He was still standing close to her—so close their shoulders were brushing—so close she could smell his cologne. It had a strangely electrical note to it that smelled somehow dangerous but under that was a warm, dark, masculine spice that seemed to melt things inside her.
Again she got the strangest feeling of déjà vu. God, what was that fragrance? And where had she smelled it before? It was so familiar somehow, just like the man with the silver eyes. But how could that be when she’d never seen him before in her life?
“Shall we go inside?” he asked and Nikki realized she’d just been standing there, right inside the doorway, smelling him and looking at him. God, he really was going to think she was crazy.
“Oh, of course.” She tried to laugh again. “You have to excuse me—I didn’t, uh, get breakfast this morning and I’m a little shaky.”
“Maybe I can take you out for Mid Meal after we conclude here,” he suggested.
“Oh, that’s…that’s a nice offer but I don’t usually, uh…I mean, I just met you,” she fumbled, trying to find the words.
“Did you?” He looked at her intently. “Did you just meet me, Nicole?”
“Well…yes. Yes, of course.” She looked up at him uncertainly and found she couldn’t meet the intensity of those silver eyes. “Um, let’s go inside, shall we? This house has several unique features I think you’re just going to love.”
“After you,” he said courteously, making a sweeping hand gesture. Nikki preceded him and they found themselves in the entryway.
The house really did have an unusual layout. Instead of the usual great-room concept that combined the living room, dining room, and den all into one huge, echoing space, this house had boundaries. There was a formal living room and dining room as you first entered. Then, coming off from the center of the other side of the house was a circular staircase leading up to a second-floor landing.
“What would you like to see first?” Nicole asked the big Kindred. “The kitchen is just through here.” As she spoke, she led him through the first area with the dining and living room, through the family room, and into the other side of the house where there was a roomy kitchen and a breakfast nook.
“Tell me about the appliances you have here,” Malik said. “They look… different from the ones I am used to.”
“Oh, well there’s a…” Stove that doesn’t work, whispered that insistent little voice in her head. And remember how the cabinets wouldn’t open? And the refrigerator either? They were all just solid pieces, like in a Barbie Dream House.
No, that was crazy! Where were these memories coming from? Yet for a moment she saw it so clearly, she couldn’t go on—a lovely-looking kitchen where none of the appliances worked.
“There’s a what?” Malik asked and she realized she had trailed off in mid-sentence.
“Oh, I’m sorry! A stove—that works, of course,” she said and turned one of the knobs to convince herself as much as him. The round red circle on the flat top stove lit up cherry-red at once. “There—see?” Satisfied, Nikki snapped it off again. “And over here we have a refrigerator that really opens,” she went on, pulling open the door to show him—and herself, if she was being honest—that it really did.
“I see. Very nice,” Malik said neutrally.
“Lots of cabinets too,” Nikki added, opening one to prove to herself that it wasn’t just part of the wall, only for show. “Plenty of storage space for your pots and pans.”
“I’m afraid I don’t have any pots and pans,” he said mildly. “I don’t have any home wares at all. I only just moved to the Mother Ship a week ago and I didn’t bring anything with me from my home world.”
“Oh? And where do you originally come from?” Nikki asked, her heart pounding for some reason.
“A place called Uriel Two.” He looked at her intently as he spoke. “Do you know of it?”
“Uriel Two? Yes!” she exclaimed, then had to backpedal quickly. “I mean no—no, I’m afraid I don’t. Sorry.” What in the world had possessed her to say ‘yes’ to that question? She honestly couldn’t say except for just a moment it felt like he was mentioning a place she’d been before. Which was crazy, since she had only been to Yonnie Six and back on her one and only trip off planet.
“I see.” He nodded thoughtfully. “Can you show me more of the domicile? Where is the main sleeping chamber?”
“Oh, you mean the master bedroom? I believe it’s upstairs. Come on.”
Nikki led the way up the stairs, wishing she had on a skirt that was a little looser. Her black pencil skirt was hugging her overly-large behind and too-wide hips with every step and Malik was right behind her, watching her with those silver eyes.
Don’t be ridiculous, she told herself uneasily. A guy like that can have anyone he wants. He’s not getting excited staring at a middle-aged, plus-sized Realtor. In fact, he’s probably thinking you ought to lose some weight.
“You’re an Elite, Mistress,” whispered a voice in her head—the voice of some memory she couldn’t quite bring all the way to the forefront of her brain. “A female whom the Goddess has blessed with generous curves. You’re beautiful.”
Nikki shook her head as they reached the top of the stairs. Now where had that come from? What a weird idea, that some guy would like her not despite her over-generous curves but because of them. Yeah, right—like that would ever happen…
She reached the top of the stairs and stood to one side for Malik. As unobtrusively as she could, she straightened her white silk blouse and pulled her professional-looking black blazer closed. There—at least the black had a slimming effect—as long as she didn’t take off the blazer she’d be fine.
“I believe this is the master suite right here,” she said, leading him into a large bedroom at the end of the upstairs hall.
“The furnishings in here are nice,” he remarked. “Would they come with the house?”
“Oh, uh…” Nikki stared at the king-sized bed which was a four-poster with a pale blue spread. But for a moment, all she could see was a huge bed with a crimson-red mattress and a black framework.
There were all kinds of devices hung on the walls, whispered the little voice in her head. There were whips and floggers and paddles…there was even a cage big enough to hold a man—no, a slave. A bodyslave.
A what? Nikki shook her head, trying to rid herself of the crazy little voice but it refused to be silenced.
He knelt in front of you, it whispered. He called you “Mistress” and kissed you—kissed your panties
“Nicole?” The big Kindred was looking at her intently again. “Are you well?”
“I’m sorry,” she said, trying to regain her composure. “You were asking if the furnishings came with the house? I don’t really know but I can check for you. The seller might be willing to part with them.”
“Can we see the bathing area?” he asked.
“Of course. This way.” Nikki led the way into the en suite bathroom. The first thing she noticed was the huge, round tub, big enough for two.
He made love to me in the bathtub, whispered the little voice—it was relentless now. He bonded me to him. We made love for hours and he filled me again and again…
Suddenly her heart was pounding and it seemed like she couldn’t get a deep enough breath. Her head was filled with naughty thoughts and strange images—Malik on his knees before her as she sat by the side of the tub…Let me pay obeisance to your pussy, Mistress. Let me kiss you and show you my respect… Malik in the tub, cradling her against his big body, his large warm hands roaming over her body, washing her…caressing her…making her hot… Malik under her as she straddled him, taking his long, thick shaft inside herself, telling him she wanted more…that she wanted it all…
Stop it, stop it! What’s wrong with me? I have to stop thinking like this!
“Please excuse me. I’m not feeling well.” Putting a hand to her head, Nikki stumbled out of the bathroom. Her heel caught on the edge of the rug and she twisted and start
ed to fall.
I really am going crazy, she told herself as the floor tilted towards her at alarming speed. I can’t get these thoughts out of my head!
Then, just before the hardwood floor could flatten her nose, strong arms swooped her up and she found herself being cradled against a broad, muscular chest.
His warm scent was all around her, surrounding her, filling her senses, making her feel drunk and dizzy with lust. Her nipples were so tight they hurt and below the waist she was absolutely molten with desire.
What’s wrong with me, getting the hots for some client I’ve never met before? Nikki thought dizzily. But she had met him—she was sure she had! Or else why was she having all these crazy memories and fantasies about him? Was his scent acting like some kind of aphrodisiac on her? It was making her feel like she was going to crawl out of her skin with sexual need!
Didn’t they say that scent was the sense tied most strongly to memory? And now she kept having all these strange memories of desire. It seemed to work in a loop—the longer she breathed him in—breathed in that spicy, electrical cologne he was wearing—the more the memories filled her brain and the stronger her need became. It was all she could do not to twist in his arms and reach for him, all she could do not to drag him down for a kiss.
If he doesn’t put me down soon, I’m going to lose it, she thought desperately. I’m going to embarrass myself and lose my job for coming on to a client! What’s wrong with me?
She expected Malik to set her on her feet or maybe lay her on the bed. Instead, he sat down on the mattress still holding her cradled against him.
“Mr. Malik?” she asked, not liking the way her voice was shaking. “Can you…could you please put me down?”
“Not until I’m certain you’re all right.” His voice was a soft, deep rumble that was somehow familiar.
He’s held me like this before. After he massaged me and made me come and I started to cry. He held me and just let me cry. He was so gentle…so sweet…
No! Nikki tried to push the crazy memory out of her head. What was happening to her? Was she losing her mind?
It’s because I’m breathing his cologne—it’s laced with something, she thought wildly. Some kind of aphrodisiac. I have to get away from it!
“Excuse me but I really need to get up!” She struggled in his arms and he set her down on the bed beside him, reluctantly, she thought.
“Are you well? You seem agitated,” he remarked.
“I…I think I’m allergic to your cologne,” Nikki blurted. “It’s making me have all kinds of crazy thoughts.” She shook her head. “Oh God, I’m so sorry—that sounds completely insane. Please, forgive me. I just—”
“What kind of thoughts?” he asked quietly.
“I—what?” Nikki couldn’t believe he wasn’t getting up and making excuses to get away from the crazy Realtor lady who was freaking out on him. Instead, he looked at her intently.
“I said, what kind of thoughts are you having?”
“I…I can’t tell you,” she protested, her cheeks getting hot with a sudden blush.
“Are they…sexual in nature?” He was still speaking softly, not trying to touch her, but they were side by side and the heat from his big body felt like it was branding her.
“I…what would make you think that?” Nikki demanded. “I don’t even know you. I’m not going to just…just…”
“Maybe you know me more than you think,” he murmured. “And what makes me think your thoughts are sexual, is your sweet scent, Nicole. A Kindred’s senses never lie—I can smell your heat.”
He inhaled deeply and his silver eyes were suddenly half-lidded. The look he directed at her was positively hungry. He made Nikki think of a big cat, like a lion or a tiger, lounging beside her, staring at her with lazy lust.
“I…I don’t know what you mean,” she said, crossing her legs and pressing her thighs together tightly.
“I think you do,” he said in that soft, deep voice.
“It’s just your cologne,” Nikki protested. “It…it’s making me dizzy.”
“I’m not wearing cologne, Nicole,” he said quietly. “What you’re smelling is my bonding scent—a blend of pheromones a Kindred male makes only for his mate—or the female he hopes will be his mate.”
“Are you saying that your body is…is making a scent just to draw me in?”
Nikki could hardly believe him. This was all crazy, right? But if so, why couldn’t she muster the will to get up and get away from him? Why was she fighting with every ounce of will power she possessed not to climb into his lap and grind her body wantonly against his? What was wrong with her?
“That’s exactly what I’m saying…Mistress.”
“What? What did you call me?” Nikki looked up at him, wide-eyed. “Why would you call me that?”
“Because you were my Mistress—for a time,” Malik rumbled softly. “I gave myself to you, body and soul. And you…you gave yourself to me as well. Do you begin to remember?”
“I…I have all kinds of crazy thoughts in my head,” Nikki admitted in a shaky voice. “Thoughts that feel like memories. But they can’t be true, can they? I’ve never met you before.”
“Not in this time-line, you haven’t,” Malik said. “But there was another time—a time we shared. No one now remembers it but me, because time was changed. And you…you only have shadow-memories of it, of all we shared…all we were to each other. I am here hoping to bring those memories forward—to bring you back to me.”
Part of Nikki wanted desperately to believe him. She had never felt so drawn to anyone in her life. It was as though the big Kindred had the other half of her heart—the part that had been missing ever since that strange moment of disorientation on the ride home to Earth. But the rational part refused to believe.
“I’m sorry,” she said. “This is…too crazy. I feel like things are getting out of hand. I think we should leave now.”
“Wait.” He put a hand on her arm as she started to get off the bed. “Let me do one thing—give you one kiss—to try and bring your memories out of the shadow realm and into reality.” His silver eyes were filled with longing. “If it fails you can send me away forever but please, Nicole—let me just try.”
She started to refuse out of hand but there was something about him that drew her so strongly she couldn’t get the words out. She opened her mouth and heard herself ask,
“Just…just one kiss?”
“One kiss,” he promised.
“Well…” She bit her lip. “I…I suppose one kiss can’t hurt.”
What are you talking about? demanded the rational part of her brain. Of course it will hurt—he’s a client! You can’t just go kissing clients! What about your professional credibility?
But Malik was already sliding off the bed to kneel on the floor before her. He looked up at her expectantly.
“Will you part your thighs, so that I can kiss you…Mistress?”
There it was again—that title. She’d been called “Mistress” the entire time she was impersonating her evil twin on Yonnie Six, but somehow that word in Malik’s mouth seemed to turn her bones to butter.
“My…my thighs?” she asked breathlessly. “But I thought you wanted to kiss me.”
“So I do.” Malik’s silver eyes were filled with that lazy lust again, half-lidded and hungry. “Will you spread your legs for me so that I can?”
“But…but…” she tried to protest but somehow she found that his big warm hands were on her knees and she was opening for him, her skirt riding up to show her innocent white lace panties.
What are you doing? screamed the rational part of her brain. You can’t do this with him! What’s wrong with you?
Nikki tried to care about it, tried to listen to the voice of reason, but she just couldn’t. At that moment she truly understood the phrase—“The heart wants what the heart wants.”
Only in this case, it’s not your heart you’re listening too, whispered the little voice in her h
ead.
True, she had to admit, and yet she still couldn’t make herself care—couldn’t make herself do anything but part her thighs at Malik’s gentle urging. Besides, it was only one kiss…
“Yes, only one kiss,” he murmured and she realized that she had spoken the last words aloud. “Just one, to try and jog your memory, Mistress.”
“All…all right,” Nikki breathed. She was reclining back on the bed, propped up on her elbows by this time, with her thighs spread wide, thought she hardly knew how she had gotten into such a provocative position. The big Kindred was kneeling between her legs, a look of hungry anticipation in his eyes.
Leaning forward, he pressed his face against the lace crotch of her panties and rubbed against her, inhaling deeply as though to savor her scent.
“Oh!” Nikki gasped, her hips jerking involuntarily. His hot breath against her pussy through the thin lace was like an erotic jolt to her entire system. Had her nipples been tight before? Now they ached with need. And her pussy felt so wet and hot she was afraid her juices would start seeping through her underwear!
Thank goodness she had panties on to keep him from realizing what he was doing to her, she thought. If he knew it would be so embarrassing!
But the next moment, Malik was reaching up to tangle his long fingers in the lace sides of her panties and pulling them down.
“Wait—wait a minute!” Nikki put out a trembling hand to stop him. “What are you doing? You said just one kiss.”
“But I haven’t kissed you yet,” he rumbled. “I have only scented you. And gods, Nicole, your scent is so damn sweet.” His voice was a low, lustful growl. “Love the warm, feminine scent of your pussy, sweetheart—I could come just from breathing you in. But now I need to taste you.”
“You…you mean kiss me,” Nicole corrected him in a shaky voice. “That was what you promised—just one kiss.”
“Of course.” He rubbed her inner thighs soothingly with his big, warm hands. “But in order to kiss you properly, I have to take off your panties and spread your pussy. How else can I pay my obeisance to my Mistress properly?”
Twisted: Brides of the Kindred 23 Page 37