“You are so not right, but I love you for it. Hug your mom for me and please call as soon as you see her. I’ll worry.”
“I will, and I love you too.” There was a brief pause. “Okay, I’m here at the hospital. Talk later.” The call disconnected.
Ember made her way to the bedroom with wine in one hand and phone in the other. I have such an exciting life. Not.
By the time she was dressed and lotioned up, she’d almost finished the rest of the bottle. The slight alcohol buzz began to relax her.
Her cell rang with an unknown number.
“Hello?” Silence.
“Is anyone there?” She could hear breathing, then a click, and the line went dead.
An old, familiar fear came rushing back with anger right on its heels. “Fucking freak.”
Ember sat heavily on the edge of her bed and stared at the phone. Someone was playing mind games, and she’d be damned if she would allow them anymore space to rent inside her head.
With determination, she stood and made her way to the balcony for some much-needed air. Being on the second floor afforded her the pleasure of sitting in the shadows unseen, she thought as she flipped off the porch light.
The night was warm, and a gentle breeze blew in from the north, lifting her hair as the glass door slid silently open. Ember let her gaze travel past the safety of the balcony, into the night beyond. Lights flickered through the trees and soft murmurs could be heard from the open windows of neighboring condos.
Her shoulders relaxed a little when no one sailed over the railing in a loin cloth and mask like the nut job in the last movie she’d seen. She sat in one of the two chairs positioned around a small table, rested her head on the seat back, and let her eyes drift shut.
Almost immediately an image of the new janitor flashed through her mind with his emotionless stare. There is something very Norman Bates about that guy . Ember shivered with the memory of their encounter.
A deep voice sounded from nearby, startling her. There was no mistaking Angelo’s sexy accent, Ember mused as he stepped out onto his balcony while talking on the phone.
She slid down in her seat to stay hidden behind a palm tree she’d placed there for privacy. She was about to get up and tiptoe inside when his next words stopped her.
“I have to be careful. Yes, I know. I thought of that also, but she didn’t say anything about it, and I’m wondering if she’s even aware.”
Her? He continued to speak, and Ember’s mouth went dry. She’d leaned forward a bit and caught sight of him pacing. He wore black boxer briefs and nothing else.
Yeah, he’s every woman’s fantasy . His skin was smooth and tan with a light dusting of hair on his chest. Muscles rippled as he moved. Her gaze traveled down to abs that no doubt fueled the fantasies of women everywhere…herself included.
He turned just then, and she got a good look at the ass she’d been lusting for earlier in the evening. Perfection was the only word to describe it.
She nearly slid out of her seat when he spun around to make another pass. His cock may as well have had a red bull’s-eye painted on it. Ember couldn’t look away. His sheer size amazed her, and her pussy clenched. She’d never wanted a man so much. What would it be like to be taken by him? She almost groaned aloud at the thought.
His dick suddenly twitched, and she jerked her attention to his face. He stared back at her with a heavy-lidded expression. She’d been busted again. How the hell did he see me sitting in the dark?
Her cheeks heated instantly. Mortified, she jumped up and scrambled toward the door.
“Don’t go.” The softly spoken command released a flutter of butterflies in her stomach that rivaled every amusement park ride she’d ever been on.
Ember froze. She couldn’t bring herself to turn and face him. “I’m sorry, I wasn’t eavesdropping. I—”
A hand touched her shoulder, effectively cut off her words.
She spun around; shocked that he’d reached her so fast, and without her hearing his approach.
“No need to apologize…Ember Burns.” He stepped closer, his scent surrounding her in an invisible caress that was quickly becoming addictive.
“That’s the second time you’ve called me that,” she whispered in a husky voice she barely recognized.
“It fits you.”
Ember stopped breathing as his gaze lowered to her lips and his hands slid up the sides of her face.
“I’ve wanted to do this all evening.” His mouth covered her top lip with a gentle suction that was intoxicating. Her eyes drifted shut, and her head tilted back on some invisible command she felt to her soul.
He groaned and moved to her bottom lip, giving it the same attention before applying a gentle pressure, skimming his tongue along the seam.
Ember gripped his biceps to keep from crumbling at his feet. Her heart beat overtime, and she had to remind herself to breathe. The feel of his tongue inside her mouth coupled with his amazing scent left her dizzy.
The kiss suddenly ended, and Ember opened her eyes to find him staring back at her with a look of longing. “You taste better than I thought you would…and someone’s at your door.”
He moved away, and the loss of his touch left her cold. It took a second to realize what he meant. But how had he known? She was so caught up in his kiss she hadn’t heard the doorbell.
She turned to go with the intention of getting rid of her unwanted guest. “I’ll be right back.” She gave him an expectant look, hoping for assurance he’d wait, but he remained silent.
With a little reluctance, Ember left him on the balcony and traded the towel she’d been wearing for a T-shirt she normally slept in. Pulling at the hem to make sure it was long enough to cover her girly parts, she rushed to the door. A look through the peephole told her it was the detective. Damn it, Clay. Your timing sucks.
She opened the door with a quick glance back to make sure Angel hadn’t followed her inside in his underwear.
“Hi, Clay. How are you?” She questioned with a sincere smile. It really would have been good to see him in any other circumstance.
“I’m good. May I come in?”
He looked so hopeful she couldn’t bring herself to refuse him. Maybe he won’t stay long if I play the tired card.
“Sure.” She waved him inside with reluctance. “Have a seat. Would you like a drink?”
“I’m on duty, but I appreciate the offer.” He touched her hand as he moved around her.
She closed the door and followed him to the bar. “Make yourself at home. I thought you got off work at eight tonight?”
“I did. I’m on call.”
“Oh, I see. Well, give me just a minute. I’ll be right back.”
He made one hell of a picture, wearing jeans and a dark green polo shirt with a badge clipped on the side of his belt. He even smelled nice. Not as good as the Greek god waiting on the balcony, but it works for him.
Ember shook off the thought and strode back to where she’d left Angel. He hadn’t moved.
“It’s Detective Harper. Would you like to come inside and wait? I won’t be long.” It took everything she had not to throw herself on him. She wanted to feel his mouth on her again so bad she could taste it.
“Is everything okay?” The softly spoken question was laced with something other than concern.
“Yes. He’s just checking on me.” Was it her imagination, or did he seem angry?
“Maybe you should put on a robe.” A muscle ticked along his jaw.
Okay, he’s definitely pissed . For some odd reason the thought comforted her. Obviously, she wasn’t alone in this instant-connection thing. Whatever it was.
Ember snagged a robe from a hook on the bedroom door on her way back to the kitchen and had it cinched up by the time the detective came in to view.
Clay stood. “Everything good?”
She felt guilty for lying to him. He’d saved her life, had been there for her more times than she could count during the last year. Just
tell him the truth. Yeah, right. Sorry, but I have my half-naked neighbor that I just met today out on the balcony, and we’re waiting on you to leave.
“I’m fine. Just a little tired. It’s really good to see you.” That much is true.
His hand came up to caress her face. “You work too hard.”
“With moving offices and the damn stilettos I wore today, I’d considered homicide just shy of three o’clock.” Are his lips moving closer?
“At least it wasn’t suicide,” he whispered as his mouth slowly descended toward hers.
A crashing sound echoed from the back of the condo, and Clay stiffened.
Ember stepped back, nervous and a little off-balance. “It’s just the neighbor’s cat. I left the sliding door open in my bedroom.” They stared at each other until it grew uncomfortable. “I should go to bed soon. Six o’clock comes pretty early.”
Disappointment flashed in his eyes, but he didn’t push. “Are you free this weekend?”
At the moment, Ember couldn’t think beyond the big, sexy Bulgarian who made entirely too much noise.
“I’ll see what I have going on. Call me tomorrow?” Another sound from the back made her cringe, but she didn’t blink. What is he doing back there, rearranging furniture?
Clay’s eyes narrowed in suspicion, and he glanced toward the hall. Neither of them moved for a long moment as Ember held her breath.
“Sure. Talk to you then.” Clay turned to leave, and she nearly sagged in relief.
Ember followed him to the door and thought about how many times she’d wanted him to stop by. Now that he was there the timing couldn’t have been worse.
Clay paused with his hand on the knob. “Lock this behind me.” Without another word, he eased the door open and stepped out onto the porch, shutting it softly behind him.
Ember engaged the locks and rested her forehead against the cool wood. I’m sorry, Clay.
A pair of big hands flattening against the door on either side of her head startled her.
“Boyfriend?” Angel’s deep voice rumbled in her ear. His intoxicating scent surrounded her in a cocoon of warmth and need that left her weak.
She couldn’t answer. Apparently her ability to speak had left with the detective.
“No?” He prompted with a slide of his lips across her temple.
Heat flew through her body from the point of contact to pool between her thighs. She could only shake her head.
A soft growl echoed around her. “He kissed you.”
“No…”
The rest of her thought fled when something hard pressed against her ass. It didn’t matter that he was a complete stranger questioning, dominating her, as long as he didn’t stop.
“Close your eyes…Ember Burns.” The command was gentle, yet firm.
Her lids slid shut. Even the endearment was sexual. She’d never had sex with a complete stranger before, but something about him felt right.
Cool air touched her skin as her robe suddenly gathered at her feet. She hadn’t felt him untie it.
“Raise your arms.”
Ember obeyed without question, allowing him to remove her sleep shirt.
He caught both of her wrists in one hand and held them against the door. It was a vulnerable position to be in, but she didn’t care.
“So beautiful.” His fingers trailed down her spine, leaving fire in their wake.
Ember’s heartbeat kicked up a notch along with her breathing when his palm flattened and drifted around her waist, moving achingly slow to where she wanted him most. Oh yes, please.
His knee pressed between the back of her thighs just as a finger coasted through her slit. Ember’s legs gave out. She would have slumped to the floor if not for his grip on her wrists.
“I’ve got you.”
Her eyes opened when he suddenly scooped her up and strode toward the bedroom. She wanted to run her tongue over his tense jaw to see if he tasted as good as he smelled.
He didn’t look at her as he all but tossed her onto the bed. The play of muscle across his back was mesmerizing, moving in time with his hips as he sauntered over to shut and lock the door.
She almost smiled when he closed the curtain since they were on the second floor, but the thought died when he turned around and his gaze met hers.
He watched her with an intensity that was staggering, while hooking his thumbs in the waistband of his boxer briefs and sliding them off.
Ember broke eye contact to check out his erection as he came forward and put a knee on the foot of the bed. The man was well endowed. Definitely larger than anyone she’d seen before.
It had been over two years since she’d had sex, and doubt surfaced.
“I won’t hurt you.” His hands smoothed up her legs, pushing them apart as he settled over her. “Trust me.”
She did. It made no sense, but she trusted him.
“Look at me.” His warm breath fanned her face.
Ember lifted her gaze and stared into his moss green eyes. He was so incredibly handsome it should have been a sin.
“As much as I want to taste you and make love to your beautiful body for hours, I need to be inside you now.” He hesitated. “Please?”
Heat rushed to her face. “Yes.”
She felt him reach between their bodies to grip himself and opened her thighs more to give him room. He was a big man. Ember had never wanted a man as much as she wanted Angel. She could feel how hot and slick she’d become. He was so damn beautiful she thought she could come from just watching him.
He slid the head of his cock around her opening and up to skim over her clit, only to repeat the process several times.
Nerves came alive with every pass over her little bundle of pleasure. She was so wet and swollen with need one more stroke and she’d explode. So many amazing feelings soared through her at once. Her pussy began to throb in time with her heartbeat. She wanted him. Now.
“Angel.” She arched her hips in invitation.
He paused at her entrance, then slowly penetrated her. The pressure was almost too much for her, and she brought her hands up to his chest.
Angel held completely still as she adjusted to his invasion. Some of the tension left her, and she let her arms fall away.
His breathing was uneven. “That’s right. Relax, baby,” he rasped and sank deeper.
She moaned and wrapped her legs around his waist. The feel of him stretching her overwhelmed her senses. Her eyes rolled back in her head.
“Grab on to me.”
Her arms barely made it around his neck before he sat up on his knees, bringing her with him. His hands gripped her ass, and he thrust deep. Ember cried out and ground her pussy against his cock. The sensation against her clit was so incredible she almost bucked off his lap.
His mouth slanted over hers, arms held her tighter, hips thrust harder, faster as the thin trail of hair on his abdomen created friction over her sensitive, swollen flesh.
They breathed the same breath, moving as one, connected on a level she’d never dreamed possible.
He suddenly slowed and rolled his hips. Ember saw stars. She teetered on the edge of oblivion. Her stomach muscles tightened along with her thighs. It felt as if her skin were on fire.
His mouth left hers. “Relax your mind and body. I’ll take you there. Trust me. I won’t let you go.”
Ember’s head fell back, and both arms slid from his neck to hang limp at her sides. He brought his hands up to lock over her shoulders, holding her suspended as he rotated his hips again and again.
Beyond caring how she sounded or even looked, Ember honed in on feelings that quickly spread throughout her body. A throbbing in her womb had heat racing outward to her stomach and thighs. Sharp pleasure speared her clit with every brush of his cock against it. Oh God .
He slammed deep.
Incredible sensations exploded at once, and Ember lost control of her body. She had no voice or capability of movement. An orgasm rolled through her, one so powerful she was help
less to do anything but remain limp while waves of what could only be described as electrical current shot through every hidden place she possessed.
Her vaginal walls began to contract around his thrusting cock, her toes curled under, and her soft cry was drowned out by a hoarse shout that shattered the quiet of the room as warm jets of Angel’s semen filled her pussy.
She came again.
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Titles by Ditter Kellen
The Seeker Series
Ember - Five Book Box Set
Shon
The Rise of Vlad
Predatory
A Paranormal Romance Trilogy
Secret Series
Lydia’s Secret
Midnight Secrets-Coming Soon
Time Travel Series
Turn the Page
Worlds Apart-Coming Soon
Enigma Series
Enigma: What Lies Beneath
Naura
Vaulcron
Zaureth
Oz
Gryke
Braum
Rykaur
Thrasher
Eyes Without a Face
Coming Soon as a Stand Alone
Ruby and the Beast
A Beauty and the Beast Tale
The Billionaire’s Baby
A BBW Shifter Romance
Taboo
A Stepbrother Romance
About Ditter
Ditter Kellen has been in love with romance for over thirty years. Her eBook reader is an extension of her and holds many of her fantasies and secrets. It's filled with dragons, shifters, vampires, ghosts and many more jaw-dropping characters who keep her entertained on a daily basis.
Ditter's love of paranormal and outrageous imagination have conspired to bring her where she is today...sitting in front of her computer allowing them free rein. I hope you will enjoy reading her stories as much as she loves spinning them.
Ditter resides in Florida with her husband and many unique farm animals. She adores French fries and her phone is permanently attached to her ear. You can contact Ditter by email: [email protected]
Taboo: A Stepbrother Romance Page 5