Soul Enslaved (Sons of Wrath Book 3) (38 page)

She swallowed as the orgasm crested. “Perfect … as he said. Very moist. Delicious.”

A flicker of his eyebrows told Sabelle she’d said something stupid. Or maybe her expression had begun to take on the stupefied look of a woman about to come all over the leather seats in front of the waiter and owner of the restaurant.

“Very good. We’re glad you came. Enjoy the rest of your evening.”

Sabelle’s muscles tightened. No doubt, the moment the two walked off, she’d be a mess. A shattered, wet and disheveled mess.

“Can I get you anything else?”

Gavin leaned slightly to the side. “Would you like dessert?”

A frantic shake of her head forced her to avoid eye contact with the waiter. He had to sense something.

“Are you sure?”

She made a stiff attempt to look at Gavin, only mustering the neck control to focus on his mouth.

He licked his lips.
Pumping, pumping, pumping
. Her thigh muscles burned with the effort of holding back. Her nipples could’ve damn near sliced through the bodice of her dress.

“They have a red velvet cheesecake drizzled in warm white chocolate. I’ve heard it’s mouthwatering.”

Piss and flames!
Gavin!
Her stomach tightened. Breaths came out on a quiet pant. Bergamot filled her nose. A burst of laughter was all she could do to keep from squealing.

An un-genuine smile danced across the waiter’s face, as if he felt obligated to laugh at whatever humor Gavin’s comment held.

“No … thank … you,” she whispered and watched Gavin’s lips curve into a wicked grin.

“We’re all set, thank you.” Gavin’s fingers spread her apart and danced across her clit.

“Oh, shit!” She shifted on the seat and glanced up to catch the waiter tipping his head, eyes inquisitive, probing.

“Everything all right, Miss?”

“She’s a bit sensitive.” The slight incline of Gavin’s chin gave off nonchalance. “Little chilly this evening.”

“Yes, I’m surprised it’s cooler for the summer months.”

If Gavin didn’t quit with the small talk soon, she’d—her breath hitched with a thought.
Wicked
. She slid a shaky hand across his lap, probing the enormous erection straining against his pants.

He coughed beside her, and the sound of his ass shifting against the leather brought a smile to her face as he rolled his neck. “I’m … hard—hearing it’s going to …”

She unzipped his pants and reached inside his briefs, taking hold of his stiffened length.

He blew out a breath. “It’s … supposed to be …”

Sabelle smoothed the wetness over his tip.

“Un … unseasonably … cool this … summer.”

The waiter looked off toward the water as though totally oblivious to the battle of the sexes going on underneath the table. “Can’t complain. It’s been a warm June so far. Some nights are scorching hot out here.”

“I agree,” Gavin croaked, as Sabelle cupped his balls. “Warm.”

“Well, I’ll let you get back to your evening.” The waiter gave a nod and strode off.

As soon as he was out of sight, Gavin buried his face in Sabelle’s neck. “Naughty girl. I should spank your ass for that. You like to play hardball?”

“I prefer to play hardcock.” Groaning, Sabelle tipped her head, prepared to give in to the impending orgasm. She rocked her hips as his fingers plunged, while she stroked him in the same furious pace.

“Welcome to the game, baby.” Gavin’s fingers withdrew and he pushed her dress back down her thigh.

She snapped her head forward, eyes opening and taking in the devious grin on his face, and released his balls. “What are you doing?”

“Raising the stakes. Let’s see how long you last with that ache between
your
thighs.”

Bastard
. She narrowed her eyes, nostrils flared. “You’re a dirty man, Gavin. Dirty.”

A wink capped off his devilish smile. “You have no idea.”

Gavin stood up from the table, startling her upright. He held out a hand, and her shoulders slouched as she placed her hand in his. Guiding her to a small deck, directly adjacent to the banister that ran alongside the river, he twirled her once and pulled her into his body.

“I’m not going to lie. My reasons for doing this were completely selfish.”

Sabelle smiled and rested her head on his shoulder, sucking in that orangey musk. Beneath the moon, the lanterns, and the slow sway with Nina Simone, her life had turned into a bit of a fairytale.

His lips found her collarbone, and she twitched as his tongue tickled the sensitive skin there. “I wish I could say this is where the evening ends and you land straight in my bed, but we have another stop.”

“I’m okay ending the evening here.”

“Believe me, I’d blow this off, but I’ve already made arrangements and someone would end up disappointed.”

Sabelle raised her chin, feathering her lips against his. “I don’t suppose you’re going to give me any hints?”

“None.”

***

Something about fast cars had a way of making a woman want to hop in a man’s lap, but add sexual tension with Gavin’s hand on Sabelle’s thigh most of the ride, and it was a wonder she could even walk straight as she followed him into what looked like a factory in its heyday. Expensive cars lined the curb around the building, and Gavin’d found a spot on the next block. The intentional licking of his lips, followed by a wink, damn near had her breaking whatever twisted game they’d been playing since they left the restaurant.

Praying her nipples didn’t call her bluff, she lifted her chin. “You have a thing for old, abandoned buildings, huh?”

“I like to be surprised by what’s inside.” His mouth curved into a crooked grin, as if his words meant more than face value.

“I’m dying to see myself.”

Hand in hand, he led her to the front door and inside. Up the staircase, he opened another wooden door, and the brightness of lights flashed in her eyes.

The space was enormous and seemed to go on around curves. Light brown wood floors shined beneath the bright white walls and track lighting all throughout. Art hung all throughout—magnificent pieces that left her mouth gaping. People carried champagne glasses, dressed to the nine’s in tuxedos and expensive-looking gowns. Thank goodness for the dress, or she’d have stuck out like a succubus at an art gallery.

“You brought me to an art gallery?”

“Not just any. This one’s owned by a friend of mine.”

“Ah! There he is!” A very strong French accent drew Sabelle’s gaze beyond Gavin to a male decked out in a tuxedo. His dark hair didn’t hold the slightest hint of age, considering the man was approaching ninety. In fact, he hardly wore any wrinkles at all, an observation that had Sabelle wondering how much of his genetics were human. “My friend, how have you been?”

“Um. You didn’t mention your
friend
was the famous artist,
Yves Evangelaire
,” she whispered beside Gavin.

“You didn’t ask. He’s dying to meet you,” Gavin whispered back. “I told him I had a very talented lady friend. A work of art herself.”

Sabelle’s cheeks warmed at his words, while her hands mindlessly fidgeted, as the older man approached the two of them.

He shook Gavin’s hand and directed his attention on Sabelle, which served to make her heart damn near beat right out of her chest.

“Yves, I’d like you to meet Sabelle.”

“Ah, quelle beauté!” Yves lifted her hand and planted a kiss. “Enchante.”

“It’s … very nice to meet you, Mister Evangelaire.”

“None of this
Evangelaire
shit. Yves. Call me Yves.”

“Sabelle is quite the artist herself.” Gavin’s smile, set against his suit, made for one ravishing sight. “Perhaps she might share some of her work with you.”

“I’d love to see your work.” Yves stroked a hand down his smooth chin. “Has Gavin mentioned his modeling days?”

“Modeling days?” A glimpse to the side showed Gavin’s downward gaze and dimpling of his cheeks. “No, he hasn’t.”

“A favorite of the ladies. Quite the fan of nudes. He’s inspired a number of erotic pieces.”

Her attention swung back to Gavin, who still hadn’t bothered to look at her and instead appeared to be stifling a laugh in the way his dimples deepened. “Oh, I’m sure he has!” The visuals of Gavin’s perfectly chiseled form as he sat in her nook had certainly inspired a lot more than art.

“I’d love to meet up for drinks, sometime. Discuss your work.” Yves broke her musings.

Pushing her hair behind her ear did little to abate the discomfort swallowing her insides. “I’d … like that. Thank you.”

“I’ll arrange it.” He patted Gavin on the back and his smile fell on Sabelle. “You’ve chosen wisely with this one. Gavin is a rare and priceless masterpiece. Gentlemen like this one are all but extinct, I’m afraid.”

Sabelle gave a shy smile. “Yes, he’s something special.”

“I’ll leave you two. Look around, enjoy your evening. We’ll be in touch.” He patted Gavin’s back once more and gave a warm clutch of Sabelle’s shoulders as he passed.

“A nude model? The modesty must’ve been killing you the other day.” Sabelle crossed her arms and tipped her head, waiting for some explanation.

A chuckle revealed a row of perfect teeth. “True, I was in my element, though I’ve never had an artist paint
me
before.”

“Glad to have popped at least one cherry.”

“I’ll refrain,” he said, though the lift of his brows told her a crafty response waited in the wings.

“You’ve really outdone yourself tonight, Gavin. I don’t know what to say. I wish I could repay the favor.”

“I’m not expecting you to repay me, Sabelle.”

“Then, what do you want?”

“Let’s start with a smile, and see where the evening takes us from there.”

She gave him that requested smile.

A server stepped beside them, carrying a tray of champagne. Gavin nabbed two flutes and passed one on to her.

“Now go … get your art thing on. I know you’re dying to check out his work.”

“I am!” She lit with excitement and planted a kiss to his cheek, clearing her throat as she backed away.

Gavin grabbed her chin and brushed his lips against hers. “I’m going to mingle. I’ll see you in a bit.” His kiss left her momentarily weak in the knees, and she clutched the champagne glass for fear of dropping it.

He pulled away, eyes still riveted on hers. “Enjoy yourself.”

***

An hour must’ve passed. Sabelle wouldn’t know. She’d been too caught up in admiring the brushstrokes and precision that made every piece in Yves’ gallery more than art. Like staring at a tangible caress of the gods.

Gavin stood surrounded by men in tuxedos, and women in elegant gowns, flawlessly mingling with art enthusiasts as if he himself had painted the works they discussed.

A look over his shoulder, and their gazes connected.

From across the room, his eyes told her,
I’d devour you in that dress.

She sipped the champagne, gaze locked on him, and silently volleyed back,
I’d like to see you try.

The predatory sweep of his tongue said,
Don’t tempt me.

A smile tugged at her lip.
Temptation happens to be one of my best assets.
She turned away from him and sauntered toward the blackened windows in the back, adding some extra sway to her hips.

A glance over her shoulder forced a quiet gasp.

“Playing a dangerous game, aren’t we?” That deep, rumbling voice tickled her ear. How he so stealthily managed to sneak up on her would go down as one of the great mysteries of the universe.

Sabelle turned her head to the side, her lips nearly brushing his. “It’s only dangerous if you fear the outcome.”

“I never lose.”

“Then, what are you waiting for?” She slipped through the door of the office.

***

Gavin pressed into Sabelle’s arms, pinning her to the wall of the office where they’d ducked out. Muscles trembling, with every instinct roaring in his head to stay the hell away from her, he kept his gaze glued to her throat. Perfection like that could very well incite his beast.

Reel it in.

He allowed his gaze to lower.

Too late.

That dress coupled to the promise of indulging in his favorite pastime—public sex—meant that he’d reached well beyond any hope for control.

Muscles contracted against his palms as she struggled, her bracelet tangling in his fingers as he held her against the wall. Their deep, heaving breaths filled the space between them, creating a warm, intoxicating pheromone that had his dick painfully hardening in his pants.

“Every man hopes for the good girl, while craving the bad girl.” His gaze trailed from her throat down to her cleavage, forced upward by her hands held over her head. “How lucky am I to have stumbled upon both?”

“What makes you think I’m bad?”

“What other conclusion explains why you’d so foolishly tempt me?”

The lift of her chin forecasted a defiant response. “Perhaps you were tempting me. Tease.”

“It’s not my nature to tease, Sabelle. If I’ve drawn you in, prepare to be taken.”

Her lips pursed, undoubtedly hiding a smile.

Those lips
.

Red, plump and wet from her tongue.

Don’t do it.

Eyes riveted on them, he leaned forward, anyway, and ran his tongue across the inner part of her mouth, teasing her as he offered one feather-light kiss before pulling away.

Her eyes, half-hooded, a gateway closing off the heavens, left him smoldering in the fervor of excitement as his entire body hardened. She was flames and fire, her scent pervading his mind and setting a blaze inside his veins.

Desire—the liquor of destruction, the carousal to absolute ruin.

Gavin needed to sip that poison. Swallow the aphrodisiac that tingled in his mouth. Let the infusion infect every cell, right down to his very soul, until he staggered on lust and awoke in dreams. Dreams of being buried deep inside her.

Tendrils of heat edged across his skin and gripped him with a scorching thirst. His fangs tingled, itching to pierce her throat.
The beast.