Out of the Dark (Forbidden Love)

by Danielle James

  She raised herself to his face and kissed his lips. He held the back of her head securely to his own, exploring her mouth with his tongue. She started the kiss, and she had to end it. But she didn’t go far. She trailed kisses along his jaw, liking the shadow of whiskers rubbing against her cheek. She snaked her tongue along the pulse in his neck, which responded by beating wildly against her mouth. She sucked lightly, and he moaned out loud. “Yes, like that,” he breathed.

  Brea rained kisses down his collar and chest, stopping by each tiny nipple to lave her tongue over them. He kept his hands on her hair, whispering encouraging words and endearments in a variety of languages. Brea didn’t know most of them, but she understood the meaning just the same. She covered his torso in wet kisses, enjoying the way this powerful man quivered under her touch.

  She reached down and encircled him with her hand. “Yes,” he cried, pressing his head back into the pillow. God, he was big, thick and long. She could barely get her hand around it. He moved his hand over hers, guiding her hand along his length, showing her what he liked. His hips thrust up into her hand of their own accord. But that was not what Brea had in mind.

  She lowered her head and flicked her tongue over his head. He cried out from the intense sensation, and she took him into her mouth. He reached behind her neck and pulled the clip that held her hair in place. Her red curls tumbled free over his stomach, creating a veil that concealed her face. That wouldn’t do. His fingers threaded into her hair, grasping the strands tightly and pulling them away from her face. But too soon, he was pulling away from her. “Wait, please,” he gasped.

  “Am I doing something wrong?” she asked, knowing she wasn’t.

  “No, I fear if you don’t stop, I might embarrass myself.”

  Brea smiled at him, and then went back to lavishing affection on his manhood. His breath came in sharp, quick breaths, and he was saying her name, over and over. When she felt him swell within her mouth, she reached down and cupped his sack in her hands. All remnants of his control shattered and bright lights exploded behind his eyes. He let out an intense growl of ecstasy with his release.

  Brea rose up his body, licking her lips. He rolled them both over so that he was on top of her, but she pushed him away. “You have work to do, and we need to eat. What will everyone think if we are both late for dinner?”

  “I do not care what they think,” he growled at her.

  “Come on, get up.”

  “Will you not let me repay the favor?” he asked.

  “Later,”she replied, getting to her feet. AI’m going to change and I will meet you downstairs.”

  “May I choose the time?”

  “For what?”

  “To repay the favor?” he asked with a sheepish grin. Brea hesitated. A time at his choosing? That might be dangerous. “Please,” was all it took. One word. She found herself unable to resist his heartfelt pleading.

  “Ok,” she said, then quickly hurried off to her own room to change her clothes.

  EIGHT

  Temporarily sated, Angel showered and dressed for dinner. He chose his wardrobe carefully, keeping in mind that she seemed to like silk. So he wore black jeans and a white silk shirt that was so thin his chest hair showed through. He donned a gold chain around his neck, and even put on his gold circle earrings. He thought it might draw her attention to his ears. At least, he hoped so.

  Angel entered the dining hall only to be greeted with an abrupt silence. All eyes were on him, and Gage was wearing the most amused expression. Brea looked guilty as sin, an endearing look indeed, he thought. Angel noticed that she had exchanged her dress for a sensible sweater and a very business-like skirt. Everyone paused only for the shortest second, and then conversation picked up as if it had never stopped. Brea was talking to Antonio about the upcoming gala. He thought the twenties idea was perfect. Not that Angel needed his approval. Gage and Rebel were plotting their next prank, on Freida, no less. Angel smiled as he thought of the hell there would be to pay for pulling a fast one on his cook and housekeeper. She was sharp as a tack, and they would have to plan carefully to trick her.

  And if they succeeded, God help them from her wrath.

  Dinner went without incident, and soon it was time to get to work. Angel retreated to his office when Ricco knocked. “Sir, I am sorry to disturb you, but there is someone here to see Miss Hunt.”

  “Who is it?”

  “He claims to be a friend of hers. Says his name is Brandon. What shall I tell him?”

  “You should ask Brea if she wishes to see him. If she does, show him into the main hall. I will be along shortly.”

  “Right away, Sir.” He spun on his heel and left to find Brea. Angel knew this was the other server from the restaurant. The one Brea lived with. After finishing his paperwork, Angel headed for the main hall to join the guest.

  He stopped just out of sight. The sound of exuberant laughter floated through the hall and hung in the air. Brea had the most beautiful laugh. It was like wind chimes in the spring. He could spend an eternity listening to her chiming laughter. He would spend eternity learning to make her laugh.

  “Knock it off Brandon!” Brea squealed. “I’m supposed to be working.”

  “And just what are you working on? Angel?” the man’s voice said. It was quite gentle for a man’s voice, the pitch slightly higher than most. Angel snuck closer so that he could watch from the door. Brea was sitting very close to the guest. He was tall, disheveled blonde hair, earrings, and he wore eyeliner. How odd. But then Angel remembered something Brea had told him about her friend. It made perfect sense. Brandon reached over and laid his hand on Brea’s shoulder. Angel bit back a growl. He had no right to be jealous, he reminded himself. This was her friend. He could touch her if she wanted.

  “So, what are you doing here?” he asked.

  “I am planning a big party for the local vamps. And we are making a surprise out of it.” Angel’s ears perked up.

  “What kind of surprise?”

  “Well, it’s Angel’s birthday soon, and we thought we might throw him a surprise party.” Ugh. Angel hated birthdays. Now he had to pretend not to know about it. Maybe he could discreetly shut down the idea without offending her.

  “Wicked! Can I come? Please, I won’t embarrass you, I won’t! Please pleasepleasepleaseplease!”

  “I will have to ask, I don’t even know if I am attending. That part hasn’t been discussed yet. But if I can manage, I will get you and Keelie in here.”

  “Cool. So, have you kissed him?”

  “That is none of your business.” Brea snapped.

  “I’ll take that as a yes. Tell me all about it, I want details! And don’t leave anything out, I mean it!” Angel eavesdropped from behind the door frame. He couldn’t stop the smile forming on his lips. How much would Brea tell him? What did she think of him?

  “He has the most amazing lips,” she said, lowering her voice, as if it would help in a house full of vampires. AHe kisses like a God. I think I almost let him, well you know.”

  “No!” Brandon gasped, clutching his chest. “You didn’t let that man steal your virtue?”

  “Of course not! But...”

  “You didn’t!”

  “Well, I couldn’t just get him all worked up and leave him. So I made sure he was happy.”

  “Tell me all about it.”

  “You are pushing your luck. I’m not giving you any more details, you slut.”

  “Me? You get a first- hand account of Angel Knight and all his deliciousness, and you won’t even share meager details with your best friend? I am offended. Hussy.”

  “Slut.”

  “You say that like it’s an insult,” he laughed. The two laughed together like old friends should. Angel was happy to hear she enjoyed his attention. But something bothered him. Her virtue? She said that she had not known many men. Did ‘not many’ mean none? Was she still a virgin? No wonder she didn’t want to have sex. It was something sacred to her. Angel knew he had
to be very careful, as not to influence Brea to give it to him. He didn’t want it, unless she was willing to give it freely. He turned quietly and left the two friends alone to talk.

  Angel rounded a corner and nearly ran into Jacque. He had been listening in on the conversation as well. His spiky hair was unnaturally stiff and he wore a spiked collar as well. He looked like the typical rock star. All brawn and leather, he looked mean and sadistic. But nothing could hide the amusement in his honey colored eyes. “Having a good evening so far?” he asked, spiking a dark eyebrow.

  “How much did you hear?” Angel asked with a sigh.

  “Enough,” Jacque smiled. “How much did you hear?”

  “Enough,” Angel replied.

  “So, shall we change our party plans?”

  “Not at this time. I would, however, like you to join me in the main hall. The man is a fan at the least, and a friend of Brea’s. Shall we introduce ourselves?”

  “Oui, I do believe we shall.” The two men walked casually back to the main hall where Brea was whispering something to her friend. Angel cleared his throat to announce their arrival.

  Brea quickly rose to her feet. Brandon did the same, only his mouth was gaping and he was wide eyed. “Angel,” she smiled. “I would like for you to meet Brandon, my friend and roommate.”

  “I am pleased to meet you, Brandon. I am Angel, and this is—”

  “Jacque,” Brandon finished for him. “Wow. I mean, really, wow. It’s a pleasure,” he stammered, extending a hand in the two men’s direction. He shook both their hands fervently, and a little bit too long.

  “Has Brea told you about our upcoming party?” Angel asked.

  “Yeah, and I gotta say, it sounds great. Brea’s got a real flair for planning. You couldn’t have picked anyone better for the job.”

  “Would you like to attend? I am sure Brea wouldn’t mind a friend or two there with her. It will be, as you might call it, an all-nighter.”

  “Hell yes, I want to come! Just give me a time and place and I will be there!”

  “I wasn’t sure if I was going to be there,” Brea said to no one in particular.

  “Of course you will attend,” Angel said, “I wouldn’t have it any other way. Besides, you already have your dress.”

  Brea’s cheeks flushed and she turned her stunning smile on Angel. “Great. Can I invite Keelie too? She would be heartbroken if I left her out.”

  “Of course, anything you like. Just remember our agreement.”

  “No problem. I can handle it.”

  “Perhaps you would like to see the studio,” Jacque suggested to Brandon.

  “Oh hell yes. I’m there. This is every man’s dream come true!” Jacque led Brandon out of the room and Brea and Angel followed. Brandon oohed and awed at everything, and by the time he left, he had autographs and cd’s and an enormous chip on his shoulder. Brea gave her friend a chaste kiss on the lips as he was leaving. Angel wished he could lavish affection on this woman so easily, so freely. Soon, he promised himself.

  Retreating to her room, Brea was smiling. It was exceptionally nice of Angel to invite her friends. He was exceptional about most things. He was too good to be true, despite the fact that he was a vampire. Brea had feared him at first, but she found herself trusting him entirely. She was within three feet of her bedroom door when someone grabbed her from behind. Strong arms wrapped around her waist and hot breath tickled her ear.

  She absolutely recognized the man holding her hostage. His spicy scent was forever engraved into her memory. Angel forced her into her room, shutting and locking the door behind them. “Time for payback,” his voice rasped in her ear.

  Brea found herself leaning face first into the wall. Angel had every inch of his hard body pressed against the back of hers, keeping her in that position. He raised her hands over her head and placed her palms on the cool wall. “Don’t move them, no matter what,” he commanded. Brea’s heart thundered in her chest. Being in that position required complete trust. Knowing it was probably something she would come to regret later, she didn’t move.

  His hands found their way up her sweater across the bare skin of her stomach. His touch traveled upward to the swell of her breasts. He formed them both with his hard hands, and her nipples grew hard against his palms. She arched her back, pressing into his hands, wanting more. Angel was surprised at her easy surrender. He knew he was taking a huge chance, ambushing her in the hall. After seeing her open affection with her friend, he was finding it more and more difficult to resist the urge to mark her as his own. If he couldn’t mark her, he would settle for making one hell of an impression on her. He imprint himself so firmly that she would never be able to even think of another man, vampire or otherwise.

  With deft hands, Angel pulled the sweater over her head slid the delicate straps of her bra off her shoulders. He lavished wet kisses over the nape of her neck and shoulders, then unhooked the bra and let it drop to the floor. His hands traveled down her sides to the swell of her hips. He grazed her ear with his teeth and savored the shiver she responded with. He kissed down her spine. Her muscles quivered under the heat of his mouth.

  Brea could hardly breathe. Angel was worshiping her body like a starving man. His touch was gentle, but demanding. His magnificent mouth covered her skin in searing open kisses. Everything in her mind was screaming at her to stop him, but her body betrayed her at every turn. When his trail led to the waist of her skirt, he gently unzipped it and pushed it over her hips. She smiled when she heard the sharp intake of air into his lungs when he saw her choice of undergarments. There was barely enough material to the thong to be considered panties. He dropped to his knees and nipped at her bottom with his teeth. Then he soothed the same spot with swirls of his tongue. “Angel,” she gasped, taken surprise by the immediate surge of heat between her legs.

  “Ma Cher, all you have to say is stop, and I will,” he whispered against her skin. But stopping was becoming the furthest thing from her mind. She was blinded by the pleasure his touch invoked. Mindless, wonderful, pleasure. He continued his exploration of her skin down her legs, taking extra time to kiss the back of her knees and ankles. Then, grabbing her hard by the hips, he spun her around to face him.

  Angel raised up to face her, guiding her arms back to the wall. He allowed her to keep them down this time, palms pressed to the wall behind her. His eyes were a deep, deep green, darkened with the promise of a passion that Brea had never known. He saw a flicker of doubt cross her face, and he quickly slanted his mouth over hers to chase it away. “Trust me,” he mumbled into her mouth, and snaked his tongue inside.

  Brea fought to do as Angel asked. She wanted so badly to knot her fingers in his silky hair and direct him to the places that were on fire for his attention. But she didn’t. She kept her hands firmly against the cool wall. He kissed her like no one had ever kissed her before. They were searing, hot, branding kisses. It was all Brea could do to remember to breathe. His kiss moved across her jaw then down her neck. He lingered over her pulse, which was pounding furiously, running his tongue over it again and again. A small part of Brea was concerned that he might try to bite her, but another, more dominant part, didn’t care. He was still fully clothed, although his erection was branding itself into her hip.

  His mouth dropped further to the valley between her exposed breasts. He worked at her methodically, making sure every inch of her skin had been touched and kissed. He palmed her breast, enjoying the feel of her protruding nipple against his palm. He rolled the tight bud between his fingers until she was moaning rather loudly. Only then did he take it into the seal of his mouth. “Oh!” she cried out, wiggling against him, trying to get more stimulation.

  “More?”

  “God, yes, more!” He drew the point into his mouth and sucked hard. “Angel, please,” she pleaded. Brea didn’t know what she was pleading for, exactly.

  “I know,” he said, turning his attention to the nipple he had been neglecting. Brea was shaking her head and br
eathing in short gasps. God, the way his mouth felt on her! It was like nothing she had ever felt before.

  Angel wasn’t sure how much more he could take. The fact that he was still dressed was a testimate to his self-control. He laved his tongue down her stomach and over the soft scrap of lace that was her panties. “Angel,” she breathed, but there was just a hint of uncertainty in her voice. “Trust me,” he said.

  He slipped his thumbs under the sides of her panties and pulled them to the floor, and she stepped out of them carefully. Angel awed at the hairless apex of her legs. Unable to stop himself, Angel slipped his tongue into her soft folds. He could not muffle his growl of pleasure when her taste exploded in his mouth. Her hands found their way into his hair, despite his instructions. He didn’t mind, actually, he rather liked having snapped her control. She fisted his hair and pulled, causing Angel’s control to teeter dangerously close to his breaking point.

  He raised his hands over her hips, and then slid one finger inside her. God, she was wet. Her wetness was covering his hand quickly. When she thrust her hips forward into his hand, he felt the barrier inside her. She was a virgin. Angel reeled in his desire; he would not betray her trust. But she was crying out his name and bucking wildly against his mouth and hand. Angel did the only thing he could do. With his free hand, he unzipped his pants and let his cock free. He fisted himself and began to pull in long, hard strokes. He knew she was so close. She just needed a little push.

  “Come for me,” he urged her. And to further his request, he nipped her clit with his teeth, then soothed it with his tongue. It pushed her over the edge. Her nails dug into his head and shoulders and she let out a scream. “Angel!” she cried as her entire body rocked with the force of her orgasm. It was what he had been waiting for. Angel let out an animalistic growl as his climax took him.

  Brea’s legs felt like Jell-O. That was by far the most intense feeling she had ever experienced.

  NINE

  The alley was pitch dark, perfectly shadowed from the street. He watched the woman walk at a brisk pace, knowing she knew she was being watched. Stalking was half the fun of the hunt. He followed just close enough to alert her senses to him, but far enough back that she could not see him. She was thinking that her mind was playing tricks on her.