When A Lioness Snarls (A Lion's Pride Book 5) (13 page)

“I don’t think they’re going to leave,” Luna grumbled from where she slouched in the passenger seat of his car.

“Apparently, we spooked Charlemagne.”

“We should have strung him up by his heels when we had a chance.”

“Probably, but we didn’t. And all this extra muscle doesn’t mean he’s guilty of anything. Could just be him beefing up security because of what we told him.”

“You think he’s suddenly concerned about the well-being of his patrons?” A sneer pulled her lips.

“No, but I’ll bet he’s concerned about his. I wonder where he’s staying.”

“You still don’t have a home address for him?”

“Nothing. But he said he was new to the area. Could be he’s renting or even staying at a hotel. A lot of them cater to business types.”

“You can call around looking for a hotel to admit they have him staying with them. Me, I’m going to wait and see if there’s an opportunity to get inside the club.”

“You are not getting rid of me that easily. I know the hotel thing is a haystack. I agree with your plan that we wait and watch. Charlemagne will have to leave eventually, and when he does, we’ll follow and then corner him.” This time, they wouldn’t be caught by surprise. So he settled in to watch, a stakeout, something he’d done hundreds of times, but totally different when done with Luna. For one, the confines of his car proved too tight. He couldn’t escape her fragrance. It swirled around him in a heady mix.

Smells so good. And I know those lips taste even better. Go in for a quick one. She’s right there. So close.

He needed air.

Stepping out of his car, Jeoff heard her say, “Where are you going? Doesn’t matter. I’m coming with you.”

Fuck yes, I want her to come with me. On my cock, yelling my name.

Desire for her pulsed with a life of its own. Need made him want to snare her close and…

“I’ve got an idea.”

So did he. His involved saying screw it to the stakeout and finding a bed. She was right. This attraction between them needed resolving. He couldn’t concentrate. “What are you doing?” he asked as she grabbed him by the jacket and jerked him toward the lip of a narrow alley.

“Follow me and you’ll see.”

No light shone between the buildings, yet she navigated the abandoned wooden pallets and debris with ease. Night vision was such a perk, but it also showed the starkness of the place. Not a single bed or patch of soft grass in sight.

“Hopefully this thing is up to code,” Luna muttered, letting go of him to grab a rung and stick her foot on the first step.

“We can’t go up there.” The rancid scent of the alley did a lot to revive his mental state and point out issues with their current plan. “We should stick by the car so we can be ready to leave at a moment’s notice in case we need to follow someone.”

“Oh please. I doubt he’s leaving anytime soon. The club’s just getting going. Chances are Charlemagne is in for a while. At least up here, we can have a good view of who’s coming and going. Not to mention, we won’t look as suspicious. I mean, come on, you don’t think they’re going to notice us sitting in the car?”

They wouldn’t think anything of it if the windows fogged and the car rocked on its springs. “I guess we can go up and take a look.” A part of him felt as if he should point out that it would be chilly at the top. If they were going to fool around, they’d be warmer in his car. And that rationality alone was why he didn’t argue any further.

If he stayed in that car with her so close by, he wouldn’t be able to stop what would inevitably happen. Then again, he might have reached the point of no return anyway.

Luna twitched her tail, and he followed. In this case, he followed her up a ladder, a wooden and metal one, bolted to the side of the building. It creaked and shuddered as they clambered up the narrow rungs.

He didn’t bother averting his gaze from her pert derriere as it moved ahead of him, flexing in utmost perfection. He might have drooled a little at the thought of it wiggling the same way naked. It appeared, where Luna was concerned, his resistance was almost entirely gone. It would take only a slight shove to tip him over the edge. Instead, her shove brought him close to a chimney that radiated heat on the roof and, given it sat close to the edge, meant they could stay warm while they watched.

“Did you know this was here?” he asked, noting the milk crates parked upside down on the space between the parapet and the chimney.

“An educated guess. Most buildings have some kind of heating system, and this time of the year, they’re pumping warmth into their warehouses trying to keep merchandise at temperature.”

“You know, in all my years of stakeouts, it never occurred to me to get an aerial view. We usually stick to a car. Easier to follow.”

“You gotta think outside the box, wolfie. In this case, you’re assuming there’s something to follow. In case you didn’t notice yet, the club has no cars parked anywhere. None. Nada. Zilch. So either Charlemagne walks everywhere or he has to call a cab. Which means we have a minute or so when the taxi arrives to get our asses back down to your wheels. We have time, and if we don’t nab him tonight, we’ll get him tomorrow.”

“Already planning another date?” He couldn’t help but tease her, knowing how she panicked at the thought of something a little more serious.

“If this is your idea of a date, then maybe I’ve been missing out.” Her lips split into a wide grin. “You have to admit, this is a much better view of the action.”

She won that argument. Being discreet meant they couldn’t park right outside the club. They would have gotten pegged right away. But up here, hiding in the shadows? It was a great spot for spying—and for lovers.

Alone. At last.

Must resist.

Fuck that.

Jeoff tired of resisting. Tired of his own damned rules and morals. He hadn’t felt himself since he started spending time with Luna. On the contrary, he felt frustrated and anxious and aroused and alive. So fucking alive.

It wasn’t just felines who suffered from curiosity. He did too. He wanted to know what it would feel like if he just let go with her. If he said screw it and made love to her like he’d been fantasizing.

Here and now. Why wait?

Before logic could foil his need, he drew Luna to him, dragged her into his arms, and slanted his mouth over hers, finding her lips pliant and willing.

A part of him recognized what they did was dangerous, and not because they kissed in plain sight of the club that might be involved in the kidnapping and disappearance of folk. The embrace bordered on dangerous because he knew he couldn’t stop and knew he would want more.

All of her. I want all of her.
Say goodbye to the single life. It didn’t matter if Luna thought they would only enjoy a fling, that this would be something they’d do a few times and then get bored of.

He knew better.
She’s it for me.

The realization, the one he kept denying, was why he’d fought for so long. Once he sank into her, took Luna and made her his, that was it. She would totally ruin him for other women. No question about it.

And he’d ruin any guy who thought he could have her—with his fist.

Priding himself on having a cool head only applied where Luna wasn’t concerned. Touch her, and he would go rabid.

L
una had pretty much convinced
herself she was done trying to seduce Jeoff. The man seemed content on torturing the two of them, determined to send her the most mixed signals ever, so when he cupped her face and drew her lips to his, she fully expected a torrid kiss followed by intense sexual frustration.

The understanding didn’t mean she pushed him away. She couldn’t. The touch of his mouth on hers ignited a fire within her, a wild primal urge to place her mark on this male, to make him her own.

There was a height difference between them that he solved by lifting her. Since she didn’t want him to drop her, she wrapped her legs around his waist. That was her logic, but the reality was, not only did it bring her lips in line with his, it also pressed the core of her against him—against the hardest part of him.

No denying his arousal for her. What she did worry about was if this was going to be another exercise in frustration. It wasn’t just men who had parts turning blue.

In between kisses, she managed to ask, “What are we doing?”

“What’s it look like we’re doing?” was his answer.

Not exactly the most revealing of answers. “It looks like we’re kissing”—nibble and suck—“but the last time we got this close”—tug of his lower lip—“you walked away.” She might die if he did that to her again.

“I’m done fighting this. I’m not going anywhere, not this time. Not ever.”

What was that supposed to mean?

Asking for an explanation would have to wait. He deepened the embrace, his mouth claiming hers with a fiery touch, a possessive hunger that she also felt. Kissing Jeoff was unlike anything she’d ever experienced, and she’d experienced a lot.

Why the difference? Why the sensation of sitting on a precipice of importance?

The intensity of the moment frightened. The implication that this would lead to something more terrified. Was she ready for this? Ready for Jeoff and everything he promised?

For all the teasing they’d done, she’d never actually imagined it would happen. Hoped it would, but never thought beyond the fantasy.

What happens after we have sex?
Jeoff no longer resisted. On the contrary, he seduced, but he’d made it clear what his intentions were. He wanted a relationship. Question was, did she? Perhaps she could convince him to try something more casual? Would that be enough for him, or would he expect something more of her, something deeper?

What do I want of him?

Was forever too much?

A thing called doubt, not something she experienced very often, thought she should move away, put some space between them. Get a few breaths of air and clear her head.

Ha. No. No way was she moving away from the lips slanted over hers. How could she resist the teasing and nibbling, the sensual exploration of her mouth? The answer was she couldn’t. Make that wouldn’t. But he sensed her withdrawal, and he stopped the embrace long enough to say, “Are you all right? Do you want me to stop?”

“You’d stop?”

“I would if you asked.”

Because he respected her. Hot damn.

“Don’t you dare stop now.” She’d never wanted a man this bad.

“Or else what?” he teased, his breath feathering across her lips.

She wound her arms around his neck and tugged him close, mashing her mouth to his. Jeoff groaned, a hum of appreciation that she absorbed with parted lips that allowed a sinuous foray by his tongue. The intimacy of the French kiss made her toes curl as the taste of him drove her wild. The tips of her fingers dug into his back as she clung to him. Annoying clothes separated their skin. The horror. The irritation.

She dragged her lips away and nibbled along the clean-shaven edge of his jaw. Somehow, he’d found the time today to run a razor over it. A shame, she wouldn’t have minded the friction of his bristles. Her lips kept moving, and he tilted his head back, baring his throat in the ultimate gesture of trust.

She let her tongue flick over the rapid pulse beating in his neck. She pressed her lips to it, the predator in her pleased that he didn’t try to bend her to his will. In that moment, he belonged to her.

We should mark him. Now.

His smooth column would look so good with a set of teeth marks. Hers.

The suggestion had her gasping and pulling back. She needed to put space between them before she did something she’d regret. However, he didn’t know the evil thoughts that floated in her brain and didn’t see the mental battle waging inside her head. He pursued her for another torrid kiss, melting her resistance. Resistance was foolish.

She wanted this. She’d just make sure she didn’t bite him.

Should have brought a muzzle.

Holding her in mid-air meant she could grope him, but he couldn’t let his hands rove her body. Perhaps that explained why he abruptly sank to the rooftop, folding his legs so that she sat in his lap, still straddling him.

She unfisted the fabric of his jacket so that her fingers were free to roam upward, sifting through the fine strands of his hair. He proved less subtle in his exploration, palming her ass cheeks and squeezing. He pulled her tight to his body, their position decadently intimate. Since her skirt rode up around her hips, that left only her tiny panties as a barrier to her sex, and the material was hopelessly soaked. He got to wear some of that moisture, as his jeans, the thick, impenetrable denim, absorbed some of it. Could he feel the heat that radiated from her?

He squeezed her ass, and she couldn’t help but quip, “Those aren’t oranges. No need to test them.”

“Less testing and more like admiring. Do you have any idea how long I’ve wanted to grab your ass?”

A spurt of enjoyment heated her at his admission. “If you think those are nice, wait until I get you between my thighs and I squeeze.” Too late, she wondered if she’d scare him off with her brazenness.

He let out a low chuckle against her lips. “I look forward to it.”

A reply on her part turned into a gasp as he let his lips dart to the lobe of her ear. He nipped the tip and drew a moan of pleasure. He’d found her weak spot. And he totally exploited it.

As he tortured the shell of her ear, she pressed tighter to him, the buds of her nipples chafing at the fabric covering them. She burned with need. She so wanted him to touch them.

Leaning back, she untied her shirt, slipped the buttons free, and stripped it off, leaving her sitting in his lap in only her skirt, bra, and panties. Even without the hot chimney at his back, she would have stayed warm with the look in his eyes.

He devoured her with his gaze, the hot glance scorching her skin in awareness. He slid his hands up from her buttocks to her ribs, stopping at the edge of her bra. It wasn’t the first time a man touched her, yet Luna couldn’t help but tremble at his caress. His seeking hands slid around to her back. With deft fingers, he unhooked the bra and shed it, freeing her breasts.

She leaned back and licked her lips in invitation. A hint of a smile lurked around his lips, but his eyes were firmly on the prize. He cupped her breasts, a perfect handful for each of his palms. His thumb brushed over the peak of her nipple; the already tight bud pulled even tauter. At the pinch between fingers and the roll, she moaned. At the tug of her nipples, she felt a jolt between her thighs.

“You are so fucking gorgeous.” He practically growled the words. He needn’t have bothered. She could read the heated worship in his gaze, but he wanted to do more than look. He wished to pay homage with his mouth. As his head dipped forward, she arched her back to present her breasts to him. Jeoff took what she offered, his mouth latching onto a protruding nipple, sucking it with his warm, wet mouth. Her other taut bud did not languish as his fingers toyed with it, teasing her to pleasurable heights. She couldn’t help her sounds of enjoyment, and he seemed to like her audible encouragement, as he grew bolder with his caresses.

When he buried his face in her cleavage, she hugged him close and wished he’d bury his face elsewhere. Mmm. Just the thought had her pushing free and standing.

“What are you—”

She muffled his question by digging her hand into his hair and pulling him to the vee of her thighs. He got the hint and hit his knees, a supplicant eager to worship. Her skirt remained pushed up around her waist, exposing her arousal-soaked panties. He hooked his fingers and yanked, pulling them down the length of her legs, but leaving them tethered around her ankles and boots. His fingers dug into her thighs, holding and spreading her, exposing her to his view. He nuzzled her, rubbing his face against her mound, teasing her with his warm breath. He managed to wedge his tongue between her thighs, the slick tip of it tagging her nether lips.

“Yes.” She practically purred the word over and over as he lapped at her, the wet strokes of his tongue insistent. She quivered, all of her primed and ready for more.

More as in him, sinking into her. Now. No more delay.

She pushed him away, and he growled. “I’m not done.”

“No, you’re not.” She managed to pivot without falling, her ankles still tethered by her panties. She bent over and braced her hands on the parapet, knowing she exposed her core. She heard him suck in a breath. A glance over her shoulder, a come-hither invitation, was all he needed to take what she offered.

He rose from the rooftop, hands on the closure for his pants. He unbuttoned and pushed at his pants until he sprang gloriously free, his thick cock bobbing in appreciation.

“What do you know? You were right. You don’t pass out when it’s hard.”

“Are you seriously teasing me at a moment like this?” He stood behind her and slapped the head of his cock off her ass. “You do realize you’re at my mercy.”

“About time. So do you mind canning the talk and getting to the action?”

“No respect,” he grumbled. He continued to tap his hard shaft off her ass cheeks, but he also felt between her thighs, the tips of his fingers sliding along her sex. Just when she thought she might yell if he didn’t do something, he wrapped an arm around her waist and hoisted her higher. Only then did he nudge her wet slit with the tip of his cock. At the feel of his thickness, she couldn’t help but shudder, and a quiver made her channel clench tight, making it harder for him to push in.

“It’s not going to fit,” she couldn’t help but say with disbelief.

“It will fit.” Such determined words.

He dropped back to his knees, and with her still bent over, he plied his tongue against her, giving her sex a quick lashing that had her moaning. When he turned his attention to only her clit, the thrust of his fingers inside her sex had her gasping, especially when he went from two, to three, to a channel-stretching four.

Moans erupted from her as he pumped her sweet flesh. This time, when he abruptly stood and the tip of him pushed, she didn’t tense, and he eased himself into her tight channel. And she meant tight.

Jeoff stretched her, stretched her so delightfully with his sizable cock. Her fingers held tight to the parapet as she shoved herself back against him. She could feel him holding back, probably because of some misguided belief he’d hurt her. He’d learn she could handle it a little rough. Actually, she liked it when a lover didn’t take it too slow and gentle. How better to show him how she liked it than to rock hard back against him, deeply sheathing his cock.

While she couldn’t see it, she heard it as Jeoff let out a howl, not the most discreet sound and so surprising. So deeply satisfying. She made him lose control. Good, because he did the same to her. As Jeoff kept burying himself, over and over, the thickness of him thrusting in a cadence that stuttered her breath, she could only bask in the impending ecstasy, knowing that the tight coiling in her, the stringing of every single nerve, would culminate in the most ridiculous orgasm ever. If he would finally let go.

“Take me,” she growled. Thrust. “Fucking take, wolfie. Take me hard and fast. Fuck me and make me your bitch. I want you to make me scream.” The filthy words came out of her, but she couldn’t stop them. The question was, would they frighten him away?

Like hell. Jeoff let out another howl of pleasure. His fingers clutched her and kept her perfectly poised for the rapid pumping of his hips. He slammed into her, a constant friction that had her keening. For once, a man gave Luna what she damned well wanted. He pounded at her flesh, hitting that sweet spot with each deep stroke. His body slapped against her ass with a smacking of flesh.

She rocked with him, her body so in tune with his that even her spirit, the very essence of her, seemed to have stretched to wrap around Jeoff, feeding her his emotions. She could feel his response to her sighs and moans, his intense pleasure at being with her.

It made her climax, made her squeeze his already tightly sheathed cock even closer. Having him buried to the hilt as she came meant something perfect to quiver around. Something to grip. It made her tumble over the edge of bliss, again and again, the first orgasm rolling over and over with each clench around him, and when he pulsed, the heat of his essence filling her, she shattered.

She might have collapsed if he hadn’t wrapped himself around her shuddering body. He held her close to him, letting her recover as she strove to calm her harsh breaths. It was a strangely intimate moment.

And he ruined it by talking.