SEX AND TROUBLE, by Marilu Mann

Excerpt Rated H for Hot

“Your father did that too.”

A hunger stole across her face as her eyes softened. “Did what? Ate sliced cheese for breakfast?”

Ros snorted. He picked a coffee mug from several in another cabinet and poured a cup of the aromatic brew into it before setting the cup on the counter beside her. “No. That putting things back exactly where you got them. I used to rearrange the pantry when I was bored just to hear him howl.”

“You really didn’t like him, did you? I don’t understand. What did my dad do to you? Why can’t you leave this house?”

The brown of her eyes deepened to burnt honey as her head tilted slightly to the side. She really looked like she was trying to understand. Ros sighed. Maybe she was different. Maybe she would not want to keep him chained to this place away from his own home and family.

“Your father, as you now know, was a magick worker. He called himself a witch. I would have called him far worse. He found my true name—which you also know because he commanded me to give you that when I met you. Knowing a Demonae’s true call name gives you power over me. I am your slave. Your servant. This is why I—”

Ros paused. Cruelty really was not in his nature. “Disliked your father. He tricked me and now I must live as a housebound demon. I did hate him at first. Over time we grew to respect one another. But he was still my captor. I have no life that is not dictated by you now.”

Her hand flew to her throat as a burst of air pushed out. “No. No no and no. I don’t want that. You are free. Go away. You do not belong to me. I command you—”

Ros grabbed her by the shoulders and cut off her command by kissing her. He only meant to stop the words, but the sweet taste of her burned against his lips. More. He needed more. That was all he could think of as he pressed her back until something stopped her. When he felt her body pinned between his and the unyielding surface, he wanted to howl with pleasure. Too long. It had been too long since he’d felt a woman soft and hard against him.

Even through the thick robe he could feel her breasts pushing against his chest. Her head dropped back under his assault in silent invitation. He met her tiny darting tongue when she went to explore his lips. Soft tentative strokes as she mewled her pleasure. Hands kneaded flesh. He lost track of who was touching whom. The earth shifted under him and his nose was filled with her fragrance—a teasing mix of something floral and green and her own tangy, musky arousal.

“Yes,” he murmured. Her eyes opened. Suddenly everything changed. She pushed against him.

“No.”