Djinn Lover

by Michelle Howard

  A final check in the mirror showed the slimming lines of the halter dressed she’d chosen. The lilac color enhanced the tan she’d gotten from the beach over the weekend and her brown eyes didn’t look as plain. Her hair was pulled over one shoulder with a silver comb, keeping the length from spilling down her back. The lipstick and make-up she’d used with a light hand was perfect.

  Breathe, girl. She should have cancelled. Carolyn pushed away from the mirror and turned the light out on her way out of the bathroom and into her living room. Cancelling would have been smart but she’d already established that she was trying to hit her idiot quota for the day. Scratch that. For the month.

  But every time she thought of the man with the gold eyes, dark hair and cruel smile, she shivered and her heart raced. Its frantic beat chugged a warning she deliberately ignored.

  For once Carolyn was going to reach for what she wanted. And she wanted Kale Serano. Her door bell buzzed. The grated sound reminded her of nails dragging on a chalkboard. She needed to get the rental office to fix it.

  Slowing her steps, she took a deep breath to find her center on her way to answer. Fortunately she’d gone with sedate two inch pumps and was in no danger of falling on her face.

  Carolyn opened the door and all her plans flew out the window.

  “Ms. Sutherland, you look...delightful.”

  That wasn’t what he’d been about to say. Carolyn’s breath locked in her throat as Kale leaned down toward her and brushed his lips across hers. The wet touch of his tongue startled her enough to step back.

  And stumble.

  Large hands gripped her at the waist. “Careful, Carolyn.”

  Air whooshed out of her lungs. She loved the way he said her name. Loved the way he whispered it as he kissed her skin, nipped her ears and groaned it out as he climaxed and poured himself deep in her.

  “Carolyn?” His voice questioned her silence.

  Just the hint of that sexy growl and she got wet. She forced a smile. “I’m ready.”

  Carolyn turned and pretended not to notice when his hold tightened for a moment before letting go as she reached for her coat.

  His arm was a light weight over her shoulder when they headed outside the lobby of her apartment and the dark silk of the midnight sky. The sleek black car at the curb gave her pause. It gleamed beneath the light of a lone street lamp and its dim bulb.

  “I thought you were sending a car to pick me up.” It’s what she expected. An extra opportunity to fortify her nerves against such a blatant force.

  Kale’s tipped his head down while opening the passenger side door. “I changed my mind.”

  The deep rumble purred along her ear as he bent and waited until she was fully seated before closing the door and making his way around the front of the vehicle.

  Oh, God. The black suit and black collared shirt which he’d left unbutton at the top shouldn’t have been appealing. It was just a suit. But it was the man in the suit that changed the ordinary clothes into something extraordinary.

  Kale Serano was a potent blend of sensual mastery and deadly intent. He was not a man to trifle with. He climbed in beside her and the scent of his cologne reached her. Rich like the man.

  He started the car and chanced a glance in her direction. “Anything in particular you want?”

  “You,” she whispered.

  Lord save her. It was a good thing Carolyn was sitting or her knees would have knocked.

  Kale’s brow rose and she flushed.

  Of all the slip ups.

  “That’s refreshing.”

  He pulled away from the curb with a smooth glide of gears, his hand shifting the car effortlessly.

  Despite the heat in her cheeks, Carolyn shifted. “I’m sorry.” She shouldn’t have said that. It wasn’t in her to be so bold with a man. Especially one she didn’t really know beyond their night of wicked sex.

  “Why? I’m not. I find your honesty appealing.”

  Of course he would. Hello, rich guy and stupid girl. It was enough to be a lame cable show. Adding fuel to fire, her stomach growled.

  Carolyn threw her head back against the leather head rest in misery only to hear the low echoes of Kale’s laughter.

  She peeked from the corner of her eyes and a smile still graced his mouth. His amazing mouth capable of doing wonderful things which she well remembered.

  “I think I’ll feed you first if it’s all the same to you.”

  Carolyn cleared her throat and tugged on the seatbelt. “Its kinda late and usually I eat dinner around six, but you said eight so I just snacked a little.”

  And snacking did nothing for her. Carolyn had a hearty appetite and liked to eat. Waiting had felt like torture.

  “Then my apologies for any suffering on your part. That was not my intent, but I had business dealings to attend and couldn’t get away earlier.”

  “It’s okay.”

  “Aside from me.” His mouth quirked and he looked at her with eyes that smoldered. “Is there anything in particular you would like to eat?”

  Embarrassed, Carolyn could only shake her head.

  “Good.” He pushed a button, one of many on the sleek panel of the dash.

  The speakers carried the sound of a ringing phone.

  “Hello?”

  “I’m on my way to the house I need dinner for two prepared. Preferably Italian.”

  He didn’t check with her when he spoke of the cuisine but then he’d given her every opportunity to choose and she hadn’t. Or she had, but it wasn’t a menu selection.

  Chapter 8

  Kale pulled through the wrought iron gates of the estate in view. Guards at the post nodded as he drove by. The winding driveway gave anyone at the house ample time to prepare for expected or unexpected guests.

  When he parked the car, Carolyn reached for the handle only to have him press a hand on her thigh to stay. Even after he got out of the car to come to her side, she felt the lingering imprint of his hand.

  You’re in over your head, Carolyn. But she couldn’t resist his appeal. The magnetic look in his eyes when he stared at her. A woman could drown in eyes like his.

  Kale opened the door and extended a hand to help her out. The drive had done nothing to chill the intensity between them. His fingers clasped hers and pulled.

  Carolyn straightened and used her free hand to smooth down the hem of her knee length dress. He kept hold of the other, leaving her no choice but to follow close to him as he led them up the stairs and through massive double doors.

  Doors that weren’t locked.

  “You don’t lock your doors?” The question came out a breathless gasp as she took in the luxurious interior of the two story marbled foyer.

  Kale continued to drag her down a long hall with a beautiful runner in gold and red and finally into a kitchen that could seat her entire family.

  Lights gleamed over head. Polished granite counters and stainless steel appliance added an elegance she should have expected. The room also smelled delicious.

  A young man she vaguely remembered from the awards banquet pushed back a stool at the island coming to his feet. Dark blond hair was brushed back casually from a face that could have sold thousands of magazine covers.

  Blue eyes studied her far longer than she was comfortable with before he spoke. “Ms. Sutherland, a pleasure to see you.”

  Kale frowned at the man, accepting the folder he extended. He had to let her hand go to take the pen. Carolyn and the blond both noticed the hesitation and then her fingers were free.

  “I’m Jadon Myles, Kale’s assistant.”

  Carolyn shook his hand. “Please to meet you.”

  He turned toward his boss and shoved his fingers in the front pockets of his black jeans. The white tee stretched over a pretty decent sized chest. “Everything’s ready, just move it from the oven to the plates.” His head tilted toward a stack of white dishes on the counter next to a bowl of shiny green apples.

  “Do you need me for anything els
e?”

  “No.” Kale handed him the black folder with its signed contents and the pen.

  With one final smile, Jadon left the two of them alone. She waited to hear the front door close but instead his steps went upward.

  “He lives here.” Kale opened the oven. “Have a seat.”

  Carolyn assumed they were eating in the kitchen. She slid her butt up to sit on the plush red cushion. Her attention was hopelessly drawn to the man removing the pans from the oven and what looked like a tray with golden breadsticks.

  Her stomach rumbled again. “How come you don’t just wave your hands and float it all to the table?”

  With his back turned she noticed the way his shoulders stiffened. He braced his hands on the counter and bowed his head. “Float it all to the table?”

  She couldn’t miss the derision in his tone. Carolyn swallowed. “Fly? Zoom?” What word did one use to describe a djinn’s powered?

  Kale turned his big body in her direction and folded his arms across his chest. The move parted his suit jacket and her eyes dropped to his trim waist, the muscled legs spread wide and the bulge displayed despite the cut of his dress pants.

  “Do you really expect me to use my magic around you?”

  And there it was, in the open. The difference between them. He was a paranorm and she was human. Carolyn lifted her gaze to meet his. “Is it a secret?”

  His eyes narrowed. “Hardly. I’ve found humans aren’t always comfortable around things they don’t quite understand.”

  Humans. Said with such ridicule. “Is that how you think of me?”

  Slow prowling steps toward her. Once more he reminded her of a jungle cat. “I think of you in many ways, Carolyn.”

  His hand reached up and removed the clip from her hair. He placed it next to her elbow and ran his fingers through the length, pausing to massage her scalp. She bit her tongue to still her moan.

  “Open.”

  Carolyn jerked but he pressed between her thighs. She parted her legs and he eased his bulk right in. When he tugged her toward him, she didn’t think of resisting.

  Her nipples puckered against his hard chest, her neck arched back, and Kale took advantage.

  His mouth met hers in a clash of tongues and lips. The kiss thrilled and aroused. Joy burst in her heart and Carolyn gave in to the desire she’d been suppressing the entire drive over. She wrapped her hands around his waist, eager to touch some part of his body.

  Yanking and pulling, she managed to rip the black shirt from his pants and shoved it upward. Her fingers stroked the sleek feel of the chest and torso underneath.

  He growled and left her mouth to push the top of her dress down. The halter design made it easy and her breasts popped free. Cool air hit her nipples.

  Carolyn bit her bottom lip. Kale bent over, only the top of his dark hair visible. She loved his hair. The slight curl so at odds with the aura of danger he radiated. Then the wet heat of his mouth applied pressure and sucked. Her moan was overloud in the kitchen, both hands leaving his chest to clasp his head to her.

  His tongue teased and laved with a mix of knee jerking suction added. Carolyn’s weight crashed back onto the counter. Kale followed, his hands at her waist, holding her steady while he devoured her.

  ***

  She tasted so good. Some sort of body lotion for certain but the scent invaded his nostrils and filled Kale’s mouth with the taste of sugar and honey. Carolyn moaned as he switched breasts causing his hands to clench on her hips. What did she do to him? Why this woman?

  Kale could have any woman he wanted yet Carolyn was the one on his mind constantly.

  “Kale.”

  His name was a soft sigh on her lips. He loved the sound of his name coming from her mouth. He needed her to cry it out while he had her splayed beneath him.

  It was his goal.

  His mission.

  Kale’s hands drifted up, pushing the hem of her dress with it, baring her legs. Such long toned legs. Sleek and so very soft to the touch. A splash of black came into view. Her underwear. Tiny and made of lace. Kale growled and shifted his weight. He pushed closer. Needed to be closer. So close nothing came between their skin.

  He placed a kiss on her belly. Her stomach twitched. Holding her steady with one hand, his other flirted with the edges of her panties.

  Hands gripped his hair. Kale raised his eyes but couldn’t see her face. Just the lithe form of her slim torso arched back over his counter. Focusing on his task, his finger slipped under the silk and touched her. Liquid heat.

  “Kale.” The hands in his hair tightened.

  If possible, he hardened more. The ache in his groin throbbed. He had to have her. Bury himself deep again and see if he’d imagined it. Imagined the wonder he’d found in that bed in a hotel room with this woman.

  Kale stepped back and lifted her in his arms. He only managed the few steps to the adjoining great room and its large black sofa. Butter soft leather gave beneath his weight as he balanced on one knee and lowered Carolyn to the cushions.

  With her dress shoved around her waist, hair mussed, and eyes darkened with passion, she was everything he wanted in this moment.

  “I want you.” His voice was a rough rasp. The burn in his eyes warned they were probably glowing. Glowing with the hum of his power and magic.

  As a djinn, he’d lived for centuries. Watched empires rise and fall. Through it all he gained strength. The older a djinn, the more powerful. Now Kale was the last djinn living on this side of the veil and no other creature in the world was stronger.

  They knew this. The wolves, dragons, and vamps. No one fucked with Kale Serano.

  “I want you too. Touch me, Kale. Make me come.”

  Her words were low but he heard them clearly and shuddered above her. He wouldn’t stop touching her until she begged.

  ***

  Carolyn arched up with a cry. Kale’s wicked fingers plunged deep within her core again and again. “Yes, yes. More, Kale.”

  She couldn’t take her eyes off the man whose touch set her on fire. Release crashed over her and Carolyn closed her eyes to ride the crest. When she came down, Kale hovered over her. His clothes long gone, along with her dress and thong.

  “I’ll give you as much as you want.”

  The rumble of his voice should have sounded menacing but Carolyn heard the thread of need underneath. The same need raged like an inferno within.

  His hand cupped her cheek and Carolyn gasped from the heat. The deep burnished tone of his skin hinted at ethnic origins she couldn’t place. Gold eyes flared when she pumped her hips beneath him. Like unbending steel, he thrust into her moist depths. His long, curling lashes flickered as he entered her.

  Carolyn cried out and he stopped. Hands braced on the sofa, his body simply froze.

  “Don’t stop,” she pleaded. Her hands went to his shoulder, tugging.

  At last, his body moved against her. Each stroke fanned her arousal higher. The scent of their lovemaking filled the air. She was drenched, allowing him to shuttle smoothly in and out. His fingers plucked at her nipples, sending sharp spears to her abdomen.

  It was like the last time. Her body a slave to his touch. She couldn’t get enough. Didn’t want him to stop. Another release loomed. He’d yet to come. Carolyn dragged her nails down his chest and got a reaction.

  His neck strained, teeth clenched, and his hips pistoned faster. This time, intent on his pleasure, Carolyn concentrated on her movements. She tightened her inner muscles and relaxed. When he groaned, Carolyn did it again. And again. Raising up as much as his weight would allow, meeting him thrust for thrust.

  “Fuck.”

  Exactly what she wanted. He was close.

  Kale’s head dropped beside hers, his breath warm on her neck. Carolyn wrapped her legs around his waist, holding him closer. Deeper.

  He licked the rapid beat of her pulse. Carolyn’s eyes rolled in her head. She smoothed her hands up, burying her fingers in the fullness of his dark hair. />
  “Please, Kale. I want to feel you.”

  His growl had her trembling and then lightning struck. Carolyn’s world spun. The orgasm caught her off guard and she screamed his name, her nails digging deep.

  Kale grunted above her, his teeth biting into her neck as he came with a harsh groan that ended abruptly when his weight slumped.

  Her heart thudded in her chest. Carolyn tried to catch her breath, the weight pinning her to the sofa, making it difficult.

  As if reading her thoughts, Kale pushed up and off. She thought he’d leave her. Maybe get dressed, but his arms curved around her as he lifted her. Carolyn blinked her eyes open while he carried her down the hall, up a long winding staircase and shouldered open the last door in this new hall.

  “Clothes.” Her yawn broke the word in two.

  “Later.”

  Later as in later tonight or later as in he expected her to sleep with him? When Kale’s big body climbed in the bed next to her, Carolyn’s eyes slid closed. Okay, maybe he meant later as in he expected her to sleep with him. It was her last thought as exhaustion took her under.

  ***

  Kale was in trouble. He wrapped his body around the sleeping woman in his arms and rested his head on the pillow next to hers. With his thigh pressed between her legs, no way would she be able to move without him knowing. Not that he worried over that. He really didn’t need sleep. Could go days without rest but right now, he allowed himself to enjoy this rare opportunity.

  Carolyn Sutherland had thrown him a punch he wasn’t expecting. She rolled over facing him and snuggled her face into his chest. Snuggled. Women didn’t snuggle with him. He was too dangerous. Too deadly.

  And didn’t like it.

  He didn’t used to like it, Kale revised. Because right now if someone attempted to move her from his arms, he’d cut them down without a second thought. Kale placed a kiss on her smooth brow. They would talk in the morning. He wasn’t letting her go. And what Kale wanted, Kale took.

  Chapter 9

  Kale woke to the chirping of birds. He frowned and glanced around his bedroom. Bright sunlight pierced his personal space. Someone had thrown open the curtains to his balcony. The same someone who opened the door to his adjoining bathroom and entered his bedroom.