Free Spanish Nights by Valerie Twombly Page B

him. He brought his lips to her temple and kissed the pulse that raced beneath them. The woman who shook in his arms was somehow the key to his release, yet he didn't have the heart to make demands of her. “ Querida, haven't I already proved which I am? I vow to our gods I would never harm you. I must know, however, how is it your grandmother knew about us?”
    She shifted. “I don't really know. I always thought she was crazy. She used to tell me I would one day find a man who would ignite my flame. I never knew what it meant until I met you.” She tipped her head to look up at him, licked her lips. “Armand, I have been cold all my life. Even in the middle of a ninety-degree day my hands were like ice. For some reason, when I touch you it warms me. Do you know why that is?”
    “I'm not really sure.” He had his suspicions and would have Crone check into it on his next visit.
    She gave a slight nod. “Tell me about the curse.”
    He settled back in his seat with her tucked in beside him. “I was young and impressionable and Cyndel was a beautiful genie who seduced me.” Kayla's body tensed beside him. “She was a good time, but when she wanted to get serious and marry … I said no.”
    “So you used her and she got back at you is pretty much what I'm hearing.”
    He tipped her chin and looked into her eyes. There was a mix of fear and hunger gazing back at him. He needed this woman and had to make sure he sated both. “I refused to marry her because I didn't love her. Don't pity Cyndel. She only wanted my power and wealth. She was a greedy bitch.”
    “What about me, Armand. What am I?”
    He leaned closer. “You are my salvation.” His lips grazed hers. Gentle at first, then demanding. He hungered for every part of her and ran his tongue along the seam of her mouth, which she parted to allow him entry. A burst of strawberries coated his tongue and sent his senses reeling. He broke off and stared into her pools of brown.
    “I need you. Do you still trust me, querida ?”
    He waited for her to answer. Fought the urge to kiss her again, to drink in her coolness. She had to need him as well, but most of all he desired her trust.
    She placed a hand on his cheek. “Some would think I'm crazy, but I do trust you and God knows I need you as well.”

Chapter Eleven
     
     
     
    Makayla was fast asleep with her head on Armand's chest and her arm flung across his waist. He'd taken her three more times before they'd finally come to bed. She'd fallen asleep as soon as he laid her on the mattress, and he felt a little guilty for having worn her out. He stared up at the ceiling recalling every moment of the evening.
    Making love to her had done something to him. Not since his curse had his magic stirred, but tonight when he had entered her for the first time it had beat at him like a caged animal. He'd lost control and shifted in front of her.
    This unsettled him.
    Tomorrow, Crone would be coming for his allowed visit and he would have to make sure to tell him what had happened. It meant something, but what he had no clue. Was the curse wearing off? Armand tried to conjure his magic but to no avail. He thought of his internal fire and prayed to shift into smoke, but again nothing happened. He stroked Kayla's hair, enjoying the softness against his hand. His cock came to life, but he pushed back his desire. He had to remind himself she was mortal—another thing that perplexed him. He had never fucked the same human more than once, didn't want to chance getting attached to one. Yet he had made love to her four times and still desired more. He wondered if it was her coolness that soothed him. Could that have been what freed him last night? There was definitely a connection between her and his shifting. She'd also said something about being cold and how he warmed her.
    He could have mentioned his thoughts, but for some reason kept them to himself. Somehow he had to figure out how she fit into breaking his curse while