Free Darkness Burning by Delilah Devlin Page A

from the National Enquirer ?”
    Her casual shrug contrasted with the way her gaze slid away. The woman wasn’t a skilled liar. Something else he found attractive about her.
    “I’m just…curious.”
    “‘Just curious’ made you take some huge risks.”
    “I need to know…things. How the world works. What’s in it. You know what I mean?”
    “Sure,” he said, although his own curiosity was piqued now. “I’m Alexander, by the way,” he said, watching her expression closely.
    Her gaze sharpened on his face. “Alexander Bytheway? Odd name,” she said airily. He could tell she was forcing the lightness, because her breaths were coming faster.
    Alex grinned. “Who are you?”
    “I’m M—Sarah.”
    “Mm-Sarah. Nice to meet you,” he said, holding out his hand. “Is there anything wrong?”
    She winced, then shook her head. “The man I met earlier, his name was Alex.”
    “Common enough.” He couldn’t resist needling her a little more. “Does he look anything like me?” he asked, still holding out his hand for her to take.
    She bit her lower lip, and moisture welled in her eyes, making her blink. “Not a bit,” she whispered. For several seconds, her gaze flicked between his hand and his face, but slowly she raised hers.
    When he enclosed her small hand inside his, he squeezed.
    Her legs shifted, crossed. Arousal bloomed, the aroma wafting in the air. “I think I need to find a ride home,” she said, urgency in her tone.
    Her aroma, sweet and crisp, went straight to his cock. “Why did you come to the garden? Escaping?”
    “I…I thought maybe I could take a walk around.”
    “Around the back? You curious about the strange goings-on—the other party?”
    “Is that what it is? Some awfully high-flying people seem to be gathering back there. I saw one of them. I swear, the crystals on her dress looked like diamonds.”
    “Probably were. Think about it. Some of them have lived a long time. That’s time enough to gather a lot of wealth.” Her quickening breaths told him how uncomfortable she was growing. Her palm heated, moistening against his.
    She tugged her hand. “You can let go of my hand now.”
    “Are you feeling all right?” he asked, injecting concern, while inside he felt only a growling satisfaction. Soon, very soon, she’d have to admit defeat. And he wouldn’t have to use even a suggestion of his own allure to draw her closer.
    “I’m just a little warm.”
    “Sarah,” he said softly, “by now, you know there’s only one cure for what ails you.”
    Her eyes filled with tears she once again quickly blinked away. “You promise you’re not a revenuer?”
    “Revenant. And yes, I swear it. Let me help?”
    “I hate this,” she said, her voice thickening as her distress grew. “I don’t ever act this way. I don’t lust! ”
    “No boyfriends?”
    “None. I keep to myself. Nose to the grindstone. That’s me.”
    “Sounds a little dull.”
    Her eyebrows lowered. “My life’s full. Not everyone needs to fuck like bunny rabbits to have a good time.”
    “Fucking has its joys.”
    “You’re a guy. Of course you’d say that.” She groaned and bent forward, arms folded over her stomach.
    He laid a hand on her back. “Gonna be sick?”
    “I’m trying not to jump your bones.” She raised her head to glare at him. “Did I mention I think you’re really good looking?”
    “Getting more so by the minute?” he quipped.
    “Uh…if we do this…if I let you…”
    “Fuck you?”
    Her lips twisted. “God, I hate that word.”
    “You used it first,” he pointed out.
    “Are you always such a smart-ass?”
    Alex scooted closer to her on the bench and put his arm around her shoulders, bending to look closely into her eyes. “Sarah, I can help you. Why don’t you just sit on my lap for a little bit. We don’t have to do anything you’re uncomfortable with. I’ll go slow.”
    Her eyebrows drew together in a ferocious scowl. “You’re not into anything kinky,