by Lynn Hagen
Devil’s smile was genuine. “Deal.”
Ryan rolled to his back and spread his arms and legs. “Then get over here and have your way with me.”
Devil’s stripped off his pants and tossed them aside in a heartbeat. He stood over Ryan, looking down at him, his cock fully erect and blocking Ryan’s view of his face—not totally, but Devil was hung nicely. Ryan’s ass recalled the pounding it had taken the first time they’d had sex.
And his body wanted a second go-round.
Ryan pushed to his hands and knees and crawled up Devil’s legs. Devil’s eyes became heavy-lidded and intense, as though he was waiting to see what Ryan would do.
Ryan traced his bottom lip with his tongue, then moaned before licking his way up Devil’s hard cock. Devil hissed, grabbing the base of his boner and directing the head to Ryan’s lips. Droplets of pre-cum dotted the slit, and Ryan lapped them up like candy.
Devil hissed again and his features grew tighter. His blue eyes took on a wild look as he poked the head harder against Ryan’s mouth.
“Is there something you want?”
Devil twisted his lips to the side. “I think I’m spelling it out pretty clearly, unless I need to break out the markers and coloring paper. But just so you know, I suck at drawing.”
Ryan grinned, then gave the head another swipe with his tongue. “Yeah, I’m getting the message loud and clear.”
“Then stop fucking teasing me.”
“But that’s part of the fun.” Ryan took the head into his mouth, lapping at it like his favorite treat. Moments later, Devil was punching his hips forward, face-fucking Ryan as Ryan took every inch Devil shoved into his mouth.
Ryan teased with his tongue, scraped with his teeth, and moaned as the head slid down his throat over and over again. Devil’s taste was…Ryan was lost, consumed, and just as excited as he had been the first time.
He was thoroughly enjoying what he was doing until Devil pulled back, taking his cock with him. The skin was covered with Ryan’s saliva and swollen, pre-cum still leaking from the slit.
“What the hell?” Ryan got to his feet. “Why’d you stop the fun?”
Devil walked into the bedroom, then returned with the bottle of lube from Ryan’s nightstand in his grip.
“I stopped because when I come, I want it to be in your ass.” Devil picked Ryan up around his waist and took him to the couch. He made Ryan bend over the back and grip the fabric as Devil kicked his legs apart.
Ryan’s heart thumped wildly as wet fingers probed his aching hole. He bit his bottom lip, closed his eyes, and breathed out slowly. Devil was definitely bigger than any of Ryan’s past lovers. Even his fingers were almost too much for Ryan.
But Devil took his time, moving his digits slowly, his other hand sliding over Ryan’s nape before his fingernails scraped along Ryan’s scalp. Then his hand moved down Ryan’s back and massaged his left cheek as his fingers worked their magic in Ryan’s ass.
Ryan was on his tiptoes with sensations crashing inside him. He bent farther over the couch, his nails digging hard into the fabric. He whimpered and wiggled his ass, but one tight squeeze from Devil’s hand rendered him immobile.
“I’m not allowed to move?” Ryan looked over his shoulder and saw how intently Devil was watching what he was doing.
He looked at Ryan and their gazes locked. “I’m too close. Seeing your ass move like that might take me over the edge too soon.”
Ryan loved that he affected Devil that way. It was a powerful feeling—like a drug, even. He wiggled his ass again. “You mean like this?”
Ryan yelped when Devil smacked his ass. He’d never been into kinky play, but the stinging made him even harder.
“Don’t even think about it,” Devil said, as if he could read Ryan’s mind. “Trust me. You want me in your ass.”
“Then hurry up.” Ryan parted his lips, trying to pull enough air into his lungs. The fact the edge of the couch was pressing into his chest didn’t help. But that wasn’t the reason he was short of breath.
It was because of what Devil was doing to him—the thrill he evoked in Ryan. The anticipation, the excitement, and the need for release.
Devil’s fingers pulled out and Ryan felt empty until Devil pressed the head of his cock against Ryan’s stretched and lubed hole. He sucked in a breath seconds before Devil punched his hips forward, driving his cock all the way in.
Had Devil acted like this before Ryan had gotten to know him, he might have been too terrified to talk to him again. Devil was a force to be reckoned with but he let his guard down around Ryan. The fact Devil had given him that much trust was special to Ryan.
And now he gave Ryan his desires, unleashing on him, bringing Ryan so much pleasure that he felt like he was drowning in it.
Devil kissed along Ryan’s bare shoulder, leaving wet marks behind as he nibbled and licked, kissed and simply sniffed Ryan’s skin. “I need more,” Devil whispered.
Ryan had no idea what he meant until Devil pulled out, turned Ryan to face him, and said, “Hook your legs around my waist.”
Oh, this sounds fun. Ryan did as Devil commanded. His mate placed Ryan against the wall, lifted Ryan’s ass, then drove back inside him.
That was what Devil had wanted, to look into Ryan’s eyes as he fucked him silly. The buildup came quick, and Ryan clawed at Devil’s back.
“Harder,” Devil growled. “Leave your mark on me.”
Ryan wasn’t the only one who wanted to be owned. Devil seemed to be desperate for it, so Ryan dug his nails in deeper as he bit at Devil’s shoulder with blunt teeth.
“Oh, fuck.” Devil tilted his head back, hissing as his eyelids fluttered closed. It was the sexiest sight Ryan had ever seen. He owned Devil right now, his body, his pleasure, and his orgasm. Devil was at Ryan’s total mercy.
A determined growl rumbled up Devil’s chest, as if he knew what Ryan was thinking and agreed.
When Ryan pulled his head back, he saw Devil’s canines. He hadn’t imagined them before. Devil’s blue eyes glowed as he lowered his head and stared at Ryan.
Another quick thrust, those glowing beauties, and Devil’s scent made Ryan cry out, his orgasm shaking him apart. As his cum slicked their bodies, Devil sank his canines into Ryan’s shoulder as he pistoned inside Ryan’s ass.
Ryan’s body pulsed even harder, his balls so tight he feared they would shrivel into tiny raisins.
Then Devil slowed, licking where he’d bitten Ryan and murmuring softly as he nuzzled Ryan’s neck.
How had Ryan lived his life without this man in it before now? Ryan slid his fingers through Devil’s matted hair, soaking in his scent, reveling in his mate’s touches, his soft kisses, and the way he kept sniffing along Ryan’s collarbone.
He’d been foolish to think Devil had been at his mercy. It had been the other way around. Ryan had been owned tonight, and he couldn’t have been happier. He rested his head on Devil’s shoulder and sighed. “By the way, I’m jobless.”
Devil kissed Ryan’s Adam’s apple. “Then you’ll come work at Krave.”
Just like that, Devil had solved Ryan’s dilemma. “Doing what exactly?”
“The paperwork I hate doing.” Devil tucked a finger under Ryan’s chin and made him look at his mate, look at those gorgeous blue eyes. “You’re good with numbers, right?”
“I’m the man for the job.” Ryan gave him a quick kiss. “Now let me down. My legs are cramping.”
Devil shook his head. “You’re right where you’re supposed to be, in my arms, handsome. And I’m never letting you go.”
Ryan patted Devil’s back. “Then carry me to the shower.”
Devil’s grin lit up the room. “As you command.”
Rolling his eyes, Ryan said, “You’re so full of it.”
Devil punched his hips upward, his softening cock still buried in Ryan’s ass. “I think you’re the one who is full.”
Ryan didn’t think he could be any happier than he was at the moment. He was glad
he’d discovered Krave, glad Jeff had broken up with him, and… “Where did Henry go?”
One of Devil’s brows arched. “The last I saw him, Nyx had carried him away.”
Ryan would have to call Henry. Nyx was Devil’s friend, and Ryan didn’t think Henry would be in danger. But the call could wait. Ryan needed a shower and for Devil to rock his world one more time.
Or two.
Maybe three.
Chapter Ten
After the fiasco with Jeff, Devil didn’t take any chances that Ryan would be put in harm’s away again. He worked his list with a vengeance, checking off each name with swift justice. He didn’t tell Ryan where he was headed each night, and Ryan—who still struggled with the morality of what Devil was doing—didn’t ask.
For that, Devil was thankful. But he also felt sorry for his mate, for having pulled him into this darkness in the first place. But Devil planned on making it up to him—even if it took fifty years or more to do so.
That was one reason Devil decided to visit the ancient vampire instead of having the money wired to his account. He needed to end his other job. He couldn’t live with the suspicious look in Ryan’s eyes, and, in truth, the weight of taking lives, even if they deserved to be taken, was a heavy burden Devil wasn’t cut out to carry.
Of course, he considered himself a badass, able to handle anything thrown his way—like eliminating the Hunter who had tried to go after Devil’s employees, which he did free of charge—but…taking a life wasn’t as easy as some people thought. Devil still stared down at his hands at times, remembering how they were wrapped around Jeff’s throat, the intense rage that had coursed through him, and the desire to watch the life bleed out of Jeff’s eyes.
Although he hadn’t regretted what he’d done because Jeff had put Ryan’s life in danger, he would rather not reach that level of rage again.
“Are you sure?” Christian rose from his chair, his movements slow, graceful. Devil doubted most saw the true creature who lived behind those haunting eyes. Most only saw Christian as their boss, or a nightclub owner, or a man who was part of the Ultionem.
But Devil saw the knowledge in Christian’s eyes—knowledge from living for over two thousand years. An unsettled beast lurked just under Christian’s skin, a beast who hadn’t forgotten the true nature of a vampire—a beast who would surface in a heartbeat if Christian unleashed it.
“I’m sure,” Devil said.
Devil stood with his back to the office door. He wasn’t a fool. He trusted no one, expect Ryan.
Christian studied him, his eyes pensive. When he spoke, his voice was smooth and calm. “I can triple the amount of money for each kill.”
Talk about temptation. If Devil were given a list of ten again, that would be sixty thousand dollars.
“But I can see in your pretty blue eyes that you’ve made your mind up.” Christian stood by his desk one moment. The next he was at Devil’s side. He’d moved so fast Devil hadn’t even felt the air stir. He didn’t like being in a room with so much power. If Christian decided to end him, he’d have Devil’s heart clutched in his hand before Devil took a breath.
“No.” Christian still spoke in that soft, alluring voice, a voice Devil was sure lured in prey every single time. “The burden of taking a life is never easy.”
He’d spoken Devil’s thoughts.
“I appreciate what you’ve done for me,” Devil said. “I would’ve been dead if you hadn’t used your clout to get me away from my pack, but I have a mate now, a nightclub to run, and…” He wasn’t sure what else to add to that.
“You do recall the contract you signed, the blood oath you made with me?”
How could Devil forget? If Christian didn’t release him from his oath and Devil still decided he wanted to walk away, he would die. Talk about hitting the wall of reality. His very future was in the vampire’s hands right now, and Devil couldn’t do anything about it.
If Christian wanted him to dance with a group of polar bears right now, Devil would have to do it. He hated that anyone had that kind of power over him. But he’d been desperate at the time and had gladly signed away his very fucking freedom.
Devil now regretted the decision.
But if he hadn’t come here, he never would have met Ryan. Just thinking about his mate made Devil’s chest ache. He’d never fallen in love before, and if what he felt was the real deal, Devil had finally experienced it.
He couldn’t imagine a day without Ryan in it—smiling at him, kissing him like Devil mattered, and his sweet, cock-stirring laughter. His mate had become Devil’s entire world.
Or what was left of it if Christian wanted to be a prick and keep Devil in his servitude, or worse, end him for backing out of their oath.
“I remember,” Devil said, looking Christian in the eye. “One doesn’t forget something like that so easily.”
“Wolves,” Christian said with a tight growl. “I’ll never understand your kind. I’m offering you a fortune and you still want to turn me down.”
“But you do understand mates,” Devil pointed out. Christian had two of them and he cherished them dearly. The vampire should be able to relate to Devil’s dilemma.
Christian, in his pricey and well-cut suit, backed away and headed toward his desk. “That I do understand. The things we do to please our mates.”
“Mate,” Devil corrected, unsure why he needed to point that fact out. “Singular for me.”
Christian smirked. “Singular for you.”
Devil stood there waiting for the vampire’s decision. Time ticked by slowly, and the office was so quiet the absence of noise disturbed Devil.
“You’ll have to give up the ‘gift’ I gave you.”
Devil had to be careful how he replied. To receive Christian’s “gift” was an honor, and to readily give it back was an insult. But Devil didn’t care about the power that flowed through him. Christian could have it back if it meant Devil would be free of his obligation.
He searched his mind for the right answer, a proper and ass-kissing reply that wouldn’t offend the ancient bastard. He wasn’t much of an ass-kisser to begin with, but he did have a modest supply of self-preservation. “I’m totally not trying to offend you, Christian. You know that. I respect you at the highest level, but Ryan comes first, always.”
Christian’s features grew dark, reminding Devil once again what he stood in front of. One badass son of a bitch.
“Right answer.” Christian’s face softened. He even gave a slight chuckle, and oddly enough, it didn’t sound creepy like a vampire should. The laugh sounded natural, even nice.
Two thousand years of practice.
Christian once again approached him, and Devil refused to shrink back when the vampire lifted his hand. His nails grew in length, and Devil seriously feared for his chest.
Then Christian sliced Devil’s wrist and brought it to his mouth. The sucking sensation felt…weird, and oddly erotic. No, Devil was not going to get a boner from whatever Christian was doing.
When he felt the power Christian had given him drain away, Devil knew exactly what Christian had done. He’d taken his “gift” back. He sealed the wound with a swipe of his tongue, then straightened.
“You are free from your oath.”
Devil furrowed his brows. “That easy?”
Christian twisted his lips to the side. “Were you expecting some kind of ritual that included chicken bones and me chanting in a different language?”
The reversal had been kinda anticlimactic.
“Well, maybe.” Devil ran his hand over the wrist the vampire had just snacked on.
“Don’t sound so disappointed.” Christian moved back to his desk for the second time. He took a seat and steepled his fingers. “Well, why are you still here?”
Devil had no idea. “Thanks.” Why the fuck did he suddenly feel so bashful? “For everything.”
“You are quite welcome.” Christian looked down at his laptop, no longer seeming the scary and dark beast fro
m moments before. He looked like a businessman trying to get his work done, and Devil knew a dismissal when he saw one.
He let himself out, hurrying through Christian’s club and out the front door. He was back at Krave in less than twenty minutes—because he’d made sure the location of his club was on the opposite side of the city as The Manacle. No need to piss Christian off with competition.
When Devil stepped inside, he felt like a free man, able to breathe easier as he searched the crowd for his newest employee.
He spotted Ryan behind the counter talking with Joque. Devil’s heart lit up as he stared at his mate’s smiling profile. Then, as if Ryan felt his presence, he turned and looked right at Devil, and his smile spread across his face.
Devil cut through the crowd like a man on a mission and chuckled when Joque lifted Ryan and set him on the counter. Ryan slid between the stools, then rushed forward.
They stopped a foot apart and stared into each other’s eyes before Ryan flung himself into Devil’s arms. “I take it your meeting went well?”
“I’m not dead, if that’s what you mean.” Devil pulled Ryan impossibly closer, brushing his lips over his mate’s smooth jaw. “And yes, it went well. I’ve been released from my oath.”
Ryan leaned back and smacked Devil’s chest. “And don’t ever make that kind of suicidal deal again. You can’t have me falling in love with you then taking risks like that!”
Devil nuzzled Ryan’s neck. He couldn’t get enough of his mate’s scent. “Yes, sir.”
“Uh, Devil?” Ryan sounded unsure as he pulled away. “I think you have company.”
Devil turned and saw the Dark Knights entire his club. Kivani, Raven, Declan, and Bayne. Where was Nyx?
“Impressive.” Ryan seemed to breathe the word.
Devil had to admit, the four men were damn impressive. Broad, mean expressions on their faces, and a wild look in their eyes. If Devil hadn’t found his mate, he might have been at their sides looking just as menacing.
But Ryan had changed all that for him and made Devil want to be a better man—despite his name—and Devil would spend the rest of his unnaturally long life showing Ryan just how much he cherished him.