Carnal: A Dark Shifter Romance Page 3

  “Maximillian,” she repeated, the way she said my name drawing me into a delicious web of her own. I dragged my tongue across my teeth, the adrenaline flow nearly cutting off my air supply. She pulled her hand away, pressing her fingers against her lips for a second time and for a few precious seconds, I could read her mind, her longing almost as intense as my own.

  “Perhaps you will, Kathleen. Until then, be careful of strangers vying for your affection. You never know the kind of monster lurking in the shadows.”

  The memory was far too appealing. The aching increased, ripping away at my insides. I was losing control. My father had been right. I’d been unable to sleep or eat, barely functioning at my job during the day. Today had been the worst. At minimum I needed a taste of her to calm the raging beast. There was no turning back.

  I will taste you, sweet Kathleen, feasting on your beautiful body. I will revel in your beauty, providing sheer ecstasy, but only as long as you obey my every command.

  I’d gathered another scent on her, one that troubled me almost as much as the draw of her feminine wiles. Death covered her like a warm blanket. I’d know the stench anywhere, the canine blood that also coursed through mine. My thoughts shifted to something Logan had said earlier. Murders attributed to animals.

  There was evil in the air, a darkness that I hadn’t experienced in years, but my desire for the woman was all I could concentrate one.

  Tonight was the night.

  Tonight, I would take her.

  Tonight, she would become mine.

  And there was nothing any human could do about it.

  Chapter Three

  Kathleen

  You will succumb to me in every manner.

  You are mine. I will taste you, sweet Kathleen...

  The words had remained in my mind for the entire day as if he’d actually said them to me, the hunk of a man who’d almost trampled me. Maximillian. Even his name had a sexy and dangerous appeal.

  Goosebumps popped along every inch of skin, electrifying all my blood cells. He’d figured out I was a bad little girl within a few seconds of the interaction. Wait a minute. What the hell was I thinking? The arrogance of the man, the sheer self-indulgence was blasphemous. Why the hell did he think I wanted a spanking? And why was my mouth dry, filthy thoughts racing through my mind?

  This was ridiculous. I took a sip of my drink, savoring the liquid sliding down my throat.

  Until a stranglehold seemed to wrap around my throat like long fingers squeezing. Suffocating me. Hungering for me.

  He was here, the complete stranger who’d tingled every one of my senses. I could feel him, the pulse ticking rapidly in my throat, and my pussy aching as it had never done before. Even my nipples were rock hard, scraping against the lace of my bra. I found it difficult to breathe or concentrate on anything around me.

  Other than him.

  The mysterious, shadowed man I’d fantasized about for several nights. Only then, the man’s face had been hidden.

  Until now.

  The stranger I’d met in the coffee shop earlier in the day.

  And I wanted to be taken by him.

  No. No. I’d merely been working too many long hours, fueled on stale coffee and maybe three hours of sleep.

  I wasn’t that kind of girl. I’d never hungered for any man after only meeting him briefly, let alone a figment of my imagination. I was a rough and tumble girl, capable of killing a man with my bare hands.

  And all I wanted to do was spread my legs for him, allowing him access to every inch of me.

  Maximillian.

  A warm flush of embarrassment crept up from the base of my neck. I felt ashamed at my lurid thoughts and I certainly knew his line of thinking had to be entirely different given my dreadful behavior. I’d been a complete asshole to him, taking out my elevated anger based on the case I was working on. The very reason for taking time with a girlfriend had been to get my mind off the violent aspects of the case in the first place. The man hadn’t deserved my wrath.

  I bit my lower lip, struggling to lift my martini glass.

  “Are you okay?” my bestie asked, her voice booming over the loud music of the bar.

  I took a deep breath, envisioning his face, the dark eyes that hadn’t left me since the moment we’d met. My God, I was losing my shit. All over a man. I swallowed twice before being able to glance at Amber. My best friend knew me better than anyone, every secret divulged over copious amounts of liquor and terribly unhealthy food. This was different. This was...

  A dangerous secret.

  There was absolutely no reason for my thoughts, but as I shifted in order to scan the room, I caught sight of him and my legs began to shake. Or maybe I was willing him to be here. Christ. What the hell was wrong with me? “Just... fine.” I purposely turned my head, snarling under my breath. Cut the crap, girl. You have no time for this.

  “Fine. Right. Are you sick?” Amber asked imploringly.

  “No. No! I’m fine. Really. Just thinking about a case.” My answer was far too perfunctory and immediately she lifted her chin, perusing the perimeter of the bar.

  “Uh-huh. You’re a terrible liar. I think you are hunting. Did you finally decide to join the land of the living?”

  “What the hell does that mean?”

  Sighing, she rolled her eyes. “That means that you haven’t been on a date in decades.”

  “Very funny. You know my captain is a slave-driver and this latest case is... time-consuming.” If she knew any of the details of the horrific crimes, she’d keep her doors locked at all times.

  “You say that every time I ask about dating in general,” Amber huffed. “I know you love your job, but trust me, girlfriend, you need a man.”

  No one ever needed a man, at least in my opinion. And still, I dared to glance over my shoulder, trying to calm my nerves.

  Grumbling under my breath, I took a careful sip of my drink as she feigned anger. I had to get my mind out of the damn gutter.

  When she leaned closer, I closed my eyes briefly, still envisioning Maximillian’s carved body. “Not going to happen,” I snapped.

  “I see one beautiful specimen of a man walking in this direction, the very one you were gawking at a few seconds ago. I must admit, your tastes are improving.”

  Her words created a gutted feeling in my stomach even as I laughed. “You may think you know me far too well, but as I told you, I don’t need a man.”

  “Need and want are entirely two different things,” she half whispered. “Just go with it. You’re the most responsible woman I know. You deserve a night of passion. You’ve been working yourself to death, Kathleen.”

  Passion. I hadn’t allowed that kind of experience in months. Oh, why lie? A solid two years. My work was my life, something I was very proud of. Yet this man had not only unnerved me. He’d basically shattered my resolve. “I don’t have the time for a relationship. You know that.”

  “Who’s talking about a relationship? I’m talking about a hot night between the sheets,” she purred, laughing.

  I rolled my eyes, even though the thought was delicious enough. Still, my head ached from the images that would forever be captured in my mind. “I don’t know.”

  “Well, don’t look now, Miss Prim and Proper, but dark and dangerous man is merely ten feet away. I think I’ll go freshen up. If you’re not here when I return, I’ll salute your courage. And your prowess.” Amber eased her drink onto the bar, grabbing her purse and winking.

  Thoughts of kicking her ass raced through my mind.

  I took another deep swallow, savoring the way the vodka slid down my throat in a slight burn and refusing to turn completely in his direction. He would need to be the one to chase me. Not the other way around.

  “And we meet again, lovely Kathleen. I do hope under more positive circumstances.”

  His deep baritone was smoother than velvet with a dark and husky vibe, my panties damp from the sound alone. Get a fucking grip. “Maximillian. If I didn�
�t know better, I’d think you were following me.” I carefully placed the drink on the bar, applauding myself for not knocking over the glass. When I turned to face him, I was just as taken aback as I had been before. He was gorgeous in a roughhewn way, masculine and rugged. Even in the dimly lit bar, his carved face seemed to be illuminated, highlighting features that were gorgeous with a dash of sensuality.

  He was much taller than I’d remembered, at least six foot four, his curly yet shaggy midnight black hair far too enticing. Fingers were meant to be tangled in the thick strands, tugging as he...

  Fucked me.

  Jesus. Hell, no, I wasn’t going to think this way.

  I eased as far against the edge of the bar as possible, sweeping my gaze up and down the length of him. Maybe I’d allowed my guard to fall too easily. The badge I’d seen from the day before was no longer positioned on his belt, but anyone could purchase fake credentials from some internet site. I was no fool.

  He smiled, his perfect white teeth and full lips captivating, which was truly ridiculous. While he wore a sculpted leather jacket hiding most of his upper torso, I’d been able to see his luscious form; long, muscular legs and chiseled hips, a broad chest, and massive shoulders. He was sex and danger wrapped up in a tempting package.

  “The sad truth is that I come here far too often after work,” he said as he motioned to the bartender, crowding my space.

  The heat was intense, more so than I’d remembered. There was no place for me to go, no ability to shift even inches away from him. In the seconds our bodies touched, every nerve ending was on fire, my heart thumping wildly. I couldn’t understand my reaction. This just wasn’t like me.

  “And I do hope your day has gotten much better,” he added.

  “Hey, Max. Haven’t seen you in a couple of days. Whatya have?” the bartender asked as he leaned over the bar.

  “Tonight, a quick shot of bourbon,” Max answered.

  The bartender chuckled knowingly. “You got it, my friend and oh, this one’s on the house. Appreciate all you do for us.”

  “Not necessary. You know how I am, Buddy,” Max told him.

  Buddy held up his arms, backing away with a grin on his face.

  “Seems like he knows you well,” I said as casually as I could manage. If he was friendly with the owner, then he had to live around here. I wasn’t certain whether I was happy about that fact or should file a restraining order. I bit back a laugh at my overreaction, reminding myself at the nasty shit I’d tossed at him for no good reason. Seeing him here was almost as embarrassing as it was titillating.

  “Buddy and I have been friends for a couple years. He’s a nice guy.”

  “You say that as if you’re the complete opposite.”

  He turned his head, studying me intently. “No one has ever called me nice.”

  I shuddered, hearing the way he muttered the word.

  He kept his dark stare for a full minute before continuing. “Anyway, his bar is basically on my way home. I make certain there aren’t any assholes climbing down his throat. And there are always worthless pieces of shit who deserve to have my fist shoved into their mouths.”

  “I’m not certain if you’re attempting to impress me or scare me off.” I knew I should just walk away. The guy could be far too dangerous.

  “Just telling the truth.”

  As Max shifted, I took a deep breath. Even the scent of him was a sheer indulgence, the fragrance a mixture of absolute testosterone and heady spices. I was almost drunk from the single inhale. “A tough guy, huh?”

  “Actually, I’m a cop. I live a few blocks from here and I protect my own,” he stated in a husky tone, his eyes locking onto mine.

  Dominating.

  Possessive.

  I’m going to lick your sweet pussy after giving you the discipline you deserve.

  I fought a series of shivers, taking another sip of my drink. “A cop. Interesting.”

  “A necessity.”

  I wasn’t ready to grill him on any specifics and I wasn’t certain he’d offer any details. Besides, I didn’t need to. I sure as shit wasn’t going home with the man.

  Not now.

  Not ever.

  Then why is your mouth watering and your pussy quivering?

  “Finish your drink,” he commanded.

  “Why?”

  He slowly turned his head, his gaze more penetrating than before. “Because you’re coming with me.”

  * * *

  There’d been little conversation and in truth, neither of us had found any need, our body language doing all the talking.

  The way he flung open the door of his apartment was powerful, just like the mysterious man. I heard the intense growl pushing past his lips and all I could think about was he would devour me. I wasn’t frightened, just aroused in a manner I hadn’t anticipated. I wasn’t drunk, yet I felt high on the blood pulsing through my veins. I couldn’t want this.

  A stranger.

  A man who’d told me almost nothing about himself. He could be a monster, a stark raving mad lunatic hiding behind a convenient, safe mask. Willing me to succumb to him. Tempting me with his dark commands.

  But I was here.

  In his apartment.

  And in his massive arms, locked behind closed doors.

  Max yanked me closer, fisting my hair as he lowered his head. Even his hot breath was exciting, lighting every fire that I’d thought long dead.

  “I want you and I will have you. Period. You now belong to me.”

  Every emotion from anger to humiliation shot through me like a tidal wave, forcing butterflies into my stomach. I belonged to no one and never had. My instinct was to push away from him and I tried, shoving both my hands against his chest.

  But the amazing draw of the man was far too intense, stealing my resolve to resist him. His grip remained firm; large fingers entangled in my mass of hair, husky growls pushing past lips meant for kissing the night away.

  “You will not deny me,” he commanded as he dragged me closer once again. Our lips only centimeters apart, he blew a swath of hot air across my face as he towered over me, bending me until my back was at a complete arc. There was no way I was getting away from this brute.

  His breathing remained ragged as his eyes roamed my face. Everything about this man was demanding, a force to be reckoned with and I knew without a shadow of a doubt that he was going to devour me.

  Every. Single. Inch.

  When he crushed his mouth over mine, pulling me onto my tiptoes as his tongue thrust past my lips, I could no longer focus. It was as if he’d placed some kind of spell over me, our worlds and bodies meshing together by some unseen force. I became lost in the kiss, the way his tongue dominated mine. The heat of his body became oppressive, sparks of electricity fueling my already jazzed blood cells.

  There wasn’t a part of my body that wasn’t exploding from the raging fire, leaving my senses on edge and any rational capabilities tossed to the side. My fingers, which had attempted to shove him aside, now clung to him, grasping his shirt as if hanging on for dear life. I couldn’t want this man. I shouldn’t be here.

  But I couldn’t refuse.

  As the explosion of passion continued, our teeth gnashing together and his tongue drinking in every ounce of my essence, I found myself melting.

  Max shifted his hand until he was gripping the side of my face, nails digging into my cheek. He held me tightly as he broke the kiss, every raspy sound erupting from his throat more animalistic in nature than before. He dragged his lips to my chin, licking the underside before blowing his scalding breath across my neck. He broke the connection long enough to chuckle darkly then engulfed the area over my pulse of life, biting down like a true savage. A whimper escaped my lips, my mind reeling from the realization that he had my life in his hands.

  Just when fear wrapped around me with a strangulating hold, he eased back, taking several deep breaths.

  “I’m going to punish you now for all your sins,” he wh
ispered, issuing a raspy growl.

  His words were frank, stated with a controlling flair.

  “I’m sorry?”

  “You heard me. You need a firm hand,” he answered, sliding his fingers from my face to my wrist, dragging me behind him as he took long strides toward his massive leather couch. When he faced me again, his dark eyes appeared luminescent, his pupils dilated. “Remove your clothes.”

  “What?” I felt like some misbehaving child, uncertain of what was wanted from me, guilt and shame rocketing through my entire system.

  He let go of my hand, nodding slowly toward the floor. “Every piece of clothing.”

  “Punish? What are you talking about?”

  His upper lip curled provocatively although his eyes were deadly serious. “You told me that you needed punishment for being careless. Caustic. I’m going to honor your request. I’m giving you a very. Hard. Spanking.” The way he drew out the last two words, both stated in a husky tone, sent chills slithering down my spine.

  I was floored, blinking several times as a rush of heat crept along my jawline as well as between my legs. I was actually aroused by the fact a man I didn’t know was going to give me a spanking. I’d never been spanked before in my life. I was completely conflicted, tingling from the thought even as my mind rebuffed the concept altogether. I was a strong woman, taking zero shit from anyone.

  “I’m very serious. The punishment fits the crime. Don’t you agree, Kathleen?” He reached for the buckle on his belt, his eyes never leaving me as he unfastened it in a slow and seductive manner.

  Crime. Punishment. My thoughts were all over the place, shifting from scratching out his eyes to obeying him. For a fleeting moment, I could swear this had occurred before. In the end, I was barely aware my trembling hands had slid down the front of my dress, tugging at the silky material.

  Obey me.

  Blinking, I swayed on my feet, staring at the belt.

  Another smile curled on his lips as he jerked the first few inches of the thick leather strap from the tight loops. “I always discipline a woman completely naked. The pain should be felt without the confines of clothing.”