“I can’t believe you kiss your mother with that mouth. You’re lucky I know you’re teasing. Do you intentionally live to provoke men? No wonder you have a goddamned stalker.”
“See? I knew sarcastic sexual harassment would be right up your alley.” She looked back down at the card and bit her lip to keep from apologizing. If she could continue this mean sarcastic behavior, she might make it through his inspection of her apartment without embarrassing herself, or throwing herself at him. Damn, he smelled good.
“Do you always lock your windows and doors when you aren’t home and before you go to bed?” His breath tickled her ear.
Maria screamed and jumped. She held her hand against her chest, adrenaline racing through her. “Jackass.”
He smirked and crossed his arms. “Do you?”
“Did you have to scare the life out of me?”
“Just answer me.”
“Of course, I do.” She hesitated at his look of disbelief. “Well, unless I’m running downstairs to get the mail. I mean, we’re on the fourth floor. Unless he can fly, I doubt the stalker is climbing in through my window.”
“He is getting in here and taking pictures of you, though. Have you saved your correspondence from him? Have you notified the police?”
“Yeah, do you think I’m stupid? They want proof. More proof than I have.” She sighed. “Want to see my proof?”
“Yeah, I do.” Dylan walked over to the counter and pulled out one of the barstools. He looked at her laptop and the card. He didn’t touch the card, but he didn’t look as afraid of it as he had earlier. He glanced around the rest of her apartment.
Maria walked over to the closet next to the front door. She’d put everything in a box to show the police. The officer had seemed very helpful and concerned when he’d conducted the interview in her apartment, and he’d promised they’d look into matters and find out what was going on. Then when she didn’t hear back, she called the station the next day and was told that unless she had evidence of an intruder or someone that meant her harm, they couldn’t help her, but they’d send a police cruiser past her building more often.
What more could she have done to prove it? She’d set out all the evidence, but apparently the officer had been humoring her. It didn’t even matter at this point. Maybe Dylan would have some helpful advice, or could step in and get the police to listen to her.
She pulled the box out of the closet and carried it back to the counter that separated her living room and kitchen. The open floor plan of having a kitchen, dining room and living room all in one area was one of the reasons she’d chosen this apartment. And she was grateful for it now that she was stuck here with her deep, dark sexual fantasy and couldn’t touch him.
“Here it is. I think it’s self-explanatory. Letters, gifts, and pictures all from him.” She set the box on the counter and stepped back.
Even though Dylan didn’t have any sexual interest in her, the naked pictures of her in the box made her very nervous. What would he think when he saw them?
“Wait!” She stepped around the counter. “Let me remove some of—” Her words caught in her throat when she saw that he had one of the nude shots of her coming out of the shower. In the other hand was a shot of her as she was bent over, putting on her underwear.
“He’s been in here with you and you’ve never seen him?” Dylan turned to look at her, his face full of anger instead of his usual nonchalance.
“I didn’t know.” Maria shivered and rubbed her arms as she turned away. “I don’t know how he’s getting in here. Even with doors and windows locked, I find his little presents everywhere.”
“Why are you still here?”
“Where else would I go? Besides, if he is a stalker, he’ll just follow me.”
She turned back and watched Dylan set the pictures aside. His frown deepened as he picked up the peach negligee. The same one her stalker had mentioned in his phone call. Dylan’s lips thinned, and his eyes narrowed. He reached in the box again and pulled out some barely there bras and panties. The underwear and nightgowns were all either see through or lace. Her admirer didn’t want her wearing much of anything, apparently.
“This is more serious than you led me to believe. And you showed all this to the police?”
“I said I did, didn’t I? The police officer seemed very concerned at first. He even wanted to interview you and the other people in the building. Instead, he went back to the station and informed his superiors that I didn’t have any proof of a stalker, just an ardent admirer. They were willing to send a cruiser past more frequently, but really, what would that accomplish?”
“Apparently the police are dumber than I estimated. And so are you. This man is sick, Maria. You’re lucky he hasn’t already captured and raped, beaten or killed you. That you’re still standing here trying to hide the nude pictures of yourself instead of listening to me proves you are as dense as the police.”
“You’re an ass.” She stalked off to the bathroom and slammed the door. She wanted to brain him or fuck him. At this point, braining him looked better and better.
Chapter Two
Dylan struggled to keep his eyes off the photos of Maria naked. As he flipped through the box, though, there were more and more. Whoever her stalker was, he’d found a way to get in her apartment without her noticing. She was lucky to be alive.
Anger coursed through him so quickly and violently he fought hard not to reveal his vampire nature in front of her when she returned from her self-induced solitary confinement in the bathroom. When he got his hands on the bastard that dared break into Maria’s home, he’d kill him. Feast on his blood and kill him. Tear him limb from limb and let the neighborhood werewolf have what was left.
Maria might think he didn’t like her, but she couldn’t be further from the truth. She was good. A white soul. Pure, untainted. Unlike him. No matter how much he wanted to sink his fangs and cock in her, he wouldn’t give in to the urge. She deserved better.
He looked down at the photos in his hand. Maria stepping out of the shower, soaking in the bathtub, standing in her underwear, applying makeup in her bathroom. There was a picture of her entering her apartment, then pictures of her in the park, and pictures of her sleeping at night. The next set of pictures contained more full frontal nudity.
“I’m sorry.” She sighed and tugged at the pictures in his hands.
Dylan looked up and saw how red her face was. Her naïveté tugged at his heart. He released the photos and watched her tuck them in the bottom of the box. The image of her naked body had been burned into his memory now. There’d be many frustrated nights ahead for him.
“I should have removed those.” Her face flushed even more as he continued to watch her. He made her nervous. Good. Hopefully it was enough to keep her from acting on her desire. Though he’d said he knew she was teasing, and she didn’t deny it, he knew she wasn’t. He knew the truth. She wanted him. He could smell her desire. If she knew he was a vampire, she’d change her mind quick enough.
“Don’t be embarrassed. Be angry. This guy has been in your apartment with you! Do you know how lucky you are to be alive?”
“I know. I’ve gone to the police. What more can I do?”
“Let me protect you.” The minute he said the words, he regretted it. Maria paled and began to tremble. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” She answered him too quickly and backed away.
“Will you let me help you?”
She nodded but wouldn’t meet his gaze. “Please. I can’t take much more. I don’t mean to burden you—”
“Why in the world would you think you’re a burden?”
“I know I get on your nerves. I know you go out of your way to avoid me. I have enough stress and strain, but I’m scared.”
It was the look on her face that did it. Before he could think of the consequences, he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. The sweet scent of her essence mixed with her lavender lotion tickled his nose. Sounds of
muffled crying melted the tough exterior he’d been trying to maintain. He made soothing sounds as he rubbed her back.
“You aren’t a burden.”
She melted into him, rubbing her face against his chest. He bit back a groan as his cock hardened. Now’s not the time. His cock ignored him and continued to grow. He shifted, trying to ease the discomfort, but only a cold shower could help now. Or burying his dick in her softness.
“Dylan?” Her voice wavered, and his resolve weakened even more.
“Yes?”
“Will you be able to keep me safe?”
She sounded so fragile and upset that he growled and pulled her even closer. “I promise no one will harm you while I’m around.”
Maria stared into his blue eyes. Eyes so dark and deep one could fall in and get lost. Lust coiled deep in her belly. Just being near the man made her feel like a feline in heat.
She swallowed past a suddenly dry throat, afraid to blink because she didn’t want to break eye contact. The man was too handsome for his own good. He should have a warning tattooed on his body somewhere. Ohh. The thought sent a shiver of desire up her spine. Does he have tattoos? I wonder what my chances of getting to see them are.
“I swear I’ll do everything in my power to keep you safe, starting by spending the night.”
A thrill raced through her at his words. Even though he cleared his throat and flushed, she knew his attempt to backtrack would fail. Only a moron would have missed the lust in his eyes and the erection pressed against her stomach. There was no way she was going to wait another minute to find out what he tasted like.
Sliding her hand up his chest and behind his neck, she tugged him down and kissed him before he could protest. If he was going to reject her and push her away, she would take as good of a kiss as she could first.
Instead of protesting, his mouth met hers eagerly. His tongue traced along her lower lip. She parted her lips with a sigh and deepened the kiss. His hands tightened around her, and she pressed her body flush against his.
A low moan filled the air. She didn’t know or care who made the sound, but it increased her desire. Moisture soaked her panties as she rubbed her lower body against him. Electricity danced along her nerves as she moved against his erection.
One hand fisted in his thick black hair, and the other reached around his waist, pinning him against her. She wanted to wrap her legs around him and ride him. She was so horny she could probably come without even feeling his dick inside her.
Please, please, she chanted over and over in her mind. I want this man no matter what.
Dylan broke the kiss to lick and nibble his way down her chin and neck.
“Yes,” she hissed, grabbing onto his shoulders as he sucked on her neck. He alternated licking and sucking on her until she couldn’t stand it anymore. She put her hands on both sides of his face and brought him back up for a kiss.
Fueled by their mutual desire, Maria backed him up against the wall. She tugged his shirt out of his khaki pants and skimmed her fingertips over his abs.
“Maria,” he gasped when she dragged her nails along the top of his pants.
“Dylan,” she whispered, gliding her hands up his stomach and chest.
“We shouldn’t—”
She cut him off with her mouth. Kissing him was addictive. Something she could get used to. It was definitely better than letting him try to talk her out of this.
“Yes, we should.” She smiled as she slid her hand in his pants. With a moan, she wrapped her hand around his hard, warm length.
“Yes.” He groaned and pressed his forehead against her.
“I’ve wanted you ever since I moved into this building.” She slid to her knees and unbuttoned his pants. Slowly, she pulled his zipper down. “You have no idea how long I’ve fantasized about you. About this.”
He moaned when she tugged his pants open and reached inside his boxers, wrapping her hands around his erection and pulling him free of his confinement.
“Why do you fight me? I can tell you desire me. Why pretend you can’t stand me?”
“You’re too good for me.” He gasped when she tightened her hands on him.
“Too good for you? You’ve kept me horny and unsatisfied for months because you’re not good enough for me? Who are you to make that decision? Isn’t it one I should have the right to make?”
“Maria.” He moaned and fisted his hands in her hair. “Once we start, I won’t be able to stop.”
“Who said I want to stop?” She knew he wouldn’t protest anymore when he guided her head toward his cock.
She smiled as she squeezed him with both of her hands. He was long and thick, soft as velvet, and utterly intoxicating. Her mouth watered as she stared at him. Finally, she pressed her lips to the tip and kissed him.
“Mmm.” He moaned and pressed his erection against her lips.
She licked him then sucked him into her mouth. First she teased him by sucking on just the tip of his penis. He moaned and moved his hips, pushing deeper in her mouth.
She worked him with her hands and mouth, testing to see what made him tense and what didn’t. When she found the right speed, she slipped him as deep in her throat as she could and fondled his heavy sac.
His moans encouraged her. She continued to massage him, wringing animalistic sounds from deep as his balls tightened under her hand. She hummed, taking him as deep as she could.
“Ah, Maria. I’m going to come.” His fists tightened painfully in her hair as he thrust into her mouth and came with a roar.
She swallowed all he had to give and licked him clean, drinking every drop of his essence. Once she was done, she leaned back on her heels and grinned up at him. “Do you still think we shouldn’t do this? That we shouldn’t be together?”
His Adam’s apple worked as he stared down at her. “I still think I’ll only hurt you.”
“That you care enough to protect me tells me you wouldn’t hurt me intentionally.”
“Not intentionally, but this won’t last. We’re like night and day.”
“Then let’s just have as much fun as we can.” She smiled and prayed he didn’t notice she’d already lost her heart to him.
He scooped her up in his arms and carried her into the bedroom. She squeezed his biceps and tried not to squeal at his deliciously firm muscles. Finally, her dream was about to come true.
When he gently set her down on the bed, she knew he planned to treat her as if she were fragile. Whatever reason made him think he was too good for her was also going to keep him from making love to her the way she wanted.
She refused to let that happen.
Rising up on her knees, she tugged on his shirt, lifting it over his head. She wanted to get a look at him. Smooth, slick flesh covered rock-hard muscle. Her mouth went dry as she slid her hands over his body.
“Are you sure you want this, Maria?”
“Yes.” She looked up into his eyes. “I want it. I want you. I have for months. You won’t deny me now, will you?”
“No. I want you, too.” From the fire in his eyes, she knew he spoke the truth.
“How long does it take for you to…?” Maria looked down at the opening in his pants and forgot to finish speaking. She’d wanted to ask how long it would take him to get hard again, but his dick was already at full mast. Long, thick, and delicious. “Damn.”
He chuckled and quickly removed the rest of his clothing. She reached for her shirt, but he beat her to it and gently tugged it over her head. Before she could reach for him, his hands closed on her breasts.
“I suspected you didn’t wear bras.”
And sometimes not wearing them really paid off. “I didn’t think you even noticed.” She gasped when he pinched her nipples.
“Of course, I noticed. Any red-blooded man would have to be blind, stupid, or both not to notice you and your breasts. And your ass.” He slid his hands down her sides and guided her back on the bed. His nimble fingers quickly undid her shorts and pulled them a
nd her sandals off.
She smiled. He’d noticed her. Not just noticed her, but noticed her. Then his hands slid up her calves, and she forgot everything but to breathe. When his eyes met hers and held, her breath caught in her throat and heat raced through her.
“If you’re going to change your mind, you’d better do it now.”
“I’m not.” She swallowed past a dry throat and tried to interpret the look in his eyes.
“Good.” He lowered his mouth and captured hers with an expertise that made her head spin.
His hands played with her breasts and nipples while his lips, teeth and tongue wreaked havoc on her mouth, chin and neck. When his lips brushed over her carotid, she shivered and gasped. Moisture dampened her thighs from his attention. She prayed he’d never stop.
“Your neck is so sensitive,” he whispered then brushed his lips back and forth over her carotid again.
“Yeah.” The word came out on a breathy sigh. She closed her eyes and grabbed onto his shoulders when he gently bit, then sucked on the spot. “You love to play with them, too, apparently. Necks.”
“I love how responsive you are, and I have to admit I’ve been known to give a love bite or two.”
“Bite me, baby.” She opened her eyes and grinned up at him.
Dylan’s gaze seared through her. She gasped at the intensity of his expression. Whatever it was, she couldn’t identify it, but it sent shivers racing through her.
“Something wrong?”
“Nope.” She slipped her hands tight around his neck and pulled him back for a kiss.
He broke the kiss and climbed on the bed. His eagerness to be with her reassured her and gave her extra confidence. Not that she was ashamed of her body, but she didn’t often orgasm when with a man. She really hoped that all changed with Dylan. She mentally chastised herself. It wasn’t like she’d been with many men. Two sexual partners hardly constituted having sexual expertise.
When he slid between her thighs, thoughts of her previous lovers fled. He licked a path up her thigh before burying his tongue in her pussy. She closed her eyes and tilted her head back as sensations raced through her at his touch. His lips pressed against her wet folds, kissing her intimately. His tongue traced a line along her swollen lips before flicking her clit.
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