What's Her Secret?

by Geraldine O'Hara, Natalie Dae, Nichelle Gregory, Crissy Smith, Lisabet Sarai

  * * * *

  Sabria woke up drenched with sweat, struggling to breathe. The lingering heat in Jai’s place and within her was suffocating. She moaned in distress, twisting on the comforter.

  It was happening.

  The familiar raw heat built within her, making it hard to concentrate on anything other than the burn enveloping every part of her body. The process of rebirth for a phoenix wasn’t as painful as it was unsettling and disorientating. She had little control over her body once the process began.

  Sabria pulled at her tank top, managing to get it off before struggling to remove her jeans. Naked except for her panties, she felt no measurable relief as tears filled her eyes. Every marking on her body glimmered and shined, beautiful and bright, confirming her transformation was beginning. Sabria vaguely wondered where Jai was as she shivered and shook on top of the comforter. She hoped he’d be back. Soon, the process of rebirth would start for him too, if it hadn’t already.

  It was so unfair.

  They’d been so close to reigniting their bond. Now, she would probably transform without seeing him again. She’d find herself in another place, with a new body, with possibly no recollection of Jai or an innate sense of urgency to search and find him all over again.

  Sabria slammed her balled fists on top of the bed. Everything had been so messed up this time. She and Jai hadn’t even cleared away any evidence of their short existence. There was surprisingly little left in her hotel room, but still. She hated leaving any loose ends and the biggest loose end was between her and Jai.

  “No. Please, no. Jai…”

  Sabria closed her eyes, curled into a ball and cried, letting grief overtake her.

  “Shh! I’m here, Sabria. I’m so sorry I left you like this.”

  She cried harder, thinking she was imagining his voice in her head, when she felt strong warm hands on her back. Sabria opened her eyes, blinked through tears to see Jai quickly stripping from his clothes. “Jai? Are you really here?”

  Fully naked, he came to her on the bed and Sabria reached out a shaky hand to touch him.

  “I’m here for you,” Jai said, moving over her.

  Sabria sobbed with joy as he kissed her. She wrapped her legs around his waist. “Please.” Sabria wanted to say more, but she simply couldn’t think as the intensity of the burn within her increased. She didn’t even react when Jai ripped her panties off her.

  “I know, baby. There’s no time for foreplay, but I will make that up to you later,” Jai said against her temple.

  Sabria did cry out when he took her in one hard thrust, giving her no time to adjust to his thick cock buried to the hilt inside her. She clawed at his back, drawing blood as he began moving hard, fast and deeper than she would’ve normally liked the first time back with him. She gasped, overwhelmed by the weight of him pressing into her, the feel of his cock stretching her. Jai paused for a moment and Sabria dug her fingernails into his skin, barely breathing, shuddering with pleasure as she milked his thick cock with the walls of her pussy.

  “You are mine, Sabria. Now and forever.” His breath felt hot against her face.

  “Yes.” Her voice was a ragged moan. “Always. Please, Jai, claim me, make me yours, now and forever all over again.” Her markings burned brighter and Sabria moaned with delight when he began to move again as even more tears slid down her cheeks. “I’m changing, Jai.”

  She barely recognized her own hoarse voice as Jai pinned her feverish body beneath his, riding her harder, hammering her with his lust and need. Rivulets of blood dripped down his flanks where she’d scratched him and tiny droplets of it fell onto Sabria’s sweat-drenched skin.

  “Stay with me, Bri,” Jai ground out.

  “I can’t stop it,” Sabria panted. The two of them were covered in sweat. Sabria stared up into Jai’s eyes, feeling her pleasure point reaching overload. “I love you, Jai. Always and forever. Ashes to flames.”

  Saying those words took all her strength. She closed her eyes as Jai rocked her, loved her, fucked her and gave her what she’d been craving since she’d begun her search for him.

  “No!” Jai slammed into her in borderline brutal fashion. “Stay with me, dammit!”

  Sabria arched her back and screamed as her orgasm ignited a million little flames over and within her entire body. She cried out again when she felt Jai come moments later, welcoming the fiery intensity of it. He continued moving inside her, barely slowing down, and his passion and hers blended into one flame, flickering over them both, consuming everything all at once. Then…darkness.

  * * * *

  “Sabria?”

  Jai.

  “Sabria, please open your eyes.”

  She struggled to do as Jai requested, but it felt like she was disconnected from her body.

  “Come on. Do it now.”

  Sabria opened her eyes to see Jai smiling at her. Joy filled her soul as she smiled back. “Hi.”

  “Hi.” Jai bent down to kiss her forehead. “Are you all right, flamma?”

  Sabria gingerly tried to move and found she could. “I—I think so.” She wrapped her arm around Jai and he cradled her body to his. “I thought I’d lost you again.”

  “I know. I did too.”

  Sabria pulled back to look at him. “How…how is this possible? I was in the process of transforming.”

  “Let’s not question it.” Jai kissed her lips. “You’re here with me and I just want to enjoy every minute we have together.”

  “Me too.” Sabria snuggled against him. “I was so afraid I was going to transform before you got back. It was killing me to know I was going to leave you without knowing if you were going to be okay.”

  “I’ve made peace with what happened and you had a big part in that,” Jai said, tightening his arms around her. “Thank you for helping me see that it was okay to love her under the circumstances. I love you even more for it.”

  “And I love you even more because of the love and care you had for Melanie.”

  Sabria giggled when Jai rolled over her and nipped her collarbone. “Do you have any idea how much I love you?” Jai asked.

  “I do,” Sabria said with a huge smile.

  “Are you sure you’re okay?” He searched her face. “I know I was anything but gentle with you. I’m sorry.”

  Sabria pressed her finger to his lips. “Don’t apologize. You know I like it a little rough.”

  Jai laughed. “I know how you like it, but that was over the top for even us.”

  “Well, if you must know…I am sore.” Sabria loved the way Jai’s eyes darkened when she ground her hips against him in wanton fashion.

  “You are?”

  “Yes.” She ran her fingers over his jawline. The concern on his handsome face delighted her.

  “Where?”

  Sabria dropped her hand from his face and slid it between them to cup her wet pussy. “Here.”

  Jai grinned as he moved lower over her body. “I think I have just the thing”—he parted her thighs and pressed a kiss on her swollen pussy lips—“to make you feel better.”

  Sabria moaned as his tongue laved her sensitive flesh. Her eyelids fluttered closed as she gripped his bald head. She breathed Jai’s name as he gently and tenderly kissed, licked and soothed away the ravages of their passion with his tongue, thankful for the time they were given to love and be loved by one another.

  About the Author

  Nichelle Gregory has been in love with books and writing since middle school. A lover of the arts, she enjoys anything that embraces the creative nature within us all. Bringing believable characters to life that thrill and excite her readers is a challenge that continues to push Nichelle. She loves creating stories involving super sexy alpha heroes with divine heroines in magical, exotic, and fantastic scenarios. So, go on… Indulge your secret fetishes and desires!

  Email: nichellegregory@gmail.com

  Nichelle loves to hear from readers. You can find her contact information, website and author bio
graphy at http://www.totallybound.com.

  Also by Nichelle Gregory

  Lovin’ Leela

  Hearts and Diamonds

  Doll

  Taken by Surprise

  Ample Delights

  Djinn Brotherhood: As You Wish

  Djinn Brotherhood: As You Desire

  LAST CALL

  Crissy Smith

  Dedication

  To my wonderful family, who have stuck by me and believe in me totally.

  Trademarks Acknowledgement

  The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction:

  Absolut: The Absolut Company AB

  Levi’s: Levi Strauss & Co.

  Southern Comfort: Brown-Forman Beverages, Europe, Ltd

  Chapter One

  “Last call! Last call!” Piper Maxwell shouted.

  Jace Anderson heard the familiar words from his place at the cash register behind the bar and his blood started to pump in anticipation. His body was alive with awareness of what was to come. He turned his head to the woman who’d made the announcement. His bar manager Piper Maxwell nodded to the two bartenders while smiling at his patrons. This was the best part of the evening for him. Jace and Piper, alone, the opportunity he craved night after night.

  He took the rag out of his back pocket and stepped around the bar into the seating section. He started to wipe down the empty tables to help clean up for the night. The dark wood table tops gleamed in the bar light. Smooth, quiet jazz flowed through air and comforted those within. The stained but clean oak floors had been battered but continued to hold strong.

  From any seat in the house, the windowed front offered the patrons a spectacular view of the beach yards away.

  Jace had opened the bar only a year ago but it was now home. Everything he had ever wanted in his life wrapped into one place. The people who worked for him were his family. The woman currently ringing up the last of the patrons’ tabs… He shook his head. Piper was one of a kind.

  The closing procedures only took half an hour. He had a very efficient staff—they were well trained and all took care and helped one another. The kitchen had been shut down two hours ago so the small staff in the back had already cleaned up their stations and gone for the night. The four remaining employees, his two bartenders and two waitresses, finished up and happily waved good night.

  It had been a busy shift. Steady business. He couldn’t ask for much more. Even in a struggling economy he still managed to make money.

  Lifting the last stool onto the table top, he glanced out the front window and saw the moon shining bright over the water. The astounding sight always made his breath catch.

  He’d moved to Blue Cove, California after his last tour of duty. Almost fourteen months ago. He’d read about the small coastal town when he had been overseas and always promised himself he would visit. Once he’d set foot on the soft sand and watched the crystal-clear waves roll, he’d known he was home.

  He’d gotten a business loan and opened Anderson’s Lounge. Anderson’s was the only bar located directly on the beach that he loved so much. He was able to serve the locals like himself as well as the few tourists who came to town.

  “That’s it,” Piper told him, switching off the back lights.

  Jace tore his attention from outside to glance over at Piper pulling a bottle from behind the bar. The light of the bar was the only illumination and the sight of the beautiful woman made his breath catch. It had become their nightly ritual to share a toast to another night accomplished.

  Jace always looked forward to this time. To this drink. One cocktail shared where Piper was relaxed and things tipped more personal. Or as close to personal as Piper ever allowed.

  She had her dark hair pulled back into a ponytail and wore the same uniform as the other women—black shorts and Anderson Lounge T-shirt. But it was her eyes that always drew him in. What was the old saying? The eyes were the window to the soul. With Piper that was so true.

  He wouldn’t describe the color as green or brown. Hazel seemed too tame a word. The perfect combination of brown, green and yellow. Cat’s eyes, one of the employees had said before.

  Guarded also. Piper kept everyone at arm’s length while still managing to take care of them all. She was always the first person to help, but never let anyone return the favor. Jace had been working on getting her comfortable with all of them but it was in rare moments that she opened to him and only him. But after a brief glimpse she would shut back down.

  He’d hired her six months ago to manage the bar and staff. Her resume was packed full of experience and she had delivered with her organization and business smarts.

  Over the last several months he’d grown very fond of her. Hell, who was he kidding, he was falling for her. But she still held back. He knew she felt the same connection but very rarely did she let the longing slip.

  She was careful, so very cautious around everyone, but late at night as they clinked glasses she would look at him and he could see her inner struggle to remain that way.

  He worried about her habit of picking up and moving on. He knew the time was fast approaching and he’d have to deal with that soon.

  Because he wasn’t going to let her go.

  He was already starting to see the signs. She was backing away from him and the staff. Her gaze would wander around the room and a look of great sadness would settle in her eyes. It was like she was memorizing everything and everyone. Trying to keep the picture fresh in her mind.

  At first he’d pushed to get her to open up to him. When that hadn’t worked, he had backed off and just let his constant presence drive home the fact that she belonged there, with him.

  He took a seat and watched as the two short glasses were placed on the bar. Ice cubes clinked against the sides as they were dropped in, then she raised the bottle of Southern Comfort hundred-proof. With the skill of an experienced bartender—without the need of a measuring glass—she poured in one and a half ounces, half an ounce of sparkling water, half a teaspoon of sugar and a dash of bitters and stirred both glasses. She dropped in the lemon peels before she slid the glass to him and picked up her own SoCo hundred-proof old-fashioned.

  She moved around the bar and took her seat next to him. He tilted his glass toward hers and she grinned as the glasses touched.

  “To another successful night,” she said.

  “To another night together,” he corrected.

  Heat spread over her cheeks and she looked away. He kept his eyes on her, knowing she could feel his attention.

  She sipped the strong spirit. “Jace.” She said his name softly.

  Just his name on her lips sent little vibrations down his spine. “Yes, baby?”

  She shook her head and raised her face. “I can’t…”

  He didn’t believe her any longer. Knew that she wanted him. Watched him when she didn’t think she would get caught. No, this attraction was not one-sided. The chemistry between the two of them flared hot and bright.

  He reached over and placed his hand around her wrist. Her pulse jumped and the glass tilted. He guided her hand to the bar so she could set her cocktail down. Then he drew her closer, entwining their fingers.

  “Tell me why not,” he requested. “I see you, baby, I want you. Tell me why we should resist anymore.”

  She opened her mouth. “I…”

  When she faltered and couldn’t say anything else he leaned closer still. So many months he’d walked away because he hadn’t felt she was ready. But he knew, felt it deep down, that it was now or never. He had to make his move tonight, show her how much he wanted her, or before he knew it she would be gone.

  “It’s okay,” he promised. “I got you.”

  He closed his lips over hers. He expected her to stiffen, maybe even pull away, and was in no way prepared for the deep moan and shudder he received instead.

  Jace moved his hands to hold the back of her head as he licked at t
he seam of her lips. She opened for him and without hesitation he drove his tongue inside. She gripped his upper arms hard to hang on to him.

  The first taste was exotic and addicting. Much like the alcohol that she’d been drinking earlier, she tasted like fruit, spices and whiskey. He hummed in approval as she trembled in his arms. He wanted her to come apart. To open up and let him take command over her body.

  She arched as he slid his right hand down her cheek, caressed her neck, lower to brush his thumb over her hard nipple through the thin cotton material of her shirt. He scooted off the stool, used his body to nudge her legs apart, to press intimately up against her. His cock was straining against the zipper of his jeans and he wanted to show her how much she turned him on.

  Their lips parted and she dropped her head back and panted. “Jace.”

  “Yes, honey, I’m here with you. Let me see you. Don’t hide from me,” he urged. Jace pressed soft kisses up her neck. “Let me prove to you how good it is between us,” Jace pleaded.

  “Jace,” she said again and buried her fingers in his hair, holding him close.

  Yes! That was what he wanted. He continued to pepper her with kisses until he had to slip his hands under her shirt and yank it up and over her head.

  He took his time looking his fill. So gorgeous with her flawless, tan, soft skin. He lowered his head and ran his tongue along her throat in between her breasts until the black fabric of her bra was in the way.

  He palmed her breasts, running his thumbs roughly against her, teasing the pert nubs. She gasped but moved forward to fill his hands. “So pretty,” he praised.

  She dug her fingers into his skull and cried out as he closed his mouth around her nipple and sucked her through the barrier.

  A quick flick of his fingers had the barrier loosening and he used his chin to move it aside. Jace nipped and sucked the soft mound, causing low, needy sounds to escape from her. He pulled back and looked up into her flushed face. She was absolutely breathtaking leaning against the bar, eyes glazed over with pleasure, biting her lip.

  Possessiveness gripped him and he yanked her hips to the edge of the stool, thrusting his hard cock hard against her. He dropped his head and without the gentleness of earlier locked their lips together.