"I can't!"
"Then the demon has already won!” Nick closed the distance between them to look at Noel with sharp, blazing eyes. A blue glow had started up around his pupil and Noel wanted to step back, but couldn't move an inch. “Why don't I tell you in graphic detail what the demon will do to that fair beauty that instantly touched your heart? First he'll make her suffer for her disobedience, possibly tear into her flesh with his claws and cause as much pain as he can. Then he'll proceed to take her innocence in the most vile way possible ... with you watching helplessly on the side unable to defend her honor because you'll be as good as dead."
Noel wanted to push the old man out of his personal space but instead settled for saying, “Please stop it. I don't want to hear anymore."
Nick grunted, took a shaky step back and his eyes stopped glowing. “I'm sorry to do that to you, but my intention is only to make you realize how dire the situation is. This is the only way to set Natala free. It's the only way that the demon won't be able to steal all her power and confront me again."
Noel cleared his throat. It was so dry he craved a glass of water. “And if I do this ... what you're suggesting, what'll happen then?"
Nick was back around the other side of the counter, a defeated expression plastered to his face as he collapsed on the stool he kept back there.
It took him a while to answer. “If you and Natala are truly in love and unite—body and soul—then her power will surpass the demon's. You'll be able to summon me, so I can put these shackles around him and banish Decarabia into the wastelands he deserves to be in."
Noel stared at the golden shackles the old man held up in his wrinkled hands. They sparkled and emanated so much warmth he wanted to touch them. There was so much good trapped in them, he realized why a demon would never be able to tear himself away from them.
"I was supposed to have wrapped these around him a long time ago, but he's evaded me for too long. I'm getting too old for this and need a successor,” Nick answered in a soft, weak voice.
"A successor?” Noel's pulse raced at the words. He couldn't quite understand why that word troubled and excited him so much. “How ... how do I summon you?"
"When it's time, you'll know."
* * * *
Natala was wrapped up in a peculiar dress she'd found inside one of Noel's furnishings. It was made of red material that felt silky to her fingers, and even nicer against her naked flesh. It had two short sleeves that reached between shoulder and elbow and buttons all the way down the front. She'd left the last two buttons undone on purpose, just enough to tease Noel so he could see the tops of her thighs. As she stared in the mirror that raced across the wall parallel to the bed, she twirled around and smiled at herself.
She felt so alive, so feminine wrapped up in this exquisite piece of clothing. So much so that she didn't even notice Noel until he said: “Natala?"
Her heart raced so fast she nearly choked as she swiveled around. “Noel, ah, I'm sorry I didn't hear you come in."
He shrugged, eyes stuck on hers. “You look—"
"I'm really sorry. I hope you don't mind that I'm wearing this. I found it in here.” She pointed at the mirrored door in front of her.
"It's okay. You look stunning,” he whispered in a husky voice that roused goose flesh up and down her arms.
"Are you all right?” she asked him. There was a dark edge to his blue eyes that hadn't been there before. His hair was also ruffled. “You were gone for so long I was starting to worry."
"And were you worried about me for a reason?"
"I ... like you. I don't want anything to happen to you."
He nodded. “I like you too.” Noel took one small step at a time toward her, until he was right in front of her. She sighed. Her body felt cold inside. The fear of Carabia still affected her. He hadn't stopped with his rhythmic attack on the door, and Natala feared it was only a matter of time before he turned it into nothing more than lethal splinters.
"What happened to you?” There was definitely something different about him, she just couldn't pinpoint what. She'd watched the sun disappear behind the horizon and become night. It had felt like ages ago. She wasn't good with time anywhere, so wasn't surprised that it extended to the human world. All she knew was that the clock on the bedside table said: 11:05 PM.
"I went for a walk, I'm sorry. The demon's still locked up obviously."
"Yes, he is. And I know you went for a walk, to that store you were talking about ... did you find that man who sold you the lights?"
Noel nodded. “Yes, and by the time I walked out of there, it was almost eleven."
"Well, did he help you?” She placed both hands on her hips. He was acting a little strange. It was affecting her body in ways she would never have imagined. Her heart pounded harshly, body warmed by his near-presence. She wanted to reach out and touch him.
"Yes, he did."
When he didn't respond, she pushed him, “Well?"
Noel responded by grabbing her shoulders. He closed the distance between them to cover her mouth with his. His soft lips rubbed against hers, and at first the surprise crippled her. It didn't take long for her to react. She closed her eyes, relaxed against him and parted her lips to invite his tongue inside.
He slowly probed between her lips until their tongues connected and her legs weakened. The zap that ran through her body was intoxicating. All she wanted to do was get as close as she could to this man. Suddenly the beautiful dress didn't belong in this scene.
When he moved his face away from hers, he remained close and met her gaze. “I hope that wasn't too harsh."
"No, it wasn't but now I'm curious about what this man told you,” she answered honestly. Until now, he'd seemed to keep his cool even if she could sense his desire was as strong as hers. His absence had changed that.
Noel sighed, and she closed her eyes for a second. His breath was warm and smelled like peppermint, just as he'd tasted. And she wanted more, much more.
He kissed her again and when he drew back this time he said, “Santa Claus told me that you're my soul mate."
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Chapter Eight
"I'm your what?” Her dark eyes were wide with astonishment and he hoped he hadn't ruined everything by being honest. He'd contemplated how to handle this on the walk back home, knew that time was slipping away from them. He still didn't understand why nearly four hours had lapsed from the time he entered the shop until he walked out, but he supposed Old Nick wanted to get a move on things.
Noel now understood what was at stake and was prepared to carry this through. The bizarre situation made him feel a little uneasy about rushing an act he would've normally taken his time with, but he was very much intoxicated with Natala. He'd wanted to touch and hold her from the moment she appeared in his living room. Her mouth tasted so delicious, the hint of fruit she must've eaten while he was gone still on her tongue.
And the dress ... it was a garment he'd purchased for Nancy. A Christmas gift she never received because death took her. He'd tried to stay positive, tried to believe his wife would make it out of hospital in time to wear it at least once. She hadn't, but Natala fit into it so nicely that for once it was easy to discard the sad thoughts of Nancy. Maybe that was one of his biggest problems. He dwelled too comfortably on the bad stuff in life, on the darkness. Well, that was all about to change with this glow of light in his arms.
"You're my soul mate,” he whispered.
"I didn't think imps had soul mates, not after what happened to us.” Natala shook her head and her hair fell over her face.
"Everyone has a soul mate. Most just never get the opportunity to meet them. I've had two..."
Her eyes narrowed. “Is that woman in all those pictures your first soul mate? Where is she now?"
He sighed and the heavy sensation that pressed against his chest made him release a choked breath. “She was my wife, but she passed away several years ago."
"I'm so very sor
ry,” she said with a touch to his cheek.
"It's okay. I think I can finally get over her with you by my side. I've spent too many nights alone already ... will you spend the night with me?” Even before her answer came, he felt the erection gorge inside his jeans. It was painful to have it press against the zipper like this, but he was going to try and not rush the actual connection between them.
"Yes,” she said with a nod. Natala stood on her tip-toes and kissed his lips.
"Santa Claus claims that you're still innocent and the demon wants that from you.” Noel felt like an idiot, ruining the mood he'd set like this, but it had to be said. He refused to make love to her and then spill the beans afterward, risking alienation. Noel couldn't forget she still had family trapped inside those light globes. If he lied to her, she probably wouldn't hesitate to leave him. Now that she was in his system, in his heart, he wasn't prepared to let her go so easily. It had taken many years for him to feel the love inside him ignite again and he liked it, wanted to share his body and soul with this gorgeous creature.
Natala nodded again. “My kind does not lose their innocence until their heart is shared simultaneously with intimacy ... and I want to share my heart with you."
"It'll ensure that the demon can't steal your power."
"This man knew a lot about me."
Noel nodded with a kiss to her left cheek.
"That's great to know,” Natala said, “but it's not why I'm prepared to share myself with you. I know that the same goes for you ... I've felt your desire from the first moment our eyes met."
Noel kissed her other cheek, tasting her skin in the process. “I've wanted you from the first moment I saw you, all right,” he whispered near her ear. “Have you wanted me since then, too?"
A rushed ‘yes’ before she moaned when he licked her earlobe was her answer. He made his way to the underside of her chin and followed to the collarbone. It took Noel only seconds to unbutton the dress. His fingers itched to touch her bare skin, eyes impatient to take in the beauty of her naked body. When he'd undone them all the way to her waist, he took a step back.
"What are you doing?” she asked as her fingers reached for him.
"I just want to see you naked."
"Very well then,” Natala said with a smile as she proceeded to unbutton the rest of the dress. She spread her arms out on either side of her as if unveiling what she had to offer.
The crimson fabric spread ever so slowly, and he caught one glimpse at a time as she shimmied out of the dress. First he caught sight of the soft skin between her breasts, followed by the tight expanse of her abdomen. As she lowered it down her smooth shoulders, he took in the milky tone of her small, rounded breasts and the erect brown nipples on the end. Her hips were next to be unveiled. They curved out and around enough to highlight just how small her waist was. Her legs were thin and slightly muscular.
She was exquisite.
The dress fell to the floor at her feet.
His gaze swept from top to bottom and the erection stiffened further. She was more than he could ever have imagined.
Noel licked his lips. He took a step forward again and pressed his mouth against hers. This time he put more passion behind his kisses, licking her bottom lip. One of his hands slowly captured a nipple between his fingers.
"Oh god.” He panted at the smoothness of her skin as he ran those same fingers up and over the nipple and around the rest of her breast. Pleasure just from the simple touch made his penis feel strained. He had to get inside her soon.
"That feels good,” she whispered. Her breath was coming faster than before as he moved his hand across to do the same to the other nipple.
"I can't believe no one's loved you before.” Noel caressed her breast with the back of his hand as he kissed her soft, pouty lips.
"They've tried, but I've never wanted to open up before."
Noel kissed her deeper, sucking her tongue into his mouth as one hand wrapped around her body and the other touched it. Every inch of her was so soft he wanted to press his lips to her skin. He lowered his body along hers, softly capturing one nipple after the other into his mouth. He could taste the bath oils his wife used years ago, the ones he'd never discarded ... and the sweet underlying taste that was all Natala.
His tongue licked at the skin of her abdomen, eager to move lower. She shivered in anticipation but suddenly stiffened as the violent thump of the door interrupted his exploration.
"I'm afraid we're going to have to save the foreplay for another time,” Natala said looking down the line of her body.
He sighed, closing his eyes and damning the beast for disrupting something he'd wanted for so long. Noel had spent too many years without a woman's touch.
As much as he wanted to spend hours bringing this beauty to pleasure time and time again, he knew she was right. He stood up and glanced over his shoulder at the clock.
It was 11:45 PM.
"We're cutting it close."
"Yes, we are.” Natala grabbed him by the collar and yanked it open, tearing the buttons right off as her hands pushed the shirt from his shoulders before settling on the jeans. It took her seconds to have them around his ankles.
He stepped out of them and felt the slight chill of the air-con now that he stood naked.
They looked at each other for several minutes before an invisible magnet seemed to crush their bodies together, joined at the mouths. She'd taken over the kissing, harsh and eager, as her hands ran up and down his chest.
"I want you now."
"I want you, too.” He licked her bottom lip.
* * * *
Natala's blood pounded in a frenzy against her temples. All she wanted to do was feel this man's body against hers. To spend an eternity kissing him wouldn't be enough.
She ran her fingers through the small amount of dark hair on his chest, reaching lower to wrap her palm around his erection. He was impressive. She'd had her fair share of lovers, but none were so gorgeous to look at in the nude. Or had the equipment she gladly gripped tightly.
He moaned as she ran her hand up and down again.
"Natala, it's getting close."
She sighed, knew they were running out of time. She could return to doing this another time. For now, they had to connect, to join. Natala wasn't upset or annoyed even though he'd return home with the intention of seducing her. She didn't care. The magical man had an answer to her problem and she was willing to try it.
Being with Noel could rid her of the main problem—that dirty disgusting demon—and she got to give in to her deepest desire at the same. She could definitely live with that.
Noel surprised her by lifting her up off her feet.
She wrapped her legs around his waist as he headed toward the bed and slowly lowered her onto it. He kissed her, touched her breasts and whispered sweet words in her ear that only turned her on more. She felt so much emotion rumbling inside for him and loved the way he woke her up on so many levels.
"Natala,” Noel said as his face hovered above hers, “I know this might sound strange, but I think I'm already in love with you."
She offered him a smile. The giddiness inside her was ready to burst. At the moment she wanted him inside so much it hurt, and hadn't counted on his admission. It made her shine. She felt a glow ignite along her skin.
He looked at her in amazement.
"Then let me love you back,” she said, slowly pushing him off her body.
They untangled their legs and Noel threw himself back onto the bed. She admired his body before spreading her legs above him. Natala slowly lowered her hips against his, and in turn lodged his erection deep inside her willing center.
She closed her eyes as she slid off him, completely out and back down again. She did the same thing a few times before Noel grabbed the sides of her hips and kept himself pinned inside her.
"Please, it's been so long. If you do that a few more times, I'll be done. And I don't want it to end until you've reached pleasure too,” he said
with a pained smile.
Natala didn't say a word. She was temporarily disrupted by the sound of wood splintering again. The wards and door wouldn't hold Carabia in for much longer. She increased the pace at which she moved up and down his erection. With both palms pressed against his chest she felt the pleasure extend a little more inside her with each thrust. When Noel started to meet each grind downward with his upward movement, she exhaled deeply. It felt so good, like her body would explode in a pleasurable mess at any moment.
Her legs quivered as the orgasm rose from the constant rub of her clitoris against him.
Noel helped keep the pace by lifting her hips up and down as she struggled to keep her eyes open.
"Come on Natala, you can do it.” His eyes were glazed over and if she didn't know any better, she was convinced he was holding out until her release.
"Don't hold ... back!” The last word was a scream out of her mouth as the violent orgasm tore through her clitoris, all the way inside her system as well as along her skin. Every inch was slowly swept with the climax as she ground her hips as low as she could, and felt Noel shudder beneath her.
She fell forward, chest to chest as his eyes rolled upward and he groaned in pleasure.
"Oh, Natala,” he gasped as he touched the ends of her hair.
She pressed her cheek against his chest and closed her eyes, still connected with this man that had her quivering on the inside and out. She'd never experienced an orgasm quite like this one. It was amazing.
"Noel ... I lo—"
The hard smash of the door outside made her stop.
Natala could feel her pleasure-filled flesh start to tingle with the fear and horror of what had just gotten out. She jumped off Noel and ran to the bedroom door. The crystal was already inside her right palm when she grabbed it with her left hand. She inscribed the wards quickly, efficiently. Not as neatly as she would've liked but they were there nevertheless.
"It's past midnight,” Noel called behind her.
The demon smashed against the door. She jumped back when it moved inward as if it were made of plastic, instead of wood. This wasn't going to hold for long, not long at all.
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