Everything about this female is telling me to run like hell. Her scent is like a drug. It’s intoxicating and heady. Dangerous. Not easily purged out of one’s system. I’ve already spent a decade erasing Bell from my world, learning to live alone
.
“This is a bad idea. It might be best if you leave.”
She turned to face him, running her hand over his chest, causing a burning sensation to spread in his belly. “What’s so bad about this?” Her eyes smoldered beneath heavy lashes.
“I’m not a good guy for you. I doubt we have much in common. Hell, we’re not even the same species.” He took another step back, but ran into the chair.
A mixture of determination and lust exuded from her pores. “Lucky for you, I’m not looking for a good guy. And as tasty as you looked in a towel, who gives a shit what species you are.”
“I’m not a commitment guy. I can’t give you what you want. Once you leave, you won’t see me again.”
Shit. What’s wrong with me? Man, you’ve been out of the game for too long if you’re refusing a sexy female serving herself up to you. It’s just sex. Just one night. Right?
“How do you know what I want? I know exactly what you’re offering. That’s why I’m here. I don’t want the complications of a relationship. I just need someone to remind me I’m a woman.” She turned her back to him so he couldn’t see her face, trying to hide her sadness.
He could feel the conflict boiling inside her as he fondled a long wavy lock of her hair. “Remember you asked for this. Just like your deal with Luc, there’s no turning back.”
Brushing a finger down the back of her neck and feeling her shiver under his touch, he folded her into him. Leaning down, he grazed his lips on her bare shoulder. Her body trembled. She bent her head to the side while he showered kisses up the length of her neck.
Angel longed for the taste of his lips. Turning in his arms to face him, she witnessed a hunger in the depths of his green eyes that matched hers. She caressed his square jaw, feeling the smoothness of a fresh shave. His soap smelled of the pine: refreshing and comforting. Stretching on her tiptoes, she brought her lips to meet his and was rewarded by a groan. His lips devoured hers. She melted into him as his tongue explored the sweetness of her mouth.
The spiciness of his aftershave infused in her nostrils. She craved him like a junkie jonesing for a hit. Fear struck. Her stomach quivered and her hands shook on his back. If she moved forward with him tonight, she wasn’t sure if she would come back whole. The plan only worked in theory, and she missed a vital assumption–she liked Jacque more than she admitted. Her mind told her to pull back and break the connection. Commonsense told her to leave, but her body refused to cooperate. She needed him.
She tasted of mint and remnants of chocolate. Angel’s tongue teased in and out, skimming the inside of his mouth. She strained on her toes to reach him. Her breasts pressed hard against his chest. Sensing her discomfort, Jacque picked her off the floor and carried her to the bed. His hand navigated up her thigh as he cradled her in his arms. They fell to the bed engrossed in one another. He skimmed the contours of her body as he slid his hand underneath the cotton dress. Her body tensed under the stroke of his hand.
He kissed behind her ear. “Are you okay?”
“I don’t know.”
“You want to stop?” His teeth caught her earlobe.
Angel’s lips played along his neck. “No.” She kicked off her flip-flops, hearing them clunk on the wood floor.
Jacque awakened everything inside of Angel. Her nerves tingled with each move of his body. His tongue left wet trails of fire along the neckline of her dress. He slowly pushed the dress higher as he caressed her curves. She sat up, lifted the dress over her head, and threw it to the floor.
With one swift move, he released her breasts from the black lace bra. He pushed her back onto the mattress. Sliding off the bed, he pulled her until her ass hung on edge. His rough hands traced her waistline and shifted to her breasts. Her nipples stiffened as his thumbs grazed over the peaks. He gave a slight squeeze to her left nipple, sending pain and ecstasy rippling through her body. She felt his mouth where his hand just left. His tongue circled her nipple, hot and moist over the hard nub. Angel writhed in pleasure when the sharp nip of his teeth caught the hardened tip. She tangled her hands in his hair and sank further into the bed as his lips explored her body.
“I want to taste every inch of you,” he mumbled between kisses.
The sounds of her soft moans created a fury of desire inside him. He took her other breast in his mouth, sucking hard and kissing softly as he released it. He ripped her black lace panties off and his fingers, first one then a second, fondled the wet heat of her sex. His fingers worked her hot, moist flesh until she met his pace. He kissed a path down her flat stomach, lingering at her navel.
“Can I kiss you here?” Jacque used his thumb to caress the center of her desire.
She ground into his hand and moaned. “Yes.”
“You sure?” He rubbed his thumb in circles around her swollen nub. Angel grabbed the duvet with both hands as if to anchor herself to the bed. “Oh, God. Please!”
He slid farther down until his tongue found her passion. His tongue and fingers stroked her until she raked at his back.
“Jacque. Please.” She pushed back, climbing higher on the bed.
He caught her by the hips and held her in place. “Please what?” Another flicker of his tongue caused her leg to quiver. “What do you want?”
“I need you inside me.”
His fingers filled her again. “Not until you come for me.”
His mouth burned against her body. He quickened the pace of his strokes, making her want to scream. Her mind floated in agonized pleasure. Pulling away from the increasing fervor of his mouth, she heard herself whisper, “Oh, shit!” while she grabbed a handful of his silky black curls. Tremors shot through her spine as her body reveled in her release. She fell back onto the pillows, breathing heavily. Her hands still wrapped around a fistful of curls at the base of his neck, she growled, “Now!”
Finally giving in to her pleads, he slid up her body and brought his mouth down on hers once again. She felt the full weight of him and tasted her tanginess on his lips. The hard, thick length of his shaft rubbed against her begging for relief.
Leveraging himself on one arm, Jacque entered her gently, afraid to move to fast. Her velvety wetness wrapped around him. She was so tight as she arched to meet his thrust.
“Slow,” he murmured into her hair.
He built a fluid rhythm until Angel rolled them over, straddling him. She picked up the rhythm, moving up and down along his cock. The motion of her hips massaged every inch of him. Grasping her thighs, he slowed her movements. She bent down and ran her tongue over his nipple. Ecstasy shot through his body. He grew harder inside her, thrusting his full length into her as she clenched around him. She stiffened as she took all of him into her.
“Are you okay?”
She shook her head, meeting his rhythm.
Angel bit into her lip as the thickness of his manhood stretched her. She’d never been with anyone so large, but the gentleness of his initial entry prepared her for him. As he picked up his strokes, she matched the fury of his passion. She wanted all of him. Riding him, she gripped his shoulders, using her thighs to glide along his swollen shaft. He throbbed inside her, pushing her to her climax. She quickened her movements. He guided her, his fingers digging firmly into her ass cheeks.
“I want you to come for me, baby.” She kissed behind his ear and down his neck.
“Shit—” No longer able to control himself Jacque grasped Angel’s waist, holding her for leverage. He thrust into her while she clung to him. She met the fervor of his thrust and her nails bit into the skin on his shoulders. The sweet wetness of her climax came down around him, causing him to shudder. She straightened, guiding him up with her. He wrapped his body around her, maintaining their rhythm. He sensed her desire for him, her longing. The intensity of her emotions drove him past the brink. The strength of his release shook through his body. He held her until they both collapsed in exhausted euphoria.
She shifted to roll off Jacque, but he stopped her. Snuggling her against his chest, he listened to the irregular pant of her breathing. He pushed her hair from her face and kissed her forehead. It had been a long time since he had been with a female. Angel was different. He never imagined the intensity he experienced with her could exist. He wasn’t sure if she really came for the book or if she actually came for the sex. At this point he didn’t care, just as long as she was with him. This situation entailed too many complications, but he didn’t want to let her go.
Angel forgot how good it was to have the love of a man. Unfortunately, she remembered it wasn’t love, just sex. Amazing sex, but sex all the same. He already made his position clear—not the relationship type. Anyway, she was leaving in two weeks. Talk about a long distance relationship. Wonder what it cost to call Hell? It was an impossible situation, too many obstacles. She got what she came for, so she would leave it at that.
Jacque rolled to his side, allowing her to slide onto the bed. He tucked her into his side and she laid her head against his chest. Listening to the beating of his heart, she drifted into a sound sleep she hadn’t found for a long time.
Chapter Six
Like a cat, comforted and content, Angel stretched her arms above her head. She tried to roll on her back. An arm around her waist gripped her like steel.
Shit! Shit! Shit!
She fell asleep in Jacque’s bed. Grimacing, she remembered the details of the previous night. The queasiness of regret and the heat of passion feuded inside her belly. She made a huge mistake and couldn’t even blame it on alcohol. Sex without feelings was a difficult skill to master and she failed miserably.
She hadn’t realized how much of an affect Jacque had on her these last couple of weeks. Sex wasn’t what she craved. It was companionship and the security of being a part of something…someone. Jacque had become that someone she wanted to be with. He brought her security and confidence. Now she messed it up by involving sex. She squirmed free from his grasp, freezing when he mumble something in his sleep and reached out for her.
I am the Queen of Bad Choices.
The amber glow of the hellish flames snuck in through the cracks in the heavy curtains. She scanned the room for a clock, wondering how many people would be awake. A strong hand grabbed her arm as she scooted to the edge of the bed. Turning to Jacque, she smiled at him tentatively.
He rubbed his eyes, trying to focus. “Where do you think you’re going?”
“I gotta go. It’s morning and people will be out soon. The last thing I need is to be seen coming out of here.” She tried to move off the bed again with little success.
He lured her back to him, bringing her hand to his lips. “You were just going to sneak out without saying anything?” Jacque pulled her down to him.
“Kinda. I didn’t want to wake you.” His heart pounded in her ear as she absent-mindedly ran her hand across his chest.
“So, my Angel, what are we going to do now?”
“What do you mean? There’s nothing to
do
. We had a good time. Now we go back to the way it used to be.”
Jacque’s brows furrowed. “Are you crazy? What if I don’t want to go back to the way it used to be?”
“Hey. What happened to I’m not a commitment guy?” she joked, wanting to hear his answer.
“I’m not talking commitment. Why can’t we just do some more of this?” He bent his head and his tongue flicked over a nipple, bringing it to attention.
Angel scooted away. “Last night was great, but this was a one-time shot. I’ll be leaving soon, and I’m sure you have a life to get back to.” Her throat tightened.
“We have another couple of weeks. I don’t want this to be our only night together. Give me a chance to see how else I can make you moan.” His fingers brushed the wetness between her legs.
“I can’t. It’s too much of a risk. I can’t fall for you and give you up. Last night was amazing. But let’s leave things on an up note.” Angel sat up, hopped out of the bed, and rummaged around for her clothes.
Jacque watched her as she dressed. Hunting for the words to change her mind, he wished what she said wasn’t true. As much as he wanted to be with her, too many obstacles stood in the way. He slung his legs over the edge of the bed and yanked on his sweats. Standing, Jacque caught Angel just as she reached for the door and secured her in his arms. His super demonic speed gave him an advantage over her. She went rigid then relaxed as he tilted her face to his, kissing her lightly.
“I didn’t mean for it to turn out this way. But last night was better than anything I imagined for the past few weeks since I met you.” He brushed his lips against her neck.
“What other way could it have turned out?” She hesitated. “But don’t blame yourself. I knew exactly what I was doing when I came here last night. We both got what we wanted.”
Standing on her toes like a dancer, she brought her lips to meet his. She wanted to embed him into her memory. If she couldn’t have him, she would savor this moment. Angel struggled to break herself from his embrace. She never wanted to leave the safety of his arms. Reluctantly, she slipped from his grasp and fled the room.
Tiptoeing down the hall, she prayed she wouldn’t run into anyone. She brushed her fingers through her hair and straightened her clothes, shooting for normal. Angel knew she wasn’t going to fool anyone. She hadn’t expected to stay the night, only make a quick booty call. Light banter floated from the end of the hall.
Fuck! Isabella
. Angel froze, debating her best move. Before she could make a decision, Isabella rounded the corner, eyeing Angel.
“You’re out early this morning,” Isabella announced in a singsong voice.
Angel plastered a shit-eating grin across her face. “Right back at ya.”
“Huh. You’re in the wrong hall, aren’t you? Your room is on the west wing.”
“Why is it any of your business what hall I’m in? I can go where I please. Why are you worried about what I do?”
“I only care about one thing. Unfortunately, you’re interfering with my plans.”
“Whatever. I have to get back to my room.” Angel tried to move past Isabella.
Isabella grabbed her by the arm and said, “Look, I don’t know what you think you’re doing, but Jacque will never stay with you. You’re a novelty, something new and shiny. You’re not the first pretty little thing he allowed to distract him. Just remember, he
always
comes home.”
“Seems like a personal problem between you and Jacque. I doubt he was thinking about home last night. I can’t help it if you can’t control your man. Believe me, you were the last thing on his mind when I left him.” She snatched her arm from Isabella and retreated down the hall.
Running to her room, she burst through the door. In tears, she threw herself on the bed. Why did she let that bitch get to her? Probably because Angel knew what Isabella said was true. Building a relationship with Jacque wasn’t an option and admitting the truth didn’t make it more palatable. She wanted away from this place. This wasn’t the deal she bargained for.
She snatched the towel off the chair and went into the bathroom. The hot water cascaded down Angel’s back, rinsing the tension away. She needed to regroup. This was the 21st century. A woman could initiate a booty call. If Isabella didn’t like her sleeping with Jacque, she should get tighter reigns on him. Angel only had a couple weeks left, and she didn’t have to see any of them again. She leaned back against the cool tile of the shower wall and let the hot water stream over her head, dissolving the thoughts of Isabella out of her mind.
She refused to acknowledge any feelings for Jacque except lust and desire as she pictured him—muscular, sweaty, and naked. Her body shivered, remembering the passion invoked by his touch. No man ever delivered the pleasure he administered. Sex as great as last night deserved a warning label. Maybe it was a demon thing. Were all demons as skillful in bed as Jacque?
Wrapped in a towel, Angel stepped out of the bathroom. She shrieked when she turned to see Lucifer sitting on the bed.
She pulled the towel tighter around her. “Shit! You scared me.”
“I didn’t mean to.” Lucifer watched her, taking lingering glances at her legs.
“Can I help you with something?”
“I’m disappointed.”
“Disappointed? For what?”
“You had sex with Jacque last night.”
Throwing up her hands, Angel demanded, “What the hell! Does everyone know? Did Isabella tell you?”
“No one needed to tell me. I know all things happening in my world. I had hoped you would save yourself for me. I should’ve thought it through before I asked Jacque to take this mission. Women tend to find him irresistible.”
“Whether it was Jacque or someone else, it wouldn’t matter. I’m not attracted to you.” Angel blurted before she could stop herself.
He circled her, toying with a strand of her wet wavy hair. “You have yet to give me a chance to show you my talents. I think you’ll find me to your liking. Regardless, you know you and Jacque can’t be together.”
“No one said we planned to be together. We had sex. We’re not getting married.” She backed away and pulled her hair out of his grasp.
“Jacque will be leaving at the end of the week. I need him back with the armies.”
“Sure you do. Who’s going to finish the last week of training?”
“The last week for you will be magic training. You’ll be training with Marie.”
She jumped as an invisible hand caressed her calf. “You know what. I’m done. Please leave now!”
“Call me if you need anything.” Lucifer flashed the beastly smile and disappeared.
Mentally and emotionally, Angel was drained. Her heart broke at the thought of not seeing Jacque again. Her interest in him went beyond the physical. She had a talent for falling for unavailable men. Even when she was engaged to Jackson, she knew he didn’t love her. At the time, a piece of a man was better than no man at all.
***
Jacque lay across the bed with his hands clasped behind his head. He knew he shouldn’t have bedded Angel, but he couldn’t resist, especially after he felt the lust exuding from her. Everything about her said, “Fuck me.” He wanted to hold her in his arms ever since he laid eyes on her at the bar. He thought sleeping with her would satisfy his obsession. It just ignited the embers into a full-blown fire.
The knock at the door snapped him out of his thoughts. Jacque hid an amused grin, thinking Angel had changed her mind. Lucifer propped himself against the doorframe.
“What’s up?” Jacque leaned on the door and smiled.
“You’ll be going back to your army at the end of the week.”
The words wiped the smile off Jacque’s face. “Why the fuck would I cut training short?”
“Isabella can take over the training. She is more than qualified. Anyway, didn’t you say you didn’t want to be at headquarters and wanted to be with your soldiers?”
Jacque’s hand pressed into the wooden door. He released it when he heard it crack. “What about Angel? You know her and Isabella have problems.”
“Their only problem is you. Maybe when you’re gone, they’ll stop fighting.” Lucifer disappeared before Jacque could comment.
Shit!
He thought he would have more time to convince Angel to be with him. Luc was jealous. He wanted Angel for himself. Jacque figured let the best demon win. Competition was becoming a theme with Angel. Currently, she belonged to Jacque. Well, not completely, but he planned to fix that problem. He headed for the shower to get ready. He needed to go find Angel before anyone else got to her.
Another rap on the door interrupted him as he dressed to leave. He snatched open the door hoping it was Angel. But to his dismay, Bell stood in front of him with her hands on her hips. She shoved him aside and stormed into the room. Shaking his head, Jacque closed the door and followed her. He hoped to deal with her quickly.
“What the hell are you thinking?” Bell spat.
Fifty years of the bickering was getting old. “What’re you ranting about now?”
“You fucked the human!” Her eyes cut through him like daggers.
“It’s none of your business who I fuck anymore. We’re not together, even when we were together, we did our own thing.” Somewhere in his heart, he felt sorry for her.
“You know you belong to me. Sure, we fight, but we always get back together. It might take a decade or two, but we
always
get back together.” Her voice was frantic.
“Bell, I care about you. We’ve been back and forth for a long time with nothing moving forward. We’re no good for each other. Someone always ends up hurt. It’s like eating too much chocolate. It’s good while you’re eating, but you pay for it in the end.” He held her hand to soothe her.
“I know we’re bad for each other, but you think you can make a life with this girl?” Tears glistened on her cheeks. This was the first time he’d seen her cry.
“I don’t know what I can have with Angel. All I can do is test the waters and see what happens.” Jacque wiped the tear as it slid down her cheek.
“What makes her so special?” Bell questioned.
“I don’t know. It’s what we had in the beginning. She’s confident and independent, yet she still needs me. There is strength in her, yet she ended up here. I don’t know.”
Isabella smiled at him. She stepped into him, put her arms around his waist, and buried herself against his chest. Jacque held her close. They stood locked in each other’s embrace when the door opened. Angel entered, pivoted, and ran in the opposite direction.
***
Running down the hall, she cursed herself for being so stupid. She heard the sound of Jacque’s voice calling her and the echo of Isabella’s mocking tone. She stopped by to say sorry for the way she left. It was apparent he was already over it. She burst into her room slamming the door. Tears flowed down her face as she slumped on the floor, propping her back against the bed.
Someone knocked on the door and pushed it open. Jacque filled the doorway. He crossed the room and kneeled beside her on the floor, reaching out for her.
She withdrew immediately and smacked his hands away. “Don’t touch me!”
“I’m sorry. It’s not what you think.” He pleaded for her understanding.
“How do you know what I think?”
“I wasn’t with Bell. I was just saying goodbye. For good.”
She searched his face for reassurance. “Why?”
“Bell and I have a long history. She’s having a hard time accepting it’s over. I need her to understand it’s over, and I want to be with you.”
“We can’t be together. You’re leaving at the end of the week. Lucifer’s pissed we slept together.” Angel hung her head in her hands unable to look into Jacque’s eyes.
“Luc’s a poor loser. He hates that you chose me over him. His problem, not mine. He’ll get over it. Yeah. I have to leave. All I’m asking is for you to give me until the end of the week. Let’s see where this goes. If we can still stand each other by then, I’ll figure something out.” A mask of determination penetrated his face.
“I don’t know.”
“I wasn’t good enough last night to make you give me a second try?” Jacque teased.
Heat spread inside her just thinking about the sex last night. “Okay. You got until the end of the week. Afterward, we go our separate ways. You’re lucky you’re good in bed.” Angel chuckled through her tears.