The Emperor: Secrets Bared

by Anne Rainey

  Her body stiffened as she grasped the enormity of what just happened. In an instant she shut down, and he could almost feel her withdrawing from him physically as well as mentally. She was leery of him now.

  He cursed himself for a fool, but before he had a chance to cover his mistake, to ease her mind, the door to his studio was slung open and shut. Then it was a man's thoughts invading his mind.

  Yum-yum, Gideon old buddy. What have we here?

  At once, Gideon's entire body pulsated with a kind of rage he'd never before felt. Every muscle tensed, and his nostrils flared as if sensing a rival. He looked over Lori's head and saw his visitor come into the studio. As Gideon locked eyes with the newcomer, a smile spread over the man's arrogant face. On instinct, Gideon moved from behind Lori and stepped directly in front of her, using his body as a shield.

  Gideon crossed his arms over his chest. “I'm busy, go away."

  "Aw, Gideon, is that any way to talk to your oldest and dearest friend?"

  He was being baited, but he couldn't seem to stop himself from rising to it. The idea of another man seeing Lori clad in the tiny bit of purple silk, nearly nude, made him want to smash something. That something was walking closer to them, closer to Lori. Gideon's fury boiled over.

  "If you don't leave now, you'll be my oldest and dearest dead friend, Gregory."

  Gregory tsked, not at all alarmed about the frenzy he was causing. “Introduce me. I know your mother raised you with proper manners.” He angled his head to the side in an effort to see around Gideon's body.

  "I'm not introducing you. Get out before I lose my temper and pound that pretty face you're so fucking proud of."

  Lori's low husky voice stopped any reply Gregory would've made. “Uh, hello? I'm Lori Fontaine."

  Apparently, her good manners overrode her shyness. Gideon groaned. “Don't bother with niceties, he's not staying."

  Lori shoved him, and when that didn't get him to move, she sidled around him. Great, with him she's a shy wallflower, but with Gregory she's all smiles. To add fuel to his already out of control fury Gregory could now see her from head to toe. Gideon was forced to watch as the son-of-a-bitch got a good long look.

  Gideon wanted desperately to twist his friend's dick in a knot for the vulgar thoughts running rampant inside of his depraved head. Never mind they had just been running around in his head as well. He was allowed to think of Lori in various sexual positions; Gregory wasn't.

  Gregory moved dangerously close to Lori and reached a hand out to her. “It's very nice to meet you, Lori Fontaine. I'm Gregory Kent.” His smile was flirtatious, and his silvery-blue eyes lit with delight. The damn rascal was flirting with her.

  Fuck me, Gideon. She's incredible!

  Gideon stepped forward, ready to send his best friend to hell with one well placed fist, when Lori reached out as if to shake Gregory's hand. He stopped her with one hand clasped around her wrist, then gently nudged her behind him again.

  "Gideon, you're embarrassing me,” she muttered.

  He swung around and pinned her with a furious glare. “If you don't want to see blood shed here today, then you'll stay where I put you."

  Immediately he knew he'd made a mistake. She was good and pissed now. In her mind she envisioned strangling him.

  "Look, you can stick your blasted easel and stool where the sun doesn't shine!"

  Gideon placed a finger to her lips. “Don't forget what you're wearing right now, sweetheart. You just gave a complete stranger a free show."

  Her eyes narrowed. “You may as well be a complete stranger, Gideon."

  That stopped him for a moment, but then he leaned in close and whispered, “We made love last night and this morning. You screamed my name. That sure as hell changes things, baby."

  A flush spread over her cheeks. Hell, he knew he was acting like a jealous lover, but he couldn't seem to stop himself. When the same thought popped into her head, it compelled him to respond. “I've never been jealous with any other woman.” He spoke the words in a low tone, meant for her ears alone.

  Her eyes held a thousand questions, and Gideon wanted to answer every single one of them, but first things first. Gideon deliberately raised his voice for Gregory. “Now, please stay where I put you and we'll talk after I get rid of this asshole."

  "Hey, I resent that!"

  A headache began to make itself known. As he rubbed his temples, Gideon turned back around and faced his best friend. Maybe his only friend.

  "For the love of God, Gregory, go away. I'll call you tomorrow. We can talk then."

  Gregory heaved a huge and exaggerated sigh. “Okay, okay, I know when I'm not wanted.” But in his mind Gregory said, you'd damn well better call me though. I want to know where you found this beauty. I just may give you a run for this one, old friend.

  Gideon frowned as he heard Gregory's final thought. No way in hell would he get his hands on Lori. She was his. She just didn't know it yet.

  After he watched to be sure Gregory left, he turned around and faced Lori. She was standing with her arms crossed, a gesture that pushed her breasts high, and her cheeks were flushed. She'd worked herself up good, the truth of which lay in all the four letter words she was calling him inside her head.

  Gideon thought she'd never looked more adorable or more fuckable.

  "First of all, you don't tell me what to do, Gideon Adrian. I'm here for one reason and one reason only; you wanted to sculpt me remember? But don't think for one minute that just because we slept together you have some kind of rights over me.” When he thought it was safe to defend himself, she went on, “And how is it possible for you to know what I'm thinking? How do you know what I'm going to say before I say it?"

  Her eyes darkened a fraction, turning them jade. His first thought was to give her some song and dance about seeing it written all over her face, something to the affect that she didn't hide her emotions very well. He'd never told his secret to a woman he was involved with before. But as he stared down at her, he realized he wanted to be honest with her. He wanted it all out in the open.

  Gideon didn't want to think of the reason why he was willing to share such a huge part of himself with her. For the time being, the only thing that mattered was seeing her smile at him again.

  "First off, I'm sorry for acting like an ass. Please, forgive me?"

  "You're trying to charm me so I'll forgive you. But it won't work. I want answers or we're done here."

  "Don't leave. I'm sorry I went all macho on you. I'm not sure what came over me.” He pulled her hand up and placed a gentle kiss to her soft palm, then whispered, “But, you aren't just any woman, baby. I wanted you the moment I saw you. You took my breath away.” He looked at her tempting body and growled. “You look beautiful, and I didn't like the idea of Gregory seeing you."

  "Thank you for the compliment."

  "You're welcome."

  "Now, tell me how you are able to answer a question I hadn't asked."

  "I'll tell you the truth. All of it. First, I need something from you."

  She stepped back. “What?"

  "This,” he murmured, then leaned down and took her mouth with a wildness that surprised them both. He slipped his arms around her and pulled her close, then angled his head for better access. Gideon felt the connection all the way through; it'd been the same the first time he'd touched her. It was electrifying, and he never wanted to let her go.

  Her body began to melt against him; her arms wrapped around his neck. Her moan set him off. He licked her lips and eased her mouth open, gently tasting her dark secrets. Suddenly she stiffened.

  She pushed against him, and he forced his arms to loosen. “You sneak! You can't kiss your way out of this talk."

  "I wouldn't dream of it, baby."

  "Then stop trying to change the subject."

  He sighed. “Let's sit down. It's a long story.” He gave her his hand, all too pleased when she took it and allowed him to walk them to the couch. They sat side by side, but Lo
ri deliberately put space between them. She was apprehensive, and until he explained everything, she would allow no further contact. She kept thinking inane thoughts, trying to free her mind of the images that had been there only moments ago. She didn't want him eavesdropping on anymore of her private thoughts. Gideon knew what she was doing and immediately felt the loss. He only hoped she would understand.

  "Would you like something to drink?” He was stalling, but he wasn't sure where to start.

  "No, thank you."

  With her hands clasped in her lap and her back ramrod straight, she waited for him to begin.

  "All right then.” He took a fortifying breath. “I'm not sure where to start, except at the beginning."

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  Chapter Six

  "When I was eight years old, I was struck by lightning. I don't remember much about that day. One minute I was splashing through a mud puddle like any other eight-year-old boy, making a mess of myself, and the next thing I knew I was laying in a hospital bed with my mother hanging over me crying and frantic. I'd almost died the doctors said."

  He paused, remembering the day as if it were yesterday. “I was able to leave the hospital about two weeks later, after a few tests showed all was normal. The only remnant of the incident was the scar you saw on my back. There was a recovery period and some pain, but nothing horrible. Kids are tough. The worst was bedtime. I'd start out on my stomach, but eventually in my sleep I'd turn over. Stung like a bitch, to be honest."

  Lori laid her hand on his arm then whispered, “Gideon, I'm so sorry. It must have been terrible for you."

  Her touch was like a healing balm, and her voice stroked his spine in a gentle caress. He moved out of her reach. He'd never be able to concentrate otherwise. Lori misunderstood his movement and thought he was pulling away. He'd inadvertently hurt her feelings.

  "If you start touching me, I'll lose my train of thought."

  She nodded and he continued. “After a month out of the hospital, I started getting headaches. Excruciating migraines no drug could fix. They were constant. My mother was beside herself with worry.” He raked his fingers through his hair and said, “Somehow, and to this day I still don't know the how's and why's of it all, when the lightning struck me, it did something to my brain and nervous system. Almost immediately I started hearing voices. I was confused at first, but I soon realized I was hearing other people's thoughts. Their private feelings and emotions were as clear to me as if they'd spoken them.” He looked at her, trying to judge her reaction. She was quiet, listening. He didn't delve inside her mind. This time he didn't want to know her thoughts.

  "My mom noticed it the first day in the hospital. I hadn't. She told me I'd answered a question she'd never voiced. She knew something was wrong but didn't want to worry me. When she realized what I could do, she explained that it needed to be our secret. Later, she helped me learn how to block other's thoughts."

  Lori frowned. “Why would she make you keep it a secret?"

  "She was afraid if anyone knew what I could do, they'd want to test me. She didn't want that for her only child. She wanted me to get back to a normal life” He shrugged. “Or as normal as could be considering the circumstances."

  He rose to his feet when he saw pity on Lori's face. “I don't want your pity."

  He walked over to the window and looked out at the early morning. It was his favorite time of day. Everything was given a fresh face. Like a break from the constant pretense of normalcy. Mornings were the time when his mind could expand, and his creative juices roared to life.

  Without turning around, he finished his story. “It feels good being able to tell someone. Sort of like unloading a burden I've carried around for the past two decades. Anyway, Mom took me out of school immediately and began to tutor me at home. Being around large crowds was difficult. In time she helped me with that, too. She taught me how to free my mind, showed me ways to put up mental walls to keep thoughts from bombing me.” He turned and looked at Lori. “People think unpleasant things. They're not always good and pure. Hearing the immoral, the repulsive, and often the sadistic things people were thinking would've driven me insane over time. It took years of practice before I could be in a room of more than ten people without experiencing a throbbing headache.” He took a lungful of air as he remembered his mother. “My mom was wonderful though. I never would've survived without her. It was her love and guidance that brought me peace and took me down a new path. She made me understand that I was unique, not cursed.” When he realized Lori's eyes were too bright, he stiffened. Was she crying?

  He walked over to the couch and crouched down in front of her. “What's this about, baby? Why the tears?” He kept his voice tender and soothing. He didn't like to see her tears.

  Lori touched a finger to her own cheek and frowned when it came away wet. “I didn't realize I was crying.” She looked at him with her heart in her eyes, and Gideon was lost in her tenderness. “I don't know. I guess it's just ... everything. What you went through as a child.” She laid a soft palm against his cheek. “You must have felt so alone, so isolated. And the way you talk about your mother, you love her very much, don't you?"

  "Yes, I do. She was one-of-a-kind. She died of breast cancer two years ago, and I miss her still.” He took her hand in both of his and pressed his lips to her fingertips. “But don't cry for me. It was all a long time ago. I'm an adult now. Thanks to my mom I live a very happy and relatively normal life.” When she started to speak again, he stopped her. “Have I frightened you away yet?"

  Her answer was so important to him, and he knew by now he could expect nothing less than complete honesty from her. “I'm not afraid of you, Gideon.” She looked down at her lap. “I'll admit I'm a little uncomfortable."

  Gideon attempted to wriggle back into her mind. Like a thief in the night, he wanted to see her innermost feelings. Without warning, Lori jerked away from him and jumped to her feet. She started to do a fast walk, to put distance between them. Between Gideon and her thoughts more likely. Gideon was faster. In a few strides he caught her in one long arm. She landed against him with a thud. He turned her in his arms and growled, “Why are you running?"

  "Because you can't seem to stay out of my head!"

  "But your thoughts are so delicious, baby."

  "You have no right to—"

  Gideon stopped her with a kiss, his lips hard and brutal. God, she tasted good. He swung her into his arms and carried her to the couch, then sat down with her on his lap. He was careful to hold her face in place without hurting her as he deepened the kiss. She had no choice but to submit to his will. Trapped against him, he knew Lori could feel his hard length beneath her bottom. He was painfully aroused. He sported a permanent hard on around her. She drove him to his knees with desire. She could have both hands tied behind her back, and he'd still be completely helpless. She was so delicate and fragile, but intelligent and determined. She was the perfect combination.

  He coaxed her mouth open and slipped his tongue inside. Lori's whimpers tore at his control. He nipped at her lower lip; the little stinging bites had her moaning and wriggling. Gideon eased up and placed soft kisses over her cheeks and neck. He began caressing her jumpy pulse with his tongue, touching all the places he'd discovered drove her wild; then he suckled, leaving his mark behind.

  Gideon lifted his head slowly. Putting a stop to the sensual assault took all his willpower. “Don't walk away from me,” he commanded.

  Lori stared up at him, eyes glazed over with desire.

  Gideon addressed her again. “Face me head on, sweetheart. Don't run."

  "I wasn't running ... exactly,” she pouted.

  Gideon smiled with primal satisfaction. Lori wasn't the type to take commands from a man, but teaching her to take them from him was going to be a damn pleasure. “Then what would you call it?"

  "Self-preservation. It's annoying when you invade my thoughts."

  "I can't say I'll stay out. I like the way you t
hink. The images floating around in that beautiful head turn me on."

  "I don't know what to do with you,” Lori complained. “You're entirely too arrogant. I want to smack you and kiss you at the same time."

  "How about this. I'll tell you what I know about you, and if I'm wrong, I'll stay out of your head for the rest of the day. Deal?"

  She smiled. “I'm all ears. Give it your best shot."

  "You're always in control, always the responsible one. It's your mom and sister who are the spontaneous ones. You want someone to take the lead for a change. You'd love to let someone else make the decisions, but you don't trust anyone enough. How am I doing so far?"

  She looked away. “Not too bad."

  "You're going to learn a few things today, sweetheart. The first of which is that submitting to a lover doesn't make you weak-willed. Just the opposite. It takes a great deal of courage to give someone so much trust. I want to prove you can trust me."

  "It's not in me to be submissive. It'll never work."

  "What if I said if you don't, I'll punish you?"

  He wanted desperately to hear her say it, to hear the words from her mouth. She was such a controlling woman, always striving for order, but she was tired of order. She wanted to be messy, to let some of her inhibitions go.

  "I'd tell you that I won't be ordered about, not by anyone."

  "Shall I show you what happens when you defy me?” Gideon whispered, his smile feral. Lori was like a pretty little moth, drifting ever closer to the heat of his flame.

  Straightening her spine as if determined to stand her ground, Lori stated, “It makes no difference because I don't take orders."

  Gideon quirked a mischievous brow at her. They were both enjoying this game. Without warning, he flipped her over, so she lay across his lap, rump in the air, facing the floor.

  "You let me up, Gideon Adrian, right this minute!"

  "Nope. I like this position. You have such a pretty little ass.” She squirmed, but he held her down with his palm on her back. “I warned you not to defy me,” he growled, absurdly distracted by the way she began wriggling around, then issued a quick swat to her buttocks.