Rapture Read online

  “Did you make this board screech?” she asked.

  He clenched his teeth. His eyes flared with anger. “Give me that board.”

  “Get used to disappointment.” She grabbed Lisa’s wrist to whisk her away, but Ringmaster jerked the board out of her hand. “What are you doing?”

  He smiled and slightly bowed. “My boss doesn’t tolerate failure.”

  “Mine doesn’t either.” She held on to Lisa then lifted her chin. “Your spell won’t work on me.”

  “Excuse me?”

  She glared. “Don’t play games with me. I’m not an idiot.”

  “You may be many things, angel, but idiot isn’t one of them.”

  He spoke those words in a low, rolling timbre––something in that deep tone sent shivers down her back. Fear? No. It was something else. Something she refused to name.

  “What do you mean by that?” Her voice was uneasy, not sure she wanted to know his answer.

  He shrugged. “For me to know and you to find out.”

  “You’re talking in––”

  He grabbed her shoulders and slammed her against his broad chest, knocking the wind out of her. Her eyes widened as she realized his heart thundered as fast as hers.

  And his touch wasn’t cold. No, it was warm, hot, heating a passion that she’d long denied.

  She dropped Lisa’s hand.

  The board slipped down her quaking thigh, down her shin, and rested on the top of her foot.

  He stared down at her with a fire burning in his eyes, reminding her of their last kiss, the kiss that had gotten her on Michael’s hit list. She should push against him, but she held her breath, staring at his lips.

  As if a spell fell across her, she parted her lips. He didn’t waste any time and kissed her, stealing her breath. His tongue pushed her mouth wider. She sighed and leaned into him. He tasted just like she remembered, spicy, hot, and delicious.

  Her heart pumped harder, her blood heated, her reservation melted. His kiss deepened, turning dominate and determined, making her every nerve fill with desire.

  Zeus, what was she doing? It had to be his damn spell. She had to get away before she gave in to temptation. And would lose being a dark angel forever.

  He moved his mouth off her lips, kissing and suckling her throat, and sliding his hands over her back. Michael’s face flashed in her mind. She pushed her palms on his chest, turned her mouth, and panted.

  “Please stop.” Her voice was desperate, but disappointment loomed in the back of her throat.

  He moved over to her ear and rubbed his thumb over cheek. “I’ll make a bargain with you.”

  Shivers ran down her spine at his husky voice. Dread shot through her. This wasn’t good. But time was running out, and her chance of remaining a dark angel was slipping through her fingers.

  She took a deep breath. “What?”

  He nuzzled her neck. “Kiss me and I’ll let you have whichever one you want.”

  She frowned. “I thought I just did.”

  He swirled his tongue over throat, making her shiver. “Not good enough. I want more. So much more.”She sucked in her breath. The clock over the mantle jolted her back to reality. Shit, less than two hours. “I need you to stop.”

  He released her abruptly, and she stumbled, but he caught her before she fell on her arse. His kiss had bruised her lips and chaffed her skin. Hot, sparks of hunger brushed down her spine, and the weakness in her legs spread throughout to her body, leaving her breathless.

  Stop. Get control of yourself. This is a mission.

  She glanced at the clock over the fireplace mantle again. Failure wasn’t an option. She quickly ran her fingers through her messed up hair. “I don’t have time for these games, Demon.”

  “Games? Seems to me you’re quite desperate, sweet angel.”

  Icy dread spread through Poison like a cold mountain breeze, and she shivered. She bristled at his endearment, but clamped her mouth shut. “What are you up to?”

  He glanced down at her foot. She immediately grabbed the board and held it close to her chest. She flashed a defiant look, daring him to snatch back the board.

  Ringmaster shrugged. “Michael wants Lisa’s soul. If I snap my fingers, her soul belongs to me.”

  She ran her thumb over the top of the board.

  SSSsswweeeoo

  She froze. “What is this thing?”

  He raised his eyebrow. “Michael didn’t tell you?”

  Heat burned the back of her ears. She avoided Ringmaster’s gaze. “No. He didn’t. Why? Does Balthazar tell you everything?”

  “No, he doesn’t.” His voice softened. Pity flared in his eyes.

  Resentment swelled in her gut like a balloon. Why had Michael keep the board’s power secret? She should have demanded answers, but no, she’d played it safe and acted like the good soldier. Her blind loyalty was leading her to a heap of trouble.

  Ringmaster’s hat had fallen over his face or he had pulled the rim down, shading his face. She couldn’t see his eyes, couldn’t tell what he was thinking, couldn’t figure out what trap he was spinning for her. More of his fiery red hair had escaped from his cheesy wig. She wanted to rub the strands between her thumb and finger to see if it was as silky as it looked. She bit her lip and studied the board. When she touched it, did the board cast a spell? A shameless, lustful one?

  Maybe if she stalled him and pretended to go along, she’d get the board and Lisa. She glared. “Name your price.”

  He stepped away from her and rubbed his chin. He glanced at the board in her hand and then at Lisa who still sat like a drooping, drooling statue. “Kissing will not allow you have to both.”

  “Meaning?”

  He flashed his hot gaze over her that turned her into a melting pad of butter.

  He ran his hand down her arm. “Let me do to you what I want for one hour, and I’ll let you have both the Spell Board and Lisa.”

  She shivered beneath his touch. Heat rushed to her cheeks. He flashed her a sexy smile that said he knew he had her number.

  Poison wanted to slap the grin right off of his face, but he’d piqued her curiosity. Maybe Michael wouldn’t tell her anything, but Ringmaster might have loose lips. “Spell Board?”

  He stood in front of the fireplace and rolled back and forth on his heels as if he were a professor teaching a class. “Yes, it’s one of my inventions.”

  But he wasn’t any professor. Not by a long shot.

  The firelight outlined his powerful muscles and long hair. Poison cursed the tingles surging through her traitorous body. “What does the Spell Board do?”

  “Grants human desires.”

  She stiffened. Demons give nothing away for free. Didn’t humans ever listen to the old adage, if it’s too good to be true, then it probably is? “At what price?”

  “Only their soul.”

  She glanced at Lisa. “Does she know?”

  He removed a silver ring from his right finger and placed it on the mantle. She had an urge to look at the ring, because in the dark room, she couldn’t make out its shape. But like the board, the ring could be cursed. She took a step toward the fireplace to get a better look.

  Ringmaster blocked her way. He tilted his head. “Normally, I wouldn’t be saying or doing this.” He shook his finger. “Don’t touch the ring. You’ll regret it.”

  Chills ran over her body and the back of her hair stood on edge. “Another talisman? How many do you possess?”

  He sighed and lowered his head. “More than I can count.”

  “You didn’t answer my question. Did Lisa know the board was cursed?”

  Ringmaster peeled off his black gloves and tossed them onto a nearby chair. “No, but then again, she wouldn’t care.”

  Poison scowled. “Why do you say that?”

  He took off his jacket and let it drop to the floor. “Did you wonder why she’s wearing that skimpy outfit on such an obese body?”

  Her gut tightened. She looked between Lisa and Ringmaster. “She doesn’t know she looks like this, does she?”

  “No, she thinks she looks like a movie star.”

  She gritted her teeth, “You’re a bastard.”

  He held up four fingers. “Level four demon.” He flicked his hand at Lisa. “Now, let me tell you, what little Lisa did––she requested a rival of hers, competing for the same managerial position, to have a car accident and now the woman is in a nursing home with a permanent brain injury. Lisa got the job and thinks everyone loves her.”

  Poison cocked her eyebrow. “They don’t?”

  He smirked. “No, they hate her guts. Lisa’s a two-faced bitch.”

  She blinked. “Interesting. Do you actually resent her for this?”

  “Human depravity doesn’t amuse me like it does Balthazar. Let me tell you what else Lisa asked for. She wished for her brother to die so she’d could inherit their parents’ money…” He spread his arms wide. “And this house.” He dropped his arms and lifted a lock of Lisa’s hair. “But she doesn’t know the electricity is faulty, and it’s about to burn to the ground.”

  Poison rolled her eyes. “A little over dramatic, don’t you think?”

  He shrugged. “Not really. Ever wish she asked for, I granted…but there’s always a little trick to it.”

  “That’s not playing by the rules.”

  He laughed. “Rules? What rules? I’m a demon. You forget we don’t try to save people.”

  Something in his voice caught Poison’s attention. She wasn’t sure it was there, and was positive Ringmaster would never admit to it, but she swore his tone had a hint of regret, even remorse.

  But that was crazy. Who ever heard of a demon feeling guilty?

  “And that makes you mad?” she asked softly.

  He thr
ust his thumb at Lisa. “Yes, damn it. People like Lisa don’t care how they get their desires just as long as they get them. No questions asked. Don’t care who gets hurt.” He halted and looked up at the ceiling. “I shouldn’t have said that.”

  Poison smiled. “A demon with a conscience.”

  He stood in front of her. His warm breath rushed over her as he whispered into her ear. “I wouldn’t say that.”

  She flinched, not from fear, but from a building fire of fervor. She tossed his hat and ridiculous wig off. “I would.”

  He sucked in his breath, and shock filled his red eyes. “What are you doing?”

  “I like to know who I’m dealing with when I make a deal. I don’t like disguises.”

  He ran his hand down her arm. “Meaning, you’re willing to deal?”

  She shivered at the eagerness in his voice. “I think we just established that.”

  “So, how bad do you want Lisa alive and my Spell Board?”

  She glared. Bad. Real bad. “What about Balthazar?”

  “Let me worry about him.” He lowered his head. His lips brushed against hers. “So, do we have a deal?”

  “You haven’t named your terms.”

  “I think you know what I want. You let me do whatever I want to do to you without complaint.”

  She closed her eyes and clenched her fists. Shit, it was happening all over again. What was it about him? What choice did she have? Time was sleeping by, and she’d no intention returning to Heaven without Lisa and the Spell Board. The treacherous clock read just over an hour before midnight.

  Michael had made it clear what would happen if she screwed this up. Okay, what was worse: failing the mission or sleeping with a demon?

  Maybe Michael wouldn’t find out. No angels were here to report her transgression. Zeus, she knew should say no, but damn it, she deserved to be a dark angel.

  She met Ringmaster’s smoldering gaze. Her body betrayed her as a devilish river of desire surged through her, and she trembled with anticipation. “Yes, damn you. We do.”

  Chapter 4

  Ringmaster sucked in his breath at her answer, and his heart did a double-flip. What’s that stupid human saying? Knock him over with a feather?

  Poison’s silver eyes burned bright, and the firelight made her blond curls glow. Her camouflage fatigues only made her look more ravishing. He liked warriors. Simpering women had always bored him. His angel looked so proud and fierce, but he could smell her fear. He should let her go. Guilt squirmed in his gut. He was many things, being valiant wasn’t one of them.

  He cleared his dry throat and stepped away. “Take it off.”

  Poison stared. “What about you?” Her strained voice failed to get him to change his course. He’d dreamed of this moment for months. Ever since that night he kissed her on the Poseidon.

  “Not yet.” He lifted one of her short curls. “My rules. Time’s ticking.”

  “Fine. Let’s get this over with.” She grabbed the end of her green and brown tee-shirt and ripped it over her head.

  Without hesitation, she unclasped a lacy white bra, freeing her beautiful, perfect breasts. The glow from the fire highlighted her rosy budded nipples.

  Blood surged through him and landed between his legs. His cock turned rock hard. He thought he’d explode.

  “You’re beautiful. Has anyone ever told you that?” He stared into those silver eyes, and his voice cracked.

  She blushed several shades of red from her face and down to her neck. She was silent as she kicked off her shoes and yanked her pants down her firm legs. God, he was a schmuck, but he wanted her. Screw Balthazar.

  He licked his lips eager to please and taste her.

  Poison had on matching lacy white underwear. He groaned as she pulled them off, revealing her soft, feminine blond curls.

  She stood with her legs shoulder width, and her arms down at her sides. “Now, what?”

  His angel didn’t cover herself with her hands. No, she was fiercer than an Amazon.

  “Lie down.” His soft voice croaked. His hands wouldn’t stop trembling. His pounding heart threatened to explode. He didn’t want to just satisfy his own needs. He wanted her to remember this night as a night of passion, not a night of torture. What if he couldn’t please her? He’d never been with an angel, had never wanted to until now. But his angel was different. She was exquisite. Naked, she was even more lovely than he imagined or dreamed of.

  Poison stretched out on the red carpet. He kneeled down and stared at her loveliness.

  She stared straight at the ceiling and clenched her fists. Her short blond hair was a sharp contrast to the red carpet. Her body was sprawled out, her tantalizing breasts begging for him to worship them and her feminine curls––God, her feminine curls––his for the taking.

  “So, get it over with.”

  Her silver eyes watched him warily as if she were afraid, he’d hurt her. As if. He shook his head. “No, sweetheart, you deserve better than that. I want to give you something to remember me before I face my boss.”

  She frowned. “Balthazar isn’t the forgiving type. Why are you doing this?”

  “Because you’re worth it.”

  “I am?”

  He slowly ran his hand down her silky thighs. “Yes. You are. I’ve dreamed about you since the night of the sinking cruise ship. Your kiss stirred something in me I’ve never felt before.”

  “But the kiss was brief.”

  “It might have been brief, but it changed my life.” He licked her navel, swirling his tongue, wanting to remember every inch of her.

  “Zeus.” She gasped, and it was music to his ears. With all the dark despair and pain Balthazar was about to inflict on him, tonight had to sustain him. He wanted every image, every sound, every taste burned into his memory.

  Ringmaster glanced over at Lisa, who sat motionless on the couch. She stared straight ahead as drool slipped down her mouth.

  Smiling, Ringmaster turned his attention to his sweet little angel. He wanted her climaxing and remembering tonight forever. He ran his hands along her silky, quaking legs. Her satin skin sent fire racing through his veins and burned in his belly. He wanted to touch every inch of her, explore every sensitive erotic zone, but time was against him. “I wish I had an eternity to pleasure you.”

  Poison shivered at his promise. Damn it. She wanted him to worship her. No angel had tempted her like Ringmaster.

  He bent his head, his red hair teasing and caressing her hot flesh. His tongue swirled, sucking her belly button until she was a fiery mess unable to breathe or think. A streak of sinful sensations shot from her tummy to the throbbing between her trembling legs. She’d experienced nothing so delightful, so scandalous, so shameless.

  He left her belly button and slowly kissed a line between her ribs until his wicked mouth captured one nipple, suckling and licking. His attentions stripped her of any breath, any protests, any hope that this would end quickly. No, he seemed determined to torture with an ecstasy that would drive her to a stormy, panting need.

  But if that wasn’t enough, he stroked her blond curls and his thumb rubbed her clit. Shocked at her senses responding to his touch, his caresses, his kisses, Poison tried to tell herself that she wasn’t enjoying this, but it was a lie.

  He grew bolder and inserted a finger in her sensitive folds, probing deeper, provoking a response that terrified and excited her. He pinched her nipple with his other hand, and she nearly jumped out of her skin, but his body kept her pinned to the rug, forcing her to endure his torture.

  Her head was spinning, and every inch of her flesh was on fire. She rocked her hips to his finger, and she swore he’d added another finger, delving into secrets she had shared with no man or angel. “Ringmaster.”

  He lifted his head. “I like hearing you say my name that way.”

  But then he did something that stole her breath. He left her breast then he widened her trembling thighs.

  “What…what are you doing?”

  “You’re just on the brink.” He smiled. “And I want you to come, hunger for more.”

  She suddenly realized he was still clothed while she was a panting harlot. She opened her mouth to protest, but a loud gasp cut off her words.

  His lips were on her mound and his tongue took over where his finger had been, but this was more intense, more personal––like mind-blowing.