by Calista Fox
Darien’s fingers curled around the satin and bunched it. She lifted slightly as he pulled the skirt of her nightgown up to her waist. His hands grazed her bare cheeks, gently massaging.
She kissed him, then whispered against his mouth, “I want you inside me.”
His hands slipped between them and he unfastened his pants and shoved them and his briefs over his hips. There wasn’t much room on the sofa, but she managed to straddle him and ease down onto his thick erection. She moaned softly.
“I like the fantasies,” Jade told him, “but reality is infinitely better.”
He sat up and she wrapped her arms around his neck as his cock thrust into her.
“Nothing feels better than this,” she murmured. “Feel free to stay as long as you’d like.”
His low chuckle brought a smile to her lips.
“I’ll eventually have to return to the castle or Morgan will think you’ve kidnapped me.”
She laughed. “Not kidnapped. Seduced you into never leaving so I can use your body for my own personal pleasure whenever I want…”
“Put that way, I’m not going anywhere. Sheena can run the castle.”
His hands roamed Jade’s front under the nightgown, easing up her stomach to her breasts. The loose structure of the bodice allowed him to cup the mounds. He caressed them tenderly.
“You’ve definitely lost too much weight,” he commented.
“Not into the flat-chested types?”
“You’re not exactly flat-chested, but you used to come closer to filling my hands.”
She suspected she’d lost ten or fifteen pounds since the first attack and because she’d been working out regularly with Tanner—unbeknownst to the king, of course.
“Are you complaining, my Lord?” she asked in a mocking tone.
He grinned. “Never. But I do want you healthy.”
“I’ll be fine. Especially if you keep doing that.”
His thumbs whisked over her tight nipples. Her head fell back as he kissed her neck, his teeth lightly scraping, his tongue teasing her skin. She felt all the glorious sensations he elicited as acutely as she had the first time they’d made love. Perhaps more so, because the bond between them continued to strengthen.
Their feelings for each other were intricately laced and Jade no longer considered them tenuous, but substantial and significant. Although she’d been honest with Sheena about castle life not being in her future, she was pleased Darien came to the cottage for her.
As they moved together in a sensual rhythm, her arousal was heightened not just from the way he touched her and loved her but also from the fact he seemed so swept away by her.
Threading her fingers through his hair, she said, “Everything about you causes my heart to pound wildly. Sometimes I feel as if it’s going to burst from my chest.”
He groaned. “More pain inflicted because of me.”
She sighed. “Metaphorically speaking, of course. Stop being so sensitive.”
“Difficult to do. I’m in love, remember?”
“Still? I thought you’d get over that silly human emotion.”
He nipped playfully at her throat. “Have you?”
“Of course not. I am a silly human.”
He surprised her with a not-so-romantic snort. “Hardly. And for the record, no I haven’t—nor will I—get over it. Now,” he said as one hand moved between her legs and his thumb rubbed her clit. “Stop talking and let me make you come.”
It didn’t take much effort on his part. With his cock filling her and his thumb expertly working that swollen knot of nerves, erotic sensations swelled within her. He continued to kiss her neck, and roll and pinch her nipple as her hips rocked against him. Her soft whimpers mingled with his occasional groans. She clung to him, her fingers twined in his silky hair.
Maybe she really did like living on the edge, because everything about her demon lover drove her crazy with desire.
The hand on her breast slipped around to her backside. His finger circled her anus and then dipped inside as his wide shaft continued to stroke her inner walls and he rubbed her clit.
Jade let out a sharp cry of pleasure. The man’s talents knew no bounds. Her head fell forward and her arm around his neck tightened.
“You so easily unravel everything inside me,” she said against strands of his hair.
He worked her a bit harder from three different angles and, moments later, tension gripped her body and then shattered as she climaxed.
“Darien,” she whispered against his temple. Her pussy throbbed and her breath came in ragged pulls. She squeezed him tight and he let out a low, sexy growl. Then his body tightened before it convulsed. His cock surged as he came inside her. She clutched him as they both reveled in the powerful release.
Jade trembled and her pulse raced. The tingly feeling along her flesh and against all her erogenous zones made her feel vibrant and alive. Human sensations she knew to cherish. Euphoria flowed through her, which brought on a curious bout of the giggles.
Darien pulled slightly away, his brow crooked. “I’ve amused you?”
She laughed heartily. “No. I can’t help but think what a paradox this is.”
“How so?”
“In the presence of a demon, I feel more human than I have in fifteen years. Not numb and gloomy but…fantastically alive.”
“Oh good. So no more talk about death and how it’s the natural progression and all that.”
Despite the rather somber and morbid topic, she grinned. “I still contend that’s the realistic view even you have to face. Because someday I will die. But until then…” She kissed him, not needing to say more.
He fell back against the pillows in the corner of the sofa, bringing her with him. His fingers swept through her hair and he mumbled against her lips, “The overarching issue is that you’re telling me you like how I make you feel, yes?”
“Oh God yes. So much.” She added, “I’ve spent so many years just going through the motions, without letting anything register too deeply. But I have to admit, all of this warmth and exuberance inside me is a nice change of pace.”
He said, “But it hasn’t been easy. The fire wraith, your conflict with Michael, the fact we live in two different worlds, despite being only five miles apart distance-wise…”
“We live in the same world,” she corrected him. “You’ve gotten a good look at what it’s like to be human in this village. You and Sheena have both brought me luxuries I don’t have access to or can’t afford because I live outside the castle walls. But you can’t honestly tell me you haven’t given consideration to the fact that I’m not the only mortal who might enjoy a little variety versus the plain gray that fills all aspects of our lives?”
His gaze narrowed on her. “Are you suggesting I have a soft spot?”
She mimicked the gesture. “Are you going to lie to me and tell me you don’t?”
He huffed.
She stared him down.
Finally, he rolled his eyes. “You’re not seducing me. You’re manipulating me.”
Her lips curled. “Am I?”
With a grunt, he sat up again and got to his feet. Her arms and legs wrapped around him and he carried her into the bedroom. He placed her on the mattress and she slid between the sheets.
Following her under them, he reached for her and said, “Seduce me a little more.”
* * * * *
Darien was off on another military mission, leaving her a few days before Christmas. He wouldn’t give her any indication of what he and Morgan had discovered that had them so hush-hush and scouring the Canadian border. All he told her, in a placating tone that had made her simper, was that they had a lead on a small colony of demons they thought were under the rule of the fire wraith.
The fact that the demons had vacated the area made Darien and Morgan believe the wraith wouldn’t terrorize her again. Especially since Darien wouldn’t be close to the village—there’d be no point in using Jade as bait again. That, how
ever, did not keep the slayers from heavily protecting her, upon the king’s orders. He’d also charged a small patrol with watching the woods on the demon side of Ryleigh’s border.
When Tanner dropped her off at the village square on Christmas Eve morning, he said, “We’re back to training tomorrow, right?”
“Yes. I’m fine now. Come for me in the afternoon.”
He nodded. “Walker will take you home tonight after you’re finished at the tavern.”
“Thanks,” she said. “You’ve been a huge help, Tanner.”
He rode off and she headed toward Lisette’s library. But the line of people outside the bakery drew her attention. So too did the fact the sidewalks and streets had been cleared of snowbanks. A layer of packed snow still covered the surfaces, but it was so much easier to trek through the village—a treat this time of year.
As she approached the bakery, Ginny Lambert, the last in line, called out to her. “Jade! Thank the Lord. You really are safe.”
Unexpectedly, the older woman gave her a firm hug.
Malcolm Carter, the town’s highly skilled blacksmith, said, “You had everybody worried.”
“I’m fine,” she assured them as her presence drew interest. Ignoring the curious looks, she nodded toward the inside of the small shop and asked, “What’s all the fuss about?”
Just then, Marge Leighton, the baker’s wife, appeared. “I heard Ginny say your name. Thank goodness you’re okay. Attacked by a fire wraith? How horrific.”
“Yes,” she said as she fought the shiver that chased down her spine at the reminder.
“Here, take these.” Marge thrust her plump hand toward Jade. She held a small bag. “Cranberry and orange muffins. They’re to die for. Well,” she added hastily as the group gathered about seemed to collectively gasp. “Those aren’t quite the appropriate words to use in our village, are they? But the muffins will not disappoint.” She whirled around and headed back inside to keep the customers moving along.
“Wait!” Jade called out.
“For you, they’re on the house, Jade!”
She gazed down at the bag and shrugged. “Okay.”
Leaving the crowd, she found another line at the coffee shop. Similar to the bakery, it was a rare instance. The shop offered little more than the standard fare in coffee. It was just more convenient to grab a mass-produced mug there than brew a pot over the fire.
“What on earth is going on?” she asked Walt Steinham, the village dentist.
“Gourmet coffee, so I hear.”
Jade sniffed the air. “Smells like Christmas.”
Walt said, “Nutmeg. Cinnamon. Hazelnut. I can’t even figure out what they’re using to spice up the coffee, but it beats the hell out of the same old, same old, don’t you think?”
“I do.”
She stood behind him but didn’t have to wait for her turn. The shop owner, Judith Mills, came out with two large ceramic mugs, their standard to-go cup that everyone who ventured away from the shop returned at the end of the day.
Judith ceremoniously handed them over. Jade had to clamp her teeth over the flap of the paper bag of muffins as she accepted the mugs.
“Take this to Lisette. She will love the combination,” Judith said.
Jade’s brow furrowed.
“Don’t worry about paying me. You’ve been through hell from what everyone around here has heard. We’re all happy you’re okay, Jade.”
Emotion swelled within her at their concern for her well-being. She nodded, since she couldn’t speak around the bag. Judith patted her on the cheek and then turned away.
Carefully making it to the library, she kicked the door with her booted foot and Lisette pulled it open.
“Oh!” the older woman exclaimed as she held out her hands just as Jade released the bag from her teeth.
“Surprise,” Jade said. “I’ve become Alice.”
“Did you like the book?”
“Very strange. But so is this village today.”
She joined her friend at the desk by the fireplace and set the mugs on top of it.
Lisette said, “Someone’s playing not-so-secret Santa.” She inclined her head to the left and Jade’s gaze followed.
Four boxes of books were stacked in the corner. “Where did they come from?” Jade wandered over to the new collection.
“Found them sitting on my doorstep when I arrived this morning. I dragged the boxes in and now I’m trying to find space for them because they’re very exciting titles.”
Jade knelt and sifted through the hard- and paperback books. “All of them except these.” She pulled out three textbooks, a smile crossing her lips. “Geometry, calculus and trigonometry.” Under her breath, she muttered, “What a smartass.”
Standing, she turned back to Lisette and said, “The Leightons have cranberries and oranges to make muffins with and the coffee shop has a variety of new spices. Take a sip.”
“It does smell delicious. All of this had to have come from the kingdom.” She speared Jade with an inquisitive look. “Why is the Demon King suddenly so generous toward the villagers, I wonder?”
Jade sipped her own coffee, then shrugged. “It’s Christmas?”
“I’ve lived in this village for thirty-five years, Jade.” With an indignant huff, Lisette added, “Don’t be coy with me. I know you better than that.”
She sighed. “Maybe he’s feeling guilty over the attacks.”
“Or maybe he’s taken a liking to you.”
Her stomach fluttered. She had to suppress another smile. “I wouldn’t make too much out of it.”
“Jade.”
She drank her coffee, averting her eyes. Lisette did not give up.
“You do understand the ramifications of an association with him?”
Thinking back to her conversation with Darien about her ability to open up to him and Sheena more so than her human friends, she dug deep to be honest with Lisette.
“I can’t say I know for sure what I’m doing. Yes, I understand the ramifications. The dangers. The insanity of it all. But he’s not what I’d originally thought. And he doesn’t dislike humans. He has many regrets about the wars—in fact, he never wanted the destruction that occurred.”
Lisette set aside her cup. “You’re being sympathetic toward a demon.”
“Not sympathetic. Empathetic, maybe. He’s not the first to unleash an army on human beings, you know.”
She scoffed. “That’s hardly a defense.”
Jade stood and crossed to the fiction section of the library. She scanned the shelf she was all too familiar with and pulled out a novel. Returning to the table, she handed it over.
“North and South?” her friend asked. “What about it?”
“You do recall the Civil War, right?”
Lisette frowned. She put the book down but didn’t say anything more.
Jade sat. “I can’t let go of how I feel as a human in a world under demonic rule. But I do like the idea of peace.”
“At what price?” her friend finally asked. “You could find yourself in a very difficult and dangerous position if you’re not careful about the company you keep.”
Jade knew better than to argue further. Lisette had a point, after all.
They finished their coffee and muffins in silence. Jade was about to leave when Alex Stanton from the post station blew in, one arm wrapped around a large metal object that appeared to be extremely heavy for the wiry man. He all but dropped it on the spare desk in the corner and dumped a satchel next to it.
He took a moment to catch his breath as Jade closed the door behind him. Then he told her, “Special delivery for you.”
“What is it?” she asked as she stepped around him.
Lisette answered the question. “It’s a manual typewriter. A Royal from the early 1900s.”
“There’s paper too,” Alex said as he lifted the flap on the satchel to reveal a thick stack.
“The ribbon looks to be in good shape,” Lisette mused as she i
nspected the machine. She grabbed a sheet of paper and rolled it into place, then typed a few words. “Very nice.”
Jade was perplexed. “What am I supposed to do with it?”
With a laugh, her friend said, “I haven’t the slightest idea. Write a book, I guess. You do love reading them. Maybe someone thinks there’s a story inside that head of yours.” She turned away.
To Alex, Jade said, “Thanks for bringing it over.”
“Sure thing.”
He left the library and Jade sat at the chair behind the typewriter, staring at the letters on the keys. “Why are they not alphabetized?”
“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a keyboard. The theory I once heard is that they’re arranged by common usage. You become accustomed to where they’re located. If you practice enough, you can type without even looking at the letters.”
She laughed. “Yeah right.” She started pecking out words, nonetheless. Fascinated, even though she wasn’t actually typing anything that made sense—just acclimating herself to the layout—she spent the rest of the afternoon clicking away before heading to the tavern.
When Walker returned her home, she got another surprise.
As she entered the living room, she found it decorated with garland on the fireplace mantle, along with lit candles everywhere. The rectangular table was set for two with her usual dishes and accented with two long, lush arrangements of garland, pinecones and tall tapers.
The scent that wafted her way drew her attention to the kitchen. She didn’t make it there though. Darien stepped into the oversize doorway between the hall and the living room and propped a forearm against the wall. He grinned seductively at her.
“Merry Christmas.”
It was after midnight, so his timing was perfect. She smiled. “I like how you spruced the place up.”
“Doesn’t hurt to be festive.”
“Or kind.” She crossed to where he stood and put her hands on his waist. “Tell me I didn’t guilt you into sharing some of your indulgences with the village.”
He chuckled. “You didn’t. You made a legitimate point and I listened. If I say I want to promote peace, I should back it up with goodwill.”
Staring up at him, she said, “It neither went unnoticed nor unappreciated.”