After Dark (Between the Veils Series, Book One) Page 3

  Temperance stared up at him, her breathing more labored, her mouth a thin, pink line. Her gaze darted to either side, as if looking for a way past him before she huffed. “Whether that’s true or not, it doesn’t give us the answers we need. Like who that demon is and why it’s suddenly obsessed with walking the Earth again.”

  He inched closer, wedging her thighs farther apart. A light, sweet scent teased his senses and he couldn’t hold back the sensuous smile that captured his lips. “Perhaps not, but it does give us an advantage. If you found it once, you can find it again, only this time, we’ll be ready.”

  “Ready? For what? And I didn’t find it, I saw this.” She pulled a medallion out of her pocket and held it out. “It was wedged at the back of the tomb, shimmering in the setting sun, and I went in to get a closer look.”

  Avery reluctantly removed one hand from the top of the desk, palming the back of the amulet as it hung from her fingers. One side was completely illegible, the designs either burned or melted into oblivion. He flipped it over, scouring the surface for any discerning marks. “Well, it’s silver, but it’s damn near impossible to tell what kind of trinket it used to be.”

  Temperance leaned in, taking a closer look. He tried to stay focused on her face but couldn’t stop his gaze from sliding down her body and centering on the upper swell of her breasts. They peeked at him from the deep V in her sweater, the pale skin glowing in the dim light.

  She shrugged and ran a finger over the back. “It feels like there’s a cross on here, maybe some writing, but I’d have to clean it up a bit to tell for sure. There’s a lot of carbon build up on it.”

  Avery dragged his gaze back to her face, more than aware she’d kick his ass if she caught him staring at her breasts. “Might give us an idea what we’re up against. Like I said, my theories are pretty transparent at the moment.”

  “You mentioned something about that thing being the king bastard of demons. Care to elaborate?”

  “I’d rather do a bit more research before I share, but I promise, you’ll be my first.”

  “Right.” She gathered up the medallion again, stuffing it back in her pocket before looking at him. “And I doubt I could be your first of anything.” She nodded toward the door. “So is this why you asked everyone to spend the week? Were you hoping one of your minions would fill in the blanks for you?”

  He didn’t miss the sarcastic tone to her voice, but at least it had softened slightly. And there was a breathy quality to it that hadn’t been there before. He replaced his hand, once again bracketing her between his arms. “Honestly, I don’t give a damn about the others. You’re the one I wanted to show up.”

  Her brow furrowed. “Me? Then why did you invite five other investigators to a week-long retreat?”

  “Because I knew you’d never come if it was only going to be the two of us. And since I wasn’t convinced you’d trust my intentions, I made the situation less…intimate.” He chuckled at the look of guilt that crossed her face. “Do you honestly think I wasn’t aware of your feelings toward me? I knew nothing short of an apocalypse would draw you here if you thought I was up to my ‘usual tricks’, as you’d put it.”

  “Avery, I—”

  He silenced her with a finger across her lips, wishing the simple act didn’t jerk his cock inside his pants. Damn, her mouth was even softer than he’d imagined. “Don’t. Your blatant honesty is one of the traits I admire most about you, so don’t tarnish it with token words neither of us will believe. Besides, I asked you here because of your skills, nothing more.”

  Her lips quirked into the beginnings of a frown. “You sure know how to sweet talk a girl. No wonder you have a harem waiting for you in every city.”

  He didn’t budge when she pushed against his arm, trying to move past him. “And you, my dear, are a paradox. You call me an arrogant ass then blast me for not inviting you here for the sole purpose of sharing my bed. That doesn’t seem fair.”

  She huffed again, crossing her arms on her chest. “Life isn’t fair, and you are an arrogant ass if you think my comment was my way of telling you I wanted to share your bed.”

  He arched an eyebrow as he moved closer, pressing his chest against her arms. “Are you saying you aren’t attracted to me? ‘Cause you should know, I can hear the breathy rasp in your voice and smell the earthy scent of your desire.”

  Her sharp inhalation of breath betrayed the annoyed look on her face. She snagged her bottom lip, worrying it between her teeth. “I’m not—”

  “Honesty, darling.”

  She closed her eyes, and he couldn’t resist the way her mouth pursed into a sexy little pout. He waited until she’d opened her eyelids again before dipping in and brushing his lips across hers. Her startled gasp mixed with his moan and he paused, their mouths nearly touching, their eyes locked on each other. He knew she’d be an energetic lover, and just thinking about watching her come while poised above him filled his head with a fuzzy feeling.

  He took one last breath then closed the distance, gently playing his mouth across hers. She tensed, her lips firm against his, before she released a deep sigh and relaxed, molding her mouth to his.

  Avery smiled and lifted his hand, tracing the line of her jaw as he moved his fingers backward, caressing the side of her neck until his hand palmed the back of her head. Silky strands tickled his skin as he deepened the kiss, groaning when she finally granted him access. He dipped his tongue into her mouth, teasing her with just a hint of contact. A delightful groan vibrated through her chest and into his, and he acknowledged her acceptance with a firm plunge of his tongue.

  Temperance matched his enthusiasm, tasting him when he finally eased off. Her unique flavor filled his senses, and he knew he wouldn’t be satisfied until her very essence was burned into his memory. Until he could close his eyes at any given moment and feel the soft press of her skin on his and taste the heady aroma of her desire.

  His body tensed in anticipation as he drew back, keeping his mouth within kissing distance of hers. He hadn’t realized she’d reached for him until he felt her hands fisted against his shirt, her small fingers holding him captive. He gave her another smile and leaned in. She gasped and pulled away, turning her mouth slightly sideways.

  He didn’t need to be psychic to read the fear in her expression or see the reservations in her actions. He moved away slightly, releasing her head as he watched her draw a ragged breath. He didn’t like the way she looked at him, as if she expected him to pounce, regardless of her wishes.

  He took a deep breath, cursing the sweet scent that permeated his senses. “Temperance? Are you okay?”

  Her hand went to her lips, as if checking to make sure they were still there. Her eyes glistened in the light and the muscle in her temple twitched as she clenched her jaw. “I’m sorry, but this is a bad idea.”

  He couldn’t stop the chuckle that bubbled free as he glanced away for a moment, trying to think of any reason even remotely logical for why he shouldn’t take her as his lover. “On the contrary. I think this is the best idea I’ve had in months…maybe years.”

  She pressed one hand against his chest, preventing him from claiming her mouth again, as she shook her head, her throat bobbing as she forced herself to swallow. “I’m serious, Avery.”

  “And I’m not?” He held her gaze, taking one of her hands in his. “Just because neither of us planned this doesn’t make what we’re feeling any less real…unless you’re going to stand there and tell me the fucking earth didn’t just move when you kissed me.”

  A soft snort lit the air and she sighed, the playful sparkle back in her eyes. “You do have a way about you, but…” She increased the pressure on his chest when he tried to move forward again. “While I don’t deny a sudden…infatuation with you that has me more than perplexed, I don’t jump into bed with men because my hormones go a little whacky.”

  “Is that what this is? Hormones gone astray, because it sure as shit feels like more to me.”

  Tem
perance looked away, her mouth working into a frown. “Come on. We both know how all your relationships end.”

  He glared at her, more than a little hurt she’d judge him without giving him a chance to show her otherwise. “And you shouldn’t believe everything to read in the magazines.”

  She arched a brow. “So you don’t have a penchant for fast cars and even faster women.”

  “Is this about the Porsche? Because I really love that car and it saved our asses back there.”

  She threw up her hands, finally dodging past him. “This isn’t about the Porsche, or the designer clothes or even this all-expenses paid retreat you sponsored. It’s about me wanting to be more than a spent condom and a few hours of your time.” Her face sobered. “I don’t do casual well. Never have. I have a bad habit of getting attached to the men I sleep with, so under the circumstances, I think it’s best if we just keep this…” She waved her arm between them. “Predictable.”

  He released a heavy breath, not sure whether to be impressed by her integrity or pissed that she thought so little of him. Arrogant ass aside, he wasn’t half the playboy the magazines made him out to be. In fact, it’d been several months since he’d been with a woman, and despite claims to the contrary, he didn’t go through them as if they were Kleenex.

  He met her gaze, his anger lifting slightly at the pained look in her eyes. She might talk the talk, but he could see her decision wasn’t sitting any better with her.

  “Predictable it is. But for the record, I never said I wanted a one-night stand.” He walked toward the door, stopping with his hand wrapped around the handle. “I suggest you get some sleep. We’ll head over to one of the cemeteries tomorrow afternoon, just before they close. I’ve read that demons have issues with sunlight, so perhaps we’ll get lucky and have the upper hand for once.” He glanced at her over his shoulder as he opened the door and stepped through. “I know someone who owns a tow truck. I’ll call him and have him go grab your car before there’s nothing left of it. That way, you won’t have to ride in my obscene display of wealth if you don’t want to.”

  Temperance pursed her lips and moved forward. “Avery…”

  “Good night, Temperance. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  He left, ignoring the empty feeling tightening his chest. He never should have kissed her but damn, it’d felt right. And despite the distance, he knew she’d experienced the same pull he had. But unless she changed her mind, there was little he could do, other than try to show her he wasn’t the jackass he’d let the press portray him to be.

  “Fuck.”

  So much for only admiring her skill as an investigator. One night, and he’d crossed the line. And if the way she kissed was any indication of what spending the night with her would be like, he’d be lucky to get any sleep at all as long as they shared the same roof.

  Chapter Three

  Temperance sat in the lounge, cradling a cup of coffee in her hands. She’d spent the better part of the night staring at the ceiling, listening to the music echo outside. But it wasn’t the noise that had invaded her sleep…it was Avery. Damn him and his easy smile and bedroom eyes. She’d had absolutely no issues seeing him as the stuck-up playboy the press touted him to be until he’d wrapped his arms around her last night and dragged her to safety. Then he’d kissed her, and everything she’d ever thought about him had gone up in flames. She’d expected him to dominate, to coerce every reaction, to be clinical in a sense, but he’d surprised her by tempting her with passion and fire, by encouraging her to participate. And she had, eagerly. She’d fisted his shirt, pulling him close as she’d tasted the depths of his mouth. Even now, her lips tingled from the remembered weight of his mouth on hers and his taste lingered in her senses, a constant reminder of how close she’d come to letting him in.

  She closed her eyes, wondering when her good sense had flown out the window. One minute she was standing there, cursing his arrogant ass, then the next, she was trapped in his embrace, praying he’d never let go.

  A laugh bubbled free as she set the cup down and palmed her head in her hands. She wanted him, despite everything she’d ever believed about his character or his motives. And the feeling was only getting stronger. It didn’t help that he was charming and funny, with an intelligence that impressed her. Or that he respected her opinions, even when they’d pushed him away. God help her, she must be losing her mind.

  “Now that’s what every man loves to see the morning after he’s kissed a girl senseless. Overwhelming regret.”

  Temperance groaned, lifting her head just enough to look at Avery. Bright blue eyes stared back at her. He’d obviously just had a shower, his damp hair smoothed away from his face, the dark color accentuating the olive tone of his skin. She liked how he kept it slightly spiked, with enough length that she could still sink her fingers into it.

  Who was she kidding, she liked everything about him. After all, what wasn’t there to like. Strong, rippling muscles with broad shoulders and a lean waist that made a perfect vee of his upper body. Even his thighs looked impressive, stretching his jeans in the most alluring way. Then there was the intellectual side of him…

  She sighed, relaxing back in the chair. “Did you ever consider that I’m just tired?”

  “And not have everything revolve around me? Wouldn’t want to disappoint you, darling.”

  “You’re impossible.”

  “Impossible, huh? That sounds like a step up from asshole.”

  “Marginally.”

  He nodded at the medallion on the table in front of her. “I assume you’ve been working on that.”

  She reached for the smooth amulet, brushing her thumb over it. “I cleaned off as much of the carbon as possible. Look familiar?”

  He moved over to the table and leaned down, his body dangerously close to hers. The subtle scent of his cologne tickled her senses, making the room feel suddenly small and strangely hot. She shuffled in her seat, not sure whether to stand and run away or inch closer to him and rub her body against his.

  Avery flashed her an unsettling look as he gazed from the medallion over to her and back again. He seemed to shake off the thought as he ran his fingers over the smooth metal. “A Saint Benedict medal. Not exactly what I was hoping for.”

  “Maybe not, but at least we know someone was trying to ward off evil.”

  Avery gave her a sideways glance. “Doesn’t look as if it worked all that well.” He flipped it over. “This side has been melted. I’m betting whoever held this didn’t fare as well as you did.”

  “As you’ve reminded me on more than a few occasions, the owner of this medal didn’t have you to save them.”

  “You know something, Temperance? Only you could take my one moment of heroic effort and somehow turn it into an insult.”

  “It wasn’t an insult. More like an observation.”

  “Call it whatever you want, but you’re still basically saying I’m an ass.”

  Temperance sighed. He had a point. He’d risked his life to save hers, and she’d done little to show her appreciation. She took a deep breath, pushing to her feet as she closed the distance between them. “I’m sorry.” She leaned closer, dropping a chaste kiss on his cheek, praying her body wouldn’t betray her and attack him at the slight contact. “Thank you.”

  Avery watched her from beneath a veil of lashes as he brushed his fingers over the spot she’d kissed. Something in his expression changed, though she couldn’t tell if he was shocked or scared.

  He looked away, stuffing his hands in his pockets as if the act would give him strength. “You’re welcome.” He cleared his throat, once again meeting her gaze. “So, did you discover anything else?” He chuckled at her guarded expression. “Like I said yesterday. The walls here are embarrassingly thin. I heard you tapping away at your keyboard most of the night.” He flashed her a devious smile. “I thought you knew we shared a wall. Guess it’s a good thing you didn’t decide to do anything…telling…say like using a toy or two to help you
sleep.” He winked this time. “The buzzing would have raised the dead.”

  Temperance felt the blood drain from her face. How the hell could he possibly know she’d brought a vibrator along? Not that she’d planned on using it, but…damn, just thinking about him helping her pleasure herself with the sleek device pushed her heart into overdrive. Warmth cascaded through her body as an uncomfortable ache grew between her thighs.

  She shook her head, drawing in a calming breath. If he wanted to play, she was game. She met his knowing gaze, giving him the same impish smile. “Do you really think I’d bring a vibrator to an event like this?”

  He sauntered closer, running his fingers through the strands of hair framing her face. “Do you really think I’d believe otherwise?” He gathered the ends in his hand, humming as if the feel of it brought him pleasure. “Honestly, Temperance. With the way you feel about me and the other investigators, are you trying to tell me you didn’t bring some toys if for no other reason than sheer survival?” He tilted his head to the side. “With Mardi Gras playing outside and you stuck in a hotel with men you find…unattractive, I’d be surprised if you didn’t bring an entire box full of toys.”

  She wanted to huff, give him the same flippant tone back, but the look in his eyes stole her breath. His pupils had dilated, hiding all but a hint of the brilliant blue she’d come to appreciate, and the way they studied her unhinged her nerves. Everything about him begged her to launch into his arms and start up where she’d stopped them the previous night. To take his perfectly sculpted lips with hers, dipping her tongue inside. She’d bet money he’d taste like pure sin with a side of mocha coffee…just like he had last night, only hotter, sweeter.

  She gave herself a mental shake. Damn, he was good. Far better at these games than she’d given him credit. No wonder he didn’t lack for willing women. The man was a masterpiece of seduction.