by Kiersten Fay
“You’re not frightened of me anymore?” He asked without averting his gaze from the cut on her cheek.
He was almost completely back to normal now. Horns returning to their original dark black and his fangs had receded. Thinking back to his other form, she couldn’t muster the terror it had inspired in the first place. “No.” She said simply.
“So easily?”
“You make it hard to fear you Sebastian, when you treat me the way you do.”
“And how’s that then?”
“Like you would never hurt me, no matter how angry you are, or how much you might want to.”
His golden eyes locked with hers, with such intensity it stole her breath. “I would never want to hurt you.” Cupping her face he rubbed his thumb along her unmarked cheek. “I could never hurt you. If anything ever happened to you, I fear I wil be trapped on the Edge forever.” Leaning in, he lightly kissed her bruise. “I think of you constantly.” He kissed her forehead. “Always.” Then with the lightest touch he kissed her lips.
With words so sweet, Anyacouldn’t help but lean intohim. This wasn’t the demanding kiss from before. This was soft, smooth, tender. This time he al owed her to explore him at her leisure. His lips were soft and warm, molded to hers, and she caressed his lips with hers.
Her second real kiss ever was turning out to be the most erotic experience of her life. Sebastian was watching her with his liquid gold eyes, fil ed with restrained lust, as he let her place soft kisses on him. When she darted out her tongue he dropped his hands to her hips, his body wedging between her legs. The second time she darted her tongue to lick his sweet lips he opened, his tongue meeting hers. From deep within him she heard the rumblings of a satisfied groan. The mere sound stroked her own lust and she instinctively dug her nails into his shoulders. When she felt liquid pool between her legs Bastian’s grip tightened in her hips.
“Let me taste you.” He grated.
She couldn’t think past the kiss. “W … What?”
“I’l go mad if I don’t. I can scent your desire.”
Her cheeks flared with heat. “I …”
He silenced her with a rough kiss, fueling her desire. Then he was on his knees kissing and licking her inner thighs. She sucked in a breath. “What are you
…” She trailed off when he hitched up her skirt and his hot mouth came over her. The only thing separating them was her thin underwear.
Then, as if he knew what she wanted before she did, he moved asidethe fabricand licked slowly along her tender folds.
“Ah gods!” Throwing her head back she melted.
He licked again, up and down her sex. “You taste so good.” Bastian’s voice was deep and rough. Pushing her legs widerAnyashook with pleasure as he traced his tongue back and forth. Each time making her heart beat faster, her breath stuck in her throat. Soon she was panting. He groaned heavily against her, the vibration reverberating through her core and her hips began to rock into his caress. Crying out she arched her back as pleasure raked through her. Sebastian pul ed away with a mischievous look “Do you like this then?”
“Yes.”
“Do you want more? Until I make you come?” When she only nodded he slowly licked, sending a thril through her, yet stopping once again. She let out a frustrated sound, his eyes turned teasing. “Tel me you want to come.”
She did, badly, and she wanted Sebastian to be the one to give her such pleasure. “Please Bastian! Please make me … come!”For once!Her voice was anguished with the need he’d built inside her. Her body was throbbing, her nipples had gone painful y hard.
Bastian latched onto her once again, stroking her with his masterful tongue. Pul ing her to the edge of the counter and forcing her legs wider, he relentlessly swept his tongue through her tender flesh. When he found the spot that made her moan he stayed there. Over and over he raked that spot, licking and sucking her into his mouth. Mindless to the bliss Anya’s breath was coming in fast, she cried out as the wave of intense pleasure hit her.
“You’re so beautiful.” He said, watching her writhe before him. His lids had gone heavy.
She glanced down at his heated gaze. Her cheeks burning, “Please don’t stop.”
With a chuckle he returned his velvet tongue to her sex. Once again, he brought her to the edge of climax and she screamed from the force of it. Arching her back Sebastian rode her through the ecstasy, drinking her down. Wave after wave of intense pleasure assaulted her. When it was over her body slumped, lethargic. Sebastian was stil petting her, kissing her thighs.
When he stood,he said in a rough teasing tone, “You’re my new favorite flavor.”
Embarrassment struck her, quickly she straightened her clothes and hopped off the counter, not knowing what to say or do. She’d never experiencethatbefore.
As if he read her mind he asked, “Had anyone ever done that for you?”
“No.” She darted past him into the room, not sure where she was going.
“Good.” He fol owed her. “I don’t like the thought of any other man touching you.”
She stopped to look at him but didn’t say anything in response. Then she noticed the bulge in his pants. Nervously she looked away.
“I did not hurt you, did I?”
“Of course not!”In fact, that was the greatest thing she’d ever experienced.
“Then what is upsetting you?”
With purpose she pointedly look back at his crotch, and then at him.
He seemed to understand because he said. “I wil not lie to you. Right now more than anything I want to be inside you.”
“But I wil not push you,”Sebastianhurried when he saw her abashed expression.Gently, Sebastianpinched her chin and forced her to look at him. “I won’t do anything more until you ask me.” Gods, her taste was stil on his tongue,and his shaft was so hard it pained him. “And when you do, I wil take my time with you. I want to taste every inch of your body, touch you everywhere. I want to hear your screams of pleasure while your legs are wrapped around me.”
Eyes wide her jaw dropped. He drew her in for a kiss and once again she melted for his touch. He thought she would always melt for him like this.
When he pul ed away she said, “I thought you wouldn’t unless I asked?”
“Kisses don’t count,” He smirked. “If I had to give up kissing you now, I’d go mad.” A dark thought worried him. “Unless … do you not want me to kiss you?”
To his relief she smiled, “I would have you kiss me whenever you desire.” With that his mouth was on hers once more, inthe most zealous kiss he’d everexperienced.
Against her mouth he asked in a playful tone, “What else am I al owed without permission?” She giggled and the sound fil ed him with pride. Her fear of him was dissolved, and sweetly she clung to him as if she didn’t want to let him go. He didn’t want her to. Then he heard the unmistakable sound of her stomach growling. “You’re hungry.”
Clutching her stomach, “I guess I am.”
“I wil bring you something to eat.”
“No, I want to get out of my room. I’l go myself.”
“I’l go with you then, but I would like to take you to sickbay first,” at her look he added, “Just to heal the rest of your cut. Then we’l eat.”
She gave him a sheepish look. “I know the way myself, if you’re too busy …”
“I’m not busy at al .”In facthe hadn’t been able to concentrate on anything but Anya since last night. Cale had to take command of the ship.
On the way to the sickbay Anya kept looking at him as though deciphering a motive or a flaw in him. As for flaws, he would be sure not to show her any if he could. As for motives, it must be obvious. He wanted her, badly. As hard as he tried to keep her at a distance, to keep his emotions in check, he wanted her stil . Taking her with his tongue had been one of the worst decisions—and greatest mind altering, erotic experiences—of his life. He had a taste of her now and he wanted more.
The doctor had done a simple healing
, her cut was now only a pale scar. Soon that would be gone too. There would be no physical evidence of her attack, but Sebastian wondered how this would affect her mind. Had it even ful y sunk in? Then he worried how his own action might affect her so soon after the attack, he’d been unable to restrain himself.
Sebastian stayed close, he seemed to need her near. Being too far away from her made him uneasy. When she excused herself to the bathroom and closed the door Sebastian nearly grated the wal s with his claws. The doctor was not oblivious to the change in his demeanor, but said nothing.
Then, like a kick to theleft temple, realization hit him.He suddenly saw himself as though looking through another pair of eyes.
In his culture it was fabled that every male was destined for a single female. One person among thousands—mil ions—that you are fated for.Manymated couplesswore by it, but Sebastian had always been skeptical.
Could it betrue?
For a moment, dizziness surrounded him. He’d never given it much thought before. He’d been young and carefree when Cale had found his mate—and then that tragic end. The thought of Anya betraying him in such a way made Sebastian hol ow with despair. How could he let himself get close to her? How could he give himself to Anya knowing the sharpness of Calic’s pain?
Then hespotted her,walking toward him,mesmerizing pale-blue eyesdrew him in. Thesubtlesway of her hips accentuated her lush curves. Long blond hair framed her gorgeous features, lazily trailing down hershoulders. Al but a single thought left him.
Mine.
He felt it through his soul.
Together theyentered the salon,whereSebastian led her to an empty table, seating her before claiming the space across from her. Anya felt warmed by his protective gaze. Even when he wasn’t looking at her, he was watchful.
Marik stalked over. “Not you too?” he asked. At their confused looks he continued. “With Anya working here, everyone has grown used to being served at their tables. Now when you’re gone they al expect me to come out here and take their orders.” He held up his hands when she opened her mouth to apologize. “Don’t say anything, it’s not your fault. I just can’t wait for you to come back to work. How are you feeling?”
Nodding she replied. “Better.”
“Wel , wel , wel .” Calic’s voice cal ed from behind. Offering Anya a scolding glance he said, “You missed training. An enemy won’t care if you’re feeling like shit.”
She gave a bitter laugh. “Yes, I know.”
Cale cocked his head.
Sebastian gestured for silence. “Anya I must tel them what happened. Do you mind?”
Studying the table she nodded her approval. They would find out eventual y. Why did she feel so guilty? As if it washerfault that Xandar had attacked her.
Of course she knew it wasn’t her doing, but she couldn’t shake the feeling. Sebastian began speaking toCale and Marikin another language. Anya realized it was to keep othersfrom hearing,she was grateful for that.
As Sebastian spoke, she watched theirfaces grow dark and periodical y cursein the same language Sebastian was speaking. In turn they al began speaking very fast, their tones demanding,whileglancing at her as if searching for evidence of harm.
When Sebastian pushed back his shoulders and spoke in a prideful tone Cale turned to her with a grin. “That’s my girl. You beat his ass,yeah?”
Wide eyed she recal ed her escape. With al that had happened, she hadn’t thought of it until now. Amazingly she had fought Xandar off, and was on her way to safety—to Sebastian to be exact—when she had run straight into him. With a dumfounded grin, she replied. “I did. I didn’t even have to think about it, my body just reacted.” She recal ed how great it felt to make him bleed.
Cale let out a triumphant hol er. “I think everyone wil agree that I deserve a metal for superb training.” Marik shoved him playful y and Cale continued. “I need to go rub this in Sonya’s face.”
After Cale left Marik turned serious and asked, “What are we going to do with Xandar?”
Sebastian looked at Anya before answering. “He’s locked up for now. We’l figure the rest out later.”
Marik nodded,bloodlustevidentin his eyes. They al wanted him dead. Because of her, another person would die.But didn’t this one deserve it?Either way she didn’t like the idea.Anyanoticed Bastian’s eyes were on her, taking in her expressions. Marik brought them an order of something he cal edcomfort food. It looked like a simple noodle dish but tasted sublime.
After only a few bites into the meal, Sebastian set down his fork and intertwined his hands. “Why do you want him alive?”
Anya slumped her shoulders. She didn’t want to explain, at least not here in the busy salon. “I just don’t like the idea.”
“Why? You of al people should want that more than anything.”
True enough. She supposed she had every right to demand his head. A part of her wanted to,and she knew Sebastian would not hesitate. “First tel me something. What was that thing you turned into?”
He looked at her as though he didn’t want to stray from his own questioning. “It’s a demon trait. We cal it the Edge. It happens when we are driven to a boiling point of anger. A chemical, similar to adrenaline,but one hundred times more potent, is produced and distributed through our bodies, increasing our strength and senses. The drawback is that we tend to lose al reason, becoming more like a wild beast.”
“It happened so fast.”
“It’s not always that fast working. When one of our …” Sebastian paused, his lips quirked in a sexy grin. “When someone we care about is in danger it can happen quicker than usual. There are a lot of factors involved. Just like when you get angry, many different things can push a demon to the Edge.”
Anya was silent for a moment.“Is that what you meant when you said you feared you would get stuck on the Edge?
“Yes.”
“Can that real y happen?”
“It has been known to happen when a demons … mate, is kil ed in front of him.”
She studied him for a long while. “Mate?”
“It’s my turn to ask a question. I want to know why you asked me not to kil him?”
Theyboth knew who thehimwas. She sighed. “You already know more of my past than I would like.” When his gaze didn’t waver she knew he wouldn’t let it go. “In the beginning I was not compliant. I fought,hard. When it became clear that I would not submit through way of torture, D … the person who owned me began looking elsewhere for a way to control me. It didn’t take him long. He began to torture others in front of me. He told me they suffered because of me, that I was the cause of their pain. When he started the kil ings I gave in. I can’t bear the thought of someone dying because of me.”
Sebastiangrewcold. Once again, his face was unreadable. His energy however—
“Tel me his name.”
“No.”
“Why!” The room went quiet at his outburst.
Anya’s eyes darted around the salon before she whispered. “Because I know what you would do.”
Through a clenched jaw he replied, “You can’t possibly think I would take you back there.”
“At first that is what I thought,but not now. Now I know you would seek him out to kil him.”
“And what is the problem with that?”
“Bastian, he’s ruthless. He’s a madman, a madman with a lot of firepower. I don’t … I can’t bear the thought of you getting hurt because of me, especial y athishand.”
Anya’s lip quivered, her beautiful blue eyes glistening with unshed tears. Thismadmanwas a dead man. He’d hurt her in so many ways and Sebastian suspected he was only scratching the surface. “So this is why you pander for Xandar’s life? He committed a crime against you. He is not some innocent who needs to be saved.”
“Believe me when I say I’m more than conflicted about it.”
Sebastian would accept that for now. Xandar had a stay of execution. Besides, there were other ways to punish one such as he.
/> Suddenly, Sonya rushed through the doors. “Anya!” She scooped her up for a painful looking embrace. “I’m so sorry.” To Sebastian she growled. “Where is he? I’l kil him!”
So much for being discreet. “He’s lock up for now, we wil decide what to do with him once we finish the contract.”
She glared at him. “How are you not more angered by this?”
“Oh, you should have seen him before.” Anya scooped in another bite of food.
“Is that so?” Sonya smiled at him devilishly, “I’l bet Bastian never lets another male anywhere near you again.”
As right as Sonya was, Sebastian stil gave her a look of irritation. She only playful y swatted him on the shoulder before taking a seat.
“You didn’t close the pub just to come see me did you?” Anya asked.
“Hel no! I made Cale stay and watch the counter. He sure is proud of you though, isn’t he?”
Anya beamed.
“Though I don’t think his ego wil ever be the same.”
In a barely audible voice Sebastian said to Sonya, “I want you to go search Xandar’s room. I do not believe two drinks alone made Anya so sick.” He switched to demonish before continuing. “Xandar came into her room last night while she was unconscious. If I hadn’t been there …” He trailed off and looked at Anya for the calmness only she could provide. He had to keep reminding himself that she was unharmed.
In demonish Sonya replied, “I’m assuming because you’re tel ing me this in our language that Anya doesn’t know about this.”
“Correct. I don’t want her to know.”
“You think he tainted her drink?”
“Yes.”
“I’l tear the bastard’s room apart if I have to.” She paused thoughtful y. “Why wereyouthere?”