by Jakz, Nikita
Cole could sense someone following him, so he decided to play along. A little fun with one’s pursuer never hurt anyone. With a smirk, he made his way into another dark alley, then quickly flashed out, leaving behind only a ghost trail to follow him by.
He reappeared a few seconds later atop a distant building. Sliding his hands into his pockets, he resumed his leisurely stroll, heading to the rooftop’s stairwell door. As he made his way down, a hooker crossed his path, promptly showing off her bountiful wares. Cole shook his head with a smile, side-stepping the broad. What was the world coming to?
A new tune whistling passed his lips, he finally reached ground level. Barely slowing his pace, he took a hard right and flashed to another side of town. If he was going to play the game, he was going to play it well.
Again and again, he changed his location, ultimately materialized inside a large, abandoned warehouse. In the corner a tall stack of crates loomed ominously. He grinned, flashed swiftly atop it. With just a thought, he erased any remnants of his hiding spot’s trail, then sat to wait for his pest’s arrival.
Sera stopped just before the dark alley’s entrance. She could sense Cole within, could feel his powerful essence. She peeked around the corner just in time to catch a glimpse of his fleeting image. She frowned. Irritating, elusive male! She crossed her arms and fumed. In order to pursue him, she'd have to follow his supernatural trail, which would leave her exposed as she arrived at the other end. But it was either that, or abandon her quest. And she'd gone to such trouble.
With a soft growl, she made her way into the darkness. It wasn't difficult to pick up his lingering signature. Come to think of it, it was rather easy. Too easy. Her eyes narrowed. Had he detected her following him? Had he already turned the tables and is now baiting her? A smile curved her lips. She certainly would not put it passed him, the clever scoundrel.
Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes and allowed her essence to shift. With a bit of trial and error, and a handful of frustrated oaths, she eventually tethered herself to his blatantly obvious trail. After a few aggravating detours that included a shameless harlot’s advances, she finally came to a dead end; an old, rundown structure with no trace of her demon in sight. She eyed the warehouse monstrosity. Damn it, he was annoyingly skilled at evasion!
Cole felt her appear before he saw her; Sera, manifesting inside the store room in all her lovely glory. Damn angel.
“Next time, don't be so sneaky about what you want,” he quipped from above. “I might actually oblige you.” In the blink of an eye, he was back at ground level, appearing in front her with his typical smirk. With a snap of his fingers, he manifested a chair and promptly had a seat, crossing his ankles in smug satisfaction. “If you’re going to stalk me, you’ll need to brush up on your skills a little better.”
Arms folded over her tight, leather top, Sera pursed her lips, as if fighting to hold back a smile. “Angels are known for many things, my love, but sadly, stalking is not one of them. So you will just have to excuse my shortcomings in that department.” Despite her proud front, he could easily sense her embarrassment
She winced at him sheepishly, “Was I really stalking you? I was actually endeavoring for more of a ‘secret admirer’-type approach.” She took a step closer, her eyes lingering wistfully on his face, then lower to take in his chest. But it wasn’t until he noticed them settling on his thighs that he heard her let out a sigh. Like she wanted to cozy up in his lap or something.
Cole shook his head and laughed. “Sera, what am I going to do with you?” He held his arms open. “If you want my body, just say so. I'll let you have it.” When she hesitated to come closer, he smirked. “What, am I only good to admire from afar?” He patted his lap and grinned darkly. “You know you want to feel me touch you, to slide deep inside you, to make you scream my name.” Her breath hitched as he watched her sway on her heels. “Make it easy on both of us and take what you want already. Why deny yourself?”
She blinked at him, nice and slow, a hot, succumbing smile spreading across her face. “Well, I did come all this way to enjoy you in one form or another,” she murmured. “Perhaps just one teeny, tiny kiss.”
He grinned as she approached, purred as one lithe leather-clad leg lifted over his to straddle him where he sat. Small hands settled atop his shoulders as slowly, cautiously, she began to sit. Like an easily spooked cat, he mused. His eyes locked with hers at close range. Again, she murmured her sentiment, her concession a caress to Cole’s ears. “Yes. What harm could one simple kiss bring.”
The air abandoned his lungs. So perfect she felt against him. His hands trailed up her thighs as her own wondered over his chest. Not breaking eye contact, he let her feel his arousal as she settled atop his lap. He watched her, holding back to let her lead. He knew her well enough to know that deep down a part of her would love to be the aggressor right now. And he would allow her that, but just this once. Next time she wouldn't be so lucky.
“No harm, no foul, Sera,” he rasped. “Now stop stalling and be a brave little angel.” Visions assailed him of what he wanted to do to her. So vivid they were, that he nearly sliding out of his chair. His mouth opened, shallow pants forming as she tormented him with her hands. Dark eyes watched her lick her lips, moving them closer to his. He could easily see that arousal was riding her just as hard as it was him. Thank fuck for small favors. “Kiss me,” he purred, a subtle hint of impatience lacing his tone.
Sera’s lids grew heavy. His voice was like warm velvet rubbing all over her body, caressing her down to her soul. Still she hesitated, but not because she didn’t trust him. On the contrary, she wasn’t sure if she trusted herself. Good God, he was just so magnificent! It took all the strength she possessed not to attack him like some wild animal.
Her hands roamed over his muscles. Did he desire her like he once had? As badly as she desired him now? She feared he was merely teasing her, punishing her for her past transgressions. If it wasn’t for that sincere look in his eyes, she would suspect exactly that. But his gaze was telling her something very much the opposite, that a part of him was still hers.
Her fingers tunneled into his hair as her mouth hovered mere millimeters from his. Cole growled low. Oh yes, she swooned. She bit her lip and grinned, then closed the gap between them, taking the kiss she was dying for. And just like before, she was immediately lost to him. She moaned, her smile pressed sweetly against his. “Cole. My beautiful Cole.”
His fingers flexed into her hips as his tongue thrust inside her mouth. She pulled him closer, her hands dropping to his back, her nails digging deep. He ground his hips against the apex of her thighs, then pushed his hand under her top, his fingers caressing as if they couldn’t stop touching her.
Sera giggled the moment he discovered she wasn’t wearing a bra, her demon nearly choking. Unsurprisingly though, he recovered quickly, cupping her breasts to graze his thumb across her nipple. She shivered at the contact, her flesh beginning to flicker.
“Sera,” he growled when she pulled back for air. “Take off your shirt. Now.”
She paused, an impish grin slowly curving her lips. “I will not.” Eyes dancing playfully, she pressed herself against his arousal. Shamelessly, she shuddered at the feel. And when she slid her tongue into his ear, his full-body jerk had her laughing anew. “How I have missed torturing you so.”
Blatantly undeterred, Cole pinched her nipple, making her gasp with a start. “Take it off, Sera.”
Oh, how his hands were driving her insanity. She shook her head and moaned against his ear. “No.”
Cole growled low, kissing the side of her neck, nipping at the tendon lightly. He brushed his lips along her jaw, then bit down on her earlobe. She squirmed in tantalized bliss. When he pulled back to look at her, his eyes were heady with passion. She smiled, melting into his gaze.
Abruptly, he tugged on her nipple. “Now, Sera.”
“Cole!” she yelped, her back arching hard, her thighs gripping him tight. He was work
ing her with clear intentions. He wanted her to submit to his demand. And while she loved yielding to his every desire, she also loved making him work for it. The outcome had always proved well worth the effort.
Grinning against lips that made it impossible to concentrate, she laughed huskily. “My top will go when I say it goes.” She laughed again when his growl grew darker. “So demanding. Some things never change, I see.” Her arms wrapped around his neck, her lips reclaiming his. And as she rubbed against him once more, a purr left her lips without shame. “Mmm… My beloved angel of darkness.”
Cole let go of her breast to take her hand. Leading it down to his hardness, he growled, “Then touch me, Sera.”
As his teeth nibbled under her chin and down to the base of her throat, Sera sighed. How bereft she had been for his mouth’s sweet seduction. For his hot breath’s enticement and his warm hands’ ruination. For that is what was happening. He was intentionally and methodically undoing her.
She leaned back to allow him better access. His hips rolled upward, rubbing his rock-hard length against her palm. But when she turned suddenly wary, fearful of what would happen if things went further, he held her hand firmly in place. She succumbed with a sigh, squeezing him firmly through his pants. Oh, how his erection grew harder.
He brushed his five o'clock shadow across her neck as his lips traveled down to her cleavage. Slowly he drew in her scent. “Please, Sera. Touch me,” he breathed, begging like she’d never heard before.
His heat, his touch, his pleas all bombarded her at once. Her heart hammered, his words touching her soul. How could she deny him? Even her own body was imploring her to yield.
Her hand began a methodical caress; stroking, kneading, nails gently dragging down the shaft of his sex. Sweet stars above, how she loved to please him, make him happy.
He moaned, his rough chin brushing the swell of her breast. She sighed blissfully, shivered wantonly. His desire was palpable. But was there affection amidst his passion? Or was that emotion lost to her forever? She must know, lest she go insane.
She slid down his fly while her other hand continued to pleasure him. Into his hair, she whispered, “I want to do much more than touch you, wonderful demon. I want to love you.”
He stilled, lifting his gaze to hers, his mask of indifference firmly back in place.
It was then that realization hit. Blinking slowly, her smile turned sad. “You do not feel the same.” It wasn't a question. “If you did, you would still be furious with me for deserting you. But clearly you are not.” She kissed him softly then. “I do not blame you for abandoning your affections for me. After all, abandonment is what I gave to you.” She looked down. “I was a frightened, spineless fool.”
Cole took a deep breath and looked her in the eye. “You want me to be honest, Sera?” When she nodded, his gaze filled instantly with love. For her.
“You are my first and only love. I would never lie to you about that. And I know you still have feelings for me. But what I need to know before we go any further is if you can accept me for who I am? For what I am.” As if unable to look in her eye, he buried his face in her shoulder. “You broke my heart,” he groaned. “I was young then, we both were. I never blamed you, though. I blamed myself for being what I am.”
His words shattered her heart. How much easier it would be if he hated her, just wanted to use her for pleasure. Pleasure she would gladly give him. But his confession broke her in a way she didn't know she could break. He was the demon! He was the one who was supposed to do the unforgivable! Not her! And yet the tragic irony was, she, the angel, was the one about to do the work of the devil. In mere moments, she would crush him for a second time. As if the first time hadn't brought him torture enough. When all he had ever done was love her.
Silent tears streamed down her cheeks. Futility she wiped at them. “You are not to blame. It was I who wronged you. You should hate me, Cole.” Abruptly she fisted his shirt, both hands tugging adamantly. “You need to hate me! I need you to hate me!” She crushed her lips to his in despair, overwhelmed with pure inner conflict. Her kiss nearly frantic, she locked her arms around his neck. “For if you do, then it will only be I who suffers. And there will be no transgression on my soul for hurting you further.” Her breasts crushed against his chest as her voice turned into a moan. “Hate me, Cole,” she whimpered, kissing him harder as the tears continued to flow. “But for the love of God, do it with all the passion you possess.” Without warning, she ripped open his shirt.
Taken aback by her desperation, Cole stopped his angel’s hands, holding them tight to his chest. “Sera. Look at me.” His grip tightened when her claws dug into his flesh. In a firm voice, he gritted out, “Can you. Accept me. For who I am? If you can’t, then you need to move on, because I’m not changing.” Inwardly he knew that the opposite was true. He actually would for change her. As much as he was able, at least. But he couldn’t handle her breaking his heart a second time, so he needed this to be on his terms. He’d be the one deciding how far their relationship went. Not her. No matter how shitty his life had been, she’d always been in his heart. He’d just learned to close the door to that emotion, keeping the trash out so it didn't taint it. And to keep it hidden from the person he'd become. But not anymore. She left him once because he was demon, what’s to say she wouldn't again? Fuck, he was getting soft.
When Sera hesitated to respond, he leaned back and looked at the ceiling. He refused to give into those tears. And that soft look about her face was killing him. He took a deep breath and let her hands go. “Answer me.”
As if the velvet timber of his voice somehow compelled her spirit to calm, Sera softly laughed. Inside Cole smiled, too. How ironic it was that he was capable of provoking such intense emotions in her, yet was equally able to quell them when they got too raw.
Cole watched her draw in a breath before raising her eyes to his. Trembling hands slid up his chest to palm the sides of his neck. And then higher they rose, cupping his face. Brown eyes gazed at him with exquisite intoxication. He watched her lips part, but no sound came. Like she couldn't say the words. Cole held his breath, waiting. She needed to speak soon or his sanity was going to shatter.
“Cole,” she choked, her throat audibly closing up, like something was trying to keep her from finishing. Cole frowned, morbid understanding stabbing at his chest. She was going to leave again. Her thumbs slid over his cheek bones, resolve flickering in her eyes as she tried again. “In truth, I have always accepted who you are,” she whispered, her eyes darting back and forth between his. “And there will never been another for me. But we come from two different worlds. Separated by more than either of us can fathom.” She leaned in, rubbing her nose slowly, tenderly against his, her gaze dropping to his mouth as she continued. “My secret I give to you now, my perfect, wonderful male. I do not hold the keys to my destiny. When I leave this time, it will not be by my choice.” Her face wrenched in anguish. “They beckon for me. Even now I can feel them calling, coming closer. I do not have much time.” Her eyes became pleading as they locked back with his. “Please, Cole. Love me. Just one more time.”
Cole growled in pleasure and pain. In the snap of a finger, he had them both naked and lying on a bed fluffier then the softest cloud. His breath caught as his eyes roamed up and down her body, drinking in her beauty. Her skin was so luminous it lit up the darkened room he’d taken them to. And now he was going to take his time. He would be the one dictating how long he spent with her, even if meant having to hide her.
His body snug against hers, he skimmed his fingers down her chest, a trail of goose bumps emerging in their wake. His short, trimmed nails grazed over her stomach, then trailed back up to circle her breasts. With his index, he teased one nipple into a tight, pebbled bud. Sera gasped, arching in response.
His eyes darkened as they lifted to hers, letting her see the truth of what he was about to say. “If I make love to you, Sera, it won’t be just once. I will take you when I want, where I w
ant, and as often as I want. And damn those who try to take you away.”
He held her gaze as he braced himself above her. With their bodies barely touching, he lowered his mouth to her warm skin. Moving his lips along the path his hands had just traveled, he kissed his way down the soft valley of her body, his whiskers brushing leisurely against the swells of her breasts.
Sera sighed, then abruptly sucked in a breath when his tongue slipped into her belly button. Her entire body had begun illuminate, pulsating slowly with subtle light. Cole grinned, blew across her damp flesh, enticing a fresh wave of goose bumps. She shivered, smiling as he moved lower down her body, his broad shoulders spreading her thighs apart.
He kissed her hips, nipping at the skin as his thumbs brushed along the insides of her thighs. His head dipped to blow a steady breeze atop her dewy softness. Again, she shivered, her gentle laugh quickly turning to a gasp the second his tongue stroked up her sensitive center. She arched up hard, even as his hands held her securely in place. This was his time to take all that he could, while he could. He delved deeper, sucking her hard pearl into his mouth, before pulling back with titillating suction.
Her hips jerked as she cried out his name, her fingers tangling restlessly in his hair. He was so much more than he was before, had obviously learned so many new and wonderful skills. Her body thrummed, her bare chest rising and falling in rapids pants. Cole had driven her wild many times in the past, but never quite like this.
Sera watched him work with parted lips. He was intoxicating to behold; between her thighs, his lips and tongue working their mind-blowing magic. All the while his desire-filled eyes watched her watching him. So captivatingly erotic, the visual nearly rocketing her over the edge.