Free Only Yours by C. Shell

almost be called a growl. That is also the only work I manage to squeeze out, before he startles me, by taking my finger in his hand and pressing it against his warm lips. I really miss those lips. I watch mesmerized as his tongue darts out and wets the pad of my skin. All my nerve endings are awakened by his touch. I shiver as a chill skirts down my spine. The kiss is brief, but it does a number on my frazzled mind.
    While staring up at him in bewilderment, Daemon drops my hand and continues on about his pre-arranged plans. “I’ve already spoken with Sasha. She and Trey she will watch over Dimples while you’re away. Since you will be leaving straight from work to go to the airport, I will have Trey retrieve your car and return it to your home this afternoon.” He seems satisfied with himself as he leans back on his heels and shoves his hands deep into his pockets. Shooting me a daring smirk, he asks, “Any questions, Kelly?”
    “Only one,” I mumble, then quickly shake my head, “No. Make that two questions,” I correct.
    His mouth sets into a hard line. I take that as my cue to ask away, so I do. “First of all,” I begin, motioning towards the banquet of food set up against the side walls, “What is up with all the food? I assume this is your doing since we don’t normally cater to clients in Cherie’s office.” From where I’m sitting I can see bowls of fruit, varieties of muffins and rolls, thick bacon, and what looks to be some type of salmon with bagels. There is are a few more containers, but they have silver warming tins covering them, so I can’t tell what’s in them.
    Cherie lets out a harsh laugh. “My office looks like a three ring circus. I think it’s fitting considering what’s happening, don’t you?”
    Daemon shoots her a scolding look that would have most people backtracking and stumbling to correct themselves. She seems completely unfazed by it. If anything, I think Cherie is as put out with the man, as I am. After all the hoops he keeps making her jump through, I don’t blame her.
    “I thought you might be hungry. You never give yourself enough time to eat before work, and then by lunchtime, you’re starving. I thought this might help. It’s all your favorites.”
    I hate that he knows me so well. It is yet another reminder of how close we had become before everything went to hell. I’m locked in an internal debate over whether or not to give into my grumbling stomach, or ignore it and refuse to eat. That plan might have worked, if my traitorous stomach wasn’t being so loud. I wouldn’t be surprised if Charity can hear it all the way down the hall. It’s the bacons fault. It smells too damn good to ignore.
    I try and ignore his self-assured smile as I make myself a small plate. He really brought in all my favorites, including a huge bowl of nothing but cantaloupe and watermelon. I love fresh fruit.
    Plopping back down in my seat, I take a few bites, savoring the contrasting textures and the slew of flavors meshing together. I swear my mouth is having its own sort of orgasm. At least some part of my body is getting a happy ending. Licking the cantaloupe juice off my fingertips, I glance up at Daemon, and ask my second question.
    “Who is the quiet man that has been standing watch over us this entire time? I didn’t take you as someone who needed security or a full-time butler. What gives?”
    Taking a step back. Daemon motions for the gentleman to come closer. Once he does I am surprised to find that he is younger than I first thought, probably late forty’s instead of fifties, the short brown hair covering his head is just beginning to grey at the edges. His eyes seem kind with small laugh lines creasing the corners. He body although short is clearly muscular and well cared for.
    “Kelly, I would like you to meet, James Dixon.”
    James thrusts his hand out and I easily take it. “It is nice to meet you James,” I say softly, before shooting Daemon another