He ground his jaw. He was going to kill Aodhán for taking part in something this foolhardy. The fey warrior should have known better. “And?” he asked.
“The zombie went crazy. He almost got loose. Whatever it was that was animating him, whatever dark, wicked part of the Unseen was inside of him, was strengthened by my contact with it and the greater part of the Unseen.” She wrapped her arms around her waist. “Don’t you see, Duncan? It’s too dangerous for me to tap into the Unseen now. It could…” She shook her head.
His anger faded and was overtaken by concern. He went to her and drew her into his arms. “What are you afraid it will do?”
“I’m afraid it will overtake me. Turn me into something evil.” She bit her lip.
“I won’t let that happen, sweetheart.”
“How would you stop it? Even if you’d been with me and Aodhán, how would you have stopped it from taking over me if I hadn’t broken away in time?”
And just that fast his anger was back. “You were an idiot to try something like that without me.”
Her eyes widened. Nostrils flared, she gritted, “Don’t you dare call me an idiot, you arrogant bastard. You couldn’t have done anything Aodhán didn’t do. Anyway, I’ll do what I think is best when I think it’s best.”
“No, you won’t.” Fire raced into his eyes and he knew his irises had gone silver. His fangs dropped over his lower lip. He dropped his hands to his sides and widened his stance. She didn’t look the least bit intimidated.
“Listen, you.” She straightened her index finger and poked him in the chest. “I’m the one who decided to rush over here and let you bite me so you could be healed. Otherwise you’d still be a mass of hamburger meat lying in there on your bed. So a little gratitude might be in order.” She gave him another hard poke. “You are not the boss of me.”
“Actually, I am.” Duncan swept her into his arms and carried her into his bedroom, ignoring the way she struggled in his arms and sputtered insults and threats. If there was one way to get through to her, it was through sex. He’d orgasm her strident attitude out of her until she was soft and pliant. He slammed the door closed with his heel and strode to the bed.
When he dropped her onto it, she quickly scrambled off to the other side and watched him warily. “Duncan, whatever you’re thinking about doing, don’t.”
“I’m thinking about sinking my cock inside you. I’m thinking I’ll fuck you until you scream my name, and then I’ll fuck you some more.” He started to move around the bed toward her, watching slight fear and deeper arousal skate across her face. “I’m thinking you’ll like it. A lot.”
“I don’t want this. I don’t want you.” Her gaze flickered from him to the bed and back again. He could tell she was gauging the distance and trying to decide when she’d need to try to get across the bed before he could reach her. He didn’t mind. He was faster than she was.
“Little liar.”
She took a step backward. “I’m not lying. I don’t want you.”
He let his eyes drift over her body and drew in her scent on a deep inhalation. “I can see your nipples. They’re hard. You want my mouth on you, sucking your nipples, your clit. You want me to shove my tongue inside you.” He gave her a slow smile, a wicked smile that should let her know his intentions. “Don’t deny it, sweetheart. I can smell your arousal. I bet your panties are wet, aren’t they?”
“That’s…leftover from the shower because you can’t keep your hands to yourself, you sex fiend.” She crossed her arms. “And if my nipples are hard it’s because I’m mad.” She narrowed her eyes at him. “These are angry nipples, not aroused ones.”
Even when she was lying and being sassy, she drew him like no other woman ever had. With a click of his tongue he shook his head. “Those are aching nipples,” he said in a voice gone husky. “And I have plans for them.”
Chapter Twelve
Kimber stared at Duncan. Her heart went from pounding in her chest to pounding in her sex. She clamped her jaws together. Don’t you dare get any wetter, she told her weak-willed pussy. But damn! His predatory stalk toward her had done something to her willfulness. Who knew she had a streak of submissive in her?
But she held on to her anger. She wasn’t going to make this easy for him. If she let him have her without a fight, that would set the tone for their relationship. She’d meant it when she’d told him he wasn’t her boss. She wasn’t averse to discussing things with him, but ultimately it was her life, her decision.
She wasn’t stupid. She knew she couldn’t outrun a vampire. But she’d give him a good chase. Keeping her eyes on him, she lunged forward, leaping onto the bed and over it, surprising even herself with her agility. She heard him growl behind her and he caught her at the door.
“Where do you think you’re going?” he whispered in her ear. “I said I have plans.”
She twisted in his hold. If he got his hands or his mouth on her nipples, her resistance would die a quick death. She drew up her foot and stomped her bare heel as hard as she could onto his instep. A satisfying low hiss came from behind her, and his hands loosened from around her upper arms. She jerked away from him and headed toward the bathroom.
Before she could reach the door, he stood in front of it. “Stupid vampire speed,” she muttered as she back pedaled. Her eyes darted around for an avenue of escape even while she realized there was none.
“Give it up, sweetheart.” He stalked forward, loose hipped and big cocked.
She held up a hand, like that would ward him off. “You just keep your distance, Duncan. You’re not going to touch me.”
His eyes glinted. “That sounds like a challenge to me.” Lustful anticipation crossed his face.
Kimber went very still. Even her breath seemed suspended. Oh, hell. Why not? Why was she holding back? Sex with Duncan was great. More than great. But, admittedly, she didn’t want him to think she was easy or anything.
“If you think you’re man enough,” she drawled, flipping her hand around and crooking her index finger at him, “then come and get me.”
Another wicked smile curved his mouth. Good God, be careful what you wish for, girl. She’d wanted to see him smile more, and this… She felt another rush of moisture slick the lips of her sex.
He yanked his T-shirt off and let it fall to the floor. A tug at his waist and his sweatpants came down. He kicked them off and started forward again. His cock rose out of a nest of dark curls, the tip reaching toward his belly button, he was so hard. Lust rolled off him in waves, making her shiver in anticipation and wonder if maybe this wasn’t such a good idea after all. Maybe she’d awakened a beast when she should have left well enough alone.
But what a sexy beast he was.
She backed up until she couldn’t go any farther. Palms flat against the wall, she stared at him, her pulse pounding madly in her throat. She felt alive, like she hadn’t in years. Only Duncan, a supposedly soulless bloodsucking fiend, had ever made her feel quite like this, like she was standing on a cliff, ready to jump, knowing he’d be there at the bottom to catch her.
He stared at her, his eyes as wild as a storm. Her body picked up on the message in his eyes and heat traveled from her core. Her nipples beaded tighter, her stomach clenched. She bit the inside of her cheek to restrain the moan that wanted to erupt out of her mouth. The powerful grip of this need he aroused in her so easily, so quickly, was insanity.
He stopped in front of her, his big, bare feet braced wide. Muscles worked over his body in rolling curves, veins snaking along massive biceps. His shoulders looked like they went on forever, his broad chest narrowed to a lean waist and hips, and long, strong legs.
But it was the expression on his face, the look in his eyes, that riveted her. So much desperate need, for her. Suddenly she didn’t want to fight him anymore. She needed him just as much. Now.
Hard.
Fast.
Deep.
* * *
Duncan stared at Kimber. She was spoilin
g for a fight, and with the fear still riding him at the chance she’d taken with her life, he was primed to give it to her. If she wanted to do this the hard way, he was more than happy to oblige. Desire throbbed deep in his gut and danced along his veins to pulse behind his eyes.
He could smell her arousal, see the way her heart pounded against her ribs, making the skin above quiver with each beat. That same beat pounded in her creamy throat.
It wasn’t fear. He’d have sensed that. Smelled it, even. No, she was nervous, even a little apprehensive, but she wasn’t afraid. He didn’t want her frightened of him, but a healthy dose of respect for his strength and his right to protect her wouldn’t be unwelcome.
He took the steps necessary to bring them face to face. Leaning one forearm against the wall beside her head, he bent until his lips were a breath away from hers. “Do you think I’m man enough?” He grabbed her hand and wrapped her fingers around his erection. She gave him a squeeze, and he couldn’t stop the moan. “Damn it, sweetheart. That feels so good.”
Her tongue swept across her bee-stung lips, leaving them wet and inviting.
“Tell me you don’t want this, and mean it,” he said, “and it all stops right now.” If there was a God in heaven she wouldn’t tell him no.
She shook her head, her gaze locked with his. The hazel of her irises was more green than brown now, almost swallowed up by the pupils. “I do want this, Duncan. I do want you.”
He pressed his hips against hers, letting her feel his hardness against her soft belly. Her lips parted on a gasp. He took her mouth with his, hard, unable to summon gentleness through the wild arousal beating at him.
Duncan brought his hands up, cupping Kimber’s face between his palms, and tilted her head for a better angle. She tasted better than anything he could remember. Sweet like honey with a hint of something tart. She tasted like…
Home.
He cursed softly and gentled his caress. With Kimber he felt, sometimes too much. But he could hardly walk around with her attached to his cock all the time.
He touched her lips softly and laved their seam with his tongue. She opened slowly and captured his tongue, drawing it deeper into her mouth. Her tongue twisted around his, tasting him, devouring him. She was like a raging wildfire, so beautiful in her desire that he wanted to protect her and take her over in a maelstrom all at the same time.
Her scent made him crazy with need, and her touch—soft and hungry and searching—made him ravenous. Her fingers still curled around his cock, alternating between light and hard strokes until he finally had to move her hand off him. He wanted to be inside her when he came.
With eager hands he eased off her clothing. Pink-tipped breasts billowed above her narrow waist and generous hips. He bent his head and kissed her again, sweeping his tongue into her mouth to mate with hers. Her hands came around him, fingers flexing into his back. She moved her legs restlessly. He slid between them, his cock stiff against her belly.
He scattered kisses across her chest and tongued each stiff nipple before kneeling to kiss his way down her flat stomach. He parted her thighs just a little wider and stroked his fingers in a long caress along the slick folds of her sex. She jumped, jerking against his hand, a sharp cry of pleasure escaping her.
He pushed a finger slowly inside her hot, tight sheath. At once her muscles clenched around him, velvet soft yet firm and wet. His own body throbbed and swelled in response. Her hips pressed forward. Duncan thrust another finger into her, stretching her, preparing her. More than anything her pleasure mattered to him. Her velvet folds pulsed for him, wanting, demanding, and he fed that hunger, pushing deep, retreating, thrusting again so that her hips followed his lead.
“That’s it, sweetheart,” he breathed against her stomach. “Just like that. I want you ready for me.”
“I am ready,” she panted. Her slender hands grasped his hair, alternately tugging and pushing at him as if she wasn’t sure if she wanted his mouth on her clit or higher up.
“No, you’re not. Not yet.” He flicked his tongue at the swollen nub of flesh at the top of her slit. Her breath hissed out and he tasted her. His name was a whispered plea. He lifted his head to look at her. “Open your legs wider. Let me have you.”
To his surprise, she shook her head. “No more playing, Duncan. I want you inside me. Now.”
Who was he to argue? He rocketed to his feet, lifting her by her hips and thrusting his cock into her wet heat in one long glide until his balls rested against the curve of her ass. He waited a moment, allowing her body to adjust to his invasion, then he pulled out until only the head of his cock breached her opening. He surged forward again, watching her face for signs of discomfort. She wore only a look of passion, her eyes glazed, her breath coming in pants.
Satisfied she felt the same pleasure he did, he began to move, gliding in and out of her, going deep with each stroke. He tilted her hips so he could hit her clit with each forward movement. Each thrust bumped her against the wall and she moaned and gasped, her hands clutching his shoulders for support.
His own climax roiled through him, drawing his balls up against his body, swelling his cock even more. He buried himself to the hilt, shoving deep, and felt the spasms of her orgasm overtake her. She cried out, throwing her head back, baring her throat to him.
With an animalistic snarl he took what she offered, biting into her soft flesh as he pounded into her, the explosion of his climax ripping through him from his balls to the top of his head.
When he could make his mind work again, he eased fangs and cock out of her. Her inner muscles clung to his sated shaft, making him groan at the renewing pleasure. Sweeping her into his arms, he carried her into the bathroom and gently cleaned her, then took her back into the bedroom and laid her on his bed. He came down next to her and tucked her against his side, content for the first time in a very long time. The sex between them might have started out angry, but it had ended in love.
He stilled then closed his eyes. He couldn’t deny it to himself any longer. He loved Kimber. But could he admit it to her? What kind of power over him would his feelings give her?
Her heavy sigh drew his focus outward. “What is it, sweetheart?” he asked, running one palm gently up and down her forearm where it lay across his abdomen.
“I wish we could stay like this,” she whispered. “No other vampires. No zombies. Just you and me.”
“Me, too.” But they couldn’t stay like this. Sooner rather than later Maddalene would find Kimber here. Duncan was prepared to fight to the death to protect his love. And he had to win, because otherwise he would leave Kimber unprotected. He couldn’t expect Atticus or even Aodhán to care for her like he did.
* * *
The next few days passed in a pleasant blur for Kimber. She and Duncan settled into their relationship, spending the nights pleasuring each other and the days talking and getting to know each other better. Natalie and Aodhán helped to pass the time, and even seemed to be getting along better as well. They all knew they had to decide what they were going to do once Maddalene returned, because they were also certain their time was running out.
On this particular morning Duncan had gone to talk with Atticus about additional security for them. He wanted his friend’s advice on which vampires they could trust to remain loyal to the two of them instead of their queen. Natalie and Aodhán sat at the dining room table, working a crossword puzzle together, while Kimber sprawled on the sofa reading a cozy mystery.
She heard a commotion at the door and looked up to see it swing open and Maddalene breeze in. The guards Atticus had posted were crumpled on the floor. Kimber jumped to her feet, holding the book in both hands in front of her, like it would somehow protect her.
She saw Aodhán motion for Natalie to remain where she was then he walked over and stood next to Kimber. “Maddalene,” he said, his voice deep and dark. “What do you want?”
Her dark gaze swept over them. “I was gone nearly a week and return to find I have vi
sitors I knew nothing about. I want to talk with Kimber. Alone.”
“Not going to happen.” He put one hand on the hilt of his sword.
“Fine. What I have to say isn’t private.” She glided forward and sank gracefully onto the end of the sofa. Her eyes fastened on Kimber. “I want you to raise my Eduardo. I will give you whatever you ask.”
Kimber felt like her heart would jump out of her chest, it was beating so hard. From Maddalene’s slight smirk she had a feeling the vampire queen could hear the mad thumping beat. But still she forced herself to meet the other woman’s eyes and say with calm assurance, “There’s nothing you can offer that would get me to do it. It’s too dangerous.”
“Really? Nothing at all will sway you?” She stood and walked closer, ignoring Aodhán’s protective stance. She tilted her head to one side and studied Kimber in silence for a few seconds. Finally she said, “I smell Duncan on you. The two of you have been intimate.” Silver bled into her irises and a hint of fangs appeared over her plump lips. “Perhaps I do have something you’d be interested in after all.”
Kimber knew she’d hate herself for asking, but she did anyway. “What’s that?”
“Your lover’s guaranteed safety. And your own and your friend’s as well,” she said with a gesture toward Natalie.
Upon being noticed, Natalie’s face paled and her eyes widened.
Maddalene glared at Aodhán. “You, however, have no guarantees. The longer you stay, the closer death comes to you.”
“If I can take you with me, it would be worth it.” Hatred and rage seethed in his voice.
Maddalene lifted one slender shoulder. “That’s a big if,” she stated in a cold, quiet voice.
He drew his sword. “I could take your head right now.”
Before he could say another word, Maddalene moved with preternatural speed to stand behind Natalie, one slim hand wrapped around Natalie’s throat. “You try it, my love, and this one will die, too. Are you prepared to make that sacrifice?”
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