by J. A. Coffey
Before he knew it, he pushed her backward, or had she pulled him? It didn't matter. She lay back on the couch and he rested on top of her, careful not to crush her. She entwined a leg around his. He broke the kiss and leaned back slightly to look at her.
"Querida, I am finding you hard to resist." If she allowed him, he would take her right now. Hard and fast, then later slow and easy. Never had he desired a woman more.
*****
Makayla blinked and wondered why Armand stopped kissing her to talk. She wanted more lip action like what he'd just given her. Good god, but her entire body hummed. There was no stopping, no going back. She wanted to be consumed by him and for Christ's sake, she needed him to ease the ache that beat like a drum between her legs.
"If you find me hard to resist, then why did you stop kissing me?"
He leaned further away from her. Oh shit. Were they going down that road again? Would she ever get laid?
"Because if I continue kissing you like this ... I won't stop there." He brushed some stray hair from her eyes. "I need to know what it is you want from this night."
She thought for a moment and admired him for thinking of her. The kind Armand was showing himself, but she wanted to see the other side again. Now she had to figure out how to explain her deepest desire.
"You're not talking," he stated.
"I'm not sure how to say it," she whispered.
"You can tell me anything. If you wish to leave here now and go home, then I will take you. If you desire something else, please share it with me." He brushed his finger down her arm.
"I want you, Armand." She closed her eyes and tried to dig for her courage, but it didn't stop the tears from escaping. "For once in my life, I want to be the center of a man's attention." She was afraid to look at him but did so anyway. "I know it sounds stupid, but I want to know what it's like to be the heroine." If he'd really read any of her work, he would know to what she referred.
Armand stood. He held out his hand and her heart sank. He thought she was a fool and was going to drive her home. Probably just as well. It would be best to end this before she made an even bigger idiot of herself. She accepted his hand and stood ready to face him with dignity when he jerked her to his hardened chest and pressed his lips against her ear.
"Feel my erection digging into you, querida? This is what you do to me." He suckled her lobe. "I'm going to make you come so many times, you'll forget your name."
She whimpered.
He released her and grabbed the hem of his shirt. Slowly he teased her as he raised the fabric up exposing his hard abs, then his chest.
She licked her lips, remembering what he looked like and desperate to see him totally naked.
The shirt was pulled over his head then tossed to the floor. He reached for the snap on his jeans and his hair fell into his face. He peered at her, through dark brown locks, looking of danger and sex all rolled into one smoking hot package.
Armand popped the button and lowered the zipper.
Kayla chewed her bottom lip. Her pulse raced and she couldn't take her eyes off him, wanting to see what hid behind the denim. She didn't have long to wait as he lowered his jeans past his hips and pushed them to the floor. He stepped free of the pile and kicked it aside. He stood before her like a Greek god. His erection a thing of beauty, thick and long, she wondered if her hand would be able to encompass its girth.
She ached to run her fingers over each defined muscle followed by her tongue. Kayla could scarcely believe she was about to have sex with this man. Moisture pooled and her pulse pounded at her apex.
He stood with his arms at his side. "Come to me, querida." A command that wasn't to be disobeyed.
Placing one foot in front of the other, she moved in closer. Being in his personal space brought on a sudden rush of anxiety. Dare she touch him? She almost felt like she needed permission. "Dear god, Armand. You are absolutely everything a woman dreams of."
"Eres tan preciosa." He wrapped his hand around the back of her neck and pulled her into him.
She shuddered both from his possessiveness and his thick accent. If she didn't melt into a pool on the floor, it would indeed be a miracle. "What does that mean?"
"You are so beautiful." He kissed her neck. "These clothes of yours must go."
With his free hand, he grabbed the hem of her tee and slid it up her body. She wasn't sure how, but he managed to remove it within seconds and toss it with the others. He kissed his way down her neck and across the tops of her breasts. He cupped each one and gave a light squeeze then sucked a nipple through the fabric of her bra.
Her knees buckled.
The only thing keeping her standing was his arm around her waist. Armand moved to the other breast and gave it the same loving attention before he unsnapped her jeans then lowered the zipper. Before she knew it, they met the same fate as the shirt and she was left in only her bra and panties.
He leaned back. "Ah, querida. You are a goddess to be worshipped and I intend to do so from one end of this room to the other."
"I ... " She couldn't form words.
Armand lifted her and laid her on the couch, kissed her knuckles then up her arm until he reached the sensitive part at the top of her shoulder.
She shivered but not from the cold. She'd never been hotter in her life.
He slipped his hand past the elastic of her panties and ran a finger through her wetness. She arched her hips to beg for more.
He gently bit her nipple through her bra as he inserted a finger into her sheath.
She sucked in a breath. Nothing had ever felt better and she craved more, wanted all of him. He inserted a second finger. She gyrated and thrust against his hand. Within seconds her first orgasm rushed over her. Her entire body tensed before relaxing again. Armand kissed her. Lips soft and gentle before pulling away.
"That was only the beginning," he whispered.
Makayla tried to catch her breath. "I-I'm not sure I can move."
The candlelight reflected off his face and revealed a sexy grin. "No need to move just yet." He pushed the straps of her bra down her arms then reached behind her, lifting her slightly to unhook the clasp. He slid the fabric off her breasts and tossed it in the air. "Perfección!" He ran his tongue across her nipple.
She dug her fingers into his thick hair and pressed him to her. "Armand." He seemed to know exactly how to stoke her fire. He sucked the hardened protrusion into his mouth and swirled his tongue around it before breaking free, leaving her with a deep ache she feared would never be sated.
He kissed his way along her stomach, grabbed her panties and pulled them down her hips while his tongue left a hot trail on the inside of her thigh, then along her calf. He spread her legs and repeated the heated process up the other leg until he reached her apex.
Her breath hitched; her heart sped up.
Armand blew his hot breath over her swollen nub. She sucked air into her lungs and held it. Time stood still while she waited. Then came the first swipe of his tongue, sending liquid fire through her veins and a desire so deep she wanted to beg him to fill her.
He lapped at her like a starved man. His tongue darted in and out of her sheath driving her to the edge of insanity. Her orgasm felt so close she could almost touch it, but it hung back. He teased and tortured her.
She clenched her jaw.
"Oh God, I'm so close. Please ... Please, don't stop."
Armand sucked her nub into his mouth and she skyrocketed. Stars exploded behind her eyes as her orgasm consumed her entire body. Wave, after earth-shattering wave carried her to heights she never knew existed. Kayla couldn't help wonder if her body responded this way now, how wonderful it would be to have him inside her. Even after her mind had just been blown away, she couldn't wait to find out.
"Armand, I need you inside me." She could hardly speak, her throat parched from the inferno that burned inside her.
Chapter Ten
The words he'd been waiting to here. Armand wanted nothing more than
to be buried deep inside Kayla. Her orgasm had brought him more pleasure than anything had in a long time. Being earth bound for so long led to major boredom, and there were only so many ways to alleviate it. He scooped her up in his arms, sat on the couch and planted her on his lap.
He produced a foil packet and tore it open. The last thing he wanted was to get her with child. He removed the condom and rolled it over his cock.
"Take me when you are ready, querida," he whispered then cupped her face and pulled her in for a brief kiss. He watched, breathless as she poised herself over him. Slowly, she lowered down onto his shaft. Giving control was not something he was used to, but he felt she needed it, and he would give her anything. Her tears had cut through him like shards of glass and he vowed to give her what she so desperately desired. Something her ex had not, and for that he wanted to kill him.
He dug his nails into his palms to keep from gripping her hips and shoving himself deep. The desire to feel her sheath surrounding his cock blurred his vision. Heat released from his body and the coolness of her enveloped him. She was like a cold drink of water.
Kayla leaned over him, her hands on his chest and the most intense look of pleasure on her face. She settled herself on him firmly to the hilt. "Armand. Damn this feels so good. I-" She shuddered.
"I can say the same." He gripped her hips and held her firm against him wanting to hold onto the feeling for a moment longer. "Kayla, I'm fighting my urges."
She kissed his chest. "What urges would that be?"
"The primal ones that want you fast and hard." He let out a moan when she slid herself up and then down again. It was sheer torture.
"Why fight them?" She whispered between peppered kisses to his flesh.
"I want to give you gentle. You deserve at least that much."
She looked up and met his gaze. Her black hair fell into her face; her dark eyes sparked with fire. She was the sexiest woman he had ever seen. "Show me who you really are, Armand. I want to experience the man who kissed me last night. I won't break." She rocked her hips sending the point home.
In a flash, he had her on the floor, arms pinned over her head as he slid inside her heat. "Are you sure? I will own every inch of your body, querida."
"I've never been more certain. Please, show me what it's like."
He kissed the top of her breast. Swirled his tongue around her nipple then gave it a light nip before sucking it into his mouth to savor. She moaned beneath him and the sound had him thrusting his hips. He moved to her mouth and pushed his tongue passed her lips. He swiped and tasted every inch of her, consuming her, and she responded by lifting her hips to meet his. She was full of passion and desire and his Jinn stirred deep inside him. It ached to be released from centuries of confinement.
Droplets formed on his brow as the magic swirled, looking for an escape. Pressure built in his groin and semen rose, filling the woman beneath him. He threw his head back and roared as the orgasm swept over his body and the magic burned him. He thought he heard Kayla cry out through the haze that surrounded him. When the waves of pleasure finally subsided, he wrapped his arms around her and brought her to his chest. In that moment, he almost wished time would stand still so he could enjoy it for eternity. It wasn't to be. Something stirred deep inside of him and he was helpless to stop it.
*****
Makayla rubbed her hands across Armand's strong back. She loved the feel of him inside her, on top of her and wanted to stay that way forever. For the first time in her life, she felt warm and liked it. There was something else though. A piece of her heart had been torn away when he entered her and she knew she would never get it back. No matter what happened between them, Armand would always have it.
She wondered if this had been what her nana had been trying to tell her. Was Armand the man she spoke of? If so, what had she meant by he wasn't what he seemed? Kayla sighed. It figures I'd fall in love with him. Watch him turn out to be a nut case.
Querida, are you all right?" Armand lifted himself and peered into her eyes.
She curled her lips and wondered if the smile covered her entire face. "Never better." She palmed his cheek and he closed his eyes nuzzling into her until his eyes flew open and she saw panic residing in their blue depths.
"Son of a bitch!" Armand pulled free from her and jumped to his feet.
She sat up. "What's wrong? Armand?" Kayla stood and approached him, his body visibly shaking. "Armand, what do you need me to do? Shall I get help?" She'd never felt more helpless in her life.
"Kayla. Stand back."
Hearing the desperation in his voice, she obeyed.
"I promise I'll never hurt you." He jerked his head back and yelled as if in pain.
Kayla reached for her clothes. "Armand, you're scaring the hell out of me."
His body contorted and black smoked swirled around him until it reached the ceiling, where it snaked back down and headed for the fireplace. It twisted into a thin stream and shot up the chimney. Kayla's heart pounded and she turned around to where Armand had been engulfed in the smoke.
Gone.
"Armand?"
She grabbed her top and slipped it over her head then pulled on her jeans, running through the house while she buttoned them. "Armand?"
No answer, just eerie silence. Even the storms had passed, but the house remained in darkness. She checked every room before heading back to where she started. Still no sign of him. It was like he'd never been there. She plunked down in a chair, dropped her head into her hands and tried to push her panic aside.
"I have no idea what to do."
*****
Armand could see the panic on Kayla's face, but was unable to respond or assure her everything would be fine. At least, he hoped like hell it was. He'd felt the fire ignite deep in his gut and knew the shift was coming but he couldn't stop it. Instead, the vortex overtook him and he turned into his smoke element. The only thing he could think to do was make a hasty exit up the chimney before anything else went awry.
Currently, he floated high above his home trying to regain control. He'd not shifted in over a thousand years and it was both frightening and exhilarating. He feared for Kayla, though, and fought to get back to her. His instinct was to stay in the shift, but his urges were to reunite with her and find out just who the hell she really was and make sure she was safe.
He wrestled for control and reigned in his Jinn. Focusing on the chimney, he shot back through and into the house. He found Kayla sitting on the couch, gulping a glass of wine. Tears stained her face.
"Querida, are you harmed?"
"Me? No, but what the hell just happened?" The panic still resided in her voice. He sensed her struggled to remain calm.
"It would seem you have broken the curse. Well, partially anyway," he replied.
She raised a brow. "Care to explain more?" She poured another glass of wine.
Armand took a seat next to her, not bothering to cover his naked body. He tried to focus on her eyes but found it difficult. His gaze kept wandering to her lips. He realized he was desperate to kiss her and wanted the flavor of strawberries to coat his tongue.
"What are you?"
"I am Jinn and I've been cursed to this realm for over a thousand years.
She sucked in a breath. "Jinn? I thought you were only a figment of my nana's imagination." She rubbed her temple. "How were you cursed?"
Armand raised a brow. "Your nana? What was it she told you about us?"
"My great grandmother used to tell me stories of the Jinn. Said there were those who were friend and those who were foe. Which are you?"
He noticed her hands shaking, wrapped his arms around her and pulled her to him. He brought his lips to her temple and kissed the pulse that raced beneath them. The woman who shook in his arms was somehow the key to his release, yet he didn't have the heart to make demands of her. "Querida, haven't I already proved which I am? I vow to our gods I would never harm you. I must know, however, how is it your grandmother knew about us?"
>
She shifted. "I don't really know. I always thought she was crazy. She used to tell me I would one day find a man who would ignite my flame. I never knew what it meant until I met you." She tipped her head to look up at him, licked her lips. "Armand, I have been cold all my life. Even in the middle of a ninety-degree day my hands were like ice. For some reason, when I touch you it warms me. Do you know why that is?"
"I'm not really sure." He had his suspicions and would have Crone check into it on his next visit.
She gave a slight nod. "Tell me about the curse."
He settled back in his seat with her tucked in beside him. "I was young and impressionable and Cyndel was a beautiful genie who seduced me." Kayla's body tensed beside him. "She was a good time, but when she wanted to get serious and marry ... I said no."
"So you used her and she got back at you is pretty much what I'm hearing."
He tipped her chin and looked into her eyes. There was a mix of fear and hunger gazing back at him. He needed this woman and had to make sure he sated both. "I refused to marry her because I didn't love her. Don't pity Cyndel. She only wanted my power and wealth. She was a greedy bitch."
"What about me, Armand. What am I?"
He leaned closer. "You are my salvation." His lips grazed hers. Gentle at first, then demanding. He hungered for every part of her and ran his tongue along the seam of her mouth, which she parted to allow him entry. A burst of strawberries coated his tongue and sent his senses reeling. He broke off and stared into her pools of brown.
"I need you. Do you still trust me, querida?"
He waited for her to answer. Fought the urge to kiss her again, to drink in her coolness. She had to need him as well, but most of all he desired her trust.