After Dark (Between the Veils Series, Book One) Read online

  Avery’s arm tightened around her shoulder and she glanced up at him, smiling at the blue eyes that greeted her. He was breathtaking. His tousled hair and slightly tanned skin. His easy smile and raspy voice. Coupled with a body that sent her pulse skyrocketing, he was the perfect male specimen. And for now, he was hers.

  Avery sighed, shaking his head as he stared up at the ceiling. “Rather serious thoughts for the middle of the night, Temperance. Doesn’t that brain of yours ever rest?”

  “Does yours?”

  He chuckled. “Are you sure you’re not a psychiatrist or something? You seem to enjoy answering my questions with another question.”

  She laughed, swatting him on the stomach, groaning at the firm bands that twitched beneath her fingers. Demons and ghosts be damned. They could haunt her ass tomorrow… Tonight, she was busy with another kind of investigation.

  Temperance drew her fingers along his body, feeling each rippling muscle give against her hand. They contracted in series, accentuating the strength hidden within. He wasn’t bulging or massive, but lean and strong, with a physique that catered to speed and agility. Hell, even after being tossed against the wall, he’d still been able to half carry her out of the damn crypt, a feat she knew she never would have accomplished alone.

  Her stomach clenched, but she couldn’t tell if it was from fear or arousal. Part of her wanted to live every moment they had together, discover every ounce of pleasure they could beat out of the next few hours. The other part wanted to find shelter in his embrace…curl against his chest and stay there.

  “You don’t have to choose, you know.” He squeezed her arm. “You can have both.”

  “And you should stay out of my head.”

  “Occupational hazard. Now that I’ve gotten a taste of you, I can’t think of a place I’d rather be, than inside you.”

  She glanced down his body, smiling at the way the sheet tented against his erection. “Inside me I can work with.” She grabbed the top of the blanket, holding his gaze as she slowly pulled it down, exposing long lean thighs and a thick, erect cock. “Especially if you’re planning on using that.”

  “How about I make you a deal? We start with option one, then spend the rest of the night with option two.”

  She pursed her lips together. “Agreed, but…” She pressed her hand against his chest when he tried to sit up. “It’s my turn to discover your body. I barely got to touch you last time, and it’s only fair.”

  “Aren’t you the one who told me life isn’t fair that first night?”

  “True, but…”

  Her voice keened into a cry when he levered off the bed, rolling her onto her back as he hovered over her, his arms cording from the effort. She stared up at him, loving the way his gaze swept down her body, pausing in all the right spots.

  “Sorry, darling, but one must learn to live by their words.” He shushed her when she opened her mouth. “Don’t worry. I plan on granting your every wish, but first.”

  He shook a finger at her, silently warning her to stay put as he eased off the bed, grabbing the bowl of water off the small table before disappearing into the adjoining washroom. Water splashed in the background followed by the squeak of the taps turning off. He reappeared, the bowl still clasped in one hand, a new cloth in the other. The bed dipped as he sat on the edge, placing the bowl back on the table.

  “I should have taken care of you before, but…” He sighed. “I think we were both beyond exhausted. Between the adrenaline rush from facing that demon and the heart-pounding sex, I know I couldn’t have moved if you’d begged me.”

  She dropped her gaze to his groin, groaning at the sheer sight of him. He was long and thick and just remembering him tunneling into her sent an electric charge tingling through her body. “You seem to have recovered just fine.” She drew her tongue slowly along her upper lip. “I don’t suppose you’d like to bring that up here and give me a taste?”

  “All in good time. Right now, I’m taking care of my lover.”

  His sensuous tone clenched her heart and she opened her legs when he probed her mound, drawing the warm cloth between her legs. The soothing motion felt good, and she relaxed her head against the pillow as he cleaned the sticky patches off her skin, brushing the soft terry across her clit.

  Sparks spread along her skin, bringing a rush of new moisture to her sex. Damn, if he didn’t stop touching her, he’d have a new mess to clean up. She pushed onto her elbows, fascinated by the play of emotions across his face. “Avery. I think I’m clean, unless you’re planning on making me come with that thing.”

  “The thought had crossed my mind, especially with the way you’re reacting to it. I can smell how hot this game is making you.”

  “I thought you were tending to me?”

  “I am. Are you saying you’re not enjoying yourself?”

  She released a long breath. How did he always find a way out of her arguments? “You know I am, but—”

  “But you were hoping for something different.” His lips hinted at a smile as he reached for the drawer in the side table.

  Her heart slammed to a halt. Surely he couldn’t know she’d placed her vibrator in there. She held her breath, heat creeping into her cheeks when he opened the drawer and removed her toy, turning it over in his hands as if assessing its quality. The smile that had been threatening curled his mouth, and he raised an eyebrow at her as he held it above her waist.

  “Now this is a vibrator. It’s not flashy, with a lot of extras that really don’t accomplish much. No, this bad boy is all about simplicity. Getting the job done, and in mighty fine fashion, I assume.” He swiveled the base, chuckling as it whizzed to life, the low buzzing noise filling the room. He tested the end against his hand, nodding as he rolled it back and forth along his palm. “Good frequency without being too rough.” He turned it higher. “And for when that impending orgasm just won’t cooperate…extra motivation.” He turned it off, peering down at her. “I applaud your choice of toys, darling. I’ll be sure to allow you free rein in choosing any future appliances for us. Now I don’t suppose you have any erotic novels for me to read to you?”

  Temperance tried to remember to breathe as he sat there, holding her vibrator, staring at her as if she was his next meal. God, how could a man be so fucking hot holding a woman’s toy? It should have looked ridiculous in his large hands, the light purple color adding to the illusion. But it made him appear sexy and dominant, as if he held her very pleasure in the palm of his hand.

  “I do hold your pleasure in my hand, Temperance. You’re just embarrassed to admit it.”

  She huffed. The mindreading thing was getting irritating.

  “Now, darling. You wouldn’t deny me my one gift, would you?”

  “Actually, yes, I would. But you don’t need me to tell you that.”

  He laughed. “Fair enough. But in my defense, you really need to learn how to shield your thoughts. I can’t be expected to ignore what’s screaming in my head.” He waved his hand in the air, dismissing her glare. “I’ll show you later. But for now.”

  He turned on the vibrator again, keeping it set low. “How about we bring that fantasy you had yesterday to life. You know the one…where I take you with this?” He leaned in, bracketing her in his arms. “Then make you scream my name again.”

  “And if I had other plans?”

  “The only other plan is whether I tie you up first.” He tilted his head, smiling at the heat she knew burned along her neck and up into her cheeks. “But I think I’ll just stick with my original idea this time around…save something for tomorrow.” He moved the vibrator toward her chest. “Take a deep breath, darling, you’re going to need it.”

  Chapter Seven

  Avery watched as Temperance inhaled, holding her breath as he lowered the vibrator to her shoulder, using the tip to massage the taut muscle threading into her neck. She seemed surprised by his choice of a target, and released the breath in a long, slow sigh as he circled the toy around, pr
obing the areas he knew must be tight. A contented smile spread across her lips and her eyes drifted closed as he moved to the other side, easing those muscles with the same, gentle contact.

  God, she was beautiful. The way her pale skin blushed a deep pink as her arousal wove through her body, and how her nipples hardened, turning a dusky rose color that matched her pussy. He’d never tasted a woman as sweet as her, or had one react so energetically to him. It made him wonder if he’d ever, truly made love before, or if, as he suspected, they’d just been isolated incidents executed to scratch an itch.

  The thought tickled the edge of his awareness, prompting the inklings of doubt. But he didn’t care. Temperance was more magnificent than any woman he could hope to impress, and he just couldn’t see how making this arrangement a permanent one was such a terrifying idea, especially with her body spread out before him, eager for him to fulfill his greatest fantasies.

  He moved the vibrator across her collarbone, dipping it between her breasts, watching as her hands fisted the sheets at her side. He held back a chuckle as he traced the curve of her breast, making a figure eight on her chest. Her breath caught and held, expelling moments later in a hiss of pleasure. Her eyelids opened and her gaze clashed with his as he drew the tip inward, circling her nipple. The peak tightened, pointing toward the ceiling as her breathing increased, the raspy sound echoed by the distant hum of music. The touch of jazz seemed to suit the mood, and he hummed along to the song as he teased the tip of her bud with the toy.

  “Oh, god.”

  Her voice barely registered above the thrum of the vibrator, more like a whispered promise than a statement. He grinned, his mouth aching to taste her nipple as he moved to the other side, tormenting it with the same lazy strokes across the end.

  “Damn, darling. You look positively desperate.” He dialed the power up, smiling when the increased vibrations elicited a moan from deep in her chest. “Shall we go for maximum stimulation?”

  Her gaze snapped to his. “Are you planning on killing me?”

  “I believe I made my intentions clear. I want you to scream.”

  “Then for the love of god, stop teasing me.”

  He shook his head, trailing the vibrator down her ribcage, pausing to dip it inside her bellybutton. “And end my fun? I thought I’d made it obvious that everything revolves around me?”

  She sighed, the last bit of breath ending in a chuckle. “Okay, okay. I was wrong. I know you only did those interviews to stop innocent people from being at risk. Can we please call a truce so you can let me come?”

  “I’ll consider your proposal.”

  “Fuck, Avery…”

  His name became a garbled wail as he dragged the toy lower, allowing it to settle against her clit. Her thighs tensed, and he shifted on the bed, using his arms to keep them wedged apart. The muscles in her stomach flexed, clenching tight until he eased the vibrator away, using her juice to massage the joint of her thighs.

  Temperance cried out, cursing as she struggled to catch her breath. “Avery. Baby. Please.”

  He sighed, shaking his head in feigned disappointment. “Patience, Temperance. I assure you. The end result is well worth the wait.”

  “It’s not your body strung tight!”

  “Trust me. I’m feeling perfectly desperate as well.”

  Her gaze fell to his groin, a smug smile tugging at one corner of her mouth. “Let me taste that, and I’ll be too busy to complain.”

  “You are a sneaky wench. Very well. I’ll quicken my pace, but…” He lowered the vibrator again, sweeping it along her cleft before tempting her opening with an inch of penetration. “Next time, I’ll tie you up first, and then you’ll be at my mercy.”

  She moaned, pushing her head into the pillow as he sank the toy inside her, sliding it back and forth in a slow steady motion. She mumbled some form of agreement, her words lost in the delightful murmurs that mimicked his movement. In, she chanted her affirmation, out, she pleaded for more until the sound of her voice rose in pitch, his name finally purging from her lips.

  Avery smiled. Damn, he loved being right. He plunged the toy in, taking her sex in firm strokes as he moved his other hand to her clit, using his thumb to flick the sensitive nub.

  Temperance arched upward, meeting each stroke as her muscles tensed again. Her thighs opened wider as she sought that last vestige of sensation that would push her over the edge. He shifted his hand on the vibrator, never missing a thrust as he twisted the handle, revving it up to high, smiling as she gasped in a breath, then screamed his name, convulsing on the bed beneath him.

  He didn’t stop—intent on drawing out her orgasm as long as she’d allow him. She thrashed between his arms, arching and twisting until her body finally relaxed, her limbs falling limp at her sides.

  Avery eased the vibrator out of her, grinning at her whispered huff of protest. Even sated, she longed for more…more of him. Again, his heart clenched tight, a warm feeling filling his chest. “That was fucking beautiful, darling.”

  She pried open her eyelids, moaning as her body convulsed again. “I don’t think I’ll ever move again.”

  He placed the toy beside him on the bed before slipping his hands beneath her hips. “Now that would be a shame, as I’m far from done.” He cupped her flesh. “Roll over for me, Temperance.”

  Her eyes widened at the firm tone to his voice, though by the way they dilated even further, he knew the uncertainty of what was to come was only ratcheting her arousal higher. She held his gaze, making sure he knew the decision was hers, before granting him a smile as she turned in his arms, moving to her hands and knees as he lifted her hips.

  He smoothed his hand along her ass, humming at the sight of it. “Fuck, I swear I could come just looking at your ass. You’re amazing.” He picked up the vibrator again, twisting it on as he ran the end along her back. “Tell me, darling. Have you experimented much with sex?”

  She looked at him across her shoulder, a mixture of apprehension and excitement playing in her eyes. “Not much. I suppose I never trusted any of my lovers enough to allow them that luxury.”

  He nodded, swirling the toy around her back, letting the steady vibrations ease the tension building along her muscles. “Do you trust me enough?”

  She snagged her lip, shifting her eyes to the side as if considering his question.

  “There’s no wrong answer, you know.” Though he held his breath, praying for one response but aware he’d accept any she gave him. When their gazes locked again, he saw her answer shining in her eyes.

  “I realize it’s completely illogical, and I’m probably bound for the loony bin, but yes. I trust you. Intimately.” Part of her mouth curled upward. “I’m yours, Avery. Any way you want me.”

  “That’s my girl. Now place those pretty breasts of yours on the bed, while I show you how much I appreciate that trust.”

  Temperance nodded, turning away as she lowered her chest, giving him the perfect view of her ass. It was strong and sleek, with just enough cushion he knew he’d never tire of loving her this way. Of feeling her body give as he sank into her, savoring the tight clasp of her pussy and ass as he claimed each one, asserting his ownership.

  The thought nearly made him laugh. God help him if Temperance ever heard him say it in those terms, she’d kick his butt for sure, though he suspected she secretly wanted him to dominate her. To take her in ways she’d only dreamed, knowing he’d still respect her independence. He considered probing her thoughts to confirm his theory, then decided against it. Some things were better left to his imagination.

  “Do you know how beautiful your ass is? Firm and strong. I’ve never seen a pair of jeans look as fine as yours did the other night.” He drew the vibrator down her cleft, circling her tight pucker. “Have you ever fantasized about being with two men?” He rolled it over the hole, letting the buzz make her squirm before sinking it lower and trailing it through her wet folds. “Ever wondered what it’d be like to have one man claim your as
s as another took you here?”

  He sank the toy inside her again, moaning at the way her body clenched, gripping the length tighter. “I’ll take that as a yes. Now I’m sure it won’t come as a shock when I confess that I’m far too possessive to actually share you, but…” He pulled the shaft out, brushing it over her clit before plunging it deep again. “I’m certainly not one to deny you your fantasy.”

  He reached for the drawer again, praying his assumption was right. His breath stalled as he reached inside, grasping the small tube with his fingers. A victorious smile lit his face as he held it up, twisting the cap free before dropping it on the table. Then he drew a long, thick line of the gel down his cock, smoothing it around as he continued a slow steady slide of the toy in and out of her sex, working her into a frenzied need.

  “Avery, god, I need…”

  She didn’t finish. She didn’t need to. He knew what she needed. Satisfied he wouldn’t hurt her, he placed the lube at her ass, spreading a dollop around the entrance. Her rosette puckered at the sensation of the cold gel, but soon relaxed as he worked just his knuckle inside.

  “Try to take nice deep breaths. I promise you I won’t hurt you. But damn, this is going to blow your world.”

  Her breath exhaled on a sigh as he eased the finger deeper, finally sinking it completely inside her. A guttural moan had his cock jerking against his stomach, the raw hungry sound like nothing he’d ever heard. She tensed around his invasion, and he could feel the toy through the thin barrier separating them.

  “God damn. You’re so tight. And I can feel every pass of the vibrator.”

  She answered him with a harsh wail, thrusting back against his groin when he removed his finger. He growled, pushing it back in, adding a second when she tried to fuck herself on it. Her hands fisted at her side, and he knew she was about to lose control.

  Avery pulled out, soothing her disappointed cry with a pass of his cock along her crease. She stilled, whispering his name as he pulled at one side of her ass, easing the cheeks apart as he nudged his shaft at her hole. It gave beneath the pressure, allowing the head to slide inside. Her back bowed at the invasion, and he followed her motion, pressing forward until his balls hit his other hand.