“If you mean you don’t look like a magazine socialite, I can tell you those women are as wrong for me as your previous boyfriends were for you.”
“So you don’t mind that I look ….” Her voice trailed off as she gestured to her body.
“Luscious? Passionate? Vibrant?”
She looked away from him. “Those weren’t the words I was going to choose.”
He took her chin and turned her face to look into her beautiful eyes. “But they are the ones I do, and they describe the woman I see.”
“Kiss me again,” she said.
“With great pleasure.” This time he brought his arms around her and pulled her to him, breathing in the sweet scent of her skin and allowing himself to embrace her fully. He pulled the elastic out of her hair and ran his hands through the silky strands. “You feel so good here with me.”
Her arms were around him and her hands were tracing the collar of his shirt sending ripples of delight through him. “I’ve never had a man kiss me as thoroughly as you do.”
“That’s not all I want to do to you.”
“Tell me more.”
“I’ve wanted you naked beneath me since the first moment I laid eyes on you.” He felt her shiver. “Your dessert made my cock hard, and all I could think after seeing you was finding a way to have you alone so I could find out if you tasted even better then your cooking.”
“The Meglio Sesso gave you an erection?”
“Instantly.”
“It did something similar to me, but I never imagined it could happen to someone else.”
“I want to know what else can happen.” He shifted her into his lap, making her dress ride up. When he saw the flash of skin, he found the edge of the material and lifted it higher, touching the warmth of her and relishing the sound of her sigh. “Your kisses are better than my fantasies.”
She smiled against his lips. “This is beyond the fantasies I had.”
He stopped kissing her to look at her. “You save your dreams for your desserts, don’t you?” He watched as tears made her eyes shiny and kissed them away as they fell. It melted something inside of him. She was meant for him. He couldn’t explain it, he simply knew it. “Don’t cry, sweetest. I understand.”
“Do you?”
“Yes. I save my dreams for work, too. For business plans and new companies. I can’t remember the last time something I truly desired was someone. Until now.”
❄ ❄ ❄
If she thought his embrace passionate before, it was nothing compared to the way he grabbed her and began to devour her. She understood hunger, and that was what she was feeling from him now. It should have frightened her. She should have asked him to stop and slow down, but she knew what she most wanted was to throw herself into every sensation he was causing in her and give him the same in return.
Their clothes were off before she could think about it, and for the first time she wasn’t self conscious about her body. Instead she was grateful for every place he touched, licked and stroked her.
“Your hands are cool,” he said as she let her fingers travel along his chest, nipples and then lower.
“It’s very important as a pastry chef,” she said, surprised she had the ability to think. “Cool hands are better for working with butter and chocolate.”
“What if I put chocolate here,” he said taking a confection from a platter and placing it icing down on her nipples, painting her with the cream.
“Find out for yourself, Tesoro.”
He smiled. “I know what that one means, too, and it is you who is the treasure.” He licked the chocolate from her body and she couldn’t stop the moan. “You’re exquisite.”
And she felt it. Every touch, every caress made her feel precious and beautiful, desired in a way she’d always wanted. He licked his way down her body finding sensitive areas she didn’t know existed. Each time she caught her breath, she lost it again as he discovered a new place to touch and tease her. His hands and mouth worked together creating waves of delight beyond anything she previously experienced. When he licked her pussy, she couldn’t hold back a moan.
“Now, this is more tempting than anything you’ve created. You drip for me sweeter than any fruit,” he said as he licked her again, stroking her pussy until she arched off the floor with the pleasure of it.
“God, Adam, yes,” she moaned, needing more, wanting more. When he slid a finger deep inside of her, adding a new intensity to what his mouth and tongue were already doing, she opened her legs wider, craving everything he was offering. She wanted the sensations to last, but everything he was doing was pushing her closer to a release that could not be contained. “I’m going to….” She moaned instead of finishing the sentence.
“Come for me, my sweet. Let me taste the true passion within you.”
In the next breath her climax swept through her hard and fast. She grabbed his head, running her hands through his hair then to his shoulders, needing every part of her to connect with as much of him as possible. She couldn’t remember having an orgasm more powerful. He made her so relaxed, so comfortable; she was able to allow her body to respond freely and fully. And it did.
His touch continued as the pleasure ebbed and her breathing started to return to a more measured rate. “Please,” she said.
“Please what?”
“Please tell me you have a condom near by because if I don’t feel you inside of me soon, I am going to scream from the frustration.”
“When you scream, it will only be from pleasure, I promise.” He quickly stripped and took a condom from his pants pocket.. As he opened the packet she reached and stroked his cock, marveling at the heat and firmness, feeling her pulse jump knowing he would soon be inside of her. “I am not going to be able to last if you keep doing that.”
“Then you will have to come back for seconds.”
“At least,” he said. He pulled her up and onto the couch, placed a pillow behind her head, and positioned himself between her legs. “You are more beautiful, more desirable than I could have ever imagined.”
“I believe you,” she said, and it was one of the most magical moments she had ever experienced with a man. She opened her arms to him, and he bent forward as he entered her body. As she stretched to accommodate his girth, she allowed herself to experience the intense connection he offered her. In one night, this man was less of a mystery to her than others were after months. Somehow she knew he was as exposed as she, and the bond took her breath away.
It didn’t take them long to find a rhythm to heighten their pleasure. She wrapped her legs around his waist, allowing him to drive himself as deeply into her as possible. Only moments after, Adams moans were as loud as hers. “God, is this what you felt? It’s… amazing. I can’t hold back, Justine.”
“Then don’t. Find the pleasure in me as you were able to give it to me.”
“Oh yes,” he said, then there was nothing more but the sounds and sighs of passion until he grabbed her hips firmly and said, “I’m coming.”
She lifted her hips to meet his thrusts, taking all of him, letting the power of his release flood her with joy. It was one thing to have him please her, but it was equally if not more exciting to see how much she was able to give to him. When his climax ended, he rolled as best he could to the side, taking her with him.
“Next time,” he said, “we’re going to be in my bed.”
Next time, Justine thought happily, and she knew there would be many more times after that. She may not know him well yet, but she did know she was willing to open up her heart to this man and see if it led someplace special. No more guarding her dreams. She sighed contentedly.
“What are you thinking about?” he said as he pulled her closer.
“I’m wondering if I will be able to create a dessert that tastes as good as you feel.”
“I don’t have an answer for you, cara mia,” he said, using an Italian endearment of his own. “But I promise we’ll have fun finding out.”
&nb
sp; ❄ The End ❄
Meet Rachel Kenley
Rachel Kenley writes from her garage office in New England, although she is still a Jersey Girl at heart. She is the author of five published novels and eight anthologies. Rachel’s days consist of an unending quest to balance her many roles including wife and homeschooling mom, while maintaining her sanity and sense of humor. She loves retold fairy tales in all their forms along with chocolate, coffee and retail therapy, also in all their forms. She is the co-founder of the Writers Business School where writers can learn the business skills they need for publishing success. She can be found on Facebook (a lot!) and on the web at www.rachelkenley.com
Other Titles by Rachel Kenley
Peak Experience
Spellbound
Dangerous Curves
The Glass Stiletto
Passionately Ever After
A DEMON’S GIFT
❄
Jocelyn Dex
Cordelia is a demon hunter in training. Passing her final test will allow her the freedom to celebrate her first Christmas, but one demon stands in her way. As much as she tries to fight it, to convince herself he repulses her, her body comes alive, betraying her, each time he’s near.
Argoth, a sex demon, is locked in a cell, used as a punching bag for the demon hunter trainees. The only thing he looks forward to is his training sessions with Cordelia. The first time her fist connects with his face, he knows she’s different and that he has to have her, to save her, to make her his.
When Argoth’s truth turns Cordelia’s world upside down, will she give in to her desires or run for her life?
Chapter One
Cordelia feinted right, ducked, then punched upward with her left hand, cleanly sinking the dagger between the demon’s fourth and fifth ribs. It wasn’t a killing blow, but it effectively paralyzed the demon making it easy to apprehend. The demon’s eyes rolled back in its gruesome, gray scaly head as it sunk to the cement floor with a thud.
Bix clapped behind her. “Good job,” he said. Much faster this time. I’d say we can add this demon to your ‘pass’ list.”
Cordelia wiped the sweat from her forehead and stepped back as two guards dragged the demon back to his cell before pulling the dagger from his ribcage. He’d awaken within seconds of its removal, heal soon after and be ready for another trainee to practice on before the day was done.
“How many more do I have to take down before I’m certified?” She’d been training for years and she was tired of it. Tired of the dank, damp underground hole. Tired of seeing the same demons every day. She could never admit it to Bix or any of the other trainees, but a small part of her felt bad for them, well, not the most vile, but some of them. Captured, locked up and used in whatever way the Demon Eradication Organization (DEO) saw fit.
“You’ve got the fighting down—as good as can be expected against demons. Resisting manipulation though… Your control is still lacking.”
Many demons had mind invading abilities. Resisting them was an important aspect of the demon hunting game and she sucked at it—especially when it came to one demon. “Isn’t it good enough? I mean, if I can kick their asses, I don’t need the resistance, right?”
He shook his head, his lips thinning. “For a cleaner, maybe. For a hunter, no. You know the drill.”
Shit. She had to get out of this hellhole. Cleaners mostly worked underground in the training facilities cleaning rooms, stocking supplies, disposing of bodies, and she could not freaking do that for the rest of her life. She needed to make hunter so she’d be free to move around topside, free to breathe the fresh air, feel the sun on her skin. “I’ll practice again tomorrow. I’m beat.”
When he just stared at her, she feared he’d make her stay and practice more. She didn’t know what time it was, but she was hoping to get out of there in time to get a glimpse of the sun. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d seen it. Had it been weeks? Months?
Finally, he said, “Fine. Get some rest. Be here at six sharp so you can get a full day in tomorrow.”
She saluted him to his face, but when he turned his back and walked out of the room, she flipped him off. He wasn’t a bad guy, really, but she was tired and frustrated and needed someone to focus that frustration on.
A throaty, sexy chuckle reached her ears. Her skin instantly heated, prickled. Damn it. The cells were soundproof but somehow the guards or Bix always managed to leave his intercom on when she was in the room. She whipped around and glared at him through the thick glass enclosure which served as his prison. “Shut up, demon.”
His lips turned down in an exaggerated frown. “I couldn’t help myself. Your childish gesture amused me. And how many times do I have to ask you to call me by my name? Say it with me—Argoth.”
It was his fault. The reason she had to keep proving her fighting skills, the reason she hadn’t made certification, the reason she was stuck down there every damn day. She’d learned to somewhat resist the manipulation of several of the others she’d been pitted against but not his. Amused him, did she? Well, let him be amused. He might be her weakness, but she knew his weakness too.
She sauntered over to his cell and slowly pulled her sweaty tank top over her head, exposing her fight-toned stomach. His eyes darkened as they travelled slowly up and down her body before finally settling on her breasts that were clad in only a thin sports bra.
He was a sex demon and had been denied all but self-release since being captured and locked up three months earlier. Denying a sex demon sex was like denying a crack addict crack—except the sex was actually good for the demon.
Her gaze dropped to his crotch and she gulped at the unmistakable bulge there. That damn sexy chuckle floated through the intercom again.
“Don’t play games you can’t control, Delia.”
“I’m in perfect control. You’re the one locked up. And don’t call me that.”
“Yes, I can see your perfect control. I’m certain it could cut through this glass and free me. Think of what we could do if you freed me…Delia.”
She followed his gaze to her chest where her painfully hard nipples peeked through the fabric of the sports bra. His voice dulled her good sense and images of what they could do floated through her mind before she regained control and snapped out of it. Goddamn it.
“Whatever. At least I get to go home, shower and find a lover.” She pressed her breasts against the glass, lowering her voice to a sultry whisper. “When he’s deep inside me, fucking me to ecstasy, I’ll think of you.” She blew him a kiss. He growled, real anger contorting his handsome face. “Oh wait. No I won’t.” She flicked his intercom off and flipped him the finger before leaving the room.
She walked across the street to her crappy studio apartment provided by the DEO. If she ever received certification, she’d have more freedom, be paid a decent wage and be able to move into an apartment of her choosing. The sun had just dipped below the horizon. Damn. Missed it again. If she hadn’t wasted time taunting him she might have had five minutes of sunlight.
That demon got under her skin and she dreaded the next time she’d have to train with him. For all she knew, it could be tomorrow, but after tonight’s confrontation, she hoped not. Every certified hunter had a weakness, so she didn’t understand why Bix kept denying her hunter status based on her weakness to him. It was totally unfair.
Two guards stood outside the gate that surrounded the complex housing D Unit’s trainees. She threw up a hand in greeting and they let her pass without a word. Once she made it up the stairs, she unlocked the door, stepped inside and made a beeline for the shower.
As she washed off the stress and sweat from the day, the thought of finding a lover definitely appealed to her, but she was just too tired and knew she had another hard day in front of her. Besides, she couldn’t leave the compound without an escort, so that limited her choice to one of the other trainees. No. Sleep was her best option.
❄ ❄ ❄
The next morning, Cordelia
pulled her hair back in a ponytail, threw on a black sports bra and tank top and a pair of black yoga pants. Comfortable was always a good option during training and, well, that’s pretty much all she owned anyway. She scarfed down a boiled egg and arrived at the facility early. She opened the door to Bix’s office, planning to sit and wait in there, but Bix was in a meeting with the director. They both gave her a hard stare.
“We’ll be done in a minute,” Bix said. “Wait outside.”
“Sure. Sorry.” She ducked out and closed the door behind her. It wasn’t often the director made an appearance there and she wondered what was up.
Ten minutes later, the director left Bix’s office, eyed her up and down, gave a curt nod, then left.
“Come on in, Cordelia.”
She entered and closed the door behind her. “Anything wrong?”
Bix shook his head. “Not wrong, no.”
“Okay. Well what’s on the agenda today? I’m ready.”
“After speaking with the director about your progress and lack of, we’ve decided to throw a little something different your way. A final exam, if you will.”
“Final exam? Really?” She jumped out of her seat. Oh happy freaking day. It was the best Christmas present ever. Not that she’d ever received one before, but whatever.
He waved for her to sit back down. “You might not be so excited when you hear what it is.”
The seriousness of his expression and his words made her stomach ache. Excitement turned to anxiety as she sunk back down onto the chair. “What is it?”
“Your weakness against the sex demon is a problem, as you know. We’d like to see if extended exposure will help you build a tolerance.”
“Extended?”
“He’s been implanted with a device to reduce your risk of death.”
“Death? What the hell are you proposing, Bix? Just spit it out.”
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