Authors: Marie Mason
He opened the top drawer of a large oak chest and took out a folded up t-shirt. “Here, you can sleep in this.”
Automatically she took the shirt he held out. A small smile nudged one side of her mouth. She didn’t think this was a good time to tell him she usually slept in the nude. Angels were sensual creatures. “Can I take a shower?”
“Sure, it’s right through there.” He motioned to the door to the side of the bed.
She hurried through the door, closing it quietly behind her. Leaning against it, she stood there for several moments. Oh, sweet heavens, what was happening? She was going to spend the night in the arms of the man—devil—who could make this angel fall from grace.
Remington waited until he heard the sound of the shower before he moved away. Damn. Fuck. Shit. What the hell was wrong with him? Inviting her to his bed? And on what? One of the flimsiest excuses his feeble demon brain could think of.
He sensed the displeasure of the demon inside him. Well, tough fuck, buddy, the excuse had been feeble.
Grabbing a pair of knit shorts from another drawer, he stalked across the hallway to use the guest bathroom. He turned the cold water on full blast. Just imagining Clementine beneath a cascade of water, her creamy white skin glistening under the fall had his body hardening into a wooden spike of need. He slammed one hand against the cool tile of the shower and grabbed his dick with the other. The cold river running down his back didn’t faze his molten desire. He closed his eyes, zeroing in on his favorite fantasy of Clementine. Oh, yeah, he had a whole repertoire of dirty scenarios. Tonight, the image of her on her knees before him, naked and bare, her wings spread out behind her, entered his mind.
She smiled up at him, her smile as seductive as any succubus he’d ever known as she reached for his cock. She encircled his throbbing flesh with one small hand as she leaned closer, her mouth opening. He stroked himself faster as he imagined the warm heat of her mouth closing around him. She’d take him deep, to the back of her throat. He groaned, feeling the tingle at the base of his spine, knowing… He groaned as he found his release, his breathing heavy.
He stayed as he was for several moments before straightening and finishing his shower. Damn, when had life gotten so complicated? Drying off, he pulled on the knit shorts and braced himself to enter his bedroom again. The light from the open bathroom door fell across the bed, revealing her figure. His eyes traced the line of her body beneath the lightweight comforter. She’d chose the side facing the door, but her features were still in the shadows. Not that he needed a light. His demon vision allowed him to see her perfectly.
He stood there examining her figure properly for probably the very first time. He usually avoided looking at her, avoided being trapped by her beautiful brown eyes. When she looked at him, he felt as if she looked into his very soul. And not because she was an angel, or even because she experienced flashes of insight. No, it was because she seemed to instinctively know him.
He shook away his thoughts, walking on silent feet to turn off the bathroom light. Easing beneath the cover, he laid down on his back. He’d never allowed himself to sleep with a woman, ushering them out of his bed or leaving theirs the moment the ripples of pleasure died down. He turned on his side, cursing as his front—his suddenly very interested front—brushed against the full roundness of her hip.
He laid there, taking in her scent. He was surprised when he felt a wave of sleep wash over him. Usually, he couldn’t get his mind to shut off at night. Tonight was different. He allowed himself to relax, allowed himself to just be. In moments, he was sound asleep, the rhythm of their breathing the only sounds to be heard in the quiet bedroom.
Clementine woke with a start, the warmth at her back unfamiliar. The temperature in heaven was mild and always perfect. The heat behind her felt like a furnace had been lit. Or—
She was sleeping with a demon!
The night before came rushing back to her. The threats, the order from Luc. Remington. They were in his bed. Together. As she took stock, she realized they were not only in bed together, they were practically wrapped around each other. One of his huge arms was draped over her waist, his equally large hand practically cupping the underside of her breast. The flow of his breath wafted over the exposed skin of her neck, making her shiver in response. This made his arm tightened.
“Mm,” he mumbled pulling her closer. She gasped when her ass bumped into the hard line of his cock. He was aroused. Instinctively, she pressed backward and realized he was really, really aroused.
Clementine was not unfamiliar with the male anatomy. She’d happened upon more than one male angel sans his white robe as he greeted the morning. Angels were not the pure, innocent creatures that the human realm thought. They could, and would, get just as down and dirty as any demon or devil. Clementina had not, however, partaken of the pleasures of the flesh. In other words, she was still a virgin.
A virgin who found herself more and more attracted to a heart-stopping handsome demon. She had to move away. Right now. Taking a deep breath, she raised the corner of the covers easing away slowly. Her breath caught in the back of her throat as she felt his hand slid across her body. What would it feel like to have him actually caressing her? Wanting her?
Just as she was about to make it out of the bed completely, the hand still atop her side, tightened. “Where do you think you’re going?”
“It’s time to get up.”
“Then I guess I’m ahead of the game,” his deep voice whispered in her ear as he rocked his hips against hers.
“Remington!” Her voice was filled with indignation and more than a touch of need. She jerked away, falling out of the bed in her haste to get away from him. From temptation.
He didn’t get out of the bed, but moved until he was sitting against the upholstered headboard, his arms crossed at his waist. Her eyes skittered across his body. It would have been an innocent pose if not for the fact that the sheet was riding way too low on his body—and the bulge of his erection was clearly outlined.
“I need to, I need to.” Her eyes wildly searched the room, landing on the bundle of clothing she’d placed on top of the chest of drawers the night before. “I need to get dressed and go to work.” She grabbed them and dashed into the bathroom.
Remington blew out the breath he’d been holding as soon as the bathroom door slammed behind Clementine. As he let go of his control, he lost dominance of his body as well. He’d managed to keep his cock at half-arousal, not wanting to frighten Clementine with the evidence of his desire. Now, it spring to full arousal, hard as a fucking brick. He pressed the heel of his hand against the aching ridge.
He’d awoken to find her in his arms, so soft and sweet smelling, he’d almost cum just lying there next to her. When he’d rocked his hips against her fine ass, it had taken everything inside him not to pull the t-shirt—his fucking t-shirt—up and plunge into her from behind.
He lay there, thinking why he found himself so attracted to her. She was nothing like the women he usually bedded. But, from the very first, he found himself inexplicitly attracted to her. She was innocence and purity wrapped up in a smoking hot body. Maybe that was it. The contrast.
The door to the bathroom opened, and he held his breath as the light shown behind her, outlining her body in what appeared to be a heavenly glow. He knew it was just an optical illusion. Angels did not glow. They didn’t even have a halo.
She stepped forward. “It’s all yours.”
“Great.” He slung back the sheet and moved from the bed. It delighted his devilish soul when she let out a tiny squeal and jumped out of his way. It felt even better when he caught her checking out his package.
Clementine exited the bedroom post haste, heading toward the kitchen. As she walked down the hall, she took in the rest of Remington’s house. So far, all she’d seen was the bedroom and the pool. She had to admit the place suited him perfectly. It was earthy and masculine. Very devilish, she thought with a giggle. The kitchen was a gourmet cook’s dream. Her hands itched to use some of the fancy appliances she saw.
“Ah, ha,” she said. “I’ll start with that one.” A single serve coffee maker sat on the counter along with a wire holder that contained a wide selection of coffees and teas. Locating her favorite—a milk chocolate latte—she made herself a cup and waited for Remington.
She and Rachel had a full agenda this week. They had several house calls to make and then a ton of paperwork to complete, plus their regular volunteer duties. Rachel was one of the most hardworking diligent caseworkers Clementine had ever met. She’d learned a lot under her boss.
“That smells good. Can you make me one?”
Clementine jerked when Remington spoke. She’d been so absorbed in her own thoughts and he’d walked in on such silent feet she hadn’t heard him. “Sure, what kind do you want?” She placed her cup on the counter and jumped down from the padded barstool.
Remington leaned against the counter watching her. “How some French vanilla. I like sweet things.” He gave her a wink that made her knees weak.
She cleared her throat as she handed him his cup. “I need to go to work today so I’m sure your father will be able to keep an eye on both of us.”
He didn’t answer but took a slow sip of his drink. Naturally it wasn’t too hot for him. He was a demon after all. “Afraid not. He has something to do. I guess you’re stuck with me.”
They stared at each other for several moments. “I guess that’s what we’ll do then.”
CLEMENTINE TRIED TO
hide her smile as she watched Remington. He was presently surrounded by a group of solemn-faced five-year-olds. What she’d failed to tell him when he’d insisted that he accompany her and her mother to work was that today was the day they volunteered at a daycare center in heaven.
“You were very wicked not to tell him what we were doing today, Clementine.” Rachel’s voice sounded behind her, and she turned her head slightly to smile at the other woman.
“Me? You and Ravjeer could have told him just as easily.”
“Mm.”
“He should have questioned his father more when he realized he wasn’t going to be able to guard you today.” There really was no need for protection in the heavenly realm. No one not specifically meant to be here was allowed to enter. Either by the gate, a portal or any other form of magical travel. Not even by a dark fae. Or should she say especially not a dark fae.
Which was what was making Remington such a popular visitor with the children. Matings between angels and demons were allowed, but they were rarer than one might think. Hence, the fascination the children had with Remington.
“He really is only trying to protect you, you know. Just like Ravjeer is trying to protect me.”
Clementine shook her head. “No, it’s not the same thing. Ravjeer is your mate. I’m Remington’s latest assignment.”
Rachel felt Clementine’s distress and wished she could somehow reassure her that everything was going to be all right. She’d known for ages that Clementine was Remington’s mate. Had hinted at it to her stubborn son so much that finally Ravjeer had advised her to back off. Which she had. Well, somewhat. She had been the one to suggest Clementine date the dark fae, never in a million years imagining the man had been abusing his children. No, she’d simply wanted the news to get back to Remington and allow nature to take its course.
Of course, nature hadn’t met her son’s formidable aversion not to get seriously involved with a woman. Which was the reason way she had suggested to Luc that he assign Remington as Clementine’s bodyguard until the dark fae was caught.
She smiled as she watched her son interact with the children. At first, they had sat in front of him, obediently minding his personal space as they had been taught. But the longer they’d sat there, each had begun moving closer, inching nearer to the burly demon.
Remington, when he realized what was happening, had thrown her a look of dismay, but she’d simply waved at him. The children needed good role models, and there was none better than Remington. Or any of her sons. She was proud of each and every one of them, even if they tried her patience at times. Like now.
Catching sight of one of the babies waking up from a nap, she walked over and picked up the smiling infant. Babies behaved so well up here in heaven. Even her devilish sons had when they were small. She quickly changed the baby’s diaper and carried her to Clementine. “Here, can you take her for a moment? I have something I need to do.”
Clementine took the infant in her arms by instinct. “But, wait—” Too late, her boss had already hurried away. She turned her attention to the child in her arms. It was a baby girl with tufts of golden hair on her pink head. She had bright blue eyes and a grin that could only be called, well, angelic. Clementine bent her head and rubbed noses with the child. “You’re such a good baby, aren’t you, Amy?”
A wave of longing for one of her own passed over her. Almost as if drawn by an invisible thread, her gaze rose to meet that of Remington’s. Before she knew what she was doing, she was walking towards him, carrying the baby in her arms.
The moment Remington raised his head and saw Clementine watching him, he knew he was in trouble. Deep, deep trouble. And not the kind that resulted in being surrounding by ten curious five-year-olds. That was bad enough, answering question after question about the realms of hell and earth. He’d had to search desperately in his memory to remember what he’d been told as a child. Too many parents tried to persuade their children that one realm was better than the other—and not necessarily that heaven was the top dog.
What would he say to his children when the time came? He looked back at Clementine, hoping for some help, and lost his breath. She was making her way over to him, an infant in her arms. Blood rushed to his loins as he imagined this child was hers—theirs—his. Because, of course, that brought forth imagines of him impregnating her. Lying between her legs and pumping his body in and out of hers, tasting the soft temptation of her lips, sipping at the fullness of her breasts.
“Alright children, it’s time for your snack.” Immediately upon hearing Clementine’s voice, the children got up and formed a straight line beside her, waiting for her to tell them what to do.
One little girl, a black-haired, blue-eyed charmer that reminded Remington so sharply of Clementine that his heart grew heavy, stood before him. As he waited for her say something, her tiny little hands reached out and planted themselves on his cheeks. With a straightforwardness that he knew would make her father nervous in the years to come, she said, “I like demons.”
Remington had to smile at her. “You do, do you?”
She nodded her little head solemnly. “And when I grow up, I’m going to marry you.”
Remington laughed and glanced at Clementine, who was enjoying herself a little too much at his predicament. “That’s awfully sweet of you, honey, but I think I’m already taken.” He turned his full gaze on Clementine and watched the pink cover her beautiful features.
“Oh.” The little girl followed Remington’s gaze.
“I’m sure you’ll find a demon all your own, sweetheart, don’t worry.” He leaned forwarded and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Now go get your snack.”
She hurried away just as another woman came by to get the group. She took the baby from Clementine’s arms as well. Remington rose slowly from his feet, stretching as he did so. He smirked when he saw Clementine checking out his body once again. She wanted him. He could feel it. He walked towards her and this time he was the one enjoying
her
discomfort. He knew what he looked like. A demon on the hunt. A devil on the prowl. “Now what?”
“We have some home visits to make.”
“Okay. Where’s mother?”
“She’s—”
“Ready to go, darlings?” Rachel’s soft voice reached them as she walked towards them, her eyes flickering between them as if trying to read the very air around them.
“Sure.” Remington rolled his eyes. “As long as I’m not going to be mobbed by another group of gremlins.”
Rachel reached up much as the little girl had and placed one of her hands on her son’s cheeks. “Oh, don’t give me that, you big softy, you know you enjoy doing that.” She reached into her pocket and handed him a piece of paper. “Here’s where we need to go. I’ll let you open the portal, please.”
And so it went for the rest of the afternoon, Remington basically acting like a doorman as he helped them in and out of portals. He was happy to see that these visits mainly consisted of his mother and Clementine visiting with parents who had children just about ready to start school. No mistreatment, no abuse. Just dispersing helpful information.
Finally, the day was wearing down. They stood outside on the street in front of the last house they’d visited when Rachel spoke. “Why don’t you take Clementine to her apartment so she can pick up a few things? Who knows how much longer that this is doing to last?” She looked at Remington. “You haven’t gotten any news yet have you?”
Remington shook his head. “No, none of the teams in the field have reported anything.” He glanced at Clementine. “I thought Clementine could maybe spend the evening with you and Dad, and I’d do a little recon myself.”
Just then, a portal opened behind them. “Damn,” Remington cursed as he felt the rush of air. Quickly, he turned, making sure both women were safely behind him. He cursed again when he realized it was just his father.
“A little jumpy there, son?” Ravjeer clapped his hand on his son’s shoulder.
Remington muttered a curse that only his father could hear. His father laughed and pulled his wife into his arms, giving her a kiss. “Did you miss me, beautiful?” he whispered. “I missed you.”
Remington looked away, for once the love surrounding his parents almost too much to bare. He caught Clementine’s gaze and knew she’d felt it too. That deep, soul connection that couldn’t be faked undone or ever forgotten. He cleared his throat. “I’m glad you showed up, Dad. Now I can go do some tracking of my own.”
He started to open a portal with his mother stopped him. “Wait. Don’t you think you should take Clementine with you?”
“No.” Both he and Clementine answered as one, which just made both his parents smile.
“What were you thinking, sweetheart?” Ravjeer knew exactly what she was trying to do—get their stubborn headed son to admit he had feelings for the pretty little angel by his side.
“Well, if Remington is going to go out and try to scare up the dark fae, wouldn’t it make sense that the dark fae would be more likely to make an appearance if say, Clementine was out on a date with another man?”
“No. He’s after both of you because of his children. Not because Clementine broke his heart.” Remington appeared upset, which was just fine with his parents. He needed to have his world rocked.
Rachel shook her head. “No. He was already showing signs of being obsessed with Clementine before she discovered what he was doing with his children.”
Remington turned to Clementine, anger boiling inside him. Why hadn’t she told him? That made a big fucking difference. “Is that true?”
“No,” she denied. “Your mother is exaggerating—”
“—the fact that he sent you two dozen black roses, and you found a box of dead butterflies in your mailbox, is not exaggerating, my dear.”
A silence fell over the group. Clementine could tell that what his mother had said had upset Remington. She touched his arm. “It didn’t mean anything.”
“It meant something, Clementine, or he wouldn’t have done it.” He looked down at her with fire and worry in his eyes. She knew he wouldn’t let the dark fae harm her, but something else in his eyes scared her just the same.
“I really hate to ask this, but I’d appreciate it if you could help Remington wrap this up quickly, Clementine. It worries me that this man is still after both of you.” Ravjeer put his arm around Rachel’s shoulder and pulled her close again, a look of worry Remington had rarely seen, shrouding his face.
“Of course. What do you suggest we do?”
Remington huffed. “I guess I have no say in this, do I?”
“Don’t you want to catch the man, dear?”
Well, shit, Remington thought. If he didn’t agree with the plan, it would look like he didn’t care about Clementine. And if he did agree, he’d be putting Clementi smack dab in the middle of who knew what.
He narrowed his eyes and looked at both his parents. “Are you sure you’re not still working for Luc?”
His parents laughed but didn’t answer. He finally accepted the fact that he had been outmaneuvered.
~*~
Clementine shook with excitement as she got ready to go out with Remington. Oh, she knew it wasn’t really a date, but she was excited anyway. Remington had brought her back to her apartment in heaven as his mother had requested. She’d debated about getting an apartment on earth before Rachel had moved there but had decided against it. Not with Remington making his main residence there. She’d needed the distance between them.
At the apartment, she’d quickly gathered the things she’d need for tonight and tomorrow. After tonight, she knew her time with Remington would be over. One way or the other. Either the danger from dark fae would be a thing of the past or Clementine would have gotten her wish—a night in Remington’s bed. Either way, life would be back to normal. Because she was pretty sure if she and Remington did hook up for the night, that would be it. The end. He was not a demon who took a woman to his bed twice.
Smoothing her hands down the sides of her body, she smiled at the feel of the cool satin as it clung to her curves. It was a marvelous fabric. Satin on the outside, neoprene or some other body shaping material beneath it. It had a built-bra that kept her breasts high and tight. The martial flattened her stomach as nothing else ever had, giving her waist a much-needed nip that made her hips flare out.
She wore black lacy boy shorts, and her legs were covered by sheer, thigh high stockings. She wore black shiny high heels, but not too high. She had no desire to appear a klutz in front of Remington.
She leaned forward and checked her make-up, smiling as her cleavage was even more thoroughly displayed. She’d have to remember to do that more tonight. She’d gone a little bolder than normal with her make-up tonight. The almost navy eye shadow and black mascara she wore made her eyes look smoky. She’d carefully outlined her lips with a subtle red that matched her dress. Same with her fingernails and toenails. The dress was sleeveless, another brave move on her part since she was always self-conscious about her arms.
Tonight she’d dusted some sparkling fairy dust along her throat and down between her breasts. It had been a present from Rachel last Christmas. Legend had it that it made you irresistible to the man who loved you. Did it work if it was only a horny demon after your body?