Demon Ryder Read online

  He didn’t speak as he unbuttoned her shirt, each slide of the clear round orbs through the buttonholes exposing her to view. His fingers caressed his skin as if it were satin. With a forefinger, he drew the initials RE above her waist. She shivered in delight, wishing he’d hurry so he could touch all of her. The downward trek of the metal zipper sounded like thunder. He gently positioned her so she faced the windows.

  She struggled to temper her breathing, but her heart raced, responding to what it knew would be another pleasurable experience.

  His hands encircled her waist beneath the shirt, sliding upwards to caress the underside of her breasts. She sighed as he played with her nipples, brushing and gently twisting them until they hardened against his fingers in search of more pleasure.

  He forced her closer to the window until her nipples touched the cool glass of the windows. She gasped at the unexpected jolt through her body. Over and over, he worried her nipples. His fingers varied from gentle to hard, each change alleviated by the coolness of the window. She shook with the need to come, but he was unrelenting in his actions.

  Finally, he swept his hands further upwards to her shoulders then slid the shirt down her arms and onto the floor.

  His lips, damp and needy, kissed the base of her neck then traveled down the middle of her back. Her palms flattened against the glass.

  When his lips arrived at the waistband of her jeans, she tensed, wondering what his next move would be.

  His large hands rested on her hips, but only for a second. He held her captive as he rubbed himself against her, his cock nestling between her denim-clad legs.

  Her mouth opened in delight, but no sound issued forth.

  Ryder dragged her jeans down in one move. He lifted one leg free then the other. Heat raced through her and she rested her forehead against the glass.

  His hands caressed her feet then roamed her calves as nibbling kisses landed on back of her knees. She fisted one palm, holding it against her mouth as he continued, showing no sign of abating.

  He kneaded her thighs, pulling her back slightly against him. She held her breath, but only for a second. A gasp ripped from her when his fingers slid between her legs. Her clit leaped at the welcome touch and she squeezed her eyes shut. His tongue caressed the curves of her bottom. Each swipe coaxed her higher and higher up the rung of pleasure.

  His fingers, wet with her abundant moisture, dragged backwards and up to the cleft of her rounded bottom.

  Gasping, she quivered against him. A thick arm wrapped around her waist lifting her several inches in the air. He lowered her onto his cock. She felt a tremble rip through him as he eased inside.

  No power in the world could keep the moan from shooting forth from her lips. Her head flung back, breasts and palms flat against the glass as she took him deeper.

  He raised and lowered her, dictating the motion. Despite her attempts to make him move faster, he kept the slow pace. He reached a hand around to her folds. His fingers played with her clit, making it harder for her to focus on staying in rhythm with him.

  She watched their reflection in the glass. God, he was gorgeous. His body was a work of art. His gaze met hers and held it as they moved together toward bliss. She’d never felt more exposed, but she welcomed it when she recognized more than desire in his eyes. She climbed higher toward release when she realized she wanted to be a fixture in his life. So what if his job was below ground? She could live with that.

  She twisted around to kiss him. His lips met hers, their tongues mating in a sensuous kiss that held nothing back.

  She wanted to make it last, but the urge to come made her rock faster against him. She broke the kiss. “Yes!” Her shout released as her body tightened around him.

  He pumped into her several more times. He groaned as he emptied inside her. He lowered them to the floor, his arm still wrapped around hers.

  He rested his head against the window. Camille lay curled atop him, her head on his chest. He squeezed his eyes shut. She was different from any other female he’d ever met. He’d known it from their first meeting.

  She was right. His place could use a feminine touch, but he didn’t want any woman here, but her.

  Holding her close, he rose to his feet. Her soft snores didn’t end as he walked. He placed her on his bed then pulled the sheet over her.

  Camille opened her eyes then pushed the sheet away. She grinned and crooked her finger at him.

  He leaned over and brushed her cheek. “I thought you were tired.”

  She lazily grinned as she stretched then rubbed the empty side of the mattress. “Not for you. Come here.”

  It was well after midnight when she fell asleep. Ryder knew he needed to tell her his secret, but every time he attempted to broach the subject, she brushed it aside in favor of more sex. Not that he was complaining. Camille was very responsive and flexible – two of his favorite things in a woman.

  Only ten minutes ago, she’d sat astride his thighs, riding him to the best orgasm of his life. He removed the medallion then placed it on the nightstand. He stroked strands of hair off Camille’s face, praying she’d agree to share a future with him.

  Chapter Eight

  Camille dreamed she was on a beach with Ryder. They swayed in a hammock as the sand lapped against the shore as a bell tolled. She looked around, trying to ascertain the location of the noise. When it rang again, she realized it was a phone. Instantly awake, she bolted upright.

  Ryder tugged on her arm, pulling her prone once again. “Leave it,” he muttered in a sleep-roughened voice.

  She snuggled closer to his warmth.

  Seconds later, a booming voice emerged from the machine on the nightstand. “Ryder, Stevenson here.”

  At the sound of her father’s voice, she sat up again.

  “Did you have any trouble using the medallion to stop Cam’s powers? And why did I have to find out about the alien’s whereabouts on a sticky note? Pick up the phone if you’re there.”

  Betrayal seeped through every pore of her skin. She leapt out of bed as if on fire.

  Ryder threw the sheet aside. “Wait, honey, I can explain.”

  She yanked on his shirt. “I’m sure you can, but I don’t want to hear it.”

  “Cam –”

  “Ryder? You there?” The disembodied voice filled the room.

  Where the hell were her jeans? “Don’t call me that!”

  “Baby –”

  She raised a brow.

  “Camille!”

  She marched over, picked up the receiver then turned off the answering machine. Wordlessly, she motioned for Ryder to take the phone.

  After tugging on his jeans, he did so, but covered the mouthpiece. “We need to talk.”

  She paused in the doorway. “There’s nothing to say. Don’t keep my father waiting.”

  In the foyer, she finished dressing. How could she be such a bad judge of character? The most amazing man she ever met and he proved to be a class A jerk.

  Anger at him – and herself – propelled her to brush his mind. Finding no barrier against entry, she slipped inside. Images of demons surrounded her, but only one held her attention. Something about this particular demon looked familiar. She moved closer, studying its eyes.

  Omigod! It couldn’t be. It just couldn’t!

  Abruptly, a white light surrounded her and she snapped back into her own body with a jolt.

  “Cam! Stop it!” Ryder raced to the kitchen. He stormed towards her, the medallion swinging again between his pecs. “What the fuck happened to respect?”

  “It’s called mutual respect and you’ve had none for me.” Her heart beat a quickened rhythm against her chest. Her stomach threatened to dislodge its contents.

  Damn him! She wanted to punch him, but she knew some part of her must have realized by the tattoo of his family crest that he was related to demons, even if he wasn’t fully one. She’d been so blinded by her reaction to him, she hadn’t wanted to see what was right in front of her.
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  She frowned. “Don’t you think you could’ve managed to mention you were a demon before we…we…you know?”

  “Half-demon, actually.” He brushed a hand over his hair. “Honey, believe me, I wanted to. I tried to.”

  “’Cam, I’m half-demon’ would’ve done the trick.” She slid on her shoulder holster. “I’m outta here.”

  “Where are you going?”

  “Home. I need a shower and clean clothes.”

  “Running away again? You left the force because your father became deputy chief. Afraid your fellow officers would no longer be so accepting of you especially if they knew about your extra gift?”

  She clapped her hands together. “Kudos on discovering that tidbit when you gained access to my mind.” She slipped on her shoes. “I was a good detective and I’ll make a great agent so I don’t need a boost from my father. At least I’m not hiding out among demons praying to be accepted by them. They don’t want you around. You’re not one of them.”

  His jaw pulsed, warning her, but she was beyond angry.

  “You want to talk about running away? Why the hell do you live in a penthouse away from people? You judgmental...” She bit her lip to keep the rest of her statement from his ears.

  His body tensed, as if he held tight rein on his anger. He deserved nothing from her for his deception, but damn if he wasn’t still the hottest man she’d ever met.

  She slid on the dusty navy jacket. “Bye, Ryder.”

  ****

  Despite her anger at Ryder, Camille knew it best to channel her energy elsewhere. After arriving home, she’d showered quickly then dressed. She arrived early at Galactic Agency. Work was always the best antidote to personal problems. She settled at her desk then booted up her computer.

  Fifteen minutes later, fellow agent, Nia Stone, leaned on the corner of her desk. “How was Demopolis?”

  “In terms of what?” Cam transferred her attention from the monitor to the woman. Nia was top instructor in Krav Maga. She was also one of the few women in the Agency who also held a black belt in Karate.

  “I heard about the uprising. Bad news travels fast.”

  “I left in the midst of the commotion.”

  “You go, girl. I’m glad you were successful. Those rogues are intent on proving something and no telling who will end up dead by the time they’re finished proving it.”

  The phone on the desk buzzed. Cam pushed the speaker button.

  “Silver wants to see you in her office,” the voice intoned.

  Nia rose, setting off a jangle of colorful quartz bracelets on her wrists. In addition to her impressive skills, Nia read peoples’ auras and held the power to sync their chakras just from the shaking hands with them.

  She winked at Camille. “Catch up with you later. I’m off to teach the new guys at Quantico the right way to treat a lady.”

  Camille laughed. “Good luck. I heard about that assignment.”

  “Yeah, well trust me, they won’t suspect anything until it’s too late.”

  Camille smiled to herself as the petite agent threaded her way through the maze of desks. She sympathized with the FBI’s incoming students. From what she’d learned from other co-workers, most people made the mistake of assuming the agent with her doll-like features and stature wasn’t harmful. Those who doubted her abilities usually regretted it once Nia flipped them onto their backs.

  Sighing, Camille headed for Silver’s office. She knocked on the closed door.

  “Come on in, Camille.”

  Silver’s corner office was a study in minimalistic charm. Camille settled onto a black leather sofa. In front of her was a glass table with a silver vase filled with white roses.

  “Is the report finished?”

  “Almost. I started on it as soon as I arrived.”

  “Good.” Silver nodded. “Ryder collected Gizeel this morning and delivered him to the precinct.”

  “What will happen to him?” At Silver’s questioning look, Camille added, “To Gizeel, I mean.”

  “I’ve spoken with your father and shared the results of my findings. Naturally, the Deputy Chief will also have Gizeel tested, but he’s aware his findings will more than likely corroborate my results.”

  “And then?”

  Silver shrugged. “I’m sending Gizeel home. Seems he lost his way while traveling in the Andromeda Galaxy. His next closest coordinates proved to be our galaxy.”

  “But why did he end up in Demopolis?”

  “His pod landed over one of the old, unused entrances. He scanned the area and discovered the demons’ city.”

  “So his home is somewhere in Andromeda’s realm?”

  Silver dropped her gaze, straightening a stack of papers on the otherwise immaculate desk. “I believe he’s from one of Andromeda’s many satellite galaxies. I don’t know at this point which one Gizeel considers home.”

  “Is he the source of the spike in negative energy driving the rogues?”

  “I don’t believe he is. But I suspect your father will be able to give us a definitive answer.” Silver surveyed her for a second. “Did you have a question?”

  Camille swallowed. It freaked her out when Silver knew what she wanted before she even conceived of the thought. “Did my father influence you in my getting this job?”

  Silver smiled. “I have great respect for Deputy Chief Stevenson, but even he cannot dictate who I have as part of my team, so no. You won this job solely on your accomplishments and skills. I take it Ryder divulged his relationship with your father?”

  “Not really, but he shared enough,” she murmured.

  “You know he’s half-demon?”

  Camille nodded.

  “He’s a good man.” Silver rose from her chair. “Loyal, dedicated, a great fighter.”

  “Yeah, but he’s – ”

  Silver smirked, “Different? Yeah, well we all are in some form or fashion.” She crossed the room to open the door, signaling the end of the visit.

  Following her lead, Camille stood, feeling like she was in a principal’s office. “I’ll finish the report right away.”

  She walked out, wondering if she’d been too hasty in ending things with Ryder. She’d progressed halfway down the hall before Silver’s voice floated to her. “Your father is an excellent judge of character.”

  ****

  After a routine check of Dempolis’ safety area, Ryder let himself into Mo’s office, using the spare key his cousin had given him. Settling in a worn chair, Ryder propped his boots on the desk, crossing his feet at the ankles.

  Mo opened the door then slammed it shut. He set a bottle in front of Ryder with a determined clink. “You need to find her.”

  Ryder yawned at the intrusion. “She isn’t lost.”

  “Look man, I have to serve you in here because your hound dog expression is depressing the clientele.”

  “Even if I kidnapped her, she wouldn’t listen.”

  “Can you blame her? She thinks you intentionally set out to deceive her. Give her some time.”

  “It’s already been a week.” Ryder downed half the beer. “I’ll give her one more day. After that, I’m taking her somewhere where we can talk.”

  Mo shook his head. “This is why I don’t deal in this love stuff. See a fine woman. Bed a fine woman. Send her out the door. Speaking of fine women, have you seen Nia?”

  “No. Word is she’s heading to Quantico for a while.”

  Mo nodded. Ryder knew his silence meant his cousin felt a great deal more for the woman than he would ever admit, even to himself.

  “How’s Silver?” Mo asked in measured tones. “She still a bit peeved at finding Nia and I in the copy room?”

  Ryder couldn’t keep a grin off his face. “Fuck man. She had to trash the copier.”

  Mo barked with laughter. “I never lost a boner so fast in my life! Nia was frozen in shock. Hell, I wasn’t even worried about Silver. She got a good look at my butt though. Bet she still dreams about it every now and then.”<
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  Ryder gasped for air as he held his sides. “Stop! The visuals are killing me.” He knew Mo would never have divulged exactly what happened in Galactic’s offices under ordinary circumstances and probably only did so to give Ryder a laugh.

  Mo grinned. “So what happened with Gizeel?”

  Ryder blew out his breath in a rush of air. “Turns out he was harmless. Silver returned him to his home somewhere near the Andromeda Galaxy. But we’re still no closer to discovering the source of the negative energy spikes. Something is feeding the evil desires and thoughts down here. If we don’t hurry and discover the source, it’ll be all-out war. And then – ”

  “Civil war. Then the Government will find somewhere else to send those of us who survive. I hate this, Ryder.”

  A knock at the door ended the conversation. Mo opened it to reveal Camille dressed in tan slacks and a short, black trench jacket tied at the waist.

  Chapter Nine

  Ryder kept his face impassive, but he couldn’t stop his heart from damn near knocking a hole in his chest. Nor could he stop his cock from rising to half-mast just because Camille was near.

  He waited for her to speak.

  She stuffed her hands in the pocket of her trench. “I hope I’m not interrupting. I was told Ryder was back here…and I need to talk to him.” She finally met his eyes. “To you.”

  Barely smothering a smile, Mo glanced at Ryder. “I’ll be out front if you need my protection.” He left, closing the door behind him.

  She continued to stand, watching him as if observing an animal in its natural habitat.

  Ryder stretched out his long legs, crossing them at the ankle. He wasn’t for playing games. She knew about him. Either she wanted to be with him or she could leave. He refused to allow her “time” to figure things out. Fuck time.

  He clasped his hands behind his neck. “Why does my working with your father bother you?”

  Although it’d only been a week since he’d last seen her, it seemed like a lifetime. He catalogued the differences in her appearance. Instead of being confined in a ponytail, her hair flowed over her shoulders in soft-looking waves. The lapels of the trench created a deep V and her skin glistened with gold flecks that sparkled in the light from the desk lamp.