Beyond The Veil: A Paranormal & Magical Romance Boxed Set

by Multiple Authors

  Ryleigh seemed to consider it for a minute.

  I didn’t give her a chance to knock it down. “Don’t decide anything now, okay? Let me talk to Thane, look into the details, and we can go from there.”

  She gave me a hesitant nod, lost in thought, and my heart soared. I told myself, over and over, she hadn’t said yes, yet. We stared at each other for a few seconds, and I searched for any excuse to stay with her.

  She spoke before I did. “I know it’s late, and you probably want to rest, but would you like to share a glass of wine with me? I don’t think I can sleep after the day I’ve had. Mimi offered some earlier, and I was heading down to see if she’d left it out when you stopped outside my door.”

  Grateful for the opportunity to spend more time with her, I nodded. “I’d love to. I’ll go get it.”

  Mimi waited at the top of the stairs with a bottle of Chardonnay, two goblets, and a plate of cold cuts, cheeses, and crackers. “I’m not sure if this qualifies as dinner, but it’s better than alcohol alone.”

  I smiled as I took her offerings. “It’s perfect. Thanks.”

  As I slipped back into Ryleigh’s room, I held up the snacks like a prize.

  She grinned and stood to help. “Oh, wonderful. We’ll have a little picnic.”

  I spread her blanket in front of the hearth, helped her settle on one side, and handed her a glass.

  “Mimi is overjoyed we’re here to give her something to do. When you’re faced with around two thousand years on this planet, you tolerate boredom less.”

  “I can’t imagine living so long.” When she didn’t elaborate, I let it go.

  Now wasn’t the time to discuss the future, or her role in it.

  When she stretched her legs on the small coverlet and settled her back against the seat, she bumped my shoulder. I sat still and waited for her to pull away, but she sighed and continued to sip her wine as she stared at the fireplace. I shifted until my body aligned with hers.

  We nestled there and watched the flames crackle. Neither of us felt like speaking. The silence was comfortable and pleasant. We finished two glasses without a word. I was more relaxed than I’d been in months.

  “I’m glad you dropped into my life, Lia.”

  When I lifted the bottle to fill her glass again, she shook her head. I thought she refused the wine until she turned to meet my eyes. I was startled to see tears shimmering, and my chest clenched.

  “What’s wrong?” I whispered.

  “Oh, Lukas. I feel so bad about everything. I really was dumped into your lap, and you’re so wonderful about it. No one has ever done anything like this for me, and…”

  She sobbed, and I pulled her into my arms. As I ran my fingers through her hair, I reveled in the sensation of the silken strands under my palm. “And what? Please tell me.”

  “You’re so sweet. I wish things were different. But it is what it is.”

  What would the others think if they heard this tiny woman call me ‘sweet’? Many saw me as distant and domineering. I stroked her shoulders and she arched into my touch. I couldn’t understand why she was so upset.

  “Tell me.” I urged.

  “Lukas, this is impossible. You know that, right?”

  For a second, my breath caught in my throat. Had my Dreams misled me? Then she hiccuped, and I smiled. She appeared to be tipsy after two glasses of wine. I knew what worried her, and the alcohol had relaxed her enough to speak about it. I rubbed her back again.

  “Who says anything is impossible?”

  She pushed away from me, looking up at me with glassy eyes. “But I’m human.”

  I tugged her into my embrace, already missing her warmth. “We’ll work it out.”

  She snuggled into my chest and held tight. “You’ll outlive me by centuries. How can we possibly get around that?”

  “It’ll be fine, I promise.”

  When she opened her mouth to protest, I leaned forward and brushed my lips against hers. They parted, and I deepened the kiss, stroking her tongue with mine. The scent of her arousal surrounded us, and I sat back, tucking her head against my shoulder. I denied the urge to taste this beautiful woman in other places.

  “Let’s not talk about what might happen, or how difficult things seem.” I whispered. “We’ll enjoy what we have right now and take it one day at a time. I don’t want to scare you by throwing too much information at you all at once. Please believe me; there is a way for our relationship to thrive if it’s what you want. Okay?”

  She smiled, and I lifted her chin and my tongue stroked hers again. Our passion soared, and I tugged her over me until she straddled my lap. My erection nestled against her core, and I groaned as I felt the heat of her through the layers of our clothes. Her delicate fingers brushed my back and sifted through my hair in a gentle caress.

  It took every ounce of willpower to resist pressing her for more.

  Feathering kisses along the length of her throat, I teased us both as I palmed her breasts through the soft sweater. With regret, I dragged my head from her neck and rested my forehead against hers. We breathed hard as we embraced, pulling back our intensity for the moment.

  “Gods, I want you so much, Lia.”

  “Then take me.”

  I cursed as I clutched her to my chest. She kissed my jaw, and her hand slid down my stomach to the button on my jeans. When I settled next to her on the blanket, I lowered her until we both lay facing each other. “I don’t want to hurt you.”

  “You won’t.”

  With a moan, I tucked her into my shoulder. She looked at me with so much desire, I couldn’t help but smile. Then she yawned.

  “Get some rest. I’ll keep you safe.”

  “Lukas, please.”

  “I’m not taking advantage of you when you’re not sober. Sleep, now. I’m not going anywhere.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Lukas

  Lia curled her fingers on my chest, and I sighed, content. She slept for six hours before stirring. I wondered if she would be embarrassed or angry to find me still with her when she woke.

  In my experience, either reaction was possible since she’d fallen asleep intoxicated. I couldn’t leave her yet. I’d dozed all night but I was wide awake, anticipating more time with her now.

  What was this woman doing to me?

  She stretched and moved her palm down my side to settle lower on my stomach. I inhaled as my cock twitched, jutting into her leg below the apex of her thighs. She murmured in response, and her hand drifted to the waistband of my jeans. I pleaded with her to continue while also cursing myself for wanting her so much. She had to be traumatized by all the things she’d been through in the last few days.

  She didn’t need me to pressure her when she felt vulnerable.

  Her knee rose, brushing against my erection, and I bit back a groan. She became more aware with each minute. While I dreaded the second she realized what she was doing, I enjoyed her innocent touches. I’d never been patient, and always took whatever I desired, including sex, but with her I wanted everything.

  I needed all she could give, and then some.

  “Hmm. Someone’s awake.”

  Her husky chuckle brought a smile to my face and I relaxed, relieved she seemed pleased to find me here. My breath hitched as her touch crept lower, caressing the head of my cock. She laughed again.

  “Vixen.” I hissed as she stroked me through my jeans.

  “Want me to stop?”

  I stayed silent as I tried to think how to respond. Did I want her to stop? No. Would I settle for a quick fuck and walk away? Oh, hell no. But if I asked her to wait, she’d take it as a rejection. I’d lose her before I had a chance to love her. She was mine.

  Now, I had to convince her.

  When she hesitated, I remembered I hadn’t given her an answer. Before she moved, I fanned my fingers over hers. I groaned when she increased the pressure.

  “Lia, I don’t want to do this if you’ll regret it later.” I whispered. “If y
ou keep it up, I won’t be able to stop.”

  “Who says I’ll let you?” She met my gaze and smiled.

  Sleep still clouded her eyes, and her hair puffed in crazy directions, but she was beautiful. She pushed my shoulder, and I let her roll me onto my back. Her teeth tugged at my lower lip, and I moaned as she slid over me.

  Her tongue teased the abused flesh, but when I parted my lips, she turned to nuzzle the side of my neck instead. Tiny kisses alternated with sharp nips as she nibbled her way along my jaw. She gripped my head with both hands as she claimed my lips again. When I held back, she pressed herself against my chest and deepened the kiss. Her tongue was far from innocent as it caressed mine.

  Gods, she had no idea how much this aggressive aspect of her aroused me.

  Breathless, she abandoned my mouth and kissed a path from my chin to the first button of my shirt. As she flipped open each section, she licked and nuzzled the exposed skin. She continued her journey down my chest, over my abs, and to the top of my jeans. I ran my trembling fingers through her hair, tugging a little as she flicked the snap.

  “Are you sure, Lia?” She slipped a finger under the waistband, and I moaned. “I won’t rush you, but I also don’t want this to be a one-night stand. If you keep going now, I’ll take all of you, for as long as we have.”

  Hell, I’d need her for the rest of our lives, but she wasn’t ready to hear it.

  She stilled, and I felt a sharp pang as she considered. If all she wanted was a quick fuck, if she didn’t feel the same, then my ultimatum would alienate her. But I meant what I said.

  She turned to face me, sitting up, and my heart clenched. “Like I already told you, I don’t do casual. But I can’t let whatever this is between us go without seeing where it will lead. I won’t promise you forever, Lukas. There’s no way I’m giving up my dreams for anyone.”

  I closed my eyes in relief. It was enough for now, but nothing short of eternity with this woman would satisfy me.

  Ryleigh

  He trailed his hands under my shirt and caressed my breasts. Since I hadn’t anticipated company after Mimi left last night, I was naked underneath the sweater. He murmured in approval as he tugged the material off. When his lips closed over my nipple, I sighed in delight. The slightest nip of teeth sent waves of pleasure straight to my clit.

  I yanked at his jeans as I tried to lower the damned zipper, and he laughed against my breast.

  “Patience, love.”

  His tongue moved to the other tip as he ran his fingers down my back. His right hand played with the neglected peak, and he soothed it in time with his mouth. When he rolled until I reclined underneath him, I gave up on the stubborn zipper for a minute. Desperate to return the affection, I cupped him through the denim. He sucked in a breath, and I increased the pressure again.

  Lukas lifted himself away from me and grabbed my hands. He gently held them together and placed them above my head. “If you don’t slow down, I won’t last long.”

  As soon as he let go, I brought them down to his naked shoulders. When had he removed his shirt? He growled against my chest.

  “I should’ve worn a belt.” He muttered.

  “A belt?” I whispered. “Why do you need a belt?”

  “You want Mimi upset with me for tearing up this blanket to restrain those naughty hands? No? Then keep them there.” Oh god, his voice changed into something dominant and demanding and his words inflamed me.

  I felt my clit getting wetter, and shifted my legs, trying to relieve the aching need. He inhaled and pressed his lips against my pulse as a shudder raced through his body. I smiled to myself, pleased I elicited this reaction in such a large and powerful man.

  My hands drifted to his back, and I ran my fingers through the silky strands at the base of his neck. His head shot up, and a ferocious grin lit up his face. I shivered in response as a sliver of delicious fear slid down my spine. I wasn’t afraid of him, but his demeanor turned feral.

  His raw and untamed passion threatened to consume me.

  As he slipped the blanket from under me, his gaze never left mine. The sound of ripping fabric filled the room, and I flinched. He wrapped a strip of torn cloth around one wrist and tied the end in a neat knot. It was obvious he’d done this before.

  “Won’t Mimi be upset with you?”

  He shrugged, but a smirk crept over his lips. “I’ll get her another.”

  The other edge of the material snaked under the loveseat around the far leg. He pulled until my arm stretched toward the sofa. When he looked at me, his smile crumbled.

  He cupped my cheek in his palm. “Are you okay with this? I can stop…”

  I cut him off with a kiss, grateful for his concern. He had no idea what crazy things I fantasized about doing. Hell, he’d met me at a kink club, for god’s sake.

  “Don’t stop now.” I whispered as I placed my free wrist in his hand.

  The pleased glow lighting up his eyes sent a thrill through me as he bent to finish his task. I’d never gotten beyond fantasizing about bondage. He wanted to do more than play, he took charge. His hands slid down my bound arms, and I tested the bonds.

  Honestly, I could pull hard enough to move the furniture, but I played along, pretending to be restrained.

  His appraisal took in my nipples as they peaked in the chilled room, and a hungry look appeared on his face. He trailed his lips from one wrist to my shoulder and repeated the process with the other arm. His tongue tasted me at intervals as he caressed my neck and collarbone. Then he brought my buds to peaks before moving down my stomach to my jeans. With deft fingers, he removed them, humming in pleasure as he revealed my mound.

  As I lay there before him helpless, I rubbed my legs together and tried to relieve the ache in my clit.

  Lukas shook his head. He grabbed one ankle and secured it to the nearest chair with another strip of blanket. Though he was extra cautious handling my bandaged leg, it didn’t hurt anymore, and the scratches were already healed. He attached it to the side table.

  I trembled, spread before him, naked and exposed.

  He nuzzled my legs in the same manner he’d worshiped my arms. I could tell it excited him, having me bound and at his mercy. I tested the bindings again. They had a little play, but the ties weren’t uncomfortable. In fact, under his caring ministrations, I felt safe.

  Cherished.

  “Now, what shall I do with you?” His lips whispered over my pussy.

  He hovered over the curls guarding my core, keeping his focus on my face. When he dipped his chin, I arched toward him in anticipation. With a deep, throaty chuckle, he splayed his hands on my hips and held me in place as he positioned himself above me. He still wore his jeans, and the rough material rasped against the tender inner flesh of my thighs.

  Taking his time, he kissed a trail from my mouth to my clit.

  He blew through the tendrils, watching and waiting to see if I would move. I fought the urge to squirm. He finally parted the damp folds and licked my slit. I groaned with him as his eyes closed, savoring the contact. He nibbled on the distended nub, increasing the pressure and length of each stroke until his tongue found my center and plunged inside.

  The sensation sent me over the edge, and I came.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Lukas

  Lia shattered around me and I continued to dip my tongue into her core. Her thighs quivered as she rode through the pleasure. I looked up at her face as she came down from her orgasm, and frowned. She’d bitten her lip to keep quiet, when I wanted nothing more than to make her scream.

  I was determined to make her shout my name before I was through.

  As I slid up her body again and kissed her full lips, I savored her taste. She squirmed as I ground my jeans-clad shaft over her slit. I was ready to come from watching her, so I removed my pants to give me a moment to regain control.

  To prolong both our ecstasy, I returned to her wet folds and teased her sensitive flesh. She writhed away, but I refused to yie
ld until her whimpers turned into moans. I worked my finger into her tight sheath and stroked her in small motions. A second, and then third digit joined the first. She rocked her hips, searching for the rhythm and position to drive her over the edge. When I increased the tempo, she moaned into my shoulder.

  Still not good enough. I needed her to scream.

  Ignoring my aching erection, I hovered above her. She shifted and her damp curls brushed the tip of my prick as I massaged her breasts with my fingers and tongue. I twisted the hand supporting me into her hair and tugged as she undulated with me. Her groans were more vocal now, and I smiled against her neck as I pumped against her.

  My cock slid through her slit, bumping her nub as I moved to the other breast.

  I continued teasing her nipples, stroking her clit until she came. As her body writhed under mine, I positioned myself at her opening and nudged inside. Inch by inch, she welcomed me with gentle contractions. Encased in her warmth, I waited for her to return so I could bring her to the peak again.

  This time, we’d climax together.

  I held Lia’s eyes as I moved, slow at first, and then with increasing thrusts until I felt her reach for another orgasm. As she fell apart, a small cry escaped her lips, and she sighed my name. I spurted into her with a roar of victory. As I collapsed to her side and unbound her, I grinned.

  It wasn’t a scream, but it was a start.

  Ryleigh

  Lukas massaged my wrists and ankles as he removed the bindings and I sighed, content. I don't think I had ever reached more than two orgasms in a row. As I stretched, he checked my bandages again.

  “Did I hurt you?” He whispered into my hair.

  “Not at all.” I curled into his shoulder as he rubbed slow circles along my spine. “That was probably the best sex I've had in my whole life.”

  “Only 'probably'? Then I’ll work harder next time until there’s no room for doubt.”