Demons Like It Hot (Demons Unleashed #2)(102)

“Honey, let the big people handle it. I like you better like this, and not chopped into little pieces,” Inanna said, concern purring from her lips.

“Inanna makes a good point,” Matthias said, reaching down to stroke the top of her head.

“Get yer paws off mah lass.”

Matthias took his hand away from Inanna’s ears. “You’re one lucky SOB, Farquhar.”

“Why’s that?”

“You’ve got a woman who cares about you.”

Serah stiffened, then set Farquhar next to his lady friend. Inanna and Farquhar slunk toward the cat bed and snuggled with each other, wide grins from whisker to whisker spread across their feline faces. Cats can’t smile? Yeah, right.

He sidled a glance at Serah. “Lucky indeed,” she mumbled. With that, she headed back toward her bedroom.

He sprinted down the hall to join her. “Serah, wait. Let’s talk.”

She spun around, her sapphire gaze sparking. “You want to talk? Fine, let’s talk.” She threw open the guest bedroom door. “Privately.”

He followed her into the room and shut the door behind them. “I’ve never been in this sort of situation.”

She arched a brow. “How is this any different than any other mission of protection?” She stood there, wearing those cute little shorts and T-shirt, her hands defiantly on her hips.

She expected him to answer when she looked so delectable? He swallowed the lump in his throat. “It’s complicated.”

“I’ve got news, buddy. Life is complicated.” She reached out and grabbed his hand. “Things would be so much better if you just open up.”

Her touch electrified him to the core. He’d already opened up, more than ever. What more did she want? Her fingertips moved in circles around his palm. Even the most innocent of touches sent him over the edge.

“How’s this for opening up.” He reached out and pulled her to him, his mouth crashing down into hers. She moaned against his lips, her body melting into him. God she felt so good. He let his hands rove and explore as her own hands roamed over his shoulders and down his arms.

All thoughts of talking vanished and more delicious thoughts, of the carnal variety, took over.





Chapter 39


Matthias traced a finger down Serah’s spine, reveling in the softness of her skin. She blew out a breath and pressed her body closer to his. The heat radiated between them. It scared him at first, but now he welcomed it. He wished it could last forever.

Alas, it couldn’t. They were going to go into battle. He leaned over and pushed some curls away from her neck. He nibbled and licked and traced his tongue down over her pulse.

She stirred against him, a deep sigh of contentment on her lips. She stiffened.

“Oh God. Not again.”

“Does my touch offend you that much?” he asked, placing a kiss upon her shoulder.

“No, but…”

“What’s wrong with two people with similar interests succumbing to pleasure?”

“It’s not safe.”

“You’re safer here with me next to you, trust that.”

Serah pulled herself away from him, taking the sheets with her. “There are other things that can harm us, besides the Infernati.” She twisted the satin sheet around her, shielding her curves from his view.

“I haven’t been that truthful with you.”

“Tell me something new.”

“Just hear me out. Back in the dungeon, I didn’t just try to save you because you were Pure-Blood.”

She shrugged. “Let me guess. You saved me because you wanted to jump my bones?”

“I admit, the thought did cross my mind from time to time.”

She rolled her eyes. He hated it when she was annoyed. “So why else did you do it?”

He reached out for her hand, flashing her a pleading gaze. Please take it. He needed her to understand.

With a reluctant sigh, she allowed him her hand. She took seat on the bed, the sheets billowing around her. “So spill it.”

“I…” Why in the hell were these words so hard to say? Those greeting cards made these things seem so damned easy. He wasn’t Shakespeare. He couldn’t pen her a sonnet. He couldn’t even say three measly words. He was pathetic.

“You what?”

“Oh, never mind.”

“Fine, whatever.” She jerked her hand away and grabbed the sheets. With an exasperated sigh, she headed toward the door. “We have to get ready for the show. We’ve wasted enough time.” With that, the door slammed shut behind her.

Yes, she is better off with someone else. Someone with less baggage.

With a frustrated breath, he rose from the bed. He pulled out a gray T-shirt and wrenched it over his head. Rummaging through the other piles of clothes, he grabbed a black pair of cargoes and slid them up his legs. Tightening his belt, he strapped the dagger to his side. He grabbed a few other weapons—a Glock with modified bullets and a couple of silver-infused grenades. Shoving the gun into the holster, he looked in the mirror.

Grabbing his final weapon, a long broadsword, he slid it into the scabbard at his back. He was ready—ready to defend Serah, whether she liked it or not.

***

Demon men were more complicated that human men. She sure as hell wasn’t going to live her life like a Charmed episode gone bad. Then again, life with Matthias couldn’t possibly be that bad.