“As my lady wishes.” He dropped the glamour. And suddenly she didn’t care about the rest of it. All she wanted to do was touch him. Touch his cheek, his lips, his body. Trace her fingers along the hard paths of his muscles.
“I’m glad you’re here.” She stroked his neck, tracing into the open tuxedo jacket and down his bare chest.
He caught her hand and held it, staring at her with something wounded in his dark eyes—something unguarded. Cassie’s heart did fairy circles in her chest. She had no memories of any lovers before him, nothing to compare his expression to. But somehow she knew—this was not a casual look. It was intense. Personal. And almost desperate.
Her breathing quickened and she moved closer in.
She wasn’t sure what had him looking like his world had fallen apart but he was the key to her memories, she was sure of it. Ever since his kiss, things had been changing. She’d dreamt of laughing with strange human women. And for the first time, since she’d woken up here in this tower room three months ago, she’d remembered her dreams.
“Cassie, I...” His very pale northern skin gleamed between the jet black panels of his jacket and all she wanted to do was kiss her mouth down his sleek abs. Unbutton and unzip his trousers so she could taste his desire.
“Shh.” She placed a finger on his lips. “Kiss me,” she whispered in his ear. She caught a whiff of his clean citrus scent, and swallowed.
He brushed his lips on hers. She pulled him closer, opening her mouth and showing him her need twining her tongue with his. His arms came up and his hips canted in and her core softened.
“Hungry, are you?” His voice and the easy smile on his lips showed amusement, but his eyes were still haunted.
“Ravenous.” She kissed him again. She’d eaten earlier by herself, but dinner, wine, dessert, none of it had satisfied her. She tasted him, tasted desperation on his tongue, and knew—this was what she’d been waiting for. “Bosco, I don’t want to be interrupted tonight. I’m locking the door.” She moved away, lifting the bar into place and shooting the deadbolt into place.
“We’ll shield as well.” The cool blue of his magic shivered over her skin and washed out over the apartment.
She drew close to him, nearly touching him, and when he finally dropped the glamour the proximity of his aura flashed out and touched hers, the shock rippling along her skin.
She rubbed the raised hairs on her arms. “Is it just you? Or would everyone feel this way if they weren’t under the queen’s spell?” She took his hand and led him into the bedroom.
“It’s all me, Princess.” He winked and kissed her again, devouring her mouth with an urgency that hadn’t been there a moment before. This time she could feel the real Bosco, hot, intense, and hungry for her. His mouth tasted of wine and honey, heady flavors of sensuality and dessert. She fed at his mouth, shivers of need racing through her body as his urgency called to her, revving her up and making her want everything now.
He tugged at her shirt and she pulled it off. His eyes went dark and dangerous. The sight of his hunger licked lightning along her nerves and she melted inside. He growled and kissed along her neck, down to her bare nipples, sucking one in and closing his teeth. She gasped. His hands wrapped around her back, supporting her and pulling her closer into his mouth. He alternatively lightly bit and licked the sensitive nub and she melted into him, her knees going weak.
She wanted to feel his bare chest against hers. She wanted his skin under her hands, under her palms, under her nails. “Your turn,” she said, running her hands up through his spiky hair and down his back to his waist. She slid her hands under the jacket and pressed her palms against the firmness of his back. His skin burned against hers, but it wasn’t enough. She growled and nipped his neck, breathing in his scent. “More.”
He left her breasts and stared into her eyes, his face so close his warm breath skimmed her face. “Who are you, Cassandra?”
“I don’t know who I am,” she said. She really didn’t. She’d been told who she was, but none of it seemed to fit. She’d learned how to be who they wanted, but she’d always had trouble doing what they’d asked. But this—making love to Bosco—this felt right.
“Does it matter who I am?”
Something barren flickered in his eyes. “No, I guess in the end, it doesn’t.”
She stared back at him wishing she could see into his soul. Wishing her Gift would tell her something, anything about this man. But the Goddess stayed silent.
“Let’s just forget about who I am, who we are.” She tugged again at his jacket, spreading the lapels wide. “Take it off. I want to touch you.”
He stared at her a moment longer, inhaled as if he were going to argue, then let the air out in a rush. He stripped it off, his taut abs twisting with the motion.
“My turn.” She kissed down his chest, marveling at the sculpted muscles that led to the top of his trousers. Under the sophisticated tux he had a Tuathan warrior’s build, slim and strong, every court lady’s dream. And tonight, she was going to take full advantage.
She didn’t know anything about her past. If she’d had one or a dozen lovers. If she’d ever given her heart. She didn’t know why when he touched her she felt more like herself, the self she was just beginning to get to know. Stronger, sassier, sexier.
She grabbed the button on his pants and pulled, ripping it open to expose the zipper. “Such modern clothing. You must have spent time on Earth.”
“Humans are very creative. We’d never take the time to invent something like a zipper when laces and buttons would do.” He stood, feet shoulder width apart, an intense look in his eyes, waiting for her to finish what she’d started.
She unzipped and tugged, working his pants over his erection and down his legs. She paused to admire his shape and hardness, trailing her fingers along his length. Then, she took him in her hand.
He sucked in air and the sound made her smile. He sank onto the mattress, sitting with his legs wide and bracing his hands on either side. She got on her knees in front of him. His cock felt good in her hand and she worked it up and down, relishing in the solid length, the heavy feel in her fist. She must have done this before, it felt so easy, so right. And she wanted more. Laying her mouth on the tip, she sucked him inside.
“Danu,” he said, his voice strained with pleasure. It shot straight to her core. She fisted her hand around the base of his cock, the other gripping his thigh and took him deeper. His hands tangled in her hair. “Slow, Princess, slow.”
She played with him, going up and down and using her hand to help her keep him where she wanted him, to keep control of his pleasure. And with every stroke, every pull, she responded deep inside her body until she was wet and needy and ready for more.
She pulled off and looked up at him, the salty taste of him still in her mouth. “I don’t want to go slow. I want you. Now.” She stood and pushed him backward.
He fell on his back, a bemused half-smile on his lips as he watched her tug his pants the rest of the way off and throw them to the side. “You’re in charge, Princess.”
It was her title, had been hers since she was born, but it seemed out of place here between them. She pulled off the rest of her clothes and climbed on the bed, straddling him, his cock slipping between her thighs. “I’m not a princess tonight. Tonight I’m just Cassie.”
That’s all she wanted to be tonight. Not a princess. Not someone who struggled to be what others demanded. Just a woman who wanted to satisfy herself with a man.
He slid his hands up her legs and gripped her hips. “Cassie,” he whispered.
And it was her turn to smile. “Better,” she said. And leaned over him brushing his mouth with a soft kiss. “Much better,” she murmured against his lips, rubbing her wet center against his length. She reached for him, ready to have him inside.
He hissed. “I’m not going to last long with you in charge.” And with one swift motion he flipped them over, pinning her to the bed.
Chapter
Fourteen
This wasn’t what he’d planned. Bosco lay on top of Cassie, pinning her down. He’d fully intended to push aside his doubts and wheedle the information he needed out of her, using wine, charm, and yes, bed play. But the moment he’d walked into the room she’d surprised him with her urgent hunger for sex.
And now he was hungry too and he couldn’t care less about using the moment to get information.
“Tell me what you want, Cassie.”
“I want you, inside. I want it fast and hard.” Her eyes gleamed. “Just for tonight, I want you to make me forget.” She shook her head, her lips pursed. “No, that’s not right. Just for tonight, I want you to make me remember.”
The sudden surge of anger came from nowhere and caught him off guard. Wasn’t that what he was here for? A casual moment between strangers where she got what she wanted and he got what he did. Why did it hurt to have her treat him the way countless other women had treated him? He’d spent his life being the one-night stand, but for no reason he could understand, it pissed him off that she should be just another one of those women who wanted him only for sex.
“You want to do this now? Fast? Get it done?”
“No, that’s not what I meant.” Her teeth sank into the soft flesh of her lower lip, and his dick, trapped between their two bodies, got harder. He rubbed against her, and she moaned.
“I believe you said, let’s fuck.”
She flushed and looked away. “I didn’t say that.”
“Isn’t that what you meant?”
“Well, maybe not in those words, but yes. I want you. You want me. We had a nice time last night.” Her voice grew husky. “I want to do it again.” Her eyes went a darker shade of emerald and the lust he saw there made him growl.
He could do it and what’s more it was what he should do—shove his feelings down and focus on the momentary pleasure. He’d done it many times before. Why this sudden need for more with this woman?
Screw it. He had a job to do.
He pushed his conscience back, threw himself into the moment, and kissed her. He dove his tongue in and out, his anger driving him to near cruelty. He wanted to give her exactly what she’d asked for and nothing more. But, she kissed him back, gave him heat for his rage and passion for his frustration. He found himself slowing down and treasuring the taste of her. Savoring each and every lick and bite and swipe of her tongue.
She panted and moaned beneath him. “Yes, now.”
If it had been earlier he would have done it—taken her and walked away, but she’d tamed him, tamed his rage. And now he found he could take his time and give her exactly what he wanted to give her. He’d kiss and fondle and screw her until she lost it and came. And maybe came again. And when he was done he’d walk away, just like she’d expected. But she wouldn’t forget him. Ever. He’d stick in her memory, forever.
Cassie’s fingers dug into his back. “Bosco, I’m ready.”
He smiled down at her. “Sorry, Cassandra, you’ll have to have your quick fuck some other time. I’m in the mood to play.” She thought she could simply use him and lose him. He was going to make sure she’d remember him long after he was gone.
“But...”
“Shhh.” He silenced her with his mouth, taking the time and using all his skills until she writhed beneath him.
She was breathless when he finished. “I can’t wait.” Her hips rose to meet his.
“You have no choice.” He nibbled down her neck. “I’m in charge now.” He widened his bite, taking a larger mouthful. Gently he sucked at the skin of her neck, moving his hips and rubbing his cock against her center.
She shuddered, her hands pushing against him, but her legs went wider. She was soft and wet and he could easily slip inside her. If he’d been willing to give up his point. “Bosco, I want you now.”
“You only think you want me now. Just wait.” There was no way he was letting her off this easy. He moved down between her legs, holding them apart with his hands on her thighs. “Beautiful,” he said and took a sample lick. She jumped under his mouth. She was more than ready, and he hadn’t even started. He moved over to the soft space just inside of her thigh and began his assault.
Slow, soft licks, one after another, at this very sensitive spot. Her legs closed reflexively, but he’d anticipated that and had no trouble keeping her where he wanted her. She arched her center toward him and he continued licking. Using one finger, he moved it inside. She whimpered and he added another, seeking the most sensitive spot.
She arched into him and he knew he’d hit it. “You’re driving me crazy.” Her words came out between short panting breaths. “You have to stop.”
“Do you like it?”
“That’s not the point.”
“You do.” He went back to his task, licking the sensitive spots inside her thigh, until she writhed, lifting her hips and begging for release with small inarticulate moans.
“Are you ready now, Cassandra?”
“Yes. Yes, please.”
He moved over her and in one swift motion, he entered her. Now he’d give her what she’d asked for. Harder and faster and deeper he took her and she arched and moaned and rose to meet him with every thrust. The sound of her pleasure and the feel of her wrapped around him nearly more than he could take. When she shuddered into her orgasm he nearly went with her, but he held on. And when she rocked into her second one he lost his control and went with her, calling out her name into the soft sweet crook of her neck.
They slowed. He lay there, his face buried in her hair and all his strength gone, wrapped in the smell and taste and sounds of Cassie. And he knew he’d been wrong.
He’d thought he could kiss and fondle and screw her until she lost it and came. He’d been sure of it. He’d had to be that kind of person from early on in his life, long before he’d even been able to call himself a man. But as he came inside her and called her name, something inside him broke.
And it hurt. A physical ache grew in his chest as he caught his breath. He didn’t want to let her go. He felt something for her. Maybe more than something, but at least enough that now they were done his guilt at using her had surged forward again. And that guilt had him worried and defensive—and wanting to tell her everything.
He blew it off. As casually as he could, with his newfound knowledge still aching in his chest, he got out of bed and went into the bathroom. He grabbed a towel and tossed it to her, heading back into the bathroom and closing the door solidly behind him.
He’d never felt like this for a woman. Like he wanted to crawl back into bed with her and hang on to her and never let her go. He turned on the shower and stepped inside, scrubbing off the scent of their lovemaking.
It was an anomaly. It was because he was too close to rescuing Siobhan and he was emotionally a mess. He had to go back north and face his past, face the Winter Queen. All of it had gotten to him. He stepped out of the shower and rubbed his skin hard with the towel until he was dry and back under control.
He walked back out into the room. Cassie was curled on her side, staring at the ball lying next to her on the bed. “I don’t understand.”
He fished out his giant’s bag from his tuxedo pants pocket and sat next to her to rummage inside for a change of clothes. “What don’t you understand?”
Her forehead creased as she looked at him over the ball’s blurred kaleidoscope of images. “I keep thinking we’re close, but it’s not there.”
A chill stole over him. He’d known there was nothing between them. For Goddess’s sake, he didn’t want anything between them, but to hear she had an agenda when sleeping with him. “What’s not there? What aren’t you telling me?” He’d tried to keep his voice relaxed but she curled up away from him, pulling the blankets around her like the petals of a closing flower. He softened his next words. “What’s wrong?”
“I don’t understand!” Her face contorted in frustration. “There’s something there, I know it. I’ve felt it for months. Ever since...”
“Every since, what?”
“Ever since I lost my parents. Ever since I came here I haven’t been even close to remembering anything about my past, but when I kissed you...” She reached for him, but he pulled back. Her frown returned, but she kept talking. “When I kissed you something changed. I think I’m starting to either go crazy or remember things, when you touch me, but they aren’t what I thought they’d be and now I’m not even sure I want to remember.”
“When I touch you?” Realization dawned and the crushing feeling in his chest surged back. “Was that what you wanted, Princess? Just a quick fuck to get your memory back?”
She’d used him. Just like every other powerful woman he’d lain with since he’d been a boy in the Winter Court. It shouldn’t hurt. He knew every woman in power was like that, but it hurt. Somehow he’d fallen for her softness. Somehow he’d thought she was different.
“You’re a user, just like the queen.”
Her face collapsed. “How can you say that? I’m nothing like her.”
“No, you’re not, are you? She’s honest about using people. You hide your motives. Confess: why are you using me?” He knew he was using her, knew it wasn’t right to be so angry with her when he knew this was the way the world worked, but it didn’t matter. It still cut deep. “What’s your angle, Princess.”
“I...” She huddled away from him, as if he’d hurt her. “I’m a Princess of the Black Court, but I can’t remember any of it. But when I touch you, I almost can.”
“You don’t get it, do you? No one cares, Cassie. This—” he waved his hand at the opulent suite “—is all a charade. Outside of this castle you don’t exist and you never have.”
Her mouth dropped open in shock. She recovered quickly, her chin lifting high and her lips snapping closed before she spoke. “What are you talking about? I’m the heir to the throne.”
He snorted. “Heir? You’re not the heir.” He stood up and found his pants. He needed some space to think.
“Yes. I am. Everyone says so.”
Enchanted: A Fae Fantasy Romance (Fae Magic Book 3) Page 11