He remained silent as she went on, “Just like every witch, the Shreveport coven gave me a job. Since my element is earth, I should’ve joined the Earth Witches and assisted in earthly duties.”
“Earthly duties?”
She nodded. “Normal magic stuff, creating new earth spells and such, but as you’ve seen, my magic doesn’t quite come out right.”
“All perception.”
She gave him a sweet smile. “Wanting clothes and conjuring a skin cream is all perception?” At his firm nod, she chuckled before her smile faded. “Anyways, the coven gave me an office job.” Waving over herself, she scrunched her nose. “For obvious reasons, they thought my magic would only harm someone and I agreed with them. My magic is too unpredictable and pointless. Besides, I didn’t mind the job.”
Zeke clenched his jaw to refrain from spitting out a few curses. What kind of witches treated one of their own so poorly and hadn’t found a way to make her magic useful? No wonder Bryanna felt so withdrawn.
He restrained his wrath. “You did well with what you were given—that doesn’t sound all that bad to me.”
“That part wasn’t.” She shrugged, glancing both ways before they crossed a street. “Through my years of working there, I had a few boyfriends, and at the time, I thought they liked me. Later I found out they only wanted to, you know…”
He waited for her to continue, but when she didn’t, he urged her on. “No, I’m afraid I don’t know what you mean.”
“Get with the freak.”
Trapped in her troubled eyes, anger rushed through his veins as hot as lava. He would enjoy finding every one of the men who used her for their pleasures as if she were nothing more than a play toy. While he loved women and the time he spent in their beds, he had never mistreated such beautiful creatures. “Go on.”
She hesitated a moment, gazing at the house on her right, then finally said to him, “But all that changed when Layton came into my life. He had told me it didn’t matter to him what I was or how I did things. And he made me feel,” sadness tinged her voice, “special.”
Special.
That word didn’t do her justice—he simply saw perfection. Her beauty and kind heart were clearly things she couldn’t see within herself. “So what changed with Layton?”
Raw pain seeped into her expression. “A month ago, I was at the coven working and I heard a few of the witches laughing at me. One of them was making a joke that Layton was only with me for my money. Of course, I didn’t believe it. I thought they were conniving bitches.”
She hesitated, shutting her eyes on a long exhale before opening them again. “What they said stuck with me. After a while, I started to notice things and see his lies. He would tell me things and I would listen like a lovesick puppy dog and never questioned him.”
Part of Zeke wanted to stop her now. He didn’t want to hear any more of this disgusting story and the cruelness she endured, but he wouldn’t dare interrupt her. He kept his mouth shut as she continued, “A few days ago, Layton sat me down and said he thought it was best if I quit my job and stayed home. He said his woman shouldn’t have to work.” She snorted, shaking her head. “Before, I would have agreed, but it was in that moment reality hit me.”
At the tears welling in her eyes, Zeke shoved his hands into his pockets, fighting off his desire to hunt Layton and rip him apart. “What did you realize?”
She wiped the moisture off her cheek. “He didn’t want me out in public anymore. My flawed magic embarrassed him. Just as my parents wanted no association with me, he wanted to hide me away too.”
Now Bryanna made perfect sense to him. Every piece of the puzzle fitted into place and explained what led her to be such a wounded witch. “So you ran?”
She gave a firm nod. “Yes, I got in the car and never looked back.”
Zeke didn’t know what to say. No words could erase the damage that had been done. For the first time in his immortal life, he believed in the existence of a horror far worse than a demon stealing a soul.
An innocent soul crushed and buried by deceit was the cruelest of all evils.
“Oh, wow,” she said, snapping him away from his thoughts. “This must be it.”
He glanced toward the stone house that had captured her attention. Wanting nothing more than to protect her from those who had harmed her, he looked back at her. “Yes, this is now your home.”
Bryanna gazed over the brick house that looked like a little piece of heaven tucked in between thick trees and her breath caught in her throat. Round stone blocks made up the exterior, but vines had grown over the tops. No grass covered the lawn and instead the grounds were filled with every flower she knew of and even some she didn’t, all rich in bright colors.
At the nudge of Zeke’s hand on her back, she inhaled and the sweet scents from the wild flowers made her smile. Moments ago, emptiness had filled her over memories of the past. Now with the beautiful home in front of her, she wouldn’t spoil the moment with a somber mood. “This is really mine?”
Zeke nodded with a gentle grin. “All yours.”
While the inside of the house tempted her, another part of the home held more importance. “Can we check out the backyard first?”
“This is your house.” He urged her on with a gentle push on her back. “Go wherever you please.”
Right, why did she ask his permission?
An old habit she clearly needed to break. With a little stomp to her step, enjoying the freedom, she marched along the flat rocks that marked the path to the backyard. When the path ended to a wooden gate, she unlatched it and stepped through, then she gasped.
A small path made of limestone wove its way through the garden of dahlias, freesia and orchids, to name a few. The wooden fence surrounding the house was well over ten feet high, and so overgrown with flowers and vines, she’d swear she was in witch heaven.
“You’re happy?” Zeke asked softly.
Could happiness describe what she experienced now? No, certainly not; her emotions lingered on euphoric. Either a fae or another Earth Witch had resided at the home before her, because only a creature who loved earth would go to such lengths to build this sanctuary.
“This is…it’s…” She drew in a deep breath. “I couldn’t want for anything more.” At Zeke’s smile, she turned back to the square garden. Weaving her way through the grounds, she scanned over the flowers, leaning down every once in a while to sniff one. As the garden curved, she noticed an old wrought iron swing, creaking and swaying in the light breeze.
Once she reached the swing, she sat down on the cream-colored cushion. This is all mine? She’d never experience anything quite like this—so serene. As she lifted her gaze from the garden, she noticed something else that made this moment a little more special.
Zeke strode toward her along the path and trailed his fingers from flower to flower with a soft touch, wearing a grin holding so much mystery. Following his every step, she gazed over his fingers, wondering if they’d be as gentle along her skin, cupping her breasts and caressing her clit. Would he touch her as carefully as he did the flowers?
He plucked a fuchsia dahlia out from the garden and she lifted her attention to his face. With a slowness nearly paining her to watch, he raised the flower to his nose and drew in a long breath. His eyes closed and the furrow in his brow suggested the scent overwhelmed him.
By the elements, she’d never seen anything so sexy in her life and she’d seen a man smell a flower before. But when Zeke drew in the aroma from the flower, the move appeared so sensual that she could only grip the cushion below her and gulp.
When his eyes opened, he caught her gaze and she couldn’t hide her arousal. He might be a demon, but right now, she didn’t care. Besides, she deserved a little fun after what she’d been through these past days, didn’t she? She’d had casual sex before and using him as an outlet to bring some happiness into her life wasn’t something she would feel bad about.
Lowering the flower from his nose, his
head tilted as he regarded her, then he gave her a knee-wobbling smile. In only a few strides, he closed the distance between them, knelt down in front of the swing and raised the dahlia. “You know, I’ve never been one for roses. Nothing feels as sensual as a dahlia.” He trailed the flower over the back of her hand and she shuddered. “The petals feel like gentle fingertips along your skin.”
He slowly ran the flower up her forearm and moved the petals over her flesh so gently, but intent and focused. As if he knew exactly where to place the flower to rouse her. By the time he reached her shoulder, her eyes had fluttered closed, her breath had deepened and when he tickled her jawline she moaned.
After he slid the flower over her lips in a slow sweep, he withdrew the petals and she opened her eyes. His face was mere inches from hers and he stared at her mouth. When he looked into her eyes, he grinned. “Very nice, don’t you agree?”
“Yes, incredible.” He offered her the flower and she accepted the dahlia, raising it to her nose and inhaling the sweet aroma without taking her eyes off him. Under his wicked stare, heat burned through her veins, pooling low in her belly. She did nothing to hide her desire for him.
His eyes turned molten as he murmured, “Bryanna, tell me what you want.”
“You,” she whispered.
With a look that belonged to the devil himself, Zeke didn’t hesitate; he leaned in and sealed his mouth over hers. Cupping her face in his strong hands, he licked his tongue across her mouth and she opened for him.
The demon had mastered the art of kissing. Every soft swipe of his tongue and gentle press of his lips against hers made her pussy ache. As if he read her need, he nudged her thighs open and closed in on her body. His hard cock pressed against her sensitive clit and she squirmed against him, overwhelmed by desire.
He gave a final swirl of her tongue before he sucked her bottom lip into his mouth and bit down. At the sting of sensual pain rushing through her, she quivered and her panties were now uncomfortably wet. She rubbed her clit against his cock and flickers of heat rushed into her mound, making her moan.
With a deep chuckle, he broke the kiss and stared intently into her eyes. “Are you ready to play with fire, little witch?”
“Make me burn.”
Chapter Four
Zeke didn’t know what had cemented Bryanna’s decision to act on her desires, but he didn’t care. The lust burning in her gaze was what mattered to him. Trailing his finger along the same path he had made with the flower, he slid his touch up her silky arm and little shivers escaped her. He kept his gaze fixated on her and he wouldn’t dare take his eyes off her now, not when the remnants of her reservations had vanished.
The stroke of the flower had been a purposeful move and he suspected caressing her element against her creamy flesh would arouse her. Perhaps that simple gesture was what pushed her over the edge, making her forget he was a demon. Or maybe no one had touched her in that manner before. He assumed it was the latter and he would happily touch her any way she wanted.
Once at her shoulder, he danced his fingers along her collarbone, then trailed over the curve of her breast. Her eyes fluttered closed and her cheeks flamed beautifully as a soft whisper spilled from her lips. Even to be touched in such a manner seemed foreign to her, only confirming to him that he needed to progress at a slow pace.
She was using him right now to make herself feel better and he wasn’t blind to that fact. Not that he minded, he’d take whatever time she granted him. As he continued to explore her flesh, his cock hardened to steel in his pants. “You’re a very beautiful witch, Bryanna.”
Her long sigh followed, as well as a sexy little shiver.
This witch seemed destined to be touched by him. Every move he made, she responded. Every breath she took ended on a low moan. He couldn’t stand the distance any longer and brought his mouth to hers.
Even how she kissed him wasn’t awkward or uneducated, but she simply allowed him to lead the way and accepted what he gave to her. She, beneath his mouth, made him want to do wicked things. Not steal souls, but do wicked things to her.
She wiggled against him and his cock strained against the zipper in his pants, reminding him he wasn’t nearly as naked as he wanted. He allowed her to stroke her clit against his hard dick, making her pussy wet and hot for him.
Soon, though, he became impatient in his own need and broke the kiss. He trailed kisses along her chin to her neck, where he nibbled her flesh, searching for her secret spots. Her flowery yet earthy scent rushed through his nostrils and the feel of her warm skin against his mouth stirred a low growl from his throat.
A tug on his shirt indicated she’d grabbed him and then her fingers were against his stomach, exploring his torso. He tensed as her sweet hands stroked him, learning all the valleys of his muscles.
Sliding her hands over his chest, she made her way gingerly up to his shoulders and her touch was beyond pleasure. She didn’t simply feel him, she explored, as if she were imprinting his body to her memory. Needing more of her caresses and wanting to show her what she admired, he backed away and removed his shirt.
Her eyes blazed. “Blessed Be.”
Licking her lips, she traced along every curve of his arms, as if she were blind and needed the visual. Zeke wasn’t blind and he had run out of patience. He wouldn’t wait any longer to see every beautiful inch of her. “You’ve had your fun,” he stated. “Now it’s my turn.”
With a naughty twinkle in her eyes, she lowered her hands and turned sideways on the swing. A light breeze swept through her garden, rustling the flowers and also her long hair. He gathered her long locks and placed them over her shoulder. Trailing his finger down her neck to the bottom of her corset, he hurried to untie it. He had found putting it on her incredibly arousing; now he cursed the damn garment.
After what seemed to be a lifetime, he finally pulled the ribbon away from the hole in the back and the corset fell forward onto her lap. Without pause, she turned to face him and his gaze drifted to her breasts.
He groaned.
“Do you like what you see?”
He heard a slight nervousness in her voice, but she had no reason to be shy. Her perky breasts were a perfect handful, just how he liked it. “I do indeed.” Unable to stop himself, he cupped her breasts, then slid his touch toward her tiny, taut nipples. As he pinched the buds between his fingers, she gasped, arching into his hold.
Understanding her reaction completely, since he hung on the very edge of his control, he dropped his hands. “Stand up.”
She complied and her dark hair fell over her shoulders, curtaining those breasts. The dangerous, demonic side of him wanted to rip the remainder of her clothing off, flip her over in the swing, and pound into her ruthlessly from behind. But no, Bryanna needed—deserved—more than that. At least the first time he fucked her. The second time, he wouldn’t make such a promise.
With his head directly in front of her crotch, he yanked her closer and then reached around and lowered the zipper on her skirt. He pulled the fabric over her hips and let it fall to the ground, paying it no attention. His entire focus centered on her black lace panties and how beautiful she looked in them. Too bad he didn’t intend to keep her in them long.
“Simply sinful,” he murmured.
She sat back down on the swing and he helped her out of her boots. Once he removed her socks, he picked up her foot and kissed each toe without taking his eyes off her. When he massaged the sole of her foot, she pulled her bottom lip into her mouth and hummed.
He gave the other foot equal attention before he kissed his way up her calf, sometimes licking her flesh and other times taking little bites toward what he craved to nibble most—her sweet pussy that he could already smell and hungered to taste.
On his journey, she widened her thighs and stared at him beneath hooded eyelids. Her breath came out in heady pants and he wouldn’t tease her, he only wanted her to burn with desire.
She was there.
With her spread wide
, he shifted on his knees and leaned in toward her, then, with his gaze on her face, he licked along the outside edge of her thong. Her eyes darkened and she gasped, trembling beneath his tongue.
He flicked his tongue along the other side of her inner thigh and she swirled her hips in a desperate plea.
Not yet, beautiful.
He pressed soft kisses against her abdomen until he reached those stunning tits. Sliding his tongue under the curve, he gave a firm lick upward until he took her taut nipple into his mouth. Her back arched, and with a hand on his shoulder, she all but shoved her breasts into his face.
Responsive and greedy—he loved both those qualities.
Forcing her to stay put, he grasped her rib cage, pinning her to the swing. After a long hard pull on her nipple, he released it, but immediately latched onto the other. As he swirled his tongue around the bud, her head dropped back and she quaked beneath his hand trapping her.
He might not have wanted to rush this, but his rock-hard cock reminded him he wanted her badly. Releasing her nipple, he kissed back down her stomach, keeping his hand pressed against her ribs to hold her still. By the time he reached her pussy, her scent intoxicated him and his cock twitched. He licked her over the top of her panties and she ground herself against his tongue.
Tucking his thumb into the side of her panties, he pushed the lace aside, exposing her beautiful cunt. He zeroed in on soft, dark well-kept curls and the dampness around her slit. Needing to taste her excitement, he licked up her lower lips, lapping up the moisture that had gathered there.
Sweet. Delectable. Perfection.
He slid his tongue up and down her folds, she panted and wiggled her hips. He heard her silent request and settled his mouth over her clit. There, he played, flicked the little bud, sucked deeply and pulled it between his teeth. Her thighs resting against his head trembled around him, her fingernails dug into his scalp and her pants now turned into raspy moans.
Some Like it Wicked Page 3