He stepped closer to her. Although she was of average height, he made her feel petite. He pulled her body close to his and swayed with her beneath the moonlight. Without music, they found a rhythm, their hearts beating against each other creating their own unique song. Her body heated everywhere they touched.
He bent his head and whispered, “I like this. Any chance I can hold you is a moment I will cherish.”
The soft caress of his voice in her ear ignited sparks within. Sensual images shaped in her mind, raising her core temperature. Her heartbeat quickened.
“Roman, there are many things I love about you, but there’s one thing that makes me feel alive like nothing else. And lets us escape all the troubles in the world for a brief while.”
His lips spread into a decadent smile that reached his eyes. “Is it what I’m thinking?”
She stepped closer and grabbed his collar. “I hope so.” A sudden, desperate need for him rose. Only he could drive her to push beyond the shadows of darkness to a place beyond thoughts and angst and grief. A place where they could be alone. Where they could find pleasure and fulfillment in each other’s arms. Searching his eyes, she added, “I don’t want to think anymore. Just feel.”
His eyes shimmered with a decadent golden glint. “One thing I am good at, indeed, is distracting you.”
When his gaze dropped to her mouth, ripples of heat rocked her body as she anticipated the next delectable moment. It was crazy how their relationship had started out with lust—a one-night stand—yet, it had developed into something deeper. The wildfires were still there, burning ever brighter, but she needed him in other ways, as well. They’d developed an emotional connection. Becoming lovers, partners, mates…
She held her breath, taut with need as she awaited his sensual touch. His caress brushed away the pain and sadness.
He lowered his head and captured her mouth in a searing kiss. She melted against his large frame, the way she couldn’t resist doing whenever he kissed her. He wrapped his muscular arms around her, pulling her against his hard chest. His massive torso promised protection. His gentle embrace offered love.
Pure, unconditional love.
It was something she’d never experienced with a partner before. Certainly, nothing like this had ever felt so right. Funny, how she hadn’t known it was something she was even missing in her life until she experienced this.
When they broke apart, gasping for breath, she searched his gaze again. A silent moment passed between them, one that cemented their connection.
“I love you, Roman.”
His eyes glimmered with happiness at her words. “And I love you, Larissa. My beloved. My mate.” The last two words came out like an oath, as if he was promising himself to her.
She wanted to offer the same to him. Perhaps, one day she could. He’d broken down so many barriers to reach deep inside her and touch her soul, despite all the reinforcements she’d erected to protect herself from getting hurt again. He’d cared enough to do so, and she trusted he would never intentionally hurt her.
“Let’s go to your room,” she said.
Once they were alone in there, she reached behind the back of his neck and ran her fingers through the long strands of hair. She loved the feel of them over her hands, the wild hair of her warrior. Then she pulled herself up on her tip-toes to meet his lips again. She arched against him, communicating what she wanted.
He deepened their kiss, taking control. He licked along the seam of her lips and then took the kiss to a deeper level as he curled his tongue into her mouth. The slow, erotic exploration increased her yearning for more.
He trailed his fingers along her side with a whisper of a touch. When he moved his hands down her lower back and then cupped her ass, and a whimper escaped her. All her muscles softened as she lost herself to the deliriousness his touch could stir. His erection pressed against her belly, leaving no doubt of his desire for her. A rough rumble of appreciation came from deep inside his chest.
In the next moment, he lifted her off her feet. She squealed and wrapped her arms and legs around him, clinging to him. This is what she needed—his virile masculine strength. For him to take her this way. Only he could sate the hunger inside her, rough enough to skirt the edge of pain.
“Oh, Roman,” she murmured, her voice low and throaty.
He pressed her against the wall and let out a low, primal growl that shot a strong need rippling throughout her. “Do you like this?”
His breath on her ear stoked the flames to volcanic levels. “God, yes.”
He then nibbled at her ear. “Noted. I plan to experiment and discover everything that turns you on.”
“This is a good start,” she murmured as she melted into a liquid state. “I’m intrigued to see where this is headed.”
He kissed her exposed neck, and she turned her head to allow him greater access. His hair had a hint of the untamed scent she associated with him. Her body responded with frantic longing. Raw heat curled throughout her body, coiling deep in her core where she needed him most. She pressed her body against him, desperate for more of his hands, his mouth. All of him.
He pulled up her shirt and caressed one of her breasts. “I want you so badly, Larissa. I want to fuck you right here up against the wall.”
Those wild, desperate words of sexual yearning stoked a torrent of heat inside her. Facing death encouraged a desire to live and feel every pleasurable sensation. His words echoed exactly what she needed right now—a reckless pursuit of gratification in each other’s bodies.
“Yes.” She couldn’t agree more. But they had too many damn clothes on, impeding any progress there.
They yanked at each other’s clothes until all their garments were removed and tossed to the floor. He paused, standing a couple of feet from her, and stared at her with intense desire in his eyes. Standing before her naked and erect, his body spoke of strength and savage power and virile masculinity. His muscles appeared taut in his tense stance as his posture promised his desire to take her. She gulped as longing curled in her core.
She’d seen him in battle as an intimidating gargoyle, tearing down enemies who would cause great harm if left unchecked. The world would never know what a powerful warrior they had protecting them. They’d never know his sacrifices in the eternal struggle between good and evil. She was the luckiest woman alive. Fragments of love songs flitted through her mind as she admired her courageous lover.
His gaze swept over her body, leaving a fiery trail all over her skin in its wake. “You’re so beautiful.”
The space between them pulsed with a vibrant heat. Time appeared to slow. When he stepped toward her, he raised his hand. Her chest rose and fell more quickly as she burned with heady anticipation for where he would touch her. His amber eyes locked on hers, so full of flame in the dark golden waves of desire churning through them. Burning and branding her—mind, heart, and soul.
“And so still,” he murmured. “Like a statue of a goddess.”
How odd since he was the one who could take a stone form. But, then perhaps, it was the highest of compliments from a gargoyle. When he cupped her cheek, she leaned into it, melting into his intimate gesture amid all the desire that perfumed the air.
“One I will worship.” He moved his hand to the back of her neck and tilted her head back and stared into her eyes.
She found words again and pleaded, “Kiss me, Roman.” The ache for him grew even more insistent, drowning her in a lava pool of desire.
He lowered his head and gently pressed his lips to hers. As his hands caressed her body, the kiss turned more urgent. He pressed his chest against her breasts and reached down her sides. When he slid his hand between her legs, she sighed softly. She leaned into his hand in a wanton request for more. As he stroked her, her breath turned ragged. He moved his fingers up to her nub, and she rubbed against him, increasing the friction.
She grew ever more wet and frantic with need, and he brought her right to the edge.
B
ut she wanted more. She yearned for him.
“I need you, Roman,” she begged.
“How?” he asked. His tone indicated he knew full well what she wanted. But, he liked to hear her say it.
“Inside me,” she said. “Now. Don’t make me wait.”
“No, my mate. I only want to please you.” He adjusted their stance and crouched lower, rubbing the head of his cock against her slick channel.
When he slipped the tip in, she sucked in a quick breath. After he allowed her to adjust, he pushed in deeper. She held onto his shoulders as he impaled her. Then he lifted her off the ground. He pressed her back against the wall and kissed her, pinning her between the hard surface and his body. She hooked her legs around him, trusting that he’d hold her aloft.
As he pounded into her, she grasped onto him. With each thrust, she gasped and released incoherent sounds of pleasure. He growled, a low rumbling sound with a feral edge that excited her on a primal level. His thrusts quickened as he pounded more deeply. Her muscles tightened as she soared higher, clamping around his shaft.
“Yes,” she cried. This was what she needed. For him to drive out all the pain and chaos and just leave this—a blind state where the outside world couldn’t touch them. A protected space where only the two of them existed, insatiable for each other. Two souls forged together amid a savage storm, finding refuge in each other’s embrace.
The flames burned brighter within, stoked by his touch, and soon roared with the intensity of a raging inferno. Every cell of her body was alive. After so much anguish, she felt delirious with the need to live and burn bright.
The pressure intensified, spiraling inside her as heat flushed along her skin and tension pulled her muscles tight. She writhed against him, frantic for more. As she climbed closer to that perilous edge, she clung to him, her powerful anchor. She hovered there, terrified she’d fall and break.
“Let go, Larissa. Come for me.”
He rammed himself deep inside her. She bit his shoulder and tasted the salt on his skin. And then cried out as she shattered around him, splintering with white-hot pleasure. He slowed while she rode out wave after wave of her climax. When they subsided, he resumed pumping into her, and soon she was clawing at his shoulders again. After a few deep thrusts, he exploded within her with an animalistic growl. He buried his face against the damp skin of her neck.
Their pounding hearts slowed as they recovered. His chest was slick with perspiration against her upper body. After several seconds, he pulled himself away from her and put her feet on the ground.
“Are you all right?” His eyes took on a concerned glint. “Did I hurt you?”
“No,” she quickly replied in surprise. “That was phenomenal.”
His face spread into an easygoing smile. “Oh, good. I was afraid I took it too far.”
“Don’t hold back with me,” she murmured. “Ever.” She traced her fingers in a figure-eight over his broad shoulder.
He planted a kiss onto her lips and then scooped her into his arms. As he carried her over to the bed, he said, “I want to take care of you. In every way.”
She searched his eyes, losing herself in the wild amber depths. “Maybe we can take care of each other.”
“Yes, my mate.”
After he lowered her onto the bed, he climbed in beside her and spooned her. He pulled a light cotton sheet over their heated bodies.
As she dozed in post-orgasmic bliss, she found comfort in the security of his arms. The problems she’d have to deal with when she woke didn’t seem as monumental. With Roman at her side, as her partner and ally, she could face the obstacles the world hurled at them. They’d already conquered the unimaginable together.
Yes, that was the path forward—being together.
A promising future with her gargoyle mate.
Epilogue
Two months later, Larissa sat across from Janie at an outdoor table on Newbury Street. They shared a plate of steak and mashed potatoes and a heaping bowl of rich macaroni and cheese while they people-watched.
“Things finally seem to be getting back to normal,” Janie remarked. She took the pitcher of red sangria and refilled both their glasses.
“Good. I’m glad.” Larissa glanced up at the stone gargoyle mounted on the next building. “Does it feel weird with Arto watching over you?”
Janie took a sip and put down her glass. “No, it’s kind of nice. Reassuring, you know, after all that happened.”
“I get it.” Larissa forked a piece of steak and studied the slight smile on Janie’s face as her gaze drifted off to the statue. “Anything going on with you two, yet?”
Janie pulled her focus back to Larissa. “Not exactly. I’m still not ready for anything deep right now. He understands. But, who knows—one day, maybe…” She twirled mac and cheese around on her fork. “All right, enough stalling. What did you want to tell me?”
Larissa took a sip of the sangria and savored the fruity tang on her tongue before she leaned back in the chair. “I’ve handed in my resignation.”
“What?” Janie dropped her fork onto her plate. “No way?”
Larissa had been welcomed back after an internal investigation had been completed, and she’d taken tests that had cleared her for duty. “It wasn’t an easy decision, since it was the only career I’d ever dreamed of. But, things have changed. I’ve changed. I’ve come to terms with it the past few weeks. The world isn’t what I thought it was, and my role in it isn’t exactly what I’d envisioned.”
“I’ll say,” Janie agreed with wide eyes. “I mean I can’t say I’m not surprised because that’s all you ever spoke about when we were growing up. But, you’re right—you’re not who you thought you were. You are so much more. I’m glad you’re finally accepting it.”
True. She was a witch growing more comfortable with her magic every day. And she was in love with a gargoyle shifter. Conventional notions of normal no longer applied.
“So, what are you going to do now?” Janie asked.
“Not sure.” Larissa shrugged with a half-smile. “Have a lot more hot sex.”
Janie barked out a surprised laugh that drew the attention of an older couple nearby. She lowered her voice and whispered, “Sounds like a good plan.”
“In all seriousness,” Larissa said, “I’m going to try to learn more about what I can do. My grandmother left me names of some witches she knew when she was part of a coven. Maybe I’ll start with them.”
“Holy freakin’ cannoli,” Janie said. “I never imagined you saying you’d visit a coven.”
Larissa grinned in agreement. “Well, I figure I might be some kind of bridge to help the Stone Sentries. I mean, I was able to help the gargoyles and cops work together to fight the demons. And, you saw what happened in the other realm. So, maybe somehow, I can help the gargoyles navigate the human world, and we can do more good together.”
“Saving the world.” Janie raised her glass. “Yes, this sounds like the Larissa I know and love.” With a wink, she added, “Some things never change.”
Larissa clinked her glass and then arched a brow. “Only this time, there’s less paperwork.”
That evening, Larissa met up with Roman at the compound. After they ate in the dining room, they strolled onto the rooftop where she shared the news about her resignation.
He cocked his head. “I wasn’t expecting you to say that.”
She explained how she’d struggled with the decision over the past few weeks, as she’d told Janie.
“There’s one other thing I decided,” she added.
“What is it?” He furrowed his brows.
“I’m ready to take the next step with you, Roman. I’d like to move in here with you.”
His eyes brightened with delight. “Brilliant.” He spun her around on the rooftop.
When she was back on her feet, she said, “I have a proposal for you and the Stone Sentries. Since I plan to develop my magic, I’m hoping I can use it to work with your team. You know, like
somehow we can accomplish more together than on our own.”
“Absolutely. Tremendous idea.” Roman’s eyes twinkled under the moonlight. “You sure you don’t have any gargoyle in you?”
She arched a brow. “I am hoping to, tonight.”
A surprised laugh escaped him. “Ah, that will happen. But, I meant with your drive to protect others. You’d be an ideal Stone Sentry.”
She touched his muscular arm. “Ah, I don’t have all the requirements. I’m just flesh, not stone.”
“With skin as soft as petals.” He pulled her body against his and kissed her. “Just the way I like you.”
* * *
Three weeks later
Larissa faced Roman on the rooftop outside the Stone Sentries’ compound. It was a calm evening and a breeze flowed in from the ocean. Autumn had arrived in Boston with all the spectacular foliage in the colors of rich sunsets. The potted trees left dancing shadows under the Harvest moon.
The moon shone bright and full. No red tint promising danger of an impending eclipse. She tried to dismiss the nerves that turned her muscles taut as she glanced up. It was simply beautiful and bright, illuminating the night sky with a hopeful future—perfect for the ceremony tonight.
Three months had passed without any signs of demons. Larissa had nightmares for many weeks, but Roman was there to soothe away the terrors. In the last couple of weeks, they were less frequent. It had to have been a week since the last one, maybe even ten days.
With the city returning to normalcy and no signs of danger, Roman had invited the sentries to a ceremony in which he would formally declare his love and devotion to Larissa. To her, it sounded like a wedding. But he’d explained it was much more permanent than something that could be dissolved by a divorce.
“It’s a sacred bond. Communicating to each other and our society that we are committed to each other for life—and whatever awaits us in the after world.”
Tonight, they would state those vows in the bonding ceremony.
The rooftop was decorated with intimate tables with white tablecloths and dozens of pots of colorful flowers. Larissa glanced at those in attendance, mostly Stone Sentries, including Miguel’s family, and one human—Janie.
Captivated by the Gargoyle: Stone Sentries 3 Page 14