First Frost

by A Lyrical Press Anthology

  “Okay.”

  “Oh, and Gemma?”

  “Yes?”

  “The sooner you realize your worth, the happier you’ll be. I’ve lived long enough to know this as truth.”

  “Yes, sir,” she said. He made it sound simple. Could it be that easy?

  * * * *

  Sebastian pulled open the large wooden door to the restaurant for Gemma, who looked amazing in a black curve-skimming sheath with a low cut back. The type of dress that left just enough covered and drove a man’s imagination wild. He ached to touch her back but didn’t dare. It might take her off guard, and then this date would end before it even began.

  “Do you have a reservation?” The perky redheaded hostess smiled.

  “Under Reyes,” he said.

  “Welcome. Shannon will show you to your table.” The redhead pointed to a petite brunette holding menus.

  Sebastian let Gemma go first. Her hips swayed as she made her way to their table, taunting him. He pulled out a chair for her, searching for the right words so she wouldn’t think him an idiot. He’d barely spoken since picking her up because she was so stunning, he couldn’t make his thoughts come out clearly. It probably didn’t help that nervousness made his powers run amok. In an afternoon attempt to play basketball with Nikolai, he had deflated five basketballs. At least his fingertips weren’t shooting fire any longer.

  “Is everything okay, Sebastian? You’ve been awfully quiet tonight.” Gemma twisted her cloth napkin. Was it possible he made her nervous?

  He cleared his throat. “I’m sorry. Everything is fine. If I’m acting strange it’s because I’m simply hypnotized—”

  “Gemma, what are you doing here?” a tall blonde with apple green eyes said as she approached their table. She’d directed the question at Gemma but her gaze was locked on him. “Well, hello.” She smiled, and though attractive in an obvious sort of way, something about her bothered him.

  “Lila,” Gemma said, staring at the table. “This is Sebastian. Sebastian, meet Lila.”

  “A pleasure.” Lila lifted her hand and held it close to his lips.

  “Lila,” he said, keeping his gaze on Gemma, “I’m sure you can understand Gemma and I are on a date. While we’d enjoy a conversation another night, perhaps some privacy might be preferred right now.”

  “Excuse me?” Lila asked.

  Gemma lifted her head. Her gaze widened. “You’re excused,” she said, eyes sparkling.

  Lila huffed and stormed off or so he thought. He didn’t pay attention. Gemma’s lips mesmerized him. He brushed the side of her jaw with his thumb. “A smile, that’s better. Don’t let women like her bother you. They’re not worth it.”

  “I work with her. She isn’t going to let your brush off go.”

  Sebastian sat back in his chair. “I’m sorry to hear that, but something tells me she’s a piece of work and we shouldn’t worry about it.

  She laughed, a deep, sexy sort of laugh. As if he needed any further enticement.

  A tall blond waiter approached their table. “Welcome to Domenico’s. My name is James and I’ll be taking care of you tonight. Have you looked at the menu? Did you have any questions before I go through our specials?”

  “What’s the specialty here?” Gemma asked.

  “All the food here is amazing.” James squatted down, moving closer. “The homemade pasta is out of this world. My favorite is the walnut and ricotta ravioli in a sage butter sauce. Tonight’s pork tenderloin in apricot gravy has also received rave reviews.”

  “Sounds good to me.” She smiled. “How about we get those, two plates and share?”

  Sebastian would have agreed to anything, but he’d also been to the restaurant enough times to know they had outstanding dishes. “I’m in. We’ll also take a bottle of the house Chianti.” He faced her. “Unless you wanted something else?”

  “Nope.” She shook her head. “That sounds amazing.”

  “Great.” James collected their menus. “I’ll return with your wine and freshly baked bread.”

  As Sebastian spoke with Gemma, he realized they had a lot in common. She too came from a wealthy, demanding family and knew about societal pressures. Throughout dinner, he found himself wanting to tell her who and what he was, yet couldn’t say the words.

  “What’s the matter?” She tilted her head and licked a shaving of dark chocolate off her spoon. “You’ve gone all quiet. Am I wearing our dessert?”

  He smiled. “No, I’m fine. Just thinking. And don’t worry about the dessert. I love watching you eat. It’s very erotic.”

  She laughed. “No one’s ever told me that before.”

  He shrugged, shifting as his arousal pressed against his pants. “It’s the truth.”

  Her expression went serious. “Do you mind if I ask you a more personal question?”

  “No.” He brought a spoonful of chocolate mousse to his mouth.

  “Why dancing? You’re very good at it so don’t mistake my question as me saying otherwise, but from the night at your father’s house, it seems he is a bit controlling, maybe not supportive. I guess I’m surprised he lets you do it.”

  “He isn’t happy about it, but I don’t let him have much say in what I do. My mom loved dancing. I love it, am good at it and it makes me happy.”

  She grinned, pulling in her bottom lip. Her expression shone with excitement. “Those are great reasons.”

  “I’m glad you think so,” Sebastian said.

  The last couple besides them waved their goodbyes to the remaining wait staff, and Sebastian leaned back in his chair. “As much as I hate to end this night, we should probably go.”

  “I know. I’ve been savoring this dessert for far too long.” Her dark eyes glittered beneath the dim light. She stood and slid her purse strap up her shoulder.

  “Have a good night, you two.” Their waiter held the tall wooden door open for them. “Please come back and visit us.”

  “We will.” Gemma smiled and stepped out ahead of him. A chill breeze ruffled her hair as they walked to his car. “I can already feel winter coming.”

  “You’re right. How time has flown.”

  “Sebastian, this night has been wonderful. The food and drink were amazing. Thank you so much.”

  “My pleasure.” Admittedly, he wasn’t ready for it to end, but neither did he want to scare her by asking her back to the dance studio and his apartment. Then again, it wasn’t as if they’d met last night. He opened the door for her. She sat in his passenger seat. “Look, I must ask you something,” he said, “but no pressure, okay?”

  “Sure.”

  “Would you like to come back to my place?”

  Gemma opened then closed her mouth, searched his gaze. “I’d like that.”

  Chapter 6

  Gemma spun on the hardwood floor of Sebastian’s dance studio. For the past few months, she’d called his studio a second home as she’d learned the basics of ballroom and Latin dancing.

  Sebastian attached an Ipod to the stereo system.

  She admired his drool-worthy profile as he searched for a song. His navy, collared shirt and black slacks fit perfectly, showcasing his broad shoulders and slender waist.

  As if he sensed her perusal, he turned and grinned, flashing dimples. “Anything you want to listen to?”

  She cleared her throat and turned away. “Something slow might be nice.” She lifted her arms and did a basic rumba step. “I’ve never seen this place empty. It’s kind of nice.”

  In one swift move, he caught her wrist, pulled her forward and brought her hand to his face. Pure graceful strength. She’d never get enough of him.

  He pressed her palm against his cheek then kissed it. “Nice? I’d say it’s perfect. Dance with me?”

  With a nod, she closed her eyes and let him dominate her. His touch was light but firm. She didn’t think about the type of dance or steps, simply felt the music and moved, following his lead.

  He spun her then wrapped her in his arms. “Op
en your eyes, angel.”

  She shook her head. “I don’t want all this to disappear.

  Sebastian chuckled. “I’m not going anywhere.”

  Gemma opened her eyes. They stood in the middle of the floor, flush against each other. Sebastian held her, leaning into her slightly so she bowed backward.

  “That’s better.” His gaze darkened. “I want you to see me before I kiss you.” He brushed his lips along her cheek then her jaw. “I want you to know who is loving you.” He kissed her mouth, tugged on her bottom lip. “Stay the night with me. Please, Gemma.”

  She nodded, encircled his neck with her arms and kissed him back. She could hardly believe what was happening.

  “I’ve never felt…I don’t know how…” Sebastian pulled back, met her gaze. “I’m shaking, actually trembling with how much I want you.”

  “Shhh.” She placed a fingertip against his lips. The knowledge she affected him deeply fed her desire. One by one, she undid the buttons of his dress shirt then pushed it aside, baring his smooth chest.

  He stood statue-like, gaze fixed on her.

  “No undershirt,” she said. That surprised her, as the autumn air had felt unusually cool when they’d left the restaurant. “Weren’t you cold?”

  “I run warmer than most.”

  She placed her hands against his chest. Heat seeped into her palms. “Wow, you are warm.”

  He held her beneath her shoulder blades, lifted her above him.

  Gemma bent her head, kissed his mouth. As she slid against him, she raised her legs and wrapped them around his hips.

  “What have we here?” He pushed her dress up her hips, stomach and breasts then tugged it over her head. Her breasts bounced with the movement. “You have beautiful breasts, a woman’s body.” He fingered one nipple then pinched softly, pulling it to him.

  Gemma loved how treasured he made her feel. She arched toward his mouth, cupped the back of his head as he suckled and nipped. “Sebastian.”

  He groaned and his length grew against her, pressing into the soft skin of her stomach. He moved to her other breast, twirled his tongue around her nipple until the skin tightened, formed a bead. With each pull of his mouth on her breast, she neared an abyss of pleasure.

  He flicked and pinched the moist skin of her other nipple, and his movements nearly pushed her over the edge. Waves of heat rippled through her core. She rocked her hips, searching for more, wanting all of him. “I can’t stop, I want you so much.” She tugged the waistband of his slacks. Her hands shook and she could barely grip the button.

  “Let me.” He set her down.

  Her legs wobbled, and she realized she still wore her heels. As he shed his slacks and briefs, she kicked them off and removed her black lace underwear.

  “One second.” He pulled a black plastic packet from his wallet. “I brought this just in case.”

  She nodded, and he opened the packet and slipped on the condom. He was large, and definitely ready. The thought of him sliding in and spreading her excited her. She wrapped a hand around his length and squeezed.

  Sebastian groaned. “You’re sure?”

  “I want you more than anything.”

  He stepped forward and lifted her off the floor. “Hold on,” he whispered, pulled her legs around him and climbed the stairs from the studio.

  “Where are you taking me?”

  “You’ll see.” He kissed her then, deeply and hungrily, as if he couldn’t get enough of her. He gripped her hips, slid his hands up the indentation of her waist then splayed his fingers over her ribs and breasts, squeezed her nipples.

  Gemma moaned. “Inside me.”

  He pulled her with him onto a bed. In his bedroom. She’d known he had an apartment above his studio, but she’d never seen it. “I don’t usually bring women here,” he said.

  She met his gaze. “You brought me here.”

  “You’re not just any woman.” He raised her off his lap, positioning her entrance over himself. With one thrust he buried himself within her.

  Crying out, she grabbed his shoulders. His thickness stretched her, felt so good and right, she trembled, panting.

  “Easy, angel. Nice and slow,” he murmured and moved her up then down.

  She rocked against him, keeping his rhythm then owning it, her breasts swaying with her movements. Arched forward, she pressed the tip of one to his mouth.

  As he captured her nipple with his lips, laved it with his tongue, heat seared through her core, built up within her. “I can’t, please.”

  “Let yourself go. Don’t stop it.”

  Relishing the feel of him inside her, she rolled her hips. “Harder. More.”

  His breaths came faster and he pulled her down to him, spinning them until he lay atop her. He forced her legs up and back, opening her further. With each drive he sank deeper.

  Leaned back on her elbows, she braced herself for his thrusts. Her head lolled to the side as a wave of pleasure rushed through her. “Sebastian.” Tremors shot through her limbs, and the sensations exploded inside her, left her shaking.

  Groaning, he drove forward then back. His movements hastened, and with one final thrust, he cried out her name. The sinews of his neck strained as he pushed against her then relaxed and met her gaze. “Beautiful.”

  Having watched Sebastian in the throes of passion, she couldn’t agree more.

  Chapter 7

  Sebastian awoke as Gemma caressed his face.

  Her brown eyes turned honey-colored beneath the sunlight streaming through his blinds. “How are you feeling?” she asked.

  “Fine, why?”

  “You’re really warm. I think you may have a fever.”

  He rolled off her and busied himself with searching for a shirt. Shit, how would he tell her the truth? He had to tell her now.

  “Is everything okay?”

  “Yeah, absolutely.” Liar. For once Nikolai was wrong. He couldn’t get enough of Gemma. There was no getting her out of his system and the sooner he came to terms with that, the better off he’d be.

  She sat up and grasped around then swung her feet from the bed and stood.

  “Where are you going?” A flutter of panic settled low in his gut. He stepped toward her, a pair of jeans in his hands.

  “I want my clothes.” She walked toward the door.

  “Please, don’t go. I’ll get your clothes.” He stepped in front of her.

  “What’s going on?” she said, arms crossed on her chest. “If you don’t want me to go, then why’d you go silent on me?”

  “I’ve got a lot on my mind.”

  “I see. Then don’t mind me.” She pushed past him.

  “That’s not what I meant, Gemma.” He followed her downstairs, grabbed her arm as she walked into his studio. “Please, listen to me.”

  She faced him. “I’m listening.”

  Hands on his hips, he hung his head then lifted it. He needed to tell her but not here, not with her already upset. “Come to Great Falls Park with me. Spend the day with me.”

  “Why?”

  He closed the distance between them and cupped her cheek. “Can’t you see I’m falling hopelessly for you?” He shook his head. “I won’t apologize for the way I feel and I know I’ve been an idiot, but…”

  “But what?”

  “I’m not going to lie to you. My family is very different and not always as accepting of who I associate with or what I do with my life.”

  “I know. We discussed that at dinner last night, remember? We have quite a bit in common. What’s your point?”

  Sure, they came from similar backgrounds but that wasn’t enough. “There’s more to it. Spend the day with me and I promise I’ll tell you anything you want to know. Please, I’ve given you no cause to doubt me until now.”

  “Okay, but I’d like to stop at my apartment so I can change.”

  * * * *

  The stunning, vibrant colors of the foliage and relaxing rush of the waterfall over the rocks could have been di
stracting, but his confession loomed, consuming him. What if he lost her when she heard the truth of his identity?

  “There you go again,” Gemma said. “You’re quiet. I’m going to begin asking myself why you wanted me here.”

  “Please don’t. I want you here.” He shook his head and raised his hands. “I know I’m guilty, I’m sorry.” What more could he say? He couldn’t tell her he was scared to death she’d be terrified of him once she knew the truth. Sitting by the falls with her hair whipping around her face, she was gorgeous. This Gemma felt comfortable with herself and didn’t care what others thought or said. She was honest and real. And he loved her.

  She inclined her head, searched his face. “I’ve had a wonderful day. The reds and oranges of the trees are breathtaking and the rush of the falls…I could stay here forever.”

  “Why don’t we?”

  She placed a hand over his. “I think we’ve avoided the topic long enough. Do you want to tell me what has you far away? Or why this haunted look enters your eyes every so often?”

  Now or never. “I’m half demon. My father is a full demon and my mother was human.”

  “What?” Frowning, she removed her hand, which he’d expected. Still, it hurt. “Is this some kind of joke?”

  “No. If you want to leave, I understand.”

  “It’s not that,” she said. “Of course I’ve heard about demons, and met quite a few. After all, legislation was just passed. It’s…well, you never said anything before.”

  “I know. We don’t possess people or have horns and tails, but our existence seems to frighten humans, nonetheless.”

  “I see. Should we be frightened?”

  “No. We live longer lives and are stronger. Some of us have powers. I control fire, for instance. That’s why I’m always warm. In general, we want peace as much as you do.”

  “Fire?” She exhaled slowly. “That could take some adjusting to.”

  “Well, well. Isn’t this a cozy scene?” Victor approached, a water bottle swinging from his hand.

  Damn his timing. Sebastian groaned. “Not now, Victor.”

  “Now seems to be a perfect time.” He sniffed the air. “Fresh, sexy human. Nice. I’m sure your father will love that. Wait a minute,” he sneered, pointing at Gemma. “She’s the one who saved your sorry ass the day of your father’s party.”