Hoodoo Blue

by Katalina Leon

  His voice dropped to an almost inaudible rumble. “Fredi.”

  “What?”

  “Stop talking and kiss me.”

  She pointed her fingers skyward, pressed close, and brushed her lips against his. He returned her cautious kiss with a soft mouth that still carried a fragrant hint of Hoodoo Blue. The kiss deepened. She wanted more. The breath caught in his chest as he arched off the mattress and parted his lips for her. His attempt to get closer was so sweet. The warm sweep of his tongue against hers drew her in, slapped her senses alert, and left her skin tingling. Stunned, Estele’s words tumbled through her mind, and she wondered if, for once, Estele could be right—was Gus the man for her?

  She broke the kiss with an astonished gasp. “Wow.”

  A dreamy look floated over his face.

  “Do you want more?” she asked.

  He nodded.

  She dared to lower her hands and stroked a strand of hair from his brow. For a moment, she allowed herself the luxury of looking into his eyes, wishing her lashes were as lush. He gazed at her with a confident openness, as if he’d always known her. A little flutter of surprise caught her off guard when she realized he was so easy to be with. There was no need to pretend in front of him or apologize for being bigger, bolder, and witchier than most men could handle. She caressed the side of his face. “I love that you’re not scared of me.”

  “Are men often scared of you?”

  “I’ve met a few who are.”

  “I think they’re fools.”

  She paused. “I either scare men off, or I meet men who want me to dominate them.”

  His face flushed. “A dominant streak in a woman doesn’t frighten me. What do you want?”

  “I’ll admit I’m bossy and comfortable taking charge, but it would be sort of nice to get a break.”

  “And have someone take care of you?”

  Her face grew warm. “Yes.”

  “Fredi, I want a woman who can be both. I’m not afraid to be tied to your bed, and I’m certainly not afraid to be set loose. With my hands free and your consent.” His gaze smoldered. “The things I would do…”

  The thought of all the wicked things she’d say yes to made her head spin. “What about all the things I could do to you? You’re the one who’s tied to the headboard. I’ve been going without for a long time, and you look exactly like what I need to break a nasty dry spell.”

  A slight smile curled his lips. “Do it, Fredi. Show me what a hot witch with soft hands and a wicked mouth can do to my sanity.”

  “What if I decide to keep you tied to my bedposts and just toy with you?”

  “I’m all yours.”

  It was too good to be true. The idea of testing her powers and teasing Gus while shamelessly turning them both on was irresistible.

  “Let me try something.” She rose on her elbow and sat.

  In a graceful motion, she hiked her dress higher, exposing a shapely thigh, and swung a leg across his lean hips to straddle him. With her palms braced on his chest, she stroked her fingers across the broad expanse of lean muscle.

  “I love your build.”

  His eyes twinkled. “I love yours. You’re all woman.”

  She settled her weight on him and felt the bulge in his pants push back.

  “Oh.” He groaned. “I’m between your legs. I’m so glad you can’t see what I’m thinking.”

  “But I can feel it.” The thrills soared as she gazed at her handsome captive tensing his heavy arms against the silk scarf. “I want to believe the green fire is under control. If this doesn’t burn the house down, then we’ll know we’re safe.”

  He looked at her. “This is totally hot. Now I wish you were still wearing the boots.”

  Fredi stroked a delicate finger along the ridge of his nose. “If you’re good, maybe next time there’ll be boots, a corset, and a very sheer bra.”

  “I have to wait to see that?” He sighed. “It will kill me.”

  “It won’t kill you, but you will suffer. You have to understand I’ve not allowed myself to fantasize or even entertain a sensual thought in months. I’m all pent up. Something’s got to give. You’re my way back into relaxing with myself and having a guiltless good time. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’m glad Estele cast that stupid hoodoo on us.”

  “I agree.”

  “If she hadn’t done it, I would have taken one look at you and run away.”

  “Because I’m Lycan?”

  “Because you’re terrific, and I was convinced I wasn’t ready to come out and play.”

  “But you’ll play now?”

  “I’ll test the waters. How far I’m willing to go has yet to be decided.”

  A hopeful smile curled his lips. “How about just for tonight we both agree that whatever happens is good?”

  “Okay.”

  “I mean it, Fredi. Once the full moon passes and Estele’s damn hoodoo wears off, I want to ask you on a real date.”

  She teased his nipples to tiny points. “What’s your idea of a real date?”

  “A candlelit dinner on my patio. I’ll cook.”

  “You cook? I’m impressed. What would you feed me? And don’t say sausage.”

  He grinned. “I have no idea, but I’ll think of something.”

  “You surprise me.”

  “That I cook? Lycans don’t eat everything raw. I’ve got a good nose. I like well-seasoned food.”

  “I’m interested in what your sensitive nose tells you about me?”

  A glimmer of mischief shone in his eyes. “I like your perfume. It’s deep, but not overpowering. I’d guess amber and resin notes. I’m not smelling any musty floral notes, and…”

  “And what?”

  “You’re very aroused.”

  She wriggled on top of him. “You don’t have to be Sherlock Holmes to figure that out.”

  “You’re also stressing and struggling hard not to be.”

  “That might be my preoccupation with fire prevention.”

  “I think you can relax.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  “It’s subtle, but your scent has changed in the past hour. It’s softer. Something’s different.”

  Her thighs squeezed him. “What do you think is different?”

  “I’m not sure I should say.”

  “You like keeping secrets?”

  “No, I don’t want to alarm you.” He remained silent for several awkward moments.

  “Say it, or I might climb off you and sit on the edge of the bed.”

  He tensed. “Don’t do that!”

  She twisted the scarf a little tighter. “Tell me.”

  “Your scent is… harmonizing with mine.”

  “What does that mean?”

  His brows drooped. “See? This is why I’m still single and should not have brought this up so soon.”

  Fredi pulled away. “Uh-oh…”

  “Yeah, we would be ideal mates. I’m sorry to say this at our first meeting, but it’s rare and it’s true.”

  “This is a Lycan thing, isn’t it? How rare?”

  “This is the first time I’ve felt this distinct of a click with anyone.”

  A shiver raced through her when he spoke. “Maybe the Hoodoo Blue is still messing with us?”

  “Could be.”

  She swirled her fingertips against his chest. “In fact, we should assume the Hoodoo Blue is still active and making us think and do things we can’t completely trust.”

  He gazed at her with longing. “I refuse to give that damn drink so much credit.”

  “What do you credit?”

  “Fate.” He sounded confident.

  “Dark, brooding fate?”

  A crooked smile lit his face. “I like you, Fredi. Why don’t you tease me some more? Show me what I can’t have. Really torture me.”

  “You mean keep touching you in a provocative manner and maybe take off my clothes? You think you’re so clever. Well, you sort of are.”

/>   A glint of mischief flashed in his eyes. “What if I dared you to do something?”

  Her heart hammered. “I don’t scare easily—ask.”

  “I dare you to kiss a straight line from my collarbone to my chest and as low as you’re willing to go.”

  “While still tied?”

  “Unless you want to untie me, but there’s no guarantee I’ll keep my hands to myself.”

  “I think I prefer seeing your beautiful body bound to my headboard.”

  A crooked smile crossed his lips. “Then do it.”

  She leaned over and allowed the silky cascade of her hair to tumble onto his chest, and slowly swept it against his skin, knowing the sway of her breasts was adding to the spectacle. For a breathless moment, she hovered above him before gently kissing his collarbone then the swell of his chest. She traced the line of kisses lower and nipped the ticklish little spot on the side of his ribs.

  He twisted his wrists against the scarf. “Keep going.”

  The gentle rake of her fingernails teased his sensitive underarms. “You’d like that, wouldn’t you?”

  “Yes, I would.” His voice was breathy.

  With fluid grace, she slid down his torso until she arched over him with her hips pressed high like a cat stretching. She brushed a kiss against his belly and drank in the heady sensation of every muscle in his body tense in reaction to her. A big, strong man bound to the bedposts and ready to beg was a sweet little triple-scoop chocolate sundae of a power trip. He was about to get teased, badly. The kisses lingered and became wetter, with a gliding tongue that skimmed along the ridges of his abdomen. Stopping briefly to explore his belly button, she licked a faint hint of salt from his skin. By then, his jeans were strained taut. She toyed with the waistband, tugging it lower, and plucked at the last silver button on the fly.

  “You look like you’re miserable in these tight pants. Should I free you?”

  Gus answered with a gravelly moan.

  She lifted her hands. “No. I think I’ll wait. I’m enjoying myself.”

  Desperation etched a deep crease between his brows. “I knew you would do that.”

  “But did you know I would do this?” She parted the top of her dress and slid the stretchy knit fabric aside to reveal a lacy black strap. “This bra’s not sheer, but it is so pretty. The dark fabric does disguise how large my nipples are. If only you could see them. They are a lovely shade of coral. Do you like coral?”

  “I love it.”

  “Good.” She leaned over and allowed the front of her dress to fall open. Lots of creamy cleavage showed, along with a bit of black lace. The moonstone pendant around her neck swung back and forth in a slow, hypnotic rhythm.

  Breathless expectation shone on his face.

  “Nice view, isn’t it? I’m proud of my breasts. I can see you like them, but don’t get your hopes up. I’m not taking my bra off right now, because that’s an honor you’ll have to earn.” She stroked a slender finger between her breasts. “This is privileged territory, and I’m choosy about who I allow to snuggle between these beauties.”

  “What would I have to do to earn it?”

  “Really turn me on.”

  His eyes lit at the challenge. “I think I need my hands free for that.”

  “I disagree. I refuse to untie you, at least not yet. The true test of a lover’s ingenuity is how adaptable he is.” She reached toward the nightstand, opened a drawer, and removed a slender, sheathed dagger. He focused on her every move with a furrowed brow as she drew the obsidian-handled knife from its leather sleeve to reveal a hand-forged blade with an intricate star pattern hammered into the steel.

  Gus stared at the blade with trepidation. “What are you doing with that?”

  “Do you know what this is?”

  “It looks like trouble to me.”

  “It's not. This is an athame. It’s a witch's knife. Its purpose is to divide herbs and cast enchantments. I would never use it to harm anyone.” She lifted the hem of her dress to her hip and hooked her thumb inside the lacy edge of her black panties. “Watch.” She pulled the lace away from her hip, slid the blade beneath the fabric, and sliced. As it was cut, the elastic made a sharp pop.

  “Oops.” She let the dress fall, lifted the hem on the other side, and cleanly sliced the lace on that hip. With a flourish, she gingerly took hold of the destroyed panties, speared them on the tip of the blade, and flung them over her shoulder before setting the athame on the nightstand. “You know what will happen next, don’t you? This is where it gets dangerous. I’m going to climb up the bed and grab hold of that headboard like it’s a fucking life raft in a storm, straddle your face, and beg for kisses and lots of wet tongue. You’ll use your beautiful mouth to take me to Heaven like you’ve never licked pussy before. You will give me pleasure until I say I’ve had enough.”

  He gulped a deep breath that made his chest swell. “Bring it.”

  “Beg for it.” Her gaze locked on his as she crept forward on hands and knees. “I see a taste of the wild in those eyes.”

  “You’re going to feel it, too.”

  As she drew closer to the head of the bed, she paused to brush a soft kiss across the lush cushion of his lips, knowing a mouth as responsive as his would deliver the sweetest pleasure. She curled her fingers around the wrought-iron filigree of the headboard and swung a leg over his shoulders to straddle the sides of his face.

  He gazed at her. “Lift your dress.”

  She reached for the hem with one hand and bunched the clingy knit to her hips. “As you can see, I’m a natural blonde.”

  “Come closer, blondie.”

  She was already close, inches from his mouth. His wavy hair and warm breath tickled her inner thighs. The sensations were so tantalizing as she waited for the first voluptuous touch of his lips.

  “Fredi, this feels like a dream.”

  “Mmm.” She swayed her hips. “It sure does.” Being on top of a powerfully built man who said sweet things, and was obviously as turned on as she was, felt like a turbocharged wet dream. She was eager to feel his mouth gliding across her lust-starved pussy.

  Gus arched off the mattress to meet her and pressed a tender kiss between her thighs. He rocked his face from side to side as he drew in her scent. “You do understand that because I’m Lycan and you’re keying into me—I’ll go ballistic when I get the chance.”

  “It’s not your turn. Ladies first.” She lowered her hips, pressed against his mouth, and waited for the first firm stroke of his tongue to begin the teasing torment she knew was coming. His mouth was soft and tongue slick. The edges of his jaw were gritty with stubble in contrast to her smooth thighs, but it felt great to be riding a man whose touch was sensuous and not the least bit inhibited. The initial rush of excitement as his mouth glided across her flesh left her drenched. With a languid sweep, she rocked her hips against him. The kisses grew deeper as he used the tip of his tongue to explore every sensitized inch of her. She’d been starving for something this good. The subtle sensations were breathtaking, and with each moment, it got better. Her clit became the ember-hot center of her world and it became difficult not to squeeze him too hard between her thighs. Taking command, she tangled her fingers in his thick hair. “Sweetheart, don’t be afraid to suck.”

  He obeyed by caressing her clit and drawing her into the wettest, most intimate kiss. The pressure was perfect, light but not timid. He took his time with her, making soft, sexy growls all the while that added to the excitement of having a half-feral Lycan in her bed. The thrumming rhythm of his tongue and the slight nip of his teeth felt good; faint moans slipped past her lips. She rolled her hips faster. He sucked her clit harder and held it between his lips, teasing her. Each stunning caress made her rocket higher. She realized she was holding her breath, almost in suspense and unable to believe the magnitude of the monster orgasm that had snuck up on her like a rogue wave.

  “Holy fuck!” She clutched the headboard with tensing fingers and hung on as she al
lowed herself to go wild from the pleasure pouring through her. The air fled her lungs as a bright moment of bliss burst over her, followed by a sweet, floating sensation of ah that rolled on and on from scalp to sole. Her toes curled to an aching cramp. She might have cried out, but it may have been Gus. After gulping a few shallow breaths, she couldn’t be sure who was making all the noise, and it didn’t matter anyway. The only thing that was certain was she wanted more.

  Gus soothed her through each last ripple of pleasure until they faded. When the heavenly tingle flickered out, she was so sensitive she pulled away and stroked the dark hair from his brow.

  “You felt wonderful.”

  He opened his eyes and looked at her with a dreamy expression. His mouth glistened. “We’re not done until you say we are. I’m all yours.”

  Fredi reached for the scarf and loosened the knot. “I was thinking you might want to give those arms a workout.”

  The moment the scarf was untangled from the headboard and Gus was unbound, he sat up and pulled her onto his lap. He wriggled his fingers. “I’ve got that stingy pins-and-needles feeling.”

  She noticed her scent was all over him and smiled. “Some people like the tingle.”

  He smoothed her hair with his fingertips before gently cupping her face. The look in his eyes was loving. “What would you like? What do you need?”

  “I’d like you to reach into the nightstand drawer and find a condom. Put it on, pull me beneath you, and give me a slow, sweet ride.”

  His eyes glittered. “I can do that.” He took hold of her and swiftly rolled her onto the bed beside him. Landing on her back, she sank into the bedcovers with a soft swoosh. He slid on top of her, parting her legs with his knee, and opened the drawer.

  “Where are they?”

  “Silver box, in the corner.”

  Reaching over, he fumbled through the drawer. “Ah-ha, look what I found.” He turned and displayed a dangling pair of leather wrist cuffs lined with sheepskin and trimmed with heavy hardware. “These look sturdy enough to hold a man. If you had these handy, why did you tie me up with a scarf?”

  Her face flushed hot. She didn’t want to say. It was too soon to show all her kinks. Gus was too special. She didn’t want to risk blowing it with a great guy she’d just met by letting all her black cats out of the bag the first night.