A Taste For Passion

by Patrice Michelle

  Chapter Five

  Lucian leaned over her, his lips barely touching hers. "I want to touch you."

  The low timber of his voice, so utterly male, raised goosebumps on her flesh as Rana ran her hands over the powerfully built surface of his naked chest and arms. His skin felt warm and hard, his muscles strong and taut underneath her wandering fingers. He tilted his head back and closed his eyes, inhaling deeply at her touch.

  She held her breath as uncertainty filled her. "Don't you want me to touch you?

  Lucian's silvery gaze glimmered with unchecked desire. "Your touch is almost more than I can bear." He gave her a tight smile. "But I wouldn't have it any other way. Tell me what you want."

  Was she dreaming? This felt so real. She may as well enjoy this while she could. Rana threaded her fingers through his hair, pulling his mouth to hers. "I want to finish what we started, Lucian."

  His mouth captured hers in a hungry kiss. His chest flattened her breasts, rubbing her sensitive nipples through her nightshirt. In seconds, her shirt opened and his hair-roughed, naked chest grazed her bare rigid peaks. She moaned in response to the titillating abrasion.

  Lucian pulled back, his eyes burning with need. He touched her breasts, squeezing them gently. "Your breasts are beautiful, Rana. They fill my hands perfectly." His words thrilled her beyond measure. He made her feel treasured.

  When he twirled her nipples between his fingers, she gasped, arching her back, encouraging him, wanting to be closer…or...

  He chuckled at her response and leaned over her, his warm breath fanning her breasts. "And these rosy nipples are just dying to be sucked." He drew a taut tip in his mouth, flicking it with his tongue before he surrounded the edge with his teeth and gave a gentle tug.

  A swift ache surged between her legs, followed by hot moisture at the pain-pleasure she experienced. She rubbed against his thigh, needing the hard contact, the friction.

  "Lucian, I need…" she panted, grasping his shoulders.

  He slid his hand down her stomach and cupped her naked, quivering flesh, his expression suddenly intense. "Tell me what you need, Rana."

  She bucked against his hand, seeking release from the building burn. "I need…you…now."

  One long, warm finger slid inside her and she sighed in contentment at the magnificent feeling as his finger rubbed against her flesh. But he wasn't about to let her stop at contentment. Oh, no. While he trailed kisses down her stomach to her thigh, he moved his finger in and out of her moist sheath in a slow, rhythmic glide, causing her to lift her hips to match his pace.

  A disappointed cry escaped her when he abruptly removed his hand. She came up on her elbows, ready to scream her frustration, but he surprised her when his strong hands grasped her thighs and pulled her closer, tilting her hips toward his lowering head.

  "Lucian!" Rana put her hand on his shoulder and tried to back away. She'd never done this with anyone. But his grip on her tightened, his shoulders tensed, his expression full of longing, imploring her. "I need this, Rana. I want to taste you…all of you."

  His words melted some of her resistance and before she could gather her thoughts, he dipped his head and found her throbbing core in one swift, decadent lap of his tongue.

  "Luuuucian," she gasped, falling back.

  He lifted his dark head, raising an oh-so-knowing eyebrow. "Shall I continue, my sweet?"

  Rana nodded mutely, to which she received a wicked grin before he lowered his head once more and took a slow, tantalizing exploration of her sex, drinking her essence, lapping at her entrance before plunging his tongue inside.

  She bucked in response, panting, clutching his head closer.

  He made a growling sound and her breath hitched in her throat at the sweet passion building, intensifying with each sensual stroke of his tongue. "Oh, God, please," she begged.

  Just when she thought she'd scream in insanity, he gripped her nub with his tongue and teeth and sucked hard. He pulled the responsive skin as far into his mouth as he could, eliciting a keening cry of pleasure from her for his efforts.

  He chuckled and traced kisses to the juncture of her thigh as he replaced his tongue with two fingers, pushing deep inside her. "Please, Lucian," she pleaded, writhing at his magical touch, pressing closer.

  "Come for me, Rana, long and hard. I want to hear you scream my name. Let me know it's my cock you really want driving into your sweet flesh."

  He slid his thumb over her labia until it rested over her most sensitive spot while his fingers continued to twirl inside her. His fingers stopped moving and his thumb applied frustrating pressure as he slid his tongue over her thigh. She panted in agonizing anticipation.

  His hot breath bathed her thigh before he gave a guttural growl and locked his teeth on the soft juncture at the same time he drove his fingers into her and pressed aggressively on her clitoris trapped beneath his thumb.

  "Ohmigod, Lucian." Rana closed her eyes and gripped the sheets beneath her, screaming throughout her orgasm as her hips rocked with the most explosive waves of passion she'd ever experienced.

  When she came back to herself, her eyes slowly fluttered open to stare at the dark ceiling. Disappointment coursed through her when she realized she'd had another tantalizing dream. Why did the most mind blowing orgasm she'd ever have end up happening while she slept? In her dream she'd felt connected to Lucian on a deeper level. His eyes told her what they shared was about more than just sex for him. Her heart still hammered in her chest, her body still pulsed from the pleasure she'd derived. Rana turned her head toward the window and saw Lucian's shadowy form.

  * * * * *

  Lucian reveled in Rana's uninhibited orgasm. He bit back the unfulfilled ache that radiated from his bulging cock. Surely, I'm driving myself mad. He chuckled inwardly. At least he'd thought to project the image of clothes around himself, so she couldn't see his amorous state. He wanted her desperately.

  When she'd climaxed, it took all his will power to keep his fangs retracted and not sink them into her luscious skin. Never in his life had he wanted to taste a woman more. His passion for Elizabeth had built over time. But with Rana it was a fast, instantaneous flash and burn. Rana called to his most primal instincts to immediately mate in the traditional vampire way, to make her his for all time.

  He should've known that sex would only heighten his need for her after this evening. In the parking lot, he'd come terribly close to taking her. Only her trusting voice calling to him, brought him back. Even then, he'd had to shake himself out of the haze of lust—for her blood as well as her body—that coursed through him.

  He looked over at her panting in her bed and listened as her heartbeat returned to normal. Rana was like the flower and he was the bee. Even if his life depended on it, he couldn't stay away.

  "Lucian?"

  Rana stood on shaky legs, long, sexy, shapely legs that peeked out beneath her short silky nightshirt. She approached him, stopping a foot away, her hair tousled, her lips swollen from his kisses, the scent of her pleasure surrounding him in a cloud of pure temptation.

  "Invite me in, Rana. I can't stay unless you give me permission," he whispered. He stared at her, letting her see the deep yearning in his eyes.

  "I can't," she whispered back. The puzzled look on her face changed to one of determination as she reached out to touch him. Lucian shimmered before her hand could connect. She gasped and jerked her hand back to her chest, a sound of pure disappointment escaping her.

  If she touched him, he'd be lost. He wouldn't be able to control himself. He was so primed right now, he'd yank her down on that bed and drive into her sweet flesh over and over while he sank his teeth in her neck. He reappeared across the room and asked, "Why?"

  She walked toward him once more, reaching out. He shimmered again and solidified a couple of steps behind her.

  Rana turned, smiling. "Obviously, you're not real and I'm still dreaming." She sighed and answered him, "I can't because I need to know what I feel for you is real—th
at I'm not covering my grief over my grandfather with a relationship."

  Lucian closed his eyes for a second before returning her gaze. "I understand you've been through a lot with the loss of your grandfather."

  Tears shimmered in her eyes. He couldn't help himself. Reaching out, he brushed her tears away with his thumb. "Don't cry."

  She sucked in her breath at his touch and tried to reach for him, awe in her voice. "You're real." He didn't have time to vanish, so, he made himself an illusion instead, which drained him considerably. Her hand went right through him. She might not feel him but her gentle caress rocked him to the core.

  Lucian gave her a tender smile. "When you're ready, I can be as real as you want me to be. All I want to do is love you, Rana."

  Her smile was tremulous through her rain of glittering tears. "I could fall for you so easily, and that's what scares me the most."

  Lucian shifted back to solid form and touched her cheek, brushing away another tear. He folded his hand inward and then opened his palm toward her. A single diamond, shaped like a teardrop, appeared in his hand.

  She laughed, gulping back a sob. "Oh, Lucian, it's beautiful magic."

  He smiled, cupping his hand around the diamond, his chest tight with his love for her. "There's so much I want to share with you, Rana. I'll be waiting."

  Changing to his mist form, he left her smiling in the darkness.

  * * * * *

  The next evening, Rana entered her home and set the stack of books down on her coffee table. She stared at the book on top, amusement curving her lips. It was the book on vampires she'd shelved the other night. A customer had considered buying it but changed his mind at the last minute. When she started to put it away, for some unknown reason, she decided to take it home. She chuckled. At least no one could accuse her of not broadening her reading scope.

  It was Friday night and she always brought home a set of books for the weekend. She giggled at her long-time habit and turned away from the tower of paperbacks. "Not tonight, guys. Tonight, I'm going to enjoy myself dancing with a handsome man." Shrugging out of her coat, she kicked off her shoes and marched back to her bedroom, mumbling, "So what if he's the hottie starring in my nightly fantasies. I can control myself."

  She chose her outfit carefully, not wanting to seduce Lucian, but at the same time, she wanted to look sexy and alluring. The red pants suit's plunging neckline somehow enhanced her small, always-in-need-of-a-Wonderbra breasts, showing a modest curve of skin. The long sleeves were made of a see-through organza material that ended with a cuff made of the same rayon as the rest of the outfit.

  Rana pulled her hair up in a French twist, sliding in pearl combs to hold it in place. As she applied clear lip gloss, the doorbell rang, causing her heart to flutter in her chest.

  Lucian stood in her doorway, filling it with his tall, broad frame. He wore casual black slacks and a white turtleneck that fit his chest perfectly, displaying the show of muscle underneath. His short-cropped hair curled slightly, as if he'd just gotten out of the shower. A sexy smile tilted the corners of his lips. His silver eyes turned crystal clear, his smile broadening, when his gaze dropped to her outfit. Rana smiled and opened the door further, saying, "Come in."

  Once she shut the door behind him, Lucian reached out and grasped her hand, lifting it to his lips. He raised his eyebrows hopefully. "We can always stay here and dance to the radio."

  Laughter bubbled up. She felt giddy and drunk from his intoxicating gaze.

  "Oh, no you don't. You promised me dancing, Lucian. No backing out," she admonished lightly.

  He wrapped his fingers around her wrist and pulled her against his chest. "Your wish is my command. But first, a kiss."

  Breathless, she could only stare up at him as he lowered his head to hers, his exotic scent surrounding her, seducing her. Sparks flew at the first gentle caress of his lips against hers. She gasped when he slid his hands down her back to her lower spine and pressed her closer, fitting her curves to his hard planes. His breath tasted of mints and something elusive, his own natural masculine flavor as he first nibbled and then sampled her bottom lip, running his tongue along the curve.

  "You're like ambrosia, Rana," he murmured against her lips, "all sweet with just the right kick of citrus and mysterious ingredients to keep me coming back for more."

  His words warmed her heart. Rana wrapped her arms around his neck and parted her lips. Lucian kissed her with demanding mastery, his tongue thrusting inside. He seduced her, enthralled her, took what she offered, yet insisted on so much more.

  She put her hands against his chest, breaking the kiss. Knowing her eyes reflected her longing to continue, she pressed a finger against his lips with an apologetic smile. "Dancing, remember?"

  Lucian kissed her finger, his eyes full of desire to please her. "Let's go. The dance floor awaits."

  * * * * *

  He parked his Jag outside a nightclub called The Lion's Lair. She turned to him, excitement in her voice. "I've heard of this place. It's supposed to be pretty exclusive and hard to get into."

  Winking at her, he whispered conspiratorially, "I have an 'in' with the owner."

  As they approached the door, the guard smiled at Lucian and opened the door for them. "Evening, Mr. Trevane."

  "Good evening, Dwayne. Have you seen Ian tonight?"

  "Yes, Ian's here."

  "Good. By the way, as of today, Kraid is now banned from the club. "

  The guard's gaze flicked to Rana before he addressed Lucian. "He'll be furious, sir."

  Lucian tensed. "He forfeited his rights to this club by his recent activities. I won't tolerate such behavior."

  Dwayne nodded his understanding. "No problem, sir."

  Lucian put his hand on the small of her back and escorted her inside. Rana took in the swank establishment. A gleaming black marble bar took up one wall. Deep red carpet covered the entryway and the steps leading to the raised dance floor that took up the center of the room. People of various ages hung out around the French café tables surrounding the dance floor, while others took advantage of the lights under their feet and swiveled their hips to the latest hit song.

  Curious about the conversation she'd just heard, Rana decided to focus on the obvious. She leaned over and said in his ear, "An 'in' with the owner, huh? You're the owner, aren't you?"

  He gave her a sidelong smile. "Well, I didn't want you to think I was trying to impress you." His eyes lit up like a kid's seeking approval. "Did it work?"

  Rana laughed. "You're incorrigible. Yes, I'm impressed."

  A smug grin rode up his face. "Good. I like it when you're impressed." He nuzzled her neck. "Are you ready to finish what we started last night?"

  She blushed, thinking of her dream, but remembering their shared kiss in the parking lot, laughed and swatted him away. "Slow down, Lucian. First things first. Let's dance, hmmm?"

  He kissed her knuckles, his eyes alight with banked passion. "Yet another excuse to hold you close."

  He pulled her onto the dance floor as patrons moved to the upbeat tempo all around them. The song ended right when Lucian and she made it to the middle of the dance floor. A Latin tune started up, its calypso beat thrumming through her veins.

  Lucian lips brushed against her ear. "Have you ever danced the Salsa?"

  She grinned. "No."

  He put one arm around her waist, grasped her hand, and holding her arm out, he flashed her a smile. "Well, you're about to learn."

  After a few mishaps, Rana had the basic steps down. Lucian was an excellent dancer. He smoothly directed, patiently taught, and seductively encouraged. Before the song ended, she had the swing of the dance. Disappointment coursed through her when the music ended.

  "Did you like it?" Lucian asked.

  She nodded. "I'm just disappointed that it's over."

  He grinned. "Let wait and see, hmmm?"

  When Marc Anthony's I Need to Know started up, she smiled at him.

  Lucian pulled her agains
t him and moved his hips with hers to the fast paced Salsa steps. Before long, they moved as one. It was as if she anticipated his next move before he made it and followed in suit. And the odd thing was, some of the twists and turns he'd adapted as they danced.

  She locked eyes with his silver ones and became so focused on him, even the music seemed to dim in the background, the people gyrating around them faded way, leaving just Lucian and her on the lit-up floor, dancing to the sensual beat. At that moment in time her whole world centered on Lucian.

  He pulled her closer until her chest touched his and said the lyrics as his lips brushed her neck, "I need to know".

  At his suggestive tone her nipples hardened into tight nubs. Even the soft cotton of her bra felt almost painful as it brushed against them. It felt right with him—so right to just let go and enjoy the temptation, the pleasure he offered. She closed her eyes and relished the feel of his lips on her neck, his thigh between her legs, rubbing against her. Her thighs tingled in response to the hardness of his leg between them, reminding her of her first dream about Lucian and just how well he knew how to use that thigh. Rana's heart raced as her sex began to throb in pulsing need.

  At some point, the pace of their dancing changed and slowed. Lucian slid his hands down her spine and grasped the curve of her ass in his palms, pulling her flush with his erection, rocking slowly against her. Rana bit back the moan that threatened to escape her lips.

  His hot breath fanned her ear as he said, "You and I are in perfect harmony, Rana. I want to sink to the hilt in your warmth, bury myself so deep you come just from our joining."

  Oh, God, he'd nailed it, big time. Rana couldn't stop her gasp this time. She was so turned on by his lurid words, the uncomfortable throbbing between her legs deepened to an unbearable, needy ache.

  Lucian clasped her buttocks and lifted her off the floor, grinding against her. "I thought I could wait, my sweet, but you're driving me insane. Please tell me tonight is it."

  The people were gone and it was just the two of them. She wrapped her arms around his neck at the same time she lifted her legs around his waist, letting her body settle on his erection. She moaned at the contact, reveling in the slight relief she experienced as he pressed against her. When he rocked his hips, rubbing against her once more, she imagined him driving his cock inside her as deep as he could get. Rana reflexively tightened her legs around him. She couldn't wait any longer either. She needed to feel alive and this time she wanted it to be real.