No, I thought I’d get one by telling you if you didn’t give me an orgasm now, I’d wait till you left, then I’d finger-fuck myself until I came all over those pretty satin sheets you fucked me on while I call out your name so loudly the neighbors would think you were trying to fuck me to death.”
“Jesus, Tali.” Gripping her ass, I lift her against me, pinning her against the tiles under the spray. Her legs wrap around my waist. The heat of her cunt teases the crown of my dick. “I’ve just fucked you.”
“You’ve made me insatiable.” Chuckling at her confession, I roll my hips, taunting her, but not entering her fully. “Please... .,” she hisses. Her head drops back, and her eyes flutter closed. Our bodies are slick as the water cascades around us. With one thrust, I’m inside her again. Each time, it feels as if it’s the first. Every pulse of her body, the heat of her draws me in. Deeper and deeper.
With my hands clenching her ass, she moves her hips, riding me. I allow her control. Watching her take what she needs from me is more of an aphrodisiac than anything I’ve ever experienced before.
“Yes, Kade . . . Oh God . . .” Her whimpers echo off the walls. Her body moves in an erotic dance. Her nails dig into the skin of my shoulders as she nears release.
“Do you like fucking my cock like that, little Princess?” I growl, her body shuddering at my words. “My sweet girl loves to ride me. Doesn’t she?” I reach for her long dark hair, tugging it, so she opens her eyes.
“Yes, yes, Kade!” Her cries get louder. Those beautiful hips move faster. The tighter her body grips me, the closer I am to coming. My balls pull up, aching to spill into her. I’m so close, so fucking close there’s only one thing I can do to make her come.
Reaching between us, I pinch her hardened clit. “I want to feel your cunt gush all over me, Princess. Soak me with those sweet juices from your tight little hole.” My words send her over the edge. Together, we find release. Her body convulses as she screeches my name so loud I’m sure the neighbors did actually hear her.
Moments pass, but my eyes never stray from her. Once those dark brown orbs meet mine, she smiles. “Have a nice day at work,” she smirks. As I let her down to her feet, she leaves me in the shower wondering just how the fuck she topped me from the bottom.
17
Talia
When you choose someone to spend your life with, there’s no guarantee that they’ll always be there. Sometimes they leave, walk out, and there are other times they die. As many times as I’ve found myself wondering if Kade is the right choice, I also wonder what would happen if I’d met Killian first. Would he have killed me? Or would he want me to choose him?
Almost a month has passed since Kade and Killian had their showdown. Kade goes to work in the day; I stay in his office and work from home. Since then, I’ve spoken to Mom and Dad, telling them I’m sort of living with Kade.
To say they weren’t impressed is an understatement, but they’ve kept this from me all my life. The only one who gives me the answers I need is Kade. Sitting back, I pick up the phone and dial my folks’ number. On the second ring, my mom answers.
“Hello?”
“Hi, Mom. It’s me.” My voice falls to a whisper.
“Oh honey, I’m so glad you called. It’s been too long. When are you coming home? Where is Kade?” I hear Dad in the background asking her to find out if he can come here and collect me. I’m not a child, I know they mean well, but this is becoming ridiculous.
“Mom, I just called to let you know I’m okay. I . . . I don’t want to come home just yet. Kade’s teaching me how to use my powers. Even though they’re not fully developed, I’
m learning.”
She’s silent, and I picture her shaking her head in that way she always does when she’s disappointed in me, which is most of the time. “Talia.” Dad’s tone is rough with emotion, and it’s then I realize Mom must be crying or something.
“Hi, Dad.”
“Your mom had to get the door,” he lies. It’s always lies. Why can’t they just be honest with me for once in my life? The only time I really saw my parents was the night I forced them to tell me who I truly am. After that, it’s back to square one.
Sighing, I nod. “Thanks, Dad. I have to go. I’ll call again soon.” Before he can say anything more or tell more lies, I hang up and rise from the chair. Rounding the desk, I head into the kitchen and find a wine glass.
It’s just hit six, and I know Kade will be home soon. With him in mind, I make my way into the bedroom to change. The master suite is exquisite. With a king-sized bed against the wall opposite the door, large floor-to-ceiling windows to the left of the bed allow access to a private terrace overlooking the city.
The floor is covered with thick, ash-colored carpets. The walls are a deep charcoal with bright red accents. A walk-in closet is fitted beside the en suite stocked with rails of shirts, expensive suits, and shoes you could probably see your reflection in.
Kade is meticulous. After he allowed me to see his hidden Warlock, we only grew closer, much to his surprise. At first, he thought I’d run away, but there was no way I would walk away from him. I’m not sure I can say I love him, but I certainly feel like I could. As if I’m falling, and there’s no way I’m going to survive it.
I slip on the sleek black dress I bought, along with the silver, heeled sandals that shimmer in the light with small diamanté along the foot. My long, dark hair hangs loose in messy waves down to the middle of my back.
Once I’ve dabbed gloss on my lips, I make my way into the living room to find the door sliding open and Kade stepping inside. “Hey.” My voice is timid compared to how I usually talk to him because I’m nervous. I’ve made dinner, and I’m all dressed up.
I figured tonight we could do something out of the ordinary. Instead of me training and learning how to kill someone with the flick of my wrist and calling on my darker side, I wanted to have a normal dinner.
“Wow,” he murmurs, closing the distance in a few long strides. He’s tall. Much taller than me. His dark hair is tousled messily as if he’s had a tough day, running his fingers through the waves. Deep blue eyes pierce me with a look that tells me he’s hungry, but not for the dinner I prepared.
“You like?” I twirl, giving him a look at the low-cut back, which allows him to see the tattoo at the base of my spine.
“Like? This is definitely not a like dress.” He leans in, planting a kiss on my cheek. When he steps back, he rakes his gaze over me once more, the look leaving goose bumps in its wake.
“Then what is it?”
The corner of his lips lift into a sinful smirk. “That’s a ‘rip me off and devour what’s beneath’ dress.” He chuckles at the blush heating my cheeks.
“Who knew you could be romantic?” I retort.
“That’s not romantic. I told you when we met, I’m not romantic. I’m the asshole, or did you want me to remind you of that fact? Because I’d gladly do it right now.”
His gaze flashes a deep purple. He’s ready for a showdown. So am I. “That’s how you want to do this? Why is it every time I do something, you act like this?”
“Because I don’t want you falling in love with the idea of who you think I am in that pretty little head of yours, Talia.”
“And what idea is that, Kade? That you’re actually a decent man?”
“That’s just it, Princess. I’m not a man.” It’s the same fucking fight every week. He pushes, I pull. When I push, he pulls. Maybe I should go home for a little while. Just to give us both a little space.
“Oh, trust me. I know you’re not a man. I’ve seen you. I know what you’ve done. Don’t forget that Kade, because when I try to do something nice, all you want to do is fuck it up. And this time, you’re not fixing it by fucking me.” With that, I pivot on my heel and head toward the bedroom. Pulling the suitcase from the closet, I stuff my clothes haphazardly into the luggage.
“Talia.” His tone is filled with apprehension.
“Kade, you’re giving me fucking whiplash. I can’t do it anymore.” Shoving the last of my shoes into the bag, I turn and lug the suitcase by him.
“Where are you going?”
“Home,” I grunt out as I drag the damn thing into the living room. Shoving off my sandals, I grab my tennis shoes and push my feet into them. I’m still in my black silk dress, but I can’t change now. He’ll see the lingerie I bought for tonight.
“Please, just . . .”
“What, Kade? Just what? Wait for you to apologize? Wait for you to fuck me, so I’m no longer angry with you? Or wait until you finally pull your head out of your fucking ass and realize you’re the one who keeps pushing me away?”
He stares at me for a long while. When he reaches for his tie, he grips the material, tugging it off. The small piece of silk flies to the side of the room. He unbuttons his shirt, pulling it out of the waistband of his pants, and allows it to pool at his feet.
“What are you doing?”
He doesn’t answer. Instead, he continues to strip. The tight black briefs he wears hug his hips and thighs and that incredible package between his legs. I rake my gaze over him, taking in every inch of this beautiful man.
“Look at me,” he orders. “I mean, really look. Like a human would.” Adjusting my eyes, I concentrate on his back. The small scars on his chest and back are ones I’ve seen before, become accustomed to. This time, though, when I really look, I see something more. The scars turn a shade of blue, the same as his blood. Slowly, they shift and change before my eyes, and the blue turns to a lighter shade of purple. A blend of the two colors.
Taking tentative steps toward him, I reach out and run my fingertip over one of the markings. As soon as I touch it, the purple disappears, and it turns blue again. A deep, bright blue.
“What... .? I mean . . . Why?”
“We’re of one blood. When you’re connected to me, I feed off your light.”
Shaking my head, I step around him, needing to see his face. “What do you mean?” Azure eyes meet my dark ones. “Kade?”
“Killian told me he found out something when he’d visited the Elders. And I don’t know if you’re going to like it. He said . . . Fuck this . . .” He tugs me against him. “This is up to you. This needs to be your choice.”
“Tell me, Kade. I need to know.” I’m begging because this is a matter of life and death. Even though Killian is not one of my favorite people, I don’t want blood on my hands
“He said the only way I can claim you outright is if you’re pregnant with my baby.” The floor below feels as if it falls away at his words. Everything tips on its axis as I regard the man before me. He’s not laughing. There’s not a hint of humor in his expression. A baby.
“Kade, I—”
“I don’t . . . I’ve never wanted children. I didn’t want to bring another generation into this prophecy that drags everyone down along with it. Look.” He reaches for my face. The tender touch sends confusion through me. “I do want you, but you have to realize how scared I am. You are the first and only thing I’ve ever feared.”
“You’re scared of me?” He nods then. Dropping his hand, he turns to the mirror and stares at himself, then his gaze falls to me. We watch each other in the reflection silently. This isn’t easy, none of it is, but I’ve grown close to him.
I can’t see myself with Killian. Even when I was in the restaurant with him briefly, something felt off. As if he wasn’t meant to be here.
“I feel around you. It’s weakness. I can’t allow myself to be weak, Talia. This life . . .” He gestures around us. “If you’re weak, you die. It’s as easy as that.”
“Then I�
�ll leave.” Stepping away from him, I head for the suitcase and lift the handle. Tugging it behind me, I make my way down the hallway to grab my purse and keys. My apartment is still there, waiting for me to return, and that’s where I’m heading.
If he doesn’t think we can make it, then I’ll give him the space he needs. Perhaps I need it too.
“Talia.”
“Let me go, Kade. Please?” I ask quietly. The emotion lacing my tone is evident.
18
Kade
“You know you don’t have to do this?” I’m a fucking idiot. I’ve just fucked it to shit. She stops at the exit with her hand on the doorknob. I want to go to her, to show her I want her to stay, but what does that mean? Having her here has made me weak. It’s created this gaping hole inside me, and I don’t know how to survive.
“I do. Goodbye, Kade.”
I watch her walk out the door, and I know there’s no bringing her back now. At least, there’s nothing I can do. This time apart might fix things, or it might make it worse. I don’t know. This is all new to me too. The silence that settles around me is deafening. The first thing I do is head for the liquor cabinet. I need something strong. To dull the ache inside my chest that I’ve never known.
Yes, she’s meant to be mine, but telling her about the baby, about feeling weak, I wanted her to understand. I needed her to tell me it’s okay. I’ve always pushed people away, and this is no different. I’ve turned into the biggest asshole in her life. Worse than her father, and far worse than Killian.
Sitting back on the sofa, I gulp the bourbon and recall the time I thought I had fallen in love. Before Talia. Before I allowed myself to believe the prophecy.
There’s nothing here but dust. The cellar where I was told to find the amulet the Elders needed for a ritual. I’ve slain everyone throughout the property, I’ve looked through every crevice and hidey hole, and nothing has turned up.
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