Damon

Chapter 7

The week had gone by in a flash of work, shopping for a dress and missing Damon. Nicole stood in front of her full length mirror making sure her finishing touches for tonight's charity dance were acceptable. Jared had taken her and Pam dress shopping Wednesday and had actually been very helpful. He had sat patiently as they tried on many dresses and commented on each. He actually had very good taste.

Nicole had finally settled on a black chiffon spaghetti strap gown with a sweetheart bodice. It hung with an uneven hem and flowed around to a short train. She had really liked the dress, but thought it was too casual for the event, but Jared had insisted it was perfect and she was glad now she bought it. Glancing down at her shoes, she smiled. They were very pretty, but something she wouldn't have bought herself. Jared had insisted, saying that they set the dress off. They were black satin, with a wraparound instep, rhinestone toe straps and ended with a five-inch stiletto heel. She prayed she didn't break her neck. Glancing one last time in the mirror she smiled, wondering if Damon would be there tonight. For once she looked like a lady and secretly wanted him to see her. Jared had warned her not to go anywhere without him tonight. They were afraid with the combination of public exposure and the prominent people attending the event tonight, it would be a prime time for someone to make a hit on her. Walking out of her bedroom she closed the door softly.

Jared whistled. “You are absolutely gorgeous.”

Nicole blushed. “If you think your flattery will get you more of my fried chicken....you're absolutely right.” She laughed and took the arm he offered. “You look very handsome yourself sir.”

“Let's get you to the ball Cinderella.” Jared grinned. If this didn't open Damon's eyes then nothing would, so to his way of thinking that made Nicole available. Jared's grin took a wicked turn.

Damon tugged at his collar for the hundredth. God, he hated tuxes, feeling more at home in his BDU's and t-shirts. Everyone was on alert knowing that this would be the best time for someone to make a hit on Nicole. She would be accepting an award tonight for her work with the kids. Yeah, that would make this the best possible time to prove a point. Damon casually looked around at the happy party goers, his hands in his pockets. Where the hell were Jared and Nicole? Pam and her date had arrived a half an hour ago. His nostrils flared thinking of Jared as Nicole's date. Well, he certainly had pushed that into happening, now hadn't he?

“Penny for your thoughts.”

Damon looked over at Sid, who sidled up next to him. It looked like he went to the same tux rental place that he had gone to. “Not in the mood, Sid.”

“Testy much?” Sid chuckled. “Let's see if I can guess those thoughts and save me a penny. You are beating yourself up for putting the lovely Nicole in the clutches of the handsome and humorous Jared, who could charm a virginal nun out of her godly habit?”

Damon rolled his eyes, but was surprised that he had hit it right on the head. “Not even close.” He totally lied.

“Really? Hummm....” Sid winked at a beautiful woman who eyed him as she walked by. “I guess I'm also wrong about the reason Jared is the one with Nicole and not you. I mean she is just a lowly human and not good enough for you. My God, we are of a warrior class and cannot have a human mate. Fates be damned that should happen.”

Feeling a headache coming on, he rubbed the bridge of his nose. “I really think it would piss Duncan off if I mopped the floor with your bloody corpse, so why don't you just stop talking and walk away Sid.”

Chuckling, Sid patted him on the back. “You know Damon, that's what I have always respected about you. You never were afraid to speak your mind. But you forget I can read minds too and lately you have been like a movie of the week. Haven't been blocking very well and that, my friend, is a very dangerous thing in our line of work.” Taking a swig of beer, Sid looked around. “We can't choose who we are mated to Damon, so why don't you stop fighting it and go with the flow? Work it out with her that is, after seeing my handsome puss, she still wants you. I can read her mind, but I would bet my last dollar you can't.”

Damon watched Sid walk away with his confident swagger, sliding up to the beauty he was eying earlier. Sighing, Damon turned to leave, shock stopped him cold. Jared had just walked in with the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. “Jesus.” He groaned, realizing it was Nicole like he had never seen her before. Gone were her jeans and t-shirts and in place was a gown that was tight in all the right places and flowed in all the others. Her pale blonde hair had been left loose with the sides tied up into a jeweled comb in the back. Soft wisps of hair framed her face. From the top of her lovely head, to the bottom of her high heeled shoes, she was perfect. And all the instincts that drove his kind to their mates screamed “MINE”.

“Now that my friend is one hot piece of …..” Sid had stepped back to his side, staring at Nicole.

“If you want to keep those fangs, don't finish that sentence.”

“Then do something about it and do it soon, cause if you pass on that, I sure as hell won't.” Sid chuckled moving out of the way when Damon went to grab him.

Jared and Nicole made their way to Damon after being stopped a few times. Nicole's gaze kept flicking to him. She had never seen anyone so handsome. His hair was tied back and the tux looked like it was made for his fine hard body. In this room full of people she had never felt more alone in her life. She knew next to nothing about this man, yet every fiber of her being wanted him and wanted to be with him.

“Have you already talked to Duncan?” Damon asked Jared, dragging his eyes from Nicole.

Feeling Nicole's hurt rolling off her in waves, Jared seriously wanted to punch Damon in the face. What an idiot. “Yeah, I know what's up.” Jared took Nicole's hand giving it a squeeze and moved past him heading toward their table. He knew for a fact that Nicole had dressed for Damon tonight, even if she would slit her own throat before admitting it and Damon had pretty much thrown it back in her face by ignoring her.

Not looking at Damon for fear he would see the hurt in her eyes, she let Jared lead her away, the hurt starting to turn toward anger. She knew she wasn't as beautiful as the woman he was with at the warehouse, but he didn't have to act like she was nothing. He wouldn't even acknowledge her and that hurt. Determined to enjoy the rest of the evening, she sat down in the chair Jared pulled out for her and smiled up at him.

“He's an idiot.” Jared frowned as she sat down beside her.

Nicole laughed. “No he's not.” Shaking her head she put her hand on his shoulder. “Thanks for everything Jared. Don't be mad at Damon. He's your friend and I'm a big girl with a little crush.” There, she admitted it. That was the first step to getting over this awful obsession with a vampire she didn't really know.

As the night went on, Nicole really did enjoy herself. Along at the table with her and Jared were Mitch, Pam and her date Kenny. Soon the dinner was over and the speeches began. The last to get up was Mitch. Nicole suddenly developed a case of nerves as Mitch began to talk, afraid of what he might say. Lord knew when Mitch got on a roll no one was safe.

Mitch took the podium with a huge smile on his face. He told a few jokes to break the ice, then smiled down at Nicole. “Tonight I have the great pleasure of presenting the Community Service Award to one of my employees. When Nicole Callahan first walked into my office intent on getting the job she was applying for, I knew I'd hit pay dirt. She was the most optimistic person I had ever met, and after experiencing the daily life of a social service employee, she remains just as optimistic, if not more so. I am very lucky to have a full staff of employees who are good at their jobs day in and day out, but Nicole has always gone a step above what is expected because she has been where these kids are coming from and what they are going through, being a ward of the state herself for the first 18 years of her life. Her story is one that she freely relays to the kids she deals with, so they know she truly does understand, but that is not my story to tell. I will tell you; however, if there is anyone who deserves this award, it is Nicole. On top of her job in my office, which believe me can be twenty-four-seven, she volunteers at the Free Store, homeless shelters, women's centers, Children's Hospital, and The Boys and Girls Club. Also, beware, because I know she is actively recruiting volunteers for the softball charity game coming up.” Everyone laughed, and Mitch grinned, liking the attention. “But the most important job she does is taking children who have no one and placing them in homes so they have a place to grow up safely.”

Nicole sat, stunned. She figured Mitch would treat this like a roast, and although tell them good things about her; add how big of a pain in his butt she was. When he turned his attention to her with a slightly crooked grin, she might have thought too soon.

“I would like to present this plaque to you, Nicole Callahan, and personally tell you, thank you for your hard work and dedication. It has been inspiring, even to a mean grumpy boss like me.” Everyone clapped loudly as Mitch held the plaque toward her.

Nicole stood, grinning from ear to ear. Jared took her hand and led her to the podium, giving her his arm while walking her up the steps before returning to his seat. Looking up at Mitch, she took the plaque with a smile and tears.

“Didn't see that coming did you Callahan?” He leaned down and kissed her cheek. “You deserve it.”

Nicole laughed. “Thank you, Mitch.” She kissed his cheek back.

He looked embarrassed, but before leaving he added. “Yeah, well don't get used to it, cause Monday its back to normal.”

Shaking her head grinning, she watched him trot down the steps, leaving her alone in front of a hundred people, who were all staring at her waiting for her to say something. Clearing her throat, she looked over the crowd. “Ever since I can remember, I wanted to be a social worker, helping children, and I actually did know the title because that is who I pretty much grew up with. I was never adopted and I can't say that I am bitter about that because being in foster home after foster home gave me what I needed to become a good social worker for the kids. To me, this is not my job, but my life. I love what I do and believe me it's not for the paycheck.” She grinned at Mitch when everyone whooped and laughter filled the room. “Seriously, if I didn't have bills and need to eat, I would do this for the satisfaction I get from it. To be honest, I think anyone who does something for the betterment of children should get this award, so I share this with all my co-workers who put their lives on hold for some not so fortunate. Thank you so much for changing the life of a child to a better one.” With a smile she started away from the podium, but stopped and went back. “Oh, and please, I really need volunteers for the softball game, so see me. I got the sign-up sheet with me.” Nicole waved the sheet with a grin.

The room erupted with laughter and applause as Jared helped her back to her seat, but not before he hugged her placing a quick peck on the lips. When her eyes shot to his in surprise, he winked.

Damon had watched every guy in the place dance with Nicole and it was driving him nearly insane. So far no attempt had been made on her life. Warriors were scattered everywhere, if anyone made a move toward her they would be on them. Even when she danced, Jared was right there ready. When the band announced that the last dance was to be played, Damon made his move.

Pam stood talking to Nicole and Jared as Damon walked up. “Will you dance with me?” He held his hand out.

Looking up at him, her heart thumped so loud she was sure everyone could hear it. Nodding, she put her hand in his as he led her to the dance floor. Yeah, like she could say no to him. Not a chance. Every man she danced with tonight, she wanted it to be him.

A few couples had taken advantage for one last dance and were scattered about the dance floor. Pulling her into his arms, Damon didn't say a word. He just held her tightly, swaying with the music. When the song ended, she wanted to plead for one more song, but the lights came up and it was over. With a sigh, she pulled away and looked up into his golden eyes.

“Thank you for the dance.” His voice was low and caressed over her, sending shivers down her body.

Not trusting herself to speak, she smiled and nodded. Turning, she looked for Jared before she made a complete fool of herself and begged him for one night. God, she was a fool.

“We need to talk.” Damon spoke before she could make her break from him.

“I don't think that's a good idea.” Nicole really didn't think it was a good idea. As much as she wanted him to want her she couldn't get the other woman out of her head. She didn't break up relationships and there was no way she could compete with that woman.

Damon watched her walk away from him to Jared. When Jared smiled down at her and draped his arm across her shoulder, Damon felt a deep seated fear that he might be too late. The fear turned deadly when Jared leaned down and whispered something in Nicole's ear, making her laugh. Damon headed toward them.

Grabbing Jared's arm, he pulled it off of Nicole's shoulder. “I have this.” Damon told Jared grabbing her hand, pulling her away.

“What are you doing?” Nicole gasped.

Damon eyed her as he pulled her toward a private corner. “I said we need to talk.”

“And I said that wasn't a good idea.” Nicole glanced around, but thankfully no one seemed to be paying attention.

“Why the hell not?” Damon asked, giving Jared a death stare when he noticed him walking toward them. “What, you want Jared now? Is that how it is?”

Nicole's eyes popped open wide, her head snapping back. “Seriously?” When she saw that he was serious, she got close to him with a death stare of her own. “Go to hell.” she hissed as quietly as she could without drawing attention.

The crowd had thinned out and only a few remained moving toward the door to leave. Nicole and Damon stood glaring at each other. “Answer me.”

Rolling her eyes, she threw her hands up. “Sure. Yeah. Me and Jared are hot and heavy. Don't know why that should bother you when you have a gorgeous girlfriend, which by the way you should get back to. I'm sure she's waiting for you.”

“Girlfriend?” This time she got away and walked out the door with Jared, his damn arm around her shoulder again. God, he was going to kill the son of a bitch. With one last glance he headed toward the back exit. “Girlfriend?” He repeated, stumped. A couple of stragglers passed by eyeing him warily.

“You okay?” Jared looked down at her frowning.

“Yeah, I'm good.” Nicole lied with a smile. “Thanks for coming with me, even though it was your job.”

“Best job I've ever had, honey.” Jared wiggled his eyebrows.

God why couldn't she be attracted to Jared instead of Mr. Doom and Gloom. Jared was nice, a real sweetie and very handsome in dark mysterious kind of way, but he just didn't do it for her. Before she could reply, a motorcycle raced up to them and stopped. Turning to look, she saw Damon straddling a solid black and chrome Harley, sending her heart thumping out of her chest. God, he looked good on the bike. She was a sucker for a man on a Harley.

“Get on.” Damon demanded over the roar of the bike, his eyes holding her hostage.

Was he serious? She was in a freakin evening gown. Shaking her head, she turned to Jared. “Please take me home.”

Nodding, Jared glanced at Damon. “If you want to talk to her, meet us at her place.” He turned and led her away to his car.

“I don't want to talk to him, Jared.” Nicole stared at him accusingly.

Once at the car, he turned her to face him as Damon's bike roared past them. Jared watched Damon disappear, trying to get a read on him, but he had him blocked. “I can read you, Nicole. I just think you need to hear him out.”

“You've been reading my mind?” Nicole was mortified.

“Bits and pieces.” He admitted, opening the car door for her. “But don't worry. I don't gab.” Before closing the door, he gave her a wink.

Heat flooded her face. This was so not cool. After he got in and started the car, Nicole turned to look at Jared. “You need to stop doing that Jared.” Nicole groaned when he laughed. “Seriously, I don't want you in my head.”

“Well, believe me honey; I don't really want to be in there as much as you might think.” Pulling out in traffic, he maneuvered the streets to her apartment quickly. “Hearing your every thought about one of my partners in different modes of dress isn't as pleasing to me as it seems to be to you.”

“Oh. My. God!” Nicole's hands flew to her face.

Jared laughed. “Listen, you can block anyone from reading your mind.”

“How?” Nicole spoke through her hands not ready to uncover her flushed embarrassment. Talk about awkward.

“You can tell if someone is trying to power into your head. First, you'll feel a tingly pressure, a very nagging feeling in your head. When you start feeling it, you mentally throw a wall up of something. Since we all can pretty much read each other, we keep a permanent wall up.” Jared cruised up to a stop light. “Believe me; once you know the signs and start doing it, it becomes second nature. Usually, I think of myself naked and boy oh boy do the guys go flying out of my head.”

Nicole laughed, sliding her hands from her face. “No you don't.”

He chuckled. “Go ahead and try.” he urged, then threw a wicked grin her way. “I'll try to get in and you just think of yourself naked and....”

“Stop it.” She smacked his arm shaking her head. Closing her eyes, she concentrated. She loved dogs and always wanted a puppy, but was never able to get one.

“Very good.” Jared said after a few minutes. “All I can see are a bunch of puppies. Keep working on it around me and I'll keep testing you.”

They pulled in her parking lot and spotted Damon leaning against his bike waiting. Jared pulled up behind the bike leaving the car running. “Aren't you coming in?”

“Nope. You two need to talk.” Jared nodded toward Damon. “Give him a chance, Nicole. As much as he can piss me off he's one of the good guys and I think you both need alone time.”

Nicole watched Damon walk to her side of the car and then took his hand when he offered to help her out. “Thanks Jared...for everything.”

“Anytime honey, anytime.” Jared pulled away, leaving them alone in the parking lot.

Nerves fluttered in her stomach. “Hey.” was the only thing that popped into her head to say.

Staring down, he gave her that sexy crooked grin. “Hey.” Grabbing her hand he led her toward her apartment.

Once they were inside, Nicole didn't know what to do or say. Her apartment felt overcrowded with him in it, making it hard for her to breathe. Putting her small bag on the counter, she headed to the fridge and grabbed two beers. Handing one to Damon, she cleared her tight throat, but didn't know what to say, so she twisted her cap off taking a huge gulp.

“Thanks.” He followed suit and downed half the bottle. Then he said something that totally blew her mind. “So how have you been?”

“How have I been?” She repeated, eyes widening. Finding out she was a target of killers, having a mind blowing kiss from him, seeing him with one of the most beautiful women Nicole had ever seen a day after the mind blowing kiss, dressing for him and him alone tonight and being totally ignored until the end of the night; then topping all that off accusing her of wanting Jared and now he wanted to know how she had been. “Peachy. Just freakin peachy, Damon.” Nicole snorted shaking her head in disbelief.

Damon finished his beer in one more long swallow and set the bottle down. “Listen Nicole...”

Shaking her head, she set her bottle down next to his, hers unfinished. She needed to keep her head around him. No way did she need to get drunk. “No, you listen Damon. I'm not going to be that woman.”

Looking slightly puzzled, Damon asked, “What woman?”

“I am not competing with that woman.” Nicole reached up, unpinning her hair, missing the flare of heat blazing in Damon's golden eyes as she massaged her aching scalp. “As if I could even begin to compete with a woman like that.”

Damon was ready to explode in frustration. “I have no idea what you're talking about, Nicole.”

“The woman, Damon.” Nicole huffed, already tired of the conversation. “The woman at the gym you were with. I don't break up relationships and I couldn't imagine you wanting to end a relationship with someone like her. I didn't mean to kiss you that night. I guess it was all the excitement that happened. I had no idea you were attached. You don't need to apologize for the kiss, it was my fault. It was no big deal.” God, she was rambling. Realizing that fact, she sucked her lips between her teeth hoping that would help shut her big mouth.

Damon was shocked to say the least. Girlfriend, apologize, and the kiss not being a big f*cking deal. He shook his head as if to clear it of her constant blabbing. He took a step closer to her. “First of all I was not going to apologize for kissing you, second of all I don't have a girlfriend and thirdly if it wasn't a big deal then I obviously didn't do it right.” He face was inches from hers, practically nose to nose.

“Oh...” Good one Nicole, she told herself. “Well, ah, I just wanted to let you know that you're off the hook. I'm not some chick who thinks a kiss is a proposal or something and I didn't want to make waves with your girlfriend.”

“I told you I didn't have a girlfriend.” Damon put both hands on the wall he had slowly backed her up against, caging her in with his massive arms. “If I had a girlfriend, I would not have kissed you.”

God he smelled so good, Nicole thought, taking a deep breath. She could hardly think straight with him so close. “I just assumed the woman was your girlfriend, at least it looked that way.” Okay, she had to get away from him, but dammit, she kept leaning closer. “So, as I said, I didn't want to cause problems, so I'm sorry. She is really beautiful and you guys look great together. Kind of like Ken and Barbie great.” Okay, she was rambling again.

Understanding flashed in his eyes and that sexy grin spread across his face. She was jealous. “She's a donor.” Damon chuckled. “Not my girlfriend.”

“A donor?” Nicole wondered if she really wanted to know what the knock out red head donated.

Damon leaned back and rubbed his hand down his face. “I'm a vampire Nicole. I need blood. She is a paid donor, hired by the council.”

“Are you kidding me?” Nicole was amazed. “You mean I could apply for a job as a blood donor?”

Okay, his blood just shot up a few degrees as did his cock at the thought of tasting her blood. Shaking his head, he changed the subject fast. “Are you and Jared involved?”

“No.” Nicole stared up into his eyes.

“You and red aren't involved?”

“No.” Damon answered her right back point blank without blinking.

“Then why have you been acting like you don't want to have anything to do with me? I mean, after we kissed you would hardly look at me.” She really tried to keep the hurt out of her voice. She failed. It had hurt...a lot.

“Truth?” When she nodded, he pushed his body closer leaning his head down, his lips mere inches from her ear. Goose bumps pimpled her skin. “Because I have never wanted anyone the way I want you. I can't promise you anything, Nicole. Just tonight. I can just promise you tonight.”

Nicole inhaled his scent deeply and with his body so close and his confession spoken so softly she decided she would take what he could give. Deep inside, she knew that wasn't going to be enough for her and it would be her heartbreaking in the end, but she had never depended on more than the present from anyone before, so why should it be different with him. Making a decision she knew would change her life, she lifted her hand and ran a finger across his full lips. “I want tonight with you, Damon.”

With a sexy moan he dropped his fingers to the front of her dress and gently brushed against her breasts, cupping the soft mounds in his hand. He took his time, exploring each breast slowly, first one and then the other, massaging with intimate authority. "You are so beautiful."

Nicole's head fell back, and she moaned softly. He pushed the straps of her dress off of her shoulders and drew in a sharp breath as the gentle curves of her skin were exposed to his hungry gaze. "Damon.” Her voice came out husky and slow, like that of a temptress, surprising even to her own ears. She didn't know where the sound had come from, but his response was instantaneous...his thick erection rising, pressing against her stomach. He made no effort to conceal his arousal, grinding his hips in a slow circle, pressing firmly against her.

Wasting no time at all, he pushed the straps further down her shoulders; the gown fell to her waist, caught by the swell of her hips, both her shoulders and breasts exposed. He groaned when her nipples came out of the silk, bending his head to blow hot air over the erect peaks, gently circling one then the other with his tongue. “I have been dying to know what you taste like.”

Nicole arched into him, reveling in the sensations. She couldn't help herself...and she didn't want to. Her breasts felt incredibly heavy, the tips beginning to tingle, the mounds beginning to ache. She moaned when he tugged at a nipple with his teeth, flicked the sensitive bud with his tongue, and then took the entire tip vigorously into his mouth. The sensual heat engulfed her like a fire as his hands cupped, his fingers massaged, and his mouth sucked hotly. She clutched a fistful of beautiful blue-black hair, bringing him even closer. His mouth was creating an inferno between her legs, jolts of electricity sizzling through her body and cresting at the apex between her thighs. He was turning her core to liquid fire as he feasted on her breasts.

Moving down her body his tongue burned a path to her belly button dipping in and out before traveling just above where the dress stopped. Hooking his thumbs in the material it took every amount of self-control he had not to rip it from her body, from his prize. He stood back up his lips inches from hers. “Are you sure about this because once this dress comes off...” he glanced down at her bared breast his golden eyes almost black now. “I won't be able to stop.”

Placing both of her hands on his face she brought his gaze to her. “I'm sure.” Her husky whisper was all it took. He took her mouth in a kiss that was tender, yet commanding, claiming her with each sensual swipe of his tongue.

When he pulled back, there was something in his gaze, something stark and primitive and wild being unleashed; a fierce hunger...for her and that alone set her blood on fire. Never had a man looked at her with such intensity. God, this was such a mistake because with a certainty that scared her, no other man would ever compare to Damon...no moment would ever live up to this one, but even as it was the biggest mistake of her life it was going to be the best, mind blowing mistake she'd ever make.

Pressing his hard sex shamelessly against her she felt the gentle scraping of his fangs against her neck, the soft graze of two sharp edges moving lightly over her throat. He nibbled once, bit at her skin, and then he quickly pulled away...even as she relaxed into him. She found herself kissing the hollow of his throat, her hands reaching down to unbutton his shirt eager to feel skin to skin. He shrugged out of his shirt, exposing a rock-hard chest with astonishing definition, and as her eyes dropped lower, her breath caught in her throat, he had a sinfully gorgeous six-pack...row after row of flawless abdominal muscles rippling beneath smooth skin on a hairless, flat stomach.

Again he held her gaze for a fraction of a second...although it felt like an eternity. When he next took her mouth with his she could taste the increasing intensity of his need. His shaft jerked against her stomach. His hands reached down, pushing the dress from her hips, sending it to the floor as he cupped her bottom pulling her tightly against him. Nicole melted into his hard frame, lifting her leg to wrap it around his powerful thigh. She offered up her body. She strained and arched into him wanting more, needing more. She rubbed the uncomfortable heat between her legs over his hamstring as he stroked and explored her body. He kissed her with far more demand, while nipping at her bottom lip and swirling his tongue around hers. He tasted every part of her mouth with a growing, insistent hunger. With one hand still grasping her waist, he reached down to remove his pants, freeing his rigid length. Nicole caught her breath at the sight of his enormous arousal, now standing at full attention. He was pressed painfully against her belly, his sex, positively magnificent...smooth as silk yet hard as steel...an erotic promise of ecstasy just waiting to be thrust into her welcoming body.

She gasped as he ripped the pair of thin silk panties off her. “I'll buy you a new pair.” He growled, causing her sex to throb with rising need.

He inserted a finger then, deep into her hot, wet sheath, and began to gently knead the tight, soft folds, drawing liquid heat from her. “God, you're so wet.” A soft moan escaped her lips as she felt him insert a second finger, and then a third: stretching her, caressing her, stabbing deep in an erotic effort to push her over the edge and get her ready for him. Nicole couldn't stand it any longer. She fractured into a thousand pieces, her body trembling in violent waves of pleasure as the powerful orgasm shook her. She cried out, fisting her hands in his hair, tears streaming down her face at the power of her release. She felt completely exposed...vulnerable...entirely open to his command. “You are beautiful.”

He lifted her as if she weighed nothing, taking her to her room, and laid her gently on the bed. He grasped her thighs with his strong, firm hands and knelt between her legs, gently easing them apart. And then he took the length of his rigid, sex into his hand and pressed the head against her core. His erection felt enormous against her entrance—so much so that Nicole wondered if she would be able to take all of him inside her. But she wanted him. All of him. A low, throaty hiss escaped his lips as he thrust forward into her tight, hot sheath, stretching her with the heavy width of his sex. It had been years since she'd been with anyone and even then it was only twice. She started to moan as her body stretched to accommodate his size, her hands pushing against the muscular wall of his chest in an automatic response to the slight burning sensation of his dominant entry.

Damon started to pull away, concern shadowing his eyes. “No...please.” Nicole cried out. “I'm fine.”

Damon took her hands from his chest and held them down above her head, pinning both arms gently in one strong hand. “Relax.” He bent to taste her breasts again, easing up on the pressure while her body adjusted to his size. “That's it, honey, you were made for me...you can take more.” He groaned in sheer ecstasy when her body finally accepted the full length of him, and her answering groan told him all she couldn't say. Together, they slowly began to move in unison, her hips rising to meet his every thrust, his hard, flat pelvis lingering and rotating against her cleft to heighten her pleasure. “You feel so...damn...good.” Nicole reached up to cup his face and the rhythm picked up. Damon continued to bury himself deep inside of her, pulling back almost to the point of withdrawal only to thrust forward again and again, until the passion grew so intense between them he could no longer restrain his need. He began to plunge harder...faster...each stroke more urgent, more possessive than the last.

Nicole clutched at his shoulders, dug her fingernails into his back. She cried out, raising her hips to meet his...writhing beneath him. She took all he could give her and wanted even more...would always want more.

Damon felt her release and his soon followed. His body stilled savoring the last tremors of her body against his, his head buried in the crook of her neck, breathing her scent in and stopping short of biting her sweet neck arched for the taking. Knowing if he didn't get away he would do just that, he pushed himself up and away from her.

Not really knowing what to do or say, Nicole had a sudden fit of nerves and embarrassment. Pulling the sheet over her body, she glanced at Damon under lowered lashes to see his reaction to what they just shared. She needed to say something instead of sitting here like some pitiful virgin waiting for words of love and worship. God, she was pathetic. “You hungry?” Her voice squeaked. Clearing her throat, she asked again. “You hungry?”

She had no idea just how hungry he was. Nodding his head, he looked toward the bathroom. “You mind if I take a shower?”

“No, go ahead.” Nicole wrapped the sheet around her and stood up. “Towels are in the closet by the bathroom door.”

He nodded. “Thanks.”

Nicole hated this awkwardness toward each other. She just had the best sex that she had ever had and she was not going to ruin the chance of it not happening again. “Damon.” She called out before he shut the door. He turned, his expression unreadable. “I just had the best freakin sex of my life. Let's not ruin it by awkward moments. I'm not expecting marriage or I love yous, okay. Let's just call this a friends with benefits arrangement and go from there. What do ya say.... buddy?” She laughed lightly when he just stood there staring at her.

Stalking back into the room, he slammed the door shut and prowled toward her. Grabbing her up by the waist he pinned her to the wall as she wrapped her legs around him. “I wish I could give you more.” He growled in her ear before plunging his hard length into her for a second time. “You deserve more.”

Nicole was too lost in the feeling of the moment, too lost in Damon and too afraid to answer.