The Seven: Four tales of passion, danger and love Read online

  “You ain’t seen nothing yet.” His promise was delivered in an exaggerated drawl as he pushed her down onto the bed.

  Sweet Lord did he feel good when he stretched out on the length of her, his erection pressed into her belly and his lips devouring hers. She returned the kiss with hunger that was as raw and intense as what was given.

  Time ceased as their bodies strained in to one another, hands roaming, touching, and squeezing and all the while tongues and lips hungrily feasting.

  When Augustus pulled back from her and sat back on his heels, she groaned in protest. That sound quickly turned into a purr of pleasure. His hands started at her waist and moved slowly up her sides, lifting her arms as his hands moved up the inside of her elbows to her wrists, his body sinking slowing forward on hers until his hands imprisoned hers above her head.

  Layla's lips parted eagerly when he traced his tongue over them. She sucked his tongue into her mouth, pressing her heels into the bed to lift her pelvis up and grind against that gloriously hard shaft straining at his jeans.

  “Hmmm.” He rocked back slowly, letting his hands retrace their way down her arms to the side of her breasts. “Stay just like that, honey. Now don’t move.”

  Had he been any man but Augustus, the soft command would have turned her off. His hands moved over her breasts slowly, fingers circling the hard buttons of her nipples through the fabric of her blouse. When he grabbed the neckline and ripped it right down the middle she gasped, then smiled.

  “Hello, my lovelies." His voice grew low and rough when her breasts spilled free.

  The next gasp that came from her was not one of surprise but a sharp stab of pleasure at his hands gathering her breasts to lift and push them together, all the while tracking over her nipples with his thumbs.

  A stampede of sensation radiated out from her nipples and raced quickly down the length of her body, taking root in her sex. Damn, his touch was like electricity, making her nerves sizzle. She started to reach for him, hungry for more of his taste but he stopped her with a look and a soft whisper.

  “No. Not yet. Put your hands back where they were. Over your head. Reach up and run your hands under that headboard and hang on.”

  Layla's typical inclination to argue reared its head. Submissiveness such as this was not something for which she'd acquired a taste. But the tone of his voice when he spoke his next words had an excited shiver running down her spine.

  “Do it.”

  Oh man, did she recognize that tone. It was one of confident command. Regardless of whether it was being used on a person or an animal, the inflection was the same, as was the intent.

  You’re going to do this my way.

  “Do it, Layla.” His voice was low and rough. “I’ll give you what you need.”

  As much as she loved and wanted him, she couldn't resist the challenge. "And what makes you so sure you know what I need?

  "As you wish."

  Disappointment flared when cool air whispered over her breasts as his hands released them. She should have kept her mouth shut.

  Before she had time to retract her words, she was overpowered by sensation. Augustus pinched her nipples, rolling them between his thumbs and index fingers. He applied just the right amount of pressure. Enough to make it verge on pain without ever crossing that threshold.

  “Oh my god.” She worked her hands up to the headboard to hang on.

  “That’s it sweetheart.” He lowered his head to flick his tongue over one tight nipple.

  When he sucked her nipple into his mouth, the sensation made her cry out. She wanted to dig her fingers into his flesh, tangle her hands in his thick hair, and press his face more firmly against her breast. Claw, scratch, something. She just couldn’t lie there passive and do nothing. It was too much.

  She fisted one hand in his hair, pulling him more firmly against her breast. Sliding her free hand between their bodies, she worked at the button of his jeans.

  Augustus sat back and smiled down at her. “In a hurry?”

  “Take them off, August. I want to feel you. Taste you.”

  His Texas drawl reemerged with a chuckle. “Good manners demand that I let a lady go first." He moved off her.

  “Fine, but you’re coming out of those jeans, stud.”

  She sat and swung her legs over the edge of the bed, leaning down to unfasten the straps of her shoes.

  When she stood to peel off her skirt, she looked back over her shoulder at him. He was lying on the bed, propped on one elbow, watching with a sexy smile.

  “Don’t mind me, sweetheart. I'm just enjoying the show.”

  She shot him a smile, turned her back to him, and slowly lowered her skirt, baring her ass then her legs as she stepped out of them and turned to face him.

  “So writers go commando, eh?”

  “I have on a garter belt and stockings.”

  "Indeed you do."

  She watched his eyes move over her. She could almost feel his gaze on her skin, the look on his face making her hotter and wetter. She let her hand move over her belly and down to cup her wet sex. “Your turn, hot stuff."

  Augustus smiled and got off the bed. After toeing off his boots, he quickly divested himself of his socks, and then unfastened his belt and jeans. Layla returned to the bed, eyes glued to him.

  Augustus left his jeans unbuttoned and unzipped while he took off his shirt. It wasn't the first time she'd seen him naked and yet she appreciated the moment as much as the first.

  Great glory, was he fine. The firm swell of his chest was dusted with fine, dark hair that trailed down the center of his firm abdomen to thicken south of his navel and disappear into his jeans.

  Augustus worked his jeans down over his hips and she felt like jumping up and giving a big rebel yell. He was long and thick, standing at attention.

  “Come here.” She sat up and grabbed him by the hips as he stepped over to her. One hand wrapped around the base of his shaft as the other worked behind him to grab his ass and pull him closer.

  Her tongue circled the swollen head then laved down the length of him. She felt his hands tangle in her hair as she took him in her mouth. Saints above, he was fine. She gave herself over to the taste and feel of him. It wasn’t until he gave a slight groan and pulled on her hair that she stopped and looked up at him.

  Augustus leaned over, his lips locking with hers in a kiss that had her toes curling. He pushed her back on the bed, his long, lean body hot and hard against her. Supporting himself on one elbow, his lips abandoned hers to travel down her neck in soft kisses and sharp little bites. And all the while, his hand worked slowly down her body.

  When he reached her sex, his hand cupped her. She pressed against his hand, eager for his touch. His fingers moved in her wet folds, spreading her lips to stroke and probe.

  She didn’t even try to stop the moan of longing that came from deep inside her. At the sound, he gave her a wolfish smile and staked a claim on her lips. His fingers moved inside her, deep and slow strokes that had her panting against his mouth and rocking against the movement of his fingers.

  “God that feels good. More. More.”

  “You'll get more.” He sucked her bottom lip into his mouth and bit lightly on it before moving to nip at her chin and work his way down her neck.

  “I'm going give you pleasure every way I can and I won’t stop until I’ve had my fill and you’re too sore to take any more.”

  “Talk’s cheap,” she breathed throatily. “I’m a show-me kinda gal.”

  Augustus’ hand tangled in her hair, pulling her head back. He looked down into her eyes and she saw a promise there that had her eager for all he had to give. “Yes,” she moaned as his fingers stroked her closer to orgasm.

  His head lowered, mouth closing on her breast. The light bite he gave to her nipple had her crying out. Not in pain, but hunger. He growled against her, not easing up. She worked her hands down his body, circling his shaft. “I want you.”

  “And you’re going to g
et me.” He raised his head to smile at her. “But first…”

  He sat back, took hold of her legs, and forced them into a bent position, spreading them wide. Her hands worked into fists, clutching at the bedcovers as he licked her wet folds. He spread her legs more, sucking her labia into his mouth and then slowly moved his tongue up her length to suck on her clit.

  She moaned when his tongue worked down and plunged inside her. Her hands moved to her inner thighs, pressing them out and down, fingers digging into her own skin as the intensity increased. “That’s it, baby,” he crooned against her and released her legs to use his fingers to spread her wide, exposing her clit.

  Her fingers dug deeper into her flesh when his tongue flicked over her clit, teasing and circling it. She was panting by the time he captured it in his mouth, his tongue tracing over the hard nub.

  He pressed two fingers inside her, stroking deep as he continued to suck on her clit. It was more than she could withstand. With a great shudder, she exploded. Before the wave had crested, he pulled her forward, pressing the head of his erection at the entrance of her sex.

  The wave intensified, leaving her mindless to everything but the sensations. She moaned as penetrated her. He pushed slowly, deeper and deeper inside, until the length of him was embedded inside her.

  Layla's body clenched on the hardness that filled her, imprisoned by an orgasm that had her panting and moaning, her hands gripping his shoulders like claws, digging in and holding fast.

  He took his time, stroking slow and stretching the pleasure out so that every time it seemed the intensity would abate, his pace would increase. Hard and deep, he rode her, bringing her back to a fevered pitch of sensation so intense all she could do was surrender to its power.

  When his movements began to slow, she sucked in a breath and panted at him. “More. Now. Please.”

  “I want to see you play with yourself. Play with that sweet little clit, sweetheart.” He sat back on his heels, pulling her forward so that she was bowed, her hips elevated by his thighs.

  She had no problem complying. Her hands moved between her legs, fingers spreading her sex to expose her clit. She saw his eyes tracking her movements.

  She ran one finger, then two over that hard bud of flesh, feeling the resulting spark that made her sex clench on him. He gripped her hips, at first thrusting slow, and then increasing in speed and depth as her body started to tense with the onset of climax.

  She felt the vibration begin and at that moment he drove deep inside her. She screamed his name in pleasure and tightened her legs around his waist to pull him down on her.

  The slap of flesh on flesh was a percussion beat to the harmony of their fast breaths and her throaty groans. Faster and harder, he rode her, his arms bearing his weight so that his chest only brushed her, the rasp of hair against her nipples creating a burn that only added to the sensation that rioted through her.

  “Ah, Layla,” he groaned as she started to contract on him. “You’re going to—“

  “Come with me. Bite me, August. Do it now."

  She felt his erection throb inside her and a moment later the feel of his mouth against her neck. Soft lips parted against her skin and then came the sting. It lasted but a moment and then she was catapulted into a world of pleasure that overrode all else.

  When at last the wave had passed, he lowered himself down, rolling over with his arms locked around her so that she lay against his side. With her head on his chest, she closed her eyes, listening to the rapid pound of his heart and feeling her own breath trying to stabilize.

  For a long time he held her, then drew back and looked into her eyes.

  “What?” she asked.

  “Just curious. Why ask me to bite you?”

  "It's … it make everything so much more intense. I like it."

  "It will make you weak if we continue."

  "I'll be fine."

  "No, Layla, you won't. You'll crave it and be willing to give more so you can feel more."

  "No, I won't."

  "Yes, you will. So this will be the last time."

  "No." She was surprised to hear herself arguing for it since at first she so feared it, but she didn't want it to stop. "There has to be a way. Supplements or something."

  "There's only one way."

  "What?"

  He raised one wrist to his mouth, punctured the flesh on the inner side, and placed it against her lips. "You take from me."

  "I—" She turned her head away, swiping at the blood on her lips.

  "It's this way or no way."

  Perhaps she should have considered longer, but at that moment all that mattered was that their lovemaking would continue to be the most sublime pleasure imaginable. She grabbed his wrist, jammed it against her opened mouth, and drank.

  When he gently pulled away, she was a bit embarrassed at her eagerness. Funny how it didn't gross her out or make her feel ill. In fact, every time she took from him she felt better. Stronger, more…alive.

  Yeah, and what does that tell you girlie? You're a blood junkie?

  "No, you're not." His voice had her eyes darting to his.

  "You're sure?"

  "Yes, sweetheart, I'm sure. I wouldn't allow you to do anything that would harm you."

  "Then why does it make me feel this way?"

  He'd just opened his mouth to answer when there was a tap at the door. "We'll be landing shortly sir." The attendant's voice filtered in through the closed door

  "Thank you." Augustus gave Layla a kiss on the tip of her nose. "We have just enough time to shower and change."

  She didn't argue but followed him to the bathroom.

  Twenty minutes later, they were both dressed and seated in the main cabin as the jet descended.

  Layla started getting excited as they touched down. It would be so good to see Ellie again. Then she thought about the things they had to reveal to Ellie and her excitement waned a bit.

  "Trust in your friend, Layla that she will understand you bring her information for her own welfare."

  Layla nodded. She hoped Ellie saw it that way and guessed it wouldn't be long before she'd find out.

  *****

  Ellie repositioned a cushion on the sofa and turned at the chuckle that came from behind her.

  "I know, I know, but I want it to look perfect. I can't wait to see her and for her to see our new home."

  "I'm glad you're excited." Cam gathered her in his arms and held her close. "And that you like the new house."

  "Like it? I love it. It's perfect. Everything's perfect." She pulled back far enough to look up at him. "Because of you. I love you so much."

  "And I love you." He put one hand on the roundness of her belly. "Both of you."

  Ellie smiled up at him. "Back when Layla and I were in Charlotte and both of us were struggling, I never dreamed life could be this good."

  "Me either and – is that a car?"

  Ellie hurried to the door and stepped outside just in time to see a long black limo pull up in front of the house. When it stopped, the driver got out and opened the rear door.

  A tall man with raven black hair stepped out and extended his hand inside the car. Ellie was off the porch, down the steps and hurrying to the car by the time Layla climbed out.

  "You're here!" Ellie grabbed Layla and hugged her. Layla returned the hug, both of them chattering at the same time.

  "You look so good."

  "Me? Look at you. You're glowing."

  "I can't believe you're here, you're really here."

  "Girl you won't believe what I had to do to find you."

  "Oh my god, you're a big famous author."

  "This is your place? Wow! Talk about a change. And is that—oh my god, you're pregnant?"

  "Mine if I cut in?"

  Ellie giggled and put her hand to her mouth at Cam's question. "Sorry. Cam, this is my friend Layla and …" She looked at Augustus.

  "Augustus Octavius Thurinus." Augustus extended his hand to Cam.

&nb
sp; "Cam Marsh. Pleasure to meet you."

  "The honor is mine. This is a lovely place."

  "Thanks." Ellie beamed at everyone. "We just finished it a few weeks ago and I'm still not sure I have everything the way I want it but Cam's putting up with me rearranging every few days."

  "Whatever makes you happy, sugar."

  She gave his hand a squeeze then looked at Layla and Augustus. "Please, come in."

  They started for the house but Ellie looked back. "Is that driver just going to sit there? You don't have to rush away quick do you? I was hoping you could stay the night. We have plenty of room and it's been so long."

  Layla looked at Augustus. "Do you mind?"

  "Not at all. I'll fetch our things and dispatch the driver."

  "You sure?"

  "That I am. Please. I will be in shortly."

  "Thanks." Layla planted a quick kiss on his cheek and took Ellie's hand. "Now show me your new home."

  Cam stepped aside for them to pass. "I'll help Mr. Thurinus."

  "Okay, thanks." Ellie grinned at him over her shoulder.

  Augustus spoke with the driver then returned to where Cam stood as the driver got out and went to the rear of the car.

  "As I understand it, you're a rancher, Mr. Marsh."

  "Yeah and it's Cam. We run cattle and my brother's wife, Lily is a horse breeder."

  "What's her specialty?"

  "She just moved into Gypsy Vanners but primarily stock for ranching and some rodeo, mostly roping."

  "I might be interested in speaking with her."

  "Oh? I'm sorry, I didn't know you were interested in rodeoing."

  "Oh, I'm not. I have a spread in Texas and am always looking for good cattle horses. I don't have my own breeding program although I'd be interested in perhaps trying my hand at it."

  "You're a rancher?"

  "Not born and bred, I admit."

  Cam's eyebrows shot up a bit. "Okay, where did that accent come from?"

  "A hundred or so years of living in Texas?"

  Augustus chuckled at the surprise on Cam's face. "I figured it was better to go ahead and acknowledge that five hundred pound gorilla on the porch as I'm sure you've already heard something about me."

  "Yeah, I have. Gotta admit you're not what I expected."