Sinister Kisses (The SKALS Series) Read online

  VI.

  Soft voices filtered from upstairs as Sebastian made a final round through the house, turning off lights and double-checking doors as he went. After punching in the key for the security alarm, he raked a hand through his hair and glanced around. It had taken hours, but they’d decked the house to the hilt for Christmas. Crisp white lights and festive garland covered nearly every surface from archways to mantles, to the thick curving banisters. Multicolored lights illuminated the outside of the windows, bathing the inside with a colorful glow. All that was missing was the tree, but truth be told, he was looking forward to decorating that alone with Taylor. Maybe he would even take her shopping and let her pick out the theme. Women tended to like that sort of thing.

  All in all, the evening had gone well. The kids had been well behaved and more than happy to help. They’d been ecstatic when he’d handed them all twenty bucks for their hard work and they’d all shared a peaceful meal of fried chicken, jo jos, and Mediterranean pizza. He chuckled remembering Mia’s face the minute she’d bitten into the feta cheese. The way she’d grimaced, he would have thought she’d swallowed a lemon. At least she’d politely lifted the napkin to her mouth and spit the food out, even if she did follow it up with a scowl and an adamant “yuck.”

  His head snapped up as the little princess let out an ear-piercing shriek upstairs. It had been a long day and he was more than ready to retire to the more peaceful surroundings of his suite. Bounding up the steps, he found his niece standing in the hallway. She’d crammed her fingers in her mouth and fat tears rolled down the rounded slopes of her cheeks. The boys stood sheepishly behind her, the look on their faces anything but innocent. Shooting them both a dour look, he crouched down and plucked Mia’s hand from between her trembling lips.

  “What happened, baby?”

  “Dey slammed my fingers in the door.” Her chubby little legs pumped as she danced in place. “Owwwwie!”

  He examined her dimpled digits, bending them gently. Running a finger over the red indent, he shook his head and scooped her up. “You’re okay, pumpkin. Let’s go get you some ice though, just to make it feel better, okay?”

  She nodded against his neck, her cheeks leaving hot wet patches in their wake.

  “We’re sorry, Uncle Seb. It was an accident.”

  “It’s not me you should apologize to, Christian. Your cousin’s the one who got hurt.”

  The young boy scowled and hung his head. Kicking the carpet with his toes, he gave a begrudging sigh. “I’m sorry, Mia. She’s just such a pain in the butt! She never leaves us alone.”

  Sebastian lifted an eyebrow at his nephew and adjusted the squirming toddler on his hip. “Is that an apology or an excuse?”

  “Sorry.”

  “You boys finish up your game and get ready for bed. I’ll be up in a minute to say goodnight.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  A few minutes later, he had Mia tucked into her frilly white bed and the soft glow of a nightlight flooded the lavish space. She beamed up at him from beneath the covers, still clutching the plastic bag of ice. Leaning over, he kissed her forehead with a promise to keep her door cracked and a reassurance he was just down the hall as always.

  The boys had already scrambled into their bunk bed by the time the peeked in on them. The blue multisport comforters were just coming up over their bodies, and their hushed whispers filled the room. Sebastian shook his head and smiled from the doorway. The two couldn’t have been any closer if they had been cousins.

  “You know the rules. Keep the TV down and lights out at eleven.”

  “Yes, sir,” they said in unison.

  It was a force of habit for Josh’s son, being raised by a military parent. Christian happily followed Aiden’s lead. Regarding them for a minute longer, he felt a twinge of pity for his nephew. His home life was an unstructured mess. Most of the time, it bordered on utter chaos. It was no wonder the kid clung to anything that resembled order. A frown darkened his face as he pondered the situation. Maybe someday his brother would find his balls and get his wife in check. He snorted. That was doubtful. For whatever reason, Lucian seemed to enjoy being a doormat and unfortunately, he was dragging his poor kid down with him. Right under some vicious four inch heels. Sighing, he reminded himself that it was none of his business. He had his own house and his own affairs to keep in order.

  “I love you boys,” he stated softly. “Goodnight.”

  “Love you too, Uncle Seb. G’night.”

  Peaceful silence enveloped him the moment he shut the doors to the master suite. His eyes darted over the bed before his gaze traveled to the far end of the room. Taylor lay curled up on the chaise lounge, a soft cashmere throw spread across her legs as she read. Hearing him enter, she set the book down and smiled. Sebastian regarded her for a long moment, unsure if he wanted to return the gesture or not.

  “I thought I asked you to get ready for bed,” he stated, turning to tug off his shirt.

  Taylor’s expression faltered as he looked her way. “I am ready. My clothes are changed, my teeth are brushed…”

  “And yet you aren’t in it.”

  Her forehead creased with confusion. “I was waiting for you.”

  Sebastian nodded and stripped off his pants. “We seem to be having a little breakdown in communication this evening. To be honest, I’m having a hard time understanding why that is. Am I not being clear?”

  “I…I did what you asked.”

  “No, Taylor, you didn’t. Is there a reason you are avoiding our bed?” he asked, turning to face her. Her mouth opened and closed without sound. Uncertainty lined her face as she glanced at the object in question. A silent shake of her head was all she managed to muster. Sebastian’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Then please get in it.”

  Laying the book aside, she peeled back the throw and stood. Her gaze darted to the rumpled blanket and he watched the conflict surge through her as she struggled with the urge to fold it. The muscles on one side of his jaw knotted. Crossing his arms against his chest, Sebastian bit his tongue and waited. After a long pause, she finally crept across the room and slid between the blankets. A small tremble wormed through her as he pinned her with a stare. Shaking his head, he moved to turn out the lights.

  Her body stiffened as he eased into bed beside her.

  “Are you trying to test my patience?” he asked quietly.

  “No.” She squirmed beneath the comforter.

  “I’ve warned you several times that I am not a patient man. I asked you politely to get in bed. It was a simple request, yet you still felt the need to make me wait.”

  “I was scared,” she whispered. “You seem angry.”

  “So you decide to further test that theory?” he asked, raising an eyebrow in the dark. “Tell me, Taylor, if it’s not my anger you want then what is it you are trying to accomplish here?”

  “I…” she blew out a shaky breath. “ Sebastian, please don’t be mad at me. I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.”

  “No,” he agreed. “It won’t. When I tell you to get ready for bed, that means I expect you to be ready and in bed when I get here. Is that clear?”

  “Yes, Sebastian.”

  “Good. Don’t make me have this conversation with you again. You won’t like me if I have to continue repeating myself, and you’ll like the consequences of avoiding my touch even less.”

  The mattress shifted. He stared up at her as Taylor leaned over him, her inky hair spilling across her face. Even in the darkness, he could see the hurt and confusion wounding those beautiful eyes. Gooseflesh erupted beneath the feather light stroke of her fingers as she trailed them across his chest. He bit back a groan as they danced lower and swirled across his navel.

  “Is that what you think?” she whispered. His head fell back and he closed his eyes as she pressed her lips against his fevered skin. “I wasn’t avoiding you, Sebastian. I was waiting for you—eagerly and impatiently waiting.” She kissed a slow path across his chest. Her warm breath
fanned against his abs, and he jerked as her cool fingers dipped beneath the blankets to squeeze his shaft. “I love the way you touch me,” she whispered. “The things you do to me, the way you make me feel…”

  His brow quirked in question. What happened to his bashful little minx? One thing he knew for certain, her words were almost his undoing as was her touch. He shuddered with anticipation as her breath fanned lower. Winding a fist in her hair, he pulled until he wrung a soft cry from those sensual lips. His cock throbbed. If she was so eager to please, he would let her, but she wasn’t going to tease him in the process. Pushing her head down, he groaned as she took him into her mouth. Searing heat enveloped him and he drew in a raspy breath, winded from the pleasure. His fingers tightened in Taylor’s hair, guiding her down further.

  She whimpered, sending delicious shockwaves through his system. Moaning low in the base of his throat, Sebastian met her downward strokes and plunged deeper. The hot suction of her mouth was staggering. Combined with her keening mewls, the torment threatened to send him over the edge. Hauling her back, he used his hold on her hair to drag her up the front of him. Taylor shivered, regarding him with wide bewildered eyes. Urging her thigh over his hip, he searched her face, looking for any sign of reluctance or deception. He sagged against the pillows as she slowly impaled him. The tight grip of her body was almost too much. A beautiful look of bliss carved her face as he filled her, followed by a whimper of pain. She was swollen and sore, but it wasn’t enough. He had to have her. Grinding her down, he rocked beneath her, driving deep into her womb. Taylor’s head fell back, and the room echoed with her startled cry. Her nails sank into his chest as he pushed even deeper and Sebastian clenched his teeth, fighting to keep a tremulous hold on his self-control.

  “Prove it to me,” he ordered. “Prove you want this.”

  Taylor bit her lip. Tears welled in her eyes as she struggled to stay seated. Grabbing her hips, he drove harder, watching the staggering combination of pain and determination play across her face. Her whimper broke on a sob. Hands splayed against his chest, she curled her fingers, her knees trembling with her efforts not to move. The pressure was unbearable, even for him, but he wanted more. Rocking beneath her, he ground upwards and drew another keening whimper from her throat. Her nails raked against his skin in a silent plea. She trembled, and his eyes locked with hers in open challenge. A taunting smile curved his lips when she sat tight, her body throbbing around him.

  “Cum for me, Taylor,” he said quietly. Reaching between them, he ran a finger over her slick slit. Her hips jerked involuntarily, and he arched to keep the pressure.

  “I can’t,” she panted. “It hu-hurts.”

  “Focus on the pleasure, not the pain.”

  It was an unrealistic expectation at best, but that never stopped him from trying. Her efforts were humbling, but if the beads of sweat on her brow and the tortured twist of her face were any indication, Taylor was going to cave. He wasn’t sure what he would do then. Perhaps shove a pillow over her face and fuck her so hard she screamed. The moan that tumbled past her lips caught him off-guard. Watching her, Sebastian stroked her little nub harder and faster, loving the battle of agony and ecstasy that took place on her features. Taylor writhed against his fingers, her face contorting for the briefest of seconds. Then it happened.

  Her body exploded into a violent spasm. She gouged his chest with a strangled scream, her already tight walls clamping around him in a painful grip. Sebastian groaned as she shuddered, massaging him in a series of vicious contractions that opened her up and drove her down deeper with each throb of release. Surprise tore through him, ripping away the last bit of his control. Pumping up into her, he ignored her lofty cries and came in an instant of pure shuddering joy.

  Sebastian lifted her, easing Taylor from his body. Tears streaked her cheeks as he rolled her onto her side and cradled her tight. It wasn’t often someone managed to take him by surprise, let alone so completely. He ran his fingers through the damp tangles of her hair and kissed her face.

  “You’re a good girl, Taylor,” he murmured as he drew the covers up over them. “Such a good girl.” His eyes closed when she pressed closer, curling up against his chest in search of warmth and reassurance. She clung to him while he rubbed small circles along her spine, her small body still trembling with the strain.

  “I love you, Sebastian,” she whispered. “Please forgive me.”

  “There’s nothing to forgive. I love you, too, baby. More than you know.”

  Taylor’s eyes popped open as the bed dipped unexpectedly. For a moment, she held her breath, praying it wasn’t Sebastian rolling over in search of her. As much as she loved him, she wasn’t sure she could endure another round of his attention so soon. Her body still ached in a dull reminder of the night before. Soft sunlight filtered through the windows assuring her morning had come despite the exhaustion still coiled through her limbs. The mattress bounced again, this time more rigorously. Sebastian stiffened and let out a pained grunt beside her as Mia’s cheerful giggle flowed through the room.

  “Wake up, Unco Sebby! Wake up!”

  The bed shimmied as she scrambled up the mattress, climbing over top of him. Rolling over, Taylor smiled as he grunted again and a low chuckle spilled from his throat. The sweet little girl sat straddling his ribs, bouncing on her knees. Big blue eyes sparkled with delight beneath the tangled blonde shocks of her hair. Cupping his cheeks between her dimpled hands, she rubbed them vigorously.

  “Up!” she demanded. “I’m hungry.”

  “All right already,” he laughed, capturing a chubby hand to kiss her fingers.

  “Your cheeks are poky.” She pouted. “Dey hurt.”

  “No one asked you to maul them, kiddo,” he teased with a wink. “And what did I tell you about coming in here?” He shook his head at her confused expression. In a fast, fluid strike, he flipped her onto her back and tickled her tummy as she thrashed, screaming with laughter as she tried to get away. “You’re supposed to knock, you little monster!”

  “Otay!” she squealed. “Otay! I’m sorry!”

  Chuckling, he scooped her off the bed and stood before setting her on her feet. “Next time knock first, princess. Go get the boys up. Taylor and I will be down in a minute.”

  Taylor grinned as the little girl gifted her with a bright smile and cheerful wave. Giggling, she spun on her heel and bounded down the hall. Still watching after the beaming ball of energy, Sebastian chortled and raked his hands through his hair.

  “She’s so cute. Can we keep her?”

  He stared at her for a long minute. Throwing his head back, he laughed. “No. In fact,” he said, crossing the room to cradle her hips against his, “we should probably get you on something before we end up with six of our own.”

  “I’m already on the shot. My uncle didn’t want me getting knocked up in high school, and despite my objections, he didn’t believe I was keeping myself intact.”

  She moaned as he bent to kiss the side of her neck. His lips lingered warm and soft against her skin. Despite herself, she felt her body respond with a low forceful throb.

  “Mm, but you did,” he growled. His teeth snared her earlobe in a gentle nibble, and Taylor squirmed, her knees threatening to buckle beneath his administrations. “When do you need to go back?”

  “January. Would it be so bad though? To have some of our own someday? I mean not now, but…” She trailed off as his hand settled against her throat. Her breath caught, her heart starting a slow hammer, but he merely tipped her chin up with his fingers as he kissed a slow path across her neck and along the line of her jaw. His groan threatened to set her insides on fire.

  “No, baby,” he murmured. “I’d love to have a kid or two someday down the road.” He cupped her ass with his free hand, grinding her against the front of him. “I’d love making them even more,” he added with a sinister chuckle. “What is this anyway? Are you making plans for our future already?”

  Taylor colored and s
hook her head. “Uhm, no…I just…”

  He laughed and covered her mouth with a rough kiss. Pulling back, Sebastian winked. “Relax, sweetheart. I like it. Now go get dressed. As much as I would love to throw you on that bed, the kids will start rioting soon if we don’t feed them.”

  Cooking was no easy feat. Even though the kitchen was huge, Sebastian found reasons to brush up against her on several occasions. It was just a subtle reminder of him, the way he felt, and the things he was capable of doing. Biting her lip, she concentrated on flipping the blueberry pancakes as he pressed against her. He rested his chin on her shoulder, hands on her hips, swaying them gently against his. The kids sat scattered on the floor in the great room while they played a board game. It was the kind of morning, and in many ways, the type of life she’d always dreamed of having. A small frown darkened her face as she thought of her parents. Were these the kind of simple pleasures she’d missed out on growing up? If her father hadn’t run off, and her mother had kept her, would she have witnessed two loving adults lingering in the kitchen preparing meals together while she played? The thought made her sigh.

  “What’s wrong?” Sebastian whispered.

  She turned her head slightly to find him studying her face. “I was just wondering what my life would have been like if I’d had a family like yours.”

  His husky laugh vibrated in her ear. “Count yourself lucky, darling. I didn’t have this either growing up.”

  “Your parents sound like they loved each other very much.”

  “They did,” he said, still swaying lightly behind her. “They were very much involved with each other, but my father was a man who believed children should rarely be seen and never heard. We were more of an inconvenience in his eyes than a blessing—a fact he liked to reinforce often with his fists.”