"Is that so?" He moved silently as he stood up towering over me. This man was carnal, his beauty mixed with a frightening twinge that left me boneless. "I could force you in, or you can walk. The choice is yours. Decide now."
His eyes slid down to meet mine, challenging me, daring me to say no. I opened my mouth to do just that but the words I wanted to say didn"t come out. Instead I stood there with my mouth open as his eyes burned with his need to feed. "I"ll dance for you Ryder, but that doesn"t mean I"m on the menu."
"You think someone like you could feed me Synthia? I"m the Dark Prince. I need more than some little itchy Witch with a big mouth for dinner."
Ouch! I wasn"t sure why his words made my stomach hurt and plummet to my feet but the fact that it did bothered me. "Good."
"Fifteen minutes, I want to see skin," his eyes slide to my shorts as I bit my bottom lip waiting for him to say more. "I"ll have Claire bring you something for now. If you can manage to impress me I won"t ask Larissa to go to Nightshade."
Claire came in a short time later, all leggy, beautiful and impossibly Fae. Her long blonde hair the perfect shade of platinum, with milk chocolate eyes the perfect shade as well. She was incredibly beautiful and friendly.
She was overly excited about helping me dress, almost to the point of annoyingly so. I held my tongue and allowed her to give me any advice that would keep Larissa from having to do anything with Ryder, or Vlad Tepesh.
Seventeen.
Ryder"s room was in the lower level of the house, on the ground floor, larger than his room back at the Dark Fortress and more s.a.d.i.s.tic. He had chains hanging from the ceiling and some sort of chair set up that I was pretty sure I didn"t want to know what it was used for.
The bed was as big as the other"s I"d seen, easily fitting a full out orgy party. Black silk sheets covered it invitingly like a tractor beam to catch and hold you within its smooth clutches. I"m sure they were a distraction for what he did to the women who ended up in it.
I stood barefooted and alone inside his room. Claire had manifested a skirt that barely covered my a.s.s and the s.h.i.+rt was barely made with enough material to cover my b.r.e.a.s.t.s-which she had suggested that I go braless in order to get more of a reaction from Ryder.
It was idiotic to do this, h.e.l.l it was suicide to make a Fae want you s.e.xually and yet here I was in nothing but a hookers outfit with no panties on! My head was telling me to get out even as my hormones demanded I give in and make him want me and oh so much more. I reached back for the doork.n.o.b when I felt his eyes on my skin.
Electricity flickered over the surface, scorching my flesh. I turned, looking over my shoulder to take him in. His white b.u.t.ton up s.h.i.+rt was undone completely, his smooth chest exposed to my greedy eyes. The top b.u.t.tons of his jeans were undone as well, showing a thin line of dark hair that trailed low into his jeans.
"Leaving?" He inquired, sauntering further into the room from the archway he had just entered from.
I bit my bottom lip struggling for courage to see this through. "This is a bad idea."
His dark head tilted as he took in the s.l.u.tty clothes and bare feet. I was shaking and it had nothing to do with the cold and everything to do with being half-naked and inside Ryder"s private domain.
"Afraid you might like it my little itchy Witchy?" His voice came out gravelly, as if he was feeling the same thing I was. l.u.s.t.
"No, I just have more of a sense of self-preservation than most women."
I blinked at how husky my voice had sounded.
"Is that so? You"re shaking, cold?"
I could have lied.
I should have lied.
Should of, would of, could of.
"No," I whispered dropping my eyes to floor so they would unlock with his bronze stare. They locked on to his bare feet. It was intimate being in his bedroom and both of us missing our shoes. My hands trembled violently, as I balled them into fists to keep them from being noticed.
"Bed or the chair, Pet. What"s your poison?"
My nipples hardened at the word "bed" flowing from his lips. b.l.o.o.d.y h.e.l.l I was l.u.s.ting after my sworn enemy and he knew it. "It doesn"t matter, pick one."
"Bed it is," he flashed me a devastatingly wicked smile before his fingers snapped together and the iPod dock clicked on and the music started playing. I followed his movement as he watched me with those animalistic eyes, no glowing yet which was good.
I meant to start for the bed, but my feet wouldn"t move. They were glued to the spot where I shook like leaf with the reality of what I was about to do-with him. I could take men to their beds to murder them, yet I couldn"t walk towards one where I would pretend to be aroused enough to pull off a stupid job. This was ridiculous.
Why the h.e.l.l had I let that stupid woman talk me into no panties? I wanted to turn around and run from the room, run from this place and never look back.
"I can still get Larissa to take your place, Synthia," he rumbled, forcing my eyes to swing to his.
I couldn"t put Larissa and Adam through this, I"d told them what was going down when Adam had come up to see what was wrong with me. We had a strong bond, we could sense each other"s distress and when I"d explained it to him. He"d cursed but agreed I was the better choice for what we had to do tomorrow.
I strengthened my spine and straightened my shoulders telling myself I could do this. It was only another interview-right. The last one had gotten someone killed! Stop it you freaking wussy! Get it together. Now.
"No Fae-f.u.c.king me Ryder, promise me that you won"t."
His eyes lit up but he shook his head. "Not unless you p.i.s.s me off, but I won"t f.u.c.k you, I don"t f.u.c.k unwilling humans, Syn. I have thousands who actually want my d.i.c.k. I don"t need an unwilling one." He settled on the bed with his back propped up-every inch the predator he was.
I swallowed past the thickness of my tongue. Nine Inch Nails was pounding from the stereo, the beat of Closer, erotic and perfect for what this was. A show. "Good," I replied forcing my feet to move one after the other as I walked toward my impending doom.
When I was inches away from him he held his hand out and I flinched away as if his skin would burn me.
"Relax, if you can"t do this, how are you going to pretend to be my fiance in front of Fae who will see you for the fake you are? They will see the tension and know you are not Fae instantly; we are a very s.e.xual race Syn. To pull this off you are going to have to get over this aversion you have to me."
He was right, which failed to make me feel any better about what I was about to do with him. Even if it was only just another part of the show.
His hand came up and cupped my cheek softly, stroking my skin like a lover"s touch. My eyes flashed to his and locked on the amber glowing fully now within his molten depths. His free hand went to the small of my back and he drew me closer, unhurriedly, allowing for me to escape if I needed to, my breath hitched in my lungs as thousands of different sensations ran wildly through me.
"Ryder," I sighed without meaning to.
"Stop thinking Syn. You keep over-thinking everything."
My lip trembled with the need to either kiss him, or run. I settled on biting it softly while his hands held me in place. The one on the small of my back came around softly pressing against the silk of the skirt as he rubbed his hand across my a.s.s through wispy material. He lifted my leg and placed it on the bed carefully.
I watched his nostrils flare as the glow became more apparent, as he allowed me to see the full fire that I"d created in him. "No panties?" He questioned through a guttural tone.
"Claire said it would guarantee you-I mean Vlad chose me for the job," I murmured. My hand instantly smoothing the skirt to a.s.sure myself it was still covering my core.
"Did she?" His voice was barely above a whisper before he groaned and released my face to rub his hand down his own.
"I can go change," I blurted trying to remove my leg he still held in place.
"No, it"s too late for that." He replied rasping his words as he lay back on the bed releasing my foot in the process. "Make me want you Syn."
I fought for strength as I watched his eyes search my face carefully. I exhaled a shaky breath and then placed my hand on either side of his hips as I climbed onto the bed to sit on my knees above him. His hands came up and cupped my hips as he watched me straddled his hips.
I could smell him, the exquisite smell of male, rich and toxic to my hormones. His mouth turned up in the corners, his roguish smile back in place as he watched me through hooded eyes. One hand pulled away and he snapped his fingers making the song restart.
I moved my hips slowly and sensually as his hand came back down to rest on it. This was just a job, another one. I could get through this. I brought my hands up caressing my b.r.e.a.s.t.s which got a curse from his lips, empowering my inner vixen.
He wanted a show? I"d give him one he wouldn"t soon forget. I dropped down slowly, temping him with what he knew was bare beneath the skirt"s flimsy material. My hands rose to my hair, removing the ponytail, letting it fall sensually down my back. I leaned over him placing my hands between his head on both sides bringing my face close to his.
His eyes never left mine. I heard his quick intake of breath as my lips lowered to a hairsbreadth from his own. My tongue snaked out to lick his full upper lip, slowly, eagerly. I dropped the last inch rubbing against him, which was a mistake.
I was s.e.x starved and he was s.e.x incarnate. His hands released my hips, one went to the back of my neck holding me in place (as if the thought of escape had even crossed my mind since touching him) while the other cupped my a.s.s and pushed me down on his full, hard erection.
His kiss was searching. His lips touched and found mine, gently at first and then demanding as we lost the fight. Colliding together like two cars out of control in a head on collision. One minute I was above him and the next I was beneath him as he devoured my mouth hungrily, intensely, savagely.
Together we were explosive, I gave him back as much as he was giving me. The demand I felt in my body was complete and naked need. Intense and erotic. He ground his huge erection against my naked core, until I could feel the storm building inside of me. I wanted him, I wanted him in this moment unlike I had ever wanted anything else.
I called his name over and over as it built inside of me until I thought I would break into a million pieces but his feral growl was low and harsh as he pushed me off of him and stood up, backing away. It was a reality check, his breathing was as labored as my own, the need inside of me winning over self-preservation. I fought to catch my breath, my chest heaving with both b.r.e.a.s.t.s exposed to him. My hands shook violently as I righted my clothes and fought to control the urge to reach down and finish the job myself.
One touch and I would explode, one touch and I"d come for him.
"If you do that to anyone and I mean anyone else Syn, I will lock you up inside this f.u.c.king room. That wasn"t dancing, not by any f.u.c.king means." He paused turning his full hungry Fae eyes in my direction.
I was angry, at myself, at him-at this entire situation. "You Fae-f.u.c.ked me."
I was thrown back on to the bed before I knew he"d even moved. His hands caressed my body as his mouth crashed against mine and every thought that had been inside my head was gone. I had one need and it was to please him, to give him what he needed of me.
His c.o.c.k pushed against his jeans and I wanted it inside of me. I told him so, begged him to give it to me. Even as my mind screamed somewhere deep in the recesses deep inside where I was still myself to fight him off. My body refused to listen and I instantly knew the difference.
The first time had been me-giving in to the hormones, this time-this time it was him. I felt the storm building again, violently and painfully. His body vibrated with his need and the sensation was intoxicating. I cried out as I exploded, my body shaking, legs trembling, my eyes open but sightless as I watched a mult.i.tude of colors explode where his face had been.
"I could bury my c.o.c.k inside of you right now Pet you"d allow it wouldn"t you?" He growled.
"Yes," I whispered knowing only one thing. I needed him, now.
"I could part this sweet p.u.s.s.y and bury myself inside of you and you"d f.u.c.king take every inch I offered while begging for more. Wouldn"t you Pet."
"Yes," I replied pleading, as I shook my head.
When I drifted back to earth, I cried out as my body shook from smaller o.r.g.a.s.ms still ripping through it, his eyes watched me intensely, angrily. "That"s the difference between me mind-f.u.c.king you and your body needing release. I suggest you never forget the two Syn, or I will gladly remind you of the difference."
I blinked at him, unable to make my lips work now that he"d released me from his spell. Angry tears exploded from my eyes flowing down my cheeks. I turned away from him, forcing him to move his face from mine. He moved away completely, standing up and marching to the door where he opened it and held it there with his eyes still hungrily on me.
I sat up swallowing the sob that threatened to steal from my lips as I tried to make my legs work for a hasty retreat. I moved past him in quick angry strides and continued down the hall until I heard his door slam closed.
My knees gave out the minute it did. On my hands and knees on the thickly carpeted floor I sobbed. I had been so stupid. I"d just baited a f.u.c.king beast in his own domain and then I"d lashed out at him because of my own traitorous body"s reaction. I"d blamed him for my response he brought out, the inner wanton that I"d starved since Adrian had died.
I was out of my league with Ryder, over my head in the deep end without going through swimming lessons first. I inhaled and exhaled before holding the wall to help myself up off the floor and made my way back to my room through the maze of hallways that led to the top floor of the mansion.
Inside my room I"d cry, I"d berate myself for being stupid and then I"d go find Ryder and apologize because I had been wrong. I"d blamed him and I wasn"t the type to not admit when I"d wrongly accused someone. And I had, as much as it sucked to admit it. I"d been mad at myself for reacting. I"d known the difference before he"d shown me.
When I reached my room, it was to find Larissa and Adam both waiting for me. Their eyes bugging out at the outfit I wore. "I think I got the job," I whispered grabbing clothes from the dresser without looking either of them in the eye and headed for the oversized bathroom before either could figure out I had been crying.
Inside the bathroom I clicked the lock into place and slid down the door only to jump as Adam pounded on the door I was leaning against.
"Syn, are you okay?" He shouted as if I couldn"t hear him.
"I"m fine," I said not bothering to raise my voice.
"Yeah? Then why is my bulls.h.i.+t meter going off?" He retorted angrily.
"Adam, I just need a few minutes." And then what? Tell them what I"d just done? That I had just come all over Ryder"s jeans like some FIZ s.l.u.t?
Larissa knocked next. "Syn, can I come in?"
"Seriously guys, I"m fine. I freaked out because he"s Fae. We knew it was a possibility, it just happened. I just need a shower and then can we go get some dinner?" I held my breath hoping they"d take the not so subtle hint to get lost.
"Is it because of Adrian?" Larissa continued.
I didn"t answer. I hadn"t even thought about him while I"d been dry humping Ryder. I"d loved Adrian with everything I had to give, so why had I been so easily tempted by Ryder with no thought to my first and only love when he was around?
I"d tried dating last year, but I"d compared the poor guy to Adrian in everything, which had eventually made the guy break it off. No one deserved to have to listen to a person they were interested in discuss their dead ex-boyfriend. I was pathetic which was why I had sworn off dating and s.e.x altogether.
I lifted my head taking in the huge rounded tub, it would easily fit as many people as a hot tub would, I"d had yet to use it since I was more accustomed to showering since the Guild had open shower rooms, one for the boys and the other for the girls.
I pushed up off the floor setting the clothes I"d brought in on the wooden vanity beside the sink. This bathroom was larger than my entire room in our crummy little apartment, but as crummy as my room was, it had become my home. I needed to get back to it and back to being the self-a.s.sured person I normally was.
Here, I was at Ryder"s mercy and he knew it, which made him dangerous. It made me weak and reckless not being in charge of own destiny, or my covens. The sooner I got done with this little charade he wanted me to do-the sooner I could get back to being myself.
Eighteen.
Showered and redressed in my own clothes I felt more reasonable. I headed out to find Ryder before I met up with Adam and Larissa for dinner so I could apologize. I"d found his Demon walking the halls as if patrolling and asked where I could find his master, which he"d replied growling something about "f.u.c.king Witches and f.u.c.king office."
Ryder"s office was a mere four rooms from his bedroom which meant I had to take the same walk of shame to apologize that I"d taken back to my own room in tears. Which chapped my a.s.s, but I needed to apologize. My coven"s fate was currently in his hands and right now those hands were probably itching to be around my neck. I found the door labeled his office and opened the door.
And my jaw dropped to the floor. Ryder had Claire sitting on his desk as he pounded a ma.s.sive erection into her. I gasped but I couldn"t look away from it, or what he was doing. I watched his body punis.h.i.+ng hers and found myself wanting to take her place, wanting to be the one he f.u.c.ked. I couldn"t look away from them.
My eyes locked to what they were doing and his sleek masculine body as he f.u.c.ked another woman. I grew wet with need and my mouth watered for his kiss. I shook my head as if it would wake me up with no success.
She was whimpering and crying out as he drove himself inside of her over, and over again. He wasn"t saying anything, her noise the only sounds inside the room. Those eyes of his glowed molten fire, which told me he was feeding from her as he had hadn"t done from me earlier. I bit my lip as heat flooded my core with the need to take her place. I"d left him starving when I"d left him inside his room. I"d seen it in his eyes.