Awakening Kiss (Watcher's Kiss Book 4) (25 page)

She studied him with a focus that was far different than the sated glow of a few minutes ago. Not that she wasn’t clearly enjoying herself. Her skin was soft on his, her scent curled in the air, and combined with her sexy sounds, pushed him higher.

Like a siren, she intrigued and drew him like nothing else. He had to have her, explore her, and mark her. Her body was warm and willing. Her sheath gripped him, every stroke was more intense than he’d ever felt with another female.

When she tossed her head to one side, still biting that lip, and moaned his name on a long breath, he came hard. He squeezed her hips as he pumped into her. The hot evidence of his release filled her, giving him relief and a high dose of male satisfaction.

She would carry his scent now, even after showering.

Her legs trembled in his grip and he shifted to lay them down. He kissed one slender ankle before getting off the bed. “Be right back.” He ducked into the attached bathroom for a washcloth, then came back to gently clean her thighs.

Her eyes widened. “You don’t have to do that. I can do it.” She reached for the cloth.

“Just taking care of you.”

“You’re sweet, under the tough-guy exterior.” She took care of business herself and set the cloth aside.

“Yeah?” He didn’t do sweet. But if that’s how she wanted to think of him, he could handle it. He shoved the covers to the side and tugged her down next to him. “Come here.”

She curled into him, laying her head on his bicep and throwing one leg across his hips. She idly stroked his chest. “That was amazing.”

“You’re the amazing one.” He smoothed her hair. “All the shit that went down today? You handled it like a pro.”

“I want to handle it.” Her voice was resolute, but not resigned. She was matter-of-fact, purposeful. “I’m not going to run away from what I am.”

His heart swelled at her bravery, knowing possibly more would be required of her down the road. In his lethal world, everything came with a price. Power, magic, strength, manipulation, it all was commonly traded among the denizens of Torth—even if they lived on Earth. “I’m glad, Enza, and I’ll help as much as I can.”

Her eyelashes fluttered against his pec, the tiny brush making him hyperaware of her. Her small size, her human side, which made her more frail than a full Deserati.

“So…what did you mean when you said you weren’t fertile right now?”

“Lash demons are only fertile at the solstices.” He stroked a hand down her back. “So I can’t get you pregnant right now.”

She giggled. “Um, okay. And Miranda said she can conceive at the equinoxes.”

“Yeah, but for you, I don’t know. Your human half might dominate in that area.”

“Hmm. Well, that’s far off in the future. Though my mom is dying to be a grandmother.” She smiled against his skin.

He grunted an acknowledgement, but his mind was reeling. Of course, that was a totally human female thing to wish for. And out of the blue, he didn’t want anyone else to fulfill that wish but him.

Whoa.
He needed to get a grip. One thing at a time.

Soft fingers continued their exploration of his chest and abs, then she propped up to study his muscles. She traced his tattoo with her fingers. “This is beautiful.”

“Thanks.” It had been torture getting it, since the only way ink would permanently mark a Lash demon’s skin was by mixing it with Viper venom. But every stroke had served to remind him of the pain his comrades had felt.

“What does it mean?”

He ground his molars. She didn’t need to hear the whole fucked up story of how he had failed. Not now. “It’s a reminder that danger is everywhere, ready to strike. It can be ahead of you or behind you. Even right next to you.”

Her eyes snapped to his with wide-eyed seriousness. And also that new perception she had developed, the way she looked at him as if she knew there was more. As if she could see into his mind…but also into his heart, and knew when to push and when to let the subject die.

But he would never underestimate his little baker. She wouldn’t forget, and one day, she’d ask again. And he would tell her.

She nodded and scooted up so she could lay her head on his chest. “What did you mean when you told me you do computer coding?”

Work was definitely a better topic. “It’s more like monitoring.”

“Monitoring what?”

“Chicago PD, mostly. I keep tabs on their databases to check for suspicious activity that may be supernatural in origin, which they’d never think of. I check on several other major metropolitan areas too.”

“Wait.” She sat up all the way, gorgeous breasts swaying. “Do they know you do this?”

“No.”

“You
hack
the police?” Incredulity coated her voice.

He shrugged. “I think of it as keeping eyes on them. It complements the work we do on patrols. This way, we can target an area instead of running blind. And Rilan does the same thing, but on a magical level.”

“Oh. My. God. You hack the police.” She blinked then shook her head. “What else do you do?”

“Well, later I’ll run searches on the name Angela gave us. See if he left a trail somewhere. Most people do.”

“Like where? Credit card companies?”

“Yes. And county real estate files, Social Security Administration, airline flight manifests—”

“Stop.” She held up a hand. “I don’t know if I should know that you do this.”

He leaned up to kiss her. “
Bella
, you can know. You’re part of this world, like you said.”

“I have a lot to learn.” She drew a pattern on the soft sheets.

“You’ll get there. Miranda will be a big help.”

“Will Java Genie be in danger?” she asked softly, guilt tinging her voice.

“Don’t think so. There were a lot of people crowded there, avoiding the rain, so those two Deserati wouldn’t necessarily link you to the store. Unless they were able to read your shirt.” He frowned. The back had no wording, just the front pocket. “Want me to add security cameras, just in case?”

“You can do that?” Her eyes popped wide. And then she smacked her forehead. “I mean, duh. Of course you can. Or you wouldn’t have said it. Yes. Please set that up. We can pay you.”

“No.” He folded her hand into his. “No charge. We take care of our allies.”

She shook her head. A soft, admiring light shone in her eyes. “You take care of the whole city.”

Hell. The last thing he wanted or deserved was her thinking he was some kind of hero. “I do my job. That’s all.”

“But you walk into danger all the time.”

“Yeah. That’s the job. And sometimes I fuck it up.” He shifted his eyes away, not wanting to explain more but not wanting to make her confused. Because when you fuck up, you don’t feel like shouting it from the rooftops.

“No one’s perfect.” She kissed his knuckles, a gesture so sweet he wanted to roar—and pull his hand away, because he needed a reality check.

Gods, she wouldn’t look at him that way if she knew about Sinna. If she knew Brenin had needed a healer to intervene so he wouldn’t have permanent nerve and limb damage from his injuries. And shit, he needed to change the subject. He cleared his throat. “I’ll set up the cameras as soon as I can. But it’s best to do it when the shop is closed.”

“That’ll be great.” A smile played across her face. “You’ll keep tabs on them, right? Because if I try, I’ll be staring at a black screen.”

He tugged her arm and she snuggled back down next to him. “Of course. But I’ll show you what I see. I’ll have the feeds link to my computers here.”

She giggled. “If you didn’t do cameras, you could always hang out there all day. You, or one of the guys.”

He laughed. “Sounds like a rough day.”

“Why not?” She playfully smacked his chest. “Cops do it all the time right? Hang out in coffee shops?”

He threaded his hand into her hair. “I guess. But they have to follow state surveillance laws.”

“Speaking of work…” She yawned. “I have to be up in like, four hours.”

“Seriously?” He craned his neck to see the clock on his dresser. “Damn it. Can you call in?”

“No.” She peered at him like he was five. “I was off the day before. Those croissants and muffins don’t bake themselves.”

“You need an assistant. There are pixies on Torth who kick ass in the kitchen.”

“Pixies? Like Lisetta?”

“Exactly. We can see if any want to come over here.”

She yawned again. “Let’s file that idea away for later. That might be nice.”

“I’ll send Brenin to hang out tomorrow, though, since I won’t have the cameras in place for your shift. I’ll be tracking the name we got, and I can get faster results from my setup here.”

“Okay.” Her voice was soft and sleepy and a twinge of guilt manifested at keeping her up. He well knew that she went to sleep early. And today had been a crash course in supernatural events.

He held her close as her breathing slowed to a peaceful rhythm. His heart beat in time with hers. A sleeping female in his arms, in his bed, after he’d sworn it off, may have felt odd in the past.

But instead, he only felt a sense of rightness, belonging, and acceptance, topped off with the contented realization that this was exactly where he was supposed to be.

C
HAPTER
26

“E
NZA.
”
R
HYS
’
S LOW, SEXY VOICE
broke into her subconscious. Darkness enveloped her, yet an image of Java Genie’s bright kitchen flickered before her. Where was she? A dream lingered, of Miguel and Kat baking at the shop.

“We made magic blue cherry muffins!” Kat shrieked in joyful laughter. Miguel high fived her and pulled a tray out of the oven, using no gloves or mitts.

“Let me see,” Enza murmured.

“See what?” Rhys cuddled her close, one hand stroking her bottom.

“Huh?” Enza’s eyes flew open. “I—wait.” She blinked. “I was dreaming.”

“I want to know what you wanted to see in your dream,” he whispered.

“Um. Kat and Miguel were baking in my kitchen at work.” She snuggled into him. “Five more minutes?”

“Five, ten, hell take the whole day.”

“I can’t.” She closed her eyes, feeling like a truck had run over her.

“Then go in, but take off early. Come back here and take a nap.”

“That sounds awesome,” she said. “Why do kids fight naps? All grownups want to do is take naps.”

He chuckled. “That’s not all I want to do.”

Oh.
Last night rushed back to her. Rhys, moving inside her with an intensity that stole her breath. Had it really only been a few hours since he’d made her come harder than she ever had in her life? Forget a nap-she needed a cold shower or she would never make it to work today. “I should get ready.”

“Bathroom’s right there. So’s your bag.” He still held her close. “Need me to wash your back?”

“Um.” She bit her lip, not wanting to offend him by saying no. “Raincheck on that?”

“I’ll hold you to it.”

She met his gaze. “I want to, I just—I don’t think we’ll get out of here any time soon if you join me.”

“Probably right.” He winked. “Then up you go.” He pulled the covers back.

She sucked in a breath at his hard, muscular body. Even though the room was still dark, and even though she touched and visually devoured him yesterday, she was still entranced. The sheet draped across his waist, tenting over his heavy erection. She tried not to stare, but he tempted her like no one ever had. “I’m sorry, I-I promise… later?”

“Absolutely.” He nodded at the bathroom door. “Go.”

She scooted out of bed, grabbed her bag, and hustled to the bathroom, all the time aware that he was staring at her nakedness with that perfect demon night vision of his. She gave him a little smile and then shut the door.

A glance at her reflection gave her pause. Whoa. She looked thoroughly ravished, and felt that way too. A lingering soreness twinged between her legs, but all she could think about was how incredible Rhys was. And how she couldn’t wait to do it again.

Taking the fastest shower of her life, she purposely kept the water cool so she didn’t linger. After dressing, she wrapped her hair into a tight ponytail. No point in bothering with makeup, because she never wore any to work. And Rhys had seen her without it now, several times, and didn’t seem to care.

Opening the door, she saw he was already dressed and checking his phone. He grinned as she emerged. “Feel more awake?”

“Yes, and after an extra-large five-shot espresso, I’ll feel even more so.” She tucked her own cell into her pocket. “Wanna take the bus with me?”

“Nope. I’ll drive you there. Then I’ll come back and run my searches, and Brenin will be there soon.”

She nodded and he led her through the quiet house, down to the lower level, and into the underground parking area. They climbed into the black Escalade and zipped down the nearly empty predawn streets. In minutes, they were in front of her shop. “Don’t get out,” she said. “I can make it to the door by myself.”

He reached a hand out to grab the back of her neck and pull her in for a kiss. His mouth was hot, needy, and his stubble scratched her in the most delicious way. “Okay. I’ll see you soon. Stay awake.”

“I will,” she whispered against his sexy, naughty lips, and hopped out.

A cool dark kitchen greeted her when she made it to the back of the store. She went through her routine of turning on ovens, getting out flour and sugar, and butter. All of it was familiar, yet she was fundamentally changed.

Had it just been yesterday, during that storm, when her power had surged through her with such strong purpose? Not even twenty-four hours. She shook her head and got out her mixing bowls.

The routine of weighing, scooping, measuring, sifting calmed her racing mind. She’d met werewolves and a pixie. She’d made lightning change course. She’d had sex with a demon.

And somehow, she was exactly where she belonged.

The front door creaked and Meena’s quick footsteps moved to the kitchen. “Hey girl. That rain was crazy yesterday.”

You don’t know the half of it.
“Yeah. Did you get a lot more customers?”