“I feel as if I’ve been remiss.” His voice, silky and smooth, wrapped around her, drawing her under its spell.
“How so?” she croaked as her body buzzed with restless energy.
“How so, indeed.”
Fire sparked within the deep recesses of those blue-steel eyes. His head dipped, and the next instant, he possessed her mouth. Sliding his tongue between her parted lips was easy—the shock had left her jaw unhinged—and Luc readily took advantage. One large palm cupped her nape as his other pressed against her back, guiding her closer. Nadia’s hands crept up his chest to grip his suit lapels. Time halted as he tasted, tantalizing and teasing her until she believed she’d go mad with want.
Other couples’ PDAs had always made her uncomfortable, yet here she was, unabashedly on display, showing the world exactly how much she desired Luc.
He pulled back, steadying her on her feet as she swayed. Had he not supported her, she feared collapsing in a puddle of need.
“Not gay,” she breathed, releasing a shaky laugh.
“Not even a little,” he agreed gruffly.
6
Luc bit back a triumphant laugh.
Nadia’s eyes were liquid pools of lust, and the flush enhancing her creamy complexion spoke of evoked desire. He’d effectively chased away her concerns regarding his sexual preferences. Had he not been caught up in his own musings, he’d have had a clear indication of what was running through her mind. He’d have known why she’d veered in such misguided territory.
Never before was he required to prove anything, but there was no way in his hellish domain he’d let her continue to think he didn’t want her. Clearly, taking things slow hadn’t been the right move if she believed so. The only reason he hadn’t pushed was his ultimate agenda. He’d intended to secure her affections before revealing his identity and her abilities.
Happily, the thoughts now rattling through her brain were anything but pure.
He allowed himself a rare smile.
Credit for muddling her mind was all his. Touching her allowed him to experience what he hadn’t since falling from the Creator’s good graces and being cursed to sear others should he brush a finger against their skin. His affliction had given rise to the “burning in Hell” reputation. Oh, and weren’t his enemies quick to make use of it? Terrifying mortals by threatening hellfire should they step out of line. Yes, such was the beauty of organized religion. They’d developed a perfect ruse to keep the masses in line.
Luc quickly shoved aside memories of his past. Recalling his early life made him moody and out of sorts. His was a better existence now, he reminded himself. He’d take the label of “rebellious son” or “evil doer” if it meant freedom to make his own decisions. Rules were for the unimaginative.
Still, Nadia needed protection against his heavenly brothers, not his lust. If the truth of her power ever came to light, Luc would require every weapon in his arsenal and every demon in his employ to protect her against certain death.
An angel war, however, was tomorrow’s problem. Tonight, they would enjoy themselves.
“Come, Nadia. Let me take you to dinner.”
“Do you mind if we order a pizza and eat in tonight? I wasn’t expecting company, and I’m mentally exhausted.” When she noted his frown, she quickly added, “It doesn’t have to be pizza, and we can watch a movie. I’m just not up for outside social interactions.”
Squinting into the distance, he weighed his options.
If they dined in, the possibility existed that he’d be unable to control his baser instinct, and he’d take advantage of her. Centuries without another’s touch had made great his need. Yet she might not be ready for what becoming his lover entailed. Yes, he could make her want him to the point of surrender, but would using his ability to manipulate her provide him with satisfaction?
Most assuredly not.
He wanted her to come to him, to make the first move.
“What are you thinking about so hard, Luc? Are you worried I’ll jump your bones?”
“Perhaps I’m worried you won’t,” he replied smoothly as he placed an arm around her waist and steered her toward the road. A raise of his hand hailed a passing cab, and he provided the driver with the address of their building.
On the way home, they debated the merits of what constituted good pizza—New York-style—deciding on pineapple and cheese for Nadia’s half, spicy pepperoni for Luc’s.
“There had better be an excellent movie at the end of all this. Not what you call chick flicks or comedies. I’m in the mood for gore.”
She pulled a face. “Gore?”
“Yes.” He grinned at the expected reaction. “Full horror and mayhem.”
