celiabreslin

After his nod, she breathed out a sigh. She looked as if she anticipated that he would haul her back into the water for a lesson. Her movements reminded him of abused animals. He speculated that most people, who couldn’t swim but who may have grown up around water, would try to learn unless they experienced a trauma or drowning in the past. Could that have happened to her? There was more to this situation than her usual stubbornness. Vulnerability even.

As she leaned over to finish filling her canteen, her ample bosom peeked out. His lust twisted at the thought of the sounds she would make when he kissed her nipples until they pebbled.

Suddenly, she jerked up, spilling some of the water. “Did you get a good enough view?”
He opened his mouth, but no words came out. Without waiting for his reply, she stormed away.

Damon flopped backward, letting his body float. His mind drifted to images of making love to Renee in the river. After he helped her overcome her phobia, somehow. Hmm, he could kiss her down there while she treaded water.

Nah, she’d never go for it.

This is a business trip. No time for sleeping with the staff, no matter how sexy they are when arguing with him.

She scrolled through her cell as the taxi turned at a light, and Greek swear words were exchanged between their driver and an electric scooter rider. Jack’s eyes closed, and his head rested on the back of the seat, his cheeks pale.

What would she do if the order came from the master vampire who was after him? Jack tied himself to Beth in order to save Adeline. How can I repay him? The crystal latched onto her wrist caught the light. Right, if I don’t get this thing removed soon, all of my kin nearing 5,000 years will put a bounty on me. Visiting the Oracle, on behalf of a witchdoctor, would give her the chance to get information about removing the quartz without dying.

Her gaze glided over the Oracle voodoo doll. No, she’d probably be lucky if the Oracle didn’t strangle them when she met them.

Adeline dug out a mint and shivered when she pushed aside the cuffs in her purse. Snippets of hot memory of Jack on her made her debate sending the cab driver away for a few hours and straddling Jack. She offered him a mint and took one for herself. His hand brushed hers as the taxi took a sharp turn, its tires squealing.

Focus. It’s only his borrowed powers that make you feel this way. My powers. She checked her texts. Most were from men around the world asking when she’d come see them. Delete, delete, delete. Two messages from Renee, one from Damon, and one from her employer. She cringed.

Status update pronto. Never taken you this long to tag and bag a guy.

Yeah, well she’d never been without her abilities before. Working on it. She texted a reply.

Both of Renee’s notes were short, and the last one cryptic. You okay? Any update? And Call us when you can. We have something to discuss with you.

Damon’s text was blunt: Gotten the rock off yet? Or are you being chased?

Meaning by incubi and succubus who craved the crystal to amplify their gift and avoid becoming demons, or ones who already twisted and sought more wars and violence in the world of mankind. Of course, she’d tried everything to get it off. Even offered it to Damon and her succubus cousin, Samara, but the bracelet wouldn’t let go.

Cassie rummaged through Daniel’s kitchen. Where did he hide the alcohol? The refrigerator was full of Styrofoam and plastic containers, a carton of milk, and… Who puts peanut butter in the fridge? She took it out and placed it on the counter. At least she could have a snack while she searched for a beer. Finding the silverware, she dug out a large spoon and dipped it in the peanut butter. They nutty flavor coated her tongue and she sighed with pleasure. Okay, so cold it tasted it good, but smearing it on bread would be nasty work.

Her mouth pasty and dry, she spotted a cabinet at the far end of the cabinets. A wet bar! She seized a bottle of whiskey and downed most of it as she walked into the living room to check on Daniel.

He lay on his back, his legs dangling over the arm of the couch. Dark circles lined his closed eyes, but his breathing was steady and deep. At least the guy didn’t snore. Was he cold? She picked up a jacket that was draped across a leather chair and, a bottle of alcohol hanging in her hand, she trailed the jacket up and over his legs.

When he grasped her arm, she murmured, “Sorry, didn’t mean to wake you.”

He blinked at her with dilated pupils, his lips full and inches from hers. “Am I dreaming?”

The huskiness of his voice sent a shiver through her.

“Then I can do this.” He stretched his other hand, grasping her behind her head and drawing her lips down to his.

He tasted soft and warm and delicious. Like chocolate and oranges. Moaning against his lips, she let the whiskey slip from her fingers and it rattled onto the wooden floor beside her. Daniel’s hands lifted her further onto the couch, until she was partially straddling him and somewhat kneeling. Hot desire shot through her and she nearly ripped off his clothes.

Her hands weaved into his dark hair. Inside, her siren side called, demanding to satisfy her sexual needs, then devour him. No, she must control this. Couldn’t she for once have love? Have a future with a man that made butterflies dance in her stomach whenever she was around him?