Starved for Love Page 9

  At first only a few crossed the muddy area in front of us. Little acid-green froggies chirping to their friends to get a move on, that winter was coming. I could almost understand them saying you’re going to freeze your ass off if you stay in the marsh. It didn’t take long for the rumor to spread and everyone was on the move.

  Val rolled to his knees. “Look at them all.” He stared with his mouth hanging open. Shifting his weight, he kicked his shoes off with his socks and rolled the bottom of his expensive slacks up to his knees.

  “What are you doing?”

  “I want to catch one. Are you coming?” He leapt to his feet and charged into the mud.

  I gaped, a thrill running along all my nerves. “Damn straight I am.” I chucked my shoes and socks and I raced after him, trying to roll my jeans as I followed. Icy-cold mud between my toes shocked a squeal out of me while I tiptoed between fleeing frogs.

  Bent in two, Val chased after one. “They’re slippery.”

  I couldn’t stop laughing. A particularly shiny green one caught my eye and I stalked after it. Just before my prey reached the edge of the pond I leaped forward, scattering frogs in my path, and snatched my prize in mid-jump.

  With a splat, I landed on my stomach with a little frog struggling in between my palms. I peeked inside, relieved to see that the frog appeared fine. I feared I’d squished it in my enthusiasm.

  Val strolled over, mud covering his legs up to his knees and his arms up to his elbows. Not that much better than me. He cupped his hands and grinned like a seven-year-old at his prize. Kneeling, he showed me his frog. “I haven’t done this in ages.”

  “Catch frogs?” His had little yellow specks mixed in with the green.

  “Yes, as a boy, sometimes my sisters and I played in the swamps when our mothers’ backs were turned.” He set his frog by the edge of the pond. “Let me see yours.”

  I opened my hands and stroked my finger down its back. It didn’t try to flee, and for some reason, that touched me. I leaned forward and kissed its head.

  “That’s a little gross.” His smile told me that he really didn’t think that.

  “Too bad.” I sighed. “I’d hoped it would turn into my prince.” I set my frog down and watched him hop to the pond.

  “Why, when I’m right here?”

  Chapter Eleven

  Val and I strolled back to the house in a comfortable silence. He carried the basket and I carried the shoes. Something had changed between us. I wasn’t one hundred percent sure what, but I liked it.

  I used the garden hose to wash excess mud off our feet and hands. Trying not to completely hose my new boyfriend down turned out easier to resist than I’d thought. He’d been so kind to me so far. The fortress walls around my heart cracked, leaving the tender bits exposed. Like a fragile egg, I wanted to cup my walled heart in my hands and keep it safe, except Val kept squeezing between my fingers, coaxing those cracks to widen.

  He set the basket by the back door and took his shoes from my hand. “I don’t want to track mud in the house, just send Hoel out to the car.”

  “You’re leaving so soon?” I pouted. Sometimes it worked. I really didn’t want him to leave. We’d had so much fun.

  “I have business to attend to.”

  “Like that?” I gestured to his mud-covered clothes then grabbed his sweater. “Come in and shower. My parents would be furious if I let you leave in this state.” Pulling with all my might, I got him to take a step closer to the house.

  “I don’t have any clothes to change into.”

  “I’ll find you something. Come on. I smell baking.” I sang the last plea.

  Smirking, he leaned in until our noses touched. “Do you always get what you want, Pia?”

  “Yes, but I don’t want much. I promise.” I led him inside the mudroom where we set the shoes. The scent of cinnamon hung heavy in the air and the fire alarm appeared intact once more. Adele must have taken over the cooking.

  I strode ahead of Val into the kitchen and stopped short. My sisters sat at the counter sipping tea while Hoel rolled out pie dough. His golden locks looked as if fingers had been run through them. A lot. With flour.

  Rose twisted on the stool, her blouse buttons askew. “Took you long enough, we were worried.” A flush pinked her cheeks. “He bakes.” She pointed to Hoel then she blinked. “Did you both fall in the marsh?”

  “Sort of. We caught some frogs.”

  “Pia!” Adele’s voice rose with horror. “I’m so sorry, Valerio. She’s very impulsive sometimes.”

  I stomped my foot and it made a wet slapping sound. “It was his idea.” I grabbed Val’s hand and pulled him away from my sister’s judgmental glare.

  He chuckled under his breath.

  “I don’t see what’s so amusing.” We climbed the stairs.

  “You are, ma chère.” When we reached the guest bathroom, he took me in his arms. “I can’t remember the last time I had so much fun.”

  “You must lead a very dreary life if chasing frogs tops your list.”

  “Hmm…” He leaned his forehead on mine. He seemed to like doing that and I didn’t mind. “The frogs were a small part. I admit I’m a little surprised you joined me. None of my wives would have moved.” He snorted. “Most wouldn’t have wanted to picnic.”

  “I chased frogs as a kid too. My father has had to fish me out of that pond a few times.” I didn’t mention that the last time was a few weeks ago. “Do you like amusement parks and roller coasters?”

  “I don’t know. But I’m sure I’ll be finding out.”

  I showed him where the soaps were kept and how to work the shower. “I can stay and wash your back. You never know, some mud may have strayed there.”

  “No, and you will not weasel your way around this.” He spun me and slapped my ass on the way out, then locked the door.

  I raided my father’s closet, choosing some sweatpants and a T-shirt for him. I’d only seen Val dressed in suits and designer clothes. A change of outfit could mellow a man. I left them outside the guest bathroom door and raced to take my own shower.

  Speeding through my wash, I ran through a mental list of my outfits. I wanted something casual yet alluring, but not slutty. I jumped out of the shower stall, dried my hair and then wrapped a towel around my body. Exiting the bathroom, I noticed my bedroom door was closed. I’d left it open. I turned to face my bed and found Val lying on his side without a shirt.

  I clung to my towel. “Hi.” I tried to pry my eyes from his abs but they wouldn’t comply. Our race was naturally attractive. It came with the need—but six-pack abs didn’t magically appear any more than D-cup boobs. Mine were only Cs and I had to make do.

  “Hi.”

  “Did you change your mind about speed bumps?” I raised an eyebrow, trying not to sound too hopeful.

  He ran his hand through his wet locks. “I thought we could compromise.”

  I hesitated in my steps. “Like what?”

  He patted the mattress. “Come find out.”

  “Let me dress first.”

  “Why?” He sat up.

  “Ha, I wasn’t born yesterday. I’ll show you mine, if you show me yours first.”

  “Daughter of a negotiator.”

  I stepped into my walk-in closet, grabbed the first nightgown on the shelf and dressed. “Very much so.” I crawled onto my queen-sized unmade bed with its floral sheets and overabundance of pillows. “So, Mr. Hunan, what are you willing to offer?”

  He laughed. “I love how playful you are. I, Ms. Blyton, am offering oral sex.”

  “Excellent offer.” I propped the pillow against the wall and sat with my back against them. “Come here and straddle my hips.”

  His eyes went wide. “I’m flexible but I don’t see how I’ll be able to reach yo
u like that.”

  “Oh, you want to give it to me. I think that’s an unfair proposition.” I was going to sprain some brain cells if I had to keep searching for business-type words. “I’ve already climaxed this afternoon. Quite spectacularly, I may add. I suggest you allow me to indulge in pleasuring you.”

  “You’re twisting my arm.” He complied by straddling my lap with his groin facing my mouth. “I want to feed from you.”

  I ran my hand over the bulge loosely restrained in his pants, one hundred percent hard, male flesh. “If I feed you, won’t that mean my need will rise early again?”

  “Yes.” He rested his hand over mine, guiding the way I stroked him.

  “I don’t think that’s a good idea. I’m short on suitors.”

  “You push at me and drive me to do things against my better judgment but not this? Use Hoel. He doesn’t mind.”

  “The man-whore in my kitchen who just fucked my sisters? I don’t think so.”

  “You’re so fussy.”

  “Very. I pick my suitors. Not you.”

  “I heard your father chose them for you.”

  “That would be weird, but he does co-sign all my contracts. If they don’t meet his approval then I can’t keep them.”

  “The contract with Zur-Sin doesn’t bear your signature at all.”

  “That was a different situation. I want you to feed from me but I need to find John and maybe…” I sighed. “Maybe I’ll shop around for a fourth suitor since I’ll have a new mouth to feed.” I squeezed his cock, enjoying the way his eyes closed and he arched into my touch.

  Breathless, he ran our hands over his shaft. “I’m curious about these relationships you hold with your suitors. This conversation isn’t over but I won’t feed. Not today.”

  Easing the waistband of his sweatpants over his hips, he took his time revealing his package. Apparently his tan was natural and not from sun exposure. His thick cock grew as I stared.

  My mouth went dry at the size. I’d never been with a male that big and that’s saying something. I licked my lips. “Lean your hands against the wall and come closer.” Could I swallow that much?

  He understood how I wanted to do this and took a shuddering breath.

  I met his intense and serious gaze as I licked the tip of his cock. I preferred it when my male partner had control. It satisfied me on a primal level. This was no different. The position I’d chosen would give Val the power to thrust into my mouth. From the heat in his eyes, I could tell he liked the idea as much as I did.

  Hot and heavy, he filled my hands as I wrapped my fingers around his stiffening cock. As I stroked it, he grew so hard I could feel his pulse slamming in my palm. A drop of liquid beaded on his tip and I flicked it with my thumb.

  Groaning, he arched his back as I spread the moisture over his smooth cap.

  I longed to taste him though I’d have to time my breathing right and relax if I didn’t want to choke. I shifted to give him better access yet allow me space to maneuver him in my throat. Slipping his tip into my mouth, I leaned back into the pillows and allowed my jaw muscles to go lax.

  Sex had changed over the years to become only a means to feed myself. I wasn’t proud of it but I had no choice. Until we matured—which happens at varying ages for succubi, but I hit it around eighteen—we acted and appeared like most mortal children. Sex in high school had been about fun, not food. Even with my first prey it hadn’t solely been about feeding. The last few years, every third day, I took a suitor to bed and it meant nothing but survival.

  Now, I was taking a chance and wanted to pleasure someone who seemed interested in me as a person. Maybe our intimacy could mean something and we could grow to love one another, but my fragile heart couldn’t handle another blow. I had to be oh so careful.

  Valerio had a hold over me, and it seemed to be increasing.

  His sharp intake of breath drifted down to me, followed by another as he pushed his cock farther into my mouth. He watched me with a sultry, half-lidded gaze.

  Rich, spicy flavors flowed over my taste buds where his flesh slid against my tongue. Tingles traveled through my mouth and down my throat, straight to my core. It was like a chemical reaction between our bodies, a powerful recognition.

  Every gentle stroke and desperate groan became magnified. It was as if my body was capturing all his sensations and funneling them straight to my pussy. I clenched my thighs, squirming to ease the dark ache, but I only made it worse. My jaw quivered at the challenge of his size. I wanted more of him, and I sucked with a hunger born of greed.

  He met my demands until he slid deep in my throat. “Yes.” He stayed there for moment as if unable to move, before withdrawing to his tip. “We can stop.” He panted.

  “No,” I said around my mouthful of Val. Determination to stick to the rules of our courtship kept me from tearing off my nightgown and riding him into oblivion. Insatiable desire drove me to stroke my hands over his washboard abs, caress his tight balls and draw his cock back into my mouth. I wanted more of those sensations he inspired.

  “Tap my thigh if I’m too aggressive.” His voice had grown husky, rough. He rocked his hips, progressing deeper and deeper until I could take all of him.

  My muscles stretched with a burning ache and I struggled to match my breathing with his strokes. However, his labored moans and the growing pressure inside my core drove me not to stop.

  His pace became erratic. He whispered my name over and over in a litany of lust as his fluid filled my mouth.

  I swallowed greedily, moaning at the taste of him…bold and sinful, totally male. I climaxed with him, the ache inside of me releasing.

  He rested his upper body against the wall. “We need to do this more often.” He slid onto the bed and gathered me into his arms.

  “I told you so.” I fondled his softened organ, enjoying the silky texture until he pulled his pants over it. “Spoilsport.”

  He chuckled. “I heard a car pull up to the house. Expecting anyone?”

  I sat bolt upright, yanking from Val’s embrace. “My dad is home.” I’d lost track of time. We really weren’t supposed to have free-for-all sex in the house. My parents did make an effort to raise us in a mortal manner. The house was for living, not feeding. My sisters and I usually followed the laws our parents made, but like any rules, they were meant to be broken. I hope Rose had fixed her blouse and wasn’t groping Hoel between pie baking. Never mind a half-naked Val in my bedroom wearing my dad’s clothes. “We’re fucked.”

  “We’re also adults.” Val rose to his feet, straightening his pants. “Honestly, you’re succubi.”

  Yeah, with a half-naked incubus and a male fallen angel in the house. This would so not go over well. We’re succubi but what Val didn’t understand was that we were also my father’s little girls, no matter how old chronologically.

  My stomach shriveled into the size of a raisin. My perfect day was turning into a terrible one. “Don’t go down there.” I had to trust my sisters to take care of Hoel.

  “Pia?” Val’s confusion was adorable and annoying at the same time.

  “Try to remember we were raised differently than you. My dad will not be happy to find you in my bedroom.” I opened my window and climbed out on the roof of the wraparound balcony below. “Hurry up.”

  Val stuck his head out of the window. “Are you insane?”

  “Stop being a chicken. I’ve done this a hundred times and only broke one bone.” I whispered and waved him down.

  Rolling his eyes, he followed.

  “Where is your shirt?” I stared at his bare back.

  He landed next to me. “In your bedroom.”

  “You’re not very good at this.”

  He gaped. “I never had to—”

  I pressed my hand over his mouth. “Quiet. The point of t
his is to sneak out. Not draw attention.” I watched Rose hustle Hoel out the back door toward the car parked close to the orchard.

  She twisted and tripped over her own feet when she spotted us.

  “Follow.” I lead Val to the tree I used to climb off the roof. I wasn’t lying about the sneaking out routine. My parents were pretty strict. The house was for family, not sex. Once on the ground, we ran to the car.

  Adele must be distracting our father with pie.

  Before climbing inside, Val swept me into his arms. “This was a—a fun day.” He grinned wide and happy. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  Breathless, I leaned against Rose as we watched them drive away. “Think Dad knows?”

  “Yep, but we didn’t get caught so he won’t say anything.” She ruffled my hair. “I think you’re perfect for Val.”

  Maybe, but was he perfect for me?

  Chapter Twelve

  I tossed the empty pie pan in the dishwasher and listened to my sisters’ fading voices as they left the house. They were going to catch a movie and dinner. I had refused their invitation.

  Cooper was expecting to feed me this evening but my cycle was off. It wasn’t my day three anymore. Val had screwed my schedule. I thought it best to inform him face-to-face. I had one suitor who’d abandoned me and one who would exact a price for more visits; I couldn’t afford to upset Cooper. I really needed him tomorrow.

  The dishes done, I glanced at the clock on the wall. My shifter should be home by now. In the front hall, I scrounged through a basket full of loose change and junk where I’d tossed the keys to my car. Maybe we could do something fun together. He owned the best collection of board games, some of them dating back to the seventies. I loved those retro games.

  Key-shaped metal slipped along my fingers and I snagged it, yanking out the set. I skipped to the door, swung it open and my heart just about jumped out of my chest. “What are you doing here?”

  Valerio stood on the stoop, hands in pockets, and eyes wide.

  I cringed at my rude comment. “Not that I mind. You scared the poop out of me.” Brushing my hand over my chest, I checked my sternum to make sure it was intact. Val was the last person I expected on my doorstep. He’d left only a couple of hours ago.