“One source said it was in retaliation for a particular Drummond Aster being killed in a particular home in Baltimore.”
He tapped his chest. “This is my fault?”
Hunter shook his head. “Not saying it is.”
He knew what he had to do. “If you get any leads, let me know. Casius and I will take care of it.”
“We’ll count on it.”
Well, crap.
* * * *
Tanya was a little bummed when neither of the men called. This only added to her belief that they might be having second thoughts about having her in their lives. The more she thought through things, the she more she realized she wanted this relationship with the men to work. While she hadn’t told Georgiana about the men being shifters, her friend had made her take a step back and figure out what she really wanted.
Initially, Tanya thought it would be better if she walked away before the men dumped her, but then Georgiana said the pain would be the same either way, and why not let the men make the decision. Her friend’s logic seemed sound at the time.
For the last two days, she’d embraced the idea that if being with them was meant to be, then she wasn’t going to stop it.
She’d just locked the storefront’s door and was looking forward to her day off tomorrow when someone knocked. She glanced up and nearly jumped for joy. Casius was at the door with his cheek pressed to the window making a funny face. He wasn’t normally the goof-off of the two, but she liked it when he relaxed and was himself.
She opened up the door and motioned him in. “Welcome.”
Without saying anything he grabbed her and kissed her. “I’ve missed you. Do you forgive me?” He was talking nonsense.
“Let’s close the door first.” He shut it and turned back to her. She moved closer. “What do you think you need forgiveness for?”
“We’ve been selfish. Hercules and I have done things with you that we like. I want to spend time with you doing what you like.”
That concept floored her. “I liked going to the hot springs.” Even though she couldn’t help but compare herself to those skinny girls.
“We figured you did, but how about going on a photo shoot?”
Had he been talking with Georgiana? “I know you commented on the photos in the hallway, but you don’t have to do that.”
“I know, but I want to. What do you say?”
He seemed so excited that she could hardly say no. “Where would we go?” She wasn’t much of a hiker. Right now the streets of Delight had brown slush on them.
“It’ll be a surprise, but you need to pack a bag.”
“Is Hercules coming?”
“No. One of us needs to supervise the troops, and I’m the one with the good eye.”
She laughed. “You never said you were into photography.”
He cocked an eye. “Never said I wasn’t.”
What the hell? This would give her a chance to see how well the two of them clicked. “Okay.” Tomorrow the store was closed anyway. The timing couldn’t be better.
“Great. I’d hoped you’d agree. I took the liberty of ordering dinner to go at the Highlander’s Café.”
“How did you know what I wanted?”
He rubbed his chin. “Since you eat there several times a week, I was able to extract what your favorite meal was from Eileen.”
The owner would pay. “Well, thank you.”
Once they picked up their to-go boxes, Casius followed her back to her house. They decided to eat the food first then drive to their destination.
“I’ll need to know where we’re going, so I’ll know what to pack.”
He winked. “You sly one. Actually, we’re going to Charlotte. Normally, it would be in the fifties, but they are experiencing a warm front and it’s in the mid sixties.”
That would be a wonderful change. “I haven’t been to the city in forever.”
“I’m glad.”
Casius sat on the bed while she packed and collected her camera gear. She made sure to bring her battery charger because she hadn’t taken photos in forever. She debated about gathering some sex toys for fun but decided it might be nice to have plain, old vanilla sex for a change to see if the excitement would be the same. Casius, however, might have other ideas.
Only having one set of hands on her wouldn’t be quite the same, but she planned on making this trip a very memorable one. She closed the case. “I’m ready.”
He took her gear and hustled her to his car. Once they were on the road she bubbled over with enthusiasm about sharing something as intimate as taking pictures. She’d be able to tell a lot about a person by what kind of shots they liked. “What is your favorite kind of picture?”
“Candids.”
“I never get the lighting right, and I never did learn about indoor lights and stuff.”
He smiled. “Since I am ancient by your standards, I took a few classes in my day. Even took a two-day seminar with Ansel Adams.”
“For real?”
He chuckled. “Trust me, it wasn’t as much fun as you’d think. We hiked up the mountains, and when we got to the top, we sat for something like six hours until he said the light was just right. He took two shots, and then we hauled all the gear back down.”
“Why only two shots?”
Casius glanced over at her before returning his focus to the road. “He used plates and an eighty-by-ten frame camera. Those thirty-five millimeter cameras only have film about one inch by an inch and a quarter. He had to process each plate before taking another one. It was quite old-fashioned, but as you know, the results were amazing.”
Being able to sit with such an artist must have been pretty amazing. “Do you get to do landscapes often?”
“Not anymore. Once film cameras went out, I never embraced digital. You’ll find out that I’m quite inexperienced.”
“You can always cheat and put it on automatic.”
He smiled. “I may do that.”
By the time they got to their hotel in Charlotte it was past nine and too late to shoot. As much as she wanted to wander around the town, the idea of getting naked and making love with Casius held so much more appeal.
Chapter Twelve
All the way up to the room she had ideas on how to seduce him. When they got inside, she did a double take. “You got a suite?”
“Only the best for my babe.” He set the two suitcases down.
She laughed. Casius stepped behind her, and as he removed her jacket he nibbled on her neck. His warm breath and slow-moving hands spoke of a wonderful evening.
He turned her around, and the heat from his eyes stunned her. For a second she wondered if he was going to shift, but he’d said it wouldn’t happen again. The more time he spent with her, the lack of control would slowly wane.
“I want you, babe.” He backed her up against a wall and leaned in, hovering close to kiss her. “I was so tempted to stop the truck and take you in the front seat.” His lips captured hers.
The sincerity of his words made her body heat, and the intensity infused lust in every cell. He slid his fingers under her shirt and dragged his rough palms up to her breasts. He squeezed her nipples through the material as he skimmed her lips with his tongue.
She opened up and greedily plunged her tongue into his mouth. Needing to touch him, she grabbed his massive shoulders and pulled him close.
He broke the kiss. “You have to understand that I only suggest this because I am so weak around you. Please, don’t touch me. I knew this would happen. Don’t move.”
All those commands at once had her head spinning. He rushed to his suitcase and tore it open. On top sat some lube, cuffs, and condoms. She was thrilled he hadn’t just wanted to take pictures.
He gathered his gear and placed them on a table next to her. “Babe, I really thought we’d enjoy our hobby together, but when I get around you, something inside me snaps. Are you okay with a little loving first?”
She almost laughed at the desperate way he
was working his jaw. “Yes.”
He blew out a breath. “Good, because I’m going to get you naked and fuck you until my cock almost falls off.”
The image had her smiling. “You do have a way with words.”
“Master. I need to hear you call me Master. It helps me stay in human form.”
She wanted that. “Yes, Master.”
“Then take off your boots and pants, slave. I’ll do the rest.”
While she partially disrobed, Casius flung off his clothes. Some landed on the sofa, and the rest ended up on the floor. The whole time, he kept his gaze on her as if he feared that if he looked away she’d disappear.
As soon as he was naked, he picked up the cuffs and waved them. “It’s for your own protection.”
He pinched the back of her bra, guided the straps down her arms, and dropped the new acquisition on top of her jacket. Then he spun her around and clamped her hands together and cuffed her. Once more he rotated her so that she was facing him, clad only in her pink panties.
“Like what you see?” She usually wouldn’t have been so brazen, but something in the way Casius was devouring her with his eyes made her bold.
He shook his head. “I don’t know where to begin. I want all of you now.”
He kissed her hard and quick then lifted one breast in his hand. He rubbed the nipple with his thumb, and a wave of carnal desire slammed into her. How could that one touch turn her on so much? Maybe she was part panther and knew that these men were the ones for her.
He leaned over and took the other nipple in his mouth. His tongue washed over the tip before he sucked on her hard. A blast of pure joy shot through her, and her pussy ached to be touched. Her groan probably came out too hard. His body weight forced her to take a step back, and she had to plant her palms against the wall for support. Damn him for cuffing her. She wanted to run her hands down his pecs and then grab his cock.
He dropped to his knees and thumbed the waistband of her panties. Slowly, he lowered them, exposing her naked pussy. He kissed her outer lips.
“I have such plans for you. When I’m done, she’ll never forget me.”
“I thought you liked my ass.” Her whine embarrassed her, but it was the truth. She wanted to experience everything with these men.
“Oh, babe. You have no idea what my plans are. Now that Hercules is working, I plan to do double duty. I’ll be savoring every inch of your precious body. When I’m done, you’ll be so exhausted I’ll have to carry you to bed. We might sleep through tomorrow.”
She smiled at his exaggeration. “What are you waiting for, Master?”
He returned her grin. “I love a woman who knows her place.”
Had there not been a hint of joking in his tone, she would have expressed her opinion on that topic. Part of her wanted to throw some sass back, but she needed him to take care of her throbbing pussy and not spend time spanking her. If he planned on impaling her ass, she bet that would be part of the foreplay. The thought of all that touching had her squirming.
As Casius delved a tongue between her folds, he lowered her panties even more. She tried to widen her stance but couldn’t.
He licked her hard then sat back on his haunches. “Patience. I’m enjoying this.”
“But, Master, you could drink more of my honey if my panties were gone.”
He looked up and smiled. “You are right.”
He dragged them down allowing her to step out of one side. His thumbs clasped onto her inner thighs and dragged her legs wider. His entire mouth captured her pussy, and when his tongue flicked her clit, she bent her knees, wanting more contact.
“Fuck my pussy, Master.”
When he reached up and pressed two fingers into her slit, she had to stand on her toes to handle the sparks of need streaking up her body. She closed her eyes and bit her lip to keep from climaxing.
He wiggled his fingers inside her and leaned back. “I want to do this right, but I don’t think I can wait.”
“You are welcome to fuck me, Master.”
He picked up the condom, tore the foil, and donned the condom in seconds. His hands clasped her face, and he devoured her mouth. It was as if he needed their lips to touch for him to breathe, or else she needed his lips on her to breathe.
Her legs were already open and waiting, so when he placed his cock at her opening a second later, she had to concentrate on his kiss or fear coming too soon.
She was so wet that with one long surge, he was able to reach the end. He dropped his head back and closed his eyes. “God, but you are divine.”
His cock pulsed, and she feared he’d come before she’d had her fill. He pumped into her twice and then withdrew.
“Did I do something wrong, Master?” She knew that she couldn’t have, but she needed an explanation.
“Come here.” He led her over to the sofa that sat in the middle of the room. He unlocked her cuffs. “Place your hands on the top of the back.”
With his feet, he widened her legs. A deep growl emanated from within his chest. She had to look to make sure he was still human. Fortunately, he was.
His kisses trailed from her shoulder, down her spine, to her ass. She clenched her rear as she thought about having his big cock in her ass. “Master?”
He dropped his head on her back, reached underneath her, and palmed her tits. “I want to love you so much.”
Her heart melted at his voice-cracking sentiment. I love you, too.
Her silent admission almost made her shake.
To her delight, he pinched her nipples then impaled her pussy again. “I can’t seem to get enough.”
This time he took her like it was his last hurrah. Every thrust catapulted her closer to her climax. He twisted her nipples, and electric sparks scurried over her skin. She milked his cock, and he groaned.
“Come for me, slave.”
That was an easy command to follow. Her body was already quivering with need. Casius lowered one hand and slid it down her belly. When he pressed and then wiggled her clit, an intense electric current sparked across her body swamping her with a climax so strong that, if his cock hadn’t been holding her up, her knees might have buckled. Tremors tripped over her body as she tried to catch her breath.
“Oh, my God.” Her breaths still came out fast.
Casius pulled out. “Babe, that was awesome.”
Her pussy needed him. “You didn’t come.” She knew he hadn’t.
“No. I wanted to explore your ass, so be prepared.”
As exhausted as she was, this new adventure excited her. “Yes, Master. Hurry, please.”
Her juices were dripping down her leg. He must have smelled her scent because he scooped up her juices and dragged them up her crack. “I love going natural, but I know I need the lube to break in your virgin ass.”
She’d needed the lube when he used the dildo. “I trust you to know.”
He nipped her shoulder. “You are the best.”
She wondered if she’d get another shot of panther blood. To her it represented their desire to keep her. “Thank you, Master.”
Although she’d read many books on the BDSM lifestyle, she never knew she’d enjoy being at their mercy. Giving up control only added to the thrill. Here, the town thought she was wielding the whip. Perhaps next time she’d bring a crop for them to try out on her ass.
Casius smeared lube over her hole and placed his cock on top of her pussy, pressing against her sensitive nub with every rub. Even now she was a firecracker ready to explode.
“Babe, I’m going to go as slow as I can, but I can’t promise anything. Right now, the need to take you is strong.”
Her need to be taken was stronger in her mind. She nodded.
He pressed in one finger and twisted it right then left until the knuckle popped past her tight ring. She inhaled and tried to relax her rear for him.
Don’t tense.
She thought she had everything under control until he added another finger and scissored them open and c
losed. Not only did she clamp down hard, but she clenched her ass.
He pulled out. Shit. “I’m sorry, Master.”
“Yes, you will be sorry. I know once I delve into your sweet ass I won’t be able to control myself. If you tighten those muscles, I’ll lose it. For your first experience, it will be devastating. Trust me.”
At first, her stomach tumbled at disappointing him. Then she realized that being spanked would add so much to this first time. “Yes, Master. I have been very bad.” She moved forward a few inches and dropped her stomach on to the top of the sofa, presenting him with a better angle to spank her.
“Very nice, slave, but I have a better idea.”
In a flash, she was lengthwise along the top of the sofa. One foot touched the seat cushion, and the other was on the floor. The flat of his hand came down on her ass so hard that, had she been standing, she would have jetted forward.
“Ow.” She reached behind her to rub her ass, but he stopped her.
“To soothe is my job. I know that was hard, but I need to redden your ass quickly.” He rubbed her ass, which helped turn the ache to pleasure.
Her pussy contracted as the bliss caressed her insides. Another slap landed on her right cheek, and she was sure he’d left a handprint. Just as she was about to ask him to stop, a near climax convulsed her inner walls. The novel sensation was so amazing that she had to ask for more.
“I’m not sure you realize just how bad I’ve been, Master.”
The next two slaps were equally powerful. By now her ass was vibrating and her pussy was leaking. He eased her back to her position.
“Jesus, but you are amazing. I’m sorry.”
She didn’t know what he had to be sorry about, but when he nudged open her back hole with his cock and pressed it in, she realized she wasn’t prepared for having something that big in her rear.
He grabbed her butt and dropped his forehead on her back. “I’ll hold still for as long as I can, but whatever you do, don’t milk my cock or squeeze your cheeks.”
She totally understood that his command was for her benefit and prayed she could concentrate enough not to move. The intense stretching subsided, yet his hands were still clasping her hips.
Their Virgin Mate [Panther Cove 5] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Page 10