Bitter Black Kiss (13 page)

Tony and Stone stalked around him. Brody lunged to the left. They followed. He broke to the right and traveled down the sandy beach a few yards. They stayed with him. Brody had never encountered such single-minded adversaries. They refused to back off, no matter what he did to diffuse the situation.

Sirens wailed in the distance. He sprinted past another glass door. A woman’s squeal of terror from inside the house stole his concentration.

Movement out of the corner of his eye drew his attention. Tony crept up from behind. He couldn’t see Stone, but knew he would move in for the kill if given the chance. It was too late. Tony lurched forward and fastened teeth on Brody’s right shoulder. Stone darted in and went for his throat.

Brody bit down on Tony’s wolfish ear and at the same time raked claws down Stone’s chest. Tony tore himself away. Flesh and fur came away in Brody’s mouth. The bodyguard retreated and yelped like a kicked puppy. Stone held on.

Fuzzy black dots floated across Brody’s vision. Stone continued to cut off his oxygen. Brody's front legs buckled and Stone’s grip slipped.

Brody had scrambled to his feet moments before Stone found him again. Tony tried to come in from the side, but Brody leapt over him. Tony ran into the white wolf and knocked him down.

Their moment of confusion was just what he needed. Brody ran low to the ground, back the way he’d come. He thundered down the beach until his lungs threatened to burst. He stopped a few houses down to drag in great gulps of air. His body twisted and cracked in order to return to its former shape. Now he suffered every pain and throb from various injuries over his body.

Within moments, Stone darted around the side of the house. Brody backed away. The white wolf made a move to grab him, but as Brody backed up, he tripped over some driftwood and fell onto the sand. He knew his opponent would kill him if given another chance. Brody scrambled backward to avoid being bitten again.

Police cars screeched to a halt atop the hill. The men in uniform would have to descend the hill on foot. Tony paced the stretch of sand. He looked torn between what to do; continue to fight Brody or flee from the police and their guns.

The beast within Brody wanted to continue the fight—to kill the ones who had harmed him. Wounded, tired and in a weakened state, he chose not to. He had never attempted to change twice in one night. There was no guarantee that he could, not even to save his life. He crawled on hands and knees into the shadows.

Stone had disappeared. Had he crept back to his own house to hide or was he just around the corner?

Brody struggled to stay quiet and watched Tony pace the sandy beach. The bodyguard didn’t pay the cops any attention. He tilted his wolfish head this way and that. They waved their arms and yelled. To continue to do so would be a grave mistake.

Yards away, Brody noticed movement in the shadows. A gray gaze turned in his direction. The white wolf made a noise and with absolute clarity, Brody understood that Stone knew exactly where he was. He wouldn’t do anything now, not with the cops so close. At least that’s what Brody hoped. He backed further down the side of the house.

The cop’s voices carried across the beach as they demanded that Tony stand down. Brody cast a quick glance their way. Their guns were drawn. This scenario wasn’t going to end well. Stone had disappeared into the shadows again.

Tony took a couple steps in the cop’s direction. He growled, dropped to all fours and scurried down the beach. A gunshot rang out and sand sprayed the water behind him. The cops moved from their position on the hill.

Chapter Eleven

“I don’t like this,” Molly said for the third time. She sat on the edge of Nicole’s bed and watched her move around the room. “Are you sure you want to go tonight? It was a spur of the moment thing. He’d believe that you have other plans.”

Nicole watched the mirror’s reflection. Her friend picked at the hem of the comforter and frowned. What did Molly want her to say—to do? “I’m sorry you don’t like Sean, but he wants my opinion on a band he’s thinking about backing. The recording guys just happened to be in town. Jeez, Molly.”

“He’s using you.”

"I'm just doing my job." Nicole squeezed her shoulder. "And this isn't a date."

“Does he know that? Especially after what happened last time you guys were together?”

“He’s been nothing but a gentleman since.”

“Do you think he really cares about your opinion? You’re just eye candy. He’ll look great with a beautiful, leggy blonde on his arm, won’t he?”

“Stop it.”

“Brody’s nice.” Molly picked up the jewelry box Nicole had abandoned. “He’s smart and funny. Good looking too.”

“So why don’t you ask him out?” Nicole applied coral-colored gloss to her lips. The possessive part of her hoped that Molly didn’t take her advice.

Molly rolled her eyes and traced a finger along the edge of the wooden box. “Are you sure you aren’t just hanging out with Sean to get your mind off Brody? He likes you, and you like him. Where’s the problem?”

“There isn’t one. He's picking me up tonight.” Nicole sent an accusatory glance in her friend’s direction. “He’s going to tend bar at the party."

“Then ask him out. He won't say no. Not to you."

“He hasn’t said two words to me since he walked in on me and Sean.” She watched Molly’s reflection in the mirror. Her face showed disapproval. “Besides, how would it look to the other employees if I broke the rules?”

“Is that why you haven’t jumped his bones?”

“Yes!” she laughed, but quickly sobered. “I really do like him, but it’s bad timing.”

“Just do him already.”

“I think I need to do something about Sean first.” His attraction to her wasn’t a secret anymore. He’d been cordial, but he watched her like a predator, and it made her uncomfortable. "He keeps coming on to me and I’ve run out of excuses."

Molly stared at her a moment, one eyebrow raised. “He’s rich and powerful and gets what he wants."

"Exactly. What should I do?"

 “Maybe you and Brody could keep it a secret?”

Bitter remorse twisted in her chest. Brody had everything she wanted. Her attraction to Brody was like no one she’d ever encountered. Every time they had the briefest encounter or their hands touched, her senses came alive. She couldn’t stop thinking about that night on the beach either. She wanted more. He offered to take her home and make love to her and god, did she want that. Her body knew what and who it needed, despite her reluctance to admit it.

Nicole smoothed the hem of her black dress. She knew what those talented fingers of his were capable of and wanted to take pleasure in it again. She wanted to experience more with him than just a brief glance, an intimate touch or a flirtatious encounter. To feel those gorgeous lips all over her body, his talented fingers learning each and every part of her…his mouth. Oh dear, she needed to stop fantasizing.

Finally, she reached a decision. “I’ll ask him out tonight, on our way home.”

Molly pursed her lips. “Don’t chicken out.”

“What if he’s not interested now?” This was the kind of high school drama she tried to avoid. “He hasn’t been the same since he saw Sean kiss me.”

Her friend sorted through the collection of jewelry. A frown darkened her face. “He was doing more than just kissing you, honey. He was groping and humping on you like a disgusting pervert.”

Nicole sighed. It had taken two phone calls and a lot of pleading just to get Brody to agree to come to the party tonight.

Her cell phone played its tune and the readout listed Aaron James. Would he never get a clue? “Aaron, just stop calling me. I don’t know what your problem is, if you just get off on annoying me or if you’re having a hard time letting go of the past. But that’s what it is, the past. Leave me alone.”

“Look outside.” His voice was full of venom and danger.

Nicole couldn’t help herself. She crossed to the glass and peered into the darkness. A dark hatchback sat in the parking lot. The driver flashed his lights when she gazed out the window.

She tossed the phone on the dresser and backed away from the window. Within seconds, the cell phone rang again. This time, she didn’t answer.

Molly watched in shock. “Was it Aaron?”

Nicole nodded.

“Call the cops.”

The car was no longer there when Nicole peeked out the window. “He’s gone.”

Molly gripped her hand. "I was going to meet up with a few people from work tonight, but I can cancel. Maybe you should too.”

“Brody will be here any minute.” Nicole smiled, realizing this was a significant step for Molly too. It had been ages since she’d gone out with anyone but Nicole. “Who else is going?”

Molly’s features softened with a smile. “Ramon and a couple of the kitchen crew want to have drinks somewhere besides Bitter Black. I don't know what time I'll be back. Are you sure you’ll be alright?”

"I'll be okay, go have some fun.”

Nicole bent to search for her shoes at the bottom of the closet. When she straightened, Molly tossed her satin clutch on the end of the bed. She stood with an open pill bottle in her hand, the three tablets of wolfsbane that were left lay in her palm.

“What are you doing?” Nicole’s hands rested on her hips. She tried really hard not to be angry.

Molly jumped, and the oblong pills flew from her hand. Two landed on top of the comforter. The third bounced beneath the nightstand.

Nicole grabbed the pills off the bed and took the bottle from Molly. “What the hell, Molly? Are you a narc now?”

Molly opened her mouth, but Nicole interrupted. “I don’t need a lecture from you either. I do what I can to cope, okay? Just butt out.”

“Butt out? How can I, Nicky? I love you like a sister. I’m worried about you.” Molly’s expression contorted from hurt to suspicion. “What are they?”

“It’s wolfsbane.” Nicole picked up the red satin clutch and stuffed the bottle inside.

Two bright spots of color darkened Molly’s cheeks and her mood. “We agreed that you were going to quit.”

“I never agreed to it.”

Tears sprang to Molly’s eyes. She reached for Nicole, who stepped away. "At least tell me you’ve seen a doctor. Or are you visiting the alley behind the club?"

“Not that it’s any of your business, but Sean gave me his.” She popped one into her mouth and swallowed it.

Molly’s face clouded, and she opened then shut her mouth. Her friend stomped out of the room. Within seconds the front door slammed, and the apartment fell into an awkward silence.

A few minutes later, the doorbell rang.

She opened the door and found Brody on the doorstep. Tonight he wore dark gray pants and a black dress shirt. “Thank god it’s you. Hey, you're early."

She tried not to stare. Punctures were on either side of his throat. Several scratches and a bruise decorated his face.

“We need to talk.” His voice was hoarse. “Are you okay?”

“I am now.” She placed her hands on his shoulders then pressed a questioning kiss against his lips.

He smiled. “What was that for?”

“I don’t know, I…”

“I liked it.” He pulled her toward him. His lips caressed hers and sent shivers of sensation rocking through her. She didn’t want it to end.

“What happened?” She touched the edge of a scratch with tentative fingers.

"It’s nothing. Don’t worry about it.”

"I'm glad you agreed to come. I wanted to talk to you too." There, she'd taken the first step. Now if the sudden bout of nerves didn't prevent her from saying what was on her mind…

"I like you, Brody. A lot." She laughed at how she was bungling this. That hadn't come out the way she wanted it. "I'm interested in…Ugh, what I mean is…"

Oh to hell with it! She gripped the front of his shirt and pulled him toward her.

It was all the invitation he needed. With something akin to a growl, he wound one arm around her waist while the other cupped the back of her head. Their tongues slipped against each other in an erotic dance. His head dipped lower, and his breath seared the hollow of her throat.

Her hands were in his hair. They ran over his chest then skimmed his hips. She couldn't get enough of him, couldn't touch enough of him. She unbuttoned his shirt then ran her hands across his abdomen and the swirl of hair that trailed lower.

Her fingertips fluttered against his zipper and the impressive erection behind it. He shuddered at her touch and nipped her bottom lip. Desire sent shockwaves throughout her body and made her insides quiver.

One of his hands snaked its way up her thigh, under her dress. Skillful fingers brushed against the lace panties and tickled the sensitive area of her inner leg.

He pressed her hand against his growing desire. “This is what you do to me.”

Nicole’s pulse raced. Things were moving fast, but she couldn't bring herself to slow it down. Somehow they made it to her bedroom without breaking anything. She pushed him backward until he sat on the bed. Straddling him, she rocked her hips and teased his arousal.

He ran his hands up her sides then pushed the dress over her head. Nicole unsnapped her bra and chucked it. She had to feel him against her naked skin, wanted to feel his mouth on her.

Brody’s lips caressed a swollen pink bud of her breast, and his teeth grazed the sensitive skin. He suckled one, then the other. “You’re beautiful.”

She pushed the shirt off his shoulders then tossed it aside. Her hands ran across his chest then fell lower. She fumbled with the stubborn closure of his pants.

"Not yet." Brody captured her hand. He turned her, so her back was against his chest. Her legs lay over his thighs. She was spread open and fully accessible to him.

His fingers slid past the lace and touched her. All coherent thought left her, and she began to move against him. Within seconds, the panties were stripped away, and she became putty in his capable hands.

She rode wave after wave of heated desire. The sensations were too much. Her body shuddered beneath his touch. His finger slid deeper, in and out, to a faster rhythm that made her cry out in ecstasy. Her eyes popped open, and her hands clutched at his thighs. She rocked against him as desire pushed her to the edge then beyond.

Her body pulsed with pleasure. Hoarse cries bounced off the bedroom walls. She was reduced to a heap of raw nerves. He removed his fingers from her then brought them to his mouth and licked them clean. He groaned as if the taste of her was the most delectable flavor he’d ever had.

She swallowed the heartbeat pounding in her throat. The outline of his cock strained against the thin pants. How he managed not to explode, she didn't know. She reached for his zipper and this time he didn't stop her.

Brody’s pants were unzipped in record time. His thick member was swollen and nestled in honey colored curls.

Nicole didn’t hesitate. She sank to her knees, still wearing her heels. Her body knew what she wanted—needed. Her tongue traced around the head. She inhaled, loving the scent of his arousal. Her mouth closed over the head of his cock then slid down. She did it again and again, bringing a sexy, throaty growl from him.

Brody’s taste was intoxicating. She couldn’t get enough.

His fingers tangled in her hair, and his hips lifted, thrusting himself inside her mouth. Thankfully, he wasn’t one of those men that kept shoving her head down until she gagged. “I’m not going to last if you keep that up.”

She gripped his pants and stripped them from his legs. They were tossed, forgotten in the corner.

Nicole crawled onto the bed. "Brody, I need you inside me."

His expression was hard to read. “I don’t want you to regret this later.”

Nicole got on her knees above him.