“You are direct,” he said as he ran a hand through his hair, “I like that.” The arrival of the bartender stifled our conversation for a moment and he handed me a second drink.
I stared at it and he grinned. “Don’t worry. It’s not poison.”
I squinted down at the liquid. “What is it?”
“Do you trust me?”
I nodded before taking a sip of the drink.
“Good, it’s called a Screaming Orgasm.”
I barely stopped myself from choking and fanned my face to stop it from flaming. I peeked up at Evan and saw the laughter in his eyes. “Oh, you think you’re funny,” I said with a smile. I pushed the drink towards him. “Here, you probably need this more than I do.” I watched his eyebrows rise at my comment.
He shook his head at me in amusement. “You are an very interesting woman, Helena,” he said, his voice sending shivers through me as the alcohol moved steadily through my system.
“Me?” I asked, “How am I interesting?”
He raised his brow again. “Just the way you look for instance,” he said and raised a hand to halt my protest. “You have that fiery, red hair and smooth pale skin.” He touched my hand lightly and my head swayed a little. “One would expect green eyes to match. But no, yours are almost black.”
He indicated my outfit. “You dress like the self-absorbed women out here in South Beach, but you find time to go to a discussion at a local college. And, even participate.” He smiled. “That’s admirable on so many levels, seeing as how very few people know anything about the occult.” He stared into my eyes. “But somehow, I think it’s you. You have that spark. That eclectic mix of hot, and sexy and smart.” He stopped and took a swallow of the drink in front of him.
“You think I’m hot?” I asked, my increasingly inebriated mind focusing on one word as I took a sip of his drink.
He nodded, “And sexy and smart.” He grinned at me.
My heart was pounding and a headache was starting at the base of my skull. I tried to focus on his face for a few seconds and failed, pulling my limp fingers away from his glass.
“You okay?” he asked, with a worried glance.
I nodded at his concerned look.
“No more alcohol,” he said laughingly, as he watched my crestfallen look.
“But I thought you wanted me to have a Screaming Orgasm?” I asked coyly, even as my tongue started to feel heavy.
His fingers tightened momentarily around the glass and he swallowed thickly as he leaned forward. His breath tickled my face as he spoke and I inhaled a heady mix of alcohol and mint. “Anytime, you want a screaming orgasm,” he said evenly, “call me.”
He sat back on his side of the table and I let out a breath. Maybe he wasn’t the wisest choice to flirt with when I was feeling a bit tipsy. Because believe me, I was so close to taking him up on his offer.
He looked at my face for a moment and signaled the bartender. A few seconds later, a tall glass of ice cold water stood in front of me.
“Drink this, Helena,” he ordered. “Otherwise you are going to get drunk.”
I held my head in one hand as I fished out the chunks of ice in the water.
Evan watched with amused expression on his face. “Do you just want me to get another glass of water for you? Without ice?”
I shook my head and turned the glass to my mouth. The cold water bit at my tongue but to be quite honest it was almost refreshing. My lips closed around a piece of ice. Without thinking, I pulled it into my mouth and sucked hard, wincing at the cold burn. Evan inhaled sharply. Curiously, I removed the crystal from my mouth and held it in my hand. It was smooth to the touch and melting quickly.
Reaching out, I touched the tip of my tongue to the clear cube. I licked it a few more times reveling at the sensation against my tongue. Evan growled across the table, but I ignored him. He was probably smarting at my comment. Ice was wonderful. It was a naughty treat that hurt but was still good. I wanted more. I popped the cube back into my mouth and chewed slowly. Then I reached for another.
Quick as lightning, Evan’s hand shot out and grabbed the glass away from me. I looked at him puzzled. He cleared his throat. “I thought I saw something floating in the water.” I peered into the glass for a minute before Evan walked to the bar and asked for another glass of water. With no ice. He plopped the glass back in front of me and resumed his seat.
“I have a proposition for you Helena,” he said as he cleared his throat.
I sat straighter in my chair. This was it. I could barely contain my glee. Evan was going to ask me to spend the night or to go out on a real date. I mean, the sparks had been flying all night. I brushed my curls back from my face and watched him.
He picked up his glass and drank a mouthful before he looked back at me. As my eyes met his, I felt the burn of heat in his gaze. Then it was quickly gone.
“You know a ton about the occult. I could use someone like you to help me with my research. Do you think you would like to be one of my research volunteers?”
My shoulders dropped. A damn research volunteer? What the hell?
“Of course, this means spending more time with me, if you’re cool with that.” He took my hand in his. “I like you Helena. I really do. And I enjoy spending time with you. I figure this would be a great way for us to…hang out and get to know each other. If you want.” He quickly added.
I reassessed the situation. So he didn’t ask me out. So I wasn’t going home with him for a night filled with passion. But…he admitted he liked me. And…he wanted to spend more time with me. My alcohol soaked brain was coming up with a plan. Before he knew it, he would be begging me to sleep with him. Oh, the wicked things we would do to each other. I smiled at him like I had just been offered a prize. “Of course I would help you.” I licked my lips and watched his face. I loved being bad.
~*~
Chapter 4 – Santeria and Sangrias
I walked into the condo and immediately smelled piss. Damn hellhound. Orthus raised one sleepy eye at me, feigning innocence. However, I could tell by the smirk on his face that this latest ‘accident’ was anything but. He rolled over and eyed me with disdain as I plunked a few groceries on the kitchen table.
How long are we staying here?
I ignored him and waved a hand casually at the mess. Although I knew I should really start practicing to act like a human, I didn’t want to do it by cleaning up Orthus’ mess.
His nails clicked on the hardwood floors as he followed me to my bedroom.
Helena, how long are we staying here? And how long are you going to keep me trapped in this body? He held a paw out for my inspection and I could see the scorn on his face. You know, I agreed to help you, but I didn’t agree to be your pet forever. Tell me how long I have to put up with this shit!
I whirled around and Orthus stopped short. I stooped low enough for him to see my face. “Orthus, quit being a pain in my ass. We will stay here until I accomplish my goals. Simple. And if you try to leave or contact anyone in hell or my dad, I will show everyone how much you liked being a pampered pooch.” I grabbed the cellphone from my purse and showed him the picture I had taken at the beach.
His tail stopped wagging and stood ramrod straight. He stared hard at me. Bitch. He looked away and then back into my eyes. You will regret this. And then he walked away.
I rolled my eyes and headed back into the bedroom. Technically, Orthus couldn’t do anything until my spell wore off. Because he had agreed to help me and was in close proximity to me, the spell remained in place and strong. The only way to break the spell now was for Orthus to be away from me for an extended period of time or if I released him. Or if my dad released him. Regardless, Orthus had made a deal and it could not be broken.
Walking into the shower, I turned on the spray, allowing the bathroom to steam up. This was the best invention topside. The hot water came pouring out and almost immediately the bathroom started to fog. Today, I was supposed to help Evan. Three times a week,
all day, I would be subject to Evan’s gorgeous face…and body. In the past week since our agreement, I hadn’t seen much of him, but he had let me know he was around by leaving little gifts outside my door.
The first gift was a card with the recipe for a Screaming Orgasm. The second was the lyrics to “Pour Some Sugar on Me,” by some band called Def Leppard. The lyrics were followed by flowers, then candy, then edible panties and a package of whipped cream and strawberries. So far, they were all extremely corny gifts, but they were making me want him just a little more each day.
I stepped underneath the hot spray and let my mind wander to Evan. He was unlike the guys I usually dated and I wondered briefly if that was the attraction. Granted he was hot and I had fallen asleep, more than once, wondering what that body would look like naked. And I think I had a pretty good idea. I sighed as the hot water cascaded down my back. If I wanted, I could simply bewitch him and force him to my bedroom and totally take advantage of him. But it would be no fun.
The fun was in the seduction. Though I must admit, I was getting kind of rusty. I rolled my shoulders under the water as I thought back to the bar. There was definitely something there. And something could’ve happened, had I not gotten tipsy. Damn. I had probably messed up a golden opportunity to get my rocks off. Although, I didn’t want to simply have sex, I admitted. I wanted to fall in love.
I smiled wryly. Fall in love. Yeah right. It was probably never going to happen. I had thought myself in love on numerous occasions, but it was so hard to tell when a demon was telling the truth. Actually, it was really hard for a demon to tell the truth. I was tired of the lies and the deceit.
I wanted a few days to feel what love really was. I felt a twinge of conscience as I thought about how someone like Evan would be affected after I left to go back home and I decided to ignore it. No use thinking about ‘what ifs’, I needed to focus on fulfilling my dreams.
Stepping out of the shower, I quickly toweled off and with a quick wave, my hair dried and hung in delicate ringlets down my back. I threw on a pair of jean and a white lacy button up blouse and a pair of black Louboutins. With red bottoms. I left the bedroom and saw Orthus stretched out by the window in full sun. He lay on his back with his legs spread open. I smiled and he quickly jumped up and ran to the sofa.
Don’t forget to fill my water bowl. With the good water. Not the crap from the tap. And I need a steak or two within easy reach.
Obediently, I pulled out a water bottle and filled his bowl. I did not have time to argue with Orthus. I lowered a plate of raw steaks to the lowest shelf in the refrigerator, curling my lip as Orthus licked his. Then I tied Orthus’ leash to the door. This way, he was able to open the refrigerator whenever he was ready to eat.
And I want some treats left out.
I stood up. “Don’t push it.” I grabbed the box of dog treats and dropped it on the floor. “There you go,” I said sweetly as I grabbed my purse and walked out the door. I laughed as I heard Orthus cursing in my head.
*
I pushed open the door marked ‘Dr. Priest’. The heavy wood moved easily and I cursed softly as I peered inside. Sitting on the couch, carefully thumbing through papers was Bri. Her eyes widened as she saw me walk in the door and then narrowed to little slits.
“What do you want?” she whispered furiously.
I smiled broadly, carefully blocking my mind. The last time I had seen this bitch, she had taken my I-want-Evan-scheme by reading my mind. I was not an idiot. You did not get to fuck me over more than once.
“Sorry, here to see Dr. Priest.” I walked further into the room and took in the masculine décor. The furniture was a mixture of classic and contemporary and I was a bit impressed. The couch sat on the left wall and the right side of the room housed a huge wooden desk and a few chairs. Floor to ceiling bookshelves filled the wall. Two windows were in front of me and the bright sun poured into the room. I had learned to ward my eyes and even now, the sun barely burned them anymore. Behind the couch was a corridor that led to a few more doors.
Bri glared at me. “He’s not here.”
“Hmm,” I murmured as I walked around to Evan’s desk. I ignored her hiss as I sat in his chair. It smelled like him. It was a heady musk that was essentially all male and all Evan. I looked at the couple in a photo on his desk. The woman sported a mane of golden hair and the man already had a cap of white. He looks just like his father, I thought, leaning closer and seeing Evan’s blue eyes.
A pair of arms slid around me. I leaned back into Evan’s broad chest. “Hey.”
“Hey yourself,” he murmured into my ear. “Been getting my gifts?”
I turned around and smiled up at him. “Yes, although some of them were a little…let’s say…risqué.”
He smiled back and gave me a quick kiss on the nose. “But not inappropriate, I hope?”
I looked thoughtful. “Inappropriate? No. Funny? Corny? Promising? Yes.” I winked at him and pushed away. I needed some air. For some reason, I was not the cool, collected Helena when I was around him. I somehow seemed to trip over my tongue or say something that turned the talk to sex.
“So, I’m here to work.” I ignored the snort that came from Bri still sitting on the couch as she threw me a look of pure hatred.
Evan looked around. “Oh yeah.” He pointed at Bri. “Well, Bri decided to come and help today, so there isn’t that much for you to do.” He gestured at her leg still in the cast. “I think she is bored sitting at home.” He ran a hand through his golden hair. “I still have a couple of meetings to go to, so I won’t even be here to talk to you.” He smiled and raised my hand to his lips. “Sorry, you came all this way. Perhaps we can take a walk?” He looked at his watch. “Actually, I have a meeting in about ten minutes, it was a last minute thing; I guess I can give you the tour when I get back. Is that okay?”
I shrugged to hide my disappointment. I understood that he was working but I had hoped that we would be able to spend some time together today. “It’s okay,” I told him and watched him grab a few things off his desk. In a matter of minutes, he was gone, the door banging shut behind him.
“Well, that was just sad to watch.”
I squared my shoulders and turned around to face Bri. “I’m sorry, did you say something?” I asked sweetly.
Her face tightened for a moment and then she smiled widely. “I guess your day isn’t turning out as planned.”
She was right. I kept my face blank as her words hit home. It wasn’t turning out as planned. I shrugged. “Didn’t have any plans.” I lied.
Bri laughed and put down the stack of papers she’d been pretending to look at. “Honey, you’re wearing Louboutins. No woman puts those on without a plan.” She smiled. “Did I mess up your little work date with Evan?” She laughed again. “You should have seen your face! It was too easy. Too bad, you don’t know him like I do.” She waved a hand to the stack and grimaced. “I’ve been doing this for the better part of the year and he still barely notices me.”
I rolled my eyes. “Sounds like a personal problem.”
Her eyes snapped. “I know what you are.”
I held my breath. What did she mean? I checked my ward and found it in place. How had she found out? I nervously looked at the rage brewing in the other woman’s eyes.
“I know you’re a witch and I know you’re not the good kind.” She eyed me. “I can tell by your clothes. White witches are always poor. And you are strong. Been doing this awhile?” The air around me shifted and I knew she was testing my powers.
“Even now, you’re blocking me. You’ve figured out my gift of reading minds.” She laughed again. “It’s okay. It actually makes this easier. He’s indifferent, you know.”
I looked at her in puzzlement.
Bri smiled at me. “I can read his mind. He’s indifferent. He wants to sleep with you one second and the next second, he’s thinking about grading papers.” She smiled again. “Oh, he’ll do the deed, and then move on.” She shrugged unapolog
etically. “Sorry about your luck.” She picked up the stack of papers and went back to reading.
My hands ball into fists. She was really starting to get on my nerves. How dare she talk to me like I was a nobody? I was a princess. I wanted to scream and throw my biggest curse at her. I wanted to turn her into a living zombie. I wanted to pull her blonde head from her shoulders and stuff it in the toilet.
Instead, I relaxed and focused on my breathing. If I attacked her here, my dad would know in a heartbeat and I would be back home. I would also lose Evan and probably send him straight into Bri’s bed. It hurt to think about it. I smiled at her, although my teeth were so tightly clenched I thought they would break. “Thank you so much for all the wonderful advice. I’ll be sure to take it.”
She ignored me and I walked out. I was so angry I didn’t even think about Evan. Bri’s words had started a slow burn in my head and I needed to find an outlet. I seriously thought about going back into the room and showing Bri just how powerful I really was. But what purpose what that serve? It would make you feel better, a traitorous voice said. I ignored the voice. I was going to be in enough trouble when I go back home, the least I could do was enjoy myself while I was here.
But Bri was right. I did have a plan and it did involve Evan and damn, if these shoes weren’t starting to hurt. Just a little bit. I thought about casting a spell to switch into a pair of flat shoes, but in all honesty, these shoes were incredible and made my ass in my jeans look phenomenal. I decided to bear the pain for two seconds, and then cast a pain reliever spell. Instantly, my feet felt as if I had on a pair of comfortable flats. I felt better instantly.
I walked into Scene and made my way over to the bar. The bartender recognized me and made his way over with a glass of water. I looked at the glass, “Should I be insulted?”
The bartender laughed. “No, but if you start with this, you can drink a little bit more.” He smiled. “It’s science, trust me.”
Hell in Heels Page 5