by Sydney Addae
Baron closed his eyes at the exquisite torment. The lights in the club had dimmed lower, the flashing lights were off, the ballad blasted words of love gone right or wrong. He didn’t know or care. The atmosphere had morphed into a sensual garden. Every touch, sound, and smell magnified and gave pleasure.
She trembled.
“Don’t worry, I’ve got you.” The words had bubbled up without him thinking. She leaned in and pressed against him. His breath caught at the sensations of her body’s movements. He could do this all night and day.
Out the corner of his eye, he noticed Rauff standing near the bar watching them with an odd look on his face. When their eyes met, the man raised his glass, swallowed and turned away. After the third slow song, Baron was no closer to finding an answer, but he was rock hard. Somehow, this human had bewitched him. His hands palmed her ample ass, and the feel of her pointed nipples massaging his chest kept him in a state of arousal. The breeder he’d met with earlier today didn’t have this type of effect on him. Then, she didn’t need too. There weren’t nearly enough Breeders for his people. Those available could pick and choose their lovers, not the other way around.
Rauff walked over to the DJ and released him from Baron’s suggestion. Glancing pointedly at Baron, he gave him a slight shake of the head. Immediately, the music changed to an upbeat tempo. Baron pulled Simone toward her table. He sat down and placed her on his lap. He would have preferred leaving for somewhere quiet, so he could get answers but sensed she would hesitate.
There had to be something more at work here. The scientist in him stirred, anxious to solve the mystery; the man hesitated, recognizing the potent attraction. His intellect pushed for answers, his body screamed for fulfillment. For the first time he could remember, he didn’t know what to do.
Simone trembled, feeling him grow longer and harder by the second. Her mind blanked at his size. Impossible. Defensive measures kicked in and she pulled back, intending to leave him and the dance floor.
“It’s okay, I’ve got you.” He pulled her close and continued to rock side to side to the slow music. The dark melodic quality in his voice settled her. Comforted by the warmth of his large frame, she allowed herself to be cosseted. Even with her three-inch heels, which brought her to six feet, he still dwarfed her. A sense of well-being enveloped her, she felt more feminine next to his hardness.
His large arms tightened, pulled her closer. Inhaling his light cinnamon scent, she felt free and limber. Shifting her hips to make better friction with his shaft, she felt him tense and inhale. The move backfired on her. Peaked nipples hardened to the point of pain and stabbed his chest. Her woman’s core wept and she knew she’d be making a quick escape to the restroom to clean up. When he leaned down and kissed her forehead, she admitted dancing slutty earlier had been worth it.
Glancing around, she noticed Tressie and Kieran dancing. Anna’s husband had shown up, and they danced cheek to cheek. In an attempt to be subtle, she searched for Camilla and found her talking to a tall guy in the corner. Baron pulled her closer, regaining her attention. The music sped up and her date pulled her from the dance floor, people automatically moved out his way as he led her back to her table. The rest of friends arrived just as they approached, giving her smiles of approval. Never in her life had she ever been that girl who got the hottest guy, that had been more of her twin, Sharita’s style. She couldn’t stop smiling, his hand on her back felt amazing. His single-minded attention intoxicated her. Every touch, every word from this guy sent her heart-beat into a tailspin. This was her Cinderella moment and she’d be damned if she’d remove the glass slippers before midnight.
Baron ordered a round of drinks for everyone at the table and prepared to get to know more about her. He noticed the shifter dancing with one of Simone’s friends and wondered at it. When they returned to the table, she introduced Kieran, the shifter, as the husband of her friend, Tressie. Baron schooled his surprise and nodded as the man met his stare before bending down to talk with his mate.
Amazing.
He needed to discuss this interbreeding with Brieloff and wondered at the repercussions. Not that he’d ever mate with a human. Things were changing and he hadn’t a clue why.
Caught up in his musings, Baron hadn’t realized his fingertip was drawing circles on Simone’s thigh, causing her dress to rise. She slapped his hand, bringing him back to the present, and pulled her dress down. Standing, she attempted to move around him, but he held her fast around her waist, enjoying such a simple thing, touching her.
Looking over her shoulder at him, she bent down and whispered in his ear. “Unless you want me to relieve myself right here on you, you’d better release me so I can go to the bathroom.” Laughing at the shock on his face, she went to move around him, shooing him back down as he stood.
“I’ll go with you.” His tone was absolute. He took her hand, led her through the crowded area to the restrooms, and waited for her to complete her task. Leaning against the column, Baron watched the revelry around him. Business appeared to be good, that was a plus, but this setting made him antsy. Uncomfortable. There were too many humans.
Despite the crowded room, he sensed her approach and turned to face her. The woman took his breath away and that was wrong. Taking her hand, he pulled her close and kissed her. His mind disconnected with the rest of his body since he hadn’t planned to touch her. But her lips, her taste, and scent conspired against him and he reacted. One kiss led to another and then another. Panting, he allowed her an inch of space to collect her breath.
“Let’s get out of here.” He surprised himself by speaking.
She nodded and wrapped her arms around his waist as if he were her anchor. He liked the thought of that.
When they returned to the table, her friends glanced up at the two of them. Simone’s blush alerted everyone that something good had happened.
“I um, I’ll see you guys tomorrow,” she stammered.
Baron held her hand and glanced at the table.
“Really, tomorrow’s Saturday. I didn’t know we were getting together. And why are you leaving so soon? We just got here,” Camilla asked with a wicked chuckle.
Simone rolled her eyes in Camilla’s direction, waving her off. “We’re...We’re just going to get a bite to eat and talk away from the noise.”
Her face heated as Baron placed both arms around her waist, pulled her back against his front, and dropped his chin on her head. He did that inhaling thing again and she smiled up at him. Sighing, she closed her eyes, the man felt right. She couldn’t explain it, but he simply felt right.
Her friends smiled and laughed. Peeking, she looked at Camilla. Their eyes met and Camilla smiled. Simone relaxed. Her friend read auras and over the past few years had helped them all avoid a lot of problems. Simone relied on Camilla’s sixth sense.
Baron looked around the table to get a read on what the others were thinking. He was prepared to change their minds if they interfered with his plans. They all pretty much wanted Simone to have sex and have a good time. Camilla, the small chocolate dynamo, prepared to threaten him. He beat her to the punch.
“Here’s my cell,” he stated calmly, taking it from his pocket and handing the device to Camilla. “Take my number off it,” he added as she shot him a look of disbelief. “And here’s my business card. Feel free to call and verify that I’m not a serial whatever.” He laughed at the comical expressions on everyone’s faces, except the shifter. He merely glanced at Baron, and they nodded to one another.
Simone sighed. “You don’t have to do that Baron.”
“The hell he don’t,” Anna interrupted, watching as Camilla took the information from his phone and passed around his card. “Now I want you to have a good time like everyone else here does. But we don’t know him. Damn Skippy, we need that info on him.” She huffed while returning his phone.
“Well, if you need more info, just ask Rauff.” He pointed over at the bar where Rauff held court. “He’s one of the owners of t
he club.” Pausing, he grabbed Simone’s hand and tugged her forward. He leaned back toward the table with a grin. “I’m the other owner.” He laughed at their stunned expressions and walked away as Simone waved. For some unfathomable reason, he could not allow her to leave his side, not in a room full of other males. The idea of someone talking to or touching her upset his stomach. Tamping down a growl, he shook his head and moved in front of her. Another puzzle to figure out. Another thing to talk about with his linesmen. He intended to do all of that at another time. Right now, his primitive instincts ruled.
Chapter 8
Outside, admiring the beauty of the night, Simone released a pent-up sigh. Baron watched her raise her arms skyward and twirl. She stopped fast. He reached out, cupping her elbow to break her fall. The smile on her face stole his thoughts. The night had a storybook quality. Shaking off his stupor, he caved to the need to touch her. Wrapping his arm around her waist, he pulled her close.
He stiffened as her hands reached up and touched his face with a soft caress. “Poor baby, you can’t see with all this hair in your eyes,” she cooed, pushing the hair back behind his ears.
Standing still under her ministrations, the realization hit hard that he’d never been this involved with any female, let alone a human, before. Not liking the direction of his thoughts, he stepped forward as he grabbed her hand.
“Where would you like to go?” he asked to distance himself from the heat of her nearness.
“Let’s see.” She paused. “There’s a late supper club near here. It’s not far if you feel like walking.”
It didn’t require his genius to figure out she had no intention of going far from where her friends were or anywhere with him in a car. Smart human.
“Walking sounds good.” Pulling her into him, Ian reminded him to open his senses as a safety precaution while they strode forward to the curb. This time he appreciated his linesman interference. Certain areas of Charlotte weren’t too bad as far as crime went and this area of town had even less. As he’d done earlier, he asked questions regarding her career, family, and friends.
“I’ve been doing all the talking,” Simone complained good-naturedly as they neared their destination. “Tell me something about you, Baron. Like your name, it’s different. Are you named after your father?”
“I’m not sure what to say other than what I’ve already told you. But since you asked, my name is actually Claudius J. Baron. I prefer Baron and have been called that all my life. I’m not named after anyone in particular that I know of.” He picked up her hand and kissed the center of her palm.
“Forgive me if I’ve infringed on your good nature. I enjoy the sound of your voice, it’s very soothing. And your life is much more interesting than mine.” Surprisingly enough, he found it true. The lilt of her voice wrapped around him and melted the tension he’d felt from trying without success to read her thoughts. The natural low pitch of her voice, coupled with her dry humor, broke through lifelong barriers. He found himself listening to a human for the first time in centuries.
She astounded him by poking fun at herself and laughing at her mistakes. Confident of her abilities in her chosen profession meshed with her persistence of perfection, challenged him on a primitive level. The scholar in him rose and frolicked in their debates. The warmth of her smile caused him to admit that he enjoyed her company for more than scientific reasons. That was a problem.
“Not really.” He shushed his linesmen.
Arriving at their destination, they found seats near the stage. The band had taken a break, and they’d just ordered drinks when Simone leaned forward to ask him a question. The front of her dress gaped, and he enjoyed a peek of her bountiful beauties. He’d never been a breast man before, but someone in his line must have, because he immediately hardened. Pulling his eyes to her face, she smiled, catching him.
“Are you married?” she asked.
Staring at her lips, his tongue moistened his before he replied. “No.”
“Have you ever been married and do you have any children?” She hadn’t moved and his eyes dipped low, seeking another peak.
“No and no.”
“Do you have a girlfriend, a fiancée? Are you involved with anyone right now?” Simone moistened her lips again, driving him crazy.
Reclining in his chair, he searched her eyes to discover the true question. “There is no special woman in my life at this point, although I am open to changing that.” Where did that come from? He struggled to school his shock. He’d never talked like this in his long life. Watching the smile rise on her face, he realized his response must be okay since she hadn’t left the table. Damn it, butt out you guys. Let me do this, no more interference, he scolded his linemen.
“What about you?” His voice sounded gruff and uncertain even to him.
Her smile widened and he relaxed. He could do this. She was human and he should be able to get any information he wanted. He needed to keep reminding himself of the true purpose of them being together tonight – gathering data. If only she didn’t smile at him the way she did, his goals would be easier to remember.
“No. No one. Truthfully, I don’t have the time. Between raising my niece and my business, there’s not much time or energy left.” Frowning as the words left her mouth, she bit her lip.
“Wow, I’m so used to saying that, I never realized how lame it must sound. Especially since I’m sitting here with you. Obviously, I have some time.” She chuckled, amused by her own admission.
“Personally, I’m glad you did.”
“I was wondering how it’s possible you’re still single.” His eyebrows arched in a question. “Attached, got a woman, or a man for that fact?” She paused. Her eyes opened wide as the palm of her hand hit her jaw. “Oh my goodness! Are you gay?”
“Happy, yes I am. Interested in male sexual relations, no I am not.”
Chuckling at her reddening face, he reached over and grabbed her hand. As the band began playing, his thumb grazed over the softness of her palm. No one who knew him would believe this night. First, he deliberately touched a human. Secondly, he found pleasure in her company. For some reason, Simone fascinated him. He was no closer to untangling the mystery, but at some point he’d stop pushing and simply talked to her. Something in him demanded he discover everything about her and keep her safe. The thought was no longer abhorrent. He frowned, wondering if she had bewitched him.
Her hand tensed.
Squealing, she released him, jumped up, and ran to the dance floor. Stunned, he watched the material of her dress swish across her rounded ass until it stopped. Once the mesmerizing motion discontinued his eyes trekked upward and noticed her in the arms of another male. Tilting his head to the side, something inside clicked. Not audibly, more like an internal switch. Without permission, a low growl surfaced. On autopilot, he rose from his seat, keeping his prey in sight. Gliding forward, the crowd parted, obviously recognizing trouble as he made his way to her side. He noticed, although it didn’t register at that moment, she’d been pulling two males toward him, and they met halfway. Immediately, he reached out and pulled her to his side, staring at the men who’d dared to touch her.
“Baron, Baron!” Her voice penetrated his silent rage.
Bending in her direction, she spoke above the music. “This is my friend Jonathan and his partner Robert.” In a side voice she whispered, “Do not embarrass me, be nice.” She wiggled to loosen his grip.
He pulled her closer.
“Nice to meet you Jonathan, Robert.” He nodded at each, which they returned. “We have a table over here; would you care to join us?” He offered graciously, without releasing Simone. Robert immediately said no, while Jonathan said yes and headed towards the table. Simone eased out of his hold and walked with Jonathan, laughing and talking. Baron tensed when Jonathan placed his arm around Simone’s shoulder.
Robert glanced at him. “Sorry about this. He’s just surprised and overly cautious about Simone. This is unusual, but I’ll get him
out of your hair soon.”
“No problem. I understand.” These men were in love with each other and genuinely cared about Simone. Their thoughts were open, honest and sincere. He’d sensed that as soon as he approached them on the floor. Now he needed to figure out his reaction. I actually growled. An overpowering anger had arisen so swift and strong it had replaced rational thought. Impossible. He never allowed feelings to override logical thinking. That way led to disaster. He had a lot to think about, and it began with this human female – Simone.
“So tell me what you think of our Simone,” Jonathan asked, watching him across the table.
She rolled her eyes at her friend. “Cut that out. You’re being rude.”
“How’s that being rude?” he asked with a devilish grin. “I just want to know if he realizes how lucky he is to have your attention this evening, that’s all.” He ignored her glare as he turned towards Baron.
In an effort to be civil, Baron ignored the reference of her belonging to any other and gave his reply. “You think I’m unaware that I’m the envy of all the males here tonight?” Baron spoke in a low voice while staring at Simone. He noted the fine tremor that shook her body when his voice dropped an octave. Deliberately, he trapped her eyes with his, darkening them, pulling her deeper into his spell.
“You think I take for granted the coveted time she has spent showering me with her interest?” Her pulse leapt and accelerated. He could hear its quickening beat across the table. Her eyes dropped to his lips as he spoke.
“Oh yeah,” he breathed huskily. “I am totally aware that I am indeed lucky to have met this amazing woman and have no intention of sharing any of my good fortune.” He smelled her arousal, spicy and sweet.
Shocked silence met his remarks. Baron licked his lips. This time, Simone trembled in response, falling deeper under the spell he intentionally wove with his words.