It was sex. What astonished him was how honestly bad she was at it. No, that wasnt quite true. What theyd just sharedno, he didnt want to think of it that way. They hadnt shared anything. What theyd just done had had a disturbing erotic power, despite her nervousness. Even the Lilith couldnt simulate her deep blush when hed stripped that damned towel off her; even the Lilith couldnt have made her desire-slick flesh resist his entrance like that. She really didnt know what she was doing.
Which meant her memory loss was real, and his treatment of her had been beyond cruel. He turned his head to look down at her, curled up in a tight ball. Her eyes were closed and there was no sign of tears, but that was no surprise. Demons couldnt cry.
He should say something to her, something kind. For all he knew, that might have been the very first orgasm shed experienced, and he knew that was shattering for a woman. But he couldnt touch her.
It would be too dangerous if he pulled her into his arms. Too dangerous to murmur soothing words against her tangled hair, to kiss her creamy skin, her breasts, the hot beat of her vein against his mouth. Hed wanted her, wanted everything from her, heat and sex and blood in his mouth, and she wasnt the one. She would never be the one.
Even if she didnt remember her power, it didnt mean she didnt still wield it. Then again, hed been celibate for seven years. It was little wonder he was feeling equally shaken.
He waited until he was certain she was asleep, then slid off the bed, shoving his jeans off as he headed for the bathroom. He cleaned himself, annoyed that he grew hard again as he remembered how her body had felt; when he came back into the room, she hadnt moved. The sun was just beginning to rise on the Dark City, and he turned off the light as he slipped back into bed beside her. She made a soft sound in her sleep, almost like a muffled sob, and it felt like a blow.
He pulled the covers up around her, settling them over her gently so as not to disturb her. He slid down on the mattress and closed his eyes. He could smell the scent of her skin, the tang of sex, the scent of the ocean that always clung to him. Familiar, comfortable smells. Why should the scent of her skin be familiar?
It didnt matter. He slept.
CHAPTER TWELVE
WHEN AZAZEL AWOKE HE was lying on his side, his body curled protectively around hers but not quite touching her. She still slept. If shed known he was so close, his face almost buried in her hair, she would have moved.
Beloch was watching them. He knew it. Azazel inched away, slowly so as not to wake her, slowly so that Beloch wouldnt sense his anger. He turned and sat up, the covers to his waist, deliberately shielding her from Belochs inimical gaze.
He was hovering by the door. Not there in the flesh, of course. Beloch never left the confines of his Dark City stronghold, but he could project himself almost anywhere. Azazel had known the moment Beloch came into the room, even though hed been asleep. It was small comfort that there had been no eyes watching them in the dark hours of the morning.
He met Belochs eyes. It is done, he said in a low voice, hoping not to wake her. And still I feel nothing.
So it is, Beloch murmured in the faintly hollow voice that came when he projected his presence. Shall I take her, then?
This had to be played very carefully. If he showed reluctance, Beloch would pounce, and Azazel hadnt yet come up with an alternative to her certain annihilation. If you wish, he said calmly. Beloch had moved to the left, to get a better view of Rachel as she slept, and he shifted, shielding her once more. If you believe this has been a thorough test, then of course I acquiesce. I am relieved you havent asked more of me. I have assured you that I am invulnerable to her lures, and bedding her has failed to change that. Im pleased you have been convinced so quickly.
Beloch just watched him. I cannot decide whether youre making the very unwise attempt to manipulate me, or you are truly impervious to her. Though she appears to be far removed from the Lilith, she should still retain her erotic power. You insist that you feel nothing? That her powers do not move you?
I climaxed inside her. Is that answer enough?
So you did, Beloch murmured. The cameras
were very explicit.
Azazel froze. He hadnt bothered to search the room, knowing that Beloch could simply transport himself if he wanted to watch. He should have realized that Beloch would know he would resist.
You were watching.
I was watching, Beloch murmured. What I fail to understand is why you had to do all the heavy lifting, so to speak. I would have thought shed simply shove you down and climb on top of you. It is her way, after all.
He managed to keep his rage under control. You underestimate her. She would know I wouldnt respond well to that, that I would find shyness and uncertainty alluring.
And did you? Find her alluring, that is?
She was awake. He felt the sudden tension in her body, and he wondered how long shed been listening. Hed been too angry with Beloch to notice.