Page 53 of Monsters in Love: Lost in the Fire

“Dela.”

I jump up from the chair at the sound of Raz’s voice; the notebook, pen, and my purse clattering onto the deck in the process. “Where did you come from?”

“Hell.”

“I meant, just now. The ground is crunchy, but I didn’t hear footsteps. Or the patio door slide open. Where did you come from just now?”

“Hell,” he says again, taking the seat I vacated, then drawing me onto his knee. “I must visit after each vengeance is fulfilled. The contracts for souls are stored there.”

“After three years in a cubicle at my tedious previous job, I guess it’s appropriate that there’s paperwork in hell.” My bottom lip drops when I feel a brief rumble from Raz’s chest. “Did you just laugh at my joke?”

“I believe so.”

I swivel on his knee, so I’m directly facing him. “You believe so? No ‘vengeance demons do or do not’? You’re always certain.”

“Things are changing.” The glow deep in his eyes brightens as he slides one hand through my hair and watches it sift through his fingers, then cradles my chin with his palm. “I am changing.”

“You’ve begun to experience feelings, I know. And laughter is the body’s way of expressing an emotion, so that makes sense. It just took me by surprise. How did it feel?”

“Natural. Light. I understand why creatures enjoy this sensation.”

“Laughter is one of the best feelings.” A big smile breaks across my lips. “I’m so happy you get to enjoy it.”

“There is another feeling I would like to enjoy.” The hand at my hip pulls me higher up his muscular leg, only stopping when my bare legs are wedged tightly in the V. “Now that I know what it is to kiss you, I crave the feeling of your lips against mine. I hated leaving you yesterday and could not return fast enough.”

Serious subjects can wait. I want this moment, just the two of us, without our pasts or whatever the future holds.

“You really are good with words.” My lightweight sundress bunches up at my hips when I shift to straddling his lap. “And with your lips and tongue,” I say, pressing myself against him everywhere possible as I hover my mouth a breath’s width from his. “Show me how much you crave me.”

Another rumble in his chest vibrates against me, but this one isn’t his newfound ability to laugh. It’s harder, a silent growl. Then his hand is in my hair, his fingers molding to my head, holding me in place as he kisses me. This time is different than the others. Yesterday, he followed my lead. Today, he’s in control. His kiss is firm, deep, demanding.

I melt against him as his tongue slides between my lips, just enough to touch my tongue, then retreating, a rhythmic teasing dance that has me rocking my hips to match it. Grinding on the hard length of his cock between my legs feels so good. Too good.

He grips my hips when I begin to wiggle backward. “Do not stop.”

I shake my head when he settles me back in place. If I keep rubbing myself on him, I’ll come. “I’m too embarrassed.”

“Modesty and embarrassment are emotions human have not always felt. It is in the nature of your species to take sexual pleasure.”

“I should embrace my prehistoric roots and just go for it whenever the urge strikes?”

“If I am within reach, yes.”

I shiver at the possession in his statement. But not out of fear. I know his possessiveness isn’t for the sake of controlling me. “I want to let go with you.”

“Then do,” he says, guiding my body in a slow, firm rocking motion against his cock. “Your desire is mine. Take your pleasure with me.”

The spark between my legs increases with every slide over the solid bulge in his pants. I could come like this. But if I’m letting go, I want it to be mutual. “Take me in the house,” I say, looking into his eyes. “And I mean that in more ways than just entering the cabin.”

The glow in his eyes flares brighter than I’ve ever seen. “There is nothing I would not do for you, to you. Demon that I am, I require consent in all things. I need to hear you say the words.”

“I want… I want your tongue between my legs. I want to taste your cock. I want to feel you inside me.” I cling to him as he rises, though I’m in no danger of falling when I’m up in his arms. “I’ve never told someone what I want before,” I say against his neck while he carries me past the glass doors.

“I hope you will always tell me.”

Always.That could be another fifty years or so, if he’s talking about my lifespan. I don’t expect him to want me when I’m old and frail. The way he wants me now is enough. I want it to be enough.

“Your pulse has slowed,” he says, sitting on the edge of a massive bed with me cradled in his arms. “And the deep pink has left your cheeks.”

---