Tempted

by Anthony, Alexandra

  Nick eased me back onto the bed, hovering lithely above me. As his fingers began a provocative path down my neck and over the curve of my breast, my hands slipped under his shirt and dragged down the flexing planes of his back, cupping his tight ass and dragging his hips to mine. Every inch of our bodies molded tightly together and the air around us seemed to shimmer, growing taut with anticipation. It seemed we were both longing to explore what we’d denied ourselves of for so long.

  My bedroom was suddenly filled with the erotic sounds of deep wet, open-mouthed kisses and wanton moans. Our tongues teased and tangled together until I was in desperate need of air. Nick slowly kissed back up my jaw to my ear as he grasped the nape of my neck.

  "I'm not going to lie. I’ve wanted this since the first moment I saw you," Nick rasped against my ear. His tongue licked over the shell, causing a shiver to run down my spine. "I couldn't take my eyes off of you."

  His voice and sensual words caused my head to arch back into the bed. "I wanted it too. More than anything," I whispered softly. My fingers combed through his damp hair, his delicious spicy scent overpowering me.

  Swallowing back a strangled groan, he pulled away and shrugged out of his shirt. My trembling fingers stroked over his sculpted chest and down the flexing muscle of his arm, absently tracing over the large tattoo on his upper bicep. I finally let them drift over each raised ridge of his stomach, my hands continuing their unhurried exploration. He was flawlessly beautiful. His pale body was long, hard and powerful. He was more perfect than I ever could have imagined.

  He was also completely nude and fully aroused, his eyes predatory and possessive.

  "I'm going to take off your t-shirt. You're not attached to it, are you?" Nick questioned softly, fingering the collar of the fabric.

  "Uh, no. Why..."

  With a flick of his wrist, he ripped my shirt completely down the middle. His dark eyes eagerly swept over my breasts before settling on my eyes. "You're fucking gorgeous, Savannah. Better than what I ever could have imagined."

  How could I tell him that seeing him like this was better than I imagined it would be? And that I’d vividly imagined it, even dreamt about this moment.

  His fingers tugged at the sides of my panties, dragging them down the length of my legs. He tossed them aside and his fingertips crept back up over my knees and thighs. He paused, licking his lips nervously. His eyes darted up to mine, asking for the permission I'd already given him. I nodded and his soft hands began their gentle exploration. He circled my clit with his fingers at first, spreading the slick arousal over my folds. He loomed back over me, his thumb continuing its tormenting dance. I battled between clamping my thighs together to quell his teasing and opening them wider to give him anything he wanted.

  "I want to taste every inch of you." His mouth recaptured mine, pressing himself closer to me. I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him to me. His tongue plunged into my mouth at the same time two of his long fingers scissored deep inside of me. I cried out into his mouth at the sensation of his fingers and tongue both working me, arousing me to the point of where I was losing my grip on reality.

  He lifted his lips from mine, his mouth traveling over my neck and collarbone, stopping at my breasts. His tongue flickered out to lave my nipple. My skin pebbled and I felt his smile against my skin. He moved to the other, lavishing the same attention to it, causing me to bow my back and push my breast deeper into his mouth. His touch caused my heart rate to accelerate and my body to flush, wanting him more than I ever thought possible.

  "Don't tease me. I've wanted you for too long," I sighed raggedly, digging my fingers into his shoulders.

  My nipple fell from his mouth and he was back in my face, his lips against mine.

  "You're admitting it then?" Nick demanded. A third finger filled me, stretching me. They curled up, stroking me until my back arched off the bed. My hips rocked into his hand, my hot sex fluttering around them tightly. Desire clawed at me, hot and sharp.

  "God, yes," I whimpered. My hand snaked between us, grasping his cock in my hand. He was thick, like satin covered steel. Stroking him gently, a deep growl rumbled in his chest and he shuddered against me. He thrust into my hand, his body stiffening as I gripped him tighter.

  The elegant fingers of his free hand caressed my face softly. "I wanted this to be more...but I need you, Savannah." When he spoke again, his voice sounded broken. "I...I need you."

  My hand fell away and he slipped between my thighs. Nick’s narrow hips fit perfectly between my legs, as if we were made for each other. His cock throbbed against me, teasing and tempting me.

  Finally.

  He hesitated, his hands roaming over my ribs and the swell of my breasts as if he was a blind man that had could finally see. He was memorizing every curve, every inch of my flesh with fervent eyes and desperate touches. I'd never felt more beautiful than I did in this moment with him and he hadn't uttered a single word. His awed expression, the roundness of his blazing brown eyes and loving touches said what words could never express.

  "Nick?" I questioned tenderly. His dark eyes flew up to meet mine. I sat up to encircle his shoulders with my arms, wrapping my legs around his waist. "I want you and I want this. Don't make me wait any longer. Don’t make me wait for you."

  His head fell back against his shoulders and he slid inside of me, so slowly and gently I cried out in relief. He completely withdrew, only to bury himself completely to the hilt.

  "Holy fuck," he cursed. His legs shifted underneath me, his hips setting a steady rhythm as he pumped in and out of me, lifting me softly over him. "This...this is right. This is what I've always wanted it to be. Can you feel it, Savannah?"

  I could feel it. Wrapped in his arms, everything else seemed to fade away under the brilliance of his touch and the feel of his cock sheathed inside of me. His large hands splayed across my back and hips, moving me with him. If making love with Nick had to be described into words, it was like a comet blazing across the night sky, illuminating the darkness so I could finally see the light. It was blinding, dazzling and made me feel heart-wrenchingly complete. It was as natural as if we'd been joined a million times, even though it was the first.

  His tongue licked alluringly up my throat. He pressed a kiss at the corner of my mouth, his nose nuzzling against mine. "I could fucking lose myself in you completely," he muttered. His lips moved back to my neck, only this time I felt his blunt teeth bite down lightly over my skin. Under his breath, I could barely make out the quiet murmur of his voice. He kept whispering, “Not yet. Not yet.” It was almost like a chant, as if those words alone were reassuring him.

  His steady pace increased and he had me hurdling towards my release. It was only then I cried out, scratching at his unyielding flesh with my nails and begged him to never, ever stop as I tightened around him violently.

  As if he was trying to keep that very promise, Nick flipped me to my back, driving deeply back inside. His size, speed and my heightened sensitivity pushed me over the edge once again, clenching and writhing underneath him as he exploded inside of me. His deafening roar echoed in the quietness of the bedroom.

  He collapsed over me, caging me in his arms. I clung to him, holding on tightly to his body as I shivered against him.

  And so much for my misguided theory of fucking him out of my mind. Now I only wanted more...no, scratch that. I craved more.

  His deep voice brought me out of my thoughts. "Please tell me that was real. I don't want to wake up in bed unsatisfied again."

  My fingers glided over his back, enjoying the feel of his soft skin. "Technically this is my bed. But yes, it was real."

  He pulled us both to our sides so we faced one another in my bed. He reached for my hand and linked our fingers together, bringing them to his lips. "This is going to complicate everything. Every time I see you, I'll be thinking of us like this. You've ruined me."

  "Ruined you? What about me? I have to see all of your fan girls vying for your attention at eve
ry venue." I struggled to keep the jealousy out of my voice.

  His dark eyebrows slanted in a frown. "Savannah, they mean nothing to me. If I had to walk away from it all tomorrow to have a moment of this with you, I would without a second thought."

  I pulled away and looked at him with wide eyes. He was telling me the truth. I didn’t need any confirmation. His conviction rang true in the sound of his voice. And his eyes…their piercing stare seemed to see right through me.

  “I’m serious, love. I’d leave Hollywood behind me if I knew I could keep you. I wanted you to know the real me. I wanted you to know everything and then make your decision.”

  My brow furrowed. “The real you? What’s that supposed to mean?”

  He sat up and swung his long legs over the side of the bed. His forearms rested on his thighs and all I could see was his finely muscled back facing me. Another tattoo on his shoulder blade caught my attention. Without thinking, I scooted closer and followed it with my finger. The strange tattoo of a serpent with its tail in its mouth looked crisp but designed to look centuries old. I wondered what it meant?

  As if he’d read my mind, his smooth voice answered my question. “The tattoo means eternal life. I had no idea how ironic it would be.

  Now I was confused. He wasn’t making any sense. “Nick? I don’t mean to be stupid, but I’m obviously missing something big here.”

  He stood to his full height, his pale skin gleaming in the darkness. When he faced me, his whole demeanor had changed. His expression was one of determination and unhappiness. “I’m going to leave, love. Not because I want to, but because I need to. Call Elliott tomorrow morning and meet with him. It’s best if you talk to him. If you decide to show up at the show tomorrow night, then I’ll know you’ve accepted everything.” He leaned over the bed and pressed a soft kiss behind my ear. “And I promise you, from now on there will be no more secrets between us. Remember that.”

  He bent to pick up his shirt and quickly slid it on. I barely heard him as he stalked from the room, his feet a whisper on the stairs. It was only when I heard the door close that I knew he had left.

  Wavering between almost blinding anger and shock, I switched on the bedside lamp and glanced at the clock. It was nearly four in the morning and I knew that sleep was not going to happen. My thoughts were in a state of chaos from everything he said and the emotion I felt for him. Pulling on the covers, my fingers brushed against cool silk. Looking down, his forgotten red tie glared on the white duvet cover. I ran my fingers over the smooth fabric absently. Something clicked in my mind and it all came flooding back to me. It was red like the blood in the refrigerator…Nick’s food allergies…Elliott’s concern for Nick’s control at the party…his snide comment about the irony of eternal life…Elliott’s odd warning about there being more to Nick and to be careful.

  No. Uh-uh. He couldn’t be…

  It was all there. I could barely think the word, let alone accept it.

  Holy fuck. He’s a vampire.

  Chapter 6

  Revelations

  The next morning, Elliott was waiting for me in the driveway when I pulled in. He was in a robe and silk sleep pants, nervously pacing from one side to the other. Nick must have warned him I’d be coming and would be demanding answers to questions no one wanted to hear, let alone answer.

  Sliding the car into park, I left the car idling in my rush to question my godfather. I didn't even bother closing the door. Staring up into his familiar hazel eyes, I jabbed my finger into his chest with each word. "I need to know the truth about Nick."

  I’d planned on trying to work my questions about Nick into the conversation slowly, but the words just spilled out, almost sounding accusatory as I confronted him.

  Elliott ran his hand over his disheveled hair and glanced around anxiously. When he spoke, his voice was barely louder than a whisper. "Savannah, I don't know what you mean."

  "Cut the crap, Elliott. You’re out here in your robe waiting for me. He told you I’d be coming because otherwise you wouldn’t be pacing the driveway in your pajamas. I’m going to say this again. I need to know the truth about Nick. Now is not the time to sugarcoat it." I demanded. I knew how I must have sounded. My emotions were swirling out of control. Anger, fear and pain had all combined to make me on edge and jittery. My stomach was churning and lack of sleep hadn’t helped with my frazzled state of mind.

  "I know you feel betrayed. I get it. But this is something you need to discuss with Nick, Savannah. I signed an NDA. We can't be even hinting about his business." Elliott stared at me with desperation. Under his breath I barely heard him mutter. “I should have known.”

  His pleading words fell on deaf ears because I was fresh out of sympathy today. "You should have known what, Elliott? That there might be a possibility that Nick and I would be attracted to each other? Fuck! And you better start talking. You got me into this mess and we're family, Elliott. Or at least I though we were," I spat angrily.

  He sighed heavily, looking older than usual. "Savannah, you don't understand the position you're putting me in. This could cost me my career."

  "Oh, I understand. Do you know what position I’m in? Look, obviously Nick is giving you the all clear or you wouldn’t be talking to me right now. Period. And you know damn well I wouldn't put you in this situation if it weren’t important. Here's what I know. Nick doesn't eat food. Ever. Every week a medical service brings a cooler filled with something to his house. He has a refrigerator with bags of blood stored. He has strange friends…he has a tattoo meaning eternal…" My voice sputtered as I ran out of steam.

  "You have the answers. You just need to put it together," Elliott hinted. His voice was barely audible. "He's something you never thought existed. Think hard."

  I’d already figured it out last night. The bags under my eyes could attest to that. I’d gone through this a million times. He didn't eat. He was pale, almost ethereally beautiful. Worries of control, bags of blood…

  And no matter how much I wanted to deny it, I didn’t want to believe it. He couldn't be a vampire. They didn't exist. They were the creations of writers to entertain us. I had a whole bookcase crammed with books on the subject.

  My legs gave out on me and I sat down heavily in the driveway, clasping my head in my hands. "Elliott, why? Oh god. He is, isn’t he?"

  "What do you think he is, sweetheart?" Elliott asked softly. He lowered himself to sit at my side.

  Shuddering, I blurted it out. "He's a vampire, isn't he?"

  His silence and harsh intake of breath was all the confirmation I needed.

  Struggling to my feet, I staggered towards my car. Blinded by tears, I almost fell against the open door. "Jesus, Elliott. How long have you known?"

  Elliott nudged his slippered foot on the driveway, doing his best to divert his eyes from mine. "Since I signed him, Savannah. It's part of my NDA."

  I started to get in the car when I whirled to face him again. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest. "And you were perfectly alright with sending me to work for him?"

  "Savannah, I've worked with him for four years. I've never seen a bad side to him. I just didn't expect...he’d ever..." He paused as if unsure what to say next.

  "You didn't expect what?" I asked sharply.

  He cleared his throat before his clear hazel eyes met mine. "I didn't expect Nick to be interested in you. In four years he's never been out with a woman. When I received that phone call that night, I should have trusted my gut. I knew it was trouble when I saw him look at you the very first day in my office."

  "Elliott, I'm out of here. You could have told me. You could have prevented all of this." I slammed the car door angrily and gunned the engine, reversing down the driveway.

  Slamming on the brakes, I put the car in drive and squealed away from the house. The closer I got to my own, the angrier I became. I was infatuated with a vampire, thanks to my godfather. A supposed mystical creature of the night, the Nick Hart I knew seemed to have no limitations
. I'd seen him in the sun, seen his reflection in a mirror just hours ago. Hell, we'd even had drinks together a few times.

  I barely remember walking into my house. Heading straight for the bathroom, I steadied myself against the sink. With shaking hands I turned on both of the taps and splashed water on my face, hoping it would wash away everything I’d learned in the last few hours.

  It didn’t work.

  I finished up in the bathroom and made it into the bedroom. It was there that I lost it. A shaking sob coursed through me like a freight train. I’d been running on pure adrenaline for hours and the reality hit me like a sledgehammer to the chest.

  Sinking to the floor by my bed, I pulled my knees up to my chin. I couldn’t be strong anymore…not when I was alone. I’d held it together with Elliott and I still needed to decide if I was even going to face Nick again.

  A gamut of emotions ran through me. I was mad. No, I was pissed. Nick had made all of these promises that he wanted no secrets between us, yet he’d had no issue bursting his way into my house the previous night and fucking me senseless. He’d chosen to keep his secret from me, leaving me to rely on my own recall of events and my godfather to fill in the gaps. I was hurt that he hadn’t trusted me enough to tell me the truth; to answer my questions himself. And he was in for it if I chose to see him again.

  But most of all, my heart ached for him. He’d managed the impossible. He’d succeeded in breaking through the wall around my heart with his flaws, his beauty and the simple way he looked at me as if no one else mattered.

  Gathering the strength to crawl into bed, I pulled the covers over my head. I knew the ball was in my court.

  I had no idea if I wanted to see Nick Hart again.

  ***

  Hours later, I was still angry. I'd prepared myself for anything when I'd made the decision to show up at the arena. I'd tried to think sensibly about everything Elliott had danced around in our obscure conversation. There was always the possibility that Nick would feel differently about things in the light of day. He might have changed his mind about how he felt about me and all my self-inflicted angst was for nothing.