Camouflage (Predator and Prey #1)

by Angelica Chase

  It was the first time I’d ever screamed a man’s name when I came.

  Shockwave after shockwave ripped through me as I opened my eyes to see Daniello still thrusting but watching me intently. It lasted far longer than I was familiar with and with another quick movement of his hips, I dissolved again.

  Daniello rose to his knees, keeping us connected and me wrapped around him as he pounded into me without mercy. With one hand wrapped around me to keep me centered, he used his spare hand to clutch my throat. I lay limp in his arms, fighting the constriction of my airway as my spent body took every hard inch of him.

  It was ecstasy.

  With a grunt of exertion, I was released and fell back into the bed as Daniello threw his head back and let go. I watched his muscles tighten and his jaw clench as he thrust one last time and came.

  It was the best fuck of my life.

  I heard heavy breathing and froze. I couldn’t remember the last time I had allowed another man to sleep in my bed. I also couldn’t remember falling asleep, for that matter. I moved to get up but was trapped by a captive arm and silky, dark skin. He curled his fingers around my hip and stroked lightly before he released me. I looked at him sleeping and inwardly groaned. His hair fell over his face, covering my appreciative view aside from the sheet that revealed a ripped muscled back and the top of his perfect firm ass. He took immaculate care of his body and it was completely evident as I stared at the side of his rippled torso that led down to his perfect, solid cock. His only imperfection was a large scar that wrapped around his trim waist. He was massive and completely capable.

  One night, that’s what we both agreed to.

  It was over. And the truth was, I didn’t want it to be. Sure he was arrogant to the point of infuriating, but in bed, he was an enigma. He could read my body and gave it exactly what it longed for. I was ravaged and sore from last night but felt the evidence of my lust renewed as my pulse thrummed between my legs.

  We didn’t have to be best friends to have amazing sex. Hell, we didn’t even have to talk. But it was more than that. He intrigued me. Reaching over, I brushed his dark hair away from his face to reveal two golden eyes gazing up at me.

  “You like me,” he whispered with amusement.

  “I like the way you fuck,” I answered honestly.

  “So am I to assume you want another night with me?”

  “Nope,” I said with a small smile.

  “That is the first time I have seen that,” he said, brushing my exposed nipple with his fingers as I sat before him, bare and uninhibited.

  “Seen what?” I asked as he moved to stroke my naked thigh, his fingers leading sensation from the place he was coveting to the center of my soaked core.

  “That is the first time you have ever smiled at me.” Seeming to read my needy body, he pushed me down beneath him. “I will maybe think about it.”

  “Think about what?” I asked as he centered himself at my entrance and began to stroke my pulsing clit. I licked my lips as I looked up at him and he stared down at me, a solid wall of beautiful, raw man.

  “Fuck,” he hissed as his pulsing, hard cock entered me slowly. He looked down at me with lust in his eyes but a smug grin. “Sharing more time with you.”

  “Oh, go to—” And my words were sucked away with one hard hungry thrust. Appraising him with lips parted, I saw raw and primal hunger. The man was surreal and I decided then I did want more from him. I knew it last night. I also knew I didn’t have to think twice about getting my emotions involved. Our sexual connection was off the charts, but I was positive I could keep my emotions out of it. It wasn’t something I even had to worry about. And just as I thought that, his eyes softened slightly above me.

  The truth was, I wanted him to think about it. I wanted him to think about me, crave me, and end my wait of finding the perfect sexual partner, no matter how temporary it may be.

  Suddenly, he withdrew and slunk down between my thighs, lifting my lower half up with his palm and cupping my ass in front of him as if I weighed nothing.

  Flattening his tongue, he devoured my pussy eagerly as I gripped his shoulders. It took no time for my orgasm to build. “You like being in the palm of my hand, Taylor?” The curl of his tongue around my name had my orgasm surfacing.

  “Mmm,” I answered as he darted his tongue expertly on my clit. He stopped his torture and looked up at me just as I was about to breach.

  “You are a good little mouse in bed, no?” I glared at him as his head descended and just as I was about to feel his tongue again, I pushed him away.

  “No,” I said as I roughly positioned my fingers between my pussy lips and he watched me rub out my orgasm. I could tell he delighted in my rebellion as he witnessed me come with an amused grin.

  He flipped me suddenly and his weight settled between my thighs as he curled his arms around my shins pulling them up with him as he impaled me. I screamed out in ecstasy, feeling his hot breath on my neck.

  “Do you want a lover or do you want a master?” he gritted out as he pulled back and sharply thrust again.

  “Oh fuck,” I cried as I reached out for anything to hold onto, finding leverage as I gripped the edge of the mattress.

  “Answer me, Taylor.” He pushed in again and took all of my good sense as I gave him my one word answer.

  “Both,” I begged as he hit me again and again, fucking me hard, leaving my throat dry with wordless cries.

  “You want to be dominated, that is why you go to a club and beg for it, no?” his question dripped with sarcasm as he swiveled his hips, making sure I felt every single movement. “You like to play with little boys who demand your obedience and tickle your little cunt with feathers. This is the kind of man you need?”

  “Oh, God.” I braced myself against the sheer force of him as he drove in hard, deep, and punishing.

  “Fucking amateurs,” he hissed as he gripped my hips and pulled me off the bed, holding all my weight as he jackhammered his hips until I screamed. “Do you not agree?”

  “Daniello,” I pleaded as he stroked hard and I buckled and crashed under him. He didn’t let up as he continued his taunt. “Ah, are you begging, Taylor?”

  More rough pounding with precision had my whole body wound tight, and I felt myself tremble as he hit me again where I needed him. I succumbed and felt my release coat him and wash my thighs. I’d never come so hard and chanted my praise.

  “I feel that you agree with me,” he whispered as he slowed to a stop, setting my legs down and lifting my upper body so I was on all fours. Pushing his fingers into me, he captured my orgasm between them and rubbed it over me as he continued. “I need no feathers.”

  “Daniello,” I whispered, exhausted but wanting more, needing more.

  “I like the way my name falls from your lips.” I felt the heat of his hands as he massaged my back in slow circles. “A good lover does not need to ask permission.” Daniello’s touch ignited me further, and even after two powerful orgasms, I pushed my ass out, seeking more from him.

  “We will do this my way, and my way only. Where I choose, when I say, understood?” I moaned as his fingers curled inside of me, drawing out more. I buckled slightly and he slapped my pussy hard in warning.

  “Understood, Taylor Ellison?”

  “Yes,” I conceded, still on fire.

  “You have pleased me this morning.” I felt his cock brush my thigh as he continued to rub the muscles of my back, leaving me sinking into him.

  I didn’t need time to realize he was exactly right. A good lover didn’t need permission. In that moment, I was willing to do whatever the hell he wanted, and do it with enthusiasm.

  Lover was suddenly a powerful word. And the clear definition was behind me now, making me feel even more powerful with each stroke of his hand.

  He moved to lie down and I instantly hovered, aligning my tingling center to his greedy stiff cock.

  “Make me crave you, Taylor,” he whispered as our eyes locked.

 
I sunk slowly down, reveling in the feeling. The friction was unbelievable as I dug my nails into his chest. Daniello’s eyes closed briefly at our connection before opening. I basked in the intensity for only a moment before I began to move my hips.

  This wasn’t just sex. It was an experience.

  I rode him hard, showing my appreciation as he controlled me only slightly with his hands on my sides.

  “Let go,” he ordered as he looked up at me and my controlled movements. I let my head fall back and did as I was told as our bodies crashed together.

  “Taylor,” he hissed as his cock jerked inside of me with his release. His resignation pushed me over and I braced myself as the wave hit me. Daniello sat up quickly as I began to come, taking my mouth and my moans. In his kiss, I felt something powerful: need, passion, and tenderness. My moaning continued as his kiss softened and his hands soothed me, covering me from my shaking shoulders to my quivering hips. Our tongues did our bidding in place of words as we took and took until both of us were forced to take a breath. I gasped as our lips parted, seeing recognition in his eyes as he pulled away.

  Exhaustion quickly set in as I tried to gather my senses. I felt his breath on my shoulder before his lips came down and caressed it. He made his way slowly from one to the other in reverent kisses before he sank his teeth into my neck, covering it with his warm mouth. I was instantly renewed as he caressed my back with his hands and laved me with his tongue. His touch was gentle as I recovered and we both separated slightly away to study each other.

  Instantly uncomfortable with the intimacy, I freed myself from our tangled limbs and made my way to the bathroom without looking at him for a reaction. When I exited the hot shower, I checked my emails, seeing I had an hour to spare before I had to head to the office. I opened the door to find my bedroom empty.

  I didn’t know if I expected to find him there and now I had my answer.

  The man was a ghost.

  And now I knew they existed.

  The purple bruise on my breast and the soreness between my thighs told me so.

  Days later, I was in my office scrolling through my emails. I’d been debating on whether or not to take the time off Nina had urged me to, but I had no idea what I’d do with it. I’d tried to keep my mind off Daniello, but found my hand beneath the sheets every night to the memory of him.

  It was that good.

  I went through my day as I always did: with precision and without distraction. I had a company to run and being in a dick daze was not an option.

  A delivery of solid white roses arrived toward the end of my day, and I immediately threw them out. Before anyone—including my assistant, Ross—had a chance to ask, I made an excuse that they were a thank you from a client.

  Irritated, I left work that night looking for an SUV, and finding nothing.

  It was clear to me then I didn’t like the situation. I needed order and some control. I had none and I was longing for him. I went to bed that night with my hands firmly planted beneath my pillow.

  The sun was unforgiving as I sat on the curb in front of the five and dime, waiting on my father to gather his weekly list at the tractor supply store across the street. I was filthy from head to toe from a day’s worth of cleaning and could feel my throat closing from thirst. I spotted the shiny metal underneath a small patch of grass growing in the crack of the sidewalk and lunged for it. I was met by what felt like a brick wall as my fingers grazed the quarter.

  “I saw it first,” the wall replied. “Too slow.”

  I shielded my eyes from the sun and audibly whimpered at the loss as I tried to get a good look at the boy who had just barreled over me.

  “Give it back,” I shrieked as my thirst outweighed my fear. He was taller than me and I assumed a couple years older. His dark brown hair stuck to the sides of his head in a sweaty heap. I noticed his clothing was tattered, torn, and way too small for him. It was nothing out of the ordinary here. Very few of us sported new clothes, even at the beginning of the school year. I didn’t recognize this boy, though.

  “Please,” I pleaded. “I’m thirsty. I’ll buy you a soda, too. They are only fifteen cents. I have five more in my pocket.” The only soda the Lil’ General sold were old, flat cans of Shasta. Even as cheap as they were, it was a rip off.

  He shook his head as he stood above me. “Sorry, kid, I have plans for this.”

  “It’s just a quarter,” I said, standing in front of him.

  “But it’s my quarter now,” he said, taunting me.

  “Fine, take it,” I said, dusting off my shorts. He leaned in and I could see the large amount of freckles covering his nose.

  “What are you willing to do for it?” he asked playfully, his blue eyes twinkling with amusement. “Maybe if you wash my bike I’ll consider it.”

  I looked around with a small amount of excitement, but saw no bike. None of my friends had one and I’d never learned how to ride. I don’t know why I thought this boy would be willing to teach me.

  “You don’t have a bike,” I said, clearly irritated. “And I wouldn’t wash a thing for you.”

  “Sure you would. And if I give you this quarter, it won’t be helping my chances of owning one.” He put the quarter in his pocket and tilted his head sideways. “I’ve never seen hair as red as yours. You look like a circus clown.”

  I huffed as I looked up at him. “And you are the ugliest boy I’ve ever laid eyes on.”

  He laughed as if my statement was ridiculous. “How old are you?”

  “None of your business,” I said testily as I scanned the street for my father. His old, beat up Chevy was still parked at the supply store. I suddenly wished he’d hurry up so I could get away.

  “Look, Red, I’ll make you a deal.”

  I looked up at him with anger. “Don’t call me Red ever again.”

  “Anyway, Red, I’ll buy you a soda if you agree to wash my bike.”

  “You don’t have a bike. And do you really think fifteen cents is worth it?” I rolled my eyes as he smiled at me.

  “I will own a bike and you sure look thirsty.”

  I was covered in sweat at that point and knew my time was running out. “Fine, but only once, and I doubt you’ll ever get one, anyway.”

  He didn’t say another word as he walked into the store and came back minutes later with a grape soda. I looked at him curiously. “I could give you my money and you could get yourself one.”

  “Good idea,” he said, holding out his hand as I popped the top on the ice cold can and swallowed half of it while digging in my pocket and handing him my money. He took it and slipped it into his pocket as he remained standing in front of me.

  “Well, aren’t you going to buy one?” I asked, giving him an odd look.

  “Taylor,” I heard my father call from across the street. I looked to see him hoisting up two bags of fertilizer and throwing it in the back of the truck.

  “Coming, Daddy,” I shouted, taking my eyes back to the strange boy on the street.

  “Taylor,” he said grinning. “I’m Lazarus, but you can call me Laz.”

  “Okay,” I said quickly. “I have to go, bye.” I handed him my remaining soda, which had only a sip left, and he smiled at me.

  “See ya,” he said a few beats after I started to walk away. I looked back over my shoulder and saw he was still smiling, so I gave him a small smile back. Deep down, I hoped he really didn’t think I look like a circus clown, because I lied when I said he was the ugliest boy I’d ever seen.

  I got back into the truck with my father and slammed the door hard like he taught me so it didn’t open suddenly like it had the last few times I’d ridden in it.

  “See you met our new neighbor’s kid.” I looked up at him curiously. My father and I rarely spoke. My new neighbors were news in this town. No one ever chose to live in Dyer. The nearest house to ours was nearly half a mile away and was a little more run down than our farmhouse.

  “Yeah, his name is Laz. He bought me a soda
.”

  “Laz, huh? Odd name.” I nodded, not knowing if he saw me. That was the last we spoke as we made the fifteen minute drive home.

  The following week, I saw Laz with a brand new Huffy riding down the dirt road toward my house. The moment I saw him, I couldn’t explain the amount of pride I felt for him. He was the first person I’d ever met that actually did what he said he was going to. I ran to meet him just as he cornered my driveway.

  “You got one!” I said in sheer delight as he smiled at me proudly.

  “Told you I would,” he said, catching his breath.

  “You want me to wash it now?” I asked as he put down the kickstand.

  “Nah, some other time.” He studied me for a long minute before he looked back at the bike.

  “No one in our school has one,” I said, “except for Lucy Hardin. She has everything.” I snorted in disgust. “Her parents own half the town. I can’t stand her.”

  It was on the tip of my tongue to beg him to let me try to ride it, but I knew better.

  Laz studied me for a moment before piping up. “You going to let me come in and see your room?”

  I took a step back and shook my head. I hadn’t even thought of the fact that he shouldn’t be here. I was reminded when my mother’s shriek interrupted my thoughts.

  “Taylor, get your ass back into this house!” I jumped when the screen slammed shut and winced when I saw the shock on Laz’s face. My mother weighed less than a hundred pounds and was a horrific sight with deep etched pock marks covering her face and her signature out of control dark red hair. She had once been a beautiful and voluptuous woman from what I gathered from my father, who to this day still bowed down to her every whim.

  “Who the hell is this?” she seethed as she took a step down from the porch. “You the new neighbor?”

  Laz nodded, still assessing my mother’s looks, and remaining silent. “Don’t you know it’s dangerous to be here, boy? Didn’t anyone warn you away? Go on ...get.”