You may call me Syn.
Angelica felt cold chills race down her back at the implications of the name. She could already think of many ways that name would fit him. Okay Syn, why are you here?
In your dream or in your bed? Syn asked with the ghost of a smile caressing his perfect lips.
Yep, shed been right. He was completely sinful. Remembering her other dreams had all been nightmares, Angelica slowly glanced around the room then back at him, Im not dreaming I felt you touch me I I felt your lips touch my hand.
Just because you are dreaming, does not mean it isnt real. Syn charmingly mocked her earlier statement.
Angelicas gaze narrowed when he tore the picture shed just drawn out of her sketch book. He carefully rolled it instead of folding it, and then placed it inside a deep pocket on the inner lining of his trench coat. She couldnt help but watch his hands as they moved. They looked so smooth and untouchedlike the way history books described those of royalty. Finally she glanced back up at his face and frowned when she saw the hint of a smile.
Why are you really here? she demanded.
To keep the nightmares away while you sleep, Syn answered and leaned back against the bedpost behind him. Rest tonight Angelica, no nightmares or demons will haunt your sleep.
Angelica jerked upright in bed with the sun streaming through the balcony window it was morning. Looking down at the foot of the bed, she leaned forward and felt the place where Syn had been sitting. There was no trace that hed been there and Angelica took a deep breath. It was only a dream after all.
Swinging her legs over the side of the bed, she stood up and heard something fall onto the floor. She picked up her sketchbook and started to close it but stopped when she remembered the dream.
Opening the book back up, she flipped through the pages and stopped when she saw that the drawing she had done last night was gone. In its place was a beautiful penciled sketch of her asleep in this bed. It had been done with as much soft detail as the one shed done of him. In the picture, her hand was relaxed near her face and she noticed the symbol drawn there. Just under the drawing was the word Syn written in elegant penmanship.
*****
Tabatha parked her car in the VIP parking space at Moon Dance and got out. Adjusting her short dress, she tucked her keys into the clutch purse and approached the front door. She was sick of hiding out in that lonely apartment waiting to see if Kriss would ever come home. Seeing the excitement of the crowd was already making her feel a little better.
Nick smiled as he watched her approach and opened the rope to let her through ahead of everyone else waiting for admittance. He wasnt doing it because his brothers mate was her best friend he was doing it because without Tabatha they would not have found Micah in time to save him.
His gaze narrowed on her exposed shoulder. The last time hed seen her that shoulder had sported a pretty bad wound, but now it didnt have a single blemish on it. It seemed they had some kind of healing fairy running around town because the same thing had happened to Micahs wounds.
Hows it going tonight? he asked curiously as he saw a trace of sadness in her eyes.
Tabatha gave him a small smile, Its going okay.
Has anyone told you that you look good enough to eat? he inquired with a gleam in his eyes. It was the fastest way to cheer a girl up he should know, he was surrounded by them every night.
Tabatha shook her head smiling, You are incorrigible.
Yes I am, Nick agreed. So does that mean I get to take you home with me tonight?
Not a chance! Tabatha shot back with a smirk then added, Besides, with you living right above the dance floor, it would be way too easy.
Nick placed a hand over his heart and made a show of staggering back a couple of steps. Tabby cat you wound me. My intentions were completely innocent.
I bet, Tabatha laughed then winked at him. But I may ask for a dance later.
Nick leaned closer to her as he held the door open for her. And I may take you up on that.
Tabatha walked inside and took a deep breath, loving the familiar atmosphere. It had been a couple of days since her encounter with Kane and she still hadnt heard a word from Kriss. Her worry was gone now, replaced by a slight depression that she knew only Kriss could get rid of.
The thumping of the music vibrated through her body and she walked to the railing so she could look out over the dance floor. It was late at night, closing in on midnight, and the club was in full swing. Bodies were grinding to the techno beats pumping out of the speakers and the bar section was almost full. Tabatha looked around trying to decide what to do first. She was sick of being alone and figured this was exactly what she needed to snap her out of her moody funk.
Walking up to the bar, Tabatha slammed her small purse on the surface. Whats a lady gotta do to get a drink around here? she demanded.
Bite me! Envy exclaimed and put a drink down in front of her. Will that be all maam?
No, Tabby said. I still need to bite you.
Be careful, Envy said. I bite back.
Tabatha picked up the drink and took half of it in one swallow, remembering the drinks shed had at Silk Stalkings a few nights before and the way Kane had kissed her sober. What annoyed her most was that every time she thought about it, she would feel a hot aching sensation spiral downwards toward her lower belly and thighs. Again she flinched as she felt it.
Envy took note of Tabathas demeanor and could tell something was wrong with her friend. Theyd been through too much together for Envy not to notice it. She went through the motions of making Tabatha another drink when she saw her friend place an empty glass back down on the bar.
As she slid the second drink in front of Tabatha, she noticed Tabby not really paying attention and, instead, looking distractedly out at all the other people enjoying themselves.
Kat was working just a little ways down from Envys station and watched Tabatha out of the corner of her eye. She could tell Tabatha looked antsy and wondered what had happened in the last few days to make that happen. Picking up a bottle of Heat, she caught Envys attention and pointed at the bottle before nodding her head toward Tabatha.
Envy looked over at her friend before giving Kat an approving nod. Kat fixed another drink and added a small shot of the potent alcohol to the mix before handing it over to Envy.
Thanks, Envy said and took the glass to Tabatha. Here you go Tabby, on the house.
Tabatha looked down at the drink and smiled. Thank you!
So, Envy started leaning against the bar. Whats got you down in the dumps?
Nothing that important I guess, Tabatha answered.
Yeah right, Kat exclaimed walking up. If your face was any longer your chin would still be at home watching television.
Im just upset with Kriss right now, Tabatha said after a couple of seconds. If she couldnt tell her best friend then she might as well go home and stay there. Hes never been gone this long before without calling or letting me know something. He quit his job at Silk Stalkings a few days ago and no one has seen him since. She didnt divulge the fact that it felt like she had been dumped her chest hadnt quit hurting for days.
Kat got a napkin from behind the bar and handed it over to Tabatha when the tears started to fall. If she didnt know better, shed swear this was the reaction a lover would have when their heart had been broken. Envy had told her Kriss was gay, but Kat wondered if something had happened between Kriss and Tabatha that Envy wasnt aware of.
Why did he leave without saying goodbye? Tabatha demanded softly, dabbing at the wetness on her cheeks. She used the anger to stop crying she hated to cry. I thought I deserved that much at least.
Envy pursed her lips together Kriss would never do something like that without a good reason. Hell, she could tell that Kriss loved her but he loved Dean too. Her hands fisted on the bar when she realized why Kriss was staying away Dean.
Im sure hell come back, Kat said. You are a good friend and you do deserve to hear the truth. She looked over at Envy, Right?
Absolutely, Envy said pushing her anger down into the pit of her stomach. You know what we should do? Find Mr. Feathers, tie him down on top of an ant mound after covering him with honey and leave him there. That will teach him to call next time.
Tabatha raised her eyebrows at the redhead, Alrighty then.
Oh, oh, Kat said excitedly. Better yet, we strip him down and truss him up like a Thanksgiving turkey then drop him off at the biker bar on the other end of town. Some of those guys are truly frightening.
Envy shook her head, Nah, hed like that too much.
I got it! Kat exclaimed seeing Tabatha's lip begin to twitch at their antics. We knock him out, keep him prisoner in Tabathas bedroom and feed him only bread and water until he gives in and agrees to be Tabathas sex slave for all eternity.
Envy cocked her head to the side then smiled. Now that idea I like.
I got a question for you thats a little off the subject. Tabatha said getting their attention. What do you two know about Kane?
Kat shrugged, Hes a sexy as hell vampire with a great sense of humor.
The three women started laughing but stopped when Devon slid up behind Envy and wrapped an arm around her waist.
Ill show you sexy as hell dance with me, Devon whispered loud enough for the other women to hear.
Envy smirked at her friends before letting Devon lead her out from behind the bar and down to the dance floor. They could hear the crowd cheering when the cage door slammed and Tabatha smiled.
Getting up from her seat, Tabatha walked over to the railing and looked down on Envy and Devon dancing in the cage. She could see their mouths moving and could only imagine what they were talking about.
Envy was leaning back with her arms over her head holding on to the bars of the cage. Devon had her legs wrapped around his hips grinding into her. One hand was on her bottom, holding her up while the other hand was resting on her rib cage just below one of her breasts threatening to touch but not actually doing so.
Devon smirked and pulled Envy away from the bars, catching her before she could fall backward and set her on her feet. He quickly spun her around so that her back was pressed against his chest, his hands trailing up her ribcage to cup the bottom of her breast, teasing her.
Lets give them a real show, Devon whispered.
No public sex, Envy exclaimed breathlessly.
Oh no, Devon said. Thats for me only and in private. This however, Envy suddenly found herself in a lowered position with her legs spread by Devons thighs as he ground against her from behind. This is for the crowd.
Devon rotated his hips in small circles and Envy braced her feet on the floor so she could move with him. She groaned softly and swore she could actually feel him deep inside of her, making love to her without removing a stitch of clothing.
I love the way you move for me, Devon growled. So sexy and hot.
Envy pushed back against him, straightening, and then wound her arms back around Devons neck. She gasped when his hands lifted the front of her shirt to expose the soft skin of her belly to the crowd. Devons right hand slowly moved down until the very tips of his fingers disappeared into the waistband of her tight black shorts while the other pulled her shirt up the rest of the way, revealing the black lace bra she was wearing.
You cheated, Envy pouted up at him.
Devon moaned as he continued to create friction between his erection, the thin material of his pants, and Envys shorts.
Devon smirked, Maybe so, but that wont stop you from coming for me here in front of everyone.
They rose back up to their feet and Envy turned to face him, sliding her thigh between his and he mimicked the action. Before she could protest, the fishnet shirt was off and they were grinding against each other sensuously. To anyone else it looked like they were dancing, but to everyone that knew them they knew exactly what Envy and Devon were doing.
Now, Devon ordered and Envy had no choice but to obey.
Tabatha watched breathlessly as Envy tossed her head back and started bucking hard against Devons thigh. She felt heat spread through her body and wished for a moment it was her in that cage with someone that wanted her the way Devon wanted Envy.
I wish I could find someone like that, Tabatha sighed longingly then turned to go back to the bar.
Reclaiming her seat she looked at Kat, So you think Kane has a sense of humor really nice guy huh? She shook her head, I seem to recall the fact that hes the one that started the vampire mess and tried to set you guys up for all those murders. Mine and Envys names were almost added to that list of victims, remember? She downed the rest of her drink, satisfied that she had chased the melancholy away. Now if she could just stop getting turned on every few minutes.
He helped save you and Envy. Kat tilted her head as she studied Tabatha. She was good at picking up vibes from people and it suddenly dawned on her that Kriss wasnt the only man on Tabbys mind.