As Long As by Jackie Ivie Read Free Book Online Page B

muscles further. And still the force within him flexed. Flickers of fire-like pain hit his thighs. Arms. Buttocks. The fabric lining of his suit coat ripped. The bed rocked beneath them.
    “Yes?”
    He croaked out the word. Even to him it sounded brutal. Desperate. On the verge of hopelessness. It was the best he could manage. He was amazed his throat worked.
    “I can’t see.”
    His head shot up. He pierced her with his gaze. He had no trouble seeing. And evaluating. What had happened to his thrall over her? Had it worn off? Already? That didn’t seem possible. And yet...the answer was in front of him. She was definitely aware, her dark eyes intent and focused. She didn’t look afraid. Nor, did she sound it. His heart hammered throughout his chest in large painful beats.
    “You wish...to see?”
    The words were garbled. She nodded. And then she licked her lips.
    Isis be praised!
    Sokar lunged upward. His head smacked the ceiling with a crunch, loosening tiles. He dropped back down. The mattress jumped. The platform creaked ominously. He lunged for a bedside lamp, connecting with the base with his forefinger. Thank Heka any damage to the electrical wiring hadn’t reached here. He sent a burst of energy through his finger. It was a learned bit of magic. There had been a time when he’d filled every waking moment with a search for knowledge. Back when that had helped. He’d been able to spark things to life many times. This was the first time it sent a sharp tingle shooting through his arm. That was a new experience. Not entirely pleasant, but he didn’t much care. It worked. The lamp immediately came to life, sending a mellow glow onto the bed surface...and his mate. The folds of her gown shimmered like pearls. And then his gaze reached her cleavage. Her throat.
    Sokar heaved toward her, barely catching the motion to stab into her skin. He pulled back again. Went onto his knees again. Locked his hands in place across his chest, just like before. And then he pushed in until it hurt, certain to leave bruises.
    She was so beautiful! So precious! So—!
    He shook violently. His entire frame on edge. Hovering. Wary of even glancing toward her. This sensation was worse than any electrocution. And so much better.
    “You all right?”
    He shrugged. Something in his attire tore again, the sound loud.
    “That looks like a very expensive suit.”
    “What?”
    He managed a one word answer. The word was guttural. Rough-edged. Pained. His fangs dug into his lower lip. The taste of blood filled his mouth. Blurred his vision. Rocked him backward before he snapped back upright. And then she was in front of him, a hand beneath his chin as she forced him to face her. He touched his glance on hers, and swiftly skittered it away. Toward anything. The lamp. The pile of bedding. A whoosh of sound hit his ears, drowning out most of her words. He barely heard the last portion.
    “...replace it.”
    She wasn’t afraid?
    She answered as if he’d actually asked it. “Not remotely. Intrigued, yes. Frightened? Not for a moment.”
    Sokar jerked his head back, yet hesitated before moving his gaze to hers. She had such amazing eyes. Deep. Mysterious. They filled his vision. Looming large. All-encompassing...and everything stopped. Sound ceased. His breath halted. His heart seized up within his chest. For a brief span, he thought he might be finding out what it felt like to actually die.
    And then she reached for the top button on his jacket.
    An infusion of bass notes filled the chamber, reverberating off the walls with a bestial throb. Sokar didn’t know its origin until it tore his throat, and he didn’t care. He snatched her to him, and slammed his lips to hers. She lost her grip on his clothing. Her fingers moved instead up his chest, about his shoulders, and into the hair behind his ears. She held to him as they kissed. Sucked. Licked.
    And he needed more.
    So much more.
    He couldn’t seem to get enough. She tasted wondrous. Her blood