And that I would more than likely enjoy it.
Truth was, I couldn't commit to Kellen and do my job successfully. I might not have wanted this job originally, but I was stuck with it now. Besides, part of me really did enjoy the thrill of it. A hunter hunts, and there was no longer denying I was very much a hunter.
Yet how much longer could I put Kellen off? How much longer did I want to put him off? My dreams were right here for the taking, if I had the courage.
But after everything that had happened over the last few years, my courage when it came to emotional matters was extremely low. And part of me didn't want to take that final step just in case fate leapt out and crushed me again.
"Answer me, Riley," he demanded.
Oh God, oh God.
I closed my eyes, took a breath. Found courage where none existed. "Give me a week. I need to concentrate on this case first, then I'll give you an answer."
Okay, so it wasn't a whole lot of courage I found. And while it wasn't the answer he wanted, it wasn't a denial, either. A week gave me time to think. Time to panic.
Time to find said courage and commit.
"It had better be the right answer."
I turned onto my side, then leaned forward and kissed him. It was a sweet kiss, a gentle kiss. A kiss that hinted at possibilities. "I think it could be."
"Good," His hand slipped down my back to my rump, his touch sending little flash fires of desire skittering across my flesh. "Now, what do you think we should do to seal this deal?"
I shrugged lightly, a smile teasing my lips. "Break open the champagne?"
"We'll save that for when you finally say you'll go solo with me next week."
"Ah. Well, what about a good quality wine?"
"I'm not into wine right now."
"Then what are you into?"
"You," he said, then claimed my lips again, his kiss a demanding thing, and so damn hot it had me melting.
After a while, his lips moved on, kissing my lobes, my neck, my shoulder, until finally, torturously, his tongue teased first one nipple, then the other, making them ache with a fierceness I'd never thought possible. I closed my eyes and arched my back a little, enjoying the pleasurable sensations pulsing through me. When he sucked one throbbing nub into his mouth, I groaned in sheer delight.
Then his tongue moved on, trailing liquid heat down my stomach as he tasted and teased. Anticipation sung through every fiber, so that when his tongue finally flicked over my clit, it almost undid me. And still he licked, tasted, and tantalized, until my whole body throbbed to the tune of that gentle yet insistent caress, and the tide of enjoyment threatened to overload my senses.
"Oh God, stop. Stop" I murmured. "I can't… it's too soon."
I wanted to taste him, caresses him, build him to fever pitch, until sweat beaded his skin and his body ached with the need for completion. As mine did.
But he didn't hear me, didn't care. Just kept on tasting me with his tongue, flicking and delving and caressing, until the sensations overloaded my senses, and my body bucked in delight. My fists clenched, grabbing the sheet as I shuddered and drowned in a myriad of delicious sensations.
The trembling had barely eased with his lips caught mine again. He tasted of lust. Of love. Of me, and while I just wanted to keep on kissing him, I also wanted—needed—a whole lot more.
So I wrapped my legs around his body, and let him slide deep inside. Slowly, gently, he began to rock. The feel of him, so hard and hot, penetrated every fiber and enveloped me in a heat that was basic and yet so very powerful. Gradually, his thrusts became more urgent, the need more intense. Jolts of pleasure ran across my senses, building to a second crescendo.
"I'm going to make you howl, Riley," he whispered against my lips. "I'm going to make you mine, in every way possible."
His powerful body stroked fast and deep, and yet it was his words that drove me insane with desire. I writhed against him, matching his rhythm, matching his urgency. Lust and sweat and desire built and built, the aroma so sweet and thick on the air that every intake of breath only inflamed already raging need.
"Oh God…" The rest of the words did become a howl of utter pleasure as my body bucked wildly against his. He came with me, his roar echoing across the silence, his body slamming into mine so hard the whole bed shook. In the midst of all that pleasure, his lips caught mine, kissing me hard as our orgasms ebbed and sanity returned.
I opened my eyes, stared into the green of his. Saw my future there, if only I was brave enough to take the chance.
He rolled onto his side, then gathered me in his arms. "Make me a promise," he said softly.
"What?" I said, sounding more reluctant than was probably wise.
"No sex outside what you have to do for work. Just you and me, for the next week until you give me the answer."
"Okay." I didn't even have to think about that one, which I guess was surprising given my reluctance to fully commit to the man.
Though I guess I was only agreeing to something I'd harassed Rhoan into in his relationship with Liander.
"Thank you," he said, and continued to hold me while he fell asleep.
Me, I didn't sleep, no matter how much I needed to. My mind was too busy mulling over promises, possibilities, and the right thing to do.
Rhoan had the coffee made and waiting by the time I walked in our apartment door the following morning.
"What, you've suddenly gained sister radar or something?" I said, as I wrapped my hands gratefully around the mug of steaming liquid. Melbourne had pulled another of its weather tricks, and it was as cold as hell outside.
"It sounded like a herd of elephants running up the stairs," he said, amusement twinkling deep in his gray eyes. "Knew it had to be you. Light of foot you are not in the mornings."
"If I wasn't so grateful for the coffee, I'd kick your kneecaps." I took a sip and sighed happily. Hazelnut might not be "in" when it came to coffee these days, but it had always been my favorite. There was just something about the sweet, nutty aroma that made my taste buds do happy little handsprings. "So, did you talk to Liander last night?"
He nodded. "I actually sat him down before sex and talked to him. He understands. He's not happy, but he does understand. You?"
I screwed up my nose. "We talked. I said I'd give him an answer in a week."
"Coward."
"Totally."
He grabbed my arm and tugged me into a hug. "Just don't lose this one through fear, sis. He's a good man. And rich, which is always a bonus."
I snorted softly and pulled away. "Money isn't everything."
"Maybe not, but it sure as hell can make things a whole lot more pleasant."
"So why are you still here rather than living the high life at Liander's?"
"Because I value freedom more than money. And he's clingy enough. Can you imagine what it would be like if I lived with him?"
Actually, I could, and there was no way it would be as bad as my brother was imagining. I drank some more coffee, then said, "You heading into the Directorate this morning?"
He shook his head. "I'm doing the legwork for a case the night boys arc having trouble with. Seems we may have a day-walker on our hands."
I raised my eyebrows. "Day-walker?"
"A nonhuman with vampire tendencies."
"But not actually a vampire?"
"No. They tend to be psychos who like the taste of blood. We've had to track down one or two of them during my years as a guardian." He shrugged, like it was no big deal. "How about you?"
"Gotta go in and write up a report, then I might head over to that club and see if I can track down the man matching the picture Adrienne drew."