Page 38 of Succubus Sins
Once inside, the tightness binding my chest loosened and I could finally draw in a deep breath. The rows of ancient oak shelves housed hundreds of books and towered all the way to the ceiling. Cathedral arches with glossy, dark wood accented the trove of musty treasures and I couldn’t help but smile. I took off my heels and let my toes curl in the softness of the plush rugs, heirlooms from Persia.
“Nice racks,” Nate said, breaking the comforting silence with a crude joke.
I cast him a mournful look. “Really, Nate. Not now.”
He quirked a smile. “Just trying to lighten the mood.”
I rolled my eyes, but appreciated his effort. In spite of myself, I felt better already.
As I ran my hands across the shelves, drawing comfort from the long-seeded memories of my early childhood, Nate followed like a shadow. “So,” he whispered, his voice sounding huskier and sexier than usual. “Why are you so interested in finding this man you know so little about?”
My heart skipped a beat. “My so-called-dead grandmother comes back to life after six years, and you want to know about Luke?” It made sense. Even if Nate couldn’t feel it, if he was really one of my four, he was bound to Luke too.
He chuckled. “I’m not looking to dredge up family drama. But Iwouldlike to know why you’ve come to New York.”
I could have told him to go screw himself, that it was none of his business, but the honest curiosity in his voice only made me want to open up. “Luke and I are connected,” I said. “Sarah told me I should find him, and when I lost her, it felt like she’d died. It felt like…that was her last wish.” I left out the part where my rune stopped responding to her. Whatever connection her and I had was now severed. It was time for me to find my four, but I wasn’t sure if I was ready.
He scoffed and irritation prickled down my spine. “She didn’t die,” he pressed. “She lost her powers. That’s all.”
“You’re human; what would you know of it?” I closed my eyes and leaned my cheek against the shelves for strength. “Becoming human is just as good as dead for a muse.”
He sighed and came dangerously close. Just when I thought this was another joke, his warmth encased my body and he ran his nails over my arms, sending goosebumps over my skin ending with his fingers lacing over my knuckles. “And what do you think will happen when you find your mystery man?” His voice was a challenging whisper, daring me to say this was anything but a foolish errand. “What will you do then?”
WhatwouldI do? I’d hope for the impossible, that’s what. I’d hope that this damn prophecy was true. That Luke was my a piece of my soul and could absolve me of my guilt and torment. Only true love could redeem someone like me, and how desperately I longed for absolution.
Nate’s whisper sent shivers through my body. “I can’t pretend to know what it’s like to be a succubus,” he said, “but I think what you need is to stop being so hard on yourself.”
I shivered, unable to turn and look at him. Ignoring the growing tension, I shrugged him off and plucked a book from the shelf, pretending to be fascinated, even though I couldn’t force myself to read a single word. I went stiff when Nate’s warm hand fell on my shoulder.
“I don’t need to feed,” I said. “And even though you might think I’m worth it, I assure you, I’m not worth dying for.”
He wrapped an arm over my collarbone, letting his fingers drape across my breasts and caress the Blood Stone. “That’s why this is such a special opportunity. You can enjoy what I have to offer without damning me to death, all because of this delightful, red gem.”
I blinked and peered up into his face. He smiled, and it wasn’t that boyish smile to which I’d grown so accustomed, but the confident smile with perfect lines that could only come from being a son of the Incubus King.
“I hadn’t considered that possibility,” I admitted.
His finger ran up my throat and traced my lips. “Not even once?”
My lips parted of their own accord as his breath on my face sent goosebumps spreading across my arms. He tested my neck with his teeth and instead of pulling away, a delicate moan escaped my throat.
His tongue found my earlobe and then he whispered, “I may be human on the outside, but there are supernatural qualities I still inherit from my father.”
My eyes grew with curiosity and a yearning inside of me responded to his promises. I pulled away, only to be secretly delighted when he grabbed my waist and forced me close. His stiff erection pressed into my hip and my breath hitched with anticipation.
Growling with victory, he laced his fingers through mine before taking me with a hungry kiss. The sweet taste of his tongue sent chills through my chest and made me yearn for more than just his mouth.
Then, at the worst possible moment, Luke’s face popped into my mind. I jerked away from Nate and the lust in the air turned cold.
“What is it?” he whispered. His eyes glazed over with concern, but as he searched my face, he smirked. “You’re thinking about Luke, aren’t you?”
I expected him to be hurt, or perhaps jealous, instead he seemed to relax. “What is it?” I asked.
He grinned. “There’s something… I don’t know. This is going to sound weird, but it feels like it makes sense. I mean, you’re a succubus. You’re not supposed to be with just one guy.” He shrugged. “Maybe I’m okay with sharing, as long as you can handle me when it’s my turn.”
While I was distracted by his honesty, his mouth ravished mine with new vigor and I squeaked in surprise. “No, Nate I—” My words were cut short as he thrust his hand down my pants and sent a surge of pleasure through every nerve ending as his fingers thrust inside. I should have resisted, but my disloyal body bucked underneath him and wanted more. The rune that responded to him, just astride my navel, burned with hot need. He was one of my four, one of my men that would fulfill my every need.
I closed my eyes, giving into the waves of hot bliss running through my insides. Nate gave a husky growl against my neck, sensing my acceptance, before sinking his teeth into my skin again, this time harder than before. The flash of pain was a delightful contrast to the pleasure and mixed its sweet tones in my body.
