Playing With Fire: Paranormal Dating Agency (Otherworld Shifters Book 4)

by Godiva Glenn

  He opened his menu, smiling to himself. She opened hers and didn’t quite understand what she was looking at. The words were English, but unfamiliar, and the photos disturbing. Dish after dish of brightly colored bits rolled in greenery.

  “What are you feeding me?”

  “Sushi.”

  “What is that?”

  “Let me pick this up.” Troy hurried through his home with a bag of leftover food and an order he’d made for his roommate.

  Chell walked a small circle through the first area of his apartment. She supposed that regardless the planet, males tended to be a bit messy and scattered. Thankfully it wasn’t a mess that smelled horrid.

  She sat on the couch, finding it softer than she’d guessed, and pleasantly bouncy.

  “Sorry about the mess. I didn’t think you’d be here, to be honest,” Troy said entering the room.

  “I don’t mind.”

  He sat beside her. “Did you want to watch something? Should I make coffee?”

  She slid a hand on his leg, massaging his knee. “No.”

  “Ah.”

  Meeting his eyes, she admired the brilliant ocean blue. Gerri may have intended well, but a man like Troy would not survive on Solara. Still, Chell was content to enjoy him for now. Tonight, perhaps the next. Casual encounters were not her preference, but she’d had a terrible year and a half.

  Troy twined his fingers with hers and held them up to his lips. “I’m glad to have more time with you.” He kissed her knuckles. “I thought you’d leave after I tormented you with strange foods.”

  “Strange but palatable. I enjoyed the adventure.”

  “Does that mean I passed? Is that why you’re here?”

  She scooted closer to him. “I’m here because you appeal to me. I see no harm in seeing how far our compatibility extends.”

  His free hand caressed her jaw and he leaned in to kiss her. The moment their lips touched, she shivered at the longing she’d so long suppressed, which now burst forward. She’d been alone for too long, functioning as a pillar of strength, a symbol for her people.

  She pulled Troy’s shirt, needing him closer as their tongues danced and she tasted his masculine spice. He riled her in a way she hadn’t expected, and in a way that she hadn’t felt in years. Not since… No, she couldn’t let her thoughts drift.

  Troy’s hands stroked her sides, gradually becoming a firm hold on her back and easing her down to the side. She wound up reclined on the arm of the couch with him on her, and she marveled at how easily her body readied for him.

  Their dinner had been fascinating, both the food and the conversation. Troy was curious and charming, and attentive to her as a woman, as she had not disclosed her position back home.

  “I almost can’t control myself with you,” he whispered, pulling from her lips to kiss her neck.

  The door opened and Troy immediately stood. Chell sat up to see who had entered.

  “Oh… shit. Sorry,” the man said, shutting the door behind him.

  His bare chest rose and fell and a fine sheen of sweat covered his impressive muscled physique. Dark art covered both of his arms and something large and ornate resided over his heart. Chell’s mouth parted slightly as she took in the sight. This was a warrior.

  “Dude…” Troy shook his head. “You’re disgusting.”

  The stranger wiped his face with a balled-up fabric in his hand. “Sorry. I got carried away, lost track of time. Didn’t expect company.” He smiled at Chell, and his brown eyes flickered over her body in a way that left her feeling flushed. “I’ll just go to my room.”

  He disappeared down the hall as Troy watched.

  Brushing a hand over his short hair, Troy grimaced. “That would be Gabe.”

  “Of course.”

  “I actually thought he was in his room already,” Troy explained. “I thought we were okay out here.”

  Chell swallowed and nodded.

  Troy gave her a curious look. “I see,” he said cryptically. “Have I lost your attention?”

  She chastised herself for having been so transparent. “I was simply shocked.”

  He took hold of the fitted black shirt he wore and pulled it off, tossing it aside without looking where it landed. “Does this help?”

  Now her mouth fell open in a different sort of awe. Had she engaged his competitive side yet again? It wasn’t her intention, but she was happy to reap the benefits. She rose and placed her hands flat on Troy’s chest.

  His dark shirt had hidden the man underneath. The definition of his muscles was softer than that of his roommate, but pleasing, nonetheless. His skin was clear of tattoos, but she would have been shocked to see any on him. She dragged a fingertip down the trail of blonde hair that led toward his pants.

  Looking into his eyes, she asked, “And where is your room?”

  He took her by the hand and led her down the shadowed hallway. She stepped through the door as he clicked on the light.

  “We don’t need that,” she said.

  The light disappeared. “But I can’t see you.”

  She could see him almost perfectly. Crossing the room, she took hold of the cords hanging by the window. “Isn’t there a way to?”

  He guessed her thought and adjusted the shades until a trickle of the moon and tall street lamps outside brightened the room a bit, then he took hold of her waist from behind and nibbled the back of her shoulder.

  Reaching up, she cupped his cheek. He nuzzled her for a minute then kissed her fingertips. His hands traveled slowly up her ribcage, his pace seeming to seek permission. She pressed her ass against him and moaned, giving that permission.

  Warmth spread through her as he cupped her breasts. His touch intoxicated her, being somehow gentle and firm at the same time. Now emboldened, one hand slid down her stomach and stroked between her legs.

  “I want to taste you,” he said into her ear.

  The hairs on the back of her neck raised to attention. His lust was a layer of deep honey on his words.

  She spun in his arms and kissed him again, wanting to swallow the desire in his voice. The hunger within her began to spin out of control, and she could barely make sense of it. It almost frightened her that a human could strum her needs in such a way as to make her weak.

  His hand spread across the small of her back and brought them tighter together so she could feel the hard bulge of him. He broke free of their kiss and his eyes searched hers. “Was that a yes?”

  She nodded, not trusting her voice not to quiver. They moved together to the bed, barely detaching until they both fell onto the soft mattress. She kicked off her boots as he kissed her stomach and unzipped her jeans.

  They slid off and he was immediately there, his warm cheek pressed against her inner thigh. His fingers trailed up and down her leg, teasing her as he turned his face and kissed her soft skin.

  Her eyes closed automatically, anticipating his touch where she burned for it the most. He dragged a finger over her underwear, gently caressing her clit before tracing over her slit.

  “You’re wet,” he observed.

  “Are you surprised?”

  He licked her through her underwear and caught the damp fabric between his teeth. He released them after a moment and exhaled onto her, giving her chills. “I’m pleased.”

  His hands crawled up the sides of her thighs and caught the thin hem of the underwear. Every action of his seemed reverent, and she nearly purred with satisfaction. He knew how to treat a woman. Her underwear slid down, exposing her to the warm air of his room and the heat of his breath which now fell on her sensitive parts.

  She gripped the blanket below her. Like the brush of a feather, his lips hovered across her folds. His tongue flattened and spread her open, then dipped into her pooling arousal. A moan escaped her. He’d just begun but her body was needier than even she had realized. He was a breath of air come to save her from suffocating.

  His hands curled around her thighs and held her tight as he traced and exp
lored her thoroughly. Fast then slow, light and soft then plunging into her opening. The tip of his tongue circled and flicked over her sensitive clit, making her squirm, but he held her steady.

  She whimpered for him, and it was an unfamiliar sound. Years had passed since she’d last made such a noise for a male. It was a sweet taste on her lips to give in to pleasure and let bliss overtake her. In this moment there was no stress. No obligations. No duty. To him, she was not a leader, not a warrior, just a woman.

  The realization was liberating, and as her mind accepted her free state, so too did her body lose itself to Troy’s mouth engulfing and devouring her. Her thighs shook and toes curled as the pleasure crested and exploded like a warm bubble. Euphoric waves flowed through her, warm and tingling. The blanket fisted in her hands felt unbelievably soft as every inch of her flushed with sensitivity.

  She licked her lips, aware that she’d cried out again and again, and now her mouth was dry. Troy moved up her body and kissed her, and she tasted sweet and satisfied on his tongue. He pulled free and nibbled her jaw.

  “I like the way you move when you come,” he whispered. “I want to see you shake and tremble again.”

  Thoughts tumbled through her mind, a mess of emotions and scenarios that tore at her usual calm logic. What if one night isn’t enough? What if one week isn’t enough?

  She ran her hand through his soft, short hair. In the dark, the blue of his eyes looked stormy and gray, as if this was the side of him that was serious. Perhaps a force to be reckoned with, as he could steal more of her heart and soul than she wished to give. You can’t keep him.

  “Chell? Are you still with me?” His voice was soft and sing-song, teasing her.

  “More,” she said. “I’d like more.”

  Chapter Eight

  Gabe

  Gabe stepped out of the shower refreshed, awake, and still horny as hell. The low rumbles of Chell’s moaning had kept him up all night, and there was nothing he could do about it. Banging on the door and telling them to keep quiet would have been a dick move, after all. But it’s not so much that he wanted her to stop. He just wanted to be the reason she’d been so damn loud.

  Instead, he’d stared at his ceiling in the dark and tried to keep his hands off his throbbing cock. Only a creep would jerk off to the sound of his best friend banging the hottest woman in existence. Though he had to admit, he’d come close to giving in and being that creep.

  This morning was no different. Chell’s intense dark stare and throaty voice had haunted his dreams and followed him throughout his morning routine. He could’ve taken care of himself in the shower, but he’d stopped doing that as a teen. No way he was sliding backward in maturity and tugging away in some act of secret shame when he was a grown man capable of simply going out and getting laid.

  At least that’s what he told his dick.

  He dried off and pulled on a pair of sweatpants. Maybe some juice and a jog would take his mind off things. And maybe he’d dig through Troy’s shit and find that Gerri lady’s number afterward. Find a superwoman of his own.

  He rounded the corner to the kitchen and found Chell rummaging through the cabinets. Her slender but muscular figure was the best thing this kitchen had seen in some time. She wore one of Troy’s t-shirts and sweatpants, which hung low on her hips and bagged around her ankles a bit. She was tall for a woman, but still not as tall as Troy.

  Gabe adjusted the instant hard-on in his boxer briefs and blinked to stop staring. The coffee pot was pulled forward, as were the grounds. Moving behind her, he reached over her shoulder and grabbed them from the bowl just out of her sight. His arm brushed hers as he brought them down, and she took them from him, not looking back.

  “Thank you,” she said, dropping the filter in place. “I enjoy this drink.”

  This was the first time he’d heard her speak outside of a moment of ecstasy, and her voice was sweet but rough, and he detected a foreign hint. Another woman like her would be perfect for him. Perhaps she had a sister. Or maybe Troy will share?

  Gabe placed his hands on either side of her on the counter while she fussed with the grounds. She paused and tilted her head back a bit, giving him a face full of wild black curls that had the faint aroma of sex. Damn. She was killing him.

  “You’re in a good mood,” she commented.

  “Mmmhmm.” He pressed himself against her, curious to see her reaction now.

  Her hips swiveled against him. “You feel nice.”

  “So do you.”

  She spun. “Gabe?”

  Shit. “Yeah…”

  “I thought…”

  “Oh.” He backed up, hands in the air. “I thought you knew.”

  “Thought I—” She shook her head. “No, I wasn’t thinking. I assumed…” She huffed and turned back to the coffee. “I thought you were Troy. You smelled different, clean, but then your coffee is quite strong and aromatic.”

  “Smell? I meant, well you saw my hand?”

  “It’s a hand!”

  He sighed. “I thought you were welcoming me.”

  “Why would I welcome you, Troy’s best friend?” She stared at him. “Be glad you are so fragile or this would have gone differently. I don’t hurt humans.” She stomped from the room.

  On a scale of one to ten, he’d made about a twelve in mistakes. Why had he thought he could just seduce her? Because some part of him wondered if Gerri had listened to Troy’s full request. And Troy’s full request had been someone that would welcome Gabe into her life as well. It had to have been, right?

  Troy had often said that would be the dream, so it seemed like that’s what he would ask for in a soul-mate. He hadn’t told Gabe everything he’d told Gerri, but it was just a Troy thing to do. Or at least, Gabe had secretly thought it would be. And within seconds he’d conjured the delusion that Chell would be willing to…

  Fuck.

  He glanced down the hall. There was a chance, a large one, that right now Chell was telling Troy exactly how skeevy Gabe had behaved. In which case, who knew where that would lead. They’d never exactly fought over a woman.

  Gabe dumped several hefty spoonfuls of coffee into the filter and started the brew while he awaited a shit storm. All of this could have been avoided if he’d jerked off in the shower. Nothing good ever came of wandering around tense and horny and still under the lingering effects of dreamland.

  Minutes ticked by but nothing happened. He stared at the hallway, ears straining as if he’d somehow be able to hear their conversation. Chell wasn’t yelling, but was that a good thing or a bad thing? Sometimes women were at their most dangerous when they were speaking low.

  And speaking of dangerous, what did she mean when she said she didn’t hurt humans? And that he was fragile? His brow arched. Maybe he was still dreaming. Maybe he’d imagined the entire interaction.

  If that were the case, his brain was working on another level entirely. She’d been perfectly rendered, from those gorgeous curls to those amazingly toned arms, and the raspy voice that made his blood rush downhill in search of adventure.

  Troy’s door opened and closed, and he and Chell walked through the house, bypassing the kitchen and going to the living room. Gabe heard nothing but muffled words. Everything sounded polite. Then the front door opened and closed, and he assumed Chell was gone.

  Troy came into the kitchen with a smile too wide for explanation.

  “Everything okay?” Gabe asked.

  “Better than.” Troy yawned into his fist and pushed past Gabe to grab a mug. “I owe Gerri a bouquet of roses. Or a new car.”

  “Things went that well?”

  “Obviously. I can’t say I’m in love, but I could see it happening. Chell is fucking amazing.” He poured himself some coffee and turned to look at Gabe. “She invited me to visit her at the shifter resort she’s staying at.”

  “Shifter.”

  “Bear. And she’s from out of town, but she hasn’t told me from where yet.” He made his way to the fridge,
oblivious to Gabe’s frozen condition as he found the creamer for his coffee. “She’s gorgeous, isn’t she?”

  “I rubbed my boner on her,” Gabe blurted out.

  Troy stared at him blankly. “You what now?”

  “She was in here, and I thought maybe you’d talked to her about me. I gave it a shot. It didn’t work out, obviously.”

  “What the ever-living fuck, man!”

  “She didn’t say anything?”

  Troy held up a finger and glared as he stepped away from Gabe. He sipped his coffee and moved to the other side of the kitchen.

  “Say something.”

  “I don’t know what to say,” Troy admitted. “She asked if you were single, is all.”

  “I’m fucking sorry. The wrong brain was in charge.”

  “When isn’t it?” Troy frowned. “But I wonder why she didn’t tell me.”

  “You can hit me, I deserve it.”

  “I think if you deserved it, she would’ve hit you. You did hear what I said, right? Bear shifter. She could probably eat your face off.”

  “She called me fragile, actually.”

  Troy put his coffee down and walked up to Gabe. Gabe tensed. They’d fought before—you couldn’t be friends with a guy for as long as they had and never put up fists over something—but not in a long time, and never over a woman.

  Troy tapped Gabe’s arm with his knuckles. “I don’t know if I’m pissed. Annoyed, yes. Mostly because I didn’t talk to Chell about you, and I hate to think I put her in a position to be harassed—not that you meant to. Largely I’m confused, a bit sleepy, and having a tough time understanding how your dick made its way to my date.”

  “I wasn’t thinking straight. There was a miscommunication and she thought I was you—”

  “Whatever. If she didn’t handle you or even tell me, then I don’t know what’s running through her head. We just met.”

  “Are you going to ask her about it?”

  “Yeah.” His expression grew serious. “Either you didn’t bother her, or you really bothered her, but she doesn’t think she can tell me about it. Seems like I should know which. Then maybe I’ll hit you.”