His salty smoky taste made her internal fire burn hotter, the throbbing between her legs ache for release. But the blazing heat did not control her -- she controlled it. For she was fire.
Bree moved down his chest, sucking at the skin just above his nipples. It was stretched so taut she couldn’t get a decent grip, so she moved to his strawberry colored nipple. Swirling her tongue around the small pebble of skin, Bree drew out the pleasure. She lapped at his skin, licked his nipple before sucking on it.
Ty grasped her shoulders, his grip almost painful. He let out a deep groan of satisfaction, spurring her on.
Moving to his other nipple, she offered it the same mixed treatment of teeth and tongue.
Her hands slid down his sides, over his six-pack abs and the trail of blond hair running down the center to disappear into his jeans. Bree traced that trail with her mouth, reaching to unsnap the button. She tugged his pants down, his cock, unbound by underwear, springing out before her, bobbing as if trying to claim her attention.
Ty gripped her shoulders. “Lovey, as much as I’m enjoying this, I’m sweaty, dirty and covered in smoke. I think we best take it to the shower.” He winked.
Bree stood and stepped back while he shucked his shoes and clothes. Standing naked and proudly at attention in front of her, Ty grinned.
The man didn’t have a single self-conscious bone in his depraved body.
He stepped to her side, circling behind her. His hands drifted over her back, down to her waist. He tugged her shirt over her head and unclasped her bra, but didn’t push it off. Arms encircling her, Ty undid her jeans and pulled them down.
She glanced over her shoulder. The man knelt on the floor, staring at her ass. A pert, mischievous spirit filled her. “Like what you see?”
Ty spanned his hands over her cheeks and placed a kiss at the top of one hip. “Do I? Your ass is luscious, woman. I like the tat, too.”
That one she’d gotten at sixteen, right after mastering the basics of power control. A wave of flames crossed her lower back, colorful butterflies fluttering above the field of fire.
Ty leaned forward, licking along her tramp stamp, kissing each of the four butterflies. He rose, his cock pressing against her, so hot, so hard. Kicking off her shoes and pants, Bree turned in the circle of his arms, facing the man who made her burn with such intensity.
“I’m not done yet,” he whispered against her mouth. Fingers tugged at the clips holding her hair. He plucked the last one out and her hair cascaded freely, reaching halfway down her back.
“Doggone it, woman,” he exclaimed, running his hands through her wavy locks. “How do you get so much hair in such a tiny little bun?”
“Practice,” she replied with a grin.
He smiled, his light whitish-blue gaze, amused. “What else are you hiding?”
“Guess you’ll just have to figure that out.”
He cupped her breasts, still covered by the bra. “Then I better get started.”
He slid one strap down her shoulder, kissing the top of her breast while lightly pinching her nipple through the silky cloth. Slowly, he drew the bra down, uncovering her. The bra dropped to the floor as Ty gazed at her chest almost reverently. “I’m an ass man, but, lovey, your breasts are beautiful.”
Warmth crawled up her face, staining her cheeks. “You’re such a guy. I’m not sure if I should thank you, or remind you I have a mind, too.”
Ty finally lifted his gaze from her chest to stare into her eyes. “Oh, I know that. Your mind is the most beautiful thing of all.”
Bree laughed. “Corny, much?”
“Maybe a little. But admit it, you like it.”
“Maybe a little,” she repeated.
Bree followed him to the shower. His products were all manly, which was nice. Obviously, women didn’t shower over here often. His men’s 2-in-1 shampoo was going to kill her hair though.
They washed themselves and each other, the desire building, growing to nearly uncontrollable proportions. His hands touched her everywhere, quick caresses in the guise of helping her wash. She played with him in kind, cupping his balls and stroking his cock as she lathered it with soap.
His hips bucked and he groaned, his eyes almost completely white, burning her with the power of his desire. Ty grabbed her, pulling her beneath the spray.
As the suds melted from her body, his mouth was there, heating her sensitive skin. He licked her nipples, suckling each one. His hands cupped her waist, sliding to knead her ass.
Pushing her against the wall, Ty licked down her belly, eased her legs apart, and sucked her clit. His hand drifted forward to slide along her flesh.
His tongue flicked her clit as he nibbled and sucked. His fingers jerked, reaching deep and curving over her G-spot. Bree let her head fall back against the tile. Her lips parted as low, squeaky moans escaped.
Ty pushed her thighs further apart and licked along her entrance, then slid his hot tongue inside her sheath. Her breath quickened as his thumb moved over her clit in hard, jerky movements, and his tongue eased in and out.
Her legs quivered as the pressure built. She clutched his shoulders tight. Fire spread through her veins, electric, hot, powerful. His mouth, loving her so sweetly, pushed her high, higher. She floated above it all, enjoying the sensations.
His teeth and the scruff on his jaw rasped against her. His tongue plunged in and out, his hand tweaking and rubbing her clit.
She fell, screaming her release into the echoing shower, her pussy quivering and spasming. As the orgasm ripped through her, Ty rose and spun her around.
Facing the tiles, she braced her arms above her head, as he drew close behind her, his hard, huge cock sliding along her sheath from behind. Ty dipped his fingers into her wetness, rubbing her juices along his cock. Gripping her hips, he pulled them back. Bree arched her back, pushing against his groin as his cock slid into her so deliciously.
His length stretched her, the pain-pleasure making her shiver. Still he pushed forward, sliding deeper until she couldn’t take any more of the overpowering feelings. Yet, he still eased deeper.
“Gods,” she cried.
“Take me, all of me,” he whispered huskily.
Ty pulled her hips back further, one hand pushing down on her lower back. Bree bent over further, only his hands and the tile wall keeping her trembling legs from giving out.
His cock pushed deeper still and he let out a heavy groan. Then his balls hit her clit.
Bree whimpered as he eased out, the pressure dissipating. She moved back, taking him in, greedy for more.
She loved the way his groin fit snugly against her as he rammed into her. She wiggled, her pussy gripping his length. He slid deeper, then drew out at an even pace. Reaching around her hips, he found her clit. She jumped as he squeezed the nub as he rocked back.
“Don’t worry, lovey. I’ll give you what you want,” he said huskily.
She refused to wait. Pushing against the wall, she took him deep, easing forward only to jerk back quickly.
He let her move, tugging her clit and pinching the soft flesh lightly.
She moaned, panting heavily. Ty let her set the pace. She jerked forward, then rammed back. He grasped her hips, holding her still, then plunged deep before drawing out, slowly, teasing. Then he slammed home once more.
“Faster,” Bree growled.
“Maybe,” Ty replied, laughing.
She moaned, needy, her hips jerking back, demanding more, as her nails scraped the tiled wall. Bree clenched around him, enjoying his groan of delight. The heat built, bringing her to the brink again. He slammed inside, his pace quickening. The climax spread through her, liquid heat, tightening her sheath around his hardness.
He groaned, the sound joining with her own cries as the fire rushed through her body. Her sheath spasmed around his length as he continued to plunge deep. Then he shouted out, his cock pulsing.
Still, he fucked her, his movements jerky and quick, sliding in, out, slamming back in. Deep, deeper, her clenching sheath drawing him in. The climax crashing through her pushed her further and further over the edge until she screamed her pleasure once more.
“Oh, lovey. Yes,” he shouted, his hands rushing over her skin, his cock still filling her, stretching her, even as she spasmed around him. Stupefied, Bree could only ride the waves of ecstasy as they swamped her body, making her nerves sing, her toes curl.
Ty slowed, caressing her sides and pulling her upright. He drew her back against his chest, gripping her breasts. His cock still pulsed inside her. “Mmm,” she moaned.
“Mmm is right,” he whispered huskily, placing soft kisses along her neck.
As the pleasure finally released control of her thoughts, Bree realized she should probably step away. Sex was one thing -- and damn, was he good. But this intimacy thing, not so much. She didn’t know what to do. What to say.
And she certainly didn’t like being so damn confused.
Ty nibbled up her neck and along her ear. “You ready for bed, lovey?”
“Yeah,” she whispered, half feeling like a rabbit caught in a trap as intimacy began weaving a dangerous web.
“Good. ’Cause I got plans for you in my bed.”
Bree giggled. They weren’t going to be getting much sleep.
Chapter Five
Bree woke to a soft tickling along her side and hardness pressed against her ass. Ty placed a soft kiss on her neck and pulled her to her back. “Again?” she asked sleepily as his hard cock pressed against her. “Damn, man. You have the stamina -- and the cock -- of a racehorse.”
“I’d love nothing more.” He kissed her jaw, traced her lips with his tongue, then brushed his mouth lightly against hers. “Unfortunately, my sister’s going to be here soon. We need to talk.”
Bree jerked up, searching for her clothes. Did it really matter if his sister knew what they’d been doing? Hell, the woman was married and very pregnant. Still, she was a stranger. Bree didn’t like strangers knowing her business.
Ty twisted, picking something off the floor. He set her clothes, laundered and folded, in front of her.
“Don’t tell me you washed these,” she joked.
His blue eyes widened. “Why not? I can do laundry. I can cook, too.”
Shaking her head, Bree took a quick shower and dressed, then headed out into the living room. Calla and Scott were already there, setting take-out boxes on the kitchen table. The scent of brewing coffee had Bree’s mouth watering.
A minute later, Ty asked, “Cream or sugar?”
“A lot of both,” Bree replied. Soon, he pressed a warm mug between her hands.
Calla pointed her to a chair at the table. Bristling at the order, Bree bit her tongue and sat.
A plate of pancakes, bacon and eggs landed in front of her. Though she wasn’t normally a breakfast person, Bree dug in. The activity of the night must’ve worked up an appetite.
The house was quiet as everyone scarfed down the food. All too soon they were done.
Calla leaned back in her chair and glanced at Bree, a soft, amused curl to her lips. Scott set his fork down and took Calla’s hand, then said, “We need to know about the band, Bree. I assume Tyler has filled you in on our problems?”
Bree took a quick gulp of her coffee, then set it in front of her, gripping the mug and staring into the cream-colored brew. “To a point.”
Calla leaned forward, elbows on the table, chin in her hand. “We know the master is after someone in the band. Last night, I caught magic from one or two, but most of it I couldn’t figure out. I need you to tell me who might be the target.”
Bree nodded and began. “Ricky, the drummer, is a satyr. He’s earth magic.”
“From what Garreth said, the master prefers earth magic types,” Ty said.
A tinge of worry wrapped around Bree’s heart for her friends. She didn’t like telling secrets, but for some strange reason, she trusted these people. And if they could keep the band members safe, she had to help them.
“Kari, one of the back-up singers, is a cougar shifter. But, there’s more beyond her powers. I think she received magic from both parents. Her dad is some sort of native shaman. She can do more than most shifters I’ve met.”
Calla and Scott shared a glance.
“What about the lead singer?” Ty asked.
“Donovan?” Bree laughed. “Nah. That creep couldn’t find his ass in the dark. He’s pure leech -- human all the way.”
“Anyone else?” Scott asked.
Bree watched him, bemused at the way he always seemed to be touching Calla. Even when they weren’t paying direct attention to each other, it was as if they sensed one another and reached out. His thumb absently traced hearts over Calla’s palm, yet both stared at Bree expectantly.
A pang of yearning punched her in the gut. It would be nice to have something like that. Getting control, Bree reminded herself relationships weren’t for her. Still, her gaze drifted to Ty. Heat, desire blazed from his eyes, even though he was also waiting for an answer.
“I’m not sure,” she finally said.
“What do you mean?” Ty asked.
“Well, sometimes, I feel power coming from Roy, one of the stagehands. It’s only on occasion. Most of the time, I’d swear he was human.”
“I’ll check into it,” Scott said.
Calla nodded. “So, tell us about yourself.”
Ty’s cheeks reddened. “Calla, honestly. Can you ever not be nosy?”
She smiled sweetly. “I’d like to know a little about the woman sleeping with my brother.”
Ty choked, coughing as his face turned even redder. With the warmth flooding to Bree’s face, she figured she was lit up like a cherry.
“Um… there’s not much to tell.”
“You’re a fire elemental. Tell us about your parents,” Scott said softly, his voice kind rather than prying.
“Not sure.” Bree clutched the coffee mug tighter. “I grew up in foster homes.”
“Really?” Calla said, sharing a deep, loving glance with Scott.
He cleared his throat, then volunteered, “My parents died when I was twelve. I spent time in the local Catholic orphanage.”
“Sorry,” Bree replied.
“Well,” Scott shrugged. “At least I had my parents for a time.”
Beneath the table, something bumped her leg. Startled, Bree sat straighter only to catch the playful smile on Ty’s face. His sock covered toes inched up her calf, his foot curling around her leg and pulling it closer. Then they moved up to her knee, and back down her calf.
Bree brought her mug up for a quick drink, only to choke on the coffee.
“Are you all right?” Calla asked.
“Yeah,” Bree coughed.
Calla stared at Ty, as if she knew exactly what he was doing. Ty just grinned and shrugged, his foot continuing to caress Bree’s calf.
With a loud sigh, Calla turned back. “We’re all going to be at the show tonight.”
“I’ve called in some local bounty hunters to hang around, too,” Ty added.
“Just keep my friends safe,” Bree said, trying not to picture the things this mage would do if he got his hands on them.
* * *
Twenty minutes to show time, Ty settled in a front row seat next to Bree. The stadium was packed, the repaired stage set up and ready to go. In fact, Donovan wouldn’t shut up about how the superficial burns along the edges of the stage would only enhance the band’s image.
Tonight, as promised, Ty’s bounty hunter friends hung out near the stage to ensure no tampering of the pyrotechnics. His sister and Scott were nowhere to be seen, but they were around, watching it all. Bree seemed nervous, worried their protections wouldn’t be enough to keep her friends safe.
Taking her hand, he slowly rubbed his thumb over her palm, trying to comfort her. She glanced up at him, startled, then at their hands, her eyes suspiciously misty.
Before Ty could ask what was wrong, the opening act came out and started playing. He continued to hold her hand through the show, even when the Grave Diggers started in on their screeching racket.
Halfway through the show, there was no sign of the master or his minions.
Didn’t mean a thing though. Instead of lowering his guard, Ty pushed it higher, jerking his chin at the other bounty hunters to get the message across. All six noticed, and returned his signal.
Beside him, Bree gasped. Ty glanced over, worried, at her pale face. She stared at their entwined hands. Ty realized he’d been unconsciously drawing hearts on her palm with his thumb.
He let go of her hand, confused.
Bree’s lower lip trembled as she whispered, “I need to get something.” Jumping up, she skirted the crowd and disappeared behind the curtain to the dressing rooms.
Ty thought about going after her. He hadn’t said anything, but since she had magic, the master might want her. He was her personal guard.
A spike of fear drove through his chest as worry for her safety flooded him. Doggone it, how’d he been drawing hearts on her palm? In his entire life of holding a woman’s hand, he’d never done such a thing.
What was it about this woman that got under his skin? He had a sinking feeling she might be the one woman in the world he would never get over. Ty was afraid he didn’t have such capacity for something like love.
He pushed to his feet, only to have a wrinkled hand push him back down into the chair. Fred took Bree’s empty seat.
“How’re you doing, lad?” the old man asked, his strange eyes, seeming so much younger than his appearance, kind.
“Confused,” Ty replied ruefully.
“Makes you like every other man alive.”
“I guess,” he said, watching the entrance to backstage, wishing for a glimpse of creamy skin and orange hair.
Fred chuckled, leaning back and crossing his arms over his belly. He stretched out his legs, groaning as his knees popped. “I’m glad Calla and Scott invited me down here. It’s still a bit cold up the mountain. This heat sure is good on these ol’ bones of mine.”
Ty relaxed in his seat. He’d give Bree a minute before going after her. He wasn’t in any shape to figure out what was wrong with her, when he didn’t even understand himself.
* * *
Bree hurried down the hall to her tool room, slipping inside and slamming the door shut. With a quick twist, she turned the lock, then slumped against the door, breathing erratic.
What the hell was all this?
The man had obviously not even been aware he was tracing little hearts over her skin.
Her pulse rushed as her heart pounded, ready to jump out of her chest. Bree didn’t know what this was between them. She’d tried pretending it was just good sex, but she could no longer deny the deeper emotions etching out a place in her heart for the strange man who made her feel so… alive. So free, yet, at the same time, so not alone.
She’d been alone her entire life. It was just the way things were. She’d never minded before. Yet, his presence seemed to fill her life with so damn much. It made her yearn for things better left alone. And she didn’t know what the hell to do.
The doorknob rattled, then a knock came. Slowly, Bree pushed off the door and turned to face it, letting her hot forehead rest against the cool wood for a second. What was she going to say to Ty?
Straightening her shoulders, Bree unlocked and opened the door.
Ty wasn’t standing there. No one was. She peeked out into the hall, glancing left toward the stage area. A swift movement stirred the air to her right. Then the lights went out. Before Bree could turn, something heavy crashed down on the back of her head.
Bree stumbled, falling flat on her face on the concrete floor as stars exploded behind her eyelids. Sharp pain raced down her neck and into her shoulders. For a second, she couldn’t hear a thing.
In the darkness, she slowly shook her head. Raspy, heavy breathing grew louder, overlaid by the heavy bass thumps from the band. Their power must still be working. Which meant it was only dark back here. No one would notice.
The person in the hall with her poked her shoulder with something sharp. She held herself still, waiting, trying to orient exactly where he was.
Shuffled steps came closer. Bree waited until he was directly by her side. Quick as a flash, she jerked back, rolling away, while spinning to kick out with her boots.
The guy cried out as her feet plowed into his legs, knocking him away. “Stupid bitch,” he growled.
“Pissed off bitch is what I am,” she shouted.
A dry slithering sound filled the corridor. Before Bree could move, the thing was on her -- no longer completely human, but something else. The scent of old dust hit, her stomach lurching. Snakelike arms wrapped around her chest, compressing, taking her ability to breathe.
The sound of scales rubbing grew louder, bringing the pounding in her head to clear focus, ratcheting the pain to an unbearable level. She couldn’t stop her body going limp, though she tried to fight it. The arms slowly lowered her to the ground, roughly flipping her onto her stomach. Bree searched deep for strength. She would not allow this… thing to just take her.
Her foot twitched. The creature above her grunted as he grabbed her arms, stretching them painfully behind her back. Her shoulder twitched. In a burst of energy, Bree bucked her hips, trying to turn over.
The creature straddled her, holding her down. He grabbed a handful of her bun and slammed her head against the concrete. This time, the stars were dark.
Metal scraped the concrete, intensifying her fright. She jerked around, frenzied. Claws dug into her shoulder, pushing her hard against the unforgiving concrete. Skin shredded. The sting of sweat pierced the wound.
The coppery tang of blood filled the air as the claws sliced deeper. Agony ripped down her shoulder, draining all the strength she’d mustered. Her body wouldn’t respond, but Bree refused to give up. If she couldn’t fight him one way, she’d fight him another. Taking a breath, Bree called to her deep, inner magic. It slowly -- oh, so slowly -- responded.
Metal scraped the floor once more. The air around them warmed. Sluggishly, Bree pushed the heat out from her. Flames roared to life. The creature holding her down screamed, and something cold and slimy wrapped tight around her left wrist. As if icy water drenched her, Bree’s fire went out.
Footsteps banged along the hall, heading their way.
The creature leaned close to her ear. “I’ll be back.” He disappeared in a cloud of noxious smoke.