Whisper (5 page)

He made another protest, and she shook her head.

“Alec gives you better food than that? What, do you eat at the table?”

In answer, the cat jumped up with lithe grace to a chair and sat down. She chuckled, and they sat in companionable silence throughout their dinner. Later, she came to the conclusion that Max the cat didn’t like his name. He kind of growled at her whenever she used the name, so she dropped it with the intention of talking to Alec about a name change for his pet.

In her living room, she forewent pulling a blanket over her while she watched TV and allowed the cat again to jump up to join her. His thick fur warmed her legs, and he rested his wide head on her thigh. She tapped his nose when it ventured too close to her panties, and he settled down. Whisper scratched with absentmindedness behind his ears as she took in a couple of medical drama shows, her favorites.

When the shows were over, she flicked the TV off with the remote and settled back in her chair. A glance at the coffee table reminded her that she’d brought her cell phone in the room, and she chewed her lip. “What do you think about me seeing your owner? Will he break my heart?” she asked the cat.

Slanted green eyes blinked up at her.

“I know he thinks only of what his body wants and never considers the hurt of the other person. Women become attached to men when they sleep together. It’s a bigger deal than just fulfilling the physical needs for us.” She sighed and stared at the ceiling. “Do you know how many times I’ve gotten it wrong?”

The cat growled in protest. She laughed.

“Well not
that
many times. I don’t dive into bed with every Tom, Dick, and Harry.” The cat let out a puff of air, which tickled her pussy. She rolled away from him. “I can’t bear being heartbroken again. I just don’t want to. Maybe I’m closed off, and I can’t take any man at face value anymore.”

To her surprise tears welled in her eyes and slipped down her face. This was too soon to get all emotional. She’d only gone out with Alec once, but no one understood better than her how hopeful she’d get even with a few conversations. Right now, without any love involved, he could make her sad. How did they do it?

She sniffed and scrubbed at her face. The cat stood and jumped to the floor. He padded over to the exit, and she wiped away the water works the best she could. “Sorry for becoming a downer. You’re ready to go? All right.”

She opened the door and let him out, then returned to her bedroom. Ice cream would help, but she had none in the house. Even though it had grown late, she figured a trek to the convenience store was in order. She dressed and headed out. Maybe she should have turned Alec down. After all he couldn’t know that the man she’d loved and was close to marrying had dumped her cold saying he’d fallen for someone else. The lover before that had been in a tragic accident, which took his right leg. After the accident, no matter how supportive she’d been, he drew further away until he didn’t come around at all. The various guys she’d dated around those two weren’t about anything. Sometimes she thought she was cursed, that all relationships with her were doomed to failure. Maybe it was true, and Alec should look out. No, he didn’t want a relationship, so he was safe.

She headed out the door in a pair of jeans and a T-shirt. The store wasn’t far, and the street was well-lit. At the corner, she stopped and waited for the light to change. The night might have grown late, but that didn’t slow down city traffic. Everybody had somewhere to be no matter what the time.

“Excuse me, miss, you have the time?” A man had drawn up next to her in his car. Whisper raised an eyebrow. Was he serious? That was the oldest line in the book to start a conversation with a woman. Did he actually think she was going to talk to him this time of night?

“Nope,” she replied and started to go around his vehicle.

“Come on, honey,” he crooned. “Don’t treat me this way. Let’s talk a little.”

“I’m in a hurry.” Her clipped tone didn’t seem to deter him. The man got out of the car and walked around to block her path. Whisper evaluated him. He was small but wiry. Although he didn’t look like someone ready to rob her, that didn’t mean he wasn’t a bad guy. Making the wrong assumption could get her hurt or worse. Still, something told her he was just some idiot desperate for a girlfriend. “Get out of my way.”

“How about this.” He held out his hand. “I’m Kal. I have a job and as you can see a car. What’s your name? Maybe we could—”

A snarl from the shadows caught both their attention. Whisper looked over her shoulder. All she needed to see was the glowing slanted eyes to know it was Alec’s pet. She suppressed a smile and turned back to the guy.

“My boyfriend’s dog”—A dog seemed more of a threat, and she didn’t want to admit the animal was actually a leopard—“I wouldn’t come any closer if I were you. My boyfriend trained him to devour any guys that try to hit on me.”

Another low growl that was a great imitation of a dog if she said so herself did the convincing. The guy jumped back into his car and peeled out of there without looking back. Whisper burst out laughing. “Wow, you come in handy. Sorry about the dog thing, baby.” She threw a kiss toward the spot where the cat had been, but she no longer saw his eyes or him. “You better get back home. I’ll be fine now. Thanks.”

The cat had lightened her mood, and she no longer needed the ice cream, but she went to pick it up anyway. Tomorrow or the next couple of days when she had her date with Alec, she might need it. Whisper didn’t see the leopard, but something told her he wasn’t far. She decided not to tell Alec about his pet protecting her just in case he wasn’t allowed outside on his own, which she was sure he wasn’t. How a wild leopard on the loose didn’t attack people, she didn’t know. The fact that he was smarter than the average cat was obvious, but she still should have her head examined for accepting it.

All was quiet back at the apartment, and Whisper put her ice cream in the freezer and then took herself off to bed. Tomorrow was another day.

Chapter Six

Alec rubbed a towel over his wet hair, frowning. What had he been thinking going to Whisper’s apartment? He could admit in the privacy of his own thoughts that he’d longed to see her sooner than the three days she’d given him. He was a fool. Maybe he should cut this one loose before the situation got out of hand. Of course he didn’t take Max’s words seriously that she was his mate. Alec had never come across any woman that gave him that “feeling” so many of his kind talked about, and he refused to believe whatever draw Whisper held was anything other than a desire for her luscious body.

To deny excitement coursed through his veins at seeing her tonight and the thought of touching her was to lie to himself, and he wasn’t in the habit of doing that. Another thing he wasn’t in the habit of doing was going out onto the city streets in his leopard form. That was dangerous and foolish. They could not be discovered. Yet, when he heard her pass his place, he knew he would follow. The city wasn’t safe for a woman alone at night, and he’d been proven correct when that bastard had tried coming onto her. Alec found himself using all of his willpower not to attack the guy.
If he had touched her
… No, that didn’t bear thinking about.

He tossed the towel aside in anger and sat on the side of his bed. What the hell was this? In an instant, he’d gone from lusting for her to uttering possessive mewls like she belonged to him. The only knowledge that gave him any peace was that he wasn’t behaving the way his brother had when he met Sarah. He’d been like a kitten in love, bouncy and playful whenever he was in her presence. Max had been intolerable at that time, almost sickening. Alec tolerated him only for Sarah, who’d been a sweet woman, one of the best, and perfect for his brother. She’d been devoted to him.

Now that I think about it, I was almost jealous of him. I wanted what he had found
. Well,
until I came to my senses.

He put thoughts of Whisper and how much he wanted her out of his head for the time being. Tonight he would be a perfect gentleman. He’d show her a good time and then drop her at her door none the worse. His plan was to leave her wanting and unable to resist seeking him out. Then he’d welcome her with open arms.

Alec left his apartment and crossed the hall to Whisper’s place. He’d had plenty of time to find a house now, but he was putting it off. The apartment was convenient. He could watch over her, and when he didn’t Max did. For some reason antagonizing Alec by pretending an interest in Whisper had eased some of his brother’s grief. Alec knew if Max thought she was his, he would not get in the way, so for now, Alec let him believe what he wanted. For the first time in months, Max wasn’t driving him insane acting out the torment that was in his heart. If nothing else, Alec had to thank Whisper for that.

When Whisper opened the door, he did all he could not to let on how she affected him. Her beauty took his breath away. Wide brown eyes, soft thick lips, and a cute nose. She stood no higher than his collarbone, and although she was plump—which set his loins on fire—she still appeared fragile to him. He didn’t appreciate the sense of wanting to protect her, but it was there inside of him.

“That dress,” he breathed.

She frowned and looked down at herself. “You don’t like it? I know it’s a little clingy. I thought it wasn’t so bad.” She swung away from him a little trying to see behind her. He got a view of her curvy ass, and she was right, the dress was clingy.
Wonderfully
clingy. His palms itched for a squeeze, but he refrained.

“I love it. You look beautiful tonight, and blue is perfect with your smooth cocoa skin.” He raised her hand, flipped it over, and kissed her palm. The tremble satisfied him that she was affected by his touch.

She blushed and lowered her lashes. Did she know the power she held in those eyes? He doubted it.

“Thanks,” she murmured. “So why did I have to get dressed up? Where are we going?”

He tsked. “Wait and see.”

When they reached the street, he watched for her reaction to the horse and carriage. Her eyes widened, and her mouth made a little
O
. He suppressed a smile. After he helped her into the carriage, Alec snapped the reins, and they were off.

“So cool. I’ve always wanted to take a carriage ride, but I never got around to trying it. No one I’ve ever dated wanted to try either.” She set a hand on his forearm and squeezed gently. “Thanks, Alec.”

“This is only the beginning of our date.” He winked. “You can save your gratitude for later.”

She rolled her eyes and pursed her lips. “Boy, don’t even get excited. I am not rewarding you like that!”

He laughed. “I would never imply such a thing.”

“Whatever.”

The carriage took them through the park along lighted paths. He had to hand it to the city in keeping up with safety measures for its residents. Of course, nothing would happen to Whisper while he was at her side. He could guarantee it.

When the way opened to an area just off the path, Whisper leaned forward. “What is that?”

Alec said nothing. He let her discover the table and chairs, the soft music, a waiter preparing glasses of chilled wine. Alec helped her down from the carriage and couldn’t resist a slight caress at her waist as he guided her to their table.

“Did you get special permission for this?”

He pulled out her chair and seated her. Bending over behind her, he spoke into her ear. “Don’t worry. I want you to enjoy yourself.”

While she still appeared nervous, her eyes did reflect enjoyment at the scene he had laid out before her. Two dozen roses and candlelight set the mood. Alec planned to take her into his arms after dinner to dance under the stars.

“Mm, this wine is delicious. Will you try to get me drunk?”

“Never,” he answered. “I want you sober when I hold you.”

She sucked her teeth but giggled.

The dinner progressed as he expected with them chatting. Alec kept conversation light about nothing in particular. He did discuss her relationship with her sister and why it was so strained, but when he saw her becoming upset, he steered it away to gentler topics. Something told him Whisper’s sister considered her a failure and that the woman had little patience for her. He felt the offense. Even while he and Max had their differences and his brother pissed him off regularly, he couldn’t imagine not running with his brother. They were close, and he had no doubt they always would be.

“So, do you dance?” he asked when they had finished eating for almost half an hour. Her eyebrows went up.

“Um?”

He extended a hand. “Come on.”

“Where? Here?”

Again he felt the tremble, but she hid her nervousness well. The sweet smile got to him. He liked the crooked tooth at the topside of her pretty mouth. How he wanted to kiss her again, but he’d promised to behave himself. Already he’d broken their agreement about her selecting where she wanted to go. He had planned the entire evening without her input, so he would settle for holding her in his arms for the time being. Keeping his hands to himself didn’t include what they were about to do, which was why he made sure they danced in the first place.

“Okay, fine, but don’t get grabby.” She laughed, and he joined her.

Alec pulled her against him. He thought she’d protest at the close proximity, but she didn’t utter a word when her breasts pressed into him. Of course if she knew how hard she’d just made him, she might run. He shifted away to keep her from finding out and then rocked her to the beat of the music. At the same time, a breeze stirred her hair, and a tendril blew across her cheek. He brushed it away. She smiled her gratitude with an upturned chin. The invitation seemed clear, but he fought the impulse.

He whipped her away from him, guiding her movements with his hand in hers. He enjoyed the chance to watch her hips moving to the rhythm that only black women seemed to have, a hypnotic twist and dip that felt like his doom.

Her lips had been sweet that last time, and her body…
Does this woman know how sexy she is? How delicious she was in that thong?
He’d covered his desire with a smart remark, and he’d thought he made her hate him after that and her friend’s actions. So it surprised him how easily she came when he held out his hand. She drifted into his embrace while he tried not to think she belonged there on a permanent basis.

No, Alec, this is about possessing her body, not her heart.
That’s all I want. She’s not my mate. I have no mate and never will.

Alec spun her once again, and this time when he drew her, it was with her back to him. He let her feel what she did to him, and he grinned at her sharp intake of breath. One would think she was a virgin. No way a man had never enjoyed all of this. He peered over her shoulder and saw down the deep cleavage on display for him. Her breasts were a good size and would fill his palms. He wouldn’t be a man if he didn’t dream of sucking her nipples until they were rigid. Alec dipped his head and rested his mouth on the top of her head. He drew in a deep breath. She smelled amazing.

“You’re…uh…enjoying the dance,” she commented.

“Does it bother you?”

Her smile widened. “No.”

Alec nuzzled her cheek and kissed it. Damn, he’d broken the rule, but she didn’t protest. “Good.”

When she raised her chin, he didn’t resist going further. He captured it to hold her still while he claimed her mouth. Plundering the warm, wet interior was the only thing he could do as he splayed fingers over her belly.
Soft and so good.
He sucked her bottom lip between his and bit down just enough to startle but not hurt. She moaned in his mouth, driving him insane.

A roar rumbled to his throat when she moved out of his arms and walked back to the table. He stood where he was for a few moments, trying to pull himself together. At what point had the tables been turned and she began to seduce him?

He sat down at the table and smoothed his jacket front. “Would you like more wine?”

She held out her glass. “Please.”

Alec obliged her in silence. His mind raced, and he searched it for conversation, something to get him back on firm footing and her into the palm of his hand.

“So why are you afraid of commitment?”

“Wha—?” His hand dipped, and red liquid stained the white tablecloth. Alec swore under his breath. Whisper laughed at him. Something harsh and arrogant trembled on his lips, but he bit it back. He didn’t want to hurt her. In fact, looking into her eyes, he realized it would get to him to see pain there, worse if he caused it.
What the hell is the matter with you? Get it together. This is child’s play.
“I’m not afraid of commitment. I’ve simply made a decision not to settle down.”

She picked up a roll and began buttering it, not looking at him. For some reason, Alec needed to know what she was thinking. He hated that he didn’t.

“A heartbreak can cause it or seeing your parents’ failed relationship.”

Nothing could have cooled his desire like their current conversation, and she’d done it on purpose. Of that he was sure. “My parents have a solid marriage, one built on respect and understanding.”

Whisper glanced up, eyes wide. “Respect and understanding?”

He compressed his lips.

She patted his hand as if he were a child. “I’ve never seen two people more unalike as you and Max are.”

He grunted. “Are you saying you like my brother better?”

“Oh don’t be so touchy,” she teased. “No, I’m not saying that at all. Just from what I’ve seen of Max, he’s more open to loving. You said he’d just lost the love of his life, and he’s grieving. You fight it like a wild animal.”

She couldn’t be closer to the truth, he thought. Still, he resented her insinuating that he was closed off. “Do I have to have a reason for choosing to live as I do? Why can’t I just prefer it?” Alec heard the grumpiness in his tone, but couldn’t stuff it down. The worse part of it was even while Whisper dug at him, he wanted her. He couldn’t stop looking at her, breathing her in, listening to her voice. Maybe she was more of a seductress than her friend. Sheila was gauche, and that had always turned him off in a woman. Whisper was everything her friend was not. The table sat between them, and yet it wasn’t enough. He needed her on his lap, moaning while he pleasured her with his hands between her legs. “I need to get you home.”

“I thought—” She stopped, and the hurt he’d wanted to avoid surfaced in her gaze. “I’m too direct. I say the wrong things every time. I’m sorry.”

Alec blinked in surprise when she suddenly jetted for the trees. He paused only a few seconds and then ran after her. “Whisper,” he called.

Ahead, she made a sharp turn and left the path. He lost sight of her. The woman was fast on her feet, but that meant nothing. Even in his human form, he could pick up her scent. Whisper’s natural fragrance teased his senses and felt like a seduction even when she wasn’t trying. She called to him in her own way, and he followed with ease.