As she spread a plastic tarp over the bed, making sure the protective cover draped all the way to the floor, he said, A moon rock, a glass eye, a retractable blade, a socket wrench, and 3-D glasses. He grinned at her. You have to tell me. Why a glass eye?
I thought you might lose a real one during the game and didnt want to stare at an empty socket. Now, lie down.
He both laughed and hissed as he stretched out on the mattress.
Here, she said. Let me shoot you up with
No. No drugs. Want to stay awake and keep a clear head.
Youll hurt.
Im not afraid of pain, princess.
She cleaned her hands and removed the bandages hed applied. There were two wounds, both the size of a quarter and still leaking blood. Ive done a little research on Arcadian anatomy since the last time we were in this position. Youll find Im a better doctor this go-round.
You were great before.
A compliment? Injured Blue was sweet. Shed have to remember that. Ready? she asked, placing the cups on the extractor over both wounds.
Do it.
With the press of a button, the cups adhered to his chest, the camera mapped the best course for exit, and the suction slowly pulled the bullets out of his body. He cursed only eight times.
Not better, he gritted. You are definitely not better.
Dont grin. Need another distraction? she asked. Because what happens next is going to feel a thousand times worse.
Yeah. Distract me.
She lobbed her first question. Are you truly attracted to me?
He blinked up at her. Are you kidding me?
Dead serious.
You actually have to ask?
Yes. Im not even close to being your type.
He ran his tongue over his teeth. So, your real question is whether or not Im using you for something. Thanks a lot.
You couldnt be more wrong. The question had nothing to do with your reasons and everything to do with my own insecurities. There havent been many men interested in inserting themselves into my life, not for long anyway, yet here you are and I just dont get what I have to offer you.
The faint lines around his eyes softened. I am truly attracted to you, Evie Black. And its a strong attraction. The strongest Ive ever experienced. Even though Ive tried to fight itand that statement has nothing to do with any kind of type.
The strongest hed ever experienced was with her? Watch Evie melt into a puddle of goo. Then what?
What else? Your father. According to him, youre off-limits.
So . . . he didnt want to upset Michael. Was that why he hadnt gone all the way with her? Well, hell never know what transpires between us.
He will. Ill tell him.
What? Blue
Im not going to hide it, Evie.
He had a freaking conscience. Great. Then well tell him after weve found John. Not that theres much to tell, she grumbled.
You complaining?
Well, yeah. Was that not clear? I thought that was clear.
Again his lips quirked at the corners. How long has it been since youve had sex?
Why? Could he tell she was out of practice?
Lets call it curiosity and leave it at that.
Heat bloomed in her chest. The last time, I was twenty-three, she admitted.
And youre, what? Twenty-six now? He nearly choked on his tongue. Why? How could you go three years without it?
I was a bit of a wild child, all right, sleeping with any older university guy whod pay attention to me. I was used a lot, and I started to feel dirty. At seventeen, I decided to wait for a meaningful relationship. That never happened, so from seventeen to twenty-three, I got good at being alone. Then, after Claire, I was looking to punish myself, I suppose, and ended up in some strangers bed, disgusted with myself. After that, my body just sort of shut down.
He said nothing.
She nibbled on her bottom lip.
Do you think less of me now? she asked softly. If he does, I deserve it. Ill do whatever it takes to earn back his respect.
He could have teased her the way shed always teased him. He could have called her a slut and a whore, or worse. But he did none of those things.
I dont think less of you. I think more of you. You picked yourself up from a situation you despised. That takes a hell of a lot of strength.
He was a better man than shed ever given him credit for.
His eyelids dipped to half-mast and he grinned. Your body isnt shut down now, is it, princess?
Completely out of character, she leaned down and kissed his forehead. You were right, you know. I was so obsessed with your sex life because I wanted you to be a part of mine. Im sorry I judged you. I had no right. I think I did it because I was miserable about my own past, and misery loves company.
An emotion shifted in his eyes, but she wasnt sure what it was. I told you to stop apologizing.
No, she added, ignoring his last words. Its not shut down now.
Back to work. Before she broke down. She inserted the top half of one of the syringes inside the wound closest to his heart and squeezed out the contents. As he unleashed a stream of profanity, she did the same to the other wound.
Has anyone ever called you Dr. Hodad? he growled.
No. And what does that even mean, anyway?
Hands of death and destruction.
Ha! I like that name. You may continue to refer to me as Dr. Hodad. She cleaned his chest, then her hands. You lost a lot of blood.
This isnt the first time, and it wont be the last.
You might need a transfu
No, he said with a shake of his head. Arcadians do not share blood, and human blood wouldnt help.
Why dont you share blood within your own race?
It creates an unbreakable bond. Remember Dallas? He said the Arcadian king fed him blood to heal him. Now the agent is forced to do whatever Kyrin en Arr tells him to do.
Ouch. Like Blue, Evie would rather die than become a slave.
Close your eyes and get some sleep, she said. She placed another soft, sweet kiss on his brow. I can tell youre weaker than youre letting on because I cant feel your power.
He reached out and snagged her hand. Dont leave.
She tugged gently at his earlobe. I wont. Ill be here when you wake up. Because, bluestocking? Theres no place else Id rather be.
* * *
Blue awoke suddenly.
His body burned with desire, and he wasnt sure why. At first. Then he realized he was in bed with Evie. Her back was pressed into his bare chest, his hand was under her shirt, his fingers splayed over her belly. Her ass was nestled against his throbbing erection.
He remembered how theyd gotten here. Pagan had shot him, and Evie had doctored him.
He remembered shed confessed to not having had sex in three years. How shed kissed his brow in a show of comfort. Twice.
Now he thought, Screw trying to earn her trust. Screw everything. Im taking whats mine.
Blue nuzzled the back of her neck and slid his hand to her breast, cupping the perfect little mound, kneadingand hissing as her nipple beaded for him. Evie. Wake up for me, baby.
A breathy moan left her, and she arched her back to stretch, pressing harder against his shaft. The pleasure . . . he groaned. Supplication for more.
Evie. Now.
She stiffened. Then she rolled to her back and peered up at him, those velvety brown eyes clearing, becoming more alertand finally heating.
Blue. Not a question. A demand.
One he heeded. We do this, he said. And that was the one and only warning he would offer. He grabbed her shirt by the collar and ripped the material down the center. Her bra received the same treatment.
She uttered no protests. Even helped him discard the ruined fabric.
He practically dove on her, slamming his mouth against hers, thrusting his tongue deep, taking, taking everything. She met him with a thrust of her own, her delicious taste sending him into a maddened frenzy. But then, she always had that effect on him.
Have to have all of her. Finally.
He sucked on her bottom lip, holding on to it as long as possible as he drew away, then lowered his head to suckle and nip at her nipples, to flick his tongue back and forth, back and forth, and even to bite. Her nails dug into his scalp, as if to hold him where he was.
Oh, baby, nothing can pull me away.
Her knees rubbed against his hips, as if she couldnt decide what to do with her legs. Then she planted her feet on the mattress and arched up, pressing her core against his erection. The increase of pleasure was almost too much, and yet, it wasnt even close to being enough. His sense of urgency deepened.
Despising their clothing, but not wanting to take his hands from her breasts, he used his power to remove his jeans and underwear, then hers, jerking the garments away with only a thought and tossing them to the side. The cool air electrified him, washing over him and sensitizing every inch of him, all the more erotic as heated skin met heated skin . . . as his shaft met liquid fire.
He nearly lost what little control he had left.
Evie groaned. Blue. Now.
Soon. This time, he was going to learn all of her. Do everything. Play.
He cupped her between her legs and purred his approval. So wet, baby. He loved how aroused she becameand how quickly.
He teased her with a finger, and when she was riding it, trying to grind down on it, he fed her another one. All the while, her head thrashed from side to side. Her eyes were closed, her red lips moist and parted. He knew she was as lost in sensation as he was when he brought her close to the edge . . . then backed off . . . brought her close again . . . backed off.
Blue!
Desperate? He was. Sweat trickled from his temples. Never been strung this taut. But it was worth it to hear her moan and groan and beg. To watch her thrash.
Ready.
Not yet. He gave her a third finger, stretching her, this time preparing her for what was to come, and she gasped an unintelligible word. Her nails found their way to his back and scraped, drawing blood.
Hed wear the wounds with pride.
Hurt? he asked.
A bit. But, ohhh. I need it.
A beautiful plea from the indomitable Evie Black. Youre going to give me everything.
Whatever you want.
Everything. You asked for it once. Now Im demanding it. Unable to hold back any longer, he slid his fingers out of her. They both moaned at the loss. He wiped the wet across her lips and, as he bent down to lick it off, to kiss her deep and sure, he hooked her knees under his arms and positioned his shaft for entry.
Yes! Please!
He wanted to shove, hard and fast. He pushed in an inch. Then two.
So tight. So damn tight.
He gained another inch.
Then another, and another.
Panting, she stilled.
Okay?
Feels so good. Youre so big.
Killing me. Gonna make it feel even better. He reached between their bodies, found her little bundle of nerves, pressed and rubbed until her hips began to rock.
Yes! she cried. Oh, yes.
He thrust the rest of the way in, as hard and fast as hed wanted, and she came instantly, arching her back and screaming his name.
Hed never felt anything as rapturous as her inner walls clenching on him. So perfect. Tell me you can take a rough ride, baby.
Yes. Please, yes.
Never get tired of hearing her say that word. He grabbed the headboard, pulled most of the way out of her, then slammed in with so much force the entire bed rattled. A picture crashed to the floor. And maybe his Arcadian powers had caused the furniture to levitate, because a lamp tumbled from the nightstand and shattered.
He would pay for the damage. Gladly.
He kept moving. In, out. In, out. The pressure must have mounted inside her, because she clutched at him, urging him to give it to her harder, faster. He couldnt have stopped or slowed to save his life. Never had he been so overwhelmed, so overcome. So taken over, where only pleasure mattered.
Here. Now. This woman. Mine.
His rhythm became brutal and punishing. Exquisite. Evie grabbed him by the hair and tugged him down for another kiss. The moment their tongues met, she climaxed again, and as her inner walls squeezed him this second time, he joined her, coming, coming so hard. He roared, giving one last thrust, feeding her that last bit of his release, until finally he collapsed on top of her, utterly spent.
He wasnt sure how much time passed before he realized he hadnt moved, that he could be suffocating her with his heavy weight. Gathering her close, he rolled to his side. Sweat formed a slippery layer over both of their bodies, and neither of them could catch their breath.
Thing was, he only wanted more.
* * *
Evie reeled. Sex had never been that good for her. Sex had probably never been that good for anyone, and she almost wished she hadnt experienced it. Almost. How was she supposed to let Blue go now?
For the first time in years, she felt no sense of dissatisfaction. Only peace. As though all of the pieces of her life had finally lined up correctly.
But that couldnt be right. Ultimately, no matter how wonderful Blue was as a person, he was bad for her. They would never want the same things.
Have to put some space between us. I feel foolish for bringing this up now, considering my profession and my past, but in all the excitement I honestly never gave it a single thought. Although, thats not really an excuse, is it? I should be totally ashamed. And even panicked.
But she wasnt panicked.
His eyes twinkled merrily, as if he were fighting a laugh. I think thats the closest youve ever come to rambling, sugar puff.
Well, what I was trying to say, she continued, forging ahead, is that Im not on any kind of birth control.
No probs. I cant get you pregnant.
Ever? First, no probs? Seriously? Second, what about disease?
First, yes. That is what I said. No probs. I think we should abbreviate more. Its sexy. Second, I dont have an Arcadian disease, and even if I did, I couldnt pass it to you. Also, Im immune to human disease.
Well, just for your peace of mind, I dont have one. I checked.
He kissed the tip of her nose. Thank you for telling me.
She sat up, pushed her damp hair from her face. So . . .
He arched a brow. Is this the part where you try to kick me out of your bed? Sorry, hotcakes, because thats just not happening. Were snuggling.
Wait. What? Peering down at him, she said firmly, We are not snuggling.
His bottom lip stuck out in the most adorable pout.
Was he teasing her?
He had to be teasing her.
Stupid, adorable man!
So now that youve used me, he said, youre going to abandon me?
Gah! Guilt trip. I dont really have a desire to snugs. With anyone. Ever.
He barked out a laugh. Did you just say snugs?
Her cheeks flamed as she realized that yes, yes she had. What. I was giving the abbreviation thing a try.
You did good. Grinning, he said, Have you ever tried to snugs?
Her eyes narrowed to tiny slits. No.
There was a softening around his eyes and mouth, as if hed just spotted a kitten in need of help out of a tree. He cupped the back of her neck and massaged. Lets try it, then. You and me. We might like it.
She closed her eyes in bliss, even as she inwardly cursed him. This was the charming seducer thousands had fallen for, guaranteed. We?
Ive never done it before, either, and I want to see what its like.
She would be the first? Bollocks! How was she supposed to resist now? Youre serious? Never?
Never. I took what I wanted and left . . . or forced the women to leave.
And they put up with you? she asked, incredulous.
Of course. They even tried to come back for seconds and thirds.
Of course, she mocked. But . . . why now? Why me?
He shrugged, unabashed. You smell too good, feel too good, and Im going to want you again very, very soon. Might as well have you nearby and save myself the trouble of having to hunt you down.
She should resist. One sexcapade had nearly killed her. No telling what a second go-round would do. And what if she actually enjoyed the whole snuggling thing? Shed start craving itand when it came to Blue, she couldnt afford any more cravings.
Who knows, maybe youll get lucky and hate it.
True.
Her silence must have provoked him, because he said, Dont make me caveman-up and club you over the head to get what I want.
She rolled her eyes. Okay, all right. Fine. Well do a little snuggling. She draped herself over his chest, and he enfolded her in his arms. His heart pounded against her ear, fast and hard, pleasing her mightily.
She wasnt going to hate it, was she?
We can do this for an hour, and maybe, if youre lucky, Ill get a little handsy, she said. But after that we need to go our separate ways, okay?
He combed his fingers through her hair. Nope. Not okay. I need at least six hours. And definite hand play. No maybe about it.
They were bargaining about this? Seriously? Two hours, she said. And I wont beat you to death.
Eight. And youll caress.
Bloody hell. That isnt how you negotiate, Blue.
My bad. Ten hours.
Just to be contrary, she twisted his nipple.
Ow! He pried her fingers loose and kissed her knuckles. Just for that, Im not going to tell you how I ranked you.
She jolted upright and met his gaze. You do not rank your women. A pause. Do you?
Not usually. But this time I made an exception.
I dont think you know how close you are to having your spine pulled out through your mouth, she said, waving her fist in front of his face.
He tried to bite it. Did I ever tell you how sexy it is when you threaten me with bodily harm?
No. Because that would be ridiculous.
Its not, and its true. Expression serious, he said, Now, back to your ranking. Ive decided to tell you, despite the titty-twister.
She shook her head, dark hair dancing around her. I dont want to know. After all, shed lost herself in the pleasure of his mouth and his hands, and then his body; hed had to do all the work.
Too bad. Baby, there is no question, no doubt in my mind, that you are and forever will be . . . number one. Seriously. This, he said, waving a hand to indicate her slender curves, should be outlawed.
She tried to maintain a neutral expressionencouraging him was wrongbut she couldnt suppress a smile. Two compliments from you in one day. You must be losing your edge.
Of course I am. I just blew a major load.
Her eyes widened. Cant believe he just said that.
He gave another wave, this one imperial. Go ahead. Laugh. You know you want to.
She slapped a hand over her mouth, but it was too late. Laughter escaped.
His gaze met hers with a mix of pleasure and awe, his features softening. I will never get tired of seeing you lit up like this.
Getting too serious! her mind screamed. And, just like that, her amusement drained.
He frowned, as if her mood change upset him. What are you thinking about?
Whats going to happen tomorrow? With Tiffany?
Dont want me to make a move on her?
No, she answered honestly. And crap. Too serious again.
Now he grinned, pleased. Dont worry. I wont. You have my word. I will flirt with her to make it believable when she leaves with me, but it will never go any further than that. When I get her alone, I will use compulsion to get her to fall asleep.
All right, she said with a nod.
Wait. No making me promise? Or sign a contract in blood?
No. I believe you. I need no more assurance than your word.
Something bright bloomed in his eyes as he kissed her temple. I dont know what to say. Evie . . . thank you.
If anything, she should be saying those words to him.
Are you hungry? he asked, switching topics with a speed that left her floundering. Im starved. So why dont I make us something to eat? Afterward we can shower and clock a few more hours in bed before we go to sleep. His voice went husky with desire when he added, Then, come morning, Ill wake you up in the best possible way. Promise.
Wait. He expected to stay the night in her room? The entire night?
Stay here. Ill be right back. Naked, he padded into the hallway, leaving her alone with a growing sense of panic. At last it had arrived.
Eighteen
HE HADNT WORN A condom. To be honest, Blue hadnt even thought about wearing one. On some level, he must trust Evie more than he trusted any other woman. He knew she would never make claims about a false pregnancy as Pagan had. As countless others had. She was honest to a fault.
And now that he knew she hadnt complained about the lack because she had been as caught up in the moment as he had been, he only wanted her more.
He was grinning as he carried a tray of sandwiches into the bedroom, nearly let-the-world-crumble eager to see her splayed out, dark hair splashed over the pillows, pale skin flushed with the pleasure he had just given her, lips red and swollen from his kisses.
Hed never been a possessive guy. Today, that had changed. Evie Black belonged to him, and he wasnt letting her go. He was already addicted to her tastethe honey she smelled of. But now he knew her warmth, and her inner softness, and the sounds she made as her excitement built. He knew the feel of her nails in his flesh and her body moving against his, surrounding his, knew her smile afterward, the huskiness of her voice.
Shes a treasure. My treasure.
Yes, he betrayed Michael.
Yes, he felt guilt. But he would make his boss understand.
What about tomorrow? The postgame party? Tiffany?
Evie understood. She trusted him, no questions asked, and the knowledge floored him. He didnt think hed ever been this happy.
He wouldnt blow it. For once, Blue had drawn a line and he wouldnt cross it.
Evangeline, he said, grinning as he stepped into the room.
She wasnt in the bed.
He set the tray on the dresser and strode into the bathroom. But she wasnt there, either. Frowning, he checked the entire suite. There was no sign of her, and her clothes had been picked up from the floor.
Evie, he called.
There was no reply.
He raced through the entire house, checking every corner, every shadow, but she wasnt hiding anywhere.
Scowling, he stomped into her office and watched the security feeds, using the codes shed given him. Within minutes he was seething. The little witch climbed out of her own bedroom window and scaled down the side of the house. As if he were a booty call she regretted.
Fury rained, a storm of ice and fire. His motions were jerky as he strapped weapons all over his body and dressed. She had a ten-minute head start. Hed have her back in bed in five. Whether he would spank her, lecture her, or seduce her, he wasnt sure. Maybe hed do all three.
Why do this to him?
She wasnt the type to run away from her problems.
Or, hell, what did he know? Maybe she was. She still hadnt told him about Claire.
Outside, the moon was high and full, the sky a stretch of diamond-studded ebony, the air cool. The roads were deserted, the entire neighborhood at rest. Evie had gone north, so he took off in that direction, following the lingering trace of her sweet perfume.
Shed left prints in the ground, and they were deeper than a normal step. Shed been sprinting, her shoes pounding into the dirt. She was that eager to escape him?
Infuriated all over again, he rounded a corner just in time to watch Evie disappear inside an all-night groceryand catch a Bree Lian dodging her steps, moving faster and faster, drawing closer to her heels. Blue lurched into super-speed, several yards away one minute, right behind the guy the next.
He slapped a hand over furry lipsand stabbed, stabbed. Spleen. Kidney. The Bree Lians startled, pained howl was muffled as he fell to his knees. Blue dragged him into the darkened alley beside the building and slammed his knee into the guys face, propelling him backward. Before he could figure out what was going on, Blue had a pyre-gun unsheathed and aimed.
Why are you after the girl? he demanded. Who do you work for?
Clutching his bleeding side, the otherworlder pressed his lips together in a tight, mulish line.
Blue picked him up with a single stream of power and kept him suspended in the air. With another stream, he spread the Bree Lians arms and legs, hopefully making him feel as if the appendages were going to be ripped away any second. Because they were.
Im not going to ask again.
The Bree Lian peered down at Blue with resignation. He had just realized he was going to die. It was only a question of how painfully. Tyson Star.
Tyson? Not Gregory, the father? Why?
I dont know. Im never told why, only what to do.
And what were you to do?
Pick up Miss Black and escort her to Mr. Star.
Where she would be beaten? Killed?
Fury stampeded him. One last question. Have you seen a Rakan with the Stars, or heard of ones skin being sold?
No. The Stars are the most secretive family Ive ever met. Theyll assign different aspects of hired hits to different men, so no one knows the whole of whats going on.
Secretive, and smart.
Youve earned your death. Ill make it fast. He sheathed his gun, intending to take the guy out with his bare hands, when a noise caused his ears to twitch. He spun, a stream of bright azure light shooting out and nailing him in the chest. Every muscle in his body turned into stone, though his mind remained utterly aware. He heard the Bree Lian slam into the ground, no longer held by Blues power.
His fury found a new target: himself. Should have suspected the Stars would send more than one.
A second otherworlder stepped from the shadows. A Cortaz Blue he saw guarding Stars country estate. The male was a few inches shorter than Blue, with dark hair, green eyes, and skin that looked as if it had been dipped in a honey pot. Im not sure how you pegged my partner, Mr. Blue, and I dont really care.
Blue let the worst of his emotions shine in his eyes.
The man wasnt impressed. I only gave you a partial stun, so youll be as good as new in a few hours. In the meantime, Im going into the store and finding your girl. And she is yours, isnt she? A very surprising development, I have to say. Youll get to watch me have a little fun with her before I take her to see Mr. Star.
Hmm. I dont think thats how this night is actually gonna go down. Evies voice echoed through the alley as a stream of azure light erupted and slammed into the Cortaz.
Like Blue, he froze in place.
Then she shot the Bree Lain, freezing him, too, just in case he decided to fight.
Blue had never been so relieved to see a woman he wanted to strangle.
Evie, his beautiful, irreverent Evie, flipped the Cortaz off as she passed him, then stopped in front of Blue. You are so lucky Im on your side. She dug in her pursethat glorious, magical purseand withdrew a ring with a big oval in the center. This will counter the effects of stun.