by C. C. Wood
"Okay, good. Then maybe we can fix this." She walked over to the desk, grabbed a pen off the top of it, and came back to the coffee table. Gingerly, she hooked one of the drawstrings over the pen and lifted the bag. Her movements were slow and careful as she made her way to the sliding glass doors that led out to the balcony. "There's an ashtray out here, right?" she asked.
"Yes," Mal answered.
Stony ran over to open the doors and we all watched as Jonelle gently placed the bag into the ashtray and backed away. As if she expected it to grow fangs and bite. Or explode.
"Wait! Are you setting it on fire now?" Mal asked.
Jonelle glanced at him like he'd lost his mind and answered, "Yes."
"Shouldn't we examine it first?" he continued, getting to his feet and heading her direction.
Jonelle's only answer was to lift a hand and point a finger at the ashtray. The bag burst into flames, the fire devouring the material in mere moments.
"Jonelle!"
She turned toward Mal, a fierce expression on her face. "That wasn't just any ole hex bag, Mal Flemming. That was a curse. A nasty one. I could feel the death inside it, waiting to be freed. You want to know why Francesca and Selene disappeared? Find whoever made that bag and sent it to them. I know I would run like hell if someone sent me a bag like that."
"How are we supposed to do that when it's nothing but a pile of ash?" Mal yelled.
Yes. Mal yelled.
I stared at him in shock. He never yelled. Mal put his hands on his hips and let his head drop forward. He inhaled deeply and released the air slowly. When he was done, he lifted his head and looked at all of us. "I'm sorry," he said. "None of you deserve to be yelled at."
Jonelle came forward. "You don't understand, Mal. If we kept that here, it would be like having a bomb on the coffee table. The magic inside it could explode at any moment."
"So we'll never know where it came from?" he asked.
"Whoever sent that to her meant her nothing but harm. They wanted her terrified and possibly even dead. There was no way to tell without opening the bag and I'm not skilled enough to open it without setting the curse free. I can almost guarantee you that the sorcerer who made that bag is the same one holding Selene captive. And likely Francesca as well."
My chaotic thoughts screeched to a halt. "What if it wasn't put there until after she left?"
As one, everyone turned to look at me. It was Mal who caught on first. "You think it was meant for us?" he asked. He paused then continued, "Or maybe just you."
Shit, shit, shit. I hadn't thought of it until Jonelle spoke those words. But now I was scared that it was true.
We had no way of knowing when that curse was placed in Francesca's house. But it made sense that it was after they left. Francesca had more training and experience with magic than Jonelle, so she probably would have destroyed it before we saw it if she knew it was there.
There was no way to discover exactly how it came to be there because it was nothing more than a pile of ash.
"It doesn't matter," Stony said. "Either way they're gone and we have to figure out where they went and who has them."
Blaine sighed and got to his feet. "I'll go through Francesca's files. Maybe I can find some information on friends and family. I'll check their social media accounts as well. Someone should be able to tell us if they had any enemies."
Stony rose as well. "I'll help."
"I'm going to scry for Selene and her mother," Jonelle said. "Maybe I'll be able to find them since we're closer to where they lived."
"Don't you need something that belongs to each of them?" I asked.
Jonelle reached into her pocket and pulled out two plastic baggies. "I have a few strands of hair from each of their pillows."
"I thought Beatrix said that they couldn't find them with magical means."
"I'm not sure I trust her words," Jonelle replied as she headed to the door. "I'll let you know if I find something."
Jonelle, Stony, and Blaine left Mal's suite. As soon as they left, Teri turned to me. "You need to take it easy this afternoon."
"I'm okay, Teri," I replied.
"Yeah, but I'm not, so you need to stay at the hotel. My nerves are shot to hell and if anything else happens to you, I'm pretty sure I won't be able to handle it."
"Ha, ha."
"Seriously, take it easy and stay away from the windows," Teri directed. She vanished through the door leading out to the hallway before I could say anything else, much less remind her that other people could see her now.
I could only hope that she didn't run into anyone else in the hallway.
Chapter Sixteen
I was alone with Mal. I had no idea what to say or do. Inexplicably, my throat tightened.
I didn't have to come up with something because he spoke first.
"When I heard you scream, I don't think I've ever been so scared in my life," he admitted. He walked over to me and took my shoulders in his hands. "I thought that I'd lost you forever."
"I was scared half to death," I said. "He was so strong and so fast."
"Maybe it was a mistake to come here."
I shook my head. "No. If we hadn't come, I would be sitting at home, worried about a little girl and doing nothing. I couldn't live with myself if something happened to her because I was too afraid to do anything."
"I couldn't live with myself if something happened to you," Mal said, his hands squeezing my shoulders just a bit harder.
"I just wish there was something else I could do," I whispered. "Selene is out there, alone and afraid. She doesn't think anyone is coming to help her."
"We are all working as hard as we can. But Teri was right. You need to rest for a while. You were very nearly kidnapped yourself today. There's no telling what would have happened to you if you hadn't found a way to defend yourself."
"I'm never going to be able to sleep." As lethargic as I'd been earlier, I was now wide awake. I knew, without a doubt, that if I laid down and closed my eyes, I would be right back where I'd been earlier, over the shoulder of the giant man.
"Then we'll sit in here, together, until you're ready to go back to your room."
I shook my head. "I can't deal with Jonelle right now. She'll ask me a million questions and I think my head might explode."
"Then you'll stay here with me."
He said it like it was simple. Like I hadn't lied to him. Like he wasn't angry with me. Guilt crashed into me.
"I'm sorry I lied to you, Mal," I said. My voice was hoarse. Mostly because my throat was tight.
"I understand why you were afraid to talk about it, but you have to know by now that you can tell me anything."
I huffed out a short laugh. "I had no idea what to say. Hey, Mal, did you know I can suck the life out of things? That's a real conversation starter." I cleared my throat. "And Angie told me it was best to keep it a secret. That anyone who knew about me would be in danger."
"Based on what just happened today, I think we're all in danger anyway," he said.
I winced because he was right. Guilt filled me. In the end, it hadn't mattered if I kept my power a secret or not, I'd still put people I cared about at risk.
"I didn't tell you that to hurt you," Mal murmured. "I understand why you want to keep me safe because I feel the same way about you. But keeping secrets isn't conducive to a healthy relationship."
"I know," I admitted.
"Like I said earlier, we'll figure it out," he replied.
Mal leaned closer to me, resting his forearm on the back of the couch. He seemed to expand and take up all the space around me. If anyone else did that to me, I would have felt intimidated. But not Mal.
With him, I felt safe. Protected. And I knew it was because that's what he wanted to do for me.
"I know you're different, Zoe. It's one of the things I love about you."
My heart fluttered in my chest. It wasn't the first time Mal told me he loved me, but I still got butterflies every time he did.
Why was it so hard for me to say it? Or even feel it? I did love him and now that I'd accepted it, it wasn't as scary. But it was so fucking difficult to speak the words aloud.
Mal stared at me for a long moment, his gaze intent and hot. "I know."
In for a penny. I reached up and cupped his cheek with my hand. I knew Teri was right. Mal was waiting for me to make the first move.
I'd been afraid of that, too. Not that he would turn me down, but that he wouldn't. There was no going back after this. I wouldn't be able to keep my distance, protect my heart, anymore.
I lifted my chin, brushing my mouth over his. I kept the contact feather-light, a tease and an invitation. Mal kissed me back, just as gentle and slow.
I let my palm trail down from his cheek to his neck, over his chest and down to his abdomen. The muscles beneath my palm flexed. I slid my hand around his waist and lightly dug my fingers into his spine. The motion brought our bodies closer together until my chest pressed against his.
I needed this moment. This connection with him.
Mal leaned back slightly, putting a small distance between our mouths. His hands came to my shoulders, keeping me back when I tried to chase his lips with mine.
"Zoe, you've had a stressful day. I don't want you to do something you'll regret later." I sat up straighter but before I could respond, Mal continued. "You said you wanted to take things slowly and I'm more than happy to do that. I don't want you to feel pressured or—"
I lifted my other hand and placed my fingers over his lips, silencing him. "I know exactly what I said. Right now, the only thing I'll regret is not being with you. Touching you. Kissing you."
Mal reached up and moved my hand. Then his fingers were tangled in my hair and his mouth was on mine, voracious and hot.
I gasped when he deepened the kiss, pulling me so close I was sprawled across his lap. My hands tugged at his shirt, lifting it so I could put my hands on his skin. I yanked harder and the material rose higher.
Our lips broke apart as I pulled the t-shirt over his head, leaving his upper body bare. I wanted to touch him everywhere but wasn't sure where to start. I laid both my palms on his chest and leaned forward to trail my lips across his collarbone.
"Are you sure this is what you want, Zoe?"
I kissed his neck and answered, "Yes."
Mal shuddered against me and his arms tightened around my body. In a single abrupt motion, he stood. I wrapped my legs around his waist and pulled his head down to mine, kissing him. He moved through the suite to the bedroom and he lowered me to the bed.
The room was dim and cool, the late afternoon light filtering in around the curtains.
Mal slipped his hand beneath my shirt, his hand hot against my stomach. I arched against him, more than ready for him to touch me. Everywhere.
But he didn't. Instead, he skimmed his fingers across my waist, tracing the waistband of my shorts in a feather-light motion.
Impatient, I reached down and yanked my shirt over my head. Mal smiled down at me, his hand trailing up my torso to the top edge of my bra. It was my turn to shiver.
His gaze followed the motion of his fingers, his dark brown eyes intense and heated. "I've been imagining this moment for a long time," he murmured. "You're beautiful."
I touched him in return. My hands running over his abdomen to his chest. "So are you."
He lowered his head and pressed his mouth to my chest, right over my heart. "Tell me if I'm going to fast or. . ."
"Do. Not. Stop," I demanded. I had no idea where this wild part of me came from. I was usually a little shy in bed but my reticence was nowhere to be found for once.
I felt Mal's lips curve against my skin. I buried my hands in his hair and took a shaky breath as his mouth moved up and over the curve of my breast. My body heated as he pulled the strap of my bra down my arm and revealed my nipple. He cupped me, his thumb skating over the center of my breast. I arched my back, reached beneath me, unclasped the garment, and stripped it from my body.
Mal's pupils expanded as he looked at me. The longer he looked, the more I wanted more than his gaze on my skin. I wanted his hands. His mouth.
"Touch me," I whispered.
Mal lowered his body and his bare torso rubbed against mine. His skin was so smooth and warm. He kissed me and I moaned. His lips moved over my neck, down to my chest. His tongue swept over my nipple and the sensation was so intense that I could barely stand it. I clutched his head to me and squirmed beneath him.
His mouth closed around the tip of my breast. I made a low sound as heat shot through my body and settled between my legs.
Mal unbuttoned my shorts and tugged them down my legs, taking my underwear with them. I kicked them off. My breath came in pants when Mal's mouth left my breast and moved over my stomach. Then lower.
At the first swipe of his tongue, my body went rigid and I nearly cried out. It had been way too long since I'd been touched and I was incredibly sensitive. The sensations streaked through my veins, hot and fierce.
I had no control over my voice or my muscles. It was happening too quickly and there was no stopping it. The climax rocked me, turning me inside out. I threw my head back and rode wave after wave of bliss.
Just when the pleasure began to ride the razor's edge of pain, Mal's mouth traveled up and over my hipbone, my abdomen, and back to my breasts. My breath came in pants and my body trembled from the aftershocks.
"Mal," I murmured.
He kissed me and the heat began to build within me again. I felt like I'd been waiting for this moment for years. It had been years. I was greedy for more. More kisses, more orgasms. More Mal.
I reached between us, unbuckled his belt, and unsnapped his jeans. Mal inhaled sharply when I slid my hand inside and cupped him. He was smooth and hard. I curled my fingers around his length and stroked. Mal's body flexed against mine and his teeth sank lightly into my bottom lip.
His hand covered mine and held me still. "Wait."
I stared up at him, barely breathing. "Do you want to stop?"
God, I hoped not because I might die if he did.
"No, no," he whispered, touching his lips to mine. "But there's only so much I can take and I don't want to embarrass myself."
"Oh." What else could I say?
"Shit. Condom." Mal levered off me to stand next to the bed. "Do not move."
I smiled at the commanding tone. Who knew Mal could be bossy? He preferred to be in charge, but he was never demanding. He didn't bark orders. He made requests. Usually.
I watched as he vanished into the bathroom. In less than five seconds, he reappeared with a string of condoms in his hands. He stopped at the end of the bed, his eyes roaming over my naked body.
I wanted to tease him about the number of condoms in his hand, but he tossed them on the bed and stripped his pants off before I could.
Then I was speechless. I couldn't take my eyes off him. In the dim light of the bedroom, his body gleamed and I could see the sleek muscles of his thighs shift as he moved to kneel on the bed. I sat up and rolled to my knees so that we were face to face. I was mesmerized by his body. I ran my hands up his thighs to his hips, unable to take my eyes off him. I understood why he stared at me earlier.
After months of spending nearly every day together, kissing, cuddling on the couch, and sleeping in the same bed, I was finally seeing him naked.
And it was worth every moment I'd waited.
Mal's hands cupped the back of my head and he gently fisted my hair. He wasn't rough as he tugged my head back so he could kiss me. His lips moved over mine and the kiss was languorous, almost sweet. But I needed more. I was desperate for the heat he generated in me. For him.
My fingers flexed on his shoulders, digging into the muscles, and I nipped his bottom lip. I poured my desperation into that kiss and Mal responded. His hands tightened in my hair and his tongue tangled with mine. He sat back against the he
ad of the bed and pulled me closer so I straddled his lap.
He snagged the strip of condoms and ripped one free. "Give me a hand?"
My fingers were shaking as I tore the packet and pulled the condom out. Mal put his hands over mine as I fitted the latex over his length.
His hands rested on my hips and he shifted me forward. I tilted my hips and used my right hand to guide him inside me.
Mal kissed me as I moved, slowly taking him inside me. My body resisted at first. It had been such a long time. When I gasped, Mal lowered his head and teased my nipples with his lips and tongue. His hand moved until his thumb rested over my clit, rubbing gently each time I rocked my body.
Finally, my body relaxed until I took him fully. We groaned in unison as I settled in his lap. I shifted my body and sparks of heat spread from my lower abdomen to my breasts. Mal lifted his head. In this position, I had to look down to meet his eyes.
His arms wound around me as we stared at each other. "I love you, Zoe."
The words pierced my heart. "I love you, too."
I cradled his head in my hands and kissed him. I wanted him to feel what I did, the elation, the desperation, and the adoration.
We came together, growing wilder until another orgasm rolled over me. My head fell back as it crashed through me. Mal pressed lips over my heart and his body tensed beneath mine as if he'd been waiting for this very moment before he let go.
My upper body curved over his and I held him close as I tried to catch my breath.
I took the leap and given Mal everything I had to give.
It was the best decision I could have made.
Chapter Seventeen
I turned on my side to face Mal. I wore his t-shirt and he wore nothing but a pair of briefs, which was definitely an entrancing sight even though his lower half was partially covered by blankets.
I was distracted from my ogling at the sound of his stomach growling. Mine echoed his.
"Let's order room service," he suggested.
"That sounds heavenly."
Mal smiled at me, his hair a mess of spikes from my hands, and my heart lurched in my chest. I'd always assumed things would be awkward after we got naked together, but this was perfect.