One With the Hunger Read online

  Vivian reached for a roll. “Melanie, have you ever been tied up?”

  The blonde snickered and nodded, her curls bouncing around her face.

  “No! Don’t tell me that white-bread man you’re engaged to ties you up?” Jennifer drawled.

  Erihn leaned forward and the candlelight flickered over the scar, making it softer, less apparent. Shai could practically see her jotting mental notes for yet another book.

  “Only once.” Melanie’s creamy skin grew flushed and Shai couldn’t tell if it was from the alcohol, conversation, or the memories of the event in question. “It was wonderful. Liberating, actually.”

  Vivian licked butter off her fingers and grinned at her blonde friend. “Isn’t it just?”

  Shai blinked. After all of their outrageous conversations, one would think she should be used to this kind of talk by now, but she wasn’t. In reality it made her uneasy. Sex was almost foreign to her and, in her mind, overrated. She picked up her wineglass and drained it yet again. She’d already had much more than she was used to drinking and tomorrow she’d pay the price.

  “So, what’s your ultimate sexual fantasy, Jennifer?” Erihn asked, her eyes bright with curiosity and far too much alcohol.

  “Mmmm,” Jennifer paused, her lips screwed up in concentration. “I don’t know.” A wicked gleam entered her eyes. “How about handcuffed in the back of a police car? Cuffed to the armrest while Joe Police-guy frisks me with his really hard…baton.”

  Erihn and Melanie dissolved into laughter and Vivian smiled. “Been there, done that. His last name is Mathison and he’s from the 13th precinct here in the city.” Her eyes grew dreamy. “And, oh my, what a baton he had.”

  “Okay.” Jennifer stubbed out her cigarette, her tone challenging. “What’s your ultimate fantasy, Viv dear, and don’t be shy.”

  “Yet another word that’s never been associated with Viv,” Melanie laughed.

  Vivian blinked, her glass halfway to her mouth. “Well, I can’t honestly think of many things I fantasize about when, let’s face it, I’ve lived most of them.” Her lips pursed. “I suppose, if I really had to come up with one, there is the bar wench fantasy, the Madame and slave fantasy, and the bad cop fantasy is always a good one…”

  “Just one, Viv. You needn’t recite your entire repertoire of tricks,” grumbled Jennifer. She picked up the now-empty bottle of wine and waved it in the direction of the waitress.

  “Hmm…probably the saloon girl fantasy.” Vivian shifted in her chair. “I’m working in a saloon in the Old West as some trail riders come in. Three of them, I think. They order a drink as they eye me in my revealing peasant blouse.” She traced her fingertips lightly over the suntanned skin showing between the lapels of her jacket. A sensual smile curved her lips as she began to lose herself in the fantasy.

  “The tallest man’s name is Stud Lonewolf and he’s a sight for sore eyes. With long, blond hair, dark blue eyes and pecs that would make a romance cover model cry with shame. As I set his drink in front of him, he grabs my wrist and pulls me into his lap.” She shifted in her seat once more then crossed and re-crossed her legs. “I can tell it’s been a long time since he’s seen a real woman. He whispers in my ear all the wicked things he wants to do to me. As I lean back against his chest, he reaches up to untie my blouse and my breasts fall free. Calloused fingers tease my nipple as his knee parts my thighs.

  “His teeth nip my neck as one hand traces down my side, across my thighs to the bottom of my skirt. His hand on my skin causes goose bumps to break out. His fingers tear into my pantaloons to plunder my pussy. Growing impatient, he reaches down with his free hand to unleash himself before lifting me to rub against his hard cock. My eyes fly open at the sensation to realize that his two friends are watching us. Their eyes grow dark with lust as Stud lifts me to penetrate me with his massive cock.”

  Her voice changed pitch as she continued. “Soft groans escape my lips as his brown-haired friend comes forward. His greedy lips suckle my nipple as I twine my fingers in his hair. The third man comes over to play with my other breast as Stud begins to fuck me. Up, down. Up, down—he’s relentless. Just as I begin to reach my peak, he comes with a growl, deep inside of me.

  “For a second, I’m disappointed. But before I can draw breath, the brown-haired cowboy grabs me around the waist and tosses me on the table, thighs spread. Releasing a cock that would do a horse proud, he shoves inside and begins thrusting like a starving man. Pumping, pumping until screams claw my throat and I shatter into a million pieces in his arms.”

  Vivian slumped in her chair and fell silent. Her cheeks were flushed, a look of near satisfaction on her face.

  Shai swallowed hard and reached for her water glass. Goodness…

  “And what about the third guy?” Melanie asked, entranced.

  Leave it to Melanie. Shai struggled not to choke on her water.

  Vivian picked up a napkin to fan her rosy cheeks. “Oh, him. I wait and nail him later.”

  Jennifer burst into laughter and slapped her palm on the table. “Bravo, dearest!”

  Vivian grinned. “Too bad I only have a vibrator to go home to tonight. I’m feeling a bit frisky right now.” She cast an appraising look around the restaurant as if to search of a new sexual toy.

  “Amen, sister,” Erihn whispered. She picked up her wine and gulped the remaining liquid.

  Jennifer turned her dark eyes on Shai. “So tell us what gets your panties in a bunch, my dear?”

  Shai blinked. “My fantasies?”

  Vivian gave a throaty laugh. “Why, of course. I have a feeling you aren’t nearly as pristine as you pretend to be.” Her flashing blue eyes dared Shai to step up to the plate.

  “Whoever said I was pristine?” Shai squeaked.

  “No one, dear.” Erihn patted her hand as if she were soothing a child.

  Shai stared down at her neglected dinner, well aware of the four pairs of expectant eyes watching her. What did she do now?

  “Come on, babe, cough it up,” Viv spoke.

  Shai cleared her throat. “Well…” She hesitated before letting her eyes drift closed. “I’m lying in my bed. It’s a hot summer night, like tonight. The drapes are moving in a faint breeze, but it’s not strong enough to relieve the humidity that has me trapped in my bed. Restless, I kick at my covers as a shadow appears in the window. It’s a man.”

  “Who are you?” she whispered.

  “You know who I am.” His voice was deep, sensual like the purr of a giant jungle cat. Ripples of awareness moved across her skin. Her nipples tightened beneath her simple cotton nightgown.

  “Yes, I know who you are.” She sat upright in her bed and held out her hand in silent invitation to the dark figure in the window.

  “What do you want from me, Shai?” he asked.

  “Come to me.”

  “You’re inviting me into your home?”

  “Yes,” she replied.

  “Once I cross the threshold, there is no going back.” His eyes gleamed in the darkness. “Is this what you really want?”

  She rose to her knees, her gown clung to her overheated skin. “Yes, I want you, all of you.”

  His teeth glinted in the darkness when he smiled. Stepping in through the window, he crossed her window seat, scattering soft pillows with his booted feet. He was very tall, much taller than her five feet four. He was dressed in all black—black jeans and a black T-shirt that stretched across his broad chest and shoulders. Black hair brushed his shoulders in a tumble of riotous curls.

  Feverish blue eyes gleamed beneath heavy brows. His full sensual mouth curved with pleasure. “I’ve come to give you your ultimate fantasy.”

  She gave a faint nod.

  He held out his hand, tempting her to grasp for the ecstasy he offered. Hesitant, she reached for him, her breath caught when his warm fingers closed around hers. With a gentle tug, he urged her to her feet. Her gown swirled around her thighs as she moved toward him. A strong arm slipped around her w
aist as he gathered her close, his arousal evident against her lower stomach.

  “Tell me what you want,” he whispered against her skin. His lips moved over her neck, taking a nibble here, a taste there, sending shivers of need down her spine.

  “Everything. Anything. I want every woman’s fantasy.” She sighed as his mouth touched her ear, teasing the delicate lobe.

  His husky chuckle raised gooseflesh on her skin. “I did your laundry and balanced your checkbook.”

  Shai opened her eyes to find her friends staring at her, their expressions ranging from wonder to outright amusement. Suddenly, Melanie and Erihn broke into shrieks of laughter.

  Viv lifted her cigarette case, a soft smile tugging at her mouth. “Well, that’s definitely a fantasy we know will never happen. Brava, my friend.”

  Jennifer shrugged. “Not true, Viv. It could happen with some men.” She turned toward Shai. “Is that your fantasy? A tall, dark stranger entering your bedroom in the dark of night? To make love to you until you can’t think? To fulfill your darkest fantasies?”

  “Sounds good to me.” Erihn reached for her glass of water. Tears of mirth streaked her cheeks.

  “I don’t know.” Shai shrugged. “If I knew I was perfectly safe?” She took another drink of wine. She knew she was half-past drunk now and careening her way into dangerous territory. For her to discuss her sexual fantasies was something she would never think of doing, ever. But here she was, sitting in a public restaurant drinking loads of wine and discussing her most intimate sensual thoughts with her friends.

  A sudden streak of boldness shot through her and she sat forward, slamming her glass onto the table. “Sure? Why not? Who wouldn’t want to have a dark handsome stranger take control of them, body and soul? To make love until they merge as one? To be worshipped with his body ‘til the end of time?”

  Jennifer nodded, her expression vaguely sad. “Another one of my favorite fantasies.”

  Vivian nodded. “As is mine.” She raised her wineglass in Shai’s direction. “Happy birthday, my friend. I think you just revealed more about yourself than you’ll ever know.”

  Jennifer raised her glass. “And may your darkest fantasies come true, my dear Shai.”

  Shai laughed and raised her glass as Erihn picked up her water glass.

  “To fantasies,” chimed in Melanie as they touched glasses and dissolved into laughter.

  Shai raised her glass to her lips and the laughter caught in her throat when a shifting in the shadows snared her attention. Looking over Melanie’s head, her gaze was caught by the darkest blue eyes she’d ever seen.

  Prickles of awareness raced across her skin and her nipples tightened against the soft lace of her bra. Her mouth went dry and she blinked several times. Surely he was a figment of her imagination. No mortal man could have eyes so dark, so ageless. So haunted.

  He was, without a doubt, the most beautiful man she’d ever seen. Piercing blue eyes shadowed by winged black brows, his thick black hair was swept away from his high forehead to fall an inch below his shoulders in soft waves that her fingers ached to explore. Sharp features, high cheekbones and a patrician nose, saved from looking austere by his mouth. Full and sensual, it screamed of long, hot nights, rumpled silk sheets and musky sex.

  It was the face of a fallen angel.

  Images came unbidden of the two of them in her wrought iron canopy bed. Sweat gleamed on skin as his hands stroked her overheated flesh seemingly everywhere at once. Her heart thundered in her chest as she imagined his lips on her stomach, leaving a damp trail as he moved toward her breast. His mouth closed over its aching tip and he suckled deeply as she arched off the bed toward him, wanting more of his dark magic. Her hands clinging to broad shoulders, her thighs opening to him, permitting access to the apex that wept only for this man. For his touch alone.

  A whimper broke from her lips as sensations poured through her body. She jerked in her chair, her wineglass clattering against her plate as she bobbled it before blindly setting it down. Her breath came in gasps, the unexpected arousal leaving her unsatisfied body throbbing in places she barely acknowledged even existed.

  Erihn turned toward her as Jennifer gave a delighted laugh and held her hands toward the stranger in greeting. “Are you okay?”

  Shai was shaken when he broke eye contact, looking away from her to speak with Jennifer. She gave Erihn a hesitant nod, all the while wondering if she really was okay.

  She cleared her throat. What on earth was wrong with her? She’d never reacted like that to another human being in her life. She moved the wine out of reach and picked up her glass of water. No more alcohol for her, that was for sure.

  The stranger’s voice interrupted her musings. It was deep and resonant with a faint accent she couldn’t place. Rich, like dark chocolate, fine aged brandy or velvet, it was a voice she could listen to for an eternity. A shiver zipped across her skin and she resisted the peculiar urge to swoon.

  He was definitely not of this earthly plane.

  “I had business with the manager here.” He moved with the lethal grace of a big cat. Unconscious, sexy. No mortal man should be able to move like that. It had to be illegal somewhere.

  Pleasure curled in her stomach, sending waves of desire through her blood. Stop that. She bit her lip, the faint pinch pulling her attention back to the table. Time to sober up. Coffee, maybe? Yes, coffee, that would surely do the trick. She looked around for their waitress who was nowhere in sight.

  Damn!

  The stranger laughed and her breasts ached with pleasure as her gaze was dragged back against her will.

  He held Jennifer’s hand and Shai struggled to quell the rush of jealousy when he brought it to his mouth. His smile was intimate, his gaze knowing as he brushed his mouth over her skin.

  Jennifer laughed and pulled her hand away. “Quit trying to impress me, Val. You forget yourself.”

  He smiled easily, unabashed by Jennifer’s rejection and Shai’s heart gave a little flutter at the sight of his confident expression. This man was dangerous to her well-being and she knew, in that instant, nothing would ever be the same again.

  He glanced around the table, his gaze coming to rest on her. His eyes glittered with a dark heat causing her fists to clench. “Indeed, I do. It’s hard to remember myself when I am surrounded by such beauty.” He tipped his head in her direction. The dim lights gleamed in his thick glossy black hair, giving it a bluish sheen.

  Melanie gave an awkward twitter and Shai forced herself to look away.

  “Is it?” Vivian spoke. Her eyes were fastened to the front of the stranger’s pants. “Doesn’t look like it to me, but give it some time.” A catlike smile curved her mouth and she licked her lips.

  He chuckled then moved around the table to take Vivian’s hand and kiss her knuckles. Crouching beside her, he leaned in to murmur something into her ear. Viv, never a woman to let an opportunity pass her by, pressed her ample breast against his chest and circled an arm around his shoulders, tangling those obscene red nails in his hair.

  Shai’s cheeks heated in the face of such a blatant attempt at seduction. She shifted her gaze, staring down at her plate in an effort to ignore both of them. She’d never been the kind of woman who attracted men easily. There were times when simply conversing with a man could bring on hives. Right now she was envious of her friend’s effortless sensuality.

  The soft caress of a fingertip touched her cheek, bringing her head up. She glanced around. No one was even looking in her direction, let alone was close enough to touch her.

  “Shai.” Jennifer’s voice brought her attention back to the table. “I’d love for you to meet someone. This is Valentin and he’s a very old and dear friend of mine.” She waved her hand in his general direction. “Val, this is Shai Jordan, a much newer friend of mine.”

  Shai caught the amusement in Jennifer’s voice and flushed. She tensed as the dark man untangled himself from Vivian and moved toward her with his lazy grace. A richly embroide
red vest hung open, displaying laces on his flowing white shirt. Open at the throat, it revealed the strong column of his throat melding into broad muscular shoulders. Black jeans clung to taut muscular thighs. A black belt with a plain gold buckle circled his waist and black boots encased his feet.

  She couldn’t help but gape at him when he captured her hand within his much larger one. Warmth surrounded before invading her chilled flesh. Strong fingers, artist’s fingers, encircled hers as he slowly raised her hand toward his mouth. “Enchanté.” His breath teased the sensitized skin of her knuckles.

  His lips were warm and dry, eliciting a shiver as his tongue touched the back of her hand. Carnal images crowded her mind as desire scorched the flesh between her thighs. Before her eyes flashed images of this man in her bed, buried deep within her, burrowing into her very soul.

  Val pulled away, his teeth shutting with a sharp click and Shai caught a glimpse of an emotion akin to shock racing across his face. Was he in pain?

  “Are you okay?” she asked, startled when her voice came out husky.

  He flashed her a picture-perfect smile. “Better than I was before meeting you.” He straightened smoothly, never releasing her hand. “Ladies, it has been a great pleasure seeing you, but I’m afraid I have to run.” He glanced down at Shai, his gaze captured and held hers easily. “Business does not await my personal pleasures.” He gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

  Viv purred her displeasure. “That’s too bad, Val. It’s been such a long time since we’ve seen each other. We’re headed to the Pyramid after dinner. Maybe you can join us there?”

  “Indeed, it has been a long time. If I can get away, it would be an honor to join you ladies this evening.” His gaze never left Shai’s as he raised her hand to his lips once again. “Until next we meet, little one.” He kissed her hand a second time, his teeth brushing her skin before he released her. He headed toward the door. Every female gaze in the room was focused on his tight buttocks as he exited.

  “Now that is a fantasy,” Erihn announced into the silence.

  Jennifer chuckled. “It seems our little Shai caught Val’s eye.”