No Greater Loyalty (21 page)

Bringing the cigar to his lips again, his eyes lingered on her smooth, brown thighs. Those thighs tempted him to open them wide and experience her sweetness, indulge in wanton gluttony of the flesh until he he’d had his fill for the night. And indulge himself he would.

But first, he
’d have to bring her back in line, remind her of the power of the beast which lay between
his
thighs.

"Okay, enough," Nikki suddenly exclaimed in the quietness of the room. Throwing her magazine aside, she swung her legs over the bed and stood up. "I
’ve asked you not to smoke in our bedroom, Angelo, but I assume this is just another way of telling me you’re going to do whatever you please no matter what I say or what I think, so -"

"Sit down, Nicole."

Snorting delicately, she slipped her feet into the black slippers on the floor beside her bed.

Angel
’s tone cooled several degrees. "I said…sit…down."

Nikki stared at him for several seconds as if deciding whether or not it was worth defying him, but apparently decided it wasn
’t. He would get his way whether she willingly cooperated or not. He always did.

Without looking at him, she angrily kicked the slippers off and climbed back in bed, but this time she slipped under the covers and flipped on her side. Positively furious, she gave him her back and pulled the woven fabric of the Egyptian sheets up to her ears and closed her eyes, determined to ignore him for the rest of the night.

Settling deeper in the chair, the corner of Angel's mouth relaxed into a half-smile. Nikki could throw a tantrum with the best of them. He’d have to be careful, though. She was far from stupid; he didn’t want this thing with Raven and Hawk to come between them. That was not an option.

Angel felt some of his own anger fade until it pulsated to a mild throb of irritation. He couldn
’t really be upset with her. His wife was a strong woman, and in spite of the women he’d been with in the past, he found her strength …stimulating. No matter how many times he swore he’d broken her in, she always came back swinging, ready for another round. He loved that about her. After all, he planned on being with this woman for the rest of his life, that was for damn sure. Nicole kept him on his toes, there was no doubt about that. These little bouts they engaged in from time to time made for some of the best sex in their marriage. Tonight would be no exception.

He placed his cigar in the crystal ashtray that sat on the small table by his chair. Standing slowly, he approached the bed with the graceful fluidity of a stalking cat. A surge of energy raced through his veins, his earlier fatigue gone. Far from tired, he was now restless and wide awake. 

He was also aroused, hungry…and ready to feed.

CHAPTER 33

Nikki kept her eyes closed, refusing to acknowledge him.  She could feel Angel standing over her, feel the heat of his eyes as if it were a physical touch. She willed her body to stay relaxed and her breathing to remain steady. Her resolve was put to the test when his finger ran down her cheek in the barest of caresses. Angel took his time pulling the sheet down that half-covered her face.

Nikki imagined she was fairly convincing until his finger continued its exploratory journey and shifted a bit to outline the curve of her ear. She swallowed, the sound seeming as loud as a freight train in the still, quiet room. Her heart sank. Angel had to have heard it, and his next words confirmed that he didn't buy her act for one second.

"I know you're not sleep, Nicole. You can be as angry as you like, but neither of us will be getting much rest tonight."

Her hands balled into fists under the bedding, but she still kept her eyes closed.

Angel's voice deepened in amusement. "You just reminded me of something. Remember in school how there would be material that the teacher went over in class? You'd have to pay close attention to what was being taught and take notes because there was always the possibility of being tested at the end of the hour."

Nikki's heartbeat accelerated into high gear with every second that passed by as he continued.

"Just so you know, this is going to be one of those nights I teach you a lesson, Nikki." Angel leaned down and brought his lips next to her ear. His voice dropped to a low whisper, his warm breath causing her to quiver like a leaf on a tree. "Make no mistake, sweetheart, I have every confidence you'll pass with flying colors."

Nikki could no longer lie there and pretend that her body wasn't on fire from head to toe. Her senses on high alert, she instinctively went into defense mode. Turning on her back, Nikki brought her hand up to his chest to push him away, but she may as well have been trying to move a ten-ton boulder for all the good it did. Still, she fixed him with a sullen glower, desperately trying to show him she was not giving in.

"Threats, Angel?"

His deep laughter rumbled off his chest. "I don't make 'threats', Nikki. You know that."

"Well, whatever you have in mind, you can just forget it. You coming in here and speaking to me like I'm some mindless twit instead of your wife spoils the mood quick."

Angel's eyes warmed to a brownish-green hazel, a sure indication that he was deeply aroused. Nikki forgot to breathe for a moment. Angel’s moods changed lightening quick. Sometimes, she could barely keep up with them.

"You're saying you don't want me tonight?" he asked.

Nikki made an effort to keep her voice firm, using the same tone she used with A.J. when he tried to sweet talk her into getting his way. "I'm saying that I'd prefer we just go to bed...to
sleep
...and talk about this in the...wait...Angel what–"

Nikki stopped mid-sentence, when he suddenly slipped his hand under the cover and smoothed his hand down the front of her body. She tried to catch his wrist, but Angel didn't stop until he found what he was searching for. Cupping her feminine mound, he confirmed that Nikki was hot and wet. Just as he knew she would be.

Her breath became lodged in her throat. "Angel. W-wait. We need to talk."

Nikki's feeble protest came out a garbled mess of barely decipherable words. Without conscious thought, her thighs opened with no prompting from him. She brought her hand down atop his, applying pressure to try and alleviate the ache that made her flesh pulsate like a separate heartbeat. Practically melting through the silk material of her panties, Nikki lifted her hips, pushing herself into his hand, seeking more, wordlessly begging for it.

Angel easily read her body language. He used his fingertip to trace her pussy lips, teasing her with the barest of caresses.

"You
’re so wet. Open your legs wider, Nikki. That's it," he crooned, his eyes glued to her face. "Is this what you wanted?"

"Yes. More. Please." She breathed the words out around sexy, breathless hiccups. 

Angel's fingernail grazed the imprint of her hard, distended clit, rapidly flicking over it. Nikki's back arched, her hips bucking in response.

"
Angel
."

"You're ready to cum for me, aren't you?"

"Yes.
God
, yes!" She desperately tried to slip her fingers under his and pull her panties to the side. She
needed
to feel him touching her without any barriers between them. She emitted a mewling sound of frustration when Angel removed his fingers from between her quivering thighs.

"Don't worry, sweetheart. I'm going to let you cum, give you some relief."

Chest heaving in anticipation, Nikki licked her lips and waited. Her panties were saturated. Her body’s warm honey gushed from her pussy as if it were being squeezed from a bottle. She was so ready.

"I'm going to make you feel so damn good, Nikki. Believe me." He leaned down and gave her a soft kiss, but didn't linger. "You will most definitely cum tonight, several times. But you'll do so only when I'm good and ready to let you."

Nikki looked at him, her face reflecting her confusion. She lifted up onto one elbow. "What? What do you mean?" Her eyes drifted down to the front of his pants. It was clear that he wanted her just as much as she wanted him. "Angel, I...I don't understand."

Angel's shoulder lifted in a shrug. "It's actually quite simple, so I'm unclear about what you don't understand, Nicole, but I
’ll give you some clarification if you would like." His head came down towards her, making sure he had her attention. "You don't dictate how things will be in this marriage, Nicole, in or out of the bedroom. Did you really think I'd be okay with you deciding we wouldn't make love tonight?"

It finally hit her where he was going with all of this. Nikki sat up and curled her legs up under her. "Are you serious?" she asked, her voice trembling with anger as well as unfulfilled passion.

"Oh, I'm very serious. By the time we're finished, you're going to recognize exactly how serious I am so that we don't have this problem in the future."

"Oh. My. God." Nikki's laughter was colored with incredulity. "Is everything a power play with you? Even sex?"

"Of course it is. You know that because you just tried to do the same."

Nikki's gaze faltered from his as she struggled to hide her guilt. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Don't you? Let me help you out by giving you a word of advice." Taking her by surprise, he leaned down and deftly parted her legs. Possessively covering her pussy with his hand, he brought his face close to hers. "The next time you call yourself punishing me, or manipulating me, or whatever the hell that was, I suggest you choose a different weapon of choice other than
this
."

His hand tightened over the damp crotch of her panties.  Sparks of fire shot from Angel's eyes as he sneered down at her. Just thinking of her trying to deny him the pleasure of
his
pussy pissed him off all over again.

"
This
? This belongs to
me.
Your body belongs to
me
.
You
belong to
me
. Don't ever make the mistake of forgetting that."

The two of them engaged in a visual battle of wills. Nikki was the first to back down. Her lashes lowered and her lips tightened, but she didn't deny it because they both knew he was right about her attempting to withhold sex as punishment. She'd been angry and that anger had made her act rashly.

She lifted her chin. There were still traces of veiled defiance in the depth of her eyes that she couldn't seem to smother. "So now this is payback?"

"It's me reminding you that you don't run me, my business, or this relationship." Giving her one last heated look, he walked towards the bedroom door and called out over his shoulder, "By the time I come back, I want you waiting for me, naked and ready for whatever I choose to do to you."

Nikki's teeth snapped together. "And if I refuse?"

Angel paused, beginning to find the entire situation less amusing because he knew what was going on in that beautiful head of hers. She was challenging him, testing him to see how far he'd take this. Well, he'd had about enough.

Turning around, he casually slipped his hand in his pocket and stared at her. Angel could’ve sworn Nikki knew him better, but it was his fault. Lately, he’d allowed her to become comfortable enough to go head to head with him like this. Since they'd been back together, he'd spoiled her unmercifully, as well he should. She was his wife. But in doing so, he’d made the mistake of letting her think she had the right to question his decisions and she did not. Angel didn’t explain himself to anyone…not even his wife.

The look he directed upon her now pinned her in place like an insect being dissected under a microscope. "What was that?"

Nikki boldly repeated her words.

Angel nodded slowly. "Okay, but think long and hard about what you're saying, Nicole. Are you sure you want to play this game with me?"

Nikki drew back a bit. "I'm not playing games, Angel, I –"

"Then do as I say," he snapped. His eyes never left her as he waited. If there was something she wanted to say in response, she needed to do so now.

The long seconds seemed like hours, but when Nicole remained silent, Angel's gaze seared over her once more. That's what he thought. His wife wasn’t a stupid woman, and she knew when she'd taken things too far. This was one of those times. Cutting his eyes sharply, he left the room without another word.

CHAPTER 34

Nicole blinked furiously as she watched him leave. She wanted to scream! She hated when Angel got like this, absolutely
hated
it. It reminded her too much of the way he'd acted after their separation. She wasn't his child, she was a grown woman who had a right to speak her mind however she saw fit. She loved him to death, but he could be so infuriating at times.

Her mind drifted back to what he said a few minutes ago about her not dictating what happened in their home. That wasn't completely true. She was slowly learning that there was an art to handling Angelo. It had to be done in such a way that he didn't feel, in his words, that she was
‘running things’.

Although she didn't walk on eggshells in her marriage, she'd learned to pick and choose her battles. It was advice her mother had given her and Raven a long time ago when it came to dealing with men. Tonight, her emotions had gotten the best of her.

She sank down on the mattress, swallowing hard to clear the egg sized lump from her throat, but it didn't help. While Nikki understood Angel's caution when it came to her sister, Nikki had spoken to Raven before she arrived and had made her position clear. If Raven was trying to use their relationship to gather information on Angel or his business dealings, she would cut all ties with her once and for all. There would be no second chances.

Sighing, Nikki would try and talk to Angel about it again after he
’d had time to calm down, but for now, that conversation would have to wait. He would be back in a few minutes, expecting her to have adhered to his 'request'.

Nikki rolled her eyes at the way that sounded but couldn't ignore the flutter of excitement that settled at the bottom of her stomach. After removing her gown, she peeled the damp panties off. Once completely naked, Nikki sat back on her knees and parted her thighs wide so that she could display the most intimate part of her anatomy to Angel just the way he liked.

Nikki knew it would be a few more minutes before he returned, because as was his habit, he'd probably gone to check on their son and Christian one more time. It didn't matter that their home was a virtual fortress or that Angel's security rivaled that of top government agencies. He wouldn't rest until he physically laid eyes on his son and nephew again, reassuring himself that they were safe. 

Nikki fidgeted on the bed, anxious and so ready for him. She was sure Angel was aware of just how much she wanted this and was in no hurry to get back and put her out of misery.

Trying to divert her thoughts from the hunger eating away at her flesh, Nikki recalled how at first she'd chafed at all of the security he'd assigned for her and A.J., but she soon came to understand the need for it. Angel's biggest fear was that something would happen to his family, that his enemies would try and use them in order to hurt him. He'd kept his distance from Dominick for years because of that very same fear. Thank God, he'd opened up and allowed a relationship to grow between them again. They were extremely close now, and Angel was determined to keep Dominick and his family safe the same as he did for his own.

She was so deep into her thoughts that it took several moments for her to realize Angel was standing in the doorway staring at her. She tensed, struggling to read his mood, but her husband was a master at concealing his thoughts when he didn't want them revealed.

Nikki's body was on fire. Angel affected her like no one else ever had. He had an uncanny way of allowing his eyes to replicate an actual touch. They now rested on her breasts, causing them to swell as if he were lovingly cradling them in his palm. Her nipples puckered similarly to how they reacted when the tip of his tongue unmercifully teased them until she screamed his name. His eyes dropped to the juncture of her widely spread thighs and darkened in appreciation.

Nikki relaxed somewhat, knowing he was pleased. The tiny muscles inside of her pussy tightened, anxious for what was to come. Her nails dug into the soft skin of her thighs in order to stop her fingers from creeping towards her pulsating clit. All it would take was a couple of well-placed caresses to make her come totally and completely unraveled.

She watched as he slowly walked in and continued on over to the minibar set up in the corner of their bedroom. Nikki silently admired his body. His chest and arms were all lean, hard muscles, his trim waist giving way to tight glutes and powerful thighs. Her husband was all male, one hundred percent. He possessed a natural sensuality, a sensuality that was innate. Many men had that quality but very few were able to tap into it.

A man's confidence made him sexy as hell to women, and Angel had it in abundance. She'd seen the way he took control of a room and demanded respect just by walking into it. He made no apologies for the power he wielded or how he went about obtaining it.

Although his looks and sense of style put one in mind of a runway model, his intelligence was evident the moment he opened his mouth to speak. Angel knew what he wanted and didn't let anything stand in his way. He'd gone after Nikki in that same manner, breaking down her barriers, waving aside her insecurities about getting into a relationship with him, and barreling full speed ahead. She'd fallen head over heels in love with him before she even realized it.

Nikki
’s eyes stayed on him now as he poured himself a drink of the expensive liquor he had shipped from Europe. When Angel picked up the crystal tumbler and turned back to her, he gestured for her to face him, which she did before falling back into the same pose.

He took his time and came over to the bed. Standing in front of her he sipped from his glass before lowering it to his side. Reaching out his hand, he traced her mouth with the pad of his thumb.

A shudder of desire ran through her at just that small touch. "Angel, I –"

But he pressed his thumb over her full lips to silence whatever she was going to say. "I don't want you to speak, Nicole. When I do, I'll tell you. Is that understood?"

Nikki hesitated then nodded her head.

"Good," he said, running his fingers through her hair. Urging her closer, he captured her lips in a kiss that was hard and hungry. By the time he lifted his head, Nikki was dizzy and weak.

"Take my pants off," he whispered against her mouth, nibbling her lips as if they were tender, sweet morsels.

He looked down and watched as Nikki unbuckled his belt with trembling hands then released the button and unzipped his pants. His eyes crinkled at her eagerness.

"Sorry," Nikki mumbled, but her attention was caught by what she unleashed when she pulled his pants down in a swift motion. Lips parted, her breathing sounded harsh in the quiet stillness of the room. No matter how many times they made love, the pure beauty of him always left her breathless.

Angel smoothed her hair back in a soothing manner, his gaze following hers. "Is that what you want, baby?"

"Yes," Nikki answered impatiently.

"I
’m feeling generous right now. Maybe just a taste," he conceded, guiding her head down by the hold he had on her hair.

Nikki's slender fingers wrapped around his thick shaft. He felt like a combination of smooth satin and hard steel. Her thumb smoothed over the wetness at the tip, causing him to jerk in her hand. Lowering her mouth, she eagerly licked the underside of his dick from the base on up to the slit. Nikki
’s tongue sampled the precum oozing out and brought his flavor back to her mouth. When she heard him moan, she smiled and went back for another taste.

Angel vocalized a full-throated roar, almost roughly pulling Nikki back by the hair seconds before her outstretched tongue made contact.

She peered up at him and swallowed. "What's wrong?"

Angel laughed, but a sliver of steel was laced through the sound. "You really
are
testing me tonight, aren't you love?"

Nikki lowered her lashes and fought to stifle the smile that played around her lips. Her demure deference didn
’t fool Angel for a minute. She knew exactly what she was doing to him.

"Nikki, Nikki, Nikki," he gently reprimanded. "What am I going to do with you, hm?"

His eyes dropped to her lips, which were unbelievably soft and so damned inviting. Her mouth was just as tempting as the sweetness between her thighs, and equally adept at milking a response and giving him pleasure. Nikki had it down to a science. She should. He'd taught her exactly how he liked to be pleased. He had no complaints whatsoever when it came to the physical part of their relationship, and what made it even more fulfilling to him was the fact that he loved her to distraction. That emotion made all the difference in the world between sex with her and intercourse with any other woman.

But that didn't mean he'd allow her to use it against him, and that was exactly what she was trying to do. He wasn't that weak.

Sighing heavily his gaze roamed her face, before his eyes stared into hers. "Still thinking you control me, aren't you?"

Still looking downward, Nikki nibbled on her bottom, but remained silent.

Angel angled his head to the side. "At least you're not going to try and deny it."

He untangled his fingers from her hair and walked a few steps back. His eyes still on hers, he threw the last of his drink down his throat and placed the tumbler on the bedside table before coming back to stand in front of her.

Nikki's lips parted to say something but Angel grabbed her face in his hand and brought his lips down to hers in a rough, dominating kiss. His eyes stayed open, watching her reaction as he carried out the assault on her mouth. Satisfaction flowed through him when her lips softened even more beneath his in submission.

He pulled Nikki up on her knees, palming her ass cheeks and pulling her sweet mound against his straining dick until her body molded to his. She whimpered when he stroked his tongue over hers, pulling it deep into his mouth.

Before she knew it, Angel had her on her back in one fluid movement, pausing only long enough to kick his pants off before lowering himself over her body. Grasping her wrists in one hand, he pulled them up over her head and held them down. His other hand explored her body while his teeth raked over the soft skin of her neck before biting down.

Nikki writhed underneath him, helpless to move while he still held her pinned down. She moaned his name when he soothed the stinging bites with slow licks of his tongue.

"Angel, please, please, please," she whispered. Her head was spinning from the drunken need he'd stoked inside of her. Opening her thighs, she lifted her hips, trying to entice him to give her what she needed. Instead, Angel released her hands and sat up on his knees. In the passion induced state he’d brought her to, Nikki struggled to bring him into focus. He towered over her, chest heaving, eyes glittering, looking sexier than any man had a right to be.

Angel's eyes shifted to the spot between her thighs. Placing a hand on each knee, he spread her legs even more, holding them open. Teeth bared, his nostrils flaring, he breathed in her scent. An expression of lust mingled with possessiveness was etched on his face. He trailed one hand down the inside of her thigh, his fingertips barely skimming her skin until he came in contact with her pussy.

Nikki gasped, arching up into his touch, seeking more than the soft, teasing caress. When he inserted the tip of his finger into her creamy opening, she melted. Nikki's eyes fluttered closed. All she needed was just a little bit more.

"Open your eyes, Nikki. Look at me."

With an effort, Nikki did as she was told only to squeeze them shut again when Angel withdrew his finger from her pussy agonizingly slow, intentionally grazing her clit in the process. The next thing she felt was his lips wrapped around her pouting nipple. Another plea tumbled from her lips as she begged him to give her blessed relief.

"
Angel, please
." Her hips undulated, rising and falling at a fevered pitch, but all she came in contact with was air. She screamed in frustration.

Angel hovered over her, his lips inches from her own. He allowed her to pull his mouth down to hers for a moment in an enthusiastic kiss before he lifted his head. He kissed her cheek, her closed eyelids, her forehead. Reaching down, he grasped his shaft in his hand, slicing his throbbing dickhead between the swollen lips of pussy.

"You're so fucking wet, Nikki, so ready, aren't you?"

"Yes," she whispered, moving her head in a jerky nod, waiting for that first moment when he would stretch her open with his thickness to accommodate his girth. It always took her breath away. Oh yes, she was
so
ready.

"Love you so much," she said in a breathy sigh.

Angel's groan rumbled in response. "I love you too."

Over her fervent protests, he pulled away and sat back after kissing her one last time. Growling under his breath, he took in the sexy picture she made lying there: legs splayed apart displaying her glistening sex, hips moving, unable to stay still, dark nipples erect atop her breasts looking like mouthwatering drops of chocolate on top of chocolate.

Nikki stared back at him, lids drooping, her swollen lips slightly parted, hands resting beside her head. To Angel’s satisfaction, everything about her screamed absolute surrender.