Dalton, Tymber - Love and Brimstone [Brimstone Vampires 1] (Siren Publishing Classic) (33 page)

Moe tensed a little when Rafael strode past and stopped before her. Once Moe realized they were fine, he turned and walked a few yards away, giving them privacy. Anastazia studied Rafael for a long moment then released his mind and body.

“What do you think about me now, Rafe?”

He looked at her, considering her with new respect. He’d obviously underestimated her abilities.

And that was an understatement.

She stood, started to turn away, and Rafael grabbed her arm and pulled her to him, kissing her.

It happened so fast he caught her off guard. Then she responded, putting her arms around him and welcoming his tongue in her mouth, pressing her hips against him, feeling his sudden hard bulge pressing back, his hands on her body. Matthias felt passionately tender. This man was intense, heated passion, a centuries-old hunger in him Taz sensed only she could sate.

It felt like she’d kissed him before, like a long lost love. She didn’t want to stop. Hot, roiling passion pulsed through her as he ground his hips against hers, backing her toward the handrail. She wrapped her legs around him as his hands slid down to her hips, lifting and pulling him against her.

Screw it, she needed him. Taz grabbed his hips and pulled him against her. She eagerly devoured him, wanting him, wanting more.

Not to mention the control! She owned him, could own any man she wanted. She had to taste him, feel his teeth sink into her skin. She felt his lips on her neck, his teeth grazing her flesh, and she moaned softly against him, licking him, ready to—

Matthias was in her mind like a splash of cold water.
“
Anastazia, are you okay?”

She gasped and jerked away from Rafael. He watched her, his eyes narrowing.

Had she done that? Had it been Rafael kissing her, or had she made him do it?

On shaky legs she turned away from Rafe and squeezed her eyes shut.

“I’m okay, Matthias—he’s okay. We’ll be back in a minute.”

She turned to Rafael. He stood with his back to her and leaned against the handrail for support.

Breathing heavy, she reached out and touched his shoulder. “I’m sorry, Rafe,” she whispered. “Are you okay?”

His voice sounded anything but—hoarse, ragged. “Yeah. Just give me a minute. Okay?”

“Okay.”

After several minutes he faced her. “I’m sorry, Taz.” He frantically worked his right thumb over his ring, twisting it around his finger, apparently unaware he was doing it.

She snorted, more to break her nervous tension than with amusement. “I don’t think you had much choice.”

“I did. I’ve been goading you all day. I’m sorry. You’re so strong, it’s just I—” He blocked the thought from her, and she didn’t press him for it. “I keep forgetting you’re really new at this. I’m sorry, baby girl.”

“I wish everyone would quit telling me how strong I am. If I’m so friggin’ strong, why do I feel like I’m going to crawl out of my skin any second? These assholes are going to chew me up and spit me out tomorrow.”

She lost it, her composure utterly, completely shattered. She burst into tears, sobbing uncontrollably. She wanted Matthias’ arms around her, but there was only Rafael.

He went to her, willingly, and held her for several long minutes while she got it out of her system. Despite her irritation at the flirting, it was a comfort to be in his arms. Rafael held her, soothing, and even though moments earlier they were seconds from ripping off their clothes in public, now he was a safe haven, and she let him envelop her with his strength.

When she reluctantly stepped back, sniffling, she avoided his eyes. “Thanks, Rafe,” she said.

“It’s okay. I’m sorry this is so rough on you. You’re the first person we’ve had to deal with who—”

“I know, let me guess. Who is as strong as I am.”

“No. You’re
the
strongest. There’s never been anyone I know like you. You make Matthias and me look like amateurs, seriously. Once you can control it—Jesus Christ, Matts, we’re coming, give us a minute! She’s okay. She just needs a minute.” He smiled at her conspiratorially. “It’s like an annoying phone call.”

She laughed. Under different circumstances, she instinctively felt they could be close friends. Or more.

Much more.

She just hoped they all made it out alive so she could enjoy having him as a cousin.

Rafael stepped closer, lowered his voice, and took her hands in his. “I’m sorry, Taz. Really. I shouldn’t have been doing that. It wasn’t fair to you. Matts loves you. I’ve never seen the big guy like this, and that’s not bullshit. Go easy on him, okay?”

She nodded. He tenderly caressed her cheek before letting her go with a final hug.

He let her lead the way down the boardwalk back to the others as Moe brought up the rear. When Matthias saw her, he stood and waited, taking her into his arms when she reached him.

“Are you okay?”

She nodded. “Tired.”

He looked at Rafael, concerned. “And?”

“She’s powerful.”

“Tell me something I don’t know.”

“Why don’t you let her get some rest? You and I need to talk about tomorrow.”

Matthias looked at her. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

Taz nodded, slipping her arms around Matthias. She didn’t want him to let go. She wanted to forget kissing Rafael—oh God, could Matthias tell what she’d just thought? Or was a barrier around the event enough? Or could he sense a barrier around it—

“I need to go lay down for a while,” she whispered.

He kissed the top of her head, and she turned, taking long strides away from them, nearly breaking into a run when she rounded the corner.

Tim caught up with her, Larry and Curly on his heels.

“What happened?” Tim asked, grabbing her arm to slow her pace.

She shook her head, fighting the tears. What felt like a game in the heat of the moment now filled her with shame. She didn’t want to do this anymore. Not at the expense of Matthias’ feelings, or Rafael’s, and not at the expense of her own morals.

At the cabin, Tim followed her inside and cornered her. “Anastazia. What happened?”

She fell against him, sobbing. Now knowing what to do, she showed him the events with her mind rather than told him. He sat beside her on the bed, rocking her, trying to comfort her.

“Oh Anastazia, my child. It’s all right.” Eventually, her tears stopped, and she left her head in his lap while he stroked her hair. “Are you going to tell him?” he asked.

“I think I have to. Don’t you?”

“That’s not for me to decide.”

“I can’t believe I did that. I’m horrible.”

“No, you’re not horrible. He’ll understand.”

“I love Matthias, and I kissed his cousin!”

“Rafael is a flirt. Matthias is well aware of his proclivities. We should have warned you ahead of time to be prepared.”

“I didn’t wink at him—I
kissed
him! And then I almost…” She broke down again, sobbing.

“I believe it was mutual.”

She shook her head. “It was like I couldn’t stop myself. I just had this power and I wanted it all, wanted more. I wanted him.”

“I thought he grabbed you?”

“He did. But it was just…I wanted
more
. It’s like I know him. Like I’ve known him for years.”

Robertson pulled her into a sitting position and wiped her tears with his handkerchief. “Listen to me carefully,” he said, brushing the hair out of her eyes. “Matthias loves you. He has waited ten years for you. Something like this isn’t going to kill him. When you were dating others, he could have easily taken you back then. He wanted you to have your life, your way, knowing eventually he’d have his chance to show you how much he loves you and win your heart.”

He squeezed her hands. “He brought this on himself, pushing you and Rafael together so soon. I warned him you might be overwhelmed, that it might not be a good idea to let you try to control Rafael. Matthias means well. He’s trying to get you as prepared as he can for tomorrow. We’re running out of time. And he is legitimately worried about making sure someone can’t take control of you against your will. Frankly, he’s more worried about that than he is worried about you controlling someone else. I guarantee you, what happened will not upset him.”

She looked at him. “Why can you stand up to me?”

“There were times you sorely tried my patience, dear. I love you as my child. Could you force me to your will?” He shrugged. “Perhaps. I don’t look at you that way. I see you as my daughter. I would fight you with every inch of my being if you tried. It would damage both of us—mentally and emotionally. Matthias may be older than you and I put together, but he didn’t raise you. Honestly? I was hoping you would one day love him. He is a good man, and I only want the best for my girl.”

“Then why did you push me go out with other guys?”

“Because I wanted you to date so when you met Matthias, you would see him for the man he is. He will not easily bend to your will, even though it may not seem like it now. You won’t always have to worry if he loves you because he feels it or because you want him to. Right now, he is just so happy to know you love him he’s like a giddy kid. As the two of you settle together you will see how truly strong he is.”

“Really?”

“Matthias’ wife died centuries ago, and he’s been in pain ever since. He’s never been in love since then, not until you. Once you were an adult, I showed him your picture, and he instantly fell in love with you. He hasn’t been with anyone since, waiting for you. I don’t know why you. There was something about you that drew him in a way I’ve never seen.”

“That’s sweet. Creepy, but sweet.”

He laughed, sitting back. “Remember, ten years to Matthias is like ten months or ten weeks to the average man. He wanted to be ready when you were.”

She fought her irritation. “So he
was
just trying to get into my pants the whole time?”

“No. He hoped eventually the two of you could take your relationship as far as it has gone. Honestly, as much as it would have pained him to see you with someone else, he was willing to settle for having you as his employee. Just to be near you. And to keep you safe. Don’t forget that him nearly dying and you saving his life wasn’t in his plan. He wanted to spend months, years if necessary, letting you get to know him before we broke any of this information to you. He wanted you to fall in love with him over time, if that was what you wanted. Unfortunately, the Others have forced an adjustment of our timetable.”

She sighed. “I have to tell him what happened.”

He patted her leg. “Whatever decision you make, that’s yours. For now, you should rest.”

Chapter Twenty-Six

Matthias looked at Rafael. “So. Want to tell me what happened?”

Rafael watched Anastazia walk away before answering. He shook his head. “She had me, totally.” He turned to his cousin. “I couldn’t do anything. I mean, she had me by the brain and the balls, big guy. She ran the show.”

Matthias studied his cousin. “Except when you kissed her.”

Rafael reddened and studied the ground. “You saw that, huh?” He hoped Matthias didn’t see his other thoughts, his suspicions.

His hopes.