Max's Desire

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Max's Desire Page 6

by Elyzabeth M. VaLey


  She wanted it. Him.

  Approaching the bar, she waved at the bartender.

  “Eva! It’s been forever.” The young woman greeted her, ignoring the waiting customers. “How are you?”

  “Hola, Bianca. I’m fine, but I’ve been busy. Can you get me two gin tonics?”

  “Sure.”

  She waited for the drinks, tapping her foot to the music and trying to ignore her tumultuous thoughts. Someone touched her elbow and she jumped.

  “Do you have a light?”

  The young man smiled, his baby-blues twinkling with interest. If this were any other night, she’d spark a conversation with him, but tonight she wasn’t alone and didn’t care for the attention.

  “Sorry. I don’t.”

  The man nodded and walked away without another word.

  “Here you go. That’ll be twenty euros.”

  Eva paid and took the drinks. Quickly, she made her way back. Finally, she reached the cut-off area. Her breath caught, those crazy butterflies in her belly resurfacing at the sight of Max. He sat at ease, his bow tie dangling around his neck and the two top buttons of his shirt undone. Her pussy clenched. She licked her lips and threw back her shoulders. Whatever this connection was, there was one certain thing: Her body desired him.

  “Here we go,” she said, placing the glasses on the table and sitting next to Max. Their legs touched, his body heat wrapping around her tightly, beckoning to come closer and weld into one.

  “Thanks. I could have done it, you know,” Max said.

  “Possibly, but then you’d still be stuck at the bar and I’d be here bored to death.”

  Max laughed, the sound reverberating straight to her damp pussy.

  “Service is pretty slow in this part of the world, isn’t it?” he said.

  “We do things at a different pace here.”

  Taking her drink, she sipped. The cool liquid did little to calm her raging libido. She savored the bitter taste, taking the chance to ogle Max. His dark curls were on the long side, framing his clear eyes and masculine cheekbones. His nose was wide. His lips full and divine. She bit back a sigh and dipped lower, her mouth watering. The formal attire barely contained the muscled body beneath. Max cleared his throat and she jumped. Their eyes met and he quirked an eyebrow, amusement flickering in his gaze. Blushing, she set her drink on the table. He had an alertness to him most men lacked.

  “What is it you do?” Eva asked.

  “I work for the military.”

  She smiled.

  “I knew it. It was either that or personal trainer. Although, isn’t your hair a bit too long for the military? I thought you were supposed to have a buzz cut or something.”

  Max laughed and put his glass down.

  “I had been thinking about getting a haircut,” he admitted.

  Eva moved closer, reaching to tangle her fingers in his soft locks.

  “I’m not so sure. This gives me something to hang on to,” she whispered.

  Desire swirled in the depth of his dilated pupils. He wanted her. She had no doubt. Max wrapped his hand around her waist, drawing her closer. A current raced down her spine and transformed to liquid lust at her crotch. His nose touched hers, his lips so close she could almost taste them. Her eyes drifted shut.

  “Eva. I have to ask.” Max cleared his throat. “Are you a prostitute?”

  She flinched. He hadn’t said it aggressively or with contempt. Instead, it sounded matter a fact. Businesslike. Of course, he’d added two and two.

  “I prefer the term escort,” she said. “A luxury escort.”

  Max released her and grabbed his drink. He took a hefty gulp. She made to reach for hers, but Max seized her hand.

  “It’s okay,” he said. “I’d already figured out as much, kitten.”

  He handed her the glass.

  “Thanks,” she muttered.

  Reaching over her, he placed his arm on her shoulder and drew her close. Unlike others whom she’d shared her secret with, there was no tension in the lines of Max’s body, no ulterior motive. He didn’t seem to care about her profession. He didn’t try to take advantage of her, touch her breasts, or ask for a deal. He simply held her as if keeping her near was enough for him.

  “Do you like your job?” he asked.

  “No one has ever asked me that,” she murmured.

  “A mistake on their part.”

  She looked at him, surprised he’d even heard her. She bit her lip. There was nothing but understanding in his blue eyes, and a fierce possessiveness which stole her breath.

  “Not even your previous boyfriends?”

  “I’ve never, um, had a serious relationship. I don’t have the time, and most men run for the hills when I tell them what I do for a living.”

  “That’s their loss.” He paused. “You’re special and they were clearly unable to see it.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Besides your obvious beauty? There’s fire in your eyes, kitten. You’re a fighter. What are you fighting for? What’s your dream?”

  “I want to use art to help victims of gender violence.” Her eyes widened. This was the first time she’d admitted her dream to anyone other than her thesis teacher.

  How could this man be getting under her skin in barely a few hours? She never spoke about herself, careful to maintain the focus on the men. It was what they all liked, but not Max. He seemed interested in her and her thoughts, on who she was beneath the glitz.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Max saw the fear in her eyes.

  It was brief, quickly hidden by the mask she probably tended to wear around others. He understood. If this was the first time she was allowing herself to be vulnerable, to show who she really was, it was a daunting, frightening experience. She was drawn to him and she didn’t know why, couldn’t explain it.

  He at least had the advantage to know she was his mate. She had nothing but the intensity of a blinding feeling which compelled her to trust a stranger.

  Max took a sip of his drink. He couldn’t ask for more than what she was already giving. She’d told him her dream and had answered all his questions. He wanted to know her inside out, but he had to give her time to understand their connection was unbreakable and he would never leave her. He shifted in his seat, and the wound on his chest twinged.

  Likewise, he needed time to find out how to love her without being torn open like a rag doll at the blink of an eye.

  A step at a time, Max.

  He asked her another question. Eva gesticulated animatedly, her eyes wide and filled with a passion which was almost contagious.

  “Your love for art and the possibility of helping people jumps out, so why do you do it, Eva?”

  She paused. Her gaze turned guarded. She crossed her legs, the material of her dress swooshing against her skin like silk.

  “I like the money that goes with it,” she said at length. She ogled him unabashedly, then tilted her chin defiantly. “And I like to fuck. It was an easy choice. What about you? Why the military?”

  Max smiled.

  “I like protecting the defenseless,” he said. “It was an easy choice.”

  She laughed.

  “I see.”

  “Shall we go?” he asked, glancing at his watch. It was already past three a.m.

  “Yes.” Eva set her empty glass down. “Um, you know, I was going to go to the Prado Museum tomorrow morning. Maybe you’d like to come with me?”

  Standing, Max offered her his hand. She slid her palm into his, and he pulled her to her feet. They stood a breadth away. Her lips parted and her cheeks flushed. His nostrils flared. The scent of her arousal shimmered in the air, resting on his tongue and making his mouth tingle.

  “I’d love to,” he said huskily.

  Reluctantly, he released her, but she didn’t budge. Instead, she moved forward, her breasts coming into contact with his chest and her pelvis resting at the height of his rapidly rising cock. He sucked in his cheeks.

 
“Great,” she whispered, biting her lip. Whether a practiced move or an unconscious one made no difference to him. Blood traveled to his groin, and lust thrummed its frantic beat across his cells. He shut his eyes. Lust. Danger. He gritted his teeth. He couldn’t give into this. Not yet.

  Spinning, he turned his back on her and shrugged on his coat. Her saddened sigh brought another kind of pain across his thorax. Deeper, like a knife twisting at his heart. He bit back a groan. How long would he be able to continue this charade?

  They walked to the elevator without another word. They waited, side by side, their hands so close he could sense the heat, the whisper of her fingers as they nervously slid together. He clenched his fist. He was a Guardian, for goodness sake! He had more self-control than this.

  The metal doors opened. They moved as one. Their hands bumped against each other and he grasped hers, entwining their digits together. A sense of calm settled over him. This felt right. Good. He glanced at Eva. She smiled at him and pressed the button for the bottom floor.

  A cool winter air ruffled his hair and cleared his mind. He took in a deep breath, awed at the city still vibrating with life.

  “So, where do we catch a cab?” he asked.

  “A cab?” Eva chuckled. “This is Madrid. We walk.”

  “Walking? At this time? Isn’t it dangerous?”

  The Inferum still hunkered in the shadows, their darkness an infuriating seed of evil he wished he could annihilate, even if they seemed to show no interest in his mate. Eva squeezed his hand, claiming his attention.

  “I live near here. It’s a ten, fifteen minute walk.” She frowned. “We haven’t spoken about it, but well, you’ll be spending the night, right?”

  Max shook his head.

  “No, kitten. I’m merely going to walk you home.”

  She stiffened.

  “That won’t be necessary,” she said, her tone clipped.

  “Eva.” Max grasped her chin, gently forcing her to look at him. “Kitten, don’t be mad. I want to sleep with you, just not yet. I’d like to know you better before we become intimate.”

  She sighed and her shoulders sagged.

  “I’m sorry. I understand. It’s just—” She smirked. “I’m not used to this.”

  Max chuckled.

  “There’s always a first time for everything.” He winked at her. “Now, which way do we go?”

  Leading him across a set of narrow, winding streets, she told him about the history of the area. “This is me.” Eva gestured to a four-floor building with iron-wrought balconies and dark wooden shutters. “It’s kept the original façade from the late nineteenth century, but inside it’s been renovated.” She turned to face him, pressing a palm right above his heart. “Would you like to come upstairs?”

  Max swallowed. Her heat burned through his clothes, and his cock twitched, knowing without a doubt what it wanted.

  “No.” He choked out the word.

  “Why not?” she whispered, her fingers flexing.

  “Eva, I told you I like to know someone better before I sleep with them.”

  “Who says we’d sleep together?”

  Max snickered.

  “Kitten, we both know what would happen if we were left alone.”

  Eva pouted.

  “I don’t see the problem.”

  “Eva—”

  “Is it because I’m an escort? You don’t think you’d be up to standard,” she cut in.

  Max threw his head back and laughed. Grabbing her by the waist, he pulled her tight against him.

  “I know I’ll be the best you’ve ever had,” he said.

  Her gaze swirled with confusion.

  “Then?”

  Max cupped her cheek, relishing the softness of her skin.

  “I’d simply like to know you better.”

  Eva pursed her mouth and a wrinkle marred her forehead.

  “If you’re worried about STDs, you needn’t be. I’m tested every month and my latest results came in two weeks ago. I’m clean. I can show you.” She dug out her phone and swiped through it. Finally, she showed him a photo of the doctor’s report. “See, I’m in good health.”

  Max curled his fingers over hers on the device, lowering her arm to her side. Tenderness at her desperation undid him and he dropped a kiss on her forehead.

  “You didn’t need to show me that. Thank you.”

  Eva dropped her head.

  “You’re welcome,” she said, the dejection in her tone clear.

  “You didn’t need to do it.” Unable to hold back, Max kissed her temple. Her scent entered his system. So sweet. “I trust you.” He kissed the corner of her mouth. Was it too soon to say I love you?

  “Max.” His pulse quickened. Fear and longing mingled in the way she said his name, but she didn’t need to be afraid. She had to know and he had to show her.

  Max’s lips brushed hers. Her gasp echoed in the night.

  “Eva,” he murmured, unable to voice what his heart sang. His mate. He had to have one taste. They both deserved it.

  He swooped in. Her phone clattered to the floor. Eva surged forward, returning his fervor with her own, burying her fingers in his hair. He held the back of her head, tilting it for greater access. Their tongues twisted, licking, sucking, possessing. He would never be able to stop. He didn’t want to. Eva was his woman. Delicious, burning brighter than the sun, she drew him into her gravitational pull without mercy and he rode the orbit without hesitation.

  “Kitten,” he groaned.

  Their kiss slowed, becoming sweeter, tender. He tugged at her bottom bow, then licked away the pain.

  “Max, please, come upstairs.”

  He shut his eyes against her pleading. His cock twitched, reminding him of his arousal. If their kiss had been this good, what would sex be like? He groaned. His body and heart wanted one thing, but his mind warned him to stop and think. A succubus had almost ended his life, and his mate was one of them. Time. He just needed to find some information, something which would ensure they would both be safe if she gave in to her true nature.

  “No. Not tonight,” he said. They broke apart. Max took in a heavy breath. “Not tonight, kitten,” he repeated. “Soon.”

  She let out a long exhale.

  “All right. I’ll see you tomorrow?”

  Max smiled.

  “Of course. I’m going with you to Hell and back, remember?”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Max teetered on the balls of his feet. Why was he so nervous? It wasn’t as if he’d never been on a date before. He ran his fingers through his hair, disarraying the locks. The problem was this wasn’t any girl. It was Eva. His mate. He’d hardly been able to sleep last night wondering if he’d acted prematurely, if he should have gone upstairs with her. Maybe she thought he didn’t care. He swallowed drily. When it came to mating with humans, if Eva wasn’t interested in him, he’d be lost. Fierce desperation clawed from within him. He had to do something.

  “Hey. Sorry I’m late.”

  Max spun around, his heart accelerated. Eva smiled at him from behind a pair of round sunglasses. He dipped his gaze lower, taking in her casual attire. White sneakers, jeans which hugged her curves, and a military-green jacket. Max grabbed her hand and pulled her into his arms, lightly brushing his mouth over hers.

  “It’s all right,” he muttered. “I’m just glad you’re here.”

  Eva smiled.

  “Me, too. Come on. We don’t have to stand in line because I bought the tickets on the Internet.” She led him to a stone staircase. “I can’t believe you’ve never been to the Prado Museum. Everyone should visit this place at least once.”

  “What if you don’t like art?” he asked.

  She stopped mid step and stared at him.

  “You don’t like art?”

  “I like looking at art, but I’m not a connoisseur.”

  She shook her head and resumed climbing.

  “You don’t need to be an expert to appreciate art. Besides,
I’ll help you.”

  They reached the top and handed their tickets to the guard before going through security. Max stared. They had walked into a circular room with high ceilings and open arches leading into several other chambers where he could catch glimpses of artwork.

  “Come on,” Eva said, grabbing his hand. “We’ll leave our stuff in the cloakroom, and then we’ll go upstairs.”

  After depositing their coats, Eva handed him a map.

  “The museum is huge and you’d have to be here all day and then some to see everything, so if it’s okay with you, I’d like to show you some of my favorite paintings.”

  “Sounds great,” Max said.

  She beamed at him, brown eyes crinkling at the corners.

  “Let’s go see Bosch first.”

  They hurried across the polished marble floors. Left and right classical paintings and sculptures tempted him to pause and look, but they plunged through, intent on their objective.

  “This is it,” Eva said.

  They walked into an ample room, where crowds gathered around several of the artworks displayed.

  “Damn, I wanted to show you the triptych first, but let’s wait for the multitude to thin a bit.”

  She guided him to a table where a smaller group of visitors pored over something. Max leaned over the protective glass. He gaped. Bosch had painted five circles on a wooden panel. Four smaller ones in each corner, representing death, judgment, Heaven and Hell, and a large one in the middle, depicting what initially appeared to be scenes of daily life but on closer inspection were illustrating examples of the seven sins: lust, sloth, wrath, greed, envy, gluttony and pride. His eyes roved over each detail, trying to take it all in.

  “This is—” He struggled to find a word. Whomever this man had been, he’d managed to capture the power the Sins held over humanity.

  “Cool, isn’t it?” Eva grinned. She turned her head. “Oh, come quick. It’s cleared up in front of the triptych.”

  Grasping his elbow, she brought him to the structure presiding the room.

  “The Garden of Earthly Delights,” she said, with a flourish of her hand.

  Max’s eyes widened, shock rattling his bones. The three vertical panels hinged together showed different scenarios. On the left, a naked man sat on the grass, staring at a woman equally undressed, whilst a robed man held her wrist as if presenting her to the other. Around them, all sort of animals, rabbits, giraffes, elephants, even a dragon, frolicked.

 

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