After Dark: The Complete Series

by Kahlen Aymes

  The candlelight danced off the walls and his body as she studied him, his face relaxed in repose, his hair appearing darker against the white pillowcase. Damn, he was striking— stunning. Angel let out her breath, slightly disappointed that he was already sleeping, but so appreciative of this chance to look at him unobserved.

  She bent to pick up his discarded T-shirt and slipped into it. While it was fitted on his broad shoulders and then tapered to his slim waist, the whole thing bagged on her, the V of the neckline leaving one shoulder bare. She brought some of the fabric to her nose and inhaled as she climbed into bed.

  Her fingers ached to reach out and touch him, to feel his muscles play as he moved over her and inside of her. Her body flooded with moist heat, aching, and her heart beat faster. Surely, he must hear it, she thought.

  Sitting on her knees next to him, she gave in to the need, and soon her hands were roaming over his back and shoulders, alternating gentle kneading with soft touches and the light scratch of her nails.

  Alex stirred. “Mmmmmm, that feels nice,” he said, voice muffled by his arm.

  “Just relax, go back to sleep.”

  He let her continue for five or so minutes but then turned onto his side and reached for her. “I can’t sleep with you touching me, Angel. You turn me on too much.”

  She couldn’t help notice his arousal bulging underneath the sheet and her hand closed around him. Alex’s eyes closed. “Are you sure you don’t want me to touch you?” she teased softly. He thrilled at the tone in her voice.

  “Touch me forever.” Their eyes locked.

  Angel’s heart swelled. If only he meant it. “Be careful what you ask for.”

  Alex rolled onto his back and lifted her until she straddled him, knees beside his naked hips, sitting on his thighs. His gaze burned over her in the candlelight. “As much as I adore your choice of wardrobe, I’d rather you be naked.” His hands slid up the sides of her body underneath the shirt and her arms lifted, allowing him to remove it and fling it aside.

  “Jesus,” he said softly, his hands rising to cup her breasts, thumbs teasing her nipples with practiced expertise. She was perfect, every inch of her visible to him. “You’re so damn beautiful.” Her skin ignited everywhere he touched, his fingers gentle as if she were made of porcelain, and his mouth began exploring her shoulder and the cord of her neck.

  Angel continued to pleasure him with her hands, and Alex’s breathing increased. She felt powerful, beautiful, and sexy as he fell back against the pillows with a low growl, helpless to what she was doing to him. He brought it out of her. She was more uninhibited, more wanton than she’d ever been in her life. His eyes devouring her made her ache, darkening as his hand moved down between her legs. Her head fell back as a soft moan left her mouth. He was hard as steel, but smooth as silk in her hands, a drop of clear fluid squeezed from the swollen head and she smoothed over it with her thumb.

  “Ugh,” he grunted. “I have a condom.” He reached under the pillow and pulled the foil packed from underneath.

  Angel smiled softly as her eyebrows lifted. “Pretty sure of yourself, aren’t you?”

  He ripped open the packet and chuckled. “I’m absolutely sure that I can’t be with you in a bed and not fuck you. I’ve thought of little else.”

  She watched him roll it onto his engorged cock, wondering how in the hell he could be so perfect. “So I guess you’ve given up on your quest to keep things platonic.”

  “I can’t fight it, especially when I know it’s what you want. You do want it, don’t you?” He paused, his hands sliding up her thighs to her hips and his eyes met hers in the darkness.

  “Yes. I keep saying it. So hear me.” It was soft, but it thrilled him. “Fill me.”

  He lifted her and slid inside her body in one fluid movement. “Uhhh,” he breathed. “God.” Her hips surged against his as she leaned back, bracing her hands on his thighs, enjoying every inch of his body as it pushed into hers. She was graceful, even elegant in her movements, and Alex could not take his eyes off her, even as his body tightened.

  He touched her breasts as she rode him, pulling gently on the rosy nipples until his mouth was jealous of his fingers. He could feel her body tightening around his and his pleasure became secondary to hers. He raked a hand down her body, over her flat stomach, finding the goal of her clit. Her flesh was hot, slick, and the desire to see her come overwhelmed him. He watched her face, the way she arched her back and neck, her eyes closed. When her mouth fell open, he knew she was close. Her voice and the way her body started to quiver confirmed it. “Mmmm, Alex... uhhh… God.”

  He sat up and wrapped his arms around her, one around her still moving hips, pulling her tighter against him and the other up to the back of her head. He wanted her mouth, wanted her cries of pleasure to pour into him as his would surely pour into hers. The position was so intimate, so close, torsos plastered together, hips surging with a single purpose, hands clutching in desperation and mouths sucking, taking, giving. Alex had never felt this much passion, this much frantic desire. If he could be inside her forever, he knew it would never be enough, and while it thrilled him, it scared the shit out of him too.

  Angel’s fingers in his dark hair pulled his mouth closer; their kisses intensified between their panting breaths. Their bodies dug into each other’s, harder and deeper until he felt her stiffen in his arms and she moaned his name.

  Finally letting himself go, his arms tightened. “Angel, it’s so good with you… ” He jerked hard several times as he poured into her, and she kissed the side of his jaw and then his temple, stroking back his hair over and over. They remained entwined as their breathing calmed down, hands caressing the other.

  For Alex, this was like nothing he’d ever experienced. He had no desire to disengage, throw on his clothes, and leave; it hit him like a ton of bricks. He turned his face into her neck and left a trail of kisses to her mouth as he rolled her onto her back, still embedded within her. He’d shot off so hard, he was still quaking with the aftershocks.

  “Angel… I don’t want to go. Can I stay?” His fingers gently stroked the hair back from her temple and deep green eyes found hers as his mouth hovered. Hers lifted, first nibbling, then sucking his lower lip into her mouth.

  “Yes. Stay.”

  * * *

  Alex woke with something tickling his nose and snuggled into the warmth next to him. His eyes opened with a start, realizing that he was in bed with Angel, her head resting on his chest below his chin, her long tresses splayed out on his skin, their limbs entwined.

  He’d slept with her. He liked it, more than liked it, and it left him in awe. Even now, hours later, he was in no hurry to leave. He needed to meet Cole to find out what he’d discovered, but he was reluctant to move.

  “Wow,” he muttered, running his hand over the hair on her back and down, enjoying the feel of her womanly curves against him. He sucked in his breath as the memories of the past night, well… morning, enveloped him. Angel was so free and giving, unselfish in her desire to please him, which made him want to please her even more.

  He glanced down at her sleeping face; the high cheekbones had a slight flush, below the long, lush lashes, her nose, perfect, and her luscious, full mouth swollen with his kisses. She was… resplendent. A broad smile broke on his handsome face as his hand softly kneaded her back. She snuggled closer, her leg lifting over his. Instantly, he pulled her tighter against him, turning slightly toward her and hoisting her leg higher over his hip.

  “Mmmm,” she moaned softly. “Alex.”

  His smile grew even wider. “Mmmm, Angel,” he agreed in a soft murmur against her cheek and then found her mouth with his in a gentle kiss. “Good morning.”

  Angel stretched in his arms, which made her body come in closer contact with his, pressing all the good stuff together. She smiled and opened her eyes, her hand coming to rest on his now-scruffy jaw. So strong, she thought. “Did you sleep well?”

  “Like the dead.”
<
br />   “Did I wear you out?”

  He smirked and pressed his hardening erection into her softness. “Never. I never want to leave this bed.”

  She looked into his eyes, and suddenly they were both serious. “Um…” She felt uneasy. This was too comfortable; it felt too good. If she wasn’t careful, she’d start feeling shit she didn’t want to feel; if it wasn’t already too late. Plus, he shouldn’t even be here, not if she wanted to keep the threats to him at bay. Her chest constricted.

  “What?” he asked, nuzzling with his nose. His breath was warm on her face, his voice like honey, and her body responded. She wanted him. Her fingers skittered over the hard muscles of his arms and shoulders.

  “Um… what time is it?”

  “Does it matter? It’s Saturday.” He rolled her over, covering her body with his, and continued to kiss and nuzzle, pressing her down on the mattress, hardness against softness.

  Angel closed her eyes. She had to move, to get some distance, and protect her heart. Knowing what he could bring her body to, stole her breath, but she had to think. Think, Angel!

  “Becca is coming. I mean, we always work out on Saturday.”

  Alex pulled back to look into her face, a small smile playing on his beautiful mouth. Angel’s eyes were transfixed on his, her heart thrumming in her ears. “I’ll work you out, better than Becca can, baby.” His hips moved against hers, teasing as his eyes danced mischievously.

  “No, Alex. I’d love to, but she’ll be mad at me. She’s coming all the way into town from Schaumburg.”

  Alex could see the panic in her face, and for the first time in his life, he gave a shit. He wanted to know what was behind it.

  He rolled to her side and propped his head on his elbow. “What’s bugging you? Becca isn’t the issue.”

  “Yes, she is. We promised each other that we wouldn’t change our routine because of a guy. And I’m sure you have things to do, too.” She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye, still lying on her back. “Don’t you?”

  Alex searched her expression. “I was supposed to meet my brother, but he’s never on time. It annoys the shit out of me.” He reached for the Rolex he’d placed on the side table. 11:45 AM! He sat up and ran a hand through his beautiful mess of hair, made messier by Angel during their sex play. “I do need to get going.” The woman still in repose, where he’d left her, was hard to leave. The sheet was draped over her and he could see every nuance of her body through it. “Damn if I want to, though. Angel… this is… ”

  “We don’t have to define this, Alex.”

  “Maybe I want to.”

  “Well, I don’t. I thought you just wanted to have fun, no strings.”

  His brow furrowed. “I told you that I don’t have sex with multiple women. I’d prefer that you weren’t fucking around either.”

  “But… that’s a string.” She bit her lower lip and Alex had the urge to pull it free with his thumb.

  “Are you sleeping with anyone else?”

  “Not since we’ve been—”

  He interrupted shortly. “Good. Keep it that way. I’ll make sure you’re satisfied.” He winked.

  Angel flushed, rolling her eyes. No doubt. “It isn’t that; it’s getting involved.”

  “Well, it feels involved. I stayed over, which doesn’t happen. It felt good so let’s just go with it. We’ll each have our lives, but no other lovers. We tell each other in advance if that becomes an issue. Okay?”

  Angel knew there was no way in hell she’d want to be with anyone else. Not when he wanted her. He was as close to God-like perfection as she’d ever seen, and Whitney’s description of him fell incredibly short.

  “Yeah.”

  Could she take that conversation? “Angel, I want to have sex with someone else…” She didn’t want to think about it.

  “Don’t worry so much.”

  Angel watched him as he rose and walked to the other side of the bed to find his clothes, admiring every incredible inch of his amazing physique. She rolled over and gathered the sheet closer. “So you’d have me believe that no other woman has seen that ass in the light of day?”

  He chuckled as he pulled on his jeans. “Not since college.”

  “Pity. It’s a fine ass.” She smirked and licked her lips suggestively.

  Alex laughed. “Not as fine as this one.” He slapped her on the rear and she squealed, giggling as he pulled the sheet from her, leaving her naked and sprawled on the bed, eyes wide and staring.

  Alex undid his jeans he’d just donned and then pulled her, laughing, by her ankles toward him. “I don’t think I’m leaving just yet.”

  * * *

  Becca sat at Angel’s kitchen bar scowling as she watched her friend pour orange juice into two glasses.

  “Sure you don’t want some?” Angel asked.

  “Yeah. I want to be at the gym,” she retorted.

  Angel’s expression was indulgent. “We’re going. Just a few more minutes. He’ll be out of the shower.”

  “I can’t believe this, Angel. You said you weren’t going to see him again.”

  Angel shrugged. Her black hoodie was zipped up part way over a white tank and black yoga pants, her hair in a messy bun that had tendrils falling all around, her body still feeling the effects of Alex’s possession only minutes earlier. Becca was dressed for the gym, also, but less fashionably than her friend. “I can’t help it.”

  Becca’s eyes widened as she bit down on a banana. “What?” she spoke with her mouth full. “You never fall prey to gorgeous.”

  Angel shrugged again. “Alex is… sort if inescapable, Becca. He met me after the show. He was exhausted, just back from overseas, yet he waited for me. I’m beginning to think my opinion of him was all wrong.”

  Becca finished the banana and threw the peel in the trash under the sink. “Wow. You’ve known him, what, wwo or three weeks? Maybe there’s hope for you yet.”

  “I’m still cautious, but,” she shrugged, “I enjoy being with him. I realize the risks, and my head fights with me over it, but damn, if I can resist.”

  “Must be talented between the sheets. Doesn’t help your resolve; he’s gorgeous.”

  “Yes. That. I seriously cannot help myself,” Angel agreed pointedly. The girls were giggling just as Alex walked causally down the hall.

  Freshly showered, and wearing the same clothes from the night before, Alex’s hair was damp, the strands darker and falling boyishly over his forehead. He impatiently pushed it back with his right hand. A smirk lifted his lips as he entered the kitchen. Angel nodded toward the juice waiting for him on the counter and he picked it up. “Hello, Becca.”

  “Alex.”

  He walked around Becca toward Angel, leaning down to place a short kiss on her mouth as her hand came to rest on the solid wall of his chest. Angel blushed at his easy display of affection in front of her best friend.

  Becca’s eyebrows raised and she pursed her lips, nodding to Angel behind Alex’s back. “Hot!” she mouthed.

  “Do you want something to eat?” Angel asked Alex.

  He rubbed her upper arms with his hands. “I just spoke to my brother. We’re meeting for lunch, so I’m good. I have to run, but I’ll call you later?”

  She smiled. “Dead phone. No charger, remember?”

  Alex laughed. “Oh, right. I’ll remedy that today. Call me, so I’ll have your personal number.”

  “I like the other phone.” Angel stopped herself before she revealed too much. That private line between them was super sexy.

  Alex’s eyes narrowed but he smiled, understanding. Satisfaction filled his expression. “I do, too. But, just this once.” He touched her chin with his fingers and his thumb brushed Angel’s jaw. Becca bit her lip and looked away. The gesture seemed very intimate. “Walk me to the door?”

  He took her hand and she followed slightly behind him. “I’d like to see you tonight. Are you free?”

  Angel’s brow dropped, disappointment filling her. She’d ma
de plans to meet Kenneth to discuss the next steps in the Swanson case. “Um, I have a work meeting. Actually, it’s just a casual thing, but I have to go.”

  “Will it take all evening?”

  “No, I’m meeting him at six for drinks. So I should be free by eight or so.” Inwardly cringing, she wondered how she’d get away from Kenneth that fast. He’d want to pick up where they left off, and she’d be left with no choice but to tell him she was seeing someone else. Ugh.

  “Him?” Alex’s brow raised and a soft smile lifted the corners of his mouth.

  “Uh huh. The district attorney, Kenneth Gant.”

  The name registered in Alex’s mind, Bancroft mentioned that he was the man Angel was seeing, and the hair on the back of his neck stood on end, jealousy burning in the pit of his gut. He looked down at her hands in his, his emerald eyes on fire. “I see. Let’s talk later, okay, baby?”

  “If it matters, I wish I didn’t have to go, but I do.” Something inside her wanted to make sure he knew this was business and nothing more.

  She waited for his response, and finally, his eyes met hers. He pulled her into his arms for a hug. Leaving Angel felt strange. He turned into her hair inhaling deeply, memorizing her scent. Even though Becca looked on, Alex’s mouth took hers in a passionate kiss, his tongue invading her mouth, teasing hers into play. He took his time, enjoying the feel of her mouth on his, her body in his arms, her fingers in the hair at his nape.

  When he drew away, he sucked in his breath and kissed her temple. “See ya.”

  On his way to the garage and his car, Alex shoved his hands into his pockets; his mind racing with questions about the man that Angel would be spending the evening with. For the first time in two weeks, he had the desire to read the red file. While he was confident that the passion between them was unparalleled, he wasn’t willing to leave it to fate. That’s how he won, by dissecting the competition and knowing their weaknesses.

  “Fuck me,” he muttered, running a hand through the beautiful, damp mess of hair. He knew he wouldn’t read the goddamn thing.