Sitting on her deck stark naked, rain pounding down on the awning covering her small outdoor space, was a surprisingly sensual experience. Piecing on her favorite brunch foods made the entire scene seem decadently overindulgent, but she didn’t care. Her position protected her from the stinging raindrops falling so hard, they’d made her flinch before Cooper pulled her chair closer to the building.
“I love the weather in Texas. It changes so often, you never have a chance to get bored.” Cooper’s deep voice resonated with admiration, and she smiled when she realized he was speaking more to himself than to her.
“True, and rains like this lift my mood by positively charging the ions in the air. So many people scoff, claiming it’s a theory or some kind of new-age nonsense, but it’s science. I think I was in the third or fourth grade when the teacher talked about how rain could positively charge the ions in the air. Holy Hannah, I was so excited to finally be able to relate the way I felt to a scientific fact. So much of my life was centered on magic and other things I wasn’t allowed to talk to outsiders about, it was limiting. Finding some common ground was exhilarating. Unfortunately, we started moving a lot not long after that, and our parents started homeschooling us.”
Cooper was watching her so closely, Cat swore he was studying her like she was a lab rat. His unrepentant grin let her know she was thinking too loud again. Damn, I really need to pay attention.
“You are not a lab rat, Princess. I was simply hoping you would keep talking. You rarely share anything about your childhood, and I was enjoying the glimpse into that time of your life.”
She stared at him, surprised to realize she appeared so closed off. In fact, her early life had been filled with extensive world travel and educational experiences that shaped the woman she’d become.
Cooper shifted his position until their chairs were fully facing one another. Leaning back, with his elbows resting on the arms of the chair and fingers steepled under his chin, Cooper gave her a lecherous grin. Cat felt the energy around them kick up and knew the dynamic had shifted. They didn’t need a code word. She was always able to sense when their interaction changed to a D/s scene.
“Show me what is mine, Princess. Scoot your delectable ass forward, lean back, and spread your beautiful legs. Hook your knees over the arms of your chair. I want to see every delicious bit.”
It took a couple of seconds for her to process his words. She probably looked like an idiot sitting outside stark naked, eating so much, she was closing in on a carb-coma and blinking like a deer caught in the headlights. Her brain finally kicked into gear, and she set aside the pastry in her hand. Getting into position wasn’t difficult, but she was surprised by how vulnerable she felt.
When she heard a noise from the patio below hers, Catalina started to move. Her outdoor space had been designed to provide the best possible view, and she loved the all-glass enclosure. The suite below hers was only used when Adler Oil hosted out-of-town guests, so she hadn’t given the glass floor any thought.
“Stay still, Catalina. The couple using the guest suite has come to Austin to interview for positions at Adler Oil and have just returned from a visit to Prairie Winds. They are voyeurs and long-time members of the ShadowDance Club. Health concerns require a warmer climate, so they’re hoping to move to Texas.” She started to look down, but a subtle shake of his head reminded her to stay focused on her Dom. It had been so long since they’d played, Catalina was struggling to remember the rules. Cooper wasn’t overly strict, but one of his hard and fast rules was keeping her eyes on him unless otherwise instructed.
“I have a couple of gifts for you. We’ll make sure they are in place before we proceed.” Cooper’s pause was deliberate—he was giving her a chance to use her safeword, but Cat already knew she wouldn’t. She was a bit of an exhibitionist and was thrilled to know they were being watched with appreciation rather than judgment. The velvet box Cooper set on the table was from her store. When had he managed to make a purchase she didn’t know about? Flipping up the lid, the rat palmed whatever was inside before kneeling in front of her.
“I can hear all those questions, Princess. Let’s do a little quality control experiment today, shall we?” Opening his hand, she saw a clit ring she’d designed. She liked to tell customers the small gold ring was a cross between their grandmother’s clip earrings and their grandfather’s woodworking clamps. “I want to see how you play with your pretty pussy when we’re apart. Slide your fingers through those slick folds, get them nice and wet, then lose yourself for a few seconds… but don’t come.”
Her hand had already been moving in anticipation of the release she craved, but his admonishment to not come made her freeze. For a few seconds, she wasn’t sure he was serious. The time they had together was always so limited, orgasm denial had never been a part of their play. How was she supposed to hold back? Cripes, didn’t he know she wasn’t one of those delayed gratification people? A split second before she opened her mouth to tell him what she thought of his plan, somewhere in the very back of her mind, Cat’s subconscious registered an odd echo. Before she could process what it was, the glass beside her splintered into a spiderweb of fractures. If her brother hadn’t insisted on impact-resistant glass, the shot would have gone into her upper thigh. Whoever pulled the trigger wasn’t trying to kill her, but they damned well planned to make certain she was slowed down for the foreseeable future.
Catalina’s training kicked in, and she was on the floor before Cooper finished shouting at the couple below them to get back inside. Cat saw them scramble out of harm’s way and wondered how fast they’d be packed up and head back to Colorado. Damn, Austin was going to be pissed she’d screwed this up for him.
Are you fucking kidding me? Some jackass is taking potshots at you, and you’re worried about what big brother is going to say about a couple of job applicants? Hell, one of those applicants was a Green Beret, not much chance he’ll be frightened off by a shot aimed at someone else.
Great, just what she needed, her brother’s voice bouncing around in her head while she was naked. Damn, this shit was getting old.
“Get dressed. We’re moving a little sooner than planned. I think this was supposed to be a snatch and grab.”
“Why would they aim for my thigh? It makes their first order of business providing medical care.” Once inside, she stood and turned back to the sliding glass doors. The floor to ceiling glass would protect them from anything short of a military attack, and she wanted to scan the neighboring rooftops. The Adler Oil building was the tallest for several blocks around, so there was little chance the shot came from above.
“Catalina. Focus, please.”
Blinking in surprise, she wondered how long Cooper had been speaking to her. Where the hell was her head? That sort of distraction got agents killed. She needed to pull her head out of her ass… quickly.
“If I hadn’t tilted my head down looking at your slick fold, the shot would have drilled my temple, Princess. Whoever took the shot overcorrected, and the second attempt hit the glass.” Shit, that’s why she’d heard an echo. It was embarrassing to admit she hadn’t heard the first shot.
“I don’t know who we’re dealing with because there are too many things that don’t add up. They know enough to take me out before trying to grab you.” He was right. Anyone who knew anything at all about her had to be aware of their relationship. They’d know Cooper would protect her at all costs. “The fucker obviously isn’t a pro.” Cat agreed. Pros don’t miss, and on the off chance something interfered with their first shot, they damned well didn’t overcorrect. “Get dressed, Cat. Pack one bag. Someone will bring the rest.”
Why did she feel like she was watching the world through a fog? Sounds were muffled and spinning. Fuck a duck. Why is the room spinning? She had the vague sense of falling before a distant curse filled the air, followed by nothing but silent darkness.
If Cooper hadn’t been listening in on Catalina’s thoughts, he wouldn’t have realized she was fading until it was too late. Hell, the way it was, he’d barely gotten to her in time to catch her in his arms a few inches above the hardwood floor. If she wasn’t naked, he’d have just set aside the need to pack a bag and walk straight out the door. Wrapping the soft throw from the back of the sofa around her, Cooper settled Cat then started making calls. He wasn’t sure how long he’d been on the phone when he felt the air around him crackle with electricity.
“Good, you are finally mated; that will help.”
Spinning around, Cooper yanked his weapon from the back of his jeans and tried to conceal his surprise, finding Brigitte Stafford standing behind him. Damn, didn’t she know how dangerous it was to sneak up on an agent? Fucking hell, he could have shot her. Her snort of disgust pulled his attention back to the moment.
“As if. I believe you’ll find your bullets in your pocket, Deputy Fife.”
Cooper shook his head when he realized there was a noticeable weight in his shirt pocket. Checking his weapon, Cooper sighed when he discovered it was, indeed, unloaded. Jesus, Joseph, and sweet Mother Mary, he was never going to get used to the ways of the magic world. They seemed to operate under an entirely different set of rules, and he still hadn’t been given a damned copy. Cameron Barnes might be his best friend and mentor, but Cooper wasn’t sure he fully understood the other man’s obsession with all things magic. Hell, from what Cooper could see, it convinced shifters and wizards they were protected when it didn’t seem that cut and dried to him.
“You were the target. I’m always shocked by nonmagicals who seem to believe there is some logic in their roundabout plans.”
“Perhaps that’s because they don’t have the ability to unload a weapon without touching it.” Crossing his arms over his chest, Cooper leaned against the wall hoping the casual pose would convince them both he wasn’t rattled.
“Pish posh. Nonmagicals have too many rules.”
“I don’t suppose you caught the son of a bitch who signed his own death warrant by taking potshots at us?”
“Cranky because he interrupted your scene?” Her tone was taunting, but Brigitte’s eyes sparkled with amusement.
“Fucking A.” Cooper was pissed about the interruption, but more than that, he was furious the incident elicited such a strong response from Catalina. She was finally sleeping better, experiencing fewer nightmares, and her appetite was slowly returning—no doubt a good chunk of that progress was now as shattered as the damned balcony glass.
“I’ll help you get her out to Cam’s. CeCe has agreed to check her out while the three of us chat.” Cooper wanted to roll his eyes. If he wasn’t convinced the woman had Cat’s best interest at heart, he would send her on her merry way. Catalina was sitting up but still looked dazed when he turned to check on her. Spotting Gigi, Cat shook her head and chuckled.
“I’m not riding your broomstick out to Cam’s.”
“Spoilsport.” It was easy to see there was genuine affection as well as mutual respect between the two women. “I promise to ride in a regular car as long as you aren’t the one driving. Damn, girl, your driving is on a whole new level of terrifying. I think you share Cleveland’s penchant for speed without having his skill set.”
“Damn, Gigi, tell me what you really think.” Getting to her feet, Cat seemed to be drawing strength from the air around her—it was fascinating to watch. “I swear your ruthless streak is growing at an alarming rate.” Gigi shrugged, but Cooper saw the glint of concern in her eyes. If Brigitte was worried about Catalina’s safety, they had bigger problems than how to get out to Cam and CeCe’s. Cat stalked down the hall, muttering about the joys of incompetent assassins and crazy witches with pissy attitudes.
Cooper returned his attention to Gigi and felt his eyes go wide when Audric was standing beside her. What the hell? Didn’t these people ever use the fucking door?
“Didn’t you say they were mated? He seems awfully tense for somebody whose sex life should have suddenly improved exponentially.” Audric’s attempt to hide his amusement failed miserably, and Cooper was starting to wonder if he’d somehow been transported into the twilight zone. “Rod Serling was a remarkable actor. His ability to introduce our world to yours in a way that looked like entertainment was brilliant.”
Shaking his head at the elderly wizard, Cooper wondered if Audric would allow Lakyn to interview him. His sister was an international best-selling romance author, but lately, she’d been talking about venturing into another genre.
“You’re feeding his ego, Cooper. Damn, there’d be no living with him if your sister wrote a best-seller about his life.” Gigi rolled her eyes, making certain everyone knew what she thought of the idea.
“Well, that’s just insulting.” Audric’s mocking tone was amusing, but Cooper suspected he was probably a better actor than his phony act indicated. Cooper had to bite the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing at his lame attempt to appear indignant. Pasting on a smile intended to make him look honored, Audric added, “I’d love to speak with Lakyn. My lovely daughter has issued a challenge I can’t possibly let go unmet. If she wants to fill the empty seat on the Council, she needs to learn the fine art of finesse.” Cooper saw the sparks flying around the room and grinned. Damn, the physical enhancements of mating were fucking awesome.
Cameron Barnes leaned against the bedframe, watching his lovely submissive try to steady her breathing. He and Carl had spun her up as far as they dared before stepping back, leaving her teetering on the edge of climax. Cecelia was amazing in every way imaginable, but there were times when she did so much for everyone else in her life, the brilliant surgeon ignored her own needs.
They needed to wrap up their scene, but the view was fucking spectacular and damned hard to give up. Their home was going to be teeming with people before long, and Cam wanted to ensure the lovely Dr. Barnes was well satisfied before their guests arrived. Grateful they’d blindfolded her, Cam gave Carl the signal to move to the head of the bed.
As the permanent third in their relationship, Carl Phillips was the only man Cam would ever allow in their bed. As a sexual dominant, Carl didn’t submit to anyone but Cam—not ever. While Carl moved into position, Cam stepped forward to check CeCe’s restraints one more time, making certain the fur-lined cuffs weren’t cutting off her circulation.
“Any tingling or numbness, Pet?” He kept his voice low, knowing how much the deep timbre pulled his sub deeper into the scene.
“No, Sir.” Her breathing was slow but shallow, and he could hear the underlying strain in her voice. He knew she was focused on listening for their movement—assessing each sound as she tried to anticipate what was coming. Cecelia was well-trained in the lifestyle, so she wouldn’t ask what they had planned, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t going to gather any information she could. Brilliant minds like CeCe’s functioned best when they were pulling together every available snippet of intel and assembling the pieces into something useful. The woman would have made one hell of an agent.
CeCe turned her head and licked her lips when Carl knelt on the bed beside her. Painting her lips with the pre-cum pearled at the tip of his cock, Carl’s head fell back, the strain on his face easy to read.
“Open for me, baby. I’m going to fuck your mouth while your other master claims your sweet pussy.” From Cam’s position, he could see a fresh wash of cream seep from her depths push forward, coating her swollen labia. CeCe was gloriously responsive, and he loved the effect their words had on her. Watching her lips wrap around Carl’s thick cock was hotter than hell, and he hoped the man could hold on long enough to enjoy what Cam had planned.
Grabbing a bottle of lube, Cam moved to the bed and smiled down at the scene before him. They’d already pushed pillows under her ass, so she was in the perfect position for the plundering he would give her. The clit ring Carl fitted over her sensitive bundle of nerves before their break highlighted the deep red berry Cam knew was throbbing with the need to be touched. Nodding to Carl, Cam watched him throw one long leg over their woman, straddling her chest, his testicles resting against the underside of her chin.
“That’s it, Sweetness. Take me all the way to your throat and swallow every drop of the gift I’m going to give you.” Cam smiled at Carl’s back. The man was not only his friend but also his partner. Carl was known for his control, but the man was going to fill their sub with his seed when Cam slipped his fingers into the man’s ass. They were cutting it close on time, and Cam was out of patience. Pushing himself balls deep in one thrust, feeling the walls of CeCe’s vagina flexing and quivering around him was the closest thing to heaven Cam had ever experienced. Damn, he loved this woman more than life itself.
Smoothing his hand over Carl’s back, Cam applied just enough pressure to let the man know what he wanted. One of the joys of a committed relationship was the ability to communicate with just a touch. Cam continued the slow thrusting pace he’d set, fucking their woman as Carl went to his hands and knees. His new position changed the angle of his cock sliding in and out of CeCe’s mouth, and Cam chuckled when the petite vixen’s nipples drew up into stiff peaks. She obviously sensed what was coming.
Pulling on a latex glove and lubing his fingers, Cam used one hand to open Carl’s rear hole to his view. Pushing two fingers through the tight ring of muscles of Carl’s anus, Cam watched goosebumps race over the man’s back as his thrusts into CeCe’s mouth accelerated. Rotating his hand until he found the spot he wanted to massage, Cam began thrusting with his hips, knowing it was going to be a race to the finish. Carl groaned as his muscles seized around Cam’s fingers. CeCe’s pussy went liquid around him, her vaginal muscles locking down so tight, it bordered on painful. His grunted command for them to come was a wasted effort, but what the hell, old habits die hard.
Yanking his hand free from Carl’s tight hold, Cam pulled off the glove to grip his wife’s hips with a hold tight enough he hoped would leave marks lasting a few hours. Damn, he loved knowing she wore the evidence of his passion under whatever clingy dress he found for her to wear. Within seconds, he followed them over the edge, grateful Carl had moved to CeCe’s side so Cam could collapse against the soft pillows of her breasts.
“You two melted me. I’m a big pile of liquid goo. How am I supposed to check on Catalina when my leg muscles won’t hold me up? Hell, my brain is only firing on half its blasted cylinders.” CeCe’s words might have been more amusing if Cam wasn’t dealing with the same problem. When the front gate alarm sounded, Cam groaned. Carl shook his head and chuckled, moving from the bed to retrieve his phone. Checking the security feed to confirm the arrival of their first guests before opening the gate, Carl gave CeCe’s nipple a quick tweak.
“Come on, you two. We have company.” Carl was always the first to recover from their scenes, something Cam nor CeCe had never been able to understand. He’d told them once it was a mindset left over from his days as a Navy SEAL. “When you don’t know if you will live to see another day, you don’t want to waste time being numb.” Cameron wasn’t convinced his explanation was entirely accurate, but he didn’t have anything better, so he’d wisely kept quiet.
After what was equivalent to a walkthrough shower, Cam dressed quickly and made his way downstairs to his office, stunned to find it teeming with people. Hell, it hadn’t taken him that long. How did he manage to miss the arrival of so many visitors?
“Did we interrupt anything?” Brigitte Stafford’s taunting tone was only eclipsed by the huge grin on her face.
“Yes, as a matter of fact, you did. I expected better from a fellow Dominant, particularly one with the magical ability to know, waiting another hour would have been perfect. You nearly got a lesson in the lifestyle you wouldn’t forget anytime soon.” The pink stain over the witch’s face made him wonder if there wasn’t a submissive’s heart hiding behind all the bravado. How interesting.