by Jane Jamison
“Sounds good to me. Fire away.”
* * * *
Damon thought he should’ve been an actor. His portrayal of a civilized man with Kelly so near him would win him all the top awards. He’d never had such a difficult time keeping his hands off a woman. She pulled at his essence, calling his inner wolf to the surface. His cock was already rising, and he scooted his chair closer to the table to hide the tent in his slacks. The energy they’d shared at the festival raked into him, claiming both his body and his heart.
Her blue eyes seemed brighter than he remembered, but that wasn’t possible. When he’d first met her gaze, he’d sworn her eyes were the same color as the tropical waters of the Caribbean Ocean. Or was it the color of her dress that made them seem bluer? The dress didn’t expose her breasts and was more than modest, but it couldn’t hide her womanly curves. She reached for her purse to withdraw her notepad and pen and in doing so uncrossed then crossed her legs again, letting him catch a brief glimpse of her thighs. He’d already tasted her pussy juices but still needed to have her long legs wrapped around his waist. He’d shove his cock deep inside her while his brother and Riker watched. Then they’d share her, each feasting on her flavors and gifts.
Her golden hair shone under the light of the chandelier hanging above them. Her hair was swept away from her face so that the lower halves of her ears were exposed. He licked his lips. What would her earlobes taste like?
“I remember what you told me about photographing women, but have you ever been commissioned to photograph another subject?”
“Yes, I have. But as I explained earlier, I don’t care about the money. I photograph women because I find them to be the most interesting subjects.” Damon met her gaze dead on. “I’d love to take your photograph, preferably with you nude.”
Jude caught his eye, warning him to go slowly. He nodded, almost imperceptibly. Yes, brother. Message received.
Lilly let out a slow whistle. “You don’t hold back, do you, Damon?”
“Not when I really want something.” Even if Jude wants me to.
“Damon isn’t one to mince words.” Jude took a sip of his champagne. “Take it easy, brother.”
He knew his brother was right, but he’d needed to hear the warning out loud. He’d already gone too fast. If he didn’t watch out, he could spook Kelly into leaving.
“But if you don’t care about the money, why do an art festival? Although I’m not sure how much money that would bring in.”
He loved to watch her mouth move. She’d applied lip gloss, but if he had his way, he’d soon have the gloss wiped away with his kisses. She was breathing a little faster now, making her generous breasts heave.
She asked him more questions, and he answered, but his mind wasn’t on the words he said. He was too caught up in the way she looked, the way her lips puckered just before she asked another question, and the way she shifted in her chair whenever she caught him staring. Jude interjected with answers of his own, but he didn’t mind sharing his time with his brother. They’d share her in a more intimate way soon.
“I think that’s all I need for the article.”
“Good. But if you need anything more or want to pose for that photograph, just call. Here, let me give you my card.”
The hue of her skin grew pinker. She was flattered, maybe even turned on by his offer to use her as a subject. He noted how she took his card by the edge, without touching him. “Thanks. I will.”
She was afraid of what might happen if his fingers touched hers. He smiled softly hoping to make her more comfortable.
“Did I miss anything good?” Riker Whitfield closed the door behind him. “Good. I’m glad I made it in time for dinner.”
Damon understood how Riker had been under the vampire’s control the night Riker had changed him, and over the years he’d learned not only to forgive his friend but to care for him like a brother. But he hadn’t planned on including him in the dinner.
Riker took the chair at the end of the table, putting Kelly on his right and Lilly to his left. A big grin split his face, and Damon couldn’t help but return the smile. Riker had an affable way about him and was often the life of the party. No one would suspect that under the surface, Riker was as wild and untamed as his werewolf alter-ego.
“Kelly, I don’t think you met Riker today. He was the one who interrupted our…conversation in my tent.”
Kelly blushed then nodded to Riker. “Hi. I’m Kelly Sims.”
“And this is her friend, Lilly Beanston,” added Jude.
Damon could tell that Riker was dying to say something inappropriate, but he didn’t even attempt to stop him. He’d tried before and had always failed, so why waste his breath? Riker would be Riker no matter what.
“I’m Riker Whitfield.” He helped himself to the champagne then raised his glass into the air. “How about a toast?”
Damon lifted his flute and prepared himself for whatever Riker would say. He just hoped it wouldn’t send Kelly running for the hills.
“To the lovely women at our table.” Riker paused to incline his head to first Lilly then Kelly. “May they always give the artist”—he paused, his grin growing more wicked—“inspiration in the most basic way.”
Damon put his drink down on the table without taking a drink. Kelly, her face turning a bright pink, took a sip then set hers down, too. Lilly had sputtered her drink, and Jude was busy trying to come to her aid with a proffered napkin.
Kelly pushed back her chair and stood. “I, um, need to use the ladies’ room.” Without waiting for anyone to help her, she opened the door and hurried out.
Damon settled a hard glare on Riker and tried to keep his frustration in check. “Riker, can’t you keep your damn mouth shut?”
Chapter Four
“It doesn’t appear that I can.” Riker stood, nodded at Lilly to excuse him, and left the room determined to find Kelly. If he was any judge of character, and he was, his playful tease wouldn’t send her running too far. He took her at her word and headed for the ladies’ room.
He skidded to a stop just as a matronly older woman exited the bathroom. She was as wide as she was tall and wore a flowing gown that did nothing to enhance her appearance. Gold rings and bracelets adorned every finger and both wrists while strands of gold colored her gray hair. His hackles went up as her eyes flashed red. Above all else, witches were the worst women to deal with. They could hex a man before he knew what was happening.
“Where do you think you’re going, shifter?”
Her husky voice sent shivers down his spine, but he shoved back the urge to snarl. “Did you see a beautiful blonde woman in there?”
The red eyes flashed again, signaling a warning sign that her powers were building, ready to strike. “And why would I tell you one way or another?”
“Because you’re a nice witch who doesn’t want to see a grown shifter cry.”
She arched an eyebrow, but he’d already seen the twitch of her mouth. Aside from his claws and fangs, humor was the best weapon he possessed.
“I did. But I don’t think she’s coming out anytime soon.”
“Why do you say that?” He hoped she wasn’t crying. If she was, he’d stand still while Damon and Jude beat him black and blue for his rudeness.
She took him in with one glance and sized up the situation perfectly. “Did you say something to upset her?”
“Not on purpose.” He didn’t add a grin. She already had him pegged. “But I think it might’ve been better if I’d kept my mouth shut.”
“I’d guess that’s the smartest thing you’ve said all day.” She stepped aside then held up a finger. “You have thirty minutes. Make it worthwhile.”
What does she mean by that? Is she going to time us?
Instead of starting an argument with the witch, he thanked her then flattened his hand on the door. Her hand on his chest stopped him from going inside the ladies’ room. “I’m doing this for her because she seems like a nice human. But if I hear s
creams or she comes out crying, I’ll turn you into a giant wart on the itchy rump of an old cranky elephant who likes to rub his ass on gravel. Do you understand, shifter?”
He had no doubt that she could. “Yes, ma’am.”
She dropped her hand then waved it in the air. “Well? What are you waiting for?”
Never being one to look a gift horse in the mouth, much less any gift a witch might give him, Riker hurried inside, thankful she’d let him pass. With all the supernaturals he’d seen in the main dining room, he didn’t like the odds of finding more shifters than witches if it came down to a power struggle. Besides, even if the shifters won, most of them would still come out of the fight with an extra ear or tail.
The bathroom was as luxurious as the rest of the restaurant. The first room held a full-length mirror and two brocade sofas along with a vanity counter and a lighted makeup mirror taking up the entire length of one wall.
If only Kelly had stayed in the first room. He didn’t like the idea of going into the toilet area. Who knew what he’d find?
He started to push the second door open when Kelly rushed straight into his arms. “Hey. What’s the rush?”
Her blue eyes struck a chord deep inside him, and he knew without a doubt that he had to have her in his life for as long as he lived. No wonder both Jude and Damon had acted crazy about her. Her hair brushing against the tips of his fingers along with a personal scent that had nothing to do with perfume sent his body into high hormone alert. His cock was already at attention, and he hadn’t done anything but touch her shoulders.
Like Damon, he’d heard the stories of how werewolves found their mate, but he’d just about given up. Yet there it was, the strange, electrifying sizzle that awakened every nerve in his body. She was like a signal to the dormant part of his brain.
“What are you doing in the ladies’ room?” Her words came out in a whisper, but the tone held power and confidence.
“I was worried that what I’d said had offended you.” He inhaled, drawing in her scent along with the unmistakable rush of her pussy growing warmer. “I have a tendency to open my mouth and let words fall out. Unfortunately, that means they sometimes fall on someone who doesn’t deserve them.”
She eased past him and, although he was unhappy to turn her loose, he couldn’t see any way around it without causing her more anxiety. Her hand closed on the doorknob, and he physically ached at the thought of letting her leave.
Kelly pulled harder on the door, once, then twice more. She turned and leveled her beautiful eyes on him with what he could only describe as deadly intent. “Open the door.”
“What are you talking about?” He had a sneaking suspicion but wasn’t sure. Is this what the witch did? If so, I’m wasting valuable minutes.
“Don’t give me that innocent routine. You locked or jammed the door, didn’t you?”
“No, I didn’t. Why would I?” He could think of several reasons why, but he wasn’t about to offer her any suggestions.
“To keep me in here.” Her chest rose and fell with each breath.
He jerked his attention away from her breasts and concentrated on her face. “And why would I want to keep you in here? If I wanted to hold you prisoner, I’d choose a much better place than a ladies’ restroom. Like maybe a bedroom.”
“I knew it.” She pointed her finger at him, and if he hadn’t known she was serious, he might have laughed. “After what you saw at the festival, you think I’m a slut or a whore who’ll throw herself at the first hot artist she meets, don’t you?”
Damn, but she’s even sexier when she’s angry. Note to self. Make sure I make her angry at least once a week.
“First of all, I’m worried that you think Damon’s hot. Granted, he’s a great guy, and he’s okay in the looks department, but he’s got nothing on me.” She blinked, and he knew he’d made a crack in the anger-armor she was cocooning herself in.
“In the second place, I don’t think you’re a slut or a whore.” He could almost hear the crack get bigger. “Not in the least. Would you like to know what I really think of you?”
She’d morphed from angry to a mix of confused and intrigued all in ten seconds flat. “I’m not sure.”
He reached out his hand and waited for her to take it. When she did, he wanted to shout his victory but held back. Instead, he savored the rush that came from their connection. She had to have noticed, but she was keeping a close wrap on showing her emotions. “Kelly, would you mind sitting with me for a minute?”
She let him lead her to one of the sofas. He sat next to her, very close, and took her face in his hands. Once again, he was thrilled when she didn’t move away.
“What I honestly think is that you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”
He’d expected a reaction, but not the one she gave him. Moisture formed in her eyes, throwing him for a loop. “Don’t you know that?”
“No.” Her long lashes feathered her cheeks as she lowered her gaze. “I know I’m not unattractive, but I never expected to get this much attention in one day. First Damon, then Jude, and now you. I’m kind of at a loss to understand how to handle it.”
He tipped her head and smiled, coaxing her to look up again. “You don’t have to worry about the three of us. We’re very good friends, and we don’t mind if we share your love.”
She was very confused now, but he couldn’t tell her what they were or the fact that they’d long ago agreed to share one woman as long as she was the one they’d dreamed of. She opened her mouth to speak, but he shushed her, placing two fingers on top of her full lips.
“Don’t try to understand everything. For now, all you have to understand is that you don’t have to be afraid to let yourself do whatever you want to do. We wouldn’t want anything less from you.”
He let his fingers slide over her mouth then led his thumb over her cheek. The confusion in her eyes lessened, and a softness came over her. Her lips were so full, so ripe for the taking, and he could resist no longer. Easing forward, he touched his mouth to hers gently, seeking her approval. She gave no sign of stopping him, so he took that as her acquiescence and applied more pressure. She closed her eyes a second before he did. A mewling sound exited her mouth like an invitation for him to enter.
Sweeping his tongue into her mouth, he let her set the pace. She explored his tongue, gliding over and under it as he cupped the back of her neck to pull her even closer. Her flavor tasted like honey with an extra tang of uninhibited wildness she kept closely contained but was now probing him to see if she could set it free. He held back, wanting her to make the first move into freedom.
He put his hand on her leg and fingered her dress. Although his inner werewolf growled, urging him to slide his hand farther up her leg, he held back. She’d have to tell him when it was all right to go on.
To his delight, she did so, by placing her palm on top of his hand then moving it under her dress. He deepened the kiss, taking her tongue into his mouth. She leaned back against the cushions as he explored the silky texture of her thigh. He moved slowly, unwilling to jinx what was happening. Yet when his fingertips touched the lacy material of her panties, he had no choice but to seek out her breast.
The demure dress was buttoned in the front, and he made quick work of the first four buttons. He pushed the material aside to expose the virginal white bra. She could’ve worn the ugliest garment in the world, and he would’ve thought her beautiful.
His heart fell like a rock only to soar again when she pushed him back, paused, then unhooked the clasps of her bra. Her breasts spilled out of their restraints, and he moaned, unable to remember when he’d seen a more amazing sight.
She tracked her hand in his hair and pulled his mouth to her nipple. The peak was already hard as he lashed his tongue over and around it. He sucked, nibbled, and sucked again as she arched, telling him how much she loved his touch. Making the low mewling sound deep in her throat again, she pushed her breasts together, and he took both nipples int
o his mouth. He held them, dragging them in and holding them as he watched her throw back her head, her mouth opened in an ecstatic cry.
His cock pressed against the confines of his slacks and he shifted, placing himself on top of her without letting her take his full weight. He fingered the edge of her panties then slid under it. She was hot, wet, and just waiting for him.
She inhaled a sharp breath, held it, then released it as he pushed his fingers into the seam of her pussy. His middle finger found her clit and rubbed it as he turned her nipples loose and feathered kisses up to her neck. He paused, his mind flashing forward to the moment when he’d sink his teeth into her to claim her, but she wasn’t ready yet. Even if she never was, he would accept her decision.
He massaged her clit, swiping over the hard nub to sink his finger into her sheath. The sounds she moaned could’ve made any man come, but he held on, intent on giving her satisfaction first. She bucked against his hand and clutched one hand over her breast and another against his chest. By feel alone, she worked her hand under his shirt and twisted his nipple. He laughed as the tiny sting of pain zipped into him.
She rocked against his hand, pushing her pussy toward him as hard as she could. She locked her gaze with his. He could see the buildup of her climax in the glitter of her eyes and in the wetness on his hand.
“Come for me, Kelly.” His cock ached, but he wouldn’t give in until she’d had her pleasure first. “Fuck my fingers like you’ll fuck my cock.” He added a second then a third finger to thrust into her pussy as he used the ball of his hand to torture her clit.
He heard a knock on the door but ignored it. Nothing would stop him. Nothing could stop her. She squirmed under his attention, and he worked his hand faster, reaching for her sweet spot to send her over the precipice. He hit it, and she tensed, readying her body for the final push.