“Yeah.” Excitement sparked in her stomach. “Wait, am I being courted, Mr. Elwood?” Yeah, they were way past that, but the urge to poke him was there. It worked, since it got him to laugh.
“Courted, wooed, wanting to be near you again that doesn’t involve the office? It’s all of the above, Miss Ardelean.”
She suppressed the urge to drop the phone, race to him and jump on his lap. Clamping her thighs tightly shut was all she could do to prevent that.
“Veronica?”
“I’m here...” And horny.
* * *
Lace, lace and more lace. The key elements Seraphina ordered her to include into a chosen date night attire before Veronica hung up with her friend on the phone.
Holy, shit. This is a date. That certainly hadn’t skyrocketed her nerves to the motherfucking moon.
Not. At. All...
Although, that was silly to even think. She and Keeland were certainly busting loads of attraction for each other. They’d acted on it. And, importantly, they had gotten to know more about each other, so technically they reached good grounds. The destination moving forward? Cue shoulder shrug.
Winging it was a lot more fun anyway.
The random, unknown spur of moments can be surprising and shockingly good or bad. Why dwell on it? Screw second guessing, Seraphina had said.
Here was a random spur Veronica just decided on—I’m going to tell Keeland about my shit-show of a family. She vividly remembered Keeland’s face, his struggle to refrain from asking further since she hadn’t presented nearly two sentences on the matter.
Veronica was ready to be open, as she was with Seraphina. Definitely wanting to be the same with the man she was steadily falling in love with—
Oh, wow.
That... wow...
I’m not taking it back.
Butterflies broke loose in her stomach and were now wreaking havoc in every corner inside her body. Son of a bitch, I love this feeling.
The mini dress she wiggled into was cream-colored, fashioned with a halter-top, and reached the halfway point of the thighs. On top of the cream fabric was a sheer layer of floral-designed black lace. Tiny crystals were embedded in each midnight-colored flower. Not all vamps wore gothic attire. Donned on, a strapless bra underneath, the cups doing a phenomenal job of making her breasts extra perky. These girls right here deserve the annual best cleavage award. They run this bitch!
In the bathroom mirror, Veronica fluffed her hair. The mid-back length fell loosely, its ends slightly curled. The only jewelry added was diamond stud earrings. Everything on, even the needlepoint black stilettos, were new. It was day five after the arrival on Grimstone that she’d decided to part with the things brought from Bucharest. Clothes, some accessories, and a couple of pairs of shoes—all donated and replaced.
Personal belongings, like little trinkets or doo-dads, didn’t exist. So she splurged on buying such, which now filled her apartment. Seraphina helped, acting as an interior decorator, recommending what funky-designed pillows to prop on couch and bed, what vanity items she thought needed for the bathroom, even to the small wood-carved pumpkins that sat on the nightstand.
Not every surface was covered or wall space tacked with oil paintings, but it’s slowly becoming her own. Own... Veronica snorted. That’s a first.
She bypassed make-up, something rarely put on. You’d think she’d enjoy black lipstick or dramatic eyeliner like most female vampires—not necessarily a stereotype. Veronica just didn’t like the feel of lipstick or eye gunk. Simply content with a swipe of pale red gloss. Her skin is clear, and cheekbones naturally contoured. Adding anything else would just be redundant.
Three gentle knocks sounded.
“Coming!” Frantically, she half-assed straightened up things on the move towards the door. She didn’t bother checking the peephole to see if it was him. The scents of rain and woodsy cologne seeping in under the slither of space below indicated the man she longed for was behind the door.
His surprise dinner involved the outside world instead of take-out in the conference room. He could have planned a picnic in a family bathroom stall and still, she’d have enjoyed it, because that was what it had come down to. Anywhere, anytime with Keeland, she’ll love it.
There goes that word again. Before opening the steel door, she fixed the edge of her dress and flipped the hair one more time for added volume.
Then revealed the elf.
“Good eve—” he cut short and snapped his jaw shut to gaze at her outfit, while her mandible dropped open. Damn, damn, damn, the man can wear the absolute shit out of a suit. Maybe it was that they weren’t in the office and about to engage in an intimate setting, that more was noticed. Button shirt and pants painted black and across every hard ridge of his body. His dark emerald hair was pulled in a low tail, however, a few strands escaped by his temples. Goddess, may I please bite those pointy ears? Typically, really tall men are on the lean side, but Keeland disputed that with a wide, muscular torso, thick biceps, and broad shoulders.
Abs creased through his tight shirt. A gold watch was on his right wrist, the same hand that held a single, blood red rose. “You look beautiful.” He weakened her with a smile. Stepping in, he took a gander at her humble abode. Whatever he saw pleased him, as a warm smile blossomed.
“Let me get my purse and then we’ll be off.” she headed for the kitchenette. “Where are you taking me, by the way?”
“The Blue Reef.”
“Yes!” she fist pumped, making him smile in relief. The highly popular seafood restaurant, not ventured yet, but many wonderful things were heard about their food. Hell yeah, she had a few ideas what to order. Fingers crossed they had lobster macaroni with stingray blood. Keeland followed her into the kitchen and was doing that committing-every-object-to-memory thing again.
His roaming stopped at the waste disposal overrun by empty Sweet Suffering boxes.
He cocked a brow.
Okay, we’re done here.
Chapter Fifteen
Delectable. Mouthwatering... Yeah, the food was great, Keeland thought, but Veronica in black lace turned out to be the most appetizing treat in the restaurant. He naughtily wanted her thick thighs and breasts as a main dish, sides of her seductive eyes and mischievous grin, and then her legs spread open, offering slick petals of juicy pussy as the high-flying dessert.
She gazed fondly at the navy blue and dark wood decor of The Blue Reef as he told her the exquisite five-star establishment is owned by mer-people. Like the werewolves know their meat, mer-folk naturally, have a fine knowledge of buttering sea critters.
She said many things that made him smile. He inhaled everything the woman said or laughed about, eventually finding it hard to focus his eyes on her face. He deserved several swift kicks to the groin, but Gods, the skin she was showing...
Keeland swallowed hard several times, and discreetly readjusted himself. At work, she’d show off shapely legs and a small viewing of cleavage. However, tonight, her tight sheath lace getup leaves much to be desired, but at the same time, it’s also teasing the hell out of him.
To his displeasure, she wasn’t baring it to just him in a private setting, something he desperately craved with every passing second. The things wanting to be expressed while leaving her apartment, were all reasons as to why they should ditch dinner and ravish each other on her couch.
But no, here they were, on a date, in public, and in front of other males who he had no problem snarling at. Veronica’s essence is a damn drug. And every person; the fanged, the horned, three-eyed and owner of wings wanted a hit of her.
Not tonight, not ever.
She was mine.
“Reign it in, some.” She patted his hand, grinning.
“Allow me to dispatch a few and I will.”
“Not before I get food.”
Their main course soon was served. Veronica pounced on gooey cheese macaroni with chunky shellfish meat mixed in. On the side, awaited two small black cups. One ext
ra cheese sauce. The other: butter laced stingray blood.
Keeland’s dish: a simple plate of seasoned salmon and asparagus.
After appreciative moans, mainly by the vampire, conversation moved to delicate, however familiar, territory.
Veronica took the last remainder bites before shifting it aside then became serious. Keeland stopped eating. Seconds later, she shared her strict upbringings in her homeland—although, he wouldn’t say homeland, since she made it clear Bucharest will forever be a blip in her life moving forward. Her parents? Just people who raised her. Nothing more. Keeland held her hand as she began to get emotional. He knew her enough that she wouldn’t care to be this vulnerable, this exposed during the topic. Nor, he doubted she noticed her grip in his was too tight, but let her nearly break his hand because it was the guidance she needed to get through telling her past.
She trusts me.
Apparently enough to think he won’t use this information to up and fly to Romania and crush her father’s skull. My, my, that sounded appealing. The jet he owned could take him there in under five hours...
The thought was clear as day on his face and Veronica promptly chastised him for it, yet the tiny, adorable smile on her luscious lips was evident.
“I don’t expect you to see him again,” he said and kissed her palm, while watching her eyes droop.
“No. There’s no love lost.”
He winced. It shouldn’t have had to be that way. Yet, he didn’t wish she’d stayed in hopes things would’ve worked out. That would mean there’d been a heavy chance she wouldn’t have come to Grimstone.
To me.
Keeland placed more kisses on her palm, swirling his tongue along perfumed skin. She loved what he was doing, showing as much by sliding her foot along his calf.
For many beats, they stared at each other. His chest grew heavy. Her foot sent the elf in a tailspin as it grazed his thigh.
She smiled wickedly.
She-devil, you think me your prey, though it is I who will have my way.
He still clasped her smooth hand, nibbling her fingertips, then knuckles.
“It’s a shame I have to settle biting only these.” he faked disappointment.
Immediately, she took the bait and yelled, “Check, please!”
* * *
Except they were not remotely alone yet.
He walked them along a cobblestone path that was located behind the restaurant that brought people to an outdoor balcony that looks out to Serpent Lagoon. One of the island founders, Tide Shelborn, is a merman. His colony resides miles below the Lagoon’s waves. If swimming up, shifting into two legs and clocking in at the Blue Reef isn’t the shortest commute time, then Keeland didn’t know what was.
Leaning against the railing, he held Veronica—fuck, she smells amazing—from behind and stood in comfortable silence, listening to the water softly hit the shoreline. The sky was strokes of black and gray. The moon, a giant yellowed orb beaming bright, causing the lagoon to sparkle.
“Beautiful.” Veronica melted against him. “I love it here.”
“I’m glad,” he whispered near her ear. His grip tightened her upper forearms. Kisses were placed on her lovely neck, then ear.
“Keeland,” she moaned, a trove filled of rich pleasure. It was overwhelming to hear her gasp, or whimper under his touch. Did I send her speeding as emotionally as I do physically?
He paused. She certainly had him wrapped tight in a neat bow.
“Veronica?” Keeland turned her around. She was smiling. Her gaze crippling with those glistening eyes. It was a no brainer he needed to tell her how he felt, though make no mistake, the urge to say fuck it and do things to her body that would get them arrested for indecent exposure was oh so present.
“What it is?” She cupped his cheek.
Out with it.
“I—” Wait. Was it too soon? Holy shit, not even seventy-two hours had gone by. I couldn’t. Everything inside twisted painfully. It was too soon. He couldn’t feel this way about a woman. Not yet. The glorious rendezvous in the elevator and the bite this afternoon... guilt reared its ugly head.
What if he was just extremely lust hungry, mixed with anger because the deal at work was making him this way towards Veronica? Using her as an escape? Gods, he was fucked up for even thinking that. Yes, call me an ass. I am. But could it be all true?
He’d told her he was utterly buried. Had he lied?
“Keeland.” She stepped back, hands on her plump hips, clearly agitated. He would have been, too, if she’d all of a sudden turned silent and expressed confusion and panic on her face.
The only lie that’s out there is you denouncing a very good thing, the best thing that’s happened since the start of your business. And that was centuries ago. Actually, for damn sure, Veronica Ardelean tops that.
Now, let’s start this again—out with it, you fool.
In a rush, like a babbling idiot, Keeland handed her his heart.
“I mentioned that before meeting you I suppressed a lot, which I tried to cover by treating you unfairly. What happened—happening between us isn’t just lust. I wasn’t pushed by only that in the elevator or the pleasant talk we had in the conference room. And especially bringing myself to lay my fangs in you. That’s not heat-of-the-moment, nor simply wanting a woman. There must be more. There is more.”
He took both of her shaky hands. She looked stunned.
“You’re not simply... anyone.” he shrugged. She was so much more. “The Fates brought you to me. Although I’m still baffled why they presented you, a dark, beautiful creature of the night, to the undeserving likes of me.”
“Don’t say that.” She looked saddened.
“It’s true.” his chin rested on her head when she snaked her arms around his waist. He mirrored around her shoulders. “Time, I let slip by before coming to my senses about you, Veronica. How fucked up can a person be to allow that? I don’t deserve you—”
“Stop.”
He didn’t.
“It’s true—”
“Keeland.”
He parted from her, backing away, he coursed his fingers through his hair. Then dropped them with a slap against his sides. Veronica blinked rapidly but didn’t speak.
Keeland continued. Finish already.
“I see it that way...because you’ve changed who I am. I rethink what I want or do. For the better. It’s true, I can’t imagine going back to the man I used to be. And damn it,” Several beats, he looked at her then, a night scene oil painting as her backdrop. A breeze carried black hair strands across her porcelain face.
He shrugged.
“It’s true...I’m in love with you.”
A second after the words left his lips, he found himself—a big guy—on his back, facing the dark sky, with a vampire on top of him.
Chapter Sixteen
Don’t ask how it happened. An unknown force kidnapped Veronica’s body and forced her at Keeland, taking them to the ground in a heap. She silenced his confusion with dozens of kisses. Neighboring folks whistled at the display. His face covered in hurried pecks, a tear fell to his cheek.
“Veronica, baby.” He held her still, clearing the wetness cascading down her nose with a thumb. “You’re crying.” He was beginning to panic and him cradling her in big arms, on the damn ground for everyone to witness, caused the waterworks to morph into a monsoon.
Oh, good Gods. “Sorry.”
“Don’t be.” He paused, waiting.
He’d already handed her a lot. Now it was her turn to do as pleased with it. His face in her hands, she smiled. You make me happy. I actually care about you, you psycho. I love your mouth, Boss Man. I love your soul, my magical elf. I’m done without you... “I love you, too.” Biting her lip, she fingered a strand of his hair. “More than anything.”
“Gods.” He sagged in deep relief, laughing in short puffs. “I thought... maybe you...”
“Yeah, don’t even finish that.” Shaking her head, she poked his bott
om lip with her tongue. He groaned, fully caging her against his solid chest, not allowing the tiniest of space to separate them.
“Tell me what you want,” he ordered huskily. She shivered. “Say it and it’s yours.”
“Take me to your place.”
* * *
Pent-flippin’-house. Though are you really surprised? The man truly has it all. Veronica gave him ten points for not calling her out on standing there, in the middle of his open floor plan living room, gazing at every nook and cranny of his luxurious home.
Marble.
Sleek wood.
Gold accents.
More marble.
The lair of a king.
“I have primate blood being sent up. I’d thought you’d better enjoy some with wine,” Standing behind a massive kitchen island, he waved a bottle of red.
Okay, twenty points for Boss Man. Monkeys pair best with wine. “I would, thank you.” she occupied a stool opposite him. A little red, that’s cool. For now.
I had other things in mind to occupy my mouth...
Shortly, a medium-sized glass bottle of blood arrived to King Keeland. After a few teaspoons were mixed with the merlot, she took the glass he handed, downed it and slammed it on the counter with a clink. Amusement brightened his handsome face. Oh, if only he knew what she wanted to do instead of casually sipping wine.
Finally, they were alone...
Did common courtesy apply? Did she have to wait? Was more casual conversation needed to be said, like—“cool fern ya got over there, do you frequently shop for plants?”
Not tonight.
Fuck. This.
In lightning speed, Veronica was at his side, wedged between his body and the island.
And boy, was he ready.
Already, she was in his arms, lifting her onto the marble surface. Legs parted, she held him right where she needed. As lips crashed, wildly absorbing the life of each other, Veronica’s fingers worked to successfully remove his tie and rip open his dress shirt. Buttons flew in either direction. It was like déjà vu of being in the elevator again. Little pings bounced on the tile floor. He growled, dragging hands up the sides of her thighs and tracing the length of her neck with his tongue.
Blood, Cupcakes and Wicked Business (Grimstone Island) Page 9