by J. C. Wilder
“Aye, Maeve’s one of a kind.”
“Yes, she is.” Vivian unfolded her legs and rose from the couch, setting her wineglass on the hearth. “Sinjin, I’ve always been a straightforward woman. I’ve lied to myself in the past but that’s over now. I won’t shy away from the truth and what I want in life.”
A flutter of unease hit his belly when he caught the determined glint in her eye. What was she up to? “Viv—”
“No, let me finish.” The scent of his shampoo rose from her hair as she stopped in front of him. “You and I don’t know each other very well.” She shrugged. “That’s okay. To some people, my life looked easy. I came and went as I pleased. I loved those I chose and would cast them aside when I tired of them. I lived a superficial existence then but that’s over now.
“This afternoon I realized, really realized how fragile life was. How I’ve wasted so much time trying to insulate myself from getting hurt and being rejected, but that isn’t what life is about.”
He was caught by the brutal honestly reflected in her eyes. All artifice had been stripped away and in its place was the essence of the woman she really was. The scent of her skin, warm and female, was killing him. Since he’d failed to feed upon rising, his body was sounding an alarm that was part hunger, part lust as she placed her palm on his chest. She licked her lips and a rush of heat filled his groin, bringing him into full alert.
Sinjin wanted this woman more than he’d ever wanted anything, but to take her would be putting her life in danger. That he couldn’t do.
“Viv—”
“Shh.” She laid her finger over his lips, stemming the tide of words. “You haven’t let me finish.”
Against his will, his tongue snaked out to taste her fingertip. The warmth of her skin melted over his tongue like Swiss chocolate, invading his senses, making his head reel. He watched as surprise moved across her features, changing quickly to desire.
“We never know when our lives will end or irrevocably change in a moment. I only know one thing right now and that’s that I want you.” She rubbed her palm across his stomach and a shock wave of heat hit him so hard that this knees wobbled. “I think… no, I know you want me too.”
“Aye, woman.” The word slithered through clenched teeth as her hand slid upward, curling around the back of his neck.
“What would happen if we never consummated this feeling? What if I walked out that door and got killed, never knowing what it would be like to be held in your arms?” She leaned against him, pressing her full breasts into his chest.
He clenched his hands into fists, fighting the need to touch her. “Sounds like a rationalization for flagrant disregard for decorum.” He breathed against her hair. The scent of his own shampoo had never aroused him to this extent before.
She cupped the hard crotch of his jeans. “This doesn’t feel like a rationalization to me.”
“Vivian—”
Her lips were firm and moist against his as her taste exploded in his system. Her tongue teased the seam of his lips and, with a moan, he opened and let her in. Their tongues tangled and, when she gave his a gentle nip then soothed it with a slow suck, he realized he was being kissed by a woman who knew exactly how it should be done.
With a moan, he slid his arms down her body until he cupped her backside, lifting her to grind against the soft cushion between her thighs. He groaned as if he were wounded when she lifted her leg and rubbed it against his thigh. He could smell her arousal, her heat, and it sent his pulse racing.
He slid his hands from her buttocks down her thighs. Lifting, he turned and placed her on one of the island stools. He pushed her skirt up as he nudged her thighs apart with his hips. With a quick movement, he pulled her forward and pressed her panty-clad crotch against the straining fly of his jeans.
Their mouths ate at each other as he rubbed rhythmically against her dampness. His hands locked on her hips and he pulled her upward to meet each thrust as her slim legs wound around his waist, canting her body for a better angle. Her nails dug into his skin as she tore at the buttons of his shirt.
Vaguely he was aware of the sound of tearing cotton before her nails skimmed his bare chest. She plucked at his nipple, breaking his rhythmic movements. If she kept this up, their encounter was bound to be short-lived.
Hoping to slow her down, he tangled his fingers in her hair and pulled her head back. He trailed hot, opened-mouth kisses down her throat, pausing near the base. Beneath his lips he could feel her pulse, wild and unrestrained just beneath her skin. He just barely managed to resist the urge to taste her by forcing himself to move farther down her body until he nuzzled the creamy valley between her breasts. Her hands brushed his chin as she undid the buttons of her dress, allowing him better access.
As he nibbled at her flesh, he curled both hands under her dark blue skirt and pulled it up to her waist. By touch alone, he tore at her panties, the soft material gave under his grip, and he tossed it away, feverish to touch her.
He shuddered as he breached her damp flesh with a finger. He raised his head. “Ye’re wet for me.”
Their gazes clashed and she didn’t blush or look away. “Yes, I am. Very wet.”
“I want ye to scream for me.” He zeroed in on her clitoris, watching her skin flush with pleasure as her hips followed him, making it last. Her gaze grew hazy with each movement.
A teasing smile curved her lips. “I’ll scream for you if you’ll return the favor.” She cupped her hand over his erection.
“Later.”
Sinjin dropped to his knees and wedged his body between her thighs. Her inner flesh was dusky and glistening with desire. He slid his hands up the inside of her thighs until they reached her soft nest of dark curls. He was aware of her heated gaze as her restless fingers stroked his hair. He parted her soft flesh then slid a finger against the most sensitive part of her body. Once. Twice. A breathy half-moan slipped from her mouth as her body mimicked his movements, rocking to and fro with each stroke.
He bent his head and buried his face between her soft thighs. At the first touch of his tongue against her skin, her thighs tightened against his cheeks. She moaned long and loud as he suckled her flesh with single-minded determination. He slid his fingers deep into her damp channel and a cry burst from her throat.
Within minutes, she writhed beneath his touch. Her head thrown back, her breath came in soft gasps as she begged, nae, pleaded with him to end her torture.
“Yes…please. There. No, harder. Yes…Oh God. Yes. Yes. Yes!”
Her final cry came out like a shriek, the sound of which bounced off the kitchen walls and other polished surfaces. Her thighs relaxed and Sinjin nuzzled her inner thigh before rising over her.
Her skin was flushed, her lips swollen from his kisses as her curls tumbled wildly about her head. She looked thoroughly compromised.
“You’re next.” She gave him a soft, sexy smile.
“Nae, I’m not through with ye yet.”
Vivian shrieked and wrapped her arms around his neck when he swept her off the chair. He staggered as she twined her legs around his waist, pressing her heat against his erection. He could only hope his jeans could contain him for another few minutes lest he embarrass himself.
As he carried her through the house, she drove him crazy by touching every inch of exposed skin she could reach. His earlobe was the first victim of her attentions when she sucked the tender bit of flesh between her lips.
He shuddered and his cock strained for freedom. “Ye’d better quit, woman.”
“Or what?” She bit his earlobe.
“I’ll have to spank yer wee bottom.”
“Ooh!” She shimmied as he climbed the steps. “Sounds kinky. Maybe we can do that next time.”
He chuckled and smacked her lightly on the backside before giving her a firm squeeze. “Why not now?”
“This time I want you to fuck me hard,” she whispered in his ear.
The images her words evoked had him panting as he stag
gered into his bedroom. Within moments, he had her on her back in the middle of his bed. His mouth took hers as he set out to devour her. Greedy hands ran over skin as clothing was removed and thrown to the floor. Impatient, he was hungry to have her beneath him, desperate to be inside her. Deep inside her.
His restraint gone, he pressed her thighs apart and entered her with a low groan. Her body opened at his invasion, caressing his cock with her damp, silken flesh. Moving with little finesse and a lot of passion, he pounded into her. Reality faded and he was aware only of the woman beneath him and the sensations she aroused in him.
Hot, wild and untamed, they possessed each other totally. Their fingers entwined as their bodies strained toward completion. With a wild cry, she reached her release mere seconds before he did. His body tensed as his orgasm ripped through his body. Deep, convulsive shudders racked him before losing their grip, allowing him to sink into Vivian’s warm embrace.
After a few moments, their breathing slowed and reality reasserted itself. Sinjin rolled, taking Vivian with him to curl against his side. As her hand landed near his heart, he savored the feeling of his lover cuddled against him. Closing his eyes, he experienced a newfound contentment.
Limbs still entangled, Vivian fell asleep in his arms. The heady scent of their lovemaking lingered on his skin. He loathed having to leave her but he was due at the bar to meet Elena and receive the diary.
Duty was more important than physical pleasure.
Slowly, he slipped from her relaxed grip. Pulling a light blanket from the foot of the bed, he covered her. She gave a little sigh as the soft fabric covered her delectable curves.
With a light kiss on her forehead, he turned away from the woman who was in danger of stealing his heart to ready himself for the upcoming meeting.
Chapter Eleven
Elena licked her lips. Her gaze was glued on Sinjin as he stared at the leather book nestled in its bed of blue velvet. She knew well how he felt. The book was singularly unspectacular to look at. Warm brown leather, worn at the edges and the book’s spine was bare of any adornment. She knew he’d expected more than this drab little tome. Certainly not bolts of lightning on high or anything like that. But more than just this.
“So many people have died for the knowledge in this book,” Sinjin spoke as he ran his fingers over the cover. He pulled his hand away and she wondered if he’d felt the same chill she had when she’d first touched it. There was an unholiness that rested between its covers and she felt it every time she touched it.
“It has little to do with the knowledge and everything to do with the greed of man.” She heard the bitterness in her tone and winced.
He lifted his head and his green gaze impaled hers. She fought the urge to step away from him. She’d never enjoyed being near other preternaturals, especially a vampire. “Vivian almost died for this book last night.”
“How is that?” Apprehension trickled down her neck.
“She was accosted less than a block from here when she left. She told me what they said to her and it sounded like Miles.” His expression grew guarded. “I will ask ye again, how did ye come by the book?”
She crossed her arms over her chest and turned away. “I prefer not to disclose that information.”
“I dinna give a damn what ye prefer, Elena. An innocent woman almost died because she resembled ye. Someone is obviously after ye and they know ye have the diary. Is it Miles?”
She shrugged. “I haven’t had any problems. No one’s hassled me over the book.”
“Was it Miles ye stole the book from?”
“She’s very lucky, your woman.” Elena drifted to the window, her gaze falling on the boisterous crowds that milled along the street. “I smell her on your skin. She’s invaded every inch of your being, though you haven’t realized it yet.” Loneliness resonated in her soul. Right now she wanted to be anywhere but here, in this city, this office, her own skin. The weight of the book and her past betrayal weighed heavily on her soul. All she wanted to do was lie down and weep, but that wasn’t an option. For her it never had been.
“I stole the book from Miles while he slept.” She smiled at the memory. “Or, at least I thought he was asleep. When he woke I knocked him out.” She turned. “Needless to say, he’s not pleased with me.”
“And he’s come for it.”
“Probably.”
“Any idea who could be with him?”
She shook her head. “Man or woman?”
“Man.”
“That’s an interesting development. He usually travels alone unless it’s a female companion.”
Sinjin sat back, his expression contemplative. “Which tells me someone else is behind this.”
“And who wants the diary more than anyone else?”
“Mikhail.”
They were silent, both staring at one another as they realized the implications of the vampire’s involvement.
“Do you think Miles ever intended to take the book to him?”
Sinjin shrugged. “Whatever he intended, ye mucked that up. I have no doubt Miles is after the book and, consequently, after ye. The question is whether or not Mikhail is behind him as well or is it another interested party.”
“Is there anything you need assistance with?” she asked.
“Nae. Right now, I just need several weeks to begin studying the diary. We can only hope time is on our side.”
“I’ll keep my ears open and inform you if anything that pertains to this arises.”
“Will ye be okay?”
Elena forced a smile to her lips. She was used to taking care of herself. She was always careful to land on her feet and she would this time as well. “Yes. I’ll call you in a few weeks.”
“Please do.” Before she could leave, he rose from his chair and held out his hand. Elena stared at it for a second before she caught it for one quick shake.
“Thank ye, Elena Vasquez. Ye’ve done the entire preternatural world a huge favor by recovering this book and turning it o’er to me.”
She released him, her skin burned where he’d touched her. Didn’t he know she was undeserving of his gratitude? Her possession of the diary had had nothing to do with saving any other life than her own. “You’re welcome. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have another appointment to keep.”
She took the steps at a quick jog. The restaurant was almost empty when she passed through. Only the redheaded vampire waitress stood behind the bar, talking to a man with a scar on his face. His ice-blue gaze met hers and a shiver ran down Elena’s spine, alerting her to possible danger. Her eyes narrowed as she passed, barely managing to not growl at him.
Keeping her senses on alert, she slipped out the door to blend with the crowd and fade into the New Orleans night in pursuit of her next destination and the job that awaited her.
* * * * *
Dawn was still several hours away when Sinjin entered his house. He’d spent the last three hours photocopying the diary, page by excruciating page. The copy was now secreted in his personal safe at the Chat while the original was tucked into the bag he carried.
After locking the door, he headed for the stairs, wondering if Vivian was still asleep in his bed where he’d left her. His pulse quickened at the thought of her waiting for him. He stopped to lock the diary in the library safe before heading into the bedroom.
A small fire crackled in the fireplace, painting the room with a soft golden glow. The room was warm, almost too warm, and he hastened to open the window. Outside the night air lay thick and heavy, almost as if it were waiting for something. Even the usual night sounds were muted as if the creatures themselves were afraid of attracting undue attention.
A gentle snore sounded behind him, bringing a grin to his face. So, she wasn’t exactly waiting up, but she was still here. That was something. He unbuttoned his shirt as he walked to where Vivian slept, dropping it on the carpet as he moved. She lay on her stomach, as bare as the day she was born. She’d kicked off her covers and they were
half wadded beneath her torso, canting her backside upward, one knee bent toward her waist.
She made a restless sound and turned her face away as he sat beside her. Firelight kissed her exposed skin and he eyed her curves appreciatively. She had the most beautiful bottom he’d ever seen. He ran his hand over the soft globe, stroking and squeezing her flesh with a gentle touch. Beneath his hand, her breathing hitched and she stirred ever-so slightly.
He stopped, waiting for her breath to resume its normal rhythm before moving around between her thighs. He kissed the base of her spine then let his tongue follow the curve of one plump cheek. Already aroused, his cock strained the fly of his jeans, bringing him just short of the point of pain. Seeing her here, naked, her beautiful body his for the taking, brought forth a powerful rush of lust that threatened to bend him double. He wanted to take her from behind, to feel the slap of her soft bottom against his stomach as he brought her to fulfillment.
But first he had something else to do.
He stretched forward, bracing his arm near her waist as he kissed his way up her spine. “Wake up, sleepyhead,” he purred.
Vivian shifted as he nipped the indentation of her waistline before nibbling a path over the curve of her butt. He lightly bit the tender flesh between her buttock and thigh.
“Mmm…” She moved, her thighs opening further.
“More, love.”
She moved again and Sinjin slid his hand between her thighs, parting her flesh to expose her glistening dusky pink core with his fingers. She sighed as his finger brushed the nubbin still hidden by soft curls.
“So beautiful,” he whispered. “And so wet.”
He parted her further, exposing her clitoris. He slid his fingers deep into her slippery channel as his thumb caressed her bundle of nerves. Her hips lifted as she gave a loud moan before pressing her face deeper into the pillows. Her hands knotted the sheets as he continued his sensual assault on her body. Her hips rose with each stroke.
“Sinjin?”
Her voice was faint, strained.
“Aye?”