by H. C. Brown
“I guess I owe you.” Tamara covered her face with her hand to hide a smile. “Sure, dinner will be fine.”
“Great. Fane out.”
“Fane.” Tamara sighed; he had disconnected. Loneliness surrounded her. If only she could change and become the woman Fane needed. She pictured his face. A moan escaped her lips. Most women would fall at his feet. What kind of fool would contemplate refusing the advances of such a delicious man?
Chapter Seven
After concealing the flybikes in a patch of brush, Fane drove the hover car toward the Research and Development complex. Set out in the middle of nowhere, the morbid, black building rose out of the picturesque landscape like a malignant tumor. The road dropped down ahead to reveal the entrance. They passed between two columns where a crude weapons scan infiltrated the vehicle. Fane stopped the car at the heavy metal gate. They both got out and took turns pressing their faces into the retina scanner. To Fane’s relief, the gate hummed and swung open. They returned to the car and drove inside. Fane gave an involuntary shiver. This is like driving into a tomb. The tunnel curled downward to stop at an intimidating, steel gate with armed guards standing on each side. He glanced at Jace and initiated M. S. “If we fuck up, it’s going to be difficult getting out of here alive.”
“I never fuck up.” Jace threw him a grin. “Well, once, when I signed up to join Gryd. Trust me, I’ll never make a mistake like that again.”
One of the guards approached the car. Fane opened the window.
“Agent Jacobs, Agent Brand. If you park in Section 3 and take the elevator to Level 9, Agent Peterson is waiting for you.”
Fane nodded. “Sure.”
With a snort, he drove the car toward the slowly opening gate. “How did you set this up?”
“I sent him an email. He thinks we are part of the National Security Task Force.” Jace pointed to a flashing green light. “That would be Section 3.”
* * * * *
Tamara glanced at her watch for the tenth time in half an hour. Four hours. She had been cooling her heels four—long—hours. How much longer did they expect her to wait? A man in uniform delivered a plate of sandwiches and a glass of milk. She had eaten the chicken and lettuce on rye, out of boredom. Pacing up and down the cell, she tossed around the idea of contacting Fane. She flopped down on the bed and closed her eyes. “Connect me to Fane.”
“Hey, babe. You okay?”
Lord, it was good to hear his voice. She bit back a smile at his fond familiarity toward her. No one had ever called her ‘babe’ before. She could get used to having him around. Heavens above, she would have to make sure she did not think that while they were on Mind Speak. Darn it—too late. Tamara draped her forearm across her eyes. “Sure, if you can call being locked in a cell okay. What’s happening?”
“We had quite a time convincing Peterson to give us access to the mainframe. He insisted going over every detail of your case. It won’t be too long now. Jace is working on it as we speak.”
“Can you stay connected to me?”
“I wish I could, babe, but I need to Mind Speak with Jace. Trust me, a three way link gets a bit crazy. I’ll see you in a little while. Fane out.”
Another hour dragged by before the door buzzed and swung open. Peterson led two men inside. Tamara got slowly to her feet, her gaze drawn to a golden-skinned man with hair like mercury flowing down his back. The man who followed him had skin the color of dark chocolate, his eyes covered with wraparound, tinted eyeglasses. His features were shockingly familiar—Fane.
She gaped at him, open-mouthed.
“Easy, babe, don’t let Peterson see that you recognize me. We have to question you for the record. Just play along and we’re out of here.”
Tamara shut her mouth and turned her gaze toward Peterson. She opened her hands, palms up. “How much longer do you expect me to cool my heels, Mr. Peterson? I’m suffering from caffeine withdrawal. Don’t you supply coffee to your prisoners?”
“Agents Jacobs and Brand are going to debrief you. If they’re satisfied, you will be released.” Peterson gave Tamara a curt nod and left the room.
The blond man must be Jace. He gave her a small smile and waved her to a seat at the table. He sat down opposite her, while Fane stood. The pair looked so formidable.
Tamara swallowed hard. She met Jace’s gaze. “I hope you are Peterson’s superior; the man is a complete idiot.”
“I’m sorry you have been inconvenienced, Dr. Bright.” Jace folded his hands in front of him on the table. “After careful consideration of the evidence, we agree with your version of events. We detected an anomaly in the Bio Scanner in the free clinic. You are free to go.” He smiled. “We will escort you home.”
Tamara got to her feet and ran a hand through her hair. “Thank you.”
* * * * *
An hour later, they reached the spot where they had hidden the flybikes. The area looked surreal bathed in twilight. Fane turned the hovercar off the road and headed through the long shadows toward the cave. As Jace predicted, the two agents remained unconscious. Fane stood motionless while Tamara examined both of them for injuries. When she was satisfied they were unharmed, Fane helped Jace carry the men back to the car. With a vulgar salute, Jace sent them on their way by remote, and then turned up the volume on the car radio to maximum. Fane grinned at his friend. “If that doesn’t bring them around, nothing will.”
Fane turned to Tamara. God, she had endured so much for him without complaint. He met her inquisitive gaze, took her arm, and led her toward the flybikes. “I’m sorry you ended up in the middle of all this mess.”
“I think there is more to you than meets the eye, Mr. Jacobs.” Tamara took the helmet Fane offered and pushed it on her head.
Fane raised a brow. “I have to agree.”
“I gather Jace is the same as you are?” Tamara waved a hand at Jace. “Enhanced?”
“Yeah, but I got the looks.” Jace chuckled and mounted his flybike.
“Something else I need to know.” She tilted her head and stared at Jace. “How do you shield personal thought from Mind Speak?”
“Unless you direct those thoughts into the conversation, private thoughts remain on a different… how can I explain?” Jace stared into space. “Wave length?”
“I understand.” Tamara smiled. “Were you interfacing with your AI for the correct terminology?”
“Yes.” Jace winked. “I often require the correct phrase to use with a beautiful woman.”
“I doubt that, Mr. Brand.” Tamara smiled.
Fane mounted the flybike, and then turned to Tamara. “Are we still on for dinner?”
“Sure, I’m starving.” Tamara climbed behind Fane. “Just take me home so I can change. Can you pick me up around six? There’s a great little restaurant a block from my house.” She lowered her voice. “What do you want me to do with the communication module?”
Fane rubbed his chin. “If you inserted it under your skin, we could keep in touch… it might come in handy.” He met her gaze. “Do you have a microchip inserter?”
“As a matter of fact, I do.”
* * * * *
That evening, Fane sat opposite Tamara in a booth at a small, Italian restaurant. The aroma of spaghetti sauce had met them half a block away. Fane’s stomach rumbled. Lord, he could not stop staring at his date. She had changed into jeans and a cream silk blouse with tiny buttons. When she moved, he could glimpse the white, lace bra hugging her full breasts. Her long hair tumbled over her shoulders in a burgundy sheet that looked like liquid satin. Even after the food arrived, he couldn’t tear his gaze away from her. She curled spaghetti on her fork and lift the sauce-covered delight to her decadent mouth. God, he wanted to taste those full lips and lick the sauce from her chin. Tamara had insisted on eating there, saying the owner frowned on interfacing his computer with the tables. They could speak freely.
Without giving too much information, Fane answered her queries. To his relief, she appeared satisfied
with his responses. The conversation soon turned to personal matters. “I’m bi-sexual, does that worry you?”
“Not at all.” Tamara ran her fingers across Fane’s knuckles. “It’s sexy.”
He discovered Tamara was twenty-seven and had lived alone after her recently retired father had died two years previously. He laughed at her childhood stories. He loved the way she smiled, the way her eyes danced. She had such expressive eyes—he could drown in their depths. They chatted until the waiter hovered at the table. Fane realized the late hour and pressed his thumb on the scanner to pay the bill. He smiled at Tamara. “I think they want us to leave.”
“Come home with me for coffee and dessert. I have a chocolate layer cake in my refrigerator just begging to be eaten.” Tamara’s eyes danced with mischief. “I promise I won’t jump your bones.”
Fane got to his feet and offered his hand. “The cake and coffee sounds great, but I won’t hold you to the promise.”
* * * * *
Tamara gazed into his eyes. She enjoyed his company, hell, she enjoyed every inch of the eye-candy standing beside her. During dinner, Fane had hung on her words, and he actually seemed interested in her life. Her thoughts went to his hot, passionate kisses in the clinic. Fane’s touch had left her breathless, needy, and in truth, she wanted more of this delicious man.
She could let him set the pace—comply with his demands. His confession of being bi-sexual had only made him more interesting—could Jace be his lover? The thought intrigued her. His unusual physiology gave him another thrilling appeal—sex would be sensational. Perhaps that would satisfy her desire for him to spank her. She could have sex without the scent of leather for once in her life… okay… so she’d had sex with normal, naked men before, but the scent of leather and the feel of a man’s hand—or better still, his flogger—made her so damn hot.
Outside, lights spilled pools of yellow on the sidewalk. Traffic lit up the road in a procession of white and red lights. Fane twined his fingers through Tamara’s and they walked, hand in hand. He matched his stride to hers, and they strolled in a leisurely pace down the block to the neat, two-bedroom house Tamara called home. Fane waited on the whitewashed stoop and inhaled the honeysuckle creeping along the terrace. Tamara gave him a nervous glance. Fane sensed her uncertainty, took the house key from her trembling fingers, and opened the door. He followed her inside, down the hallway, and into a neat kitchen. “This is nice. Have you lived here long?”
“Two years. I couldn’t stay in the house after dad passed.” Tamara swung open the refrigerator door and peered inside intently. “Take a seat. The coffee won’t take long.”
Fane slipped his hands around her waist and pulled her against him. “I’d rather have you.”
“Fane… I…” Tamara turned in his arms and looked up at him.
The light from the refrigerator illuminated the back of her hair in a red halo, turning her into a fiery angel. Fane angled his head and brushed her lips. “Hush.”
Her soft mouth opened, and he dipped his tongue inside. He feasted on her full, luscious lips. Their tongues tangled in a familiar dance. She tasted like wine. Fane cupped the back of her head, and his fingers sank into her long, silky hair. She moaned softly against his mouth. He lifted his head and gazed into pools of jade lust. “Where’s the bedroom?”
“Upstairs on the right.”
Fane scooped her into his arms and strode out of the kitchen. She pressed her hot cheek against his chest, her warm breath damp on his neck. He took the stairs with ease and found the bedroom. He kicked the door shut behind them, and then dropped Tamara gently on the large bed. She had furnished the room in delicate, white furniture. Pink, lace pillows covered the bed. Her expensive fragrance hung heavy in the air. Fane pushed a stray strand of hair behind her ear. His gaze drifted toward the bed and he froze. A pair of silver handcuffs hung on the bed rail. Wow. Very interesting. Something dark peeked out from beneath a pillow near the headboard. His jacket. He smiled to himself. If the handcuffs were for her usual lovers, he may be planning to bed a Dominatrix. Now that would be new and unique. There is more to you than meets the eye, Dr. Bright.
* * * * *
Tamara caught her breath. As Fane undressed beside the bed, his long, tanned fingers peeled off each piece of clothing to reveal more tempting flesh. All the while, his smoldering eyes never left her face. She trailed her gaze down his hard, muscular body and stared at his impressive cock. Pre-cum coated the shaft’s rosy helmet. She heard him sigh and her face grew hot. Looking away, she reached for the buttons of her blouse. The bed dipped, and Fane brushed her hands away. His warm mouth closed over hers in a possessive kiss. His large hands brushed over her, stripping away her clothes in seconds. The next moment, his heavy body pinned her to the bed, crushing her tender nipples beneath his hot flesh.
When she inhaled Fane’s masculine scent, ripples of pleasure curled in her belly. She wanted to be closer and arched her back, thrusting her breasts into him. Fane gathered her into his muscular arms, his mouth gliding sensuously across her lips. Her body melted against his smooth, hard muscles. He moved between her legs, his cock pressing against her pussy like a steel rod, and he deepened the kiss with a feral growl. A moan of delight fell from her lips. He tasted so damn delicious. She could not get enough of him. When he pulled away, she complained and closed her fingers in his black, silken hair to pin him against her lips.
“Let me check your contraception implant.” Fane pulled away, took her arm, and examined it closely. “Good girl.”
“I’m a doctor. My implant is always up to date.”
* * * * *
Tamara’s small hand closed around his cock. Fane gasped. Heat flamed into his balls at her touch. He chewed the inside of his cheek. Not yet. He nuzzled her breast, drew the tight, pink bud into his mouth, and suckled. The scent of her filled his nose. She whimpered and squirmed beneath him. He sucked harder, taking more of her breast into his mouth. After some time, he straightened, releasing the divine morsel with a small, popping sound.
He grinned. “You like this, don’t you?”
Would she like him to restrain her? He would take it slow and find out how far he could push her. He grasped both her hands and drew them up over her head. Rather than complain, Tamara smiled impishly and pushed her breasts into his face, demanding attention. He continued to suckle each nipple, and then scraped his teeth across the sensitive tips. Fuck, he must control his urge to drag her across his knees and spank her plump bottom. With a sigh, he released her hands and gazed into her beautiful face. Her soft eyes were half closed in passion. Her delightful body undulated against him. He smiled and kissed a path between her breasts, working his way down to her navel.
Fane reached the wisps of red hair that guarded her apex, like flames licking her flesh. He dropped her hands and she gripped the back of the bed. He smiled. Oh yeah, she liked to be restrained. He slid one a finger into the slick heat, he heard Tamara’s sharp intake of breath. He slid down her body and bent his head to swirl his tongue along her soaking folds. She tasted like heaven. When he found and circled her hard nub, Tamara lifted her hips and cried out. His hands closed around her bottom, the flesh full and round in his palms. He held her firmly and gorged on her pussy until she shuddered to climax, her sweet juices coating his tongue. Holding her firmly, he continued to feast, extending her climax until the shudders wracking her body stopped.
* * * * *
This was not like any climax Tamara had experienced before; the waves of intense pleasure rolled over her until every nerve ending screamed. When Fane kissed her again, she wanted him inside her, filling her and driving her into another orgasmic delight. She dragged her mouth away. “Please… I can’t take any more.”
“Tell me you want me, babe.” Fane smiled down at her.
Lifting her knees, Tamara wrapped her legs around his waist. “I need you . . . now, please now.”
Fane pressed wet kisses along her chin and nibbled her neck. Tamara tossed
her head from side to side. His hot mouth closed around her nipple in sweet torment. Then he kissed her again. The slow, tantalizing kiss sent flames of passion surging up her legs and into her pussy. She would go mad if he did not fuck her. “Please… please.”
* * * * *
Fane gazed into Tamara’s eyes. He grasped her hands and thrust them over her head again. “Drop your legs and hold onto the bedrail.”
Smiling at her immediate compliance, he lifted her legs to his shoulders and rolled her back until her sweet pussy tilted at just the right angle. He rested the head of his cock against her weeping core. “You are so fucking beautiful.”
With a quick thrust, he slid into her liquid heat. So damn wet, her velvet sheath held him tight. He moved in long, deep plunges. Flames licked his balls with each slide. Fane stared down at her flushed face. Sweat soaked her skin, and wisps of hair stuck to her pink cheeks. When she bit her bottom lip and met his gaze, he lost control. He drove into her without mercy, riding her in exquisite torture. The desire to climax raged like a brush fire in his loins. He hovered precariously on the edge of fulfillment. His heart squeezed. Tamara was so much more than casual sex. When his name broke from her lips in a sigh, his heart melted. Her body shook, and her pussy tightened in waves of delight around his aching shaft. Sweet Jesus. Mindless with pleasure, he whispered her name. Rolling his hips, he rode the superb rush of ecstasy to shatter in a kaleidoscope of emotions.
He dropped her legs and collapsed on top of her. Her sweet pussy quivered against his shaft. He bent his head and kissed her tenderly. My dream girl. Love swelled in his heart. God, she was so much better in the flesh. He brushed the damp hair off her face and stared into her eyes. “You okay, babe?”
“I’m…” Tamara chuckled. “That was…”
Fane brushed the damp hair off her face and grinned. “Oh, I can do it again; I’ll improve with practice.”