Life-altering? The moments with Azazel deep inside me went far beyond enjoyable, but I refused to believe it meant anything. Besides, he was gone, banished, and I didnt have to
Raziel requires your presence.
I let out a little shriek. I hadnt heard him approach, had had no idea he was anywhere near. And suddenly he stood in front of us, the dark creature whod followed me, kidnapped me, loved me, and betrayed me.
No, he hadnt loved me. Hed simply fucked me, following orders. Orders from Uriel.
Allies worried eyes were on me. What does he want? Tell him he can wait.
He cant wait, Azazel said, his blue eyes boring into me. Even in this world of color they were still vivid, hard, unreadable. There is news.
Allie hesitated, glancing at me again. Then come with me
No, Azazel said. His look was physical, like a touch on my newly healed body, like a caress, and I wanted to close my eyes and revel in it. I ignored it and him as I rose, preparing to follow Allie.
He caught my arm. Just like that, he put his hand on my arm, and I was helpless to break free as a rush of feeling swept over me. Rachel and I have unfinished business. Well follow in a moment.
Allie cast me an apologetic glance. Hes right. Ive been keeping him at a distance, but you need to deal with it sooner or later.
Deal with what? I said coldly. Azazels flinch was so brief I might have imagined it, but I knew what had caused it. My ruined voice.
So he was capable of feeling guilt. So what?
The elephant in the room, Allie said incomprehensibly. A moment later she was gone, leaving me there on the beach, with Azazel still touching me.
What do you want? I rasped. In truth, it was a sexy bedroom voice. For what little good it did me. If youre going to tell me youre sorry, I dont want to hear it.
Im not sorry.
Now, why didnt that surprise me? Then why are we talking?
I did what I had to do. I had no choice, and if I had to do it over, I would do it again. His voice was cool, matter-of-fact.
Including fucking me up against that door in the pouring rain? That was what you had to do? What youd do over again?
Find me a door.
I swallowed convulsively. So I wasnt immune to him. That shouldnt surprise me. Fucking Azazel was the first sexual pleasure I had known, I told myself, deliberately crude. That was a powerful influence, no matter how epic his betrayal.
What do you want from me?
He said nothing, and I made the mistake of looking up into his eyes. They werent icy cold at all, I saw with sudden shock. They were filled with heat, an earthy desire that shook me as I stared at him, and I wondered what he could see in mine.
And then I knew, as he leaned down and covered my mouth with his, and instead of pushing him away I came closer, my body drifting against his as his arm came around my waist.
He held me there, his hand on my hip, and I could feel his erection. My reaction was immediate: I was wet, longing for him, my nipples hardening in anticipation, my secret flesh quivering for his touch. His tongue pushed inside my mouth, as I wanted his cock pushing inside me, and I wanted him so desperately that everything disappeared, his betrayal, the pain, the horror. I needed him inside me; I wanted to shove him down on the sand and mount him.
I shivered, trying to fight it, but I was kissing him back, and that knowledge was a shame so great I froze.
He must have felt my sudden chill. He set me away from him, seemingly without reluctance, and his eyes were hidden by hooded lids. I didnt have to look down to know he was still hard, to know he wanted me. Though I wondered why.
He had had others, better. Women hed loved, presumably, though the idea of Azazel and love seemed inconsistent. Is this part of some sadistic entertainment for you? I said in my newly husky voice. New ways to inflict
pain?
He didnt react. You have had ample time to deal with your ordeal in the Dark City. He was cool and even, as always. You need to come back where you belong.
I was breathless at his gall. And where is that?
In my bed.
Fury and disbelief overpowered me, and I simply stared at him in disbelief. He took my arm, and I yanked away, stumbling back.
We need to join the Council, he said patiently. Im not about to ravish you on the sand.
I wanted him on the sand. I was suddenly reminded of an old childrens book. In a chair, in the air, on a boat, in a coat. On the sand, with your hand. Every way I could take him. I drew myself up to my full height, hoping I was radiating dignity but knowing I probably simply looked sulky. In your dreams, I said.
And yours.
Had he seen my dreams? The wickedly erotic memories that woke me with mini climaxes? No, there was no way he could see inside my mind.
I can read your thoughts, he said with horrifying frankness. Not all of them, but enough, if I try, though you are more difficult than most. I cant see much of your dreams, but I can imagine. I have the same dreams.
I couldnt stand another moment talking to him. I started past him, heading toward the house, and if hed touched me I would have run. But he didnt. He simply fell into step beside me, and it wasnt until wed made our way to the door of the meeting hall that he whispered, Mini climaxes? in a soft voice, and I could feel the heat rise and stain my face.