Surrender (9 page)

She kept herself in check to keep from reaching out to touch him. It was almost painful not to. He lifted his head and looked directly at her. She immediately lost her ability to breathe. To have him so near, alone in the same room, was almost too much to bear.

His gaze lowered to her lips, lingering for a moment or two before moving down to her breasts. She could feel her nipples react to the trail of heat his gaze left. They pushed through the thin fabric of her blouse. The slight flaring of his nostrils told her that he’d noticed them, too.

The man was intense.

Everything seemed to disappear in that moment; nothing existed but them. She saw a slight twitch at the corner of his mouth, probably the closest he came to a smile.

“Is everything you want on this list?” His voice was husky, and he cleared his throat. He moved a little closer, waiting for her answer.

“No.” It was the obvious answer, but she was surprised by her breathlessness.

Why didn’t he reach for her? Was he waiting for her to make the first move? Wendy lost track of how long they stood so close to each other and not touching, her breathing shallow. Kieran, on the other hand, didn’t seem to have a problem, standing so still, his eyes locked on her.

Then, she noticed that his chest was lifting in rapid succession. His breathing quick; he was affected, too.

Finally, he lifted his right hand and touched the side of her face. She leaned into his palm, closing her eyes for a moment. When she opened them, the searching expression on his face puzzled her. She waited for him to kiss her, but instead, he dropped his hand and stepped back, her list clenched in his other hand.

“Jake’s here.”

“How…?” Wendy started to ask but was interrupted by a knock on the back door. When she turned back to Kieran, he was already leaving the kitchen.

“Damn!” She blew out a frustrated breath.
Now,
I
need a cold shower.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Gerard’s arms grew weary, so he stopped the beating and rolled his eyes at the limp, bleeding demon strapped to a long steel table that was tilted at an angle so that the demon’s head was higher than his body. The damn thing was unconscious again.

He threw the whip across the room, his angry growl the only sound in the room. With silent disdain, he curled his lip when the unconscious demon began to stir.

Josh’s eyes were swollen shut. His nose bled badly, the blue-black liquid dripped down to his chest. Through cracked lips, his voice was barely audible. “I beg your forgiveness, Sire. I will not fail again.”

“Pathetic.” Gerard let the word hang in the air. “You should be thankful of the fact that I’m bored and felt adventurous today. I wanted to try out my new whip instead of my sword on your pathetic hide.”

Guards stood around the room, waiting with barely contained patience to see what Gerard would do next. The predictability of the demons also tired him. They thrived on the pain and suffering of others yet feared him openly.

Gerard enjoyed his power over them and knew they were expecting him to throw the bleeding demon to them and let them do what they wished with what was left of him.

He kept his attention focused on Josh. The pitiful sight made him smile.

The demon was new, barely transitioned. He’d been raised human and had not been aware of his demon legacy until Gerard found him. From what Gerard knew, the young one’s life had been a pretty normal one until his parents had been killed. Funny how something as simple as murder brought out the worst in people. Josh hadn’t hesitated to embrace his demonic side after that. Right after turning, he’d slaughtered the murderers and their families. That in itself earned him a second chance.

Pondering on what to do with him, Gerard ignored the pleading looks of the demon guards and walked over to a window. Pointless really, since the view was blocked by closed shutters. It was daytime. Absently, he thought about heading into town at dusk.

One of the first things Gerard had done upon moving back to Atlanta after a brief hiatus in Canada was to find the immense country house on the outskirts of the city and have it restored. Heavy, sun-blocking shutters, which automatically closed at dawn, were part of the renovation. Gerard had a comfortable set of suites on the second floor. His ten guards shared the first floor with about twenty lower level demons.

Josh stirred again and moaned. Gerard hovered over him. “You are fortunate, young demon. I’ve decided to give you a second opportunity.”

“Anything, Sire,” Josh replied, flinching at the demon guards’ hungry looks. “I’ll do anything.”

“I must have the key. You will get it for me or die.”

Carlo, his second in command and head of his demon guard, stalked into the room. He took in all of the destruction without comment and promptly dismissed the guards. All but Gerard’s two personal escorts exited.

Gerard waited to hear what Carlo obviously thought was important enough to interrupt his session.

“Sire, we lost two Warriors last night.”

“Killed?”

“No, they left. They are worthless. They will fight the Protectors, but they are not willing to die for our cause.”

With a furious roar, Gerard clenched Carlo’s collar. “Must I do everything?” he spat into the demon’s face. “Have the remaining Warriors come immediately.”

“Call all of the guard in as well. Tonight is the first full moon. We must be out in full force. I will join you, and believe me, there will be no defections. I’ll personally kill any demon that dares defy my orders.”

Carlo slid his gaze to the bloody demon shackled to the table. “What are you going to do with him?”

“Take him to a room, let him recover, and keep your guards from him until he heals. Once he mends, he knows what to do if he wishes to live.”

Carlo went to the door and called in two guards, who half dragged the semiconscious demon from the room.

“What makes you think he can get the key? He’s a new turn. Probably not even in control of all his faculties yet,” Carlo asked.

“The right motivation will drive him,” Gerard replied. “He’s not my only option. I’ve summoned Sebastian. The incubus owes me. Though I don’t fully trust him, he’ll help.”

“I don’t know why you haven’t killed Sebastian yet,” Carlo studied Gerard. “Speaking of the incubus. My gut tells me he’s hiding something.”

“Quite a quandary we have. I have one of the three keys needed to free the Supreme Master. I have searched for hundreds of years to find another. I can’t go out into the Atlanta streets right now because Julian is here, and a confrontation between us would alert the other high-level demons and cause them to ask why I am personally out seeking attention. One of them may suspect we have the key and attack us. They will not stop at anything to get it.”

“Along with the privileges of being a Master, you also have many restrictions, Sire,” Carlo acknowledged. “I don’t mean to question your motives for using Sebastian or Josh, for that matter. We have other alternatives. I, myself, can assist.”

Gerard sank into the chair and studied Carlo for a moment. “I sired you because I wanted someone that I could fully trust. Only you know about my quest for the keys. If knowledge that I possess a key gets out, not just other demons but anyone else, whether they be Fae, Protector, or vampire, that has one of the other keys in their possession will move Heaven and Earth to get it. The power that comes from having just one is huge. Imagine the power that comes from having two. Ultimately, the power of three or more is unimaginable. Even our Supreme Ruler’s powers pale in comparison.”

Carlo’s sharp intake of breath told that he wasn’t aware, until then, of what the significance of the keys meant. “Do you mean to take his place, Sire?”

Steeping his fingers, Gerard studied them, not answering right away. “No, I desire only to have my own realm. No one to rule over me. I will rule.”

A guard entered, giving Gerard a functionary bow as he waited for permission to speak. Once granted, he announced that as requested, all of the guard and the Warriors were in the large warehouse behind the house waiting for Gerard.

A sliver of sunshine kept Gerard’s attention for several moments after Carlo left to ensure that everyone was indeed assembled.

His son, and he could not trust even him.

Alone, Gerard allowed himself to sag, exhaustion claiming him. How long before those closest to him began to notice that he was weakening? That his once vast powers were diminishing by the day. He had to get the second key. The key he owned had given him so much power that he’d swiftly advanced to higher levels. But it turned out that the price was high.

The key gave him vast abilities for almost a decade, but then at some point, one he couldn’t quite pinpoint, there was a reversal, and he’d began to deteriorate. It was a slow progression. Even after he locked the key up in a concrete box and buried it deep in the earth, it still managed to drain him.

The second key would give him renewed strength and return his powers; he was sure of it. He’d use the next decade to locate the third. All three would undoubtedly give him unending power.

True immortality.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

As soon as Kieran opened the car door to reach for the grocery bags in the back seat, the dog nudged his leg. He reached into a bag and pulled out a package of rawhide bones and ripped it open.

The dog’s expectant expression gave Kieran pause. It was turning into a routine, coming home to be greeted by this dog. The animal grabbed the bone and wagged his tail in appreciation.

Albert. That was what Wendy had named it.

He made his way to the back of the house, two bags of groceries and a dog, rawhide bone in his mouth, on his heels.

As soon as he arrived at the back door, Wendy opened it, greeting him with a bright smile. His stomach jerked.
What the hell is wrong with my stomach?
Perhaps he was hungry.
For her.

“Well, don’t look so happy to see me.” Wendy’s smile instantly disappeared, and the corners of her lips turned down. He didn’t like hurting her feelings, but he didn’t reply.

“I brought the stuff on your list,” he told her gruffly, placing the bags on the table before going to his computer. Coffee was prepared, so he poured a cup while skimming over email. He didn’t worry about Wendy reading it since it was all in the code language the Protectors used.

“I’m cooking,” Wendy stated, moving around the kitchen behind him. “So don’t go to bed yet. I don’t want to eat alone.”

The sound of footsteps caught his attention. Jake entered, lifting a gym bag onto his shoulder, a sword slung across his back. He acknowledged Kieran’s presence with a slight nod before he turned his attention to Wendy. Kieran didn’t miss the lust in Jake’s eyes as they raked over her.

When he looked back at Kieran, a challenge was present in the man’s direct gaze and raised eyebrows. Kieran met his stare, neither man backing down until Wendy came over and playfully punched his shoulder.

“Hey, don’t start the whole he-man thing. Kieran already apologized for yesterday. Bye, Jake.”

Jake smiled at Wendy and then jerked his gaze back to Kieran for an instant.

“Good-bye, Jake,” Kieran taunted the man.

With one last glance toward Wendy, Jake left.

After showering, Kieran threw on sweats, planning to get a few hours of sleep before going to the bank with Wendy to get the locket she kept in the safety deposit box. But the enticing smell of food caused his stomach to grumble.

In the kitchen, Wendy had already set a place for him. He sat and watched her as she worked. Her eyes met his for a split moment before she turned away, her lips pressed together.

What was she thinking? He tried to read her thoughts but hit a solid wall.

Wendy wondered if the man realized he was making her mouth water. His damp hair was brushed back from his face, his green eyes penetrating, as he watched her cut the meatloaf. Feeling awkward, she tried to divert his attention.

“Hope you like meatloaf and mashed potatoes. I decided to cook backwards. Since it’s after work, I’m making dinner for you. In the evening, before you go to work, I’ll make breakfast. Can you reach two plates for me?” He stood without speaking, his eyes following her movements.

When he put the plates on the counter near her, she placed two slices of meatloaf on a plate for him and one on hers followed by peas, mashed potatoes, and gravy and placed them on the table.

Both sat.

“I’m having a glass of merlot,” Wendy told him, not liking the one-sided conversation but determined not to let the aloof man get to her. “Would you like some?” She held up a wineglass she’d already set at his place. He nodded but still remained silent, brooding. She poured wine into his glass.

She bit back the sudden urge to snap at him for his lack of manners but instead sat down to eat.

She pointed her fork at him. “You know, my brother Guiles is much like you. He is temperamental and brooding. It suits his choice of profession, him being an artist and all.”

Kieran’s brows pinched together, but he continued eating without responding.

Wendy continued, undeterred. “I suppose your morose personality fits your profession as well. I can’t imagine that you have to engage a demon in pleasant conversation during a fight.”

“Morose?” Kieran asked, an eyebrow raised.

Wendy smiled at him sweetly, enjoying his irritation. “Yes, you are very morose. Grumpy, gloomy, that sort of thing.” She shrugged and took another bite of food.

Kieran got up to get a second helping and sat back at the table. He’d served himself another two slices of meatloaf and a pile of mashed potatoes.

Wendy studied his plate. “You don’t like peas?” He glanced at her blankly but then got up and scooped peas on top of the mashed potatoes and sat back down.

Wendy couldn’t stand eating in silence, so she began asking Kieran questions.

“Why does Cyn call you Kit?”

He raised an eyebrow and one corner of his mouth lifted. “When I was a lad, I couldn’t pronounce my name. I’d say my name was ‘Kitten’ when asked.”

“Can I call you Kit?”

The bland look he gave her was a clear no.

“Besides Cyn, did you have any other brothers or sisters?”

“An older brother, Malcolm. He was the laird of our clan when I left,” Kieran replied, his eyes never leaving his plate. At least he liked her cooking.

“What about your parents?”

He grumbled but answered her. “My parents died when I was about twelve. Malcolm and his wife Lizzie raised Cyn and me.” This time he raised his eyes and met hers. “What about you? Family? Ever been married?”

Wendy smiled, glad to have a conversation, although she suspected that he had turned the topic away from himself on purpose. “Just my brother Guiles and I. Guiles now lives in Savannah. My parents live near Dublin.” She took a breath. She’d never even been in love, not until him. But she couldn’t tell him that. Not yet. “I’ve never been married. I had a couple long-term relationships but never serious enough to consider marriage.”

He continued eating, not looking up. Silent.

Wendy drank her wine and poured a bit more. As much as she tried to hide it, he made her nervous and anxious. The man had walls so thick she wondered how he could move with so much finesse. The heaviness around him was a heartbreaking testament to whatever had happened in his past, the unfortunate event that had caused him to build the safeguard.

At the same time, she ached to touch him. Recalling their closeness, his heated touch back at her apartment, made her hand tremble.
What causes him to be so protective of his emotions?

As if sensing her train of thought, his somber gaze met hers. Her mouth went dry, and she swallowed.

Noticing that he’d finished eating, she stood, grabbing their plates to take them to the sink. Kieran’s hand on her forearm stopped her.

“Thank you. Dinner was very good.”

“Oh. You’re welcome.” Wendy was at a loss for words, not expecting his touch, or his thanks. She moved away and put the plates down on the counter. “You should get some rest. I’ll clean up. It gives me something to do.”

He carried the glasses to the sink but didn’t move away. To stand so close and not touch him was unbearable. She reached out slowly and touched his chest. He didn’t step away. The hardness of him astonished her. With caution, she moved her hand up to his jaw, her gaze never wavering from his penetrating clear eyes.

Heat surged from his intense gaze. He leaned toward her as if to say something. Without thinking, she lifted onto her toes and touched her lips to his. The soft kiss lasted but a moment, yet it was long enough for her to close her eyes at the feel of his lips on hers.

Kieran jerked backward, stumbling a couple steps. He stared at her with an expression that she could only describe as terror. It was fleeting before he resumed his aloof look. Then, he stormed from the room.

She would get to the bottom of this. Was her kissing him that terrible of a thing? Wendy ran after him, not stopping when his bedroom door almost slammed in her face, missing her only because she blocked the door with her foot and followed him inside.

The dimness of his bedroom made her take some time to allow her eyes to adjust. Kieran didn’t seem to have a problem. He went directly to the bathroom and shut the door.

Hearing water running, she huffed and sat on the bed. The man took a shower every time he was rattled. How strange.

Finally, after a few minutes, she wondered if he was really taking a shower. She leaned on the door, putting her ear to it. The sound of his heavy breathing surprised her, the sound louder then softer. He was in there pacing!

Not sure what to do, she knocked. “Kieran, I need to talk to you! Are you all right?”

No answer.

“Look, I’m not leaving until you tell me you’re okay. If I broke some Protector rule by kissing you, then just tell me. Shit.”

Caught off guard, she stumbled back when the door jerked open. Stormy eyes met hers for a split second. Without a word, he scooped her up and carried her to the bed.

Wendy gasped when they fell into the bed together, Kieran’s hot breath on her neck as he nuzzled his face into her throat. His lips traced kisses across her skin. He cupped her butt and lifted her into him.

With a moan, she dug her fingers into his hair and began to trace her tongue on the soft skin of his throat.

His hands roamed over her, each touch strong, yet gentle. When he jerked her blouse up and began to caress her breasts, she wanted to cry. How long had she waited for this moment? Longed to be with him? Barely pulling away, he removed her shirt and then her bra. When his mouth found her nipple, she arched, urging him on.

“Oh!” Wendy gasped when he cupped her between her legs. She ran her hands under his shirt, caressing his back.

His tongue twirled round and round her taut nipple, each time sending a wave of pure ecstasy through her. He nipped at it and then moved to the other one, repeating the same delicious actions. When he pushed her pants off, she was totally bare to him.

He pushed up, and his somber gaze studied her languidly.

Wendy watched his face while his eyes roamed over her body so boldly. It aroused her to see how much her nudity affected him. His normally clear green eyes darkened to a forest green. His breath came in small pants.

She reached for the bottom of his T-shirt and pulled it up over his head. He rolled to the edge of the bed and pulled his pants off. Then, he lay on his side next to her, not moving. They each studied the other’s body for a long while.

The lines of Kieran’s body were a work of art. His muscular broad chest, lightly covered by a dusting of blond hair, was perfect. His stomach was ripped, his hips narrow. When her gaze fell upon his thickness, it twitched, letting her know he was aware of her perusal. Kieran was definitely well endowed.

Wendy reached for him, her fingers tracing slowly down his chest. She leaned into him, her mouth trailing behind her hand. She savored the taste of his skin.

When he fell back onto the bed, she circled his nipple with her tongue, enjoying the muscles flexing under her mouth and hands. With her hands on his hips, she held him in place as she trailed her tongue down his torso. He grunted and fisted his hands onto the bed covering, obviously holding himself back from taking control.

She wrapped her fingers around his erection and caressed the head of it with her thumb. A loud moan escaped from deep within Kieran’s throat, and he threw his head back. She kissed the tip before allowing her tongue to glide over it.

This was her one chance to experience being with him. Lord knew, the man was skittish. Hell, he’d probably take her back to Fallon’s afterward. She was going to enjoy every minute of making love to Kieran. He bucked into her mouth, and she tasted a drop of him. He was close to coming. She suckled him while slipping her fingers under to caress his sack. His entire body trembled in response.

When his hands steadied her shoulders, a sign to slow down, she released him from her mouth and looked up to him with a wicked smile.

“What do you want, Kieran? Tell me, and I’ll do it.”

The smolder in his gaze took her aback.  “Just being here right now is more than enough.”

Allowing his body to confirm his words, he pulled her up to his chest and held her in place, his arms wrapped around her. He ground into her core, making sounds of pleasure in her ear. Frantic to taste his lips on hers, she tried to turn her head, but he turned away, effectively evading her kisses.

When his rigid member rubbed against her core, she became unable to form coherent thoughts. She pulled at his hips, wanting him inside her.

“Kieran, I want you. Inside me. Now.”

Kieran rolled so they both lay on their sides; he pulled her leg over his hip and pushed into her, filling her.

He began to move in and out of her, each movement slow and steady, each thrust bringing her closer to the brink.

Wendy drew back away from his throat. “I want to look at you, Kieran,” she gasped when he grabbed her bottom and surged deeper. Locking gazes with her, he continued pumping into her, faster and faster.