Gods’ sake! Two seconds with her and he’d forgotten about the meeting again. “I do. But I’ll be right back. Promise me you won’t leave.”
He yearned to bring her face to his and kiss her, even though he’d be gone a matter of minutes.
“Yes,” she said. “I’ll stay.”
He turned around and strode to the hallway, muttering, “Kryptonite.”
It was like she’d become someone else in Rhemy’s arms.
Reckless. Demanding. Needy. Sexually depraved.
Taelour rushed to a chair, eyes wide, lungs tight with the need to breathe.
The whole reason she’d learned to hide her sensa was so she wouldn’t succumb to—and be lured by—the desire her kind thrived on. At times she wondered if suppressing hers and blocking others had made it disappear altogether, but, obviously not. Had smothering hers only increased its strength? Because it should never be that uncontrollable, that unmanageable, even if she hadn’t learned to cloak it.
When a vampire evoked his, and a vampiress received it and sent out her sensa in return, it was supposed to give a pleasant, erotic mutual exchange of energy. Nothing more. Sure, sexual feelings could arise, but not to the point where time lost all meaning.
She finally exhaled.
I have to remember why I’m here in the first place.
A way into the Centurias.
Not to be seduced.
The vibration on the floor caught her attention. It was her cell phone, which must’ve stumbled out of her pocket. She reached down to grab it.
Hey sis. Checking in. What’s the word?
She bit her bottom lip and groaned. What should she say? Well, it wasn’t necessary to give her brother a play by play. He just wanted to know she was okay, since she’d insisted on meeting Porter alone at a club so far from home.
She quickly responded: All good! Don’t worry. I’ll call you when I’m on my way back.
His reply was short. Cool. Be safe.
If he’d known what she’d been up to minutes ago, he would’ve added, and try to keep your fucking pants on. With a sigh of relief, she set her phone down. Her brothers knew she wanted to attend the Centurias, they just didn’t know the real reason, otherwise they probably would’ve stood in her way long before she ever would’ve crossed paths with Rhemy Carrington.
She ran her tongue over her lips, could still taste Rhemy on them. The scent of his cologne and musk saturated her skin.
However, she couldn’t allow lust to take the wheel of her journey. While the attraction between them was undeniable, it had to be pushed aside.
Thirsty, she went to his mini-bar, grabbed a bottled water, and guzzled it down. She entertained herself by looking around his office, finding history books, volumes of poetry, biographies. She picked up the bowl of sweets that’d toppled over and put it back in place, then made a job out of gathering up the candy, finding them everywhere from under his desk to near his umbrella stand by the door. Since they were wrapped, no harm no foul, and she treated herself to one.
At the two-way mirror, she watched the club crowd for a couple minutes, enjoying how no one could see her. Night creatures of all kinds, even a human or two, convened in one space, getting along, drinking, having fun, enjoying the music.
She exhaled, anticipating his return. Pretty soon, she would be even closer to her goal, and the only thing Rhemy asked for in return was to get to know her. Just one night of her company. And yes, she continued to wrestle with agreeing to it, but she’d have to. Besides, there probably wouldn’t be much “getting to know” each other after five minutes, except sexually. Would they really be able to spend time together without tearing each other’s clothes off?
Now that she’d released her sensa, and sampled his skills as a lover, she was very interested in spending a few hours to sample all of him.
A few taps on the door caught her attention.
Rhemy came in, his mahogany-brown hair mussed and run-through, his vest slightly wrinkled. A flashback of the feel of his physique crossed her mind, of when she’d clutched his waist with her legs, how hard he was, and how wrong and inaccurate she’d been. Though he wasn’t a bodybuilder, there was nothing basic about his body. Even with him clothed, she’d felt nothing but hard, toned muscle.
“You cleaned up,” he commented with a sexy half-smile.
Her knees threatened to knock together. “Yes. I thought I’d make myself useful. How…was your meeting?”
“I just had to get it started. It’s not necessary for me to attend the whole thing.”
“Oh.” Eager to dissolve an awkward bomb of silence, she sought small talk, and gestured behind her. “You have every kind of group representing out there. Vampires. Humans. Fairies. Even a demon.”
“Good music appeals to every soul.”
“I didn’t notice any shifters, though.”
His brows came together slightly and he moved away from the door toward his bar, but said nothing in response.
She hesitated, but was too curious. “Do you ban them from the club?”
He poured a clear liquid into a stemless glass from a decanter. “Care for a little moonshine? The oldest recipe in Louisiana.”
“No, thanks. Well, do you?”
“Why do you ask? You like keeping the company of shifters?”
Face pale, she exclaimed, “What? How can you even ask that? They’re disgusting! Barbaric, vulgar beasts of modicum intelligence. They’re beneath us. Always have been and always will be.” Was that too much? Did he believe her? She said it because that was what she was expected to say. She said it with such revulsion because that was how she was supposed to say it. “What do you think of shifters?”
He stared at her oddly while he took a sip of the moonshine. “I don’t.”
“But if one wanted to be a member?”
A pause. He set down his glass with care. “No amount of money would persuade me to let dogs in my place.”
Of course he felt that way. Time to get back on the subject at hand. “Anyway, the Centurias. I’ll agree to your offer. Time with me for a way in. You can guarantee me entry?”
It was then his gaze moved from hers for the first time since he’d returned, and her stomach dropped with heavy dread.
“About that…” he began.
Oh, gods. Did he change his mind? At the guilt in his expression, she realized he hadn’t been completely truthful. “Can you get me in or not?” she asked.
Pregnant silence hung in the air. As soon as she heard the word “no,” she marched for the door.
Rhemy caught her arm. “Taelour.”
She yanked out of his hold. “Let me go.”
“I didn’t lie. Listen to me, darlin’—” He swiftly got ahead of her and blocked the door, hands up. “I can still help you.”
“After you lied? Like I’d trust a word out of your mouth now.”
“I understand you’re angry. Just listen. I can’t guarantee a way in, no, but I do know someone who has a key and who would be willing to take you with him. You won’t have to give him anything for it. I’ll owe him.”
The soothing tonic of his voice and beautiful brown eyes with thick lashes proved to be quite the temper tamer. “How do I know you’re not jerking me around?”
“I’ll prove it to you. I’ll introduce you to him, and I’ll insist he bring the key. He’s a very good friend of mine so he trusts me, and he’ll have no issue with showing it.”
Now she’d have to convince a third man? Part of her longed to go home and forget the entire night, and the other part screamed she had to at least consider his offer. Especially if he was willing to pay for it. “Who’s your friend?”
He gestured behind her to the chairs. “Sit down and I’ll tell you. You can have a glass of my moonshine and we’ll talk.”
Reluctantly, she went back and took a seat. “All right,” she said. “On the rocks. I like my moonshine cold, s’il vous plaît.”
He smiled. “As you wish.”
His sensa was hypnotizing her again, but she fought it. She fought it so hard, and successfully rejected it. Stay focused, Taelour. “About your friend?” she prompted.
By the look in his eyes, he’d realized she was blocking him again, but said nothing. He crossed his arms, clearing this throat. “His name is Aleck Trevyn. A pürblood. Old money. Despite the fact he’s wealthy, he’s not that social, and is pretty picky about who he spends time with.” He moved his large hands to brace behind him on the desk. “Usually his brother goes, but this time around, it’s he who has to attend, and he needs to bring a companion. It helps, especially with alliances. Some socials a vampire can’t even enter unless he brings a woman with him, so that the ratio is even.”
“Oh.” She held her glass with both hands. “So he’d have to like me, like me. As in—be interested.”
The desk creaked.
She glanced at his hands. Why were his knuckles white?
“In a matter of speaking. Obviously he’d have to enjoy your company if he’s going to spend nine evenings with you. You have my word he won’t expect anything. I can vouch for him.”
Well, if she was willing to escort a total stranger from the auction to accomplish her goal, might as well be someone she could actually meet first. “Okay. But I’m not getting my hopes up. Someone like that usually doesn’t have a problem finding a date.”
“He prefers to take a mutual friend over a stranger. That’s why he asked me to let him know if I had someone in mind. Now I do.” He reached back and pulled the black, retro-style phone and rested it on his muscular thigh. “When do you want to meet him? I’ll set it up.”
Was it just her, or were things different between them, as though those desperate, passionate moments before had never happened? True, she’d dismissed his sensa, but she told him they had to pump the brakes. He should’ve expected that.
It was as if he was making an ordinary business deal, already forgetting what they’d done on the same desk he so casually leaned against. It felt weird to talk about being set up with his friend, when half an hour ago she was clutching Rhemy and thrusting her hips while he strummed her pussy.
Why was she so drawn to him? She wasn’t a fateblood, so there was no chance they were meant to be together. Even if she was his fated, she wouldn’t exactly rejoice, for a couple of really valid reasons.
“Taelour?” The receiver to his ear, Rhemy raised his brows, waiting on her reply.
She snapped out of her reverie. “Oh. Uh, as soon as possible. Tomorrow. If that works.”
He nodded, then someone answered on the other line. “Aleck. It’s Carrington. I’m good, thanks. Say, I know you’re busy, so I’ll get to the point. Are you still in search of a date for the Centurias?” He listened. “Good. Because I have someone I think you should meet.”
Taelour couldn’t finish the delicious but strong as hell moonshine. One more sip and she would be begging for him to put his hands on her again. She set the cup on the desk, acting nonchalant, while she burned to crawl in his lap, wrap herself around him, and put her finger on the hang-up button.
“What’s she like?” Rhemy repeated.
Taelour shot her gaze to his.
“She’s…she’s…” he trailed.
Heart pounding, she waited, some insane part of her hoping he’d say “she’s mine”, end the call, then tell her there was no way he would ever let another man take her to the Centurias.
Their gazes locked for what had to be way too long.
Suddenly, Rhemy picked up the dialer, got off the desk, and turned his back. “She’s more than worth the trip. Trust me. Just what you’re looking for. Gorgeous, well-spoken, intelligent. Charming. Do you even need to ask? You know I have exceptional taste.”
Taelour briefly closed her eyes.
Whatever Aleck said had Rhemy chuckling. “You’re right about that. Anyway, how about tomorrow night? It’s a quick flight. And bring your key. Ten o’clock. My apartment? See you then.” He didn’t face her as he slowly hung up the receiver.
Staring at his broad back, she despaired at the pain banging in her chest with every heartbeat. Though she told him to keep his distance because his sensa was overwhelming, she felt adrift without it. Hungry for it.
Gods. Why him? Answer me.
They didn’t.
“Thank you,” she said.
He set the phone on the desk with a hard bang and she jumped at the jarring sound.
“You’re welcome,” he said softly.
“Where’s your apartment?”
“On this floor, at the end of the hall.”
How convenient. She should go. Standing up, she waited for him to turn around, but he wouldn’t. “Do you still want a night with me? As—payment?” She flinched at the word.
Finally, he turned, face expressionless, grabbing his worn leather chair to sit down. “Forget it. You don’t owe me anything.”
Forget it? Why? “Yes, I do. Because of you I have a chance at going to the Centurias without putting myself in the Unavowed Auction. Who knows how that would’ve turned out.”
“There’s no guarantee. Aleck could say no.”
Obviously by his attitude, she’d blown it with him, and she didn’t know how. Maybe he didn’t like the thought of getting to know her now that he was setting her up with his friend, which would make sense, but Aleck was only a means. She didn’t want him. “Even if he does say no, I owe you, Rhemy.”
“You don’t owe me a thing.”
Gods, she was so confused. “We’re done then?” she asked. It was a loaded question, and she knew he was smart enough to hear it.
A few beats of charged silence went by. “We’re done,” he confirmed.
She drew in a deep breath, hoping she hid her crushing disappointment. There was no reason to be upset, right? She barely knew him. Raging lust aside, they were from two different worlds, probably had zilch in common. Fortified with that insta-reasoning, she steeled her spine. “Okay. Before I go, any advice?” Stalling. All you’re doing is stalling.
“Advice about what?” His tone was so disconnected as he shifted his gaze, she wondered if he was bored with her.
“You practically made me sound like a walking, talking goddess to your friend. I want to make sure I give a good first impression. What will attract him? Every man has a type. Even though this is platonic, he has to like what he sees.”
Rhemy leaned back in his chair, turning his ring, considering her question. “Good point. For the most part, you will impress him on your own, but you could…” He seemed hesitant to continue, looking her up and down.
“What?” she clipped.
“Look less vampiress-noir. No need to go overboard or anything, but it’ll help if you wear a dress, instead of those...”
“They’re pleather.”
“It’s August in Louisiana.”
“They’re comfortable.”
“Fine, but not feminine enough.”
She gaped at him. “Rhemy—”
“Curious. When did you hit maturation age? Twenty-seven?”
“Twenty-eight.”
“Well, sexy as you are in those fake leather spray-ons, they won’t turn Aleck on.” Just when she was about to assert she didn’t want to turn Aleck on, he added, “Maybe that isn’t your goal, but you catch my drift. He wants to take a woman who can wow. Ninety-percent of the parties you’d be attending are formal in some fashion. You should give him a preview of what to expect. Show off that fine figure of yours,” he drawled sexily.
A pretty dress. Check.
“He’s tall. About my height. So I suggest heels.”
“Fine.”
“Color. No black. Men like color.”
Color. Check. “Okay.”
Rhemy cocked his head, evaluating her more. “
Hair up, maybe?”
“Sure thing.”
She waited for another slice of advice while he traced his gaze over face, down her breasts, her legs. However, he didn’t do it like he had before. There was no hunger, no heat, as though he were evaluating her like a contestant for a pageant.
“Anything else?” she asked, trying not to sound irritated.
He sharply removed his gaze. “No. I’m sure you’ll look great.”
It sounded like a dismissal, and when he checked his watch, she knew it was time to go home. “Thanks.” She took her cell from his desk. “I’ll be back tomorrow at ten.”
“How are you getting home?”
“Ride share.”
He frowned. “Maybe I should drive you.”
Uh, no. She couldn’t let him see where she lived, and she definitely couldn’t have him running into one of her brothers. Two of them had their own place, but she shared a house with the other two, and it was Friday night. There was a big chance all of them were home watching ESPN or entertaining friends. It was a huge old house with five bedrooms and they were known to throw spontaneous parties.
“Thank you, but I’ll be fine. I live far.” She pulled up the app and ordered her ride. A message popped up her driver was less than five minutes away.
He stood up, looking as though he wanted to argue with her. “Come on. I’ll walk you out.”
As they left his office and entered the club, he remained just behind her, his fingertips brushing the small of her back. Her spine tingled, and the tender place between her legs started to throb again.
But she held the need to evoke her sensa with all her might, smothering it, and damning him.
Four
“Rhemy!”
“Not now,” he growled, striding past one of his employees down the stairs to the first floor.
Out the alley entrance, he turned left to the building next door, punched in the code, entered, gave a nod to his security guard Sal, and entered the code to another door.
Shouts and laughter bounced off the old brick walls.
He unbuttoned his vest, tossed it. Unbuttoned his shirt, tossed it.
Rhemy: Immortal Forsaken Series #4 (Paranormal Romance Novella) Page 4