Defiled: A Dark Paranormal Romance Page 9

  “Demons do exist and not only in our minds. They are the true survivors, gorging on humans as prey, using their bodies as indigent slaves. Three are the ultimate in power. They are the spawn of Satan himself, prepared to do what it takes to forge a new world, taking back what they claim to be their own. Their presence in human form means death and carnage.”

  “Fuck,” I whispered, slamming the book. This was right up Jenny’s alley, but I wasn’t certain I could tolerate the references. Every sermon my father had given had reveled in the concept of the devil, prepared to take back the Earth as his playground. I’d spent my childhood terrified of everything my father said, his threats that the world would come to an end in our lifetime. I’d laughed at him, making fun behind his back. Now this.

  And the horrific exorcism attempt, leaving my life in shambles.

  I headed back to my seat, wanting nothing more than to spend my last few dollars on a bottle of merlot and curl up watching an old movie. Frustrated, I eased back into the chair, sliding the book onto the table and fingering the title over and over again. I was rattled and hated to admit it. I became entranced by the primal colors; vibrant reds and neon blues covering the entire front. I traced the lines with the tip of my index finger, swirling over and around.

  “Do you believe in demons?”

  The voice registered, the same amazing bass that had forced my nipples into hard points. I blinked several times before lifting my head, eyeing the dimple I remembered first.

  His smile was genuine, so warm and inviting. I was instantly mesmerized by his stunning good looks. “Last night? You took a hard fall?”

  “Yes, I remember. My savior,” I managed.

  “Mmm... I like that. I’ve never been anyone’s savior before. May I sit?”

  I nodded, crossing my legs for fear he’d gather the scent of my drenched pussy. How could any one man, let alone a stranger have this kind of effect on me? He was much more gorgeous than I’d been able to detect, the angular chin giving way to chiseled cheeks and a high forehead. His lips were the color of roses, kissed by the sun. I was taken aback by his masculine prowess, the way he exuded domination by nothing more than the look in his... blue eyes. They were exactly as I’d remembered, stunning and a beautiful complement to his olive skin and long eyelashes. “Of course.”

  He tossed his leather coat across the back of the chair, reminding me that I’d seen him on the steps. It was as if he’d looked right through me, dragging out portions of my longing from deep, dark places. I found it difficult to look into his eyes, even as he studied me intently.

  “For a woman as beautiful as you are to be sitting alone, that is certainly a crime.”

  The compliment cut right through me. I was no fool, even though my experience with men was subjugated to several horrible first dates and sex that had lasted maybe five minutes. There’d been no requests for my company especially after the kidnapping. After three months, no one mentioned the week I’d been missing, as if my wretched experience had never happened.

  But I’d remained shunned. Tainted.

  My thoughts drifted back to those wretched days. I’d tried to find out what had occurred myself, even going to the very abandoned house where I thought I’d been kept, chained.

  The dilapidated mansion was covered in dust and cobwebs, ominous in every manner. I’d finally given up a few months later, killing myself with work and pretending whatever I’d been through had never happened.

  I was awkward around men, well, mostly boys from my hometown. They’d believed they could get to at least third base since all minister’s daughters were supposed to be easy.

  They’d been dead wrong, even to the point I’d landed one nasty boy in the hospital from several hard punches. That had been the single time my father had ever told me he was proud of me.

  “I’m certainly not beautiful and I chose to sit alone.” My answer was succinct, refusing to fall victim to anyone ever again. I could feel the heat of his gaze, powerful in a manner that pushed me to the edge of my seat. He was drawing me in, trying to find a way to cut through my defenses.

  “You are extremely gorgeous, sophisticated, and very wise. You’re also not like the other girls, immature and uncertain of what they want. I can tell you know exactly the kind of woman you want to be.” He sat back, crossing his long legs. “Yes, I know exactly what you crave.”

  What in the hell? I had difficulty not darting my eyes in his direction. He was gorgeous and obviously rich given his diamond-studded watch and expensive attire, the cashmere sweater accentuating his broad, muscular chest. I could only imagine what he looked like under the clothes; chiseled pecs as if carved out of stone, narrow hips, muscular thighs, and one thick, hard cock.

  “I can hold my own.” My answer was trite, leaving me uncomfortable.

  He leaned forward far enough that there was no away to avoid his gaze. His scent was exotic, infused with the most incredible spices. “Christoff Griffen, but for a lady such as yourself, I’ll allow you to call me Chris.” He held out his hand.

  Allow. Everything about him exuded complete dominance but done with ease. I hesitated before allowing the touch and as soon as we did, I was yanked into a vacuum, the electricity searing every nerve ending. The connection shared between us was not of this world, arousal creating a trickle of wetness between my legs. “Sadie Mullins.”

  “Sadie. The name suits you.”

  When I pulled my hand away, I was thrown, as if I’d been forced into reality. A chill swept down my spine. “I always hated my name.”

  “You shouldn’t. In Hebrew it means princess. I very much see you as royalty. Everything fits together now. So perfect.”

  I gave him a hard look, instantly on edge. A smooth talker. “I appreciate the compliments, Mr. Griffen, and I might look naïve, but I assure you, I’ve been around the block more than once. I’m not going to bed with you.”

  He seemed taken back at first then outwardly amused, his enrapturing laughter tingling every portion of my body. “Now that we have that taken care of, might I suggest something a little less dramatic?”

  The warm flush creeping along my jawline and cheeks had to be obvious. “As in?”

  Leaning over even further, as he spoke a wafting of his sizzling breath cascaded across my face, providing another wave of heat between my legs. “I feel a connection between us. Call me old-fashioned or perhaps more of a gentleman than you’re used to, but I enjoy spending time with a beautiful woman prior to ever thinking about entering into something more carnal in nature.”

  Even the way he said the words was captivating, almost managing to draw me into another time, one where men ruled the world with an iron fist and daunting passion. I found it difficult to answer him.

  “Could I possibly be so bold as to ask you out to dinner this evening? I know of a quaint Italian restaurant where we could enjoy a delightful conversation over wine and pasta. Three of my favorites in life.” He narrowed his eyes, his nostrils flaring after making the suggestion. I could swear the man was undressing me with his eyes, devouring me inch by inch.

  There wasn’t a single reason I should trust the brooding stranger, no matter how insanely good looking he was, but I felt chained to him. As if I could talk to him about anything. “I’d like that.”

  “Excellent,” he growled as he raked his eyes over me. “I will enjoy your thoughts on extreme domination.”

  “I’m sorry?”

  Another charismatic smile was followed by a nod toward the book. “I’m well versed on thousands of books, Sadie. This one in particular is about the truest form of domination of all things, the ultimate in power. I believe you’ll find the subject matter enthralling.” He didn’t wait for an answer, glancing at his watch and moving to a standing position.

  Everything about him was commanding, his prowess unlike anything I’d ever experienced. My nipples were pebbles, scraping in a brutal manner across my bra. “Fascinating. I’ll enjoy our conversation as well.”

&nbs
p; “Yes, you will,” he said with a seductive flair. “Do you know what I value more than anything, Sadie?”

  “I would have no idea.”

  Christoff issued another smile, his lips coming dangerously close to mine. “Determination as well as strict obedience and I can tell that you are quite capable of both.”

  He didn’t offer any explanation. His words were like masterful riddles, picking away at the cells in my brain. The man obviously enjoyed playing the part of dark and mysterious.

  “Would you like for me to pick you up? This night is going to be brutally cold.”

  I was ready to decline, prepared to meet him at the restaurant, until I remembered the wretched condition of my car. “That would be fine.” At least I could act like this was no big deal. I shifted in my seat, distancing myself even though I was already drawn into his web.

  “Seven-thirty then. I am very much looking forward to such an enlightening evening, lovely princess.”

  As his eyes bore into mine, a series of images floated into my mind, every one of them sexual, even primal in nature. My naked and tethered body writhing as he gave me strike after strike from a thick leather strap. Crouched between his legs, gazing at him with utter desire as I licked and sucked his massive, throbbing cock, his hand fisting my hair. My wrists and ankles tied, my legs and arms spread-eagled as he fucked me from behind, claiming both my pussy and my asshole.

  Shaking, I closed my eyes, willing the visions away, but I realized that I’d climaxed, soaking my already damp panties.

  God help me.

  * * *

  “Are you kidding me?” Jenny asked, racing toward me and jumping on my bed.

  “No, I’m not kidding you.” There was nothing appropriate to wear for a dinner at any kind of real restaurant. I’d brought a single dress and there was no fucking way I was wearing the ugly green sack. Not around a man like Christoff.

  “The guy in the trench coat.”

  I nodded, trying my best to keep my composure. Yes, the most gorgeous man on the face of this earth. I was shocked at my level of attraction, the burning desire digging at my very soul. He had a strange hold on me, as if I belonged to him. There was no way I could justify my thoughts or my intense longing, but my panties remained soaked, my nipples aching.

  “Such a powerful and very dark-looking man,” Jenny said. “Like evil reincarnated in a sexy body.”

  The statement drew my attention, fueling every blood cell. She was right. My feelings and emotions were already a strange rollercoaster, as if I knew my unintended savior had ill-willed intentions, but I was so drawn to him that I couldn’t resist him in any logical manner. I wasn’t a stupid girl and I certainly didn’t believe in fairytales. His controlling persona should force me to run far away.

  Instead, I craved him with my entire being.

  “What’s his name?” she asked as she plopped down onto the bed, grabbing her laptop.

  “What are you going to do, check him out?”

  “That’s exactly what I’m going to do. A girl can’t be too careful, you know.”

  Sighing, I realized I was stupid for taking such a huge chance. “Christoff Griffen.”

  “I know that name. Why?” she whispered under her breath. She snagged her laptop and sat back down, nodding as if the name was peculiar. Her brow furrowed, Jenny’s fingers flew on the keyboard.

  I was more than grateful to have a friend like her. When I noticed her expression had changed, her mouth twisted, I wanted to sink into the floor. “That bad?”

  “Um... That depends on your definition of bad.” She flipped the computer screen to face me, fanning her face with her other hand. “Wowie is all I can say. You know how to pick them, girl.”

  I walked closer, narrowing my eyes. The picture on the screen was definitely the man I’d met. He looked ever more handsome, regal and refined. Just like his resume. “He’s...” I couldn’t even finish the statement.

  “I’ll fill in the blanks for you. He’s from an extremely wealthy family, highly educated, and worth over ten billion dollars himself. It also says he’s never been married, nor does he have any kids.”

  “What is he doing here taking me to dinner?” I was almost sick to my stomach. I didn’t need some rich guy trying to play the dominating card.

  “Maybe he owns half the university. Who cares why he’s here?” Jenny admonished. “And he’s taking you to dinner because he thinks you’re hot, silly. Jesus, girl. He’s gorgeous, rich, and from a decent family. Is it possible your standards are a bit too high?” Giggling, she tossed a pillow in my direction.

  Nothing good ever happened to me without something horrible right behind it. “I don’t know.”

  Jenny fell back on the bed. “You’re such a ninny. I’ll go out with him.”

  “Very funny and damn it. What the hell am I going to wear?” I half whispered, hating everything in my closet.

  “You’re nervous. You’re... I think you like this mysterious man. Ooh la-la. About time you had some kinky fun.”

  I shot her an eat-shit-and-die look before yanking my clothes across the thin metal bar one more time, praying for something spectacular to appear.

  “Is the gorgeous mystery man picking you up?” She slipped the laptop aside as she sat up.

  Groaning, I slumped against the closet door. “He has to.”

  “What happened?”

  “My car is on the side of the road. I don’t know what’s wrong with the giant piece of shit.”

  Jenny shook her head. “You goofball. Why didn’t you just tell me? I know a mechanic here in town and don’t give me that look. Or maybe you can get your boyfriend to give you a new one.”

  At this point, I couldn’t turn her down. “I’m such a loser.”

  She huffed under her breath. “Don’t talk like that. You’re doing everything you can to get an education, although I wish you’d tell me why you don’t want help from your parents.”

  “There isn’t enough wine in the world for that. What the hell am I going to wear?” No doubt the dude was used to perfectly coifed women who spent thousands of dollars getting ready for a date.

  “I just might have a perfect dress for you, if you ask me nicely.” Jenny laughed, frowning when I didn’t answer. “Geez, girl. I’m teasing. Let me see what I can find. Okay? You need to look hot as shit. You deserve this.”

  “This is just dinner. Nothing more.” But something in the back of my mind told me otherwise.

  We both heard the knock on the door and while she seemed elated at the possibility of a visitor, I cringed.

  “I’ll get it. Time to fix your makeup,” Jenny directed. “Happy to do your hair!”

  Makeup. I wasn’t a child, even though Jenny certainly played the mother hen well enough. At least I had a pair of high heels. Well, they were scuffed and had seen better days, but they would have to do.

  After a few seconds, I realized I didn’t hear any kind of chatter or laughter, the usual when her gaggle of friends arrived. Then I heard a single pair of footsteps.

  “Um, these arrived for you.” Jenny’s tone was cautious.

  When I noticed what she’d placed on the bed, I was thrown into a feeling of never-never land. There were three separate packages, a wrapped box and two foil bags, all expertly decorated and wrapped beautifully, the kind of presents every girl dreamed of.

  “I said wow before, but whew. I mean, Jesus. F. Christ. Ask him if he has a brother. Oh, yes, I read he has two of them. Maybe we can do a double date.” Jenny stood back, folding her arms. When I didn’t race like a child to open them, she issued a long hiss. “Come on. What are you afraid of? So, you have an admirer. We should all be so lucky. You’re beautiful, sexy as hell, and have everything to offer a man.”

  “Very funny but this is bizarre. I’m not going to bed with him because he plies me with gifts. Rich or not. I don’t care.”

  “Then don’t. You said it yourself, the guy is rich. Instead of flowers, he sends you... Well, aren’t you
going to open them?” Huffing, she placed her hand on her hip, wagging her finger. “Come on, scaredy cat.”

  Maybe that was the problem. Fear. Chris was overpowering. However, I refused to allow my trepidation to curtail a nice evening. Besides, I was sick of eating leftover pizza and ramen noodles. My fingers trembled as I tugged the gilded black ribbon surrounding the luminescent red package. Lifting the lid, I had no idea what to expect.

  The fabulous crimson dress wasn’t what I’d anticipated. While the design was simple and classic, the feel of the silky material as well as the blood-red hue permeated the darkest synapses of my brain.

  A whore’s color.

  I could almost hear my father’s chastising voice.

  Damn it. I wasn’t a little girl any longer. I was almost twenty-four years old and could make my own decisions. I also wasn’t a virgin; however, I’d promised myself that I had no time for men at this point in my life. The lie had been easy enough to live with. The truth was much uglier. With no memory of what had happened in those woods, I was terrified that I’d never be able to enjoy the company of a man, let alone a night of passion.

  Why would he want to go out on a date with me? Something seemed off, too perfect.

  I held the dress against my chest, eyeing the tag. Christoff had known my size. The reality strangely didn’t surprise me, although my fingers continued to tremble, a cold shiver skipping down every bone in my spine. Maybe this was karma.

  Maybe this was another nightmare.

  Maybe this was a fulfillment of the game, the dark prince coming to eat my brain.

  Shit. Now I was acting like a melodramatic child. Jenny was right. I was quite the catch.

  “That is... gorgeous. Wow,” Jenny said, exhaling. “The man has exquisite tastes. You’re going to look magnificent. What else did he send you?”

  I was almost petrified to find out. The shoes were just as stunning, also in my size and would quite possibly be the reason I finally broke my neck if I attempted to walk in them. The third bag gave me the most pause. My instinct told me that whatever was inside held some level of intimacy. The man hadn’t heard me at all, expecting to seduce me with ease before the first course was finished. A flash of anger rolled into my mind until curiosity took over. Snagging the bag, I ripped the tissue, digging inside.