His mouth watered and he found his hands on her knees, pushing them farther apart and rubbing her against his erection before he could stop himself. Sweet heaven. Damn, damn, damn. Heaven. He shouldnt be doing this.
More.
Moaning, she tilted her head back, and the silky length of her hair tickled his stomach. Her breasts arched forward, her nipples still hard and visible through her shirt. Clearly, she wasnt wearing a bra.
That did not delight him.
Her gaze met his, burning him to his soul. I wasnt kidding when I told you I needed a distraction. Legions attack reminded me of what the other demons did to me. And I want to forget, Aeron. I need to forget.
What did they do to you? he found himself asking, even though hed once told himself he didnt care to know.
Some of the passion-haze left her, dulling those pretty irises, and she shook her head. I dont want to talk about it. I want to kiss.
She leaned down, but he turned his head away. Tell me. Finding out was suddenly more important than finding pleasure.
No. Her lips dipped into a pout.
Talk. He would learn the truth and he would avenge her. Simple as that.
Wrath snarled in agreement.
A growl escaped the angel, surprising them both. Who would have thought a man would rather converse than doother things.
His teeth ground together. Stubborn woman. Even if we kiss, I will not fusleep with you, he said. Lysanders warning chose that moment to echo in his head. Do not soil her. I will bury you and all those you love.
He stiffened. How could he have forgotten such a threat?
I didnt ask you to sleep with me, now did I? How prim and proper she sounded. Like I said, I just wanted another kiss.
Maybe that was true. Maybe it wasnt. Yes, her voice claimed it was, but he refused to believe it. Didnt want to believe it. Not that he would ever admit such a thing aloud. If he were to sleep with her as she so clearly craved, she would expect more. Women always expected more, whether he pleased them or not. And more he couldnt give her. Not just because of her powerful mentor. Complications, he reminded himself. He didnt need them.
More!
If I kiss you again, he said, thinking, shut up, shut the hell up, I wont hold you afterward. A kiss was not more, he told himself. A kiss was not something that soiled. A kiss was just a kiss, and she was on top of him, for gods sake. It wont change anything between us. Best she understood that now. Also, Ill expect you to tell me what was done to you.
Bargaining? Really? Way to resist.
Im a confident, aggressive woman, so Im okay with the not changing anything between us thing, she said with a casualforced?shrug. Cuddling isnt a top priority, anyway. But talking about what happened? I cant promise.
Did this confident and aggressive woman truly not care to burrow into his side and hold him tight once their lips parted? Did she truly want him for a kiss and nothing else? That delighted him. Truly. That did not disappoint him. Not even a little.
Right now, I just want to use your mouth and your body, she added with a blush. Not as confident as she seemed, perchance? But dont worry. Ill only rub against you a little bit. So if were done with this conversation, Id like to get to it.
Despite his disappointuh, utter delightthat she was willing to kiss him without expecting anything else, fire sparked in his blood, caught and spread. Soon his veins were like rivers of lava, every muscle clenched and ready, burning. Use his body? Please, please, please.
I said more!
What an odd mix of innocence and hedonism she was.
What an odd mix of reluctance and enthusiasm he was.
He should stop this now, finally, before things spun out of control.
Control. Damn it. He needed to exercise some and act rationally, rather than talking himself into and out of being with her. Actually, he needed to talk himselfand his demonout of it one final time and then leave.
As you reminded me, you could have died today, he said darkly. Good. Nothing upset him more than thoughts of death. Youre easily breakable. Except that. So?
So? He could only shake his head. Like the humans he always observed, she didnt seem to care. She wasnt on her knees, begging for more time, and obviously had no plans to do so. His jaw clenched painfully. She should be begging.
Are we done chatting now? she asked, blush reigniting. If not, I guess I could touch myself some more. I liked it before. Maybe Ill like it again. Without waiting for his response, she cupped her breasts and moaned. Oh, yes. I like.
Perhaps she wasnt blushing, after all. Perhaps she was simply flushed with pleasure.
He gulped. No, we arent done chatting. Why arent you afraid of dying?
Everything and everyone has an end, she said, carnal ministrations never ceasing. I mean, youre going to be killed soon, and though I loathe the thought, you dont see me crying about that, either. I know what will happen, and I accept what cannot be changed. Im trying to live while I can. While we can. Dwelling on the bad is what destroys all hint of joy.
He felt a muscle tick beneath his eye. I will not be killed.
She stilled, some of the sparkle fading from her expression. He tried not to mourn the loss. How many times do I have to tell you? she said. You wont be able to beat the angel sent to slay you.
Tell me something else, then. You gave up your immortality for fun and immediately ran to me. That means you expect me to supply this fun. Why would you do that, why would you give up so much and rely on me so heavily if Im to be destroyed?
She offered him a sad smile. I would rather be with someone a short time than not at all.
Her claim reminded him of what Paris had said the other night, and he bristled. He wasnt wrong in this. They were. You sound like a friend of mine. A very foolish man.
Then silly me for not choosing him instead. Better a fool who plays the game than one who remains on the sidelines.
He bared his teeth in a scowl. Dont even think about being with someone else, he wanted to roar.
Wrath, too, erupted. Not at Olivia, but at Paris. The demon flashed images of the warriors head on a platterminus his body.
Aeron instantly sobered. Oh, no, you dont. You will leave Paris alone.
Shes mine.
No, mine, he snapped, then realized what hed done. I mean, she belongs to neither of us. Ive told you that. Now will you please shut up?
Are we done chatting now? One of Olivias fingertips traced down the flatness of her stomach and circled her navel. Or shall we make this conversation more interesting? She nibbled her bottom lip, considering. Oh, I know what we can discuss. Can people really die of pleasure?
Oh, hell, no. She hadnt just asked that.
Do not soil her. Well never know. He sat up, meaning to toss her aside and leave her here. Alone. Aroused, but alone. The desire to murder his friend had done nothing to temper his need, nor had the reminder of Lysanders threat. Retreat was his only other option.
Well, you might not, but I promise you Ill find out.
He froze. Just how far would this angel go to discover the truth? As the question drifted through his mind, his cock pulsed. The image of her splayed out, her own hand between her legs, fingers sinking deep, consumed him. Deargods
No. You will behave yourself. The words croaked from him. Now, I have to go.
Stay! Wrath commanded.
Gods help him, he did. He stayed. As easily as if hed been chained to the bed, his fight gone before it had time to fortify him.
Fine. But I really wish No. No! she repeated more forcefully. You can go when were done. Only then. Olivias arms wound around his neck, her hands firm against his hair, her nails sinking into his scalp. I know what to do now. She jerked his mouth to hers and her tongue instantly plunged deep.
Oh, yes. A quick study.
Her lips slanted over his, their teeth scraping. The heatthe wetness. Consuming, destroying his resolve. Everything he needed, everything he ached for. Chasing every thought but one from his head: finish.
Yes. Yes! More.
She moaned, and he swallowed the decadent sound. And when she rubbed against him, he could feel how damp she was, even through his pants. His gentlenessgone. His tentativenessabolished. He arched up to meet her. When that wasnt enough, he clasped her ass and forced her to move faster, harder. Deeper.
I want to touch you everywhere, she rasped as she plundered. I want to taste you everywhere.
Me first. I No. No, no, no. Do not soil her, do not soil her.
She nipped her way to his chin, then lower, sucking on his neck to ease the sting.
Yes, please. Soil her all day, all night.
More, Wrath demanded again.
More. Yes. More No! Damn it. Threaten her, Wrath. Thatll send me fleeing the room, surely.
More.
Is that the only word you know?
More, damn you.
Aeron snarled. No one wanted to cooperate today.
Why me? He rolled Olivia over, pinning her down again, meaning to stop the madness but licking the hollow between her neck and shoulder instead. That hammering pulse looked too delicious to ignore. Foolish man. Stupid demon. Beautiful female.
Hands seeking of their own accord, he kneaded her breasts. Fucking mistake. They were perfect, her nipples harder than hed realized. Keep the conversation going. Pull those hands away. I must be everything your kind despises. After all, his evil deeds were etched over his body for the entire world to see.
Youre both the goodness I know and the exhilaration I crave. She wrapped her legs around him, closing any lingering hint of distance. Whats not to like about that?
Shit, shit, shit. Another perfect fit. Im not good. Not compared to her. Not compared to anyone, really. If she knew half the things hed done or half the things he would do, she would be running from him. How can I be to someone like you? Youre an angel. An angel who tempted him like no other.
Heaven.
Im fallen. Remember? And Im a little tired of hearing you say my kind and someone like me. Its irritating. And do you know how hard it is to irritate an angel? Even one of the fallen? Her hands roved over his back, over the slits that hid his wings. She probed inside, found the delicate membranes. Im sorry if my chastisement hurts your feelings, but No. Im not sorry! She caressed.
A roar of bliss parted his lips. He had to reach over his head and grab the headboard to keep himself from clawing or punching something, so drunk did the sudden influx of pleasure make him. Damned. He was damned. There would be no resisting now.
Sweat beaded over his skin, and his blood heated yet another degree. No one had ever That was the first time anyone had How had she known to do that?
Again, he commanded.
More, Wrath agreed.
Again Olivias fingertips grazed his hidden wings. Again he roared at the bliss, unable to catch his breath. With that first touch, his thoughts had splintered. With the second, they had aligned, an echo of his need. Finish.
More than a kiss? Hell, yes. He would give it to her.
More, more, more.
Olivia raised her head and flicked her tongue over one of his nipples. Mmm, Ive always wanted to do that. She licked again. And again. But soon that wasnt enough, and she nibbled on the hard little bud with her teeth.
Aeron let her bite him. Something hed never allowed another woman to do. He was too lost to stop her, and part of him didnt want to stop her. Part of him, like his demon, only wanted more. Hell, all of him did. Control be damned.
Her attentions turned to his other nipple. There was no licking this time, only the biting. He was surprised to find himself leaning into the sting, anticipating, eager. To his surprise, the action wasnt a reminder of Wraths vengeance sprees, as hed always assumed it would be. It wasnt even a reminder of his first time with a woman, as hed also assumed. A time hed rather forget. It was a declaration of his partners intense, uncontrollable excitement.
And still he wanted harder. Faster.
More!
He released the headboard and rolled once again, placing Olivia on top. She nipped her way down his stomach, her nails scraping at his skin, her raspy pants echoing in his ears. He gripped the hem of her shirt and jerked the material over her head, freeing those magnificent breasts. Hed only touched them before, the shirt a hated barrier, but now he saw nipples like frosted plums. Hungry, he was hungry. He shifted his gaze before he lifted her, devoured. Her stomach was beautifully soft.
Oh, yes, soft, he thought as he splayed his fingers on her warm skin. His tattooed hands were almost obscene on so delicate a woman, but he couldnt force himself to pull away. Wheres your prized strength now, huh?
Gone, like his sense of control.
Her fingers wrapped around his and she stared down at the contrast they made. Innocence and wickedness.
Beautiful, she gasped.
She thought so?
Im going to get it pierced, I think, she said, tracing a fingertip around his hand.
His gaze shot to her passion-glazed face. Get what pierced?
My navel.
No. Unsoiled. A gorgeous jewel would sparkle against her skin and draw his eyes constantly. Make his mouth water. Make him want to tongue her there. Then move lower. Soiling. You arent going to do that. Youre an angel.
Fallen. Her grin was slow and wicked. I thought we were done chatting. Especially since we were doing something I liked very, very much and I want to do it again. Tasting. She scooted backward on his legs and licked at his navel, tongue swirling on some of his tattoos.
Groaning, Aeron relaxed on the mattress. That naughty tongue was hot, her teeth still sharp, but damn if he wasnt already addicted to the feel of them. More. A plea from him this time. Maybe they all had been.
Untilher fingers worked at the button on his jeans and reality intruded. Youll finish. He couldnt allow it, he reminded himself. Too much was at stake.
Hated reality.
Rational. Be rational. He grabbed her wrists to stop her. Whatre you doing? Did that slurred tone belong to him?
I want to see your she licked her lips, cheeks coloring again your penis.
He nearly choked on his tongue. Unsoiled. Rational.
Then I want to suck on it, she added, a slight tremor to the words.
Deargodshe thought again. Someone needed to tell Lysander she was halfway soiled alreadyin the most delicious wayand it wouldnt be Aerons fault if he completed the job. Youre not doing that to me.
Fool!
Lookie there. His demon knew another word.
She traced one of those naughty fingertips up his stomach and around his nipple, her hand trembling just as her voice had. But I want to. So badly.
Youre an angel, he reminded them both for the thousandth time, shaking his head for emphasis. And he might be a killer, but he wasnt a debaucher.
You could be. The demon?
Gods, he wanted to be.
No, he said, again for everyones benefit. His, Olivias and Wraths. Now go back to your corner, he shouted to the demon. You arent welcome here anymore. Even though Wrath had been on its best behavior.
Argh! How many times do I have to tell you? Ive fallen.
Yes, but I wont be responsible for your ruin.
Eyes narrowing, she slammed a fist into his chest. Fine. As a confident, aggressive woman, I know I can find someone else. I wanted it to be you, but as Ive learned the past few days, we dont always get what we want. William flirted with me, I think, and its clear that he likes to haveyou know. Sex.
When she lifted from him, as if she truly meant to follow through with her threatand perhaps she did, the determined little wildcat, despite the fact that shed faltered on the word sex, proving she wasnt quite as confident and aggressive as she wanted him to believea snarl of rage erupted from him and he grabbed her by the arm. He tossed her back onto the mattress.
William would not be touching her. Ever.
When she stopped bouncing, he covered her with the full measure of his weight. Just because I wont let you do things to me doesnt mean I wont do things to you. Im already ruined. As he spoke, he slid his hand up her thigh. Softwarm
Mine.
Another claim from Wrath, but he couldnt protest this time. Automatically her knees parted. Warm? No. Hot. He tunneled past her panties to the heart of her. She was perfect and wet, dripping. His thumb, shaking now, pressed into her sweet spot.
Yes, she gasped. Yes. Thats so goodjust what Id imagined Her eyes closed and she dug her nails into his back.
Away from his wings, but even that was a stimulant to him. He meant to ease one finger inside her, but that gaspher praiseher caress His desire was once again spiraling to new heights, and he actually shoved inside her. Careful. She didnt seem to mind, though. No, she seemed to enjoy.
Yes. A moan this time. Her knee rubbed against his hip. More.
Helpless but to obeywould it always be so with her?he sank in a second finger. She writhed and thrashed and he thought she might even have drawn his blood. His cock wasnt free, thank the gods, or in that moment, he would have pounded inside her.
Scratch that. His cock wasnt free, curse the gods, or in that moment he would have pounded inside her.
Inside her. He wanted inside her so bad.
After this, after she erupted in his arms, screaming and begging and praising his name, he had to get rid of her. She caused too many problems, fogged up his common sense, distracted him.
Unsoiled, he reminded himself. Take her into town unsoiled.
Keep her, Wrath whined.
I told you to be quiet, he snapped. He didnt need to war with his demon as well as with his own needs.
And why was Wrath so vocal? he wondered again. Over a female, no less, rather than someones punishment. Yes, hed already figured out the demon liked what Olivia represented. Heaven. Odd though that was. But this insistence
Was the demon more like him than hed realized? Both liking and hating what they did, how they killed. Hed always assumed the demon enjoyed the blood-crazesand the ensuing results. But what if Wrath had always been as helpless as Aeron? As desperate for absolution?
Aeron?
Yes, he gritted out, Olivias voice drawing him out of his head.
You stilled, she said through her panting. I need more. Do continue, please.
Reverting to her sense of propriety. Enchanting. But he didnt want to hear her ask him for more; it only weakened his resolve. And he didnt want to hear Wrath, either.
He silenced them the only way he could. He pressed his mouth into Olivias and kissed her.
He meant to gentle things, as he was used to, as he could handle, but she was having none of that and lifted to meet him, her tongue dancing over his, her teeth sliding against his.
Soon she was writhing against him again, moaning. Even reaching between their bodies, tunneling inside his pants and gripping his cock. He hissed in pleasure, in pain. She wasnt gentle about that, either, and though she didnt know the way of it, her motions a little too jerky, her touch was so welcome he found himself moving into her hold. Hard, fast, uncontrollable.
A knock sounded at the door.
He didnt still. He couldnt. Shed thumbed the slit at the head of his cock, spreading moisture, and in the span of a few seconds, hed catapulted past the point of return. Reality would not intrude this time.
Dont stop, he told her.
Its sojust a littlemore Her grip tightened. Aeron.
Again he jerked in pleasure. He had to cut back a roar as another knock sounded.
Dont you dare stop, either! Olivia screeched, then her tongue was back inside his mouth, her nails all over him, her knees gripping his sides.
In and out he pumped his fingers. Her grip tightened even more, pulling his skin, but gods, the burn was good. So damn good. And when his thumb found her clitoris again, she screamed, loud and long and with so much pleasure a wave of pride flooded himand with the pride came a release of his own.
A release so complete he didnt care that he was jetting seed all over her stomach. Didnt care that he was shouting profanities and slamming his free hand into the headboard and cracking the wood. Didnt care that what hed done could damn him in Lysanders eyes.
As a third knock reverberated, Aeron collapsed on top of Olivia, his strength utterly depleted. Panting, sweating, he rolled to his side so that he wouldnt squish her.
Okay, she said after a moment, sagging into the mattress. Now I can cross one item off my To Do list. Good job, and thank you. I know other men enjoy cuddling, but I believe you mentioned earlier that you dont want to do that, so
Dismissed, he thought, eyes widening. Just like that.
Hell. No. He was just leaning toward her, meaning to jerk her into his arms and force her to cuddle him, when yet another knock reverberated. Scowling now, frustrated, he drew the sheet around her, popped to his feet and stalked to the door. Someone was about to die.
CHAPTER TEN
WHO WAS HERE?
A naked Aeron threw open the door, and Olivia watched him unabashedly. That beautiful butterfly flew at the top of his back and she had touched it. In fact, his skin was welted and bleeding from where shed scratched him. Perhaps that should have embarrassed her. It didnt. She was proud. Shed marked him. Marked the man she lusted after. And he had responded; he had climaxed. She wanted to do it again. Only, she wanted to do more. Go all the way.
Stupid intruders.
Who was here and what did they want? If it wasnt life-and-death, Olivia hoped they fell down the stairs later.
The violent thought, so unlike her, gave her pause. Or maybe such violence wasnt unlike her. She was new and improved, after all.
And the new and improved Olivia mightmighthave gotten Aeron to change his mind about that cuddling by subtly mentioning how much others enjoyed it. And, to be honest, cuddling sounded more delightful by the second. Warmth, strength and raw sex appeal, all wrapped around her.
Maybe next time. If there was a next time. Hed seemed so sure this would be a one-time deal.
What? Aeron barked. His big body blocked her view, so Olivia couldnt see who it was.
Heard some shouting. Cameo stepped to the side for a peek inside the room, finally answering Olivias unspoken question. The female warrior spotted Olivias disarray, and her mouth dropped open in astonishment.
Olivia just grinned and waved. She wasnt embarrassed by what had happened with Aeron. Well, not much. She was mostly jubilant. Shed given up everything shed ever known to be here and experience the glories of the flesh, so inhibitions werent going to be tolerated.
Besides, over the years, shed seen humans do all manner of things. Sex, drugs. So much good, so much bad. What shed done had been beautiful. There was no shame in it.
You look well, Olivia told her.
You, too. Had Cameos voice not been so sorrowful, Olivia thought she might have heard laughter in the undertone.
Eyes on me, Cam, Aeron said, clearly irritated for some reason. Why are you here?
Cameo faced him, lips twitching. Torin watched some footage he recorded last night and caught a glimpse of Nightmares. Far as he could tell, she went into a building and never came out.
What are you talking about?
Your Shadow Girl. Olivia told us shes possessed by the demon of Nightmares. Anyway, were going into town to, uh her gaze flicked pointedly to Olivia chat with her. You in or out?
Aeron stiffened, and there was a beat of silence. Then he said, In, and glanced over his shoulder at Olivia. Dont get comfortable. Youre coming with us. While were out there, well find someplace for you to stay until you decide where you want to live permanently.
What? He still planned to get rid of her? After everything theyd done? Sure, shed told him it wouldnt change anything, but that had been before it changed everything. That one little taste of pleasure wouldnt be enough for her.
You were assertive before, in this bed. You can be that way again. Sorry, but no can do. Id probably almost die again, she said, and she almost grinned when his eyes widened. The man had a serious problem with thoughts of her death, expecting it at every corner. I think Ill stay here. And youll like it, she projected to him. Some people didnt know what they needed to achieve happiness. Clearly, Aeron was one of them. Shed just have to instruct him, as shed already planned.
He massaged the back of his neck. We talked about this, Olivia. You cant stay here. No matter what happened between us.
Okay. She threw her legs over the side of the bed and stood, dragging the sheet with her.
So youre going into town with me? he asked, obviously suspicious. And angry and relieved. What a weird combination of emotions.
Of course not. Placing one foot in front of the other while her knees trembled was difficult, but she managed to do it. Without falling. She brushed past Aeronoh, sweet Deity, his heat, his strengthand smiled as she did the same to Cameo, who winked at her.
She paused in the hallway as a thought occurred to her.
Glancing at Aeron over her shoulder, she said, Im going to explore your fortress. Oh, and, Aeron. When you fail to find Nightmares, whose name is Scarlet, by the way, please dont come home and take your bad mood out on me. Unless you want me to kiss it better. That would be acceptable.
She didnt wait for his response, but meandered around the corner.
Olivia, he called.
Ignoring him, she continued on. She had a feeling he wanted to argue with her. Her body was still humming with threads of the pleasure hed given her and arguing would ruin that.
Olivia! Youre practically naked.
Naked? She stilled, glanced down at the sheet draped over her bare breasts and gulped. Partial nudity was fine when she was with Aeron, but not so fine when she would most likely run into others. And that had nothing to do with a lack of confidence, she assured herself.
Being with Aeron had helped defeat the memory of what had happened in hell, yes. But then, nothing about the two experiences had been similar. Aeron had sought pleasure; the demons had sought pain. Still. Seeing lust in someone elses eye might bring those memories roaring back to life.
With a sigh, she rushed back inside the room, bypassing Aeron and his infuriated expression without comment. Cameo had already wandered off. Olivia dropped the sheet, grabbed her shirt and pulled the fabric over her head. Thankfully, she was still wearing her skirt and panties.
Better, she said with a nod.
No, its not. Not for what were about to do. And yes, Im saying youre coming with me.
She closed the distance between them, rose to her tiptoes and kissed his cheek. See you later. And please be careful. Down the hall she meandered again.
Olivia.
She ignored him, attention riveted by the many doorways ahead of her. She peeked her head into the first, unsure of what shed find. Of course. A workout room. She should have guessed, but as many times as shed secretly been here, her focus had been on Aeron.
Olivia, he called, and this time he sounded resigned. Fine. Stay. Whatever. I dont care.
Liar. At least she hoped he was lying.
The second room, she saw, was empty. The third, she heard voices floating from before she reached the doorway. Not allowing herself to be dissuaded by fear or uncertainty, she peeked inside.
It was a bedroom, like Aerons, only there was no pink or lace. Dark walls, metal furniture rather than wood, and of all things, a karaoke station in the corner. A woman was seated at the side of a large bed, reading to a man who rested atop the mattress.
Olivia must have made a noise because that mans gaze lifted and landed on her. He tried to rise, but the woman protested. Gideon. What are you doing? Lie down!