Dark Sacrifice

by Angie Sandro

  Mala doesn’t remove her gaze from Sophia. “I’m not going anywhere with her.”

  “The queen has summoned Sophia.” Amusement fills his voice, making his French accent thicker. “She is not pleased.”

  The woman draws in a deep breath. “No…”

  Ferdinand doesn’t look in her direction. “Come.”

  Mala wavers, biting her lip. She glances down at me. Whatever she sees makes up her mind. “Help me with Landry. She hurt him.”

  I don’t feel hurt. Stoned, but no pain. Maybe after the drug wears off, I’ll feel like crap. Between the two, they lift me off the ground. I’m still shaky and stumble like a drunken fool until Mala wraps her arms around my waist. The height difference makes it awkward. Finally she gives up and lets Ferdinand hoist me over his shoulder in a fireman carry. My head dangles between his shoulder blades, and I twist up to stare at Mala. A grim tension makes her steps heavy.

  Silence has its own weight.

  Blood rushes to my head, and I close my eye. My head bobs. I try to stay conscious, but it’s a losing battle.

  * * *

  Warmth surrounds me. I’m floating.

  Water laps at my chin. A bare chest presses against my back. I know those breasts. I obsess over them. My head rests on Mala’s shoulder, and she has her arms wrapped around my waist. The sleek length of her legs wrap around mine. She shakes as she sobs.

  “Mala…” My voice cracks.

  Water sloshes over the side of the tub as she shifts.

  I tip back my head, and my lips brush against her jaw. “Are you okay?”

  Her arms tighten. She’s scaring me. It’s not like her to be so quiet. I grab on to the side of the tub and pull up into a sitting position, then twist around until I face her. She keeps her head down. Her hair hangs across her face, hiding her eyes. I cup her cheeks with my hand, rubbing away the tears with my thumbs, and lift her chin.

  “What happened?”

  She brushes my hands aside. “Don’t...”

  “Stop pushing me away.”

  Her scowl makes a smile flicker on my lips. So do her words. “We’re naked in a tub, Landry. How exactly is that pushing you away?”

  Point taken. My eyes drop from her face to her breasts bobbing in the foamy water. For the second time tonight, my head goes foggy. I swallow the lump in my throat. My voice sounds harsh from a surge of lust as I ask, “How exactly did we get into the tub?”

  You’d think I’d remember. Getting Mala naked has been a goal of mine for a very long time. Many hours of fantasizing have been devoted to this very moment. Yet I have no idea what awesome, smooth lines talked her into this.

  I glance around the room. We’re in the Jacuzzi tub in the master bathroom of the hotel suite. It’s huge. Big enough to hold two comfortably, but we’re only taking up a tiny corner. “How did we get here?”

  “You don’t remember?” Her swollen eyes study my face.

  Not a damn thing! My last memories…“We were all dressed up and in the limo heading to Magnolia’s fancy party. I drank some champagne—” My head throbs, and I rub at the aching spot between my eyes. “Why can’t I remember? Did we go? Did I get drunk?” I slide toward her through the bubbles. “I embarrassed you, didn’t I? That’s why you’re mad?”

  “I’m not mad, s-stupid.” She grabs my shoulders and yanks me back into her arms. Her breasts mash against my chest. “I-I’m…happy.”

  “You don’t seem happy.”

  “Well, I am.”

  “Prove it.”

  “I will…” She breathes out the words, chest heaving. Her fingers slide up my neck to thread through my hair, and she tugs my head down. Lips tasting of ripe strawberries touch mine. How she managed to keep lip gloss on the whole night, I’ll never know. She starts out with slow kisses, exploring my mouth. I let her take the lead, excited, but also unsure of how far she’s willing to go. Her being naked’s a good sign.

  My hand slides across her bare back. Her skin feels slick and smooth from the bubbles and oil in the tub. Her rounded hip fits in my palm. I caress the dimple above her plump ass before sliding my hands down to squeeze rounded cheeks. Her breath catches, then releases in a moan against my mouth. Her tongue traces my bottom lip, then slides between my teeth.

  She slides her leg over mine and twists. I roll with her until my back rests against the tub and she straddles my waist. With one last thrust of her tongue, she pulls back. We’re both breathing hard. I take a second to stare at the woman above me, trying to brand this image into my mind. I never want to forget seeing her like this.

  Bubbles slide down the crease between her breasts. I press my face between them and lick the foam away. Her nipples harden. I roll my tongue across them, grazing the areolas with my teeth. God, she tastes so good.

  Mala’s back arches as she shudders. Tiny moans fall from her parted lips. She rubs the soft patch between her thighs against me, and I stir. Her wide eyes shine with desire…for me. Heat scorches my skin wherever her gaze touches. She sets me on fire. Her hand dips beneath the water to wrap around my shaft. It grows firm in her hand. She starts with a slow caress, hand sliding down my thickening length. My hips buck, and she gives a smug smile.

  I groan, fingers gripping the side of the tub so I don’t go under.

  Her caresses quicken, responding like she can read my mind. The sensation builds. “Mala...” I gasp, grabbing on to her hand.

  A tiny frown creases her forehead. “Doesn’t that feel okay?”

  “Yes. God, yes.” The pressure builds inside me, filling me until it feels like I’ll explode. If I let her keep going, I’ll lose it.

  I’ve planned this…I won’t let it end with me shooting my wad into the tub and leaving her unsatisfied. “Wait…”

  “No! Not this time.” Mala wraps her arms around my neck and thrusts her tongue into my mouth. The kiss almost makes me lose control. I hold on to her waist, lifting her as I climb out of the tub. Our mouths never separate. Her hands caress my chest…my back, run up my neck, and grab onto my hair as she makes low, moaning sounds. My goal is to get her onto the bed, but she won’t stop kissing me long enough for me to tell her. The easiest way is to pick her up.

  Her muscular legs tighten around my waist.

  Damn! She’s hot and moist pressed against my stomach. I want to slide my fingers inside her until she cries my name. I grab a towel off the rack and stumble toward the bed. The back of my thighs hit the edge of the mattress, and I sit down. Mala wriggles on my lap, skin slick from the bath. She stops kissing me in favor of taking deep breaths.

  “Tell me what you want,” I whisper, needing permission. I’ve messed up too many times to take her for granted.

  The bathroom light shines across her face and reveals the confusion in her eyes. “I don’t know. Whatever you want?”

  I stifle a groan. “This is your first time, isn’t it? Are you sure—”

  “Oh, that’s what you…yes, damn it! Of course I want to make love to you.” Mala brushes her fingers across my scar. “Don’t you want me?”

  Yeah. I do.

  Only the first time should be special. Something she’ll always compare with other partners. Not that she’ll have other guys if I get my way. I’m gonna be her first and last. And I’ll be damned if I’ll let her wake up tomorrow full of regret about her choice.

  It’s my turn to pleasure her.

  CHAPTER 26

  MALA

  Pleasure

  Landry rolls me onto the bed. He gives my butt a quick kiss, grabs the towel, and runs out of the room, saying “Stay here. I’ll be right back” before I have a chance to protest. I prop myself up on my elbows and stare at his retreating bare backside.

  Thumps of drawers being slammed and Landry’s curses come from the other bedroom. I throw myself back onto the mattress with a frustrated groan. What the hell is he looking for, and why is it taking so damn long? Warm air blows in through the balcony door, cooling my wet skin.

  Okay, don’
t stress. This is good.

  I need time to prepare for tonight anyway. Losing my virginity in this gorgeous hotel room is a hundred ways more romantic than doing it under a tree after almost drowning in the pond. A smile flickers over my lips as I sigh. Butterflies beat their wings in my chest as I shove the bedspread down to the bottom of the bed and drape the white sheet over my waist.

  Should I cover my breasts or leave them exposed? I experiment with the blanket, studying the various poses in the mirror. I’m going for sexy and mysterious. With a sultry smile, I settle on covering only the tips of my breasts and leaving my legs bare. I fluff out my hair and spread it across the pillow.

  I look hot! Fingers crossed…

  Noises come from the kitchen now. The refrigerator door slams.

  I trace my fingers over my lips then run them down my neck, touching each place Landry kissed or nibbled.

  “Thinking about me?” Landry stands over the bed. The tray he holds carries a lit candle, a bottle of chocolate syrup, and a box of condoms.

  The towel rides low on his hips. His muscled abs clench as he bends over to place the tray on the bedside table.

  My heart races. “Did you bring this stuff from home?”

  He ducks his head. “Only the condoms. Everything else is from here. You don’t like it?”

  “It seems like you’ve put a lot of thought into this seduction.” Anticipation flutters my tummy.

  “I figured, since you’re giving me a second chance, I’ll do it right.” He crawls onto the bed, moving like a stalking tiger. The intensity in his eye makes my breath catch. I crawl backward. Not fast. I’m not really trying to escape, but his expression scares me. In a good way.

  He grabs my ankle. My heart races as he drags me slowly across the silk sheets. His teeth nip the inside of my thigh, and I squeal. “You said yes to this, right?” he asks.

  “God, yes.” As if I could say no. Not with him on his hands and knees over me. I run my hands across his hard chest. Muscles flex in my palms as he lowers his head. The tip of his tongue traces a spiral on my neck, slowly swirling up to my ear. He kisses the lobe and grazes the skin with his teeth. His hot breath blows into my ear, and I gasp.

  “I love you,” he whispers.

  I freeze. Did I hear him right?

  His lips move across my neck to my other ear. I squirm, unable to remain still as he slowly presses soft kisses down the front of my body, teasing me. He flips me over onto my stomach and drizzles chocolate down my spine. It’s cold from the refrigerator, and my back arches.

  “God, you’re so beautiful,” he murmurs before his tongue sears a hot path up my spine. He takes his time, licking, nibbling, and kissing my skin, inch by slow inch. The intensity of need building inside of me grows hotter, and I grow wilder with each nibble.

  I bite down on my lip, trying to hold the moans inside. Whimpers come from deep in my throat. My skin feels seared—sensitive to the slightest flick of his tongue or bite of his teeth. I’m gonna combust. It’s too much. I’m on fire.

  His teeth nip at my side, and I lose my fucking mind. I burst…and fly apart! Shivers rack my body. I roll onto my back with a groan.

  His skin shines with a silver tint in the moonlight. I need to touch him. To taste the saltiness of his sweat on my tongue. He grabs my hands when I reach for him, stretching them over my head. His weight pins me to the bed.

  “It’s still my turn.” He grins at my growl. “No touching. Promise, and I’ll let you go.”

  I’m panting from the force of the desire flooding my senses. Unable to speak, I give a shaky nod.

  He holds up the bottle and shakes it.

  “What are you doing?” Why do I sound like a phone sex operator?

  “Eating my sundae while the chocolate’s hot,” he says, and drizzles syrup between my legs. I raise up on my elbows. Landry grasps the back of my legs and, with a quick tug, lays them over his shoulders. My eyes close when his head moves between my legs, and I rear away with a choked cry. My fingers clench, jerking at his hair as I try to pull him up, but he ignores me. His tongue enters me, thrusting and pulsing against my most sensitive spot. My breath quickens, and I whimper. Landry’s tongue doesn’t pause but quickens in response to my moans. His fingers grip my legs, not letting go when I squirm, unable to stay still as a wave of pleasure curls my toes.

  When my eyes open, I stare up at Landry. He’s braced on his hands above me. What does my expression look like to bring out his self-satisfied smile? He dips his head down for a deep, chocolate-flavored kiss that leaves us both gasping for air.

  His body gives a rippling shudder as he groans. “I can’t hold back much longer, Mala.”

  My breath catches with the tiny spurt of fear, but I shove it back. “Yes…”

  I reach for him, needing a semblance of control over the unknown to ease my anxiety. He looks like he’ll split me apart, but the skin of his shaft is so soft. I caress him, loving the contrast of hard and velvety. He groans, head falling forward, as I guide him to my opening, then freeze. “The condom?”

  “Shit, almost forgot.” Landry passes it to me.

  My fingers fumble like they belong to someone else. I should turn on the light, but that would break the mood. Oh God…it’s on. “O-okay, I’m ready.”

  “Mala, I’ve heard the first time hurts.” He flicks hair out of his eyes. Even now, he’s worried about me. If I change my mind, he’ll be okay with it. I don’t have to do this. But I want to. I do.

  Landry’s tip presses against me. I take a deep breath and wrap my legs around him. I shove up as he thrusts. A burst of white-hot pain makes me groan. Landry tries to pull out, but I clench my thighs to hold on to him. “I’m okay. Just give me a second.”

  Okay, more than a second.

  He pulses inside me—tiny, minute vibrations that kind of tickle at first. My muscles flex around him. Squeezing him. His breath catches, and I smile, loving his reaction. Pain fades as my body stretches to accommodate him.

  I rock my hips upward.

  Landry groans. He moves hesitantly at first, then his pace quickens. I give a roll of my abdominal muscles with each thrust. Soon our rhythm matches. Pleasure builds…building, building deep inside. It radiates outward in a crescendo of sensation. Spirals, swirls of light flash behind my eyelids.

  It hits. A mix of pleasure and pain. Landry grabs on to the headboard and gives a final thrust. His shout matches my scream.

  I think I pass out.

  It takes a bit to come to my senses. Landry lays spent inside me, while our sweaty bodies cling together. I run my hand up his back. I don’t even care that his weight makes it tough to catch my breath, but my heavy wheezes gives it away.

  “Are you okay?” He rolls over onto his side, slipping out of me, but I’m still cradled in his arms.

  I nod my head. Unable to speak. Who knew? Multiple orgasms.

  No wonder Mama got hooked on sex.

  Landry chuckles as I lay my head on his chest, totally spent. His heart thumps in my ear. He rubs my back in slow circles. “You doing okay?” he whispers.

  I press a kiss to his chest, too exhausted to form words. My eyes drift shut as I’m lulled by the warmth and security he brings.

  A sharp tug on my soul pinches as I am released from my body. I haven’t slipped my skin since I left the hospital. I don’t know why I must now. I’d rather stay with Landry, but I’m being drawn out. If I fight, it’ll be painful. I learned that the first few times it happened.

  With a deep exhale, I give in. My soul slips from my body to float over the bed. I stare down at the two bodies. Landry and I lay with our limbs entwined as if fused together. We look so peaceful in our sleep. None of the worries and cares of the night remain. We washed them away.

  Another jerk on my soul—

  The shift in location brings me to my knees. Darkness covers the strange room. I stretch out my senses, such as they are while incorporeal. In some ways, they’re sharper, more intense while I travel through t
he veil between the walls of reality, my fancy way of describing where I travel to when I astral project. It’s a hell of a lot prettier than the other side.

  A faint light shines from beneath a door. Drawn-out whimpers come from a slumped shadow huddling against the wall. My skin itches from a prickle of familiarity, and the harder I stare, the clearer the person becomes. The identity of the captive hits me like a ton of bricks.

  I lurch forward, crying “Dena!”

  My feet make no sound on the ground. My cousin shivers when I frantically run my hands through her, forgetting that I can’t touch her or remove the duct tape wrapped around her hands and feet. And I can’t ease her fear.

  She can’t even hear my words…“It’ll be okay. I’ll save you. I swear…”

  The sound of a lock clicking comes from above. I glance up right when the door flies open to slam against the wall. The light blinds me for a second, then I focus on the shiny glint of metal from a gun.

  “No, leave her alone!” I lunge forward to place myself between Dena and the gun. I’m sobbing because I want to shield her, but a bullet will go right through me. “Don’t hurt her. Please…”

  I’m trembling so hard I think I’ll explode into a million molecules. If he hurts her while I watch, unable to help, my soul will be torn. Broken.

  The man moves into the room. He’s dressed from head to toe in black. If he’s trying to hide his face by wearing a ski mask, it must mean he doesn’t want Dena to be able to identify him. That’s a good sign. She has a chance to get out of this alive. She just has to stop fighting and hang on until I rescue her.

  But going down quietly isn’t my cousin’s style any more than it’s mine. She kicks at him when he gets close enough to touch her.

  “Let me go!” she demands more than begs, holding her bound hands toward him.

  He grunts and throws the bag he’s carrying onto the floor. His foot lashes out. Dena screams when it connects, doubling over and clutching her stomach. Blood flies from her lips to land in a pool of light.