Sinister Kisses (The SKALS Series) Page 6

  In ways, the shooting had spared him. It spared him time and deliberation, but he resented the loss of control. His plan had been safe and methodical, if not a bit cold. Cold didn’t matter. It was the results he was interested in, and Taylor would have never been in danger. His fists clamped around the steering wheel in frustration. A simple break in would have done the trick. She would have been rattled, scared, and more than willing to run to the safety of his arms. Brad wouldn’t have hurt her. Of that much he’d made sure. Instead, her house was shot up, her arms were cut, and the trauma of what she’d seen and heard would probably haunt her for weeks. And for what? All so some two-bit hood rats could get a little payback? The thought made his blood boil.

  Movement on the monitor drew his attention. Cocking his head, Sebastian watched two figures duck out of the bar and make their way down the street. Showtime. He flipped the laptop shut and, within seconds, he followed a few feet behind.

  “Everything’s clear, Baas.”

  He closed the distance as they turned into an alley. A quick scan of his surroundings and Josh’s silence assured the path was clear. The taller of the two paused, his lanky body growing stiff at the soft but distinct click of the pistol’s safety.

  “Don’t move.” Sebastian issued the raspy whisper against his ear. “You boys made a very stupid mistake today, Davon, and it’s going to cost you.”

  Clamping his hand on the back of the man’s neck, Sebastian drove him to his knees with a quick blow from behind. The punk’s body buckled and he hit the asphalt in an awkward sprawl. The sudden topple drew his friend’s attention. A snarl rode Sebastian’s lips as the squat one rounded on him. Outrage gleamed in his eyes, and the business end of his gun brought the younger one to a halt.

  Staring at him, Sebastian cocked the hammer. “Get over here and join him before I blow your face off,” he ordered.

  The two shared an uncertain glance before Kenny sank into a kneeling position.

  “You holding us up, man? I don’t have no money on me.” Worry hiked Davon’s voice up an octave as he peered at his friend. Sebastian forced a cold smile.

  “I find that a bit hard to believe,” he whispered, leaning between them. “Two drug dealing gangbangers like you?” Sebastian shook his head and patted the man roughly on his shoulder. “No, Davon. Do us both a favor and don’t lie to me. Nothing puts me in a bad mood faster.”

  “I think you’re already in a bad mood, yo. That or crazy as hell,” Kenny muttered, craning his head to track Sebastian’s movements as he casually strolled in front of them.

  Eyes narrowed, he offered a curt nod and crouched before the pair. “That’s a very good possibility,” he said softly. “Call me crazy, but when the woman I love gets caught in the crossfire of a random shoot out, I have a very difficult time turning the other cheek.”

  “Look man, we had nothing to do wit--”

  The soft ping of the silencer was deceptive compared to the ominous spray of blood that followed. Wide-eyed, Davon issued a breathless howl, swiping at his face in a frantic attempt to clear away the gelatinous bits of brain and fragments of skull clinging to his skin. He gaped at his fallen friend in horror before swinging a pleading gaze Sebastian’s way.

  “I warned you not to lie,” he stated with a callous shrug. “I am done playing games, Davon.”

  “Look, man, please. I’m sorry your girl got caught up in it. She wasn’t who we were after. Please…”

  Sebastian stared him in the eyes with a slow shake of his head. “I’m afraid that doesn’t matter. Your apologies mean nothing to me.”

  “Man…please…I’m begging you. Let me go. I won’t do it again, I swear.”

  “You’ve got that right,” Sebastian whispered.

  A whimper parted the young man’s lips as cold steel pressed against his forehead in a menacing kiss. The familiar stink of urine rose from the street. Sebastian curled his lip in disgust and rocked to his feet. The cold glint of hatred in his eyes was the last thing he saw reflected back at him in the terrified flare of Davon’s pupils.

  Sighing, Sebastian stripped off his holster and dropped it on the kitchen counter. It had been a long day, but a successful one. They were another step closer to closing in on some crazed cult leader, he’d spilled the need for vengeance, and, best of all, there was a beautiful woman waiting for him. For the first time in hours, the beginnings of a genuine smile lit his face. Stepping back into the laundry room, he stripped down and changed into a pair of sweatpants. He wasn’t worried about evidence: the bullets were completely untraceable and gang retaliations happened every day. What he didn’t want was Taylor spotting any blood. If she did, the questions might start and answers weren’t something he was willing to give. As hard as it was to wait any longer, he made a quick stop in the half bath to wash up before roaming the house in search of his prize.

  He found her curled up on one of the plush leather couches in the great room. She’d burrowed beneath one of the maroon throws, and if the crumpled magazine on the floor was any indication, she’d fallen asleep reading. Crouching down in front of Taylor, he studied her with a small smile. She was so beautiful, so innocent, and gentle. And now, she was completely his. The thought was almost humbling. Reaching out, he smoothed the hair back from her face and watched as her grey eyes slowly fluttered open.

  “Hey, darling,” he murmured. “What are you doing on the couch?”

  The sleepy smile she offered stole his breath away.

  “Where else was I supposed to sleep?” she asked, stretching beneath the soft throw like a contented feline.

  “My bed would have been an excellent start,” he chuckled.

  Her eyes took on an impish gleam. “You said the master suite was yours and yours alone. I also recall you saying maybe you would show it to me sometime if I was a good girl. I was not about to be so presumptuous or bold.”

  Sebastian’s shoulders shook with a quiet laugh. “I think you enjoy playing hard to get, little minx. I warned you I was not a patient man. Haven’t I chased you long enough?”

  Taylor giggled and tucked her hand beneath her chin. “Don’t tell me you’re growing tired of it already. The chase is always the best part.”

  Cupping the side of her face, he gazed into the silver pools of her eyes. “Make no mistake. I would hunt you to the very ends of this earth and back if that’s what it took. You have no idea the things I would do for you.”

  Taylor’s cheeks flushed and her stare disappeared beneath the thick, sooty sweep of her lashes. His body throbbed with desire and the primal need to stake his claim on this woman. He’d waited long enough. Gathering her into his arms, he lifted her off the couch.

  “What are you doing?” she asked, clinging gently to the side of his neck.

  “Taking you where you belong.

  V.

  Taylor glanced around the opulent master suite in awe as the fireplace lit the room, bathing it in a subtle glow. The heavy double doors had been impressive enough, but the spacious retreat blew her away. A sitting area opened to the left of the doors, complete with a lush micro suede furniture set and ornate end tables. Even the walls were decorated with the simple eloquence of silver framed pictures and mirrors. The bedroom loomed to the right, equipped with a massive four-poster bed and a fireplace that served as a quarter wall dividing the two areas. Deep in the far end of the room, was an enormous walk in closet that could have easily fit her entire apartment, just from what she could see. The opposite side of the room boasted a window bay with rich, velvety drapes and a plush chaise lounge that made her want to curl up and read. She ran her hand over the embroidered comforter, marveling in the soft padding and striking combination of black and silver.

  Her heart beat a little faster as Sebastian approached the side of the bed. The firelight played across the firm lines of his body, highlighting each solid ridge and valley. She was surprised and a little amazed. He wasn’t some hulking gym-rat but, beneath his shirt, he harbored a gorgeous body. Every inc
h of him was lean, hard, and well defined. He was like a panther: sleek, dangerous, and full of lethal power. Reaching out, she trailed her fingers over the taut drum of his abs. Sebastian sucked in a sharp breath and caught her wrist in response, but not before she witnessed the marvelous play of the six-pack stretched beneath his skin. Or was it eight?

  Taylor whimpered as he sprung, covering her body and pinning it to the mattress in one fluid movement. His hands trailed up her sides, eagerly pulling her shirt with them as his mouth plied hers with hungry, demanding kisses. Slow burning napalm exploded in her veins as he cupped her breasts, kneading the tender flesh. The warm pad of his thumbs strummed across her nipples, and Taylor arched against him with a fevered moan. He pinched the tiny nubs, rolling them tightly between his fingers drawing another whimper from her lips. Hot moisture pooled between her thighs and she grew dizzy from the staggering combination of pleasure and pain.

  Sebastian chuckled against her skin. “You like that, do you?” he murmured seconds before his mouth closed over her breast.

  Taylor panted beneath the onslaught as he sucked and nipped with zeal. Her fingers plowed through his unruly curls in encouragement as she nodded and moaned. Shame flushed her cheeks as she realized how brazen she must look and sound but her body was too far gone to care. All that mattered was quenching the unbearable ache between her thighs.

  “Sebastian…please.”

  He tugged her nipple between his teeth. A taunting smile rode his lips as he peered up at her. Squirming beneath him, she groaned, writhing against the comforter in an attempt to escape the maddening torture. Growling beneath his breath, Sebastian gave her shorts and panties a sharp tug, dragging both down her legs with a savage wrench. Brief fear lanced her chest and, for a moment, she wondered what she’d gotten herself into. The animalistic hunger in his eyes as every bit as humbling as it was terrifying.

  She cried out as he lowered his head between her thighs and the swift dart of his tongue parted her swollen lips. When he licked her, the deep guttural noise rising from his throat threatened to drive her mad. Reaching up, his strong hands gripped her hips and pinned them to the mattress. Her confusion was short lived. The hot fan of his breath alone was enough to drive her wild, but when his tongue thrashed against her without mercy, she jerked against his hold. Biting waves of pleasure ripped through her. Something dark and delicious danced just out of reach, coaxing her and calling her forward. Just before she reached that precipice, Sebastian stopped and crawled up the length of her body.

  The look in his pale sage eyes was numbing.

  “You are so beautiful.” His voice was a husky rasp that sent shivers of delight down her spine. “Every last inch of you.”

  Unable to speak, she reached for him, but he rolled to the side, the muscles in his body straining as he peeled off his sweats. A soft gasp left her upon seeing him naked for the first time. Her heart hammered with uncertainty as her eyes darted to his. Sebastian’s smile was slow and unrepentant.

  “It’s okay,” he coaxed, settling back on top of her.

  Taylor wasn’t so sure. The long, thick length of his erection jutted to his navel in proud display. She felt the hot flesh jump against her thigh, and a moment of panic seized her. It was going to hurt. Tears pricked her eyes as he nudged her thighs apart with his knee and the tip of his shaft prodded her entrance. Sebastian cradled her face between his hands. His expression was soft and coaxing as he covered her mouth with his.

  The pressure became unbearable. She whimpered, digging her nails into his back in a silent plea for him to stop. A small twinge of relief flooded her as he deepened the kiss and pulled his hips back. Her brief respite turned to a keening scream of desperation when he drove forward and buried himself deep, splitting her open. Sebastian groaned and stilled above her. His hands stroked the sides of her face as he swallowed her cries and lavished her with kisses. Taylor strained against his chest, her body clamping around his. She was stretched and stuffed full. She shook her head, begging him to stop when Sebastian eased back and rocked into her again.

  He broke the kiss, and she drew a shuddering breath, a lone word falling past her lips unbidden: “Pleeaasee.”

  “Shh, Taylor, no,” Sebastian murmured against her ear. “Give it a minute, baby. The pain will stop.”

  He claimed her mouth again, this time slowly and tenderly as he moved inside her. Her body swayed beneath the deep but gentle drive of his hips and her head started to spin as the agony abated and slowly drifted toward pleasure. Wrapping her legs around him, she welcomed his forward thrusts. The gesture drew a low growl of approval from Sebastian and, slipping a hand beneath her, he cradled her ass and picked up the pace. Within minutes, the harsh slap of skin filled the room, bouncing off the walls. The blurry, breathtaking combination of pleasure and pain washed through her, spurred even higher by the furious passion. Seeking an anchor, her fingers wound in his hair, giving those adorable curls a tug.

  Sebastian returned the favor, wringing a cry from her lips as his fist wound in her hair. He hauled her head back with a sharp yank. An unspoken warning rose in his eyes, giving them a dangerous glint. Taylor reluctantly let go, but he maintained his hold. Her cries flooded the room as he pounded into her with wild abandon. Her back bowed as he stabbed deep, each plunge stroking her into madness. Taylor whimpered when his fingers tightened and a deep, husky growl vibrated against her ear. The sound worked its way through her, and without warning, she tumbled into the unknown. Twisting, she arched beneath him with a strangled scream as her body shattered and exploded into dizzying pleasure.

  Sebastian stiffened with a groan. His mouth slanted against hers as he slowed the pace and carried her through each crippling wave. Dazed and breathless, she clung to him as he eked every bit of bliss from her body. The hold in her hair heightened as he drove into her with renewed zeal. Words of encouragement and praise tumbled from his lips until the lean body above her shuddered and Sebastian threw his head back with a hoarse bellow.

  Their ragged gasps filled the silence as they struggled to catch their breath and slow the frantic hammer of their hearts. Rolling onto his side, Sebastian pulled her with him, dragging her thigh up over his. Spellbound, she traced lazy patterns on his chest until he captured her hand and pressed her fingers to his lips. His eyes sparkled in the firelight as she peered up at him.

  “What are you thinking?” he murmured with a tender smile.

  Taylor sighed, relishing the feel of his warm hands as he rubbed small circles against her shoulders and thigh. “That was intense.”

  His body shook with a soft chuckle. “Which part would that be?”

  “All of it,” she admitted, blushing. Her color deepened as he pulled her on top of him and her body splayed against his. Hiding behind her hair, she buried her nose against his chest and breathed the familiar scent of his skin. His fingers trailed up the side of her cheeks and he gently coaxed her face to his.

  “I want to be the one to show you everything, Taylor.”

  She giggled, pressing her nose against him again with a small shake of her head. Unable to resist, she planted a kiss against his sweat-slicked chest. Sebastian’s head fell back against the pillows with a contented rumble.

  “It’s an incredible feeling to have something that no other man ever has, to know I’m the only one who will ever know how your body feels.”

  A playful smile curved her lips as she kissed her way up to his chin. “Who says you’ll be the last?”

  All traces of softness fled his face. The hard lines of Sebastian’s jaw steeled and a frightening glint replaced the sheen in his narrowing eyes. She gasped as his hand left her thigh and wrapped around her chin with startling speed. Unforgiving fingers dug into her cheeks. Her heart hammered as his gaze drilled into her.

  “I do,” he stated in a deceptively soft whisper. Sebastian released her slowly, though his stare was not as merciful. “It’s been a long night. Go get cleaned up before I feel the need to reiterate that fact.”<
br />
  Fear wound a treacherous path through her body. Shivering, she somehow managed to wrest her eyes away from his. Taylor inched off him and slid off the side of the bed with a wince. Her legs threatened to give out beneath her as she made her way into the master bath. There was no mistaking the weight of Sebastian’s stare as it tracked her every step. His words chilled her to the bone. She’d only asked to be playful, but his reaction had been anything but.

  Biting her lip, she rubbed the side of her cheek and glanced around the massive bathroom in search of a washcloth. Her gaze darted over the stone shower and jetted corner tub with decorative pillars before flitting over the sinks to the right. She shook her head. Even the bathroom was a humbling display of decadence with its rich travertine stone, lush plants, and deep Tuscan tones. Her eyes bulged when she scanned the counters and cupboards to the left and she spotted a small built-in wine cooler.

  “Third drawer down.”

  She whirled at the sound of Sebastian’s voice. Stepping past her, he moved to the sink and the bathroom echoed with the sound of running water. Taylor blew out a quiet breath and nabbed two clean washcloths from the drawer. After they’d finished, Sebastian took hers and tossed them both into a decorative hamper. The silence was killing her. She wrung her hands, wanting to speak, but not wanting to push her luck any further. Hope flooded her as Sebastian turned to her and beckoned her forward with a crook of his finger.

  Without a word, he scooped her up off the cool stone floor. Grateful, she wrapped her arms around his neck and buried her face into his warm crook as he carried her back to bed. He’d already turned the covers and the fire down. Reluctantly, she loosened her grip as he eased her onto the soft mattress and drew the comforter up under her chin. She sighed as the bed dipped beneath his weight and Sebastian pulled her against his side.

  “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I didn’t mean anything by what I said. I was just trying to be funny. I don’t want anyone else but you.”