Okay, that didn’t sound as bad as it should have. She looked the tall, handsome man over before prying her eyes away from him. “Winter’s with your brother?”
“Yes.”
“Fine, we’ll all just get together to discuss this arrangement like civilized folk. Until then, I hope you’re at least gentleman enough to know the word ‘no’ when you hear it and if by some insane stretch of the imagination you do end up in here with me, I expect you to sleep on the floor.” Anna refused to let him see her rattled. In the days of shots and Winter’s celebrated “new free-love era”, situations like this weren’t all that unheard of. Or maybe it was because she’d been roommates with Winter for so long that this seemed almost normal. “Just know I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure that doesn’t happen. There has to be at least one stateroom free on this ship if Winter refuses to switch.”
Andre lay on his back. “Mm, the bed is comfortable.”
Anna closed her eyes, not wanting to look at the sexy man sprawled out before her. “Don’t get too comfortable.” Pausing, she saw her suitcases were still full. “I thought you said you unpacked them.”
“What? Oh,” he said with a grin, “only the important stuff.”
Anna sighed. Apparently, the only thing he thought was important was the leather corset. She grabbed a bag and endeavored to ignore him as she started to unpack. A thought crept into the back of her mind—the possibility of actually sharing the room with him. She wanted to balk at the idea, but as she snuck a glance to where he lounged on the bed, she shivered. She didn’t get a bad vibe off him. Sure, she got the frustrating-as-hell, want-to-smack-over-the-head vibe from him, but that was nothing new. She did live with Winter, after all. And, being the type of decisive person she was, Anna wasn’t one to go against her own innate instincts.
Opening a drawer, she grimaced to see his clothing had just been dumped inside the drawer. She pushed it shut and went to the next one. Gasping as she saw an array of handcuffs, lotions and vibrators, she dropped her folded skirt and quickly slammed the drawer shut.
“I told you I brought things for you as well. I wasn’t sure what you were into, so I just got a bunch of—”
“I am not into anything!” Anna cried, spinning around to face him. So much for her super innate judge of character.
“What’s the problem? They’re all brand new.” He still lay on the bed, not looking at her but at the remote control he was holding. Andre pushed a button and a big-screen TV appeared from behind the wall. He turned it on and began flipping channels.
“You really think you are going to stay here, don’t you?”
“I have nowhere else to be,” he answered with an audacious grin. Slowly, he licked his lips as if unconscious of how seductive the action looked as he continued flipping channels. Anna took a deep breath, shivering slightly as she tried to regain her composure. What was happening to her? It was like some non-human force was trying to take over her brain, telling her this was normal, that she should let him stay.
Actually, now that the mandatory feminine protest at his presence was over, the idea of sharing a room with such a man did have some merit. She was already on the cruise, so she might as well enjoy. Who would know? Besides Winter, who would fully support the decision to have a fling while they were floating around the Caribbean Sea. With up-to-date immunizations, the only physical risk would be sore muscles if the look of him was any indication. Her mind instantly went to the drawer filled with sex toys and she stiffened. Maybe he’d expect too much out of her. Maybe, if she decided to look for a fling, she could seek out another man. There had to be a tax accountant or bookkeeper onboard somewhere. Those guys were tame, weren’t they?
Anna turned to continue unpacking. Suddenly loud music blared from the TV, causing her to jolt in surprise. He instantly turned it down when she arched an unamused brow at him.
That’s a good boy. Glad to see you can take silent orders.
“Relax,” he chuckled. “We’ve got a while before our dinner reservations. I did tell you my brother made dinner reservations for tonight, didn’t I?”
Anna shook her head in denial.
“No? Well, now you know. So why don’t you leave the unpacking until later and come watch a movie with me?” He patted the bed next to him. “I promise to bite.”
“You’re a funny guy,” she drawled wryly. There was something about his relaxed, easy manner that shook her to the core and she tried to fight the urge to give in. “Let me guess, you plan on planting yourself there the whole trip?”
“Does that mean you’ve caved in and I’m allowed to sleep on the bed now?”
“No. It means you need to get your lazy ass up and march next door to make new lodging arrangements.”
Instantly, Andre was on his feet. The remote dropped on the bed as he moved. With stalking grace, he came at her. Anna panted weakly, too stunned by the quickness of his actions to do much else. His chin lowered and his eyes narrowed, losing some of their playfulness as he stopped a few inches from her. Without touching her, he whispered, “My ass is hardly lazy. If you disagree, I welcome you to reach around and feel for yourself. As for the rest of this conversation, though I appreciate to some extent the persistence of your ladylike refusal to believe me when I tell you that we’re going to share this room, I grow weary of you telling me to leave. You’re an adult, I’m an adult and we’re sharing this stateroom.”
Anna made a weak noise, trying her best to answer. He smelled really good and the way his tone lowered, becoming all dominant and sure, made her tremble. She always liked a man who could take command. His eyes glanced down to her lips and she was sure he’d kiss her. In anticipation, her pussy throbbed ever so slightly.
His breathing deepened. “You have no reason to fear me and there is no reason why this situation can’t work.”
Anna found herself nodding, wondering how it was he could get her agree. No matter that she wanted to agree, the fact that he could force the acceptance out of her was puzzling. It was almost as if he had supernatural powers. The idea left her as soon as it came. The heat of his breath fanned her lips. He had to kiss her. Every nerve in her mouth reached out to him, tingling with anticipation and need.
“Good.” His sudden dominant expression was instantly replaced with the easy smile of before. “Glad that’s settled.”
Andre turned, leaving her stunned and breathless as he crawled back onto the bed and flipped onto his back. Once again, the remote was lifted in his hand as he searched for something to watch. Her eyes roamed over him, taking in the length of his form, the tight muscles hidden beneath the T-shirt. She licked her lips, feeling freer than she had in a long time. Something had happened inside her when he’d stood close. His seductive scent, his piercing eyes—they did something to her and Anna decided that for once in her life, she was just going to go with it and see what happened.
Anna slowly crossed over to the round bed to look at the TV screen. Andre moved over to make room. He glanced in her direction, purposefully winding his hands behind his head as if to prove to her he wouldn’t touch her.
“You said you made reservations for us?” she asked, sitting on the edge, not really paying attention to her own words as she prompted him to speak. She wanted to hear his voice, to bring his dominating stare once more to hers.
“Christian did, so the four of us could all officially meet. It’s some on board fancy restaurant thing up on the very top deck.” Andre crossed his ankles and her eyes again went down his legs only to glance briefly over the bulge at the apex of his thighs. “He’s a stickler for details. I’m a more ‘go with the flow’ kind of guy. I would have been fine checking out the buffet by the pool. I hear they have all-you-can-eat pizza twenty-four hours a day right next to the Torpedo bar. Oh, and there’s an ice cream machine up there, too. I already had three of them. The vanilla is the best, if you’re wondering. The chocolate was all right, but the strawberry is better left to melt in the sun. But you have to
get in line before the one big guy does. He ate over twenty cones right in a row. Brain freeze anyone?”
“You have this scenario all planned out, don’t you?” Anna hated to admit it but she was interested in him in more ways than just fascinating conversation, though she got the impression he’d more likely stare at her with his chocolate-brown eyes in order to win an argument than actually debate with her. When he didn’t move, she kicked off her shoes and took off her jacket, dropping it on the floor. Lying next to him, she looked at the TV, not really seeing the screen. “And where does the flow usually take you?”
Anna was just starting to relax when suddenly Andre rolled onto his side. He cupped her face, whispering, “Right here,” before pressing his mouth to hers. She gasped, allowing him access between her lips. He took it, delving his tongue deep inside her mouth. She’d wanted his kiss but didn’t expect him to act so soon, especially when he’d walked away moments before.
It had been so long since she’d been kissed with such confidence that she couldn’t think. Her hands wound up in his long, messy hair, pulling his mouth closer. Desire erupted inside her pussy, wetting her with eager passion. Her nipples strained to be free of her bra and silk shirt. Since she had first laid eyes on him, her body had been begging for his touch, no matter how hard she tried to deny it. Now to feel it was like living in a dream.
Andre moaned, pulling back slightly. Anna didn’t want this to stop. It felt too right, almost ordained by fate. Her thigh brushed his hard cock pressing against his jeans and she pushed his shoulder to knock him onto his back. Without thought, she pulled at her A-line skirt, jerking it up over her thighs so she could straddle him.
Her hands went to his waistband, unzipping his fly to free his long, hard shaft. Grabbing his cock, she moaned, feeling the ready length of flesh in her palm. It had been so long since she had been fucked by flesh. People usually took one look at her and thought she was uptight. She wasn’t—just cautious, and it seemed her body had made the decision to fuck Andre.
“Anna.” He started to speak but she put her hand over his lips.
“Shh, don’t talk, you’ll only ruin it.” Her body was wet, aching to be filled and stretched to the brink by his giant cock.
“But,” he said against her hand. Andre’s eyes swirled with purple. She should have known. By the way he threw off sexual charm from the first moment, she should have known he was supernatural. Anna groaned, wiggling so her clit rubbed against his hard thigh. She worked her hands over his cock as it poked out of his jeans. Supernaturals really turned her on, though she rarely acted on the impulse. There was something about their show of power. It made her go weak in the knees each time she saw it.
His body was hot, so she knew he wasn’t a vampire. He looked too primitive for that kind. Weak and aching to ride him, she said, “Please tell me you’re a shifter.”
He looked surprised by the words.
“Oh please, let me see it, Andre. Let me see what you can do.” Anna grabbed her breasts and rubbed the nipples through her silk shirt. The light from the TV flashed and blinked over them. “Please, Andre, tell me.”
“Were-panther,” he answered, the word breathless and stunned.
“Ah yes!” Anna nearly came just hearing it. Eagerly, she pushed her panties aside and lifted up over him. “Mm, shift for me. I want to see it.”
Andre didn’t speak but he also didn’t shift. Anna drew his cock toward her sex. Her wet pussy was ready for him and she didn’t hesitate as she sat down on his lap. Their clothes were still mostly on, adding to the hurried charm of their tryst.
“Shift for me, let me see your fangs,” she cried, riding him hard. Anna grabbed his shirt, pulling at it. Claws came at her from the tips of his fingers and he slashed through her shirt, tearing it to shreds. She rocked harder, taking her pleasure on his sexy, perfect body. She scratched his chest, knowing he’d heal if she hurt him. “Fuck me like an animal!” she screamed.
Suddenly, Andre growled, a loud roar that echoed around them. Fangs flashed in his mouth. Their bodies still joined, he rolled her onto her back to take over the pace. He pounded into her hard, grunting as he lifted up on his arms for leverage. Anna had never felt so crammed full. She liked his power, his control over her, his dangerous purple-swirled eyes.
Her orgasm built and she arched, letting him do all the work as she was helpless against him. Andre roared again, this time leaning forward. Sharp teeth pierced her neck as his mouth latched onto her flesh. The white heat of it surprised her but she couldn’t protest as her orgasm hit her like a hurricane against the beach.
Blissful, mindless pleasure washed over her as she let him drink from her, his hips still pumping hard into her. She didn’t mind it, didn’t mind the pain mixed with so much passion and pleasure. She needed this release, needed to forget everything—the game show, the public humiliation, the need to be perfect. Finally, he groaned, jerking his release inside her. His cock stayed buried deep.
Feeling so much better, she sighed happily and dropped her arms to her side. Now all she needed was a nap and she’d be refreshed. Anna closed her eyes.
Andre pulled away from her. When he didn’t speak, she forced herself to look at him. He sat at the end of the bed, staring at her. Blood lined his lips and she jerked in mild surprise as she reached for her neck. It felt healed but a little sticky with blood.
“You like playing with the beast.”
She wasn’t sure if it was a statement or question, so she didn’t answer. Uncomfortable with his strange stare, she finally moved, tugging down her skirt and crossing her arms over her tattered shirt and bra. “I don’t know why you’re being so moody. Isn’t that what you’ve been angling for since I walked in here?”
“Well, I…”
“Well I?” Anna prompted. Frowning, she said, “You’re not going to act the innocent victim, are you? The ‘I was just lying here minding my own business and she fell on my cock’ defense? Besides, you should be grateful.”
Anna stood, walking to her suitcases. She opened the biggest one and pulled out a change of clothes.
“Grateful? You tempt the beast inside me, beg it to come out and play and you say I should be grateful to you for doing it?” Andre snorted in disbelief.
Anna started to laugh. “Do you actually blame me for bringing out your beast? You, who I wager has had his fair share of women in the past? I’m sure this isn’t the first time that side of you has come out during sex.”
“Well, yeah—yeah, I have.” The look on his face couldn’t have been more proud of the fact.
Why did the knowledge of him and other women make her jealous? She felt like she’d been in a five-year relationship with him, strange considering she’d just met him.
Andre took a deep breath. Did he actually say she was at fault for bringing out the beast in him? Was he complaining about being fucked by a gorgeous woman? That wasn’t like him at all. In fact, normally he’d be thinking of clever ways to get her back onto his cock, like saying, Hey, come get back on my cock.
Damn, but her pussy had been so tight and sweet. Just thinking of it made him hard again. He’d thought he’d have a much more difficult time convincing her to sleep with him, especially since she came off as so uptight. He couldn’t have been more wrong. It just proved that there were many facets to a person and the first impression wasn’t always the most accurate. Though there was something very naughty librarian about the way she acted. Almost like a sexual switch flipping on, turning her from prude to wild woman in an instant.
He’d never had a human woman so acceptingly eager to ride his panther side either. That was a shock. She’d begged for him to shift, not that he would ever fully shift into the form of the cat during sex. He’d known instinctively that was not what she meant. She wanted his eyes to change. She wanted his fangs and his claws. She wanted to play with danger.
When she’d begged to be fucked by him, he couldn’t deny her. He’d not thought, only acted on pure instinct, thrus
ting and claiming, fucking and taking all her sweet body had to give. It was only after that he’d realized he’d bitten her and made her his mate.
So soon?
Andre suppressed a moan. That was what was bothering him, not the fact that she’d fucked him. Sex was something he definitely wanted to do again. He’d just been shocked to have claimed a mate without as much as a thought of the consequences. But now that it was done, there was no undoing it. Things would have to work between him and Anna or he’d be forever alone. He wondered how she’d take the news.
“Oh, I understand now,” Anna said, her beautiful lips pulling into a pouty smile. Her red hair hadn’t fallen completely down from the bun though soft waves had come loose around her face. She looked at his crotch, to where his cock poked out from his unzipped fly. It was hard again, ready for more. “You’re grumpy because you’re not done and you think I’m going to leave you hanging.” Anna dropped her change of clothes and pulled her tattered shirt and bra off her shoulders, exposing her breasts. “What time is the reservation?”
“I forget,” he answered honestly, staring at her chest. He knew his brother would come get them when it was time to go.
“Mm, then you better start undressing because he could be here any minute.” Anna moved to the door and locked it. Andre suppressed a smile. She might talk bold but there was still some shyness in her.
“You’re not one of those chicks with a shifter fetish, are you?” The idea marred his pleasure. Those women liked him because of what he could do, not because of who he was.
“First, I am not a ‘chick’. I’m a highly intelligent woman. Second, maybe just a little fetish but I’d decided I was going to fuck you before I found out you were a shifter—if that helps set your delicate sensibilities at ease.”
“Do you always talk down to people?” He couldn’t stop the question.
“Ah…” She blinked in shock.
Andre wanted to take it back. Here she was standing with her shirt off, talking of fucking him and giving every indication she was going to do it again and he was trying to start a heated conversation with her. What in the hell was wrong with him?
Pleasure Cruise Trilogy (Box Set) Page 20