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But common sense wasn’t going to help him look himself in the mirror if he was wrong about that and the last thing he wanted was to put her in danger.

  “What is it?” she asked.

  Neal cut a path across the floor.

  Blake held her face between his palms and let loose a little of that demon magnetism. “No questions, Sunny. I just really need you to trust me right now.”

  She nodded. “What do you need me to do?” Her voice thinned to a whisper.

  “I need you to step into your ski-bunny role, okay?”

  Before Neal could reach them, Blake leaned in and pressed his mouth to hers. The second their lips touched, explosive heat arced between them and his body buzzed to life. Sexual tension hung heavy in the air and undoubtedly could be felt by anyone in the room.

  Sunny’s hands circled his neck, her fingers playing in his hair with aroused awareness as she pulled him in tighter. Her warm sweet tongue moved into his mouth and tangled with his. He indulged in the taste of her, eager to brush his tongue over her entire body and bury his face between her legs. Unrelenting pressure brewed in his groin, and even though they were playing a role, he couldn’t help his body’s physical responses. As his cock thickened and everything in her touch generated desire and need in him, a surge of warmth flooded his veins. He trembled. Almost violently. Her boldness surprised him and made him hunger for her in ways he’d never hungered before. Ways that frightened the hell out of him.

  Goddamn, when Sunny played a role, she really got into character.

  Before he became too lost in the moment he had to pull back to regain a little self control. “Jesus,” he breathed against her lips. “You’re killing me here, sweetheart.”

  As he reveled in the sweetness of her mouth she moaned in erotic delight and he wondered if she was still playing. She pressed against him and as a shiver racked her body, some small, semi-coherent part of his mind told him that what was happening between them had very little to do with their roles. The second his lips touched hers something passed between them. Something very potent and he knew she felt it too.

  Out of the corner of his eye he saw Neal’s smile widen, then he backed off.

  “Come with me, baby,” Blake murmured against the corner of her mouth.

  Her green eyes darkened, flashes of desire in their depths making them smolder. “Scale back on the charm a little, Blake. You’re killing me here too.”

  That was the first time she’d called him by his name and he had to admit it made him feel weird inside.

  And she was accusing him of using charm.

  He led her to the dance floor so they could disappear into the crowd. He circled his arm around her waist, slipping his hand under her jacket, splaying his fingers over her smooth skin. She melted into him, letting him know she welcomed his touch. He could feel her heart pounding against her rib cage. Perspiration broke out on his forehead and he knew it had nothing to do with the warm room or that fact that he still had his coat on.

  He backed her up against a wall. Her pink tongue slid over her lips. “Blake, what’s wrong?”

  The hint of concern in her voice totally undid him and he silenced her with a kiss. Once again he lost himself in her taste and this time there was no hiding the bulge in his pants. Need fogged his brain. They traded kisses until they were both left breathless. Blake inched back with the instinctive knowledge that a kiss would never be enough. He wanted more. Needed more. Never had he felt this way about anyone. He didn’t’ know what it was about her, but she did things to him, to his mind, his body and his heart and he had to admit, for the first time in his life, he was scared. His gaze roamed over her flushed cheeks, taking in the naked desire in her eyes.

  “What’s wrong?” she repeated breathlessly.

  “They’re keeping tabs on me. I was supposed to check in with them tomorrow night but I guess they got impatient.”

  “Is he gone?”

  “Not yet, and a couple more goons have joined him.” When he looked into her eyes, his stomach twisted. As bone-deep warmth rushed through him, he had to work to tamp down the torrent of emotions. Passion he had absolutely no control over ran through his blood.

  After a quick consultation with his better half he suddenly had a change of heart. He didn’t care if she was a cop who could handle herself. He didn’t want her involved in this.

  “Listen, I think this might be getting too dangerous for you. Maybe you should back off.”

  By small degrees her body tightened and her head tilted back so she could look at him. Her mouth lost its soft, well-kissed curve. “Forget it, Blake. We’re in this together, remember. This was your idea, not mine.”

  His protective instincts came out in full force. Well, hell. This was a twist he hadn’t anticipated. “It’s just—”

  She shook her head. “Not you too?”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “I can take care of myself, Blake. I think I’ve proved that to you already.”

  Despite having seen her skills first hand, he couldn’t help but want to shelter her. He’d made the mistake of letting his sister do things her own way and look where that had gotten him. He couldn’t be in a more fucked-up mess if he’d tried. “These guys mean business, Sunny.”

  “So do I. Trust me, that demon in the parking lot was nothing. I’ve been up against all kinds of monsters.”

  He supposed she probably had, not that it made him feel any better. Still, she was strong, capable and clearly well trained, and he knew there was nothing he could do or say to deter her, but that wasn’t going to stop him from trying.

  “Plus I know you’ve got my back,” she added for good measure, as if sensing him weakening. “Which is more than I can say for my partner.” She made a gesture with her head.

  It hit him then that she actually trusted him. That threw him off balance for all of two seconds. Then he processed everything she’d said.

  “What partner?” he asked suspiciously, and looked toward the spot she’d gestured to in time to see a guy leaving with a hot blonde. “That him?”

  “Yeah.” Sunny waved a hand just as a couple moved past them, their hot bodies brushing up against Blake’s back as he caged Sunny between his chest and the wall. He briefly glanced over his shoulder and took in their gyrating bodies. Christ, if not for the clothes separating them, undoubtedly the couple would be fucking then and there.

  “Forget him,” Sunny said bringing his attention back to the matter at hand. He doesn’t believe anything out of the ordinary is going on, but I can demand he call for backup if we need it. Right now the bulk of the investigation is up to us.”

  He wasn’t too keen on the idea of this partner. Then again, if he had to, he could always turn Sunny in if he thought she was getting too deeply involved. “Okay,” he said, letting the matter of the partner drop for the moment. “We need to shake Neal and his friends so we can talk and figure out a plan of action. It shouldn’t be too hard. I don’t think they were hired for their intelligence.”

  She nodded. Then she slipped her hand into the front of his shirt, the long folds of his leather coat swinging closed around them, making it look for all the world as if they were indulging in a little foreplay before they made plans to meet up later.

  Sunny angled her head, and her lashes flutter against his skin as she put her mouth close to his ear. “They’re still watching us,” she murmured. “How do you suggest we shake them?”

  “By convincing them I’ve got things under control.”

  Her eyes flared hot, indicating that she knew exactly what he was referring to. Without hesitation, her lips met his, and she moved restlessly against the wall. Her pert nipples scraped against his chest and as instantly he ached to touch them, and taste them. As his thoughts raced off track, he damn near dropped to the floor and dragged her down with him.

  As he rooted his feet, she trembled in his arms, and he could feel the heat rising in her. She stroked his face and her touch went right through him. Lust bo
mbarded him and as the air around them charged, his cock throbbed so hard against his zipper he was sure it was going to burst free. His muscles rippled and it was all he could do to maintain composure.

  “Is it working,” she questioned in a soft tone before she slipped her tongue inside his mouth.

  A sudden, unexpected riot of emotions overcame him. Oh yeah, it was working all right. Working to make him forget that she was crawling past his defenses without even trying.

  As his body ached to join with hers, and cravings like he’d never before experienced swamped him, he casually shifted his glance and Sunny followed the movement.

  “They’re not leaving.”

  “What now?” she asked, and he noted how she didn’t seem in a hurry to come up with another plan, as if she was taking as much pleasure in this charade as he was. Jesus, the way she responded to his touch really did something to him, and truthfully, there was nothing he’d like more than to stay there, keeping her pinned to the wall while he indulged in her mouth and the way her sexy body pressed against his. No, that was a lie because everything in him was suddenly screaming possession. It felt so intimate, so right being with her and what he really wanted was her in his room, naked and writhing beneath him so he could spend the entire night with his cock buried deep inside her.

  “I guess we have no choice but to let them follow us to my room.” When she gave him a strange look, the fire in her eyes licking him from head to toe and he went on to explain, “Hell, they obviously think I’m auditioning you, so the only way to shake them is by giving them what they want. Once were inside we can talk privately and put together a plan of action.”

  Before they had a chance to escape, Tabby sauntered into the room and brushed up against them, causing another complication for them both. Blake bit back a curse, as he worked to tame his cock. Not only was Tabby interfering with their getaway, he didn’t want to put her, or anyone else, in any danger. And now that he’d sampled Sunny, something told him he’d never have a taste for another. He drew a breath and struggled to make sense of his reactions to her.

  Blake shifted, and Tabby moved in close, rubbing her body against his. “I see you two are getting to know each other.” She gave a wink and added, “Mind if I join in?” Blake offered her a sexy grin, and turned on a bit of his demon charm, hoping to put her under his spell so she’d do what he wanted. “Why don’t you go grab us a drink, Tabby.”

  Seemingly pleased that she was going to get in on the action, she disappeared through the throngs of people. When the goons continued to watch with interest, Blake put his mouth close to Sunny’s ear. “You get rid of Tabby,” he told her, trying to ignore the slow, steady movement of her fingers. He paused, slipped a key card into her back pocket and added, “Then I want you to meet me back in my room.” He gestured with a nod, “‘Check the card number. I switched rooms,” he added, lifting an eyebrow. When she opened her mouth to speak, he cut her off and added, “You should wear a less distinctive perfume.” He inhaled deeply, then grinned. “Although I must admit, vanilla is my favorite.”

  Vibrant green eyes met his and she whispered back. “I’m bringing my dagger.”

  He laughed. “I’d expect nothing less.”

  Ten minutes later, Blake made his way to his new room, having put off his move into the suite Trevor’s had assigned him for as long as he could. He’d made the switch earlier that morning, but last place he wanted to be sleeping was on the same floor as Trevor and his goons. With Trevor’s final words still ringing a warning in his head…we’ll be watching, he pushed open the door and entered.

  As he tossed his coat over the suitcase he’d unpacked earlier, and took in his new digs, he suddenly had the feeling he was still being watched. He casually made his way to the window to shut his blinds when the smoke detectors caught his attention. One room. Two smoke detectors.

  We’ll be watching…

  Was the place rigged? He inconspicuously examined the detectors closer, and that was when he caught site of the camera lens haphazardly hidden beneath the plastic.

  Oh, fuck.

  He was intelligent to understand the significance of those two detectors and why Trevor had insisted on the new room. Because clearly he planned on “watching” the initiation process.

  And goddammit, Sunny was on her way…

  * * * * *

  Michelle paused outside room 412, hardly able to believe she was knocking on a demon’s door. Well, technically she didn’t have to knock since he’d given her a key card.

  She trusted Blake. She wasn’t sure why. It wasn’t smart, or even rational, but if she were honest she’d have to admit that she’d come across too many humans who were as much a monster as he was. Maybe more so.

  She slipped the card in and took one cautious step forward. Blake met her at the door and pulled her into him. He put his mouth close to her ear. “They’re watching.”

  She buried her face in his neck to muffle her words. “I know,” she murmured”

  “No, Sunny,” He angled his head slightly. “I just realized they have cameras planted in my room.” She felt a cold shiver move through him when he added, “Probably so they can watch me audition women.”

  “We need to get out of here.”

  “We can’t. They’ll know we’re up to something.” Blake’s mouth moved to her ear, where his warm breath caressed her sensitive lobe. “I need for you to pretend we’re making love, Sunny. Can you do that? It’s the only way for us to keep our cover.”

  The uncertainty in his tone surprised her. It was very un-demon-like. She swallowed. “Yeah.”

  Blake removed her jacket, his hands skimming her curves. She shivered under his invasive touch.

  “Are you cold?” he murmured.

  “No,” she managed to croak out as he pulled her closer. In fact, she was hot. So goddamn hot from his touch she was about to spontaneously combust.

  His lips brushed over her eyes, her nose and settled on her lips. He whispered into her mouth. “I don’t want you to do anything you’re uncomfortable doing, understand?” he whispered.

  Michelle could hear the need and lust in his voice and had to admit she wasn’t at all immune to his touch. How could she be, considering who and what he was? “I understand,” she said, his genuine concern for her well-being touching her deeply, and getting to her in a way that warmed her from the inside out.

  With that Blake guided her to the center of the room. His dark, smoldering eyes locked on hers. Warmth pooled between her legs and she wanted…no needed, to feel his body next to hers. He ran his fingers along the back of her neck as she reached out a shaky hand and tugged his T-shirt from his waistband. Blake helped her remove it. Her breath caught when she glanced at his hardness. Her entire body quivered as she trailed her fingers over his flesh.

  “Sweetheart…” The roughness in his voice gave way to softness as she caressed his gorgeous warrior’s body, taking extra care to run soothing hands over his scars. When her eyes met his, she was completely unprepared for the emotions he brought out in her.

  The minute she felt his warmth beneath her fingertips, her heart began to pound in a way it had never pounded before and everything inside her told her this moment wasn’t about cameras, protecting their cover or the irresistible lure of the demon. The woman in her wanted him on an emotional level and never desired anyone the way she desired him. As his touch warmed her darkest corners she trembled and knew this moment was about a man and a woman and their undeniable need for one another, a need that started on the dance floor and had now spilled into his bedroom. No, she quickly corrected herself. The need started well before the dance floor because she couldn’t dispute the fact that the second she’d set eyes on Blake she’d wanted him physically, but there was something deep inside him, something warm, compassionate and giving that drew her in emotionally. Nor could she deny that, after watching him for days, she’d also glimpsed the man beneath the monster, a man who got to her in a way that no one else ever had. />
  She was fully aware that for the first time in her life, she was letting her heart rule her actions. But right now all that mattered was this man and this moment.

  Blake’s hands went to her shirt and he arched a questioning brow before proceeding. In one quick movement she pulled her own shirt off, answering his question.

  His smoldering eyes dropped to her breasts. “My God,” he murmured.

  Her lips found his for a long, soul-searching kiss. Blake circled his hands around her waist and squeezed her ass. A moment later he inched back and gestured toward the bathroom, his voice loud and clear when he said, “It’s been a long day and I’d liked to get cleaned up first.”

  Instantly understanding the gist, she nodded. “I’ll help.”

  With that his lips found hers again, and as they’d continued to kiss and caress each other, once again putting on a good show for those who were watching, Blake walked her backward and guided her into the bathroom, leaving Trevor’s goons to believe they were going to continue their exploration in the shower. Once inside, he turned on the water and then twisted to face her.

  “I checked earlier, Sunny and there are no cameras in here. We don’t have to pretend anymore. It’s safe to talk.” An invisible band tightened around her heart when she heard the vulnerability in his voice. Oh God, how she wanted him.

  Standing before her in nothing more than a pair of jeans, he looked like he was in agony. Total frigging agony. Physically and emotionally.

  Aching to lose herself in him, to touch him and have him touch her in return, she took one step and closed the small gap between them. She brushed her tongue over her bottom lip, while her finger traced his mouth. “We can’t be sure, Blake,” she said, wanting, needing, most desperately to finish what they started.

  “But I—”

  When she pressed against him, letting him know exactly what she wanted, the color in his eyes deepened and she knew he was beginning to understand the implications of her actions. Air rushed from his lungs in a whoosh and his body began to shake.

  “Oh, hell, Sunny.” With that he backed her up and pinned her to the wall, answering the demands of her body. His hungry mouth crashed down and with the way his tongue was tangling with hers and his fingers were ripping at her jeans it was clear that he couldn’t seem to get her naked quick enough.