He trotted down the stairs and found JoJo in a light-blue sundress that was cinched at the waist. The sweetheart neckline gave just a hint of the delicious curves of her bosoms. She wore her hair down in soft brown waves. She’d taken off her thick glasses and wore a different style of makeup that brought out the beauty of her features rather than attempting to hide them.
He was stunned silent and stopped in his tracks. Gulping, he loosened his collar. He searched for words but couldn’t come up with anything to say. It was as if he’d been struck dumb and his mind had gone blank. But it only took him a moment to recover before he was able to face the magnificent creature who stood before him, holding his son in her creamy white arms.
“You look lovely today.” Hanish moved close to her and kissed his son on the forehead. “Everything is prepared for Tor to spend the night, and you packed a bag?”
“Yes,” she said in her deep British accent. “Though I don’t understand why meeting to discuss my position should take so long. Or why you insisted I dress up. Is there something you’re not telling me?”
“I just thought that since we’ll be raising my son together, it would be good for us to take some time to get to know each other. We should understand each other better as people. Don’t you think?”
“Spending so much time together is rather unusual. I’ve never had another client ask to do anything like that.”
“I propose we find a new way of doing things,” he said. “Maybe it isn’t customary. But perhaps it could be better.”
“I am open to experimentation,” JoJo said.
Hanish winked. “As am I.”
He saw a blush rise in her cheeks, and her eyes flitted over his form. He could tell she found him attractive and could smell the hint of desire rising off her body. No matter how much she tried to suppress it, it was there.
A sly smile crept over his lips. He took Tor from her hands and put him in his baby carrier. Taking the baby carrier in one hand and the overnight bags in the other, he walked with JoJo outside. She loaded Tor into the car while he loaded everything else in the trunk of his SUV.
Once they both climbed into the front seats, he turned some music on the stereo. “This is Aria and Aiden. They’re magnificent, aren’t they?”
She smiled. “They truly are talented. There is something about the music that gives me a chill. I can’t explain it.”
“I think it has that effect on many people. That’s why we thought it was important for them to do the tour.”
“We?” JoJo asked.
“The House of Flames and the House of Storms are somewhat of a unit. We aren’t exactly family, but we’re close.”
“I was beginning to sense that.”
“We were all in the military together. And we now all work in national security. It isn’t a bond of blood, but a bond of loyalty. We have all vowed to protect the people of Earth from all who would oppress them.”
“The people of Earth?” JoJo asked.
“It’s a figure of speech.”
“It’s admirable. It’s too bad more people don’t feel that way.”
He felt a rising sense of pride that she might admire him. He let out a deep sigh and accelerated down the road. He was more excited about the day than he had been since awakening on Earth. He had no idea how he was going to keep from telling her the truth now that he knew she was his mate. Hanish was a decorated officer and a well-loved captain, but subterfuge had never been his greatest skill.
Chapter 10
Hanish followed JoJo onto the wine tour bus and couldn’t help but notice how lovely her figure looked in the blue sundress. Her usual attire and severe manner disguised the beautiful, curvy woman she hid underneath. By the time they’d finished their meal together, he was beginning to see a softer side of her. He found it curious that she seemed a bit hung up on making the right decisions at every moment. She was a strong woman who knew her own mind, but he could tell that it was hard for her to relax and let go. In their conversation, he had seen behind the mask and was beginning to understand that there were other reasons for her constant need for control.
The vulnerability behind the façade of power and propriety made him feel more attracted to her. He felt as though he knew her better. He knew her weak spots and the chinks in her armor. It made him want to protect her—give her space to let go and to feel safe and free. If he could do anything for her, it would be that.
It must have been difficult for her to spend her entire life feeling as though she must live up to some arbitrary expectations of what was proper and professional. Hanish had had his share of run-ins with authority, especially as a brash and impulsive young captain. But in the end, he had always been able to show the wisdom of his unorthodox methods. And that was why he had lasted for so long as a leader.
He sat beside JoJo on a bus that began to pull off the road toward the next winery. He was beginning to understand why he and JoJo were meant for each other. She had something that he lacked, and he had something that she lacked as well. They were more complete together than they were alone. Sometimes he had to be reminded to slow down and take heed, to think about the proper course of action and what other people might think. Zephyr served him in that way to some extent, but he thought of things from the perspective of cold, hard logic. JoJo was more concerned about people, and Hanish truly appreciated that.
When they got off the bus at the next winery, their group was given a brief tour and told about the specialties. They sat in the cellar, sipping glasses of merlot and port.
“This one has woodsy undertones. This one is leathery. This one has a bright, floral flavor,” the host told them, pointing to the different bottles.
Hanish tasted all the human wines and couldn’t tell the difference between them. JoJo seemed to have a knack for identifying the flavors as well as a full grasp of the language of wines. As they were left to sample their glasses, Hanish downed an entire cup of the woodsy-flavored merlot.
“You aren’t supposed to drink the whole glass,” JoJo informed him.
“Whyever not?”
“You’re just supposed to sip it, swish it around in your mouth, and then spit it out.”
“Why would I spit out wine?” he asked.
“You don’t want to get drunk.”
“Why wouldn’t I want to get drunk? This is a wine tour. Is that not the point?”
“I suppose it could be.” She laughed, lifting her own wine glass. He had seen other humans clink their glasses together, so he did that with her. She smiled and sipped, this time not spitting it out. “I’m afraid we’re going to pass out before dinner.”
“Human wine doesn’t affect me that much.”
“I’m beginning to think you’re already drunk.”
“It’s just a running joke we have about civilians,” Hanish said. “Sometimes I let it slip out when I’m not being careful.”
“Oh, is that it?” JoJo laughed.
He could tell she was starting to loosen up, and that made him feel unbelievably happy. He wasn’t entirely sure why, but her happiness was infectious for him. He could smell it and feel it under his skin. It was like a bubbling giddiness that rose from deep inside him, swept over his shoulders, and into his brain. It overwhelmed his entire being.
When they had finished tasting all the wines from the Shady Brook Winery, they got back on the bus and proceeded to the next winery with a specialty of sparkling wines. He was informed that true champagne only came from the Champagne region of France and that the correct definition of all other carbonated wines was sparkling wine. That made him roll his eyes. Why make things more complicated than they needed to be? He did, however, enjoy sparkling wine, and it seemed that JoJo did as well. After climbing back on the bus for a short drive, they came to the final stop on the tour for the evening, a hotel and winery where he’d booked a room for the night.
“It looks like it’s time for dinner,” he said, feeling a little bit more buzzed than he’d expected to.
<
br /> JoJo laughed. “I think you’re going to need it. I’m going to need it myself,” she said with a giggle. “I’ve drunk a bit more than I should have.” She blushed lightly and put her fingers to her lips to hide her smirk.
“I won’t tell if you won’t,” Hanish said with a broad grin.
“It’s a deal.”
“Right this way.” The host guided the tour guests onto the veranda, where they were served. Dinner was grilled salmon and steak served with grilled vegetables on shish-kebab skewers. It was served with a delightful salad and bowls of bread.
Hanish and JoJo watched the sun fade in a wash of pink and yellow over the vineyards as they ate their delicious meal. Hanish felt the glow of the sun rising in his heart. He knew in that moment he was fated for JoJo.
“I’m in love with you,” he said. He gazed into her eyes as they sparkled with the glowing sunset.
“Hanish,” she said with a gasp. Red rose in her cheeks as she looked away.
He reached out and grasped her hand across the table, squeezing it affectionately.
She looked back at him, and her mouth dropped. “You can’t mean that.”
“But I do.”
“How could you possibly…”
“I know it more than I’ve ever known anything.”
“It’s just the wine talking.” She giggled dismissively.
“It isn’t the wine. Why don’t you believe me?”
“It’s not that I don’t believe you. It’s that—”
“You’re afraid. You’re afraid of your own feelings. You’re afraid of not being perfect at every moment. Why can’t you just let yourself be happy, JoJo?”
“I can let myself be happy. I am happy. I am—”
“You can’t lie to me, not anymore.”
She sighed. “You’re right.” She looked down at her lap then back at him. “I tried so hard to overcome my feelings for you.”
“Why?”
“Because you are my boss.”
“It’s not just that. I know there’s more. Why do you need to be so controlled, JoJo?”
She sighed. “I struggled a great deal in my youth. I was very different from most of the children I grew up with. I preferred to be organized and to keep to a strict schedule. While it did bring me success early on, it’s probably gotten a bit out of hand over the years. I don’t remember the last time I’ve actually had any fun.”
“Did you have fun today… with me?”
“I did. More fun than I can remember having in years. You bring that out in me, Hanish, and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it. But I feel like I’m being naughty. Good things can’t go unpunished.”
“Why would you say that?”
She sighed again, looking away into the setting sun. “When I was a young girl, I was accepted into a boarding school on a scholarship. Some of the rich girls decided to play hooky and sneak out one night. I was invited to join them, even though they usually teased and taunted me. I wanted them to like me, so I went along. We were all caught. Of course, their parents were able to bribe their way back into school. Mine were not, and I was expelled. Ultimately, I had to go back to public school. I’ll never forget that. It probably shaped my life in a sense.”
“Well, you’re safe with me, JoJo. I’m not going to send you back to public school.”
She laughed, looking down at her lap, but Hanish saw a tear slide down her cheek.
He reached across the table and wiped it away. “Let’s go for a walk to clear our heads.”
As he stood, he reached out for her hand. She took it.
Chapter 11
They strolled down the steps of the veranda and into the vineyard beyond. The sparkling light of sunset colors swept over the land, fading into deeper shades of twilight. She’d had too much wine. She was lightheaded and warm, but it was a pleasant glow. The sensation of her hand cupped in Hanish’s felt like a dream she’d had all her life but could never remember. Now it was present in absolute detail.
They walked between the rows of vines, silent in each other’s presence. Hanish turned to her in the gathering darkness. The distant light of the veranda twinkled in his eyes. She took a deep breath as he leaned in to claim her lips. She let out a soft moan as their mouths opened to each other. The soft, sweet fulfillment of his touch sank into her skin, and she melted into his protective arms. They hungrily explored each other, and she groaned as the awareness of him coiled around her spine. She was lost in an overpowering desire she hadn’t known existed until that moment. She shuddered, coming up for breath. When she pulled away, Hanish’s face brightened with a sly grin.
“We should go inside,” he said in a low, husky voice.
He took her hand and led her back to the building, guiding her through the lobby and to an elevator that led to the second floor. At the door to their room, he slid his key card over the reader, and a moment later, they were inside.
JoJo didn’t stop to think. She grasped Hanish’s lapels and pushed him against the door, devouring his mouth in a hungry kiss. “I don’t care about tomorrow,” she said between ravenous kisses.
“I care about tomorrow, and the next day, and the next,” Hanish said. “And I know I want you in all of them.”
She pulled him toward the bed and guided him into a sitting position then climbed onto his lap. She could feel him hard between her legs and tasted his delicious mouth as he gripped her ass. With a growl, he picked her up and turned her over on the bed. She gasped as her back hit the mattress.
Hanish descended between her legs, slowly sliding back and forth over her taut desire. She groaned as he ran his hands under her dress and up her legs. He hooked his fingers into her panties, drew them down her legs, and tossed them across the room. She giggled as he smiled down at her with that mischievous grin she was growing to love. He pushed her dress back and began to kiss her legs. His tongue slid up her inner thigh then down the other. She shuddered in anticipation of the pleasure to come. Moaning and panting, she gripped the sheets and yanked them as his tongue slid over her slit. Sensation bolted through her like a lightning strike, and she opened her mouth in a desperate moan.
Hanish’s tongue sank deeper, sliding between her folds. She panted desperately as the intense sensation hit her, and she melted into the bed. He wagged his tongue over her clit and lapped at her opening in repeated motions. She ran her fingers through his hair, wrapping her legs around his back. He gripped her behind with his hands and pulled her against his mouth. She tilted her hips up against him and groaned as the wave of release took over. Her mouth dropped open as the waves of pleasure hit her like a tsunami. Her pussy clenched and throbbed against Hanish’s mouth as she moaned so loudly she feared the neighbors might hear.
“You are even more beautiful when you climax,” he said, climbing up to rest beside her.
She turned to him and grasped his hard cock over his pants, stroking him absently as they kissed.
He moved her hand. “You don’t have to do that.”
“But I want to.” She kissed his neck as she reached up and began unbuttoning his shirt.
“You have no obligation.”
“Don’t be silly,” she breathed.
He gripped her hips as she climbed on top of him. “I wanted this to be about you.”
“It is about me,” she said, leaning down to kiss him. “It’s all about me,” she purred.
He watched her intently as she pulled off his shirt and ran her hands over his chest. His hands reached up and palmed the naked flesh of her behind as she rocked over him. Sliding down his body, JoJo unzipped his pants and opened his fly then reached in to fist his hardness. She groaned at the feeling of it in her hand and began to stroke him up and down with intense abandon.
“JoJo,” he said, leaning up to kiss her.
“Yes, Hanish?” she whispered in his ear.
“I love you so much,” he said, holding her against him. “But I have to stop you.”
“Why? Don’t you like it?�
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“I do. Too much. I don’t think I’m going to be able to contain myself if you keep doing that.”
She kissed his neck. “That’s the idea.”
“There’s something I need to tell you before we go any further.”
“What is it?” she asked.
“You should know the truth about me.”
“What truth?” She was beginning to feel nervous.
“The truth about who I am.”
“I don’t understand.” JoJo sat back, letting him go.
“It’s nothing bad. But I can’t let you do this until you know.” He zipped up his fly and kissed her gently on the mouth.
“Don’t you want me?” she asked as if she were an insecure child. She hated the sound of it.
“Of course I do,” he breathed, kissing her forehead. “More than anything in the world. More than I could ever say. But there are things you need to know. And unless you know, I’m afraid that you will regret giving me this kind of pleasure.”
“Now you’re scaring me,” she said, turning away.
“I’m sorry, my beautiful, smart, responsible JoJo. I don’t mean to scare you. Not at all. But I have to know that you know the truth.”
Anger pricked at her skin. “Just tell me now.”
“I can’t. Not yet.”
“When will you be able to tell me?” Her tone rose sharply, becoming almost frantic. He wasn’t being fair.
“I don’t know. Soon, I hope.”
“Why did you bring me here?” She stood, grabbing her panties off the floor.
“I am sure about you. I just don’t know if you’re sure about me.”
“I was,” she said, slipping her panties back on.
He sighed and turned to stare at the ceiling. “This is what I was afraid of. Let’s just sleep on it, and we’ll talk about it in the morning.”
Hanish: House of Storms (Dragon Guardians Book 6) Page 6