Ivy placed a finger across her lips. “Please…” she mouthed.
Fareeda glanced at the stairs and then at Ivy as she nodded, silent.
Ivy gave her a grateful smile before she left through the front door. She hurried through the garden to the plush silver Mercedes stood outside the gate. She opened the car door and only once she was safely inside did she turn to look at him.
Her breath caught in her throat. He’d dressed in dark jeans and a green tee shirt, a jacket flung over it. He appeared more relaxed in this gear, and his brown eyes were soft as he took her in. She had to resist the urge to run her hand across his jawline, over that goatee and down his chest. I’ve been kidding myself. She wanted nothing more than to be with this beautiful male. Even now, the thought of straddling and kissing him…moaning in his ear as they had sex…flashed through her head.
When he held her hand, she intertwined her fingers with his. “What’s wrong, Ivy?”
She shook her head. “Can we go somewhere we can be alone?”
He swallowed. “Do you think that’s a good idea? Considering you’re hell-bent on going through with this wedding?”
“Why? Don’t you want me anymore?” The question popped out of her mouth, dragging an ache out along with it. If he didn’t want her anymore, it would be the solution to her dilemma, but the possibility caused her chest to tighten. He was the first person who had wanted her as she was, without compromise.
He rested his hands on the steering wheel even though the car engine was off, staring ahead. “So what is it, Ivy? You plan to come to me every time you need cheering up?”
She placed her hand on the door. “Maybe this was a bad idea…” And it wasn’t fair on him.
“Wait.” He turned back to her. “I’m probably going to regret this later, but what the hell…” His eyes traveled over her, his pupils dilating. “How about my apartment?”
“Where is it?” When he mentioned the location, it was an affluent part of Manhattan. “Too many Association members live near there. Somewhere else?”
He trailed a thumb across her lips, and as she kissed it, he drew a sharp breath. His eyes flashed, and when he spoke, his voice was deeper. “The only other place I can think of, you won’t want to go. Eclipse...it has a hotel—”
“Eclipse will be fine.” In fact, it was perfect. Nobody from the Association would see her there.
He switched on the engine and then sat, staring out of the window again. “Are you sure about this, Ivy?”
“Yes, Junaid.”
When he pulled out his mobile, she remembered that she’d left hers on the table in her room. But she didn’t want to risk sneaking back in for it, and nobody would call at this time, anyway. Junaid opened an app on his phone and pressed a few keys. “I’ve booked a room.” He ran his hand through his hair, his mouth tense. But then he suddenly smiled, surprising her. “I must be mad, but who knows…maybe this is my chance to show you it could work between us…”
As he drove, she wanted to tell him he couldn’t convince her of that…but she didn’t want to break the fantasy. How would it have been if he wasn’t someone she was forbidden from being with? If they could see each other like this whenever they wanted…without fear? It was just a dream, but one she allowed herself to indulge in. Even the temporary joy it brought was worth it…
CHAPTER ELEVEN
* * *
AS THEY BOARDED THE FERRY to cross the river, Ivy became impatient to be alone with Junaid. They soon reached the other side of the water, and a few minutes later, they drove through a set of gates at Eclipse.
He stopped just inside, and after they both got out, he handed his keys to a valet. His arm around her waist, he led her inside the hotel and grabbed a key from reception. His hold on her tightened as he guided her through the corridor. He stopped outside a door, unlocking it with the electronic key before he stepped inside with her. A luxurious suite with a gigantic bed and silk sheets that only brought sex to mind. She registered a large LED screen and other gadgets but didn’t care about all that right now. As soon as the door locked behind them, she went into his arms, fastening her lips over his.
He dragged her close, kissing her hard, but he separated from her just as suddenly, his breathing ragged as he asked, “Something’s happened, hasn’t it?” She shook her head, lowering her gaze to the floor. He took her face between his palms, lifting it so her eyes met his. There was a softness in his expression, and he brought his mouth close to give her a gentle kiss on the lips. “You can tell me, Ivy. You know that, don’t you?”
Something resembling relief surged through her. She could tell him about those feelings that sometimes made her feel as if she couldn’t breathe freely. For the first time since she was a child, there was someone to understand her…for the first time since John had taken control of her mother, and through her, of Ivy’s life, there was someone who wanted to listen.
She leaned into him, burying her face against his chest. “An Association woman…she fornicated with a supernatural. If she had given up his name, he would have been punished…maybe even killed. But she didn’t, and now she will suffer…” Junaid tensed against her. “That poor woman…her punishment will be terrible.”
Junaid lifted her face and rested his forehead against hers. “Ivy. You know what’s happening to that woman is wrong, don’t you?” When she nodded, “Good. What is her name?”
“Ann.”
“Do you have her number?” When she nodded, “She’ll be under surveillance after what’s happened, but I’ll get one of my humans friends to contact her and let her know she can turn to us for help.”
“Thank you…” she whispered as she handed him Ann’s number. And for the first time in ages, she didn’t feel helpless. She didn’t have to stand by like the others and watch as Ann’s life was ruined.
“Is that why you’re worried?” After he’d sent the message to his friend, Junaid’s brown eyes traveled over her face as if seeking an answer. “You’re scared of what will happen to you if the Association finds out…about us?”
That had been her main worry not long ago, but now… “I’m scared for you, Junaid. If they find out, they might—” She was unable to say the horrible words… “Why are you grinning?”
“It’s good to know you care.” Before she could protest, he gave her another kiss. “Don’t worry about me, Ivy. I can look after myself.”
“But the Association has been dealing with the mob,” she murmured. “There’s been talk of them fighting supernaturals.”
His expression tightened. “Do you have any other information?”
“No.”
He tilted his head as he looked into her eyes. “The Association is everything to you, so why are you betraying it?”
If only she knew. She shrugged, and damn it, those tears came…why did they always seem to make an appearance when he was around? She wiped them away, angry. Who the hell was she pissed off with? Herself, mother for putting her in this situation, or Junaid? He’d brought these feelings to the surface…emotions that had sometimes emerged as a sense of disquiet but did not bring the pain they did now.
But she wanted to forget about all that. Wasn’t that the reason she was here? So she moved in close, lifting her face to his, her lips finding his. His response was instant as he pulled her close. As his hands went to her coat to unbutton it, he moaned softly against her mouth. His hands slipped inside her coat, traveling over her body before he paused, stepping back. His lips curled up as he slipped the coat down her shoulders, taking in her red dress. “You look beautiful, Ivy…”
Before she could be embarrassed by his scrutiny, he chucked her coat to the side and then lifted her in his arms to carry her to the bed. He lay her down before shoving her dress up, and before she knew what was happening, he placed his mouth at her core. Her hips lifted in response, and as he tugged her panties down with his teeth, she took her hands to his hair, holding him close.
“You taste so good, Ivy,” h
e growled before closing his mouth over her clit. The hair on his chin prickled her sensitive areas, and as he sucked, hard, pleasure drove through her. She arched against his assault, and when she spread her thighs wider, he grunted in approval. And then he shifted so he could penetrate her with his tongue. Tension coiled inside her as he rubbed his thumb over her clit while his tongue pushed inside her, making her cry out. He palmed her breast with his other hand before pushing aside the dress neckline and slipping inside her bra cup to roll her nipple between his thumb and forefinger.
She pushed harder against his mouth, her moans turning into cries as spasms rocked every part of her body. He now licked her clit, filling the space inside her with his fingers. As he closed his mouth over her clit again to suck, it only took a few thrusts of his fingers before she shuddered, an orgasm rocking her body. As her hips pulsed around his fingers, he didn’t stop, drawing out the last bit of pleasure from her, licking at her core as if his life depended on it. Her body became limp and knees fell open as he continued to lap at between her legs. When she released her grip on his hair, her hands falling to her side, he finally looked up at her…his lips turned up in a satisfied smile.
He stood, pulling off his tee shirt and jacket, and her eyes were on his muscled chest as she shrugged out of her dress and bra before getting rid of her panties. After removing his trousers and boxers, he came to her, closing his mouth over hers. When she tasted herself on his lips, it made her moan again. The heat came rushing back, but before he could press his manhood between her legs, she pushed him to his back.
Boldness overcame her as she kissed him hard on the lips and then trailed her mouth down his chest and over his chiseled abs. He gasped as he realized her intention. She had never done this…and it made her nervous…but she needed to taste him. When she reached his groin, she stared up at him, nervous. His eyes flashed with desire, mouth tight in anticipation. She hesitated. What if she wasn’t good at this…?
But he nodded, and his hand came to her hair as he urged her lips toward his erect manhood. She watched his face as she held his shaft at the base and closed her mouth around the tip. When he groaned, it brought confidence…and guided by instinct, she swirled her tongue around the tip. His soft growls encouraged her, and she moved her mouth along his length, using her tongue at the same time. “Fuck…Ivy!”
His shout of pleasure sent heat surging to her core, and she moved back along his length, licking the drop that had slipped from him. She parted her lips to take him deeper and then moved along his manhood again, taking him as far as she could. She glanced up to see his face contorted with desire and then moved faster, his grip in her hair tightening as he guided her along his shaft.
When he roared in pleasure, knowing she could affect him like this sent a rush of power through her. She had never imagined that being in control could feel like this…
IVY WAS DRIVING HIM OVER the edge with her mouth. As she moved along his hard cock, the beast inside him stirred…but he forced it back, pushing his human self forward. But he had the urge to push harder into her…he needed to be inside her, plow into her as deep as he could.
He pulled out of her mouth. “Ivy,” he gasped. “I need to fuck you now.”
Her small smile had him lifting her to her hands and knees. He positioned himself behind her and pushed her upper body down, her face pressing against the bed sheets. Gripping her hips, he nudged the end of his cock into her soaked heat. She was wet and ready for him, so he shoved into her, deep. She released a cry of pleasure, muffled against the sheets, and her muscles gripped his cock, pulling him even deeper. Fuck. This woman would be the death of him. As her nails clawed the bed sheets, as if she was a beast herself, he thrust inside her in a steady rhythm, going deeper each time.
His fangs emerged, but thank fuck, in this position she couldn’t see them. And when his claws extended, he adjusted his grip on her hips so she couldn’t feel them.
His movements were out of control as he slid in and out of her tight entrance. The urge to mark her with his fangs was there…for a mad moment, he even leaned over her, but he forced himself back. She didn’t want this.
But his beast clamored for release, a roar ripping from his throat. To hold the lion back, he went in deeper. Her moans became even louder as she pushed back against him. He drove into her, strong and frantic, but she took it, encouraging him to fuck her harder. “Yes! Junaid…that feels so good—”
Her cries of pleasure sent him over the edge, and he came inside her, hard, growling loud. She came at the same time, screaming his name and drawing out his orgasm. As he shuddered, heat rushing through him, he kept pressing down on her shoulders so she wouldn’t look behind and see his beast emerged. It was only when his fangs and claws had retracted that he slipped out of her.
Out of breath and trembling with release, he fell back to the bed and pulled her limp body to him. Unlike the times before, she relaxed against him, and his lion growled in satisfaction as he placed his arm around her and held her tight against him.
This felt…so right.
THE WAY HE HAD TAKEN her…frantic and out of control…it had driven everything else from her mind. Everything but the need to be with him.
Being in his arms was bliss. As she snuggled against his warm body, she didn’t want to be anywhere else but here. With the shifter in this beautiful suite. But slowly, reality began to push its way into her mind. When she glanced at the clock on the wall, he followed her gaze, frowning. “Do you need to get going?” he asked.
She should go, because if mother awakened and found she was gone, how would she explain where she’d been? And yet, she couldn’t bring herself to leave him…not yet. And mother would be fast asleep in bed after taking her sleeping pills, unlikely to awaken during the night. As long as she was home by 6 in the morning…she glanced around the hotel room, this space where she could be herself…be with him. “I wonder…could we stay here tonight?”
She needed at least one night with him—one night when she could live how she wanted. That wasn’t too much to ask, was it?
Junaid grinned, kissing her on the lips. “Perfect. I’ll drop you off at work in the morning.”
“Work?”
He frowned at her expression. “You don’t work at your company?”
“John’s always taken care of everything…”
“Everything? But it’s your company. You’re not involved?”
“I want to be, but after I graduated, John said…well, I’ve never run a business. I don’t even know how big it is...I wouldn’t know where to start—” When he opened his mouth to say something, she spoke before he could. “Please…I don’t want to talk about this. Not tonight.”
His smile was full of affection. “As you want.”
He turned, reaching to the bedside table for his mobile. As he entered a text message, she asked, “Do you have to work or something?”
He shook his head. “When you called, I took time off work…” Without even knowing why she wanted to see him, he had been there for her, whereas for Michael, even organizing the biggest day of their life wasn’t enough for him to make time. “Blade—my boss—has a party at his villa tonight and had invited me to come over after I finished my shift. I’ll let him know I can’t make it.”
“Your boss…a supernatural?”
“Yes. A demon.” Her reservation must have shown on her face, because he said, “Look, supernaturals are not that different from you guys…we have a few extra powers, but we also have both good and bad among us. If you gave them a chance, you’d see that—” He paused, his gaze flitting between the phone and her. “In fact…if you like, you can come to this party with me. Blade’s villa is at the back of the venue, less than a ten-minute walk.” A party with supernaturals? “We only have to stay an hour or so and then we’ll come back. There will be humans there, too. Blade’s girlfriend is human, as is our friend Shaun’s—and we’ve other human friends who will be coming.” He brought his hand to her face, and sh
e sank against his comfort. “But we don’t have to go if you don’t want. In fact, I want nothing more than to stay here with you.”
She smiled, glancing at the clock. It was still before 12. What would a party with supernaturals be like? Her mind went to her first day in Eclipse; if not for that night, she would have married Michael without knowing what it was like to live as she truly wanted. And now she was being offered another chance to experience something new. She could take it, or let that old fear hold her back as it had all these years…
“Let’s go,” she said, “But only for one hour.”
He grinned. “Awesome.” And then he glanced at the bathroom door. “Fancy a shower together—”
She chuckled. “If we go together, you know we’ll never make it out of here. You first.”
He gave her a hurt look before heading to the bathroom. She couldn’t pull her eyes away from his naked and muscled frame, her greedy gaze on him until he disappeared from her sight. She sank back on to the bed, closing her eyes and blissed out as she buried her nose in the pillow, inhaling his scent.
When he came out of the shower with just a towel around his waist and water dripping down his toned body, she almost changed her mind about the party…but it would be an experience she might never get the chance to have again. And hey, if the other supernaturals were anything like Junaid, she’d probably have a much better time than she’d had at any of the Association gatherings.
She walked past Junaid, naked, surprising herself at her lack of reserve. His eyes darkened as they traveled over her, and when he reached for her, she jumped out of his way, laughing. She took a quick shower, and when she returned to the bedroom, he was already dressed.
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