Taken By Surprise (2 page)

No wedding ring…good.

She was determined to take a man to her bed tonight, but she
never
messed with the married ones.

“For you.”

“Thank you.”

Zori took the frosty bottle from his hand and their fingers touched. She was surprised at just how fast her heart began to race. Their eyes locked as they both took a sip.

“Are you from New York?” Greyson asked, tapping his fingers on the bar counter.

Another couple came up behind him and his body brushed against hers in the crowded space.

God, he smells amazing…totally male, totally sexy… What cologne is he wearing?

 “Zori?”

She watched him lick his lips after finishing the beer in his hand.

“I’m sorry, what?” Zori blinked, inwardly cursing as she met his gaze. Being tongue-tied around a male was a new experience. She
really
needed to eat. That was the only explanation for being off her game tonight. She took another drink from the cold bottle and her stomach grumbled so loudly, she glanced at Greyson in embarrassment even though she was sure he couldn’t hear anything but the blasting bass.

Greyson bent his head down and his lips brushed against her temple. “It’s really loud in here. Do you want to get some air?”

Zori smiled. “Air would be good.”

Yes!

She always loved the ones bold enough to move things right along.

Once again, she took his offered hand and let him lead her through the partying people towards the exit. This was perfect! Greyson was unknowingly making her life a whole lot easier by taking them outside and away from the crowd.

Greyson pushed the thick metal door forward and Zori took in a deep breath of the brisk evening air as they stepped into the alley. She scanned the darkness, her ears detecting the harried breathing of a couple having sex in the shadows a few feet from them.

“Ahh! So much cooler out here.”

Zori shivered, even though she wasn’t really cold. She surveyed the partially darkened alleyway, aware of Greyson’s gaze on her.

Thank goodness, we’re practically alone.

“Are you cold?”

“A little.” She looked up at him as he took off his suit jacket and wrapped it around her bare shoulders.

“Better?”

He leaned against the cement building as she pulled his suit jacket tighter around her neck.

“Yes, thank you.”

His scent seemed to envelop her, setting ablaze the spark she’d felt the moment she’d laid eyes on him.

Now or never, Zori.

“Greyson?”

“Yep.”

His attention was also on the alley, as if he was keeping watch too.

“Would you like to come home with me?”

Greyson slowly turned to stare at her and Zori shivered again, this time from desire. Most guys started talking a mile a minute, shocked by her boldness, yet completely game. She particularly hated the ones who immediately started pawing and trying to kiss her while promising how good they’d make her feel.

Greyson simply held her gaze, his eyes never leaving her face even though she felt like his hands were already on her body.

“My car’s not far from here.”

Bingo.

He’d agreed to go. Now she just had to get him there.

“One kiss before we go?”

Greyson grabbed her and yanked her hard against his body. “Do you know what you’re doing?”

“Are you asking me if I’m sure about kissing you? If so, the answer is yes.”

She pressed her hands against his chest, taking a step back from him as his eyes raked over her entire body.

“Not just the kiss, Zori.”

Heat bloomed deep within her. His gaze was magnetic. He had the most unusual brown eyes she’d ever seen. She’d almost swear his irises had flecks of gold that reflected the street lamp overhead.

“I know exactly what I’m doing.”

Her answer seemed to drive him forward. His lips crushed hers in a hard kiss that melted into a sensual caress. She opened her mouth for him, loving the taste of his tongue as it caressed hers. He kissed as well as he danced.

No…better.

She almost gave into the moment, to his artful lip lock before remembering what had to be done. With a Herculean effort she pulled away from him, breathing hard as he stared down at her.

“I’m sorry.”

Greyson frowned. “For wh—”

Zori cold–cocked him on the jaw as hard as she could and stepped back as he stumbled.

“What the fuck are you doing?”

His gruff voice raised tiny hairs on her arms.

She gasped as he reached for her, shoving her against the cold concrete wall. “Excuse me?” Zori stared into his eyes, struck again by how attractive he was…even with the furious gleam visible in the fierce gaze fixed on her. His hand shot up to encircle her throat and she blinked in surprise. She would’ve been amused if his vice-like grip wasn’t causing her to see bright spots.

How in the hell could he move that fast
…especially after the blow I’d just dealt him
?

There was no time to ponder the question as his fingers tightened painfully around her oesophagus. Self-preservation always came first and Zori didn’t think twice about ramming her knee into his crotch. He released her with a furious howl of pain as her hands flew up to rub the throbbing skin around her neck.

“You witc—”

Zori gasped in disbelief as Greyson lunged for her. This guy was on steroids or something. She cocked her elbow at the side of his head, breathing hard as he fell to the ground unconscious. Her ears picked up the frantic movements of the lovers a few feet away putting their clothes back in order which signalled time was of the essence. She preferred not to deal with witnesses.

“Dammit!”

Her elbow was throbbing to the beat of twenty different drums and Zori gritted her teeth against the pain as she pulled him further back in the alley away from the lights. Her own strength was legendary among her kind, but she faltered for a second, struggling with Greyson’s dead weight.

Damn, you’re heavy!

“Hang on, big guy.” She exhaled as her enormous wings unfolded behind her, lifting up off the pavement as she grabbed him by the arms with her powerful talons. In a matter of seconds, she was high above the city, up past the clouds flying home. The chilly air stung her cheeks, making her wish she were lying on her private beach in Kauai, but Halloween was much more fun in the Big Apple.

Besides, I can’t wait to play with my new hottie.

He was definitely the strongest man she’d ever picked up.

Zori giggled at the innuendo, grateful to finally see her building come into view. She breathed a sigh of relief as she descended. Her legs ached from carrying her heavy prize. She dropped him on her private penthouse terrace before landing. Her silvery feathers fluttered in the breeze as she stretched them wide. Carrying Greyson had taxed every muscle in her body, much to her annoyance. At least he would make it up to her. She pulled her wings in tight once more and whispered softly in the night,
“Free of feather, free of claws, now a woman with none their flaws.”

The wind seemed to echo the old magical chant as she was enveloped in a bright purple light. She kept her eyes on Greyson as her wings and talons disappeared in a cloud of shimmering violet dust. She would appear as a woman with the strength of her kind until she spoke the age old words again. Human males were much less skittish when she seduced them in a recognizable female form.

She stepped towards him, wobbled for a second as she adjusted to the feel of walking without her heavy wings. Her bare feet made no sound as she went to Greyson still knocked out. Expending more energy than usual, she finally hoisted him over her shoulder and took him inside, grateful to be home. Every room was dark, but she required no light to see her way to the bedroom. With great care, she laid him on top of the crimson sheets and quickly secured his hands above his head with velvet rope. She left him in the dark and padded towards the delicious smells of her favourite foods wafting from the kitchen. Her sisters would scream at her if they knew the ridiculous amount of money she paid her butler to keep her home in order and prepare her meals whenever she wanted. Two tapered candles flickered on opposite ends of the marble island, casting a romantic glow over the sumptuous spread of smoked salmon, fresh bread, fruits and cheeses. There was even chocolate mousse for dessert.

“Thank you, Robert.” Zori lifted a forkful of the seasoned fish and moaned with delight as she swallowed the flavourful bite. She tore off a piece of French bread, popped the flaky morsel in her mouth as she grabbed some red grapes. The juicy sweet fruit was a treat in itself and Zori smiled as she left the kitchen. She’d eaten enough to take the edge off, but right now…she craved sustenance of a different source.

Chapter Two

Ghostly shadows from the moonlight pouring in from the windows disappeared as she lit all of the candles around her bedroom. Greyson’s huge frame made her king-sized bed look so small. Zori’s eyes were drawn to the even rise and fall of Greyson’s chest in the flickering candlelight as she approached him. Her gaze moved over his strong jaw and the side of his face, checking for the bruises she expected to find from striking him. She was stunned to find nothing marring his handsome features.

Strange.

She didn’t dwell further on her odd discovery, unable to resist the need to get closer to him. The sound of her blood rushing through her veins filled her ears as she sat on the edge of the bed and ran one razor-sharp nail down the length of his immaculate dress shirt. The fabric gave way to reveal hard mahogany muscles beneath. She bent her head to place one kiss on his sculpted pec, but one kiss was not nearly enough for the fierce appetite fuelling her to flick her pink tongue across the taunt flesh. His body was perfection, male power and virility personified. She delighted in the feel of rock hard muscles beneath her hands as she studied his profile. “You really are gorgeous.”

He didn’t respond as she leaned towards him and inhaled his cologne. The sexy scent intertwined with the natural essence of his skin intoxicated her senses.

Maybe she wouldn’t have to hold back with this man. Maybe…

She lifted her hands from his chest as he groaned. Her heart skipped a beat as his eyes flew open and his dark gaze connected with hers.

“What the hell is this?” He never shifted his attention from her face as he yanked on the corded velvet binding his wrists.

Zori laughed as she ripped the rest of the torn shirt from him and got up. She grinned at him as she deftly removed his shoes and pants. “Relax, now. I promise to give you much pleasure before the end.” She secured his ankles with more velvet rope on the elegant four-poster bed, enjoying the flood of adrenaline rushing through her. Desire coiled and unwound as her hungry gaze admired bulging biceps, ripped abs and huge thighs. He was in superb physical condition and she wanted him…couldn’t wait to have him.

Greyson groaned and the deep guttural noise reminded her of a growl. She untied her halter top and let it fall to the ground as he watched. A natural exhibitionist, she delighted in his glowering appraisal and the feel of her nipples hardening as she came to his side. She climbed on the bed, straddled his legs and placed one hand on the bulging vee of his designer underwear. With a teasing touch, she stroked his thickening cock through the soft material.

“Your wings were real.” He lifted his knees, testing her flawless knots of velvet rope again as she ripped his underwear free with her nails.

“Yes, they were.” Zori moved between his legs, never taking her eyes off his impressive erection. She encircled the rigid length and smiled as he sucked in a breath.

“
What
are you?” He lifted his head from the pillow to watch her fondle him.

With a saucy wink, she leant down to place a lingering kiss on the thick ridged crown of flesh in her hand.

“Tell me!” He yanked the binding velvet ropes with enough effort to shake the entire bed and the candles on her nightstand.

His frustration and anger was better than any foreplay. Zori didn’t bother to answer as she took him into her mouth as far as her throat would permit. She barely noticed him falling back on the pillow as she tasted him. His cock filled her mouth as she stretched her lips to take more. It didn’t seem possible, but Zori was sure his erection swelled even more. Moisture pooled between her thighs as she imagined the feel of his warm hard length taking her. She couldn’t wait to ride him hard and fast. Bringing him to orgasm now would ensure her ultimate pleasure later. Her body heated in anticipation and she choked more than once as he began ramming his hips upwards in a steady rhythm. She squeezed her thighs together, teasing the slick flesh waiting to be filled and satisfied. The sound of his rapid breathing filled her sensitive ears as his fluid hip movements became erratic.

“Vixen!” His gruff voice echoed within the bedroom as he climaxed.

Zori moaned as she swallowed, looking up at him as each rhythmic jerk of his cock filled her mouth. She pulled away from him and slowly licked her lips. “You taste delicious.” She giggled as she stood up in the bed and shimmied out of her panties.

Greyson’s fevered gaze dropped from her mouth to the bare cleft between her legs as she placed her feet on the outside of his hips. Zori knew he could see just how wet she was from his vantage point. Her pulse quickened under his slow appraisal of her entire body. Beauty was hers and she gloried in its effect on males and females. She was accustomed to men ignoring their strange precarious predicament as she disrobed and advanced on them. It amused her how easily the male ego could adjust to any scenario if sex was involved.

She searched Greyson’s face for a hint of fear and found none. He knew she was something other than human and yet he studied her as she studied him beneath hooded eyelids with a surprising calm. For a split second, Zori felt uncomfortable. There was something in his posture, something lingering in his dark gaze, never seen on all of the bound lovers she’d enjoyed before.