2HotCurvesAhead
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“No one knows this except Magda,” she said, “but I was approached by a modeling agency scout when I much younger.” She gave a sad smile. “I was ecstatic. I was a late developer at fourteen although I was already the height I am now so I was really skinny. No tits, no arse. I ate like a horse, did lots of sports,” she shrugged, “your typical teenage girl. All that changed once I’d signed on their books and went for portfolio shots.”
Shaz took a sip of wine to bolster her resolve. It wasn’t a pleasant memory.
“You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want.”
Tyler’s inbuilt sense of her emotions and his fierce protective instinct was kicking in but Shaz wanted him to know. Needed to let him in. “No, it’s okay. They suggested I lose more weight. I’d look better. Get more work. I was eager to please so I did what they suggested and went on a crazy diet. For a while it wasn’t too bad, then my period started and so did the curves. Suddenly I’m not eating at all, just having diet shakes. The pressure was immense until one day I fainted at a shoot. Mum took me to the doctor who explained the damage I was doing and I quit. Took back my life and learned to love me.”
“Like I love you. Every single luscious curve. I hate the idea of people trying to make you change. You’re perfect just as you are.” Tyler’s eyes glowed golden and Shaz giggled, knowing it wouldn’t be long before he dragged her to their bedroom. Not that she was complaining.
“Well, if I hadn’t met Magda and given modeling another shot then I’d never have come to LA and met you. Poor Magda, it’s just as well she’s got a thick skin. I was pretty rude to her when we first met. I was waiting for my luggage in Heathrow after a holiday. I was jetlagged and not looking forward to going back to work the next day. I’d gotten into hotel management and had been touring some of our European sites. I was wearing a ratty pair of jeans, a hoodie with Big Girl on it, no makeup and my hair scraped into a ponytail, yet this tiny woman next to me wouldn’t stop staring. Then she says, ‘You must be a model. Or would like to be one, yes?’”
Shaz smiled at the memory.“I quickly disabused her about that idea! At this point Magda was looking like one of those little birds, staring at me with her head on one side. So I said, ‘Look, I’m tired, really want a bath and don’t have time for twenty questions. So here goes. I’m guessing you’re an agent? You’re going to sign me up and make me famous, right? I’m perfect, gorgeous, sexy and the camera will love me…just as soon as I lose forty pounds and change everything about myself.’”
Shaz put down her glass and reached for Tyler’s hand. She was doing that a lot, she thought. “It was then she introduced me to the idea of the plus-size model. I signed up immediately and swore if I became successful that I’d use my fame to make sure as many women got the message you can be sexy and gorgeous whatever your size.”
Tyler tugged on her hand, pulling her into his lap. “I’m so proud of you,” he whispered. “You’re strong and good and sexy as hell. Now let’s go to bed so I can show you what you do to me, my mate.”
He scooped her up in the strong arms she loved so much and his biceps bulged as he stood up effortlessly and carried her into the bedroom.
My mate. The two sweetest words in the language, she thought and leaned in to enjoy his scent. “I’m going to miss all this closeness when you track down Karl,” she whispered and felt Tyler stiffen.
“What do you mean?” he demanded.
Shaz looked up in surprise. “Well, you’ll have other cases,” she said lightly. “You won’t have time to spend all day with me at photo shoots, glaring at every male and staking your claim.”
“I could if you wanted.” The tension had left his voice and Shaz could see his grin. “I could delegate more. I’ve got a really great team and Hal is interested in a junior partnership now that Soozie’s expecting their first cubs.”
Shaz nodded, her eyes softening at the mention of cubs. She’d met the office manager, Soozie, and her mate, Hal, several times and really liked the couple. They’d visited a couple of nights before to share their news. They’d been so excited and proud. A vision of little ones with golden hair and green eyes came into Shaz’s mind. Strong boys who would be overprotective of their fabulously fine and fierce sisters. Now was not the time to share the image, she thought. Not yet.
“I’d like if you could delegate more,” she answered instead. “I’ve been thinking about scaling down my modeling and focusing on the blog and my new design contract.”
* * * * *
Ironically it was the contract with Be Unique that caused the fight. Shaz had been promoting the new line of lingerie and beachwear she’d designed to flatter curvier girls who didn’t want to look like they were wearing their mothers’ clothes when they hit the beach or were sexing it up with their guy. She’d gotten Be Unique’s agreement to give a sneak peek on her blog. Some of her followers had been beta testers for the clothing, so it seemed only fair they got to see the range first.
Shaz was the official model for the range but one of the promotional ideas was that her fans would send in pictures of themselves wearing their favorite item from the collection. There would be prizes of clothes, a chance to be at the exclusive launch and a lucky few would have their photo used in the advertising campaign. Shaz had modeled her favorite pieces of lingerie and a couple of cute bikinis and given a modeling 101 lesson on the blog.
Tyler had done his own offline voting, although he insisted his favorite look for Shaz was naked…but only when they were alone. He’d relaxed about seeing her around male models and photographers, getting that she wasn’t interested in any of them—only him—although he would still glare if someone got too close. So it was a surprise when he lost his mind at the choice of venue for the show.
When Be Unique said they’d gotten the most exclusive nightclub for a runway, media and fans party, Shaz was thrilled. This would be a huge boost for the range and her career. She’d expected Tyler to be happy for her and she’d been looking forward to a night at the hottest nightclub in town with her super-sexy boyfriend. All the top fashion photographers and bloggers would be there and she was planning to publicly announce that she and Tyler were a couple.
There had been a lot of gossip in magazines, online and on Twitter about them being joined at the hip. Some people thought they were an item. Others mentioned Tyler’s Special Forces background and his security firm and guessed she’d hired a bodyguard after the shooting. A number dismissed the possibility of a serious relationship because Tyler was a shifter and Shaz wasn’t mate-marked. Shaz smiled. Just not where you can see it, she thought. The mark on her upper thigh was always photoshopped out in the studio and Shaz used makeup to hide it on the shots for her blog.
She knew it upset Tyler, which was why she was planning a surprise. The mark would be visible when she strutted out onto the catwalk. She couldn’t wait to see Tyler’s face. He adored the mark and was constantly stroking, kissing and licking it, which had led to some seriously hard fucking and some soft and gentle loving. She wasn’t ready to say the words I’m your mate but showing off a bite on such an intimate part of her body was a big leap forward in her relationship with Tyler.
Shaz knew he loved her. As her mate, he would always be faithful, and protective. Plus he was the most amazing lover and sexy as hell. They’d grown so close over the weeks and she respected and admired him, as well as wanting to rip his clothes off his delicious toned body all the time. She didn’t know what was holding her back. She could tell herself it was because she wasn’t the shifter and so didn’t feel the fast-acting bond but she knew that was a lie. Her sense of connection had been immediate and had blossomed the more time she spent with Tyler. She knew him, the real him, so his anger at her news and his flat-out refusal for the show to go ahead was a big shock. He couldn’t possibly be jealous…could he?
She frowned. “You can’t just say no, Tyler. This contract with Be Unique fashions is a huge deal for me. I’m going to be their official face and they’re pr
oducing my Curvy Girl range you loved so much last week. The venue is booked and out on social media so there’s no way I could cancel… and I don’t want to, anyway.”
Tyler ran a hand through his blond hair, snarling. “I said you’re not going and that’s final.”
Shaz sneered, thoroughly furious now. Tyler was about to discover why she was known as fierce, because he wasn’t the only one who could roar. “So you think you can just order me about? Tell me, Tyler, is this demand coming from my bodyguard or my lover, because you’re sounding pretty jealous. So suck it up. I’m going. I’m not your bloody property.”
He swung around, covering the ground in furious strides and grabbing her. His eyes were blazing bright gold and his claws were out. She could feel them scratching her bare skin.
“You don’t get it,” he hissed. “I’m saying this as your mate and your bodyguard. I can’t guarantee your safety tonight. The club’s too big with too many exits and everyone knows you’ll be there…including Karl.” He swallowed. “I’m scared I won’t be able to protect you. I couldn’t go on without you.”
Shaz felt her anger subside. “I trust you to keep me safe,” she said softly, running a hand down his rigid face.
He froze for a second before pushing into her embrace, rubbing his cheek against her skin like a cat.
“You can have your operatives there. They can cover the exits. I’ll clear it with Be Unique. Besides, I thought Karl would have tried something before now but he’s obviously scared of you. This is the perfect time to lure him into the open so we can get on with our life.”
Tyler grumbled but she could tell she was winning him over.
“There’s a very good reason I want to do this show,” she admitted with a teasing smile, “apart from my career.” As she’d hoped, a sexy smile appeared on Tyler’s face and he relaxed.
“Tell me,” he purred, but Shaz just shook her head.
“It’s a surprise,” she whispered. “I know you like surprises.”
The last time she’d surprised him, it had been by appearing at breakfast wearing a short skirt and no panties. He’d bent her over the granite worktop and breakfast wasn’t the only thing that had been eaten. She could see from the bulge in his jeans that he was enjoying the memory too. Seconds later, she was being carried through to the master suite.
His large hands struggled with the tiny buttons of her top and Shaz felt her panties grow wet as she watched her huge, strong man whose breathtaking golden body rippled with muscles literally shake with his need. Eyes never leaving the heat in his gaze, Shaz struggled out of her tight-fitting jeans. Tyler threw the top to the floor and caught his breath when she finally stood before him, naked except for a tiny orange thong and bra. Shaz knew she looked hot in the combo, one of her own designs. The color glowed against her caramel skin.
Tyler dropped to his knees before her. “You are fucking sexy,” he murmured. “I love you in these but I can’t wait to take them off. I’m very proud of you. The clothing range you’ve designed is sexy and you look amazing in it. Plus it’s your job to model. I’m not saying I like it when other guys eye-fuck you but that’s my problem to deal with, not yours.” He smirked. “Besides I’m an alpha male. I know how to keep my woman so satisfied in bed she doesn’t think about another man.”
“Oh yeah?” Shaz put her hands on her hips and arched her back, making her boobs quiver. “Why don’t you prove how skilled you are?”
“With pleasure,” he murmured.
Shaz’s breath became thready as he leaned forward and nuzzled the damp silk. Using one thick finger, he gently nudged the material to the side and licked her pussy lips open. Shaz’s legs began to shake at the slightly rough feel of his tongue as it slowly swept up toward her pulsing clit. He didn’t pause but circled the bud, teasing it until all Shaz could think about was how good it would feel when he sucked.
Her hands grabbed hold of Tyler’s hair and twisted. Immediately he sped up, attacking her clit with his teeth, tongue and lips until Shaz could feel nothing but the electric pain of her climax, tightening every muscle in her body to steel. She moaned, feeling another wave of pleasure build from the fast lash of his tongue as he licked every drop of cream from her clenched cunt. Her hips rocked and her mouth opened in a silent scream.
Tyler surged up her flushed and shaking body to claim a kiss, his tongue thrusting to capture hers.
“Taste how sweet you are, mate,” he growled, his voice wild with need.
Shaz saw the look in his eyes, bright gold and feverish, as he unzipped his jeans. His cock was thick and full, the bulbous head shining with pre-cum, and she leaned forward, eager to taste.
“No,” he snarled. “If you suck me, I’ll come too fast and I need to fuck you hard. Need to own you. When you walk down that runway I want your pussy to still ache from my possession. On all fours on the bed…now.”
Despite her two orgasms Shaz felt her pussy moisten even more at his dominant tone. Crawling on the bed, she arched her back in invitation.
“Take me,” she whispered.
Hands gripped her hips and Tyler thrust his hard cock into her damp core. Shaz moaned. He was so deep at this angle it almost hurt but she loved it…needed it.
“More,” she demanded.
Tyler withdrew almost all the way before slamming back in with a grunt of satisfaction and Shaz hissed with pleasure. She could feel every inch of his hot length as he pounded into her. Grabbing the headboard, she shoved back against him just as frantically. Wanting to own him. Her pussy tightened, urging on the moment Tyler lost control and his cum surged. Their thrusts were wild now…almost frantic.
Tyler’s hard body leaned over hers and Shaz felt the roughness of his jeans and the soft cotton T-shirt stretched so tightly over his muscled chest. Her pussy squeezed at the thought that he’d wanted to fuck her so much he’d not even undressed. Tyler roared as he came. She felt his breath hot on her neck and a sharp pain that quickly turned to ecstasy as he sank his fangs into her flesh.
“Mine.”
A snarl of ownership and Shaz felt herself climax until the throbbing in her shoulder and pussy spread throughout her body, carrying her to a place of darkness, flashing lights and pleasure more intense than she had ever known.
* * * * *
The time for the show came too quickly. Tyler spent the afternoon stalking through the closed club with his operatives, a mix of men and women who all looked completely professional and focused. Be Unique was completely on board. They didn’t want bad publicity so Alpha Security had operatives on the door checking e-passes and they’d mingle with the crowd. Shifters were fit and physically stunning so when they were dressed in their party clothes, they’d fit right in.
Tyler also checked where Shaz would change into her different outfits and ran a background check on the dresser, makeup artist, and hairdresser. Hal would stay backstage and Tyler would be next to the runway. Soozie would be pretending to be Shaz’s PA after the party so she could monitor anyone asking about the model and get them checked out. Tyler growled quietly. He’d done everything he could but he was on high alert, mission-ready adrenaline surging through his body, making his heart race and his mountain lion pace restlessly and demand to be released. Despite her confident manner he knew Shaz was nervous. As a shifter he could sense her moods and her anxiety was driving him mad. His mate should be secure and happy. Tyler and his cat agreed, if that sick freak Karl showed then they were taking that fucker down.
Crowds were now filling the space, drinking champagne and gossiping but silence fell when the music started and the compere introduced Shaz. Tyler stared at the goddess who strutted arrogantly down the runway. Dressed in a white bikini and a shimmering, diaphanous robe, she’d never looked more beautiful. She paused at the end of the catwalk, cocked her hip and pouted at the photographers clustered there.
Flashes lit up the darkness and Tyler’s heart stopped then raced so fast it was painful. His mate pledge. Shaz hadn’t covered it with
makeup and her pose had deliberately brought attention to it. He glanced, suddenly breathless, at Soozie who was nodding and smiling widely. As a shifter she understood what it meant to see a mate display your mark. As Shaz returned, she blew him a kiss. Tyler knew his eyes must be burning bright gold but for once he didn’t care that he was displaying his emotions. It took all his inner discipline, honed to perfection in the Special Forces, not to leap onto the catwalk, grab Shaz and run. Take her somewhere private and fuck her until she couldn’t stand. Later, he soothed his inner cat. As soon as the show was over they were out of here and Shaz would realize what it meant to be an alpha’s mate.
The rest of the show was torture for Tyler as Shaz appeared in new pieces of swimwear and lingerie, each designed to show off her sexy-as-hell curves and make a man stupid with lust. However he didn’t neglect his duties and scanned the crowds constantly for any sign of the threat.
“Your mate would like a drink. I said you’d be delighted to bring it,” Hal’s amused voice sounded in his earpiece.
Like him, his mate was a total professional and never drank alcohol when working but Tyler refused the bartender’s offer of a glass and demanded a bottle of Shaz’s favorite sparkling water. He tested the cap, checking it was tightly closed, just in case.
Outside the dressing area door he found Hal leaning against the wall arms folded, his huge biceps threatening to rip the sleeves of his only good dress shirt. He looked bored but Tyler knew his second-in-command was ever watchful and ready to spring into action. The relaxed posture, one knee bent with the foot flat against the wall behind, was meant to put innocent bystanders at ease so they weren’t terrified by his six-foot-eight fighting-machine of a body. Hal straightened when he saw Tyler.
“Please tell me you’re come to relieve me and I can be in front sitting with my mate instead of guarding this lot?” he asked.
Tyler grinned. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were begging,” he teased.
Hal gave him the finger. “It’s worse than fighting off a shitload of bad guys,” he grumbled with a shudder. “Their hands were fucking everywhere. One of them grabbed my ass. I don’t care what Soozie says about not needing to get married as well as being mated. Maybe if I had a wedding band to flash, it would warn them off. At one point I thought I wasn’t getting out of the room with my pants still on.”